GB2534214A - Aerosol-generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device 2 for use with an aerosol-generating article 44 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the device 2 comprising a housing 4, an opening 22,24 in the housing 4, a chamber 28, a heater 36, an airflow inlet 20, an airflow outlet, a device first end 6, a device second end 8 and a device side wall between the device ends, where the opening 22,24 in the housing leads to the chamber 28 and the device 2 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 44 through the opening 22,24 and into the chamber 28, where the device 2 is configured in use to channel airflow through the article 44, where the chamber 28 comprises a chamber heater section 32 comprising the heater 36, wherein the opening 22,24 is provided in the device first end and the device side wall, and the device 2 is configured to receive an article 44 into the device 2 such that the article 44 protrudes from the device first end 6.

Description

Aerosol-Generating Device The present specification relates to an aerosol-generating device. In particular, but not exclusively, the present specification concerns an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article configured such that the article protrudes from the article first end.

Tobacco heating devices are -Known alternatives to conventional cigarettes and function by heating tobacco articles rather than by burning tobacco articles, in order to release a nicotine-containing aerosol. By avoiding the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco, these heat-not-burn products are thought to reduce harm to the user.

Example commercial products that use a device having an electrical heater to heat tobacco rods include those from Philip Morris International such as Accord®, Heatbar® and more recently IQOS® using Heatsticks®.

An example of an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device is disclosed in WO 2013/098405 A2. This describes a tobacco rod and an electrical heating device. In use, an internal heating element is inserted into the tip end of the rod to heat the tobacco and generate an aerosol. The aerosol can then be inhaled through a mouthpiece.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the device comprising a housing, an opening in the housing, a chamber, a heater, an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet, a device first end, a device second end and a device side wall between the device ends, where the opening in the housing leads to the chamber and the device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article through the opening and into the chamber, where the device is configured in use to channel airflow through the article, where the chamber comprises a chamber heater section comprising the heater, wherein the opening is provided in the device first end and the device side wall, and the device is configured to receive an article into the device such that the article protrudes from the device first end.

The device may be a hand-held device. The device may be a portable device. The device may be a pocket-sized device.

The device may further comprise an electrical power source. The device may further comprise an actuator. The device may further comprise a control circuit. The device may further comprise an indicator. The device may further comprise a temperature sensor.

The heater may be an electrical heater that is powered by the power source.

The power source may be a cell or a battery. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The power source may be a lithium ion cell or battery. The power source may be a capacitor. The power source may be a super capacitor.

The control circuit may comprise a microcontroller. The control circuit may be connected to the power source and the heater to control power to the heater. The control circuit may be connected to the indicator to control the indicator.

The indicator may comprise an electrical light source. The indicator may comprise an LED. The indicator may comprise a visual display.

The actuator may comprise a button. The actuator may comprise a switch. The actuator may comprise a variable controller.

The temperature sensor may comprise a thermistor. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the heater. The temperature sensor may form part of the heater. The control circuit may be connecter to the temperature sensor.

In use, the device may be activated using the actuator. An indicator may show that the device is active and warming up and that power is provided to the heater. The heater may heat up until a first temperature is achieved. The first temperature may be detected by the temperature sensor, which may provide feedback to the control circuit and stop or reduce power to the heater. The control circuit may be able to use the feedback to maintain the heater at the first temperature. The indicator light may be able to indicate when the required first temperature has been achieved. The device may maintain the heater at the first temperature until the device is deactivated. The indicator may show that the device is deactivated.

In use, an aerosol-generating article placed in the device may be heated. A user may inhale on the device at the airflow outlet and air may be drawn into the device at the airflow inlet. The device may be configured to provide an airflow path through an article. An aerosol may be released through heating the article and the user may inhale a mixture of the aerosol and the inlet air.

The device may he configured to indicate to the user when the power source is low on charge using the indicator. The device may be configured to indicate to the user when the Dower source is charging. The device may be configured to de-activate after a period of inactivity.

The device may comprise a charging connector. The charging connector may be located at the end of the device that is not configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The charging connector may be connected to the control circuit and the power source. In use, an external power source having an external charger connector may be connected to the device charging connector and the device may control the re-charging of power supply.

The device may comprise a modular housing. The power source and control circuit may be provided in a separate module that can 10 be connected and disconnected from the rest of the housing.

The device may be substantially elongated and be configured to receive an elongated article such that the device longitudinal axis and article longitudinal axis are parallel. In other words the device may comprise a length dimension substantially larger than a width of height dimension. The width and height dimensions may be substantially of a similar size and the length dimension may be substantially bigger. The elongated device may be substantially straight.

The device may be configured to receive a rod shaped article. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol-generating article may have form similar to a conventional cigarette. The aerosol-generating article may be shorter in length than a conventional cigarette.

The device first end may comprise an airflow outlet. The device first end may comprise a mouthpiece end. In other words, a user inhales from the device first end.

The opening may be provided in the device first end and the device may be configured to receive an article into the device along a device longitudinal axis.

The opening may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the elongated axis of the device. In other words, the opening may be provided on an end face of the device at the housing first end. In this way, an article such as an elongated rod shaped article may be inserted into the opening at the first end of the device. The device may be configured such that the article is inserted into the first end of the device. The device may be configured such that the article is inserted along a substantially central axis within the device.

The opening may be provided in the device side wall and the device may be configured to receive an article into the device from the side of the device. In other words, the article may be inserted into the device from the side of the device rather than from the tip of the device.

The opening on the device side wall may extent part way only along the length of the housing. An opening may not be provided on the housing first end. Alternatively, the opening may be provided at the housing first end and extend part way along the device side wall.

The device may be configured such that the protruding article provides the mouthpiece. In this case, air may flow through the article and out of the article through the mouthpiece.

The device may further comprise a mouthpiece at the device first end. In this case, air may flow through the article and out of the device mouthpiece.

The device may comprise a substantially uniform cross section along the length of the device. The device may comprise a substantially circular cross section. The device may comprise a substantially oval cross-section. The device may comprise a substantially rectangular cross section having curved edges.

The housing may comprise a first flat surface running 35 lengthways along the housing. The housing may comprise a second flat surface running lengthways along the housing. The first flat surface may be located on an opposite side of the housing to the second flat surface. The first flat surface and second flat surface may be connected by curved surfaces.

The device may further comprise a compressor, where the chamber comprises a chamber compression wall and the compressor is configured in use to press the article against the chamber compression wall.

The chamber compression wall may form part of the chamber heater section and the device may be configured to press an aerosol-generating article against the heater.

The device may be configured to compress an aerosol-forming 15 substrate within an article so as to increase the aerosol-forming substrate thermal mass.

The device may be configured to compress a section of the article between article ends.

The compressor may comprise a movable element, where the movable element is movable between a compressor first position and a compressor second position, where the compressor second position is closer to the chamber compression wall than the compressor first position.

In other words, the compressor may be configured in use to move against an aerosol-generating article to compress it. The movable element may he positioned in the chamber heater section. The movable element may be movable to reduce the volume in the chamber heater section.

The compressor may comprise a top section for the chamber heater section. In this way, the combination of the chamber 35 heater section and compressor completely surrounds an article.

The device may be configured to compress an aerosol-generating article by moving the compressor from the first position to the second position. In a first position, the compressor may not compress the article. As the compressor is moved to the second position, the compressor may act to press the article against the heater plate.

The device may be configured such that in the compressor first position the article can be freely inserted into the device and freely removed from the device, and in the compressor second position the article cannot be freely inserted into the device nor freely removed from the device.

The compressor may comprise a contact element configured to press against an aerosol-generating article. The contact element may be substantially flat. The contact element may be substantially rectangular. The contact element may comprise a strip of material. The contact element may comprise a width substantially equal to the width of the chamber opening. The contact element may comprise a width configured to be substantially equal to the width of the aerosol-generating article. The contact element may comprise a length approximately equal to the length of the chamber heater section. The contact element may comprise a length configured to be substantially equal to the length of the aerosol-forming substrate length. The contact element may comprise a length configured to be less than the length of the aerosol-forming substrate length.

The compressor may be configured in use to press an aerosol-generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the surface area of the article in contact with the chamber compression wall increases.

The aerosol-forming substrate is therefore compressed. This acts to increase the density of the aerosol-forming substrate, which in turn increases the thermal mass of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Compressing an article in the chamber heater section acts to increase the surface area that is in contact with the heater, increasing the effective contact because of the pressure and increasing the density and thermal mass of the aerosol-forming substrate. As such, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated more efficiently in order to oroduce an aerosol.

The compressor may comprise a contact element configured to press against an aerosol-generating article and the contact element may be thermally insulating. The contact element may comprise wood. The contact element may comprise plastics material. The contact element may comprise ceramic material. The contact element may comprise foamed material.

In use, as the article aerosol-forming substrate is compressed between the contact element and a compression wall in the chamber heater section, the article is compressed and heated. A temperature gradient may be established in the article. In other words, the device may be configured to establish a temperature gradient in the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be hotter in the region of the heater and cooler in the region of the contact element. As air is drawn through the article it may act to remove the aerosol and to cool the aerosol-forming substrate. The temperature gradient within the article may provide a means for effective mixing of air and aerosol, in turn keeping the resulting mixture cooler. More aerosol may be generated in the region adjacent the heater than the region adjacent the contact element.

Alternatively, the compressor may comprise a contact element 35 configured to press against an aerosol-generating article and the contact element may be thermally conducting and in thermal communication with the heater. The contact element may comprise metallic material. The contract element may comprise aluminium. The contact element may comprise steel. The contact element may be in thermal communication with the heater through thermally 5 conducting chamber side walls. In this way, when the device is activated the heat is conducted all around the chamber heater section and the article. In use, the article may be heated from all sides providing effective aerosol generation from all parts of the aerosol-forming substrate including the part near the 10 heater and the part near the contact element.

The chamber may be elongated. The chamber is elongated to receive an elongated aerosol-generating article. The chamber may comprise an inner channel, running along the length of the aerosol-generating device.

The chamber may be configured to receive a rod shaped article. The chamber may run up to the first end of the device and end with an opening at the first end.

The chamber may comprise a chamber first section and a chamber second section, where the chamber first section is located at the device first end, the chamber second section is adjacent the chamber first section, the chamber first section is an article holder and the chamber second section is the chamber heater section.

The chamber may be configured such that in use an article spans the chamber first section and the chamber heater section.

The device may be configured to receive a rod shaped article such that the end of the article protrudes from the first end of the device and the article is held by the chamber first section and heated by the chamber second section.

The device opening may be provided along the length of the chamber first section and chamber second section.

When the device is configured to receive an article from a device end opening only, the chamber first section may be configured to be sufficiently wide enough to allow the article to be inserted and removed. The article may be inserted though the chamber first section and into the chamber second section. Thus the chamber first section may not provide significant frictional forces on the sides of the article during insertion and removal.

When the device is configured to receive an article from the side of a device, the device may be configured such that the article can be positioned directly into the chamber without pushing through from the chamber first section into the chamber second section. As such, the chamber first section may be configured such that it applies a frictional force to the article in order to grip it. The chamber first section may comprise a channel having a width slightly smaller that then width of the article. The chamber first section may comprise a curved channel to substantially match the curve of the rod shaped article.

The chamber may further comprise a chamber third section adjacent the chamber heater section such that the chamber first section, the chamber heater section and the chamber third section are arranged in sequence, where the chamber third section is an article hol der.

The chamber may be configured such that in use an article spans the chamber first section, the chamber second section and the chamber third section.

When the device is configured to receive an article from a device end opening only, the chamber third section is configured to be sufficiently wide enough to allow the article to be inserted and removed. The article is inserted through the chamber first section and chamber second section and into the chamber third section. Thus the chamber third section may not provide significant frictional forces on the sides of the article during insertion and removal.

Where the device is configured to receive an article from the side of the device, the chamber third section may be configured such that it applies a frictional force to the article in order to grip it. Alternatively the third section may be wider than the article and not provide a frictional force to the article.

The device opening may be provided along the length of the 15 chamber first section, the chamber second section and the chamber third section.

The chamber sections may be part of a continuous chamber. Alternatively, the chamber sections may comprise separate units. A gap may be provided between the chamber first section and the chamber second section. A gap may be provided between the chamber second section and the chamber third section.

Alternatively, a chamber section walls may be stepped between 25 sections. In other words, the chamber sections may not be aligned and at the same level.

A step may be provided between the chamber heater section wall and adjacent chamber sections walls.

A step may be provided between the chamber first section wall and the chamber second section wall. A step may be provided between the chamber second section wall and the chamber third section wall. The chamber second section wall may be higher that the chamber first section wall. Alternatively, the chamber second section wall may be lower that the chamber first section wall. In other words, there may be a step down or a step up from the chamber first section to the chamber second section. The chamber second section wall may be higher than the chamber third section wall. Alternatively, the chamber second section wall may be lower than the chamber third section wall. In other words, there may be a step down or a step up from the chamber second section to the chamber third section.

The device may further comprise an end stopper located at the end of the chamber and configured to abut an article, where the end stopper may be configured to cover part of an article end only such that the uncovered article end part allows airflow to enter the article.

When an article is pushed into the device from the first end, the article may be stopped by the end stopper. When an article is received into the device from the side of the device, the article end may be positioned against the end stopper.

The device may further comprise chamber side walls at either side of the chamber compression wall substantially forming a channel like arrangement with the chamber compression wall as a channel base and chamber side walls as channel sides.

The compressor may be configured in use to compress the aerosol-generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the article is in contact with the chamber side walls.

Alternatively, the compressor may be configured in use to compress the aerosol-generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the article is not in contact with the chamber side walls.

The chamber side walls may form part of the chamber heater section and may be thermally conducting and in thermal communication with the heater.

Alternatively, the chamber side walls may form part of the chamber heater section and may be thermally insulating.

The heater may comprise a heater plate forming part of the chamber heater section, where the device is configured to press an aerosol-generating article against the heater plate.

The heater plate may be the chamber compression wall. The width of the heater plate may be wider than the width of the article. As the article is compressed by the compressor against the heater plate the article is flattened. The width of the article therefore increases.

The device may be configured such that as an article is compressed, the article width increases to contact the chamber side walls. Alternatively, under compression, the article may still not contact the chamber side walls. In other words, when the article is compressed against the heater plate, air gaps may be provided at the sides. These air gaps act to provide thermal insulation as the article is heated.

The heater plate may be curved, having a wider curve than the article such that when the article is pressed against the heater plate, the surface area of the article in contact with the heater plate increase until it matches the curve of the heater plate.

Alternatively, the heater plate may have a curve substantially matching the article. Thus the compression does not increase the surface area in contact with the heater plate. Instead the article is compressed against the contact element.

The device may be configured such that when the aerosol-generating article has been received fully into the chamber, the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the article is located within the chamber heater section. The aerosol-forming substrate portion may completely span the chamber heater section. The aerosol-forming substrate portion may partly be located in the chamber first section. The aerosol-forming substrate portion may partly be located in the chamber third section.

The heater plate may be configured such that the width is wider than the aerosol-generating article. This allows the article to be place into the heater chamber easily. The device may be configured such that the article is substantially aligned with the central length axis of the heater plate. In other words, the article runs along the plate in the middle of the plate. As such, the device is configured such that the article does not contact the chamber heater section side walls when first received into the device. In other words, a gap is provided between the article and the heater chamber side walls.

Alternatively, the heater chamber may be configured such that article is substantially in contact with the side walls when first received into the device.

The heater plate may be substantially flat. The heater plate may be substantially planar. Alternatively the heater plate may be curved. The heater plate may comprise a curved channel with a curve greater than the width and curve of the article. Tn this way, the article may be received into the device and sit at the base point of the curve without contacting the entire base. The heater plate may comprise a curve substantially equal to the width and curve of the article.

The heater plate may comprise an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may be exposed to the chamber such that the article is received in contact with the upoer surface. The lower surface may be the reverse side of the heater plate.

The heater plate may comprise a protuberance. The heater plate may comprise a plurality of protuberances. The protuberances may be bumps. The protuberances may be spikes. The protuberances may be ridges. The ridges may be aligned parallel to one another. The ridges may be aligned lengthways along the heater plate. The ridges may be aligned sideways along the heater place.

The heater plate may comprise a surface variation and the device may be configured in use to press the aerosol-generating article against the heater plate in order to imprint the article with the shape of the surface variation.

The heater plate upper surface may be embossed. Alternatively the heater plate upper surface may be debossed. The heater plate upper surface may be comprises a surface variation comprising a word. The surface variation may comprise a logo.

The surface variation may comprise a brand. In other words, the embossed or debossed surface may show a word, logo or brand.

The heater plate comprises thermally conducting material. The 25 heater plate may comprise metallic material. The heater plate may comprise aluminium. The heater plate may comprise stainless steel.

The chamber heater section side walls may he thermally insulating. The chamber heater section side walls may comprise plastics material. The chamber heater section side walls may comprise foamed material. The chamber heater section side walls may comprise silicone material. The chamber heater section side walls may comprise wood.

Alternatively the chamber heater section side walls may be thermally conducting. The chamber heater section side walls may be in thermal communication with the heater plate. The chamber heater section side walls may form part of the heater pate.

The heater further comprises a heating element. The heating element may be a resistive element. The heating element may be a thin film heating element. The heating element may comprise a heating wire. The heating element may comprise a plurality of heating wires. The heating element may comprise a wire coil. The heating element may comprise a flattened wire coil. The heating element may comprise a containing substrate such as silicone rubber or polyimide. The heating element may be flexible. The heating element may be bendable.

The heating element may be in thermal communication with the heater plate. The heating element may be in direct contact with the heater plate. The heating element may be positioned in contact with the heater plate lower surface. In other words, the heating element is below the heater plate and not exposed in the heater chamber. Alternatively, the heating element may form part of the heater plate.

The heater may comprise a support plate. The support plate may be thermally conducting. The support plate may comprise metallic material. The support plate may be positioned adjacent the heater plate lower surface. In other words, the support plate is beneath the heater plate and not exposed in the heater chamber.

The support plate may be configured to support the heating element. The support plate may be a support for the heating element. The heating element may be attached to the support plate.

The support plate may be smaller than the heater plate and fit beneath the heater plate. The support plate may have substantially the same shape as the heater plate. The support plate may be parallel to the heater plate. In other words, the support plate and heater plate create a double plate system with substantially an equal gap between plates over the overlap area of the plates.

The heating element may be located between the heater plate and 10 the support plate. The heating element may be in contact with the heater plate and the support plate.

The support plate may comprise an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may be orientated in the same direction as the heater plate upper surface. Thus, the heater plate lower surface and the support plate upper surface face each other. The heating element may be sandwiched between the heater plate lower surface and the support plate upper surface.

The heating element may be in contact with the support plate upper surface and the support plate lower surface. The heating element may be attached to the support plate upper surface and the support plate lower surface. The heating element may be bent around the side of the support plate to contact both surfaces.

Alternatively, the heating element may be in contact with the support plate lower surface only and the support plate upper surface may he in thermal contact with the heater plate lower surface.

The temperature sensor may be in contact with the heater plate. The temperature sensor may be in contact with the support plate. The temperature sensor may be sandwiched between the heater plate and the support plate. The temperature sensor may be in contact with the support plate lower surface.

The device may comprise a heating element assembly comprising the heating element and the temperature sensor. In other words, the heating element and temperature sensor may be connected to 5 the same substrate. The temperature sensor may form part of the thin film heating element assembly. The temperature sensor and heating element may be connected by a silicone substrate. The temperature sensor and heating element may be connected by a polyimide substrate. The heating element assembly may comprise 10 a heating element part on the support plate upper surface, the assembly bent around the support, and the temperature sensor on the support plate lower surface.

The device may further comprise a thermal insulator. The thermal insulator may be located facing the heater plate lower surface. The thermal insulator may be located facing the support plate lower surface. In other words, the thermal insulator may be located beneath the heater plate or beneath the support plate.

The thermal insulator may be flexible. The thermal insulator may be compressible. The thermal insulator may comprise wool. The thermal insulator may comprise foamed material. The thermal insular may comprise silicone material. The thermal insulator may comprise wood.

The thermal insulator may be configured to provide upward pressure towards the heater plate. The pressure may hold the support plate against the heater plate. The pressure may hold the heating element against the support plate. The oressure may hold the temperature sensor against the support pate. In other words, the thermal insulator is packed under the support plate and provides resistance to hold the heater plate, the support plate, the heating element and the temperature sensor together.

The heater may be a self contained part. The heater may be removable. The heater may be replaceable. In other words, the heater, comprising the heater plate, support plate, heating element, temperature sensor and insulator can be a self contained unit and may be removable from the device. The removable heater may comprise the chamber heater section side walls. Alternatively, the removable heater may not comprise the chamber heater section side walls.

The removable heater may comprise an electrical connector. The chamber heater section may comprise a corresponding electrical connector. The heater electrical connector may be disconnected from the chamber heater section electrical connector. The heater electrical connector can be connected to the chamber heater section electrical connector. The electrical connectors may comprise a plug and socket connection. The electrical connectors may comprise a first connection and a second connection. The first connection may be a positive circuit connection. The second connection may be negative circuit connection. The electrical connectors may comprise a third connection. The third connection may comprise a temperature sensor connection.

The compressor may comprise a button. The movable element may be the button. The button may be pressed, moving the movable element from the first compressor position to the second compressor position. The button may be a push button. The button may be configured to be in the compressor first position when an article is not inserted into the device. The button may comprise a catch in the compressor second position. The button may be configured such that it has a stable state in the compressor first position or a compressor second position. In the compressor first position, the button may be pushed to enter the compressor second position. In the compressor second position, the button may be pushed to enter the compressor first position.

Where the device comprises an end opening only, and therefore configured such that the article is inserted through an opening in the end of the device, the button may compress the article 5 against the heater plate. In this way, an opening is not required on the side of the device and the movable button is able to compress an article. In use, the device is configured such that the button is in the first compressor position and the article is entered into the end of the device. The button 10 is then pressed to achieve the second compressor position in order to compress the aerosol-forming substrate against the heater plate.

The device may further comprise a lid. The lid may be a solid 15 cover for the device opening. The lid may be a cover for the device opening at the side of the device. The lid may comprise an elongated cover along the length of the device.

The lid may comprise a hinged lid. The hinge may be provided substantially on the edge of the lid. The hinge may be provided across the device in the width direction. The lid may be configured to open with lengthwise rotation. In other words, the lid has long and short sides, the hinge is provided on a short side and the long sides rotate about the hinge. The hinge may be provided at the lid edge furthest from the device first end. Alternatively, the hinge may be provided at the lid edge closest to the device first end.

The hinge may be provided along the device in the length direction. The lid may be configured to open with width wise rotation. In other words, the lid has long and short sides, the hinge is provided on a long side and the short sides rotate about the hinge.

The hinge may comprise a rod, inserted through the lid and into receiving portions in the housing. The hinge may comprise protrusions on either side of the lid that fit into receiving portions in the housing.

The lid may comprise a removable cover. In other words, the lid 5 may be fully removable from the device.

The lid may comprise a slidable lid. The lid may be configured to slide along the length of the device to open and close.

The compressor may form part of the lid. The lid may form the compressor. The movable element may be a lid for the device and may be configured to be movable to cover the opening.

The lid may be configured such that the compressor second position corresponds to a closed lid. The lid may be configured such that the compressor first position corresponds to an open lid. When the lid is open, the device opening is exposed and an article may be inserted into the device chamber. When the lid is closed, the device opening is not exposed and an article may not be inserted into the device chamber.

The lid may be a cover for the chamber first section and the chamber second section. The lid may be a cover for the chamber first section, the chamber second section and the chamber third section.

The compressor may form part of the lid that covers the chamber second section. The lid may comprise an inner surface and an outer surface. The lid inner surface faces inside the device when the lid is closed. The compressor may comprise a raised platform on the lid inner surface. The raised platform comprises the contact element.

The lid may further comprise a catch. The lid may comprise 35 protrusions on the side of the lid and the device housing may comprise receiving portions for the protrusions. In this way, when the lid is closed, the protrusions fit into the receiving portions to hold the lid closed.

In use, an aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber and the lid is closed. As the lid is closed, pressure is applied to the article. The compressor part of the lid acts to press the article against the chamber compression wall. The article is also gripped in the chamber first section. The pressure on the top of the article by the lid deforms the article and in turn pushed the article against the chamber wall. Where the chamber sections are at different levels, the article will be deformed around the edges between levels.

Once an article has been compressed and heated in the aerosol-forming substrate region, the article may remain substantially compressed once removed from the device. This indicates to a user that the article has been used and is not fresh.

The airflow inlet may be provided in a gap between the lid and the housing. In other words, the lid may cover the opening but leave a small gap for the airflow inlet. The airflow inlet may be provided between the lid hinge section and the housing. In this way, the gap may provide a gap for the lid to pivot and may also act as an airflow inlet.

The airflow inlet may also be provided as a hole in the lid. The airflow inlet may be provided as a hole in the housing body. The airflow inlet may be provided at a point past the article end and towards the device second end.

The lid comprising a hinge may be configured to be a removable lid. In other words, the hinged lid may be a self-contained part. The lid may be configured to be removed and replaced. This is useful if the lid becomes broken and needs to be replaced since the lid can then be replaced without disposing of the rest of the device.

The replaceable lid may comprise a solid cover with a rod passing through the lid at the hinge point to provide protrusions from the lid sides. Alternatively, protrusions may be provided at the hinge point. The device housing may comprise receiving portions that the lid protrusions can be slotted into or removed from.

The device may further comprise a band, where the band 10 substantially circumscribes the housing and is movable along the length of the housing between a housing first position and a housing second position.

The band may be substantially rigid. The band may comprise a continuous loop of material. The band may comprise a substantially uniform cross-section along its length. The band may comprise a ring shape. The band may be slidable along the length of the housing. The band may comprise plastics material. The band may comprise metallic material.

The band may have an inner shape that closely matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the device. In this way, the band may be movable along the length of the device but a small frictional force may keep the band from being completely loose.

Friction may be provided between the band and the housing such that the band is moveable by hand but not by gravity.

The band may comprise an inner surface. The inner surface may comprise a soft material. The inner surface may comprise 30 silicone rubber. The inner surface may comprise plastics material. The inner surface may comprise a rubber-like coating.

The band may comprise an inner surface in contact with the housing, the inner surface comprising a compressible material that is squashed against the housing to hold the band in place.

The band may be configured to cover the compressor and keep the compressor in a compressed position.

The band may be configured to cover the lid and hold the lid closed. When an article is added to the device and the lid is closed, the article will apply a force to the lid. The band may be positioned over the lid to hold the lid and article in place.

The band may be thermally insulating and may be configured to cover the housing surrounding the chamber heater section to provide thermal insulation.

When the band surrounds the device and the device operates to heat the article, the outer surface of the device may become hot. The band may therefore be positioned around this hot region and provide a thermal insulation in this region. This would allow a user to hold the device by the band without experiencing an uncomfortable temperature.

The band may be positioned around the actuator. The band may be positioned around the button. The band may be positioned around the actuator to prevent activation of the device. When the device is no longer required, the band may be positioned to cover the button to prevent accidental activation.

The band may be positioned around a housing portion out of the way of the lid. The band may be positioned around a housing portion out of the way of the actuator.

In the first housing position the band may be configured to cover the compressor and keep the compressor in a compressed position, and in the second housing position to band may be configured to not cover the compressor.

The band may comprise a magnet. The device may comprise a magnet-activated switch. The device may be configured to activate when the band is in position over the magnet-activated switch. The device may be configured to deactivate when the band is not in position over the magnet-activated switch. This may provide a means to activate the device by moving the band into a given position. This may eliminate the requirement for a button or other actuator.

The band may comprise a light guide. The band may be configured to be illuminated by a light on the device.

The band may be in contact with the housing substantially at all points around the housing. Alternatively, the band may be 15 in contact with the housing at two or more discrete points only around the housing.

The band may be restricted in use from being removed from the device. Alternatively, the band may be removable from the 20 device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a length between approximately 80mm and 150mm. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a length between approximately 90mm and 120mm. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a length of approximately 100mm.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a width between approximately 15mm and 40mm. The aerosol-generating device may 30 comprise a width between approximately 20mm and 30mm.

The chamber may comprise a length between approximately 30mm and 80mm. The chamber may comprise a length between approximately 40mm and 60mm. The chamber may comprise a length of approximately 45mm.

The chamber may comprise a width between approximately 6mm and 12mm. The chamber may comprise a width between approximately 6mm and 10mm. The chamber may comprise a width between approximately 7mm and 9mm. The chamber may comprise a width of approximately 8mm.

The chamber heater section may comprise a length between approximately 5mm and 50mm. The chamber heater section may comprise a length between approximately 10mm and 40mm. The chamber heater section may comprise a length between approximately lOmm and 25mm. The chamber heater section may comprise a length between approximately 25mm and 40mm.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a length between approximately 30mm and 100mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a length between approximately 45mm and 85mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a length of approximately 45mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a length of approximately 60mm.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer diameter between approximately 6mm and 12mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer diameter between approximately 6mm and 10mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer diameter between approximately 7mm and 9mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a diameter of approximately e 111171 The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a length between approximately 5mm and 50mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a length between approximately 10mm and 40mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a length between approximately 10mm and 25mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a length between approximately 25mm and 40mm.

The heater may be configured to heat at a temperature between approximately 100 degrees Celsius and 300 degrees Celsius. The heater may be configured to heat at a temperature between approximately 150 degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius. The heater may be configured to heat at a temperature of approximately 200 degrees Celsius.

According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device, the 10 device as described above, and a rod shaped aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

The article may be functionally bidirectional and may be configured to be used from the first end or the second end.

The article may comprise an airflow outlet, where either article end may be selected as the airflow outlet. The article first end is an airflow outlet when the article second end is an airflow inlet and the article first end is an airflow inlet when the article second end is an airflow outlet.

The article may comprise a first end plug at the article first end and a second end plug at the article second end.

The article first end may comprise a first mouthpiece and the article second end may comprise a second mouthpiece.

The article may further comprise a first tipping paper circumscribing the first mouthpiece and a second tipping paper circumscribing the second mouthpiece. The outer wrapper may comprise a first design at the article first end and a second design at the article second end. The first design may be substantially the same as the second design. The outside visual appearance of the article may appear substantially symmetrical between an article midpoint and article ends. Alternatively, the first design may be different to the second design.

The article first end may comprise a first filter and the article second end may comprise a second filter. Each filter may comprise cellulose acetate tow. The first filter may comprise substantially the same dimensions as the second filter. The first filter may comprise a different density to the second filter. Alternatively, the first filter may be substantially identical to the second filter.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may be sealed within the article between the ends of the article.

The article may further comprise a support element, where the support element abuts the aerosol-forming substrate. The support element may be a divider and divides the aerosol-forming substrate into a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate on either side of the support element. The support element may be positioned substantially in the middle of the aerosol-generating article between ends.

The article may further comprise an aerosol-cooling element. The article may further comprise a first aerosol-cooling element positioned between the article first end and the aerosol-forming substrate and second aerosol-cooling element positioned between the article second end and the aerosol-forming substrate.

The article may further comprise a non-compressible element.

The article may further comprise a first non-compressible element positioned between the article first end and the aerosol-forming substrate and a second non-compressible element positioned between the article second end and the aerosol-forming substrate.

The article may be substantially functionally symmetrical between an article midpoint and article ends.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of 5 using an aerosol-generating system, the system as described above, comprising the steps of: inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device; compressing the aerosol-forming substrate; and raising the temperature of the heater in the aerosol-generating device in 10 order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

The method may further comprise the step of: prior to inserting, selecting an aerosol-generating article end to use from either the first end or second end.

Compressing may involve compressing the aerosol-generating article against a heater plate by moving a compressor from a first position to a second position. In the first position the compressor may substantially not compress the article. In the second position, the compressor may be in contact with the article such that pressure is applied to the article outer surface and the article is deformed and compressed.

Specific embodiments will now be described. These are examples only and are described in reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1, with an open lid; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the first section of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an exploded view of the second secrion of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article; Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 comprising an aerosol-generating article, where the lid is open; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 comprising an aerosol-generating article, where the lid is closed; Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 comprising the aerosol-generating article of Figure 6; Figure 11 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater and an uncompressed aerosol-generating article; Figure 12 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater and a compressed aerosol-generating article; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a heater; Figure 14 is an exploded view of a heater; Figure 15 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater; Figure 16 is perspective view of an aerosol-generating article; Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 comprising the aerosol-generating article of Figure 16; Figure 19 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater and a compressed aerosol-generating article, where the side walls are thermally conducting; Figure 20 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater with a curved heater plate and aerosol-generating article; Figure 21 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater with a 35 curved heater plate and aerosol-generating article held by a lid; Figure 22 is an end cross-sectional view of a heater with a curved heater plate and aerosol-generating article compressed by a lid; Figure 23 is a perspective view of a heater having a heater plate with raised parallel ridges running across the plate; Figure 24 is a perspective view of a heater having a heater plate with raised parallel ridges running along the plate; Figure 25 is a perspective view of a heater having a heater plate with raised protuberances; Figure 26 is a perspective view of a heater having a heater plate with a raised surface variation defining a word; Figure 27 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device comprising a lid with a closing latch; and Figure 28 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device 15 comprising a compressor button.

Figures 1 to 5 show an aerosol-generating device 2 comprising an elongated housing 4 having a device first end 6 and a device second end 8. The device comprises two flat end faces and the housing 4 has a substantially uniform profile along the length of the device. A device side is defined between the first end 6 and second end 8. The device profile is a curved rectangular shape providing two opposing flat surfaces along the device side, an upper surface 10 and a lower surface 12, joined by two rounded surfaces.

The upper surface 10 comprises a button 14 towards the device second end 8 and a lid 16 towards the device first end 6. The lid 16 is a hinged lid and comprises hinge 13. A gap is provided next to the hinge 18 on the upper surface 10 defining an air inlet 20 into the device 2.

The end face at the first end 6 comprises an end opening 22 into the device 2. The hinge 18 is located at the end of the lid 16 furthest from the device first end 6 and the lid 16 is able to pivot about the hinge 18 to create a side opening 24 into the device. Figure 2 shows that when the lid 16 is open, the side opening 24 extends along the upper surface 10 from the hinge 18 to the end face at the device first end 6. The side opening 24 is connected to the end opening 22 forming a single opening into the device 2 when the lid 16 is open.

A solid band 26 is located around the device 2. The band 26 is movable along the length of the device 2 and the shape of the band 26 closely matches that of the device profile such that there is friction between the band 26 and the device 2. This friction prevents the band 26 from slipping along the device 2 under the force of gravity but allows the band 26 to be easily moved and positioned on the device 2 by a user.

In use, the band 26 can be moved along the device 2 and cover the lid 16 to prevent the lid 16 from opening, as shown in Figure 1. The band 26 can also be moved off of the lid 16 to allow the lid 16 to open, as shown in Figure 2. The band 26 can also be moved along the device 2 and over the button 14 to cover the button 14 and prevent access or accidental operation when not in use.

The end opening 22 and side opening 24 in the device 2 lead to an internal device chamber 28. The chamber 28 runs along the length of the device 2 and lid opening and the lid 16 forms the upper surface of the chamber 28 such that when the lid 16 is open, there is access to the chamber 28 from the side of the device and the chamber 28 is a channel along the device. When the lid 16 is closed, the chamber 28 is a closed chamber having an end opening 22 at the device first end 6.

The chamber 28 comprises a chamber first section 30, a chamber second section 32 and a chamber third section 34. These sections are aligned sequentially along the length of the chamber 28. The chamber second section 32 is a chamber heater section and comprises an electric heater 36. The device 2 is an electronic device and comprises a battery 38 and control circuit 40. The device is operated by the button 14 to supply power to the electric heater 36.

The lid 16 comprises a raised section 42 on the inside lid surface such that the raised section 42 is inside the device 2 when the lid 16 is closed. The raised section 42 is a flat rectangular section positioned on the lid surface such that the raised section 42 covers the chamber second section 32 when the lid 16 is closed.

The housing 4 forms a single solid unit. However, in a slight variation, Figure 3 shows that the housing 4 can be modular, having a first housing section comprising the chamber 28 and openings, and a second housing section comprising the electrical components and button 14. In this variation, the lid 16 can be provided separately to the housing sections and the lid 16 can be added to or removed from the housing 4 at the point of connection between the housing sections. The housing 4 can be separated into a first section and a second section in order to remove or add the lid 16. This enables the lid 16 to be replaced if it is brcken. Electrical connections are provided between the housing sections.

In use, the device 2 is configured to be used with an aerosol-generating article 44 such as that shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7. The article 44 is cylindrical and comprises end plugs 46 at either end with an aerosol-forming substrate 48 between end plugs. The aerosol-forming substrate 48 comprises tobacco, the end plugs 46 are made from cellulose acetate like conventional cigarette filters, and the article components are tightly wrapped with an outer paper wrapper 50. In this embodiment, the article 44 is symmetrical and functionally bidirectional so that it can be used from either end.

Figures 8 and 9 show the article 44 placed in the device 2. In use, the lid 16 is opened and the article 44 is placed in the device chamber 28 from the side of the device through the side opening 24. The chamber 28 comprises an end stopper 52 at the end of the chamber 28 near the hinge 18. The article 44 is placed into the chamber 28 such that an article end abuts the end stopper 52.

The article 44 is longer than the chamber 28 and an end of the article extends past the end opening 22 and protrudes from the device first end 6. The article 44 therefore lies across the chamber 28 and spans the chamber first section 30, the second section 32 and the third section 34. Thus, the article 44 spans across the heater 36. The article 44 is aligned such that the aerosol-forming substrate 48 lies across the heater 36.

Figure 9 shows the device 2 where the lid 16 is closed and the band 26 is moved over the lid 16 hold the lid closed. An article end protrudes from the device first end 6 and as such the article end is used as a mouthpiece. When the lid 16 is closed on the article 44, the lid 16 and raised section 42 act to squash and compress the article 44. As such the lid 16 is a compressor. The lid 16 applies a force to the article 44 to compress it and a corresponding reaction force is imparted by the article 44 on the lid 16. The band 26 is moved over the lid to keep the lid 16 closed.

Figure 10 shows the compression of the article 44 in the device 2. Tn use, as the lid 16 is closed, the raised section 42 presses the article 44 in the region of the aerosol-forming substrate 48 against the heater 36. The article 44 is therefore compressed against the heater 36 in this article region. The heater 36 is part of the chamber second section 32 and the base of this chamber section is stepped up from adjacent base sections so that, under compression, the article outer surface is pressed inwards by both the raised section 42 of the lid 16 and by the heater 36.

In use, a user inserts an article 44 into the device 2, presses the lid 16 closed to compress the aerosol-forming substrate 48 against the heater 36 and moves the band 26 over the lid 16 to hold the lid closed. A user then activates the device by pressing the button 14, in order to heat up the heater 36. The heater 36 heats up until it reaches a predetermined temperature. The button 14 comprises a light to indicate when the device is active, when the device is warming up, and when the device has achieved the required temperature. In this embodiment the required temperature is 200 degrees Celsius. A user then places the end of the article 44 in their mouth and draws on the end of the article 44. The heater 36 acts to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 48 to create an aerosol. The compression of the aerosol-forming substrate 48 acts to increase the density of the tobacco and its thermal mass, leading to a better heating effect. As a user draws on the protruding end of the article 44, airflow is established though the article 44 and through the device 2. Airflow enters the device 2 through the air inlet 20 adjacent the hinge 18. The airflow enters the chamber 18 near the end stopper 52. The end stopper 52 does not completely cover the article end and therefore air can flow into the article 44. Air travels through the article 44, mixes with the aerosol and is eventually Inhaled by the user through the article mouthpiece.

Whilst the hand 26 acts to keep the lid closed, it is also positioned around the section of the device where the heater 36 is located. The band 26 is thermally insulating and provides thermal insulation in this region and allows a user to hold the device in this region without the device 2 being uncomfortably hot.

When a user has finished with the article 44, the band 26 is moved off the lid 16 and the lid 16 is opened tc remove the used article 44. The device 2 is switched off by pressing the button 14.

Figure 11 shows the article and the heater 36 when the lid is open. Figure 12 shows the article and the heater 36 when the lid is closed. The heater 36 comprises a metallic heater plate 54 with heater chamber side walls 56 at either side of the heater plate 54. When the lid 16 is open, Figure 11 shows that the article 44 has a circular cross-section and the article diameter is smaller than the width of the heater plate 54. Figure 12 shows that when the lid 16 is closed, the article is pressed against the heater plate 54 and the article is flattened and spreads out towards the chamber side walls 56. The article surface area in contact with the heater plate 54 increases. This increased contact between the article 44 and the heater plate 54 acts to increase the heating efficiency of the article 44. In this embodiment, when the article 44 is compressed, there remains a gap between the compressed article and the heater chamber side walls 56. This gap provides added thermal insulation so that more heat remains within the article 44 and aerosol-forming substrate 48 as it is heated. The lid section in contact with the article, the raised section 42, is also thermally insulating.

Figure 13 shows the heater 36 with heater plate 54 and heater chamber side walls 56. Figure 14 and Figure 15 shows more details of the heater 36. The heater comprises a heating element 58, a temperature sensor 60, a metallic support plate 62 and a thermal insulator 64. The heating element 38 is a thin film heating element comprising a flexible polyimide substrate, and the temperature sensor 60 is a thermistor. The thermal insulator 64 comprises wool material. The heating element 58 and temperature sensor are located beneath the heater plate 54 and sandwiched between the heater plate 54 and the support plate 62. The thermal insulator 64 is located beneath the support plate 62.

In use, the device 2 is activated and power is supplied to the heating element 58. The heating element 58 acts to heat up the heater plate 54. The thermal insulator 64 minimises heat loss from the bottom of the heater 36 and directs heat to the heater plate 54. Heat is absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate 48 which heats up. When a required temperature is reached, this is measured by the temperature sensor 60 which provides feedback to the control circuit 40 to stop power from the battery 38 to the heating element 58. When the temperature cools, the temperature sensor 60 provides feedback to the control circuit 40 to deliver power from the battery 38 to the heating element 58. In this way, the required temperature is maintained during use.

Figures 16 to 18 shows a different article 44 to that described above, used with the same device 2. The article 44 comprises an end plug 46 at one end only, an aerosol-forming substrate 48 and an outer wrapper 50 tightly wrapped around the article components. This article 44 is not functionally bidirectional. Where then article end protrudes from the device first end 6, the protruding end is the end plug end and is used as a mouthpiece. The article 44 is used in the device 2 in the same way as described and is compressed and heated.

In the above embodiments, the article protrudes from the device and the article provides the mouthpiece. However, an alternative embodiment could provide an article that is completely enclosed within the device. This device is very similar to that described except the chamber fully contains the article. The mouthpiece is therefore provided by the device rather than the article.

In the above embodiments, the article is compressed by the lid against a heater. However, an alternative embodiment could provide a lid without a raised section that closes the device to keep the article inside the device but does not compress the article against the heater. The article is therefore heated without compression of the aerosol-forming substrate.

In the above embodiments, a band is provided to keep the lid closed as the lid compresses the article. However, an alternative embodiment could provide a lid that closes securely, for example using a frictional fit, and does not require a band to keep the lid closed.

In the above embodiments, the chamber is split into a first, second and third section where the heater is provided in the second section. The article spans the three sections and is then heated in a mid section. However, an alternative embodiment could provide a chamber comprising a first and second section only where the heater is provided in the second section. The article would then be heated at the article end, away from the mouthpiece.

Figure 19 shows an alternative chamber heater section 32 and heater 36 where the side walls 56 are metallic and thermally conducing. The side walls 56 are in contact with the heater plate 54. The raised section 42 of the lid 16 comprises a metallic layer that is also thermally conducting. An article 44 placed in the device 2 is compressed between the lid raised section 42 and the heater plate 54. Tn this embodiment, when the article 44 is compressed it is flattened and pressed against the side walls 56. The article is therefore pressed against all four walls of the heater chamber. In use, as the heating element 58 heats the heater plate 54, the heat is conducted all around the article to the side walls 56 and the raised section 42. This provides heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 48 from all directions.

Figure 20 shows another alternative chamber heater section 32 and heater 36 where the heater plate 54 is curved to match the curve of the article 44, forming a semi circular channel. The channel width is equal to the width of the article 44. As such, the article 44 is in contact with substantially the whole of the heater plate 54. In Figure 21 a lid 16 is then provided that contacts the article 44 to hold it but does not substantially compress it. Therefore in this configuration, the article 44 is heated without compression. Alternatively, in Figure 22 the lid 16 acts to press against the article 44. In this configuration, the surface area of the article 44 in contact with the heater plate 54 is not increased. Instead, the article 44 is compressed and distorted in part next to the lid raised section 42 and pressed tightly against the heater plate 54.

Figures 23 to 26 show other alternative chamber heater sections 32 and heaters 36 where the heater plate 54 is flat and has a surface variation 66. The surface variations in these embodiments are raised protrusions. In these embodiments, the surface variation 66 increases the surface area of the heater plate 54 and therefore as the article 44 is pressed against the heater plate 54, the surface area of the article 44 in contact with the heater plate 54 is increased.

Also, as the article 44 is pressed against the heater plate 54, the pressure and the heat act to brand the article 44 with the mark of the surface variation 66. Figure 23 shows a heater plate 54 comprising a surface variation 66 having a plurality of raised parallel ridges running perpendicular to the device length axis. Figure 24 shows a heater plate 54 comprising a surface variation 66 having a plurality of raised parallel ridges running parallel to the device length axis. Figure 25 shows a heater plate 54 comprising a surface variation 66 having a plurality of raised protuberances. Figure 26 show a heater plate 54 comprising a surface variation 66 in the form of a raised logo, in this case the word LOGO.

Figure 27 shows an alternative means of securing the lid 16 in a closed position other that using a movable band 26. The lid 16 comprises protrusions 68 on the movable end of the lid 16 opposite the hinge 18 and the device comprises indentations 70 which are aligned such that when the lid 16 is closed the protrusions 68 can fit into the indentations 70 to secure the lid 16 closed. The closed position is a stable position and a user must apply force to move the lid protrusions 68 out of the device indentations 70 in order to open the lid 16.

In the above embodiments, the lid is a hinged lid. However, an 15 alternative embodiment could provide a lid that does not have a hinge and is completely removable from the device, and reattachable to the device.

Figure 28 shows an alternative embodiment when the lid has been replaced by a compressor button 72. This embodiment has an end opening 22 but since there is not lid there is no side opening 24. In use, an article 44 is inserted into the device through the end opening 22 and the compressor button 72 is pressed. Pressing the compressor button 72 acts to press the aerosol-forming substrate 48 against the heater plate 54 and also secures the article 44 in place to prevent removal from the device 2. The compressor button 72 is latched in place and a user must press the compressor button 72 again to unlatch and enable removal the article 44.

The embodiments described above are examples only and are not limiting. Other embodiments could also be described and will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (44)

1. Claims 1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the device comprising a housing, an opening in the housing, a chamber, a heater, an airflow inlet, an airflow outlet, a device first end, a device second end and a device side wall between the device ends, where the opening in the housing leads to the chamber and the device is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article through the opening and into the chamber, where the device is configured in use to channel airflow through the article, where the chamber comprises a chamber heater section comprising the heater, wherein the opening is provided in the device first end and the device side wall, and the device is configured to receive an article into the device such that the article protrudes from the device first end.
2. 2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein 20 the device is substantially elongated and is ccnfigured to receive an elongated article such that device longitudinal axis and article longitudinal axis are parallel.
3. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 25 2, wherein the device is configured to receive a rod shaped article.
4. 4. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to receive an article into the device along a device longitudinal axis.
5. 5. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to receive an article into the device through the opening in the device first end.
6. 6. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured to receive an article into the device through the opening in the device side wall.
7. 7. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening in the device side wall substantially extends along the length of the chamber.
8. 8. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding 10 claim, wherein the device is configured such that a protruding article provides the mouthpiece.
9. 9. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber comprises a chamber first section and a chamber second section, where the chamber first section is located at the device first end, the chamber second section is adjacent the chamber first section, the chamber first section is an article holder and the chamber second section is the chamber heater section.
10. 10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the chamber is configured such that in use an article spans the chamber first section and the chamber heater section.
11. 11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the chamber comprises a chamber third section adjacent the chamber heater section such that the chamber first section, the chamber heater section and the chamber third section are arranged in sequence, where the chamber third section is an article holder.
12. 12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the chamber is configured such that in use an article spans the chamber first section, the chamber second section and the chamber third section.
13. 13. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a step is provided between the chamber heater section wall and adjacent chamber section walls.
14. 14. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a compressor, where the chamber comprises a chamber compression wall and the compressor is configured in use to press the article against the chamber compression wall.
15. 15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 14, wherein the chamber compression wall forms part of the chamber heater section and the device is configured to press an aerosol-generating article against the heater.
16. 16. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the device is configured to compress an aerosol-forming substrate within an article so as to increase the aerosol-forming substrate thermal mass.
17. 17. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the device is configured to compress a section of the article between article ends.
18. 18. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the compressor comprises a moveable element, where the moveable element is moveable between a compressor first position and a compressor second position, where the compressor second position is closer to the chamber compression wall than the compressor first position.
19. 19. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 18, wherein the device is configured such that in the compressor first 35 position the article can be freely inserted into the device and freely removed from the device, and in the compressor second position the article cannot be freely inserted into the device nor freely removed from the device.
20. 20. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the moveable element is a lid for the device and is configured to be movable to cover the opening.
21. 21. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the moveable element is a button.
22. 22. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 21, wherein the compressor is configured in use to press an aerosol-generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the surface area of the article in contact with the chamber compression wall increases.
23. 23. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 22, further comprising chamber side walls at either side of the chamber compression wall substantially forming a channel 20 like arrangement with the chamber compression wall as a channel base and chamber side walls as channel sides.
24. 24. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the compressor is configured in use to compress the aerosol-25 generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the article is in contact with the chamber side walls.
25. 25. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the compressor is configured in use to compress the aerosol-30 generating article against the chamber compression wall such that the article is not in contact with the chamber side walls.
26. 26. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the chamber side walls form part of the chamber 35 heater section and are thermally conducting and in thermal communication with the heater.
27. 27. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the chamber side walls form part of the chamber heater section and are thermally insulating.
28. 28. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 27, wherein the compressor comprises a contact element configured to press against an aerosol-generating article and the contact element is thermally insulating.
29. 29. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 14 to 27, wherein the compressor comprises a contact element configured to press against an aerosol-generating article and the contact element is thermally conducting and in thermal communication with the heater.
30. 30. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises an end stopper located at the end of the chamber and configured to abut an article, where the end stopper is configured to cover part of an article end only such that the uncovered article end part allows airflow to enter the article.
31. 31. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the heater comprises a heater plate forming part of the chamber heater section, where the device is configured to press an aerosol-generating article against the heater plate.
32. 32. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 31, wherein the heater plate comprises a plurality of protuberances.
33. 33. An aerosol-generating device according to claims 31 or claim 32, wherein the heater plate comprises a surface 35 variation and the device is configured in use to press the aerosol-generating article against the heater plate in order to imprint the article with the shape of the surface variation.
34. 34. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a band, where the band substantially circumscribes the housing and is moveable along the length of the housing between a housing first position and a housing second position.
35. 35. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 34, wherein the band has an inner shape that closely matches the outer cross-sectional shape of the device.
36. 36. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the band is configured to cover the compressor and keep the compressor in a compressed position.
37. 37. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 34 to 36, wherein the band is thermally insulating and is 20 configured to cover the housing surrounding the chamber heater section to provide thermal insulation.
38. 38. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device, the device according to any of claims 1 to 25 37, and a rod shaped aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.
39. 39. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 38, wherein the article is functionally bidirectional and is configured to be used from the first end or the second end.
40. 40. A method of using an aerosol-generating system, the system according to claim 38 or claim 39, comprising the steps of: inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol- generating device; compressing the aerosol-forming substrate; and raising the temperature of the heater in the aerosol-generating device in order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.
41. 41. A method of using an aerosol-generating system according to 5 claim 40, further comprising the step: prior tc inserting, selecting an aerosol-generating article end to use from either the first end or second end.
42. 42. An aerosol-generating device, substantially as described 10 herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
43. 43. An aerosol-generating system, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
44. 44. A method of using an aerosol-generating system, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.