JP2024525707A - Aerosol generating device with removable housing portion - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (10) is provided that comprises a first housing part (14) and a second housing part (16). The first housing part (14) defines a chamber (32) for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate (82). The second housing part (16) is configured to be removably attached to the first housing part (14). The aerosol generating device (10) also comprises a heater (22, 23; 22, 23, 25) positioned within the first housing part (14) and a power source (20) positioned within the second housing part (16). The aerosol generating device (10) also comprises a control circuit (38) configured to control the supply of power from the power source (20) to the heaters (22, 23; 22, 23, 25) when the second housing part (16) is attached to the first housing part (14).

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having a first housing part and a second housing part, the second housing part being configured to be removably attached to the first housing part.

One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems generally include an aerosol generating device that includes a rechargeable battery, control electronics, and a heater for heating an aerosol generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes an aerosol-forming substrate such as a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, and a heater housed within the aerosol generating device is inserted into or disposed around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. In an alternative electrically operated smoking system, the aerosol generating article may include a capsule that contains an aerosol-forming substrate such as loose tobacco.

In known electrically operated smoking systems, the manner in which the system may be operated is typically limited by the configuration of the system, particularly the arrangement of the battery, control electronics and heater.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that can provide greater flexibility in how the aerosol generating device can be configured or operated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion may define a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The second housing portion may be configured for removably attachment to the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heater located within the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source located within the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device may comprise a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion defines a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The second housing portion is configured for removably mounting to the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device also comprises a heater positioned within the first housing portion and a power source positioned within the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device also comprises control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater when the second housing portion is mounted to the first housing portion.

Advantageously, providing a power source in a second housing part that is removable from the first housing part may facilitate the use of a single first housing part with multiple different power sources. For example, when the power source is fully discharged, a user may replace the second housing part with a further housing part containing a different, fully charged power source. Advantageously, this may allow a user to continue using the aerosol generating device without having to wait for the power source to be recharged. In another embodiment, a user may select the second housing part from a range of housing parts with power sources having different sizes and different storage capacities. Advantageously, this may allow a user to select a preferred compromise between power source storage capacity and the physical size of the aerosol generating device.

Advantageously, providing a power source in a second housing portion that is removable from the first housing portion may facilitate the use of a single second housing portion with multiple first housing portions. For example, the second housing portion may be used with different first housing portions having different heater arrangements suitable for heating different types of aerosol-forming substrates or different types of aerosol-generating articles.

The first housing portion and the second housing portion may cooperate to define a housing of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device preferably includes an interface for attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

The interface may be configured to removably attach and retain the second housing portion to the first housing portion by an interference fit. Advantageously, an interference fit may provide a simple and cost-effective arrangement for attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

The interface may include at least one of a bayonet connection and a threaded connection. The interface may include a female bayonet connector on the first housing portion and a male bayonet connector on the second housing portion. The interface may include a male bayonet connector on the first housing portion and a female bayonet connector on the second housing portion. The interface may include a female thread on the first housing portion and a male thread on the second housing portion. The interface may include a male thread on the first housing portion and a female thread on the second housing portion.

The interface may include a slot arranged to receive at least a portion of the first housing portion or at least a portion of the second housing portion. The slot may be arranged to slidably receive at least a portion of the first housing portion or at least a portion of the second housing portion. The slot may be provided on the first housing portion and arranged to receive at least a portion of the second housing portion. The slot may be provided on the second housing portion and arranged to receive at least a portion of the first housing portion.

The interface may include a protrusion arranged to be received within the slot. The slot may be arranged to slidably receive the protrusion. The slot may be provided on the first housing portion and the protrusion may be provided on the second housing portion. The slot may be provided on the second housing portion and the protrusion may be provided on the first housing portion.

The interface may comprise a latch element arranged to hold the second housing portion in releasable attachment with the first housing portion. Advantageously, the latch element may reduce a risk of the second housing portion being accidentally detached from the first housing portion. The latch element may comprise a detent. The detent may be provided on the first housing and may be arranged to engage with a portion of the second housing portion when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The detent may be provided on the second housing portion and may be arranged to engage with a portion of the first housing portion when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

The interface may include a release element arranged to disengage the latch element. The release element may be arranged to disengage the latch element from the first housing portion. The release element may be arranged to disengage the latch element from the second housing portion. The release mechanism may include at least one of a button and a lever. In embodiments where the latch element includes a detent on the first housing portion, the release element may be arranged to disengage the latch element from a portion of the second housing portion. In embodiments where the latch element includes a detent on the second housing portion, the release element may be arranged to disengage the detent from a portion of the first housing portion.

The interface may include a first magnetic element on the first housing portion and a second magnetic element on the second housing portion, the second magnetic element being positioned to engage the first magnetic element when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

As used herein, the term magnetic element is used to refer to magnetizable materials such as magnets and ferromagnetic materials. The first magnetic element may include a magnet and the second magnetic element may include a magnetizable material. The first magnetic element may include a magnetizable material and the second magnetic element may include a magnet. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may each include a magnet.

The aerosol generating device may include a first electrical contact positioned on the first housing portion and a second electrical contact positioned on the second housing portion, the second electrical contact configured to engage the first electrical contact when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. Advantageously, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may facilitate the transfer of at least one of power and data between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

The control circuit is preferably configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater via the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

At least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may include a spring-loaded pin. Advantageously, the spring-loaded pin may facilitate a reliable electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

The power source may be a rechargeable power source. The aerosol generating device may include a charging circuit located within the second housing part and configured to control a supply of power received from an external device to recharge the power source. Advantageously, providing a charging circuit within the second housing part may facilitate recharging the power source when the second housing part is removed from the first housing part.

The aerosol generating device may include a charging electrical contact positioned on the second housing portion for receiving electrical power from an external device to recharge the power source.

The charging electrical contacts may be positioned on the second housing portion such that the charging electrical contacts are accessible to a user when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. Advantageously, this arrangement may facilitate easy recharging of the power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. It may be convenient for a user to recharge the power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

The charging electrical contacts may be positioned on the second housing portion such that the charging electrical contacts are inaccessible to a user when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. Advantageously, this arrangement may prevent recharging of the power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. Preventing recharging of the power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion may help prevent recharging of the power source during use of the aerosol generating device.

In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes a second electrical contact on the second housing portion, the charging electrical contact may include the second electrical contact.

The second housing portion may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second electrical contact may be located at the first end of the second housing portion. The charging electrical contact may be located at the second end of the second housing portion.

The charging electrical contacts may form part of an external plug or socket on the second housing portion. The charging electrical contacts may form part of a USB-A connector, a USB-B connector, a USB-C connector, or a micro-USB connector. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a USB plug or socket that allows the aerosol generating device to be connected to another USB-enabled device. The USB plug or socket may allow the aerosol generating device to be connected to a USB charging device to allow the device to be recharged. The USB plug or socket may support data transfer to or from the aerosol generating device, or both. The aerosol generating device may be connectable to a computer to transfer data, such as a new heating profile, to the aerosol generating device.

In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device comprises a USB plug or socket, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a removable cover that covers the USB plug or socket when not in use. In embodiments in which the USB plug or socket is a USB plug, the USB plug may additionally or alternatively be selectively retractable within the device.

The charging circuit may include a wireless charging circuit configured to wirelessly receive a power supply from an external device to recharge the power source. The wireless charging circuit may be provided as an alternative to the charging electrical contacts. The aerosol generating device may include both the charging electrical contacts and the wireless charging circuit to enable recharging of the power source via the charging electrical contacts and the wireless charging circuit.

The aerosol generating device may include a charging indicator positioned on the second housing portion, the charging indicator configured to provide a user with a visual indication of the amount of charge stored in the power source. Advantageously, the charging indicator can assist the user in planning when to recharge the power source.

The charging indicator may comprise a segmented display. For example, the charging indicator may comprise a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the charging indicator being configured to illuminate some of the LEDs to represent the amount of charge stored in the power source.

The aerosol generating device may include a user input for activating the charging indicator. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a push button located on the second housing portion and configured to activate the charging indicator.

The power source may be a DC voltage supply. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. For example, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt (LCO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), or lithium polymer battery (LiPo). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source is preferably rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for multiple uses of the aerosol generating device.

The power source may be a first power source, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a second power source positioned within the first housing portion. Advantageously, the second power source may facilitate heating the heater when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion.

The control circuit is preferably configured to control the supply of power from the second power source to the heater.

The control circuit may be configured to provide power from the first power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating phase and the main heating phase. The control circuit may be configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating phase and the normal heating phase. The control circuit may be configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating phase and the normal heating phase when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The control circuit may be configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating phase and the normal heating phase when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion. The control circuit may be configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating phase and the normal heating phase only when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion.

The control circuitry is preferably configured to provide power from the first power source to the heater during the pre-heating and main heating stages when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The control circuitry is preferably configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater during the pre-heating and main heating stages when the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion. Advantageously, this may allow a user to use an aerosol-generating article received within the chamber without maintaining the first housing portion attached to the second housing portion.

The control circuitry is preferably configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater to complete the preheat phase in response to detecting removal of the second housing portion from the first housing portion during the preheat phase. Advantageously, this may facilitate completion of the preheat phase in the event that a user removes the first housing portion from the second housing portion before the preheat phase is completed.

The control circuit may be configured to supply power to the heater from a first power source during the preheat phase and to supply power to the heater from a second power source during the main heating phase.

The control circuit is preferably configured to supply power from the first power source or the second power source to the heater during the preheat phase to heat the heater or susceptor to an operating temperature.

The control circuit is preferably configured to supply power to the heater from the first power source or the second power source during the main heating phase to maintain the temperature of the heater within an operating temperature range.

The second power source is preferably a rechargeable power source. The control circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power from the first power source to the second power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion to recharge the second power source. In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes a charging circuitry, the charging circuitry may be configured to control the recharging of the second power source.

In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes first and second electrical contacts, the second power source may be configured to receive power via the first and second electrical contacts.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to wirelessly transfer power from the first power source to the second power source to recharge the second power source.

The first power source may have a first charge storage capacity and the second power source may have a second charge storage capacity. The first charge storage capacity may be different from the second charge storage capacity.

The first charge storage capacity is preferably greater than the second charge storage capacity. Advantageously, providing a small charge storage capacity for the second power source may facilitate providing a smaller size of the first housing portion than the second housing portion. Advantageously, this may facilitate use of the first housing portion when the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion. The second charge storage capacity is preferably sufficient to heat the heater or susceptor for a total number of smoking experiences. For example, the second charge storage capacity may be sufficient to heat the heater or susceptor for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 smoking experiences.

The first housing portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the cylindrical shape may facilitate use of the first housing portion when the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion. The cylindrical shape may be an ergonomic shape. The cylindrical shape may mimic the holding of a conventional cigarette or cigar with a lit end.

The second housing portion preferably includes a sidewall arranged to engage with the first housing portion when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. In embodiments in which the first housing portion has a cylindrical shape, the second housing portion sidewall preferably has a concave shape. A portion of the cylindrical shape of the first housing portion is preferably received within the concave shape of the second housing portion sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The second housing portion sidewall may have a semicircular concave shape. The second housing portion sidewall may have a V-shape, a triangular shape, or a rectangular shape.

The aerosol generating device may include a magnetic connection arranged to removably attach the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

The magnetic connection portion may comprise at least one magnetic element. Preferably, the magnetic connection portion comprises a plurality of magnetic elements. Advantageously, a plurality of magnetic elements may facilitate a user to correctly orient the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion when attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

The magnetic connection portion preferably comprises at least one first magnetic element positioned on the first housing portion and at least one second magnetic element positioned on the second housing portion, the at least one second magnetic element being arranged to engage with the at least one first magnetic element when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

The magnetic connection portion preferably includes a plurality of first magnetic elements and a plurality of second magnetic elements.

Each first magnetic element may comprise one or more magnets. Each second magnetic element may comprise one or more magnets.

Each first magnetic element is preferably positioned on a sidewall of the first housing portion. The magnetic connection preferably comprises first magnetic elements positioned at an upper end and a lower end of the first housing portion sidewall. In some embodiments, the magnetic connection comprises two first magnetic elements positioned at an upper end of the first housing portion sidewall and two first magnetic elements positioned at a lower end of the first housing portion sidewall.

Each second magnetic element is preferably positioned on a sidewall of the second housing portion. The magnetic connection preferably comprises second magnetic elements positioned at the upper and lower ends of the second housing portion sidewall. In some embodiments, the magnetic connection comprises two second magnetic elements positioned at the upper end of the second housing portion sidewall and two second magnetic elements positioned at the lower end of the second housing portion sidewall.

The alignment of the polarity of the magnetic elements at the upper ends of the first and second housing portion side walls is preferably different from the alignment of the polarity of the magnetic elements at the lower ends of the first and second housing portion side walls. Advantageously, this can prevent a user from attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion in an incorrect orientation.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a feedback device arranged to provide feedback to a user.
The feedback device may comprise an audio feedback device.The feedback device may comprise a tactile feedback device.
The feedback device may comprise a visual feedback device.

The visual feedback device may comprise at least one light emitting diode.
The at least one light emitting diode may comprise a first array of one or more light emitting diodes and a second array of one or more light emitting diodes.
The first array of one or more light emitting diodes may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes.The first array of light emitting diodes may comprise a chip-on-board (COB) array of light emitting diodes.

The first array of light emitting diodes forms a segmented display.
The first array of one or more light emitting diodes may have an annular shape, preferably a circular annular shape.

The first housing portion or the second housing portion preferably defines a first window overlying the first array of one or more light emitting diodes. The first window may have an annular shape. Preferably, the annular shape is a circular annular shape.

The first window may be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent. The term transparent is used herein to refer to the transmission of one or more wavelengths of light without substantial scattering. The term translucent is used herein to refer to the transmission of one or more wavelengths of light with scattering.

In embodiments in which the first array of one or more light emitting diodes has an annular shape, the second array of one or more light emitting diodes may be positioned inside the annular shape, and preferably the second array of one or more light emitting diodes is positioned concentrically with the annular shape.
The second array of one or more light emitting diodes may be a single light emitting diode.
The second array of one or more light emitting diodes may have a circular shape.

The first housing portion or the second housing portion preferably defines a second window overlying the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

The second window may be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent. The second window may have a circular shape.

The visual feedback device may be located on the second housing portion. The visual feedback device may be located at a first end of the second housing portion. The second housing portion is preferably arranged such that when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, the first end of the second housing portion and the first end of the first housing portion together define a first end of the aerosol generating device. The first end of the first housing portion preferably defines an opening for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber.

The control circuitry is preferably configured to control the visual feedback device to provide feedback to a user during use of the aerosol generating device. The control circuitry is preferably configured to separately control the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

The control circuitry may be configured to control at least one of the color, brightness, number of illuminated light emitting diodes, and illumination sequence of each of the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

In an embodiment in which the first array of one or more light emitting diodes is a segmented display, the control circuitry may be configured to control the segmented display to display at least one of progress in a preheat phase, progress in a current usage session, and a remaining charge level of the power source.

The control circuitry may be configured to control the second array of one or more light emitting diodes to indicate a current operating mode of the aerosol generating device. The current operating mode may be selectable from a list of modes including a standby mode, a device powered on mode, a preheat phase, a main heating phase, a normal heating mode, a boost heating mode, and an end of use session mode.

The aerosol generating device may include a user input device. The user input device may be integrated with a feedback device. The user input device may be positioned on the first housing portion or the second housing portion using a visual feedback device.

The user input device may have an annular shape. In embodiments in which the visual feedback device comprises a first array of one or more light emitting diodes having an annular shape, the user input device may be positioned between the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. The user input device is preferably positioned concentrically with the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

The user input device may include at least one of an optical sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, and a resistive touch sensor.

The control circuitry is preferably configured to receive a signal from a user input device, the signal being indicative of a user input. The control circuitry is preferably further configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device based on the signal received from the user input device.

The control circuitry may be located within at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The control circuitry may be located within the first housing portion. The control circuitry may be located within the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device may include a control circuitry located within the first housing portion and a control circuitry located within the second housing portion.

The second housing portion may be removable from the first housing portion by hand. In other words, the second housing portion may be removable from the first housing portion by a user without requiring the use of tools.

The second housing portion may be removable from the first housing portion by using a tool.

The heater is preferably an electric heater.

The heater may be an induction heater. In use, the induction heater inductively heats the at least one susceptor material to heat an aerosol-forming substrate received within the chamber. The at least one susceptor material may form part of an aerosol-generating device. The at least one susceptor material may form part of an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate.

The induction heater may comprise at least one induction coil extending around at least a portion of the chamber such that when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the chamber, at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the at least one induction coil.

The induction heater may comprise a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils.
The induction heater may be a first induction heater, and the aerosol generating device comprises a third housing part defining a chamber for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate and a second induction heater positioned within the third housing part, the second housing part configured for removably mounting to the third housing part, and the second induction heater being different from the first induction heater.

Advantageously, providing a third housing portion with a different induction heater may facilitate use of the aerosol generating device with a wider range of aerosol generating articles. Advantageously, providing different induction heaters in the first and third housing portions facilitates use of a common second housing portion.

The first induction heater may include a first induction coil having a first number of turns and the second induction heater may include a second induction coil having a second number of turns, the first number of turns being different from the second number of turns.

The first induction heater may include a first number of induction coils and the second induction heater may include a second number of induction coils, the first number of induction coils being different from the second number of induction coils. The first induction heater may include a single induction coil and the second induction heater may include only two induction coils or multiple induction coils.

The aerosol generating device may include a data storage device and a plurality of control programs stored on the data storage device. The control circuitry may be configured to select and execute one of the control programs depending on the type of heater connected to the second housing portion. For example, the control circuitry may select and execute a first control program when the first housing portion is attached to the second housing portion, and the control circuitry may select and execute a second control program when the third housing portion is attached to the second housing portion, the second control program being different from the first control program.

The third housing portion may include any of the optional or preferred components or features described herein with respect to the first housing portion.

The aerosol generating device may include a layer of material positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part.

The layer of material may be at least one of a magnetic material and an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the layer of material forms a magnetic shield.

Advantageously, in embodiments in which the heater comprises an induction heater, the magnetic shield can protect one or more electrical components within the second housing portion from electromagnetic fields generated by the induction heater during use.

Advantageously, in embodiments in which the heater comprises an induction heater and the aerosol generating device is configured for wireless recharging of at least one of the first power source and the second power source, the magnetic shield can reduce or prevent induction of current in the induction heater by the wireless recharging arrangement.

The layer of material is preferably positioned between the heater and the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part.

The second housing portion may be configured to attach to the first housing portion along a sidewall of the second housing portion. The layer of material preferably covers at least about 25 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 30 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 40 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 50 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 60 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 70 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 75 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 80 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover at least about 90 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The layer of material may cover substantially the entire sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

The layer of material may be attached to the first housing portion, the second housing portion, or both the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

The layer of material may be attached to the heater within the first housing portion.

The first housing portion preferably defines an opening for inserting an aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cover movable between an open position in which the aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into the chamber and a closed position in which insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber is prevented. The aerosol generating device may comprise a cover actuator comprising a rotatable portion configured such that rotation of the rotatable portion moves the cover between the open and closed positions.

The rotatable portion is preferably rotatable in a first direction to move the cover from the open position to the closed position. The rotatable portion is preferably rotatable in a second direction to move the cover from the closed position to the open position. Preferably, the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

The cover may include a plurality of movable elements. The cover may include an iris mechanism. Advantageously, the iris mechanism may be partially closed to engage an aerosol-generating article inserted into the chamber to grasp and retain the aerosol-generating article within the chamber.

The aerosol-forming substrate is receivable within the chamber in the longitudinal direction, and the rotatable portion is preferably rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The second opening may be defined by a rotatable portion, and the aerosol-generating article is receivable into the chamber through the second opening.

The aerosol generating device may include a first button and a second button at respective locations on the first housing portion or the second housing portion. The first button may have at least one of a different size and a different shape than the second button. Advantageously, providing the first and second buttons with at least one of a different size and a different shape may facilitate tactile identification of the buttons by a user.

The first button may be configured to activate a first function of the aerosol generating device. The second button may be configured to activate a second function of the aerosol generating device, the first function being different from the second function.

The first function may be a first heating profile. The second function may be a second heating profile. The first heating profile may be different from the second heating profile. The first function may be a normal heating mode. The second function may be a boost heating mode. The first heating profile may be associated with a first type of aerosol-generating article. The second heating profile may be associated with a second type of aerosol-generating article.

The control circuitry may have a low power mode and an operating mode that uses more power than the low power mode. The control circuitry may be configured to transition from the low power mode to the operating mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and the second button.
The control circuitry may be configured to activate the first function in response to detecting activation of the first button for a predetermined period of time.
The control circuitry may be configured to activate a second function in response to detecting activation of a second button for a predetermined period of time.

The aerosol generating device may be a heated non-combustion type device.
Preferably the heater is arranged to heat a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably the heater is arranged to heat a tobacco plug.

The chamber is preferably arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.The chamber is preferably arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a tobacco plug.
The chamber preferably has a tubular shape, and may have a diameter of about 6.5 millimeters to about 8.0 millimeters.

The heater may be located outside the chamber.
A heater may be positioned within the chamber.
The heater may be in the form of a coil.
The heater may be arranged to extend around an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article received within the chamber. The heater may extend into the chamber. The heater may be arranged to be received within the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the chamber. The heater may be an elongated heater. The heater may be blade shaped. The heater may be pin shaped. The heater may be cone shaped.
The heater may comprise an induction heater, as described herein.
The heater may comprise a resistive heater element, in use, an electrical current is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat by resistive heating.

Suitable materials for forming the resistive heater element include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites 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, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys.

In some embodiments, the resistive heater element comprises one or more stamped sections of an electrically resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the resistive heater element may comprise a heating wire or filament (e.g., Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire).

The heater may comprise an electrically insulating substrate, with the resistive heater element being provided on the electrically insulating substrate. The electrically insulating substrate may be a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina. The electrically insulating substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 2 watts per metre per kelvin or less.

The control circuitry is preferably arranged to provide power to the heater in accordance with a predetermined heating cycle when the aerosol generating device is used to heat an aerosol-generating article received in the chamber. The heating cycle may include a pre-heating phase followed by a main heating phase as described herein.

In embodiments in which the heater comprises a resistive heater element, the control circuitry may be arranged to power the resistive heater element in response to a predetermined pyrolysis cycle to clean the heater when there are no aerosol-generating articles received in the chamber. The pyrolysis cycle may clean the heater by pyrolysis of residue remaining on the heater after use of the aerosol-generating device to heat one or more aerosol-generating articles. Generally, the maximum temperature to which the heater is heated during a pyrolysis cycle is higher than the maximum temperature to which the heater is heated during a heating cycle for heating the aerosol-generating articles. Generally, the total duration of the pyrolysis cycle is less than the total duration of the heating cycle.

Each of the first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the third housing portion may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites comprising one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and not brittle.

The aerosol generating device preferably comprises at least one air inlet, preferably in fluid communication with the chamber.
The aerosol generating device may include a sensor for detecting airflow indicative of a user taking a puff. The airflow sensor may be an electromechanical device. The airflow sensor may be any of a mechanical device, an optical device, an opto-mechanical device, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based sensor. The aerosol generating device may include a manually operable switch for a user to initiate a puff.

The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may detect the temperature of the heater or the temperature of the aerosol generating article received in the chamber. The temperature sensor may be a thermistor. The temperature sensor may include circuitry configured to measure the resistivity of the heater and derive the temperature of the heater by comparing the measured resistivity to a calibration curve of resistivity versus temperature.

Advantageously, deriving the temperature of the heater may facilitate control of the temperature to which the heater is heated during use. The control circuit may be configured to adjust the supply of power to the heater in response to changes in the measured resistivity of the heater.

Advantageously, deriving the heater temperature may facilitate detection of puffing. For example, a measured decrease in heater temperature may correspond to a user puffing or inhaling at the aerosol generating device.

The present disclosure also provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco plug.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one susceptor element. At least one of the susceptor elements is preferably in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. At least one of the susceptor elements may comprise one or more strips of susceptor material embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate. At least one of the susceptor elements may comprise one or more particles of susceptor material embedded within the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article preferably has a cylindrical shape and may have a diameter of from about 6.5 millimeters to about 7.0 millimeters.
Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a length of from about 70 millimeters to about 80 millimeters.
The aerosol-generating article preferably has a mass of from about 570 milligrams to about 630 milligrams.
The aerosol-generating article preferably has a withdrawal resistance of about 30 mm of water column to about 45 mm of water column.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco plug. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also include a capsule, for example, containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed before, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may comprise a cellulose acetate filter plug.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may also be an aerosol generating device as described herein. The method includes manufacturing a power module comprising a control circuit and a power source. The method also includes manufacturing a heater module comprising an induction heater. The method also includes mounting the power module to the heater module. The method also includes programming the power module according to the type of heater module that is or will be mounted to the power module. The programming step may be performed before or after the mounting step.

The heater module may include a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils.
The heater module may be a first heater module, and the induction heater is a first induction heater with a single induction coil. The method may further include manufacturing a second heater module with a second induction heater, the second induction heater with only two induction coils or multiple induction coils. Attaching the power supply module to the heater module may include attaching either the first heater module or the second heater module to the power supply module.

The power supply module may include a data storage device and a plurality of control programs stored on the data storage device. The programming process may include the control circuit selecting one of the control programs depending on the type of heater module attached to the power supply module.

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

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

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention with the cover in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the cover in an open position. FIG. 3 is a top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, showing a state in which the first housing part is attached to the second housing part. 4 is a top view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the first housing portion detached from the second housing portion. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the first housing portion attached to the second housing portion and an aerosol-generating article received within the chamber. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the first housing portion removed from the second housing portion and an aerosol-generating article received within the chamber. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1 with the first housing portion replaced by a third housing portion.

Example 1: An aerosol generating device comprising:
a first housing portion and a second housing portion defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the second housing portion being configured for removably attachment to the first housing portion;
a heater positioned within the first housing portion;
a power source positioned within the second housing portion;
and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 2: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 1, further comprising an interface for attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

Example 3: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 2, wherein the interface has a slot arranged to receive at least a portion of the first housing portion or at least a portion of the second housing portion.

Example 4: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 2 or 3, wherein the interface includes a latch element arranged to removably attach and hold the second housing portion to the first housing portion.

Example 5: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 4, wherein the interface further comprises a release element arranged to disengage the latch element.

Example 6: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the interface comprises a first magnetic element on the first housing portion and a second magnetic element on the second housing portion, the second magnetic element being positioned to engage with the first magnetic element when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 7: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chamber defines a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article, the first housing portion defines an opening at an end of the cavity, and the opening is located at the first end of the first housing portion.

Example 88: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7, wherein the first housing portion has a second end opposite the first end and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end, and the second housing portion is configured for removable attachment to the at least one side wall.

Example 9: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a first electrical contact positioned on the first housing portion and a second electrical contact positioned on the second housing portion, the second electrical contact configured to engage with the first electrical contact when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, and optionally, the control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater via the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 10: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, and the aerosol generating device comprises a charging circuit positioned within the second housing portion and configured to control the supply of power received from an external device to recharge the power source.

Example 11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the power source is a first power source and the aerosol generating device further comprises a second power source positioned within the first housing portion.

Example 12: The system described in Example 11, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a control circuit configured to control the power supply from the second power source to the heater.

Example 13: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from a first power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating stage and the main heating stage, and the control circuit is configured to supply power from a second power source to the heater during at least one of the preheating stage and the main heating stage.

Example 14: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the first power source to the heater during a pre-heating phase when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, and the control circuit is configured to supply power from the second power source to the heater during a main heating phase when the second housing portion is detached from the first housing portion.

Example 15: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 14, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the second power source to the heater in response to detecting removal of the second housing portion from the first housing portion during the preheating phase to complete the preheating phase.

Example 16: An aerosol generating device as described in Examples 13, 14 or 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power to the heater from the first power source or the second power source during the preheating phase to heat the heater or susceptor to an operating temperature.

Example 17: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 13 to 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power to the heater from the first power source or the second power source during the main heating phase to maintain the temperature of the heater within the operating temperature range.

Example 18: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 11 to 17, wherein the second power source is a rechargeable power source, and the control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from the first power source to the second power source for recharging the second power source when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 19: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 18, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to wirelessly transfer power from a first power source to a second power source to recharge the second power source.

Example 20: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 11 to 19, in which the first power source has a first charge storage capacity, the second power source has a second charge storage capacity, and the first charge storage capacity is different from the second charge storage capacity.

Example 21: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 20, wherein the first charge storage capacity is greater than the second charge storage capacity.

Example 22: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first housing portion has a cylindrical shape.

Example 23: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second housing portion has a sidewall arranged to engage with the first housing portion when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, and the second housing portion sidewall has a concave shape.

Example 24: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 23, in which the second housing portion side wall has a semicircular concave shape.

Example 25: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a feedback device arranged to provide feedback to a user.

Example 26: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 25, wherein the feedback device comprises a visual feedback device.

Example 27: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein the visual feedback device comprises at least one light-emitting diode.

Example 28: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 27, wherein the at least one light emitting diode comprises a first array of one or more light emitting diodes and a second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

Example 29: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 28, wherein the first array of one or more light-emitting diodes includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

Example 30: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29, wherein the first array of light-emitting diodes comprises a chip-on-board (COB) array of light-emitting diodes.

Example 31: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 29 or Example 30, wherein the first array of light emitting diodes forms a segmented display.

Example 32: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 28 to 31, wherein the first array of one or more light-emitting diodes has an annular shape.

Example 33: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 28 to 32, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion defines a first window overlying a first array of one or more light-emitting diodes.

Example 34: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33, wherein the first window has an annular shape.

Example 35: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 33 or Example 34, wherein the first window is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent.

Example 36: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32 or Example 34, wherein the annular shape is a circular annular shape.

Example 37: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 32, Example 34 or Example 35, wherein a second array of one or more light emitting diodes is positioned inside the annular shape.

Example 38: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 37, wherein a second array of one or more light emitting diodes is positioned concentrically about the annular shape.

Example 39: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 28 to 38, wherein the second array of one or more light-emitting diodes is a single light-emitting diode.

Example 40: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 28 to 39, wherein the second array of one or more light-emitting diodes has a circular shape.

Example 41: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 28 to 40, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion defines a second window overlying the second array of one or more light-emitting diodes.

Example 42: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 41, wherein the second window is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent.

Example 43: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 41 or 42, wherein the second window has a circular shape.

Example 44: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 26 to 43, wherein the visual feedback device is positioned on the second housing portion.

Example 45: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 44, wherein the visual feedback device is positioned at the first end of the second housing portion.

Example 46: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 45, wherein the second housing portion is positioned such that when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, the first end of the second housing portion and the first end of the first housing portion together define a first end of the aerosol generating device.

Example 47: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 26 to 46, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the visual feedback device to provide feedback to the user during use of the aerosol generating device.

Example 48: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 47 in combination with Example 28, wherein the control circuit is configured to separately control a first array of one or more light-emitting diodes and a second array of one or more light-emitting diodes.

Example 49: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48, wherein the control circuit is configured to control at least one of the color, brightness, number of illuminated light-emitting diodes, and illumination sequence of each of the first array of one or more light-emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light-emitting diodes.

Example 50: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48 or Example 49, in combination with Example 31, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the segmented display to display at least one of progress in the pre-heating phase, progress in the main heating phase, progress in the current usage session, and the remaining charge level of the power source.

Example 51: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 48, Example 49 or Example 50, wherein the control circuit is configured to control a second array of one or more light emitting diodes to indicate a current operating mode of the aerosol generating device.

Example 52: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 51, wherein the current operating mode is selectable from a list of modes including a standby mode, a device power on mode, a preheating phase, a main heating phase, a normal heating mode, a boost heating mode, and an end of use session mode.

Example 53: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 25 to 52, further comprising a user input device, the user input device being integrated with the feedback device.

Example 54: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 53 in combination with Example 26, wherein the user input device is positioned on the first housing portion or the second housing portion using a visual feedback device.

Example 55: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 54 in combination with Example 38, wherein the user input device has an annular shape and the user input device is positioned between the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

Example 56: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 55, wherein the user input device is positioned concentrically with the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes.

Example 57: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 53 to 56, wherein the user input device includes at least one of an optical sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, and a resistive touch sensor.

Example 58: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 53 to 57, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive a signal from a user input device, the signal being indicative of a user input, and the control circuit is further configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device based on the signal received from the user input device.

Example 59: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the control circuit is positioned within at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

Example 60: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second housing portion is manually removable from the first housing portion by a user without the need for the use of a tool, or the second housing portion is removable from the first housing portion by the use of a tool.

Example 61: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heater is an induction heater.

Example 62: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 61, wherein the induction heater comprises a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils.

Example 63: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 61, wherein the induction heater is a first induction heater, and the aerosol generating device comprises a third housing portion defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and a second induction heater positioned within the third housing portion, the second housing portion being configured for removable attachment to the third housing portion, and the second induction heater being different from the first induction heater.

Example 64: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 63, wherein the first induction heater comprises a first induction coil having a first number of turns and the second induction heater comprises a second induction coil having a second number of turns, the first number of turns being different from the second number of turns.

Example 65: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 63 or Example 64, wherein the first induction heater has a first number of induction coils and the second induction heater has a second number of induction coils, and the first number of induction coils is different from the second number of induction coils.

Example 66: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 65, wherein the first induction heater has a single induction coil and the second induction heater has only two induction coils or multiple induction coils.

Example 67: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a layer of material positioned between the first housing portion and the second housing portion when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 67A: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 67, wherein the layer is formed of a material different from the material of the first housing and/or the second housing.

Example 67B: An aerosol generating device described in Example 67 or Example 67A, wherein the layer is formed of a material that is softer than the outer surface of the first housing or the second housing.

Example 67C: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 67 to 67B, wherein the layer is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS), polyethersulfone (PESU), rubber, silicone, polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), copolyester, polysulfone (PSU), thermoplastic polyurethane, soft rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), and nitrile.

Example 67D: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 67 to 67C, wherein the layer is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane, nitrile, or silicone.

Example 67E: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 67 to 67D, wherein the layer has a Shore A hardness in the range of 20 to 80.

Example 67F: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 67 to 67E, wherein the layer has a thickness of about 0.3 millimeters to 3 millimeters, 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, or 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter.

Example 68: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 67, wherein the material is at least one of a magnetic material and a conductive material.

Example 69: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 67 or 68, wherein the layer of material forms a magnetic shield.

Example 70: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 67 to 69, wherein the layer of material is positioned between the heater and the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part.

Example 71: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 67 to 70, wherein the second housing portion is configured to be attached to the first housing portion along a sidewall of the second housing portion, and the layer of material covers at least 25 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion.

Example 72: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 67 to 71, wherein the layer of material is attached to the first housing portion, the second housing portion, or both the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

Example 73: The aerosol generating device comprises: a first housing portion defining an opening for insertion of an aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber;
a cover movable between an open position in which an aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into the chamber and a closed position in which insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber is prevented;
The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a cover actuator comprising a rotatable portion configured such that rotation of the rotatable portion moves the cover between an open position and a closed position.

Example 74: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 73, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatable in a first direction to move the cover from an open position to a closed position.

Example 75: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 74, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatable in a second direction to move the cover from a closed position to an open position, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

Example 76: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 73, 74 or 75, wherein the cover has a plurality of movable elements.

Example 77: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 73 to 76, wherein the cover is provided with an iris mechanism.

Example 78: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 73 to 77, in which the aerosol-forming substrate can be received in the chamber in the longitudinal direction, and the rotatable portion can be rotated about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Example 79: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the second opening is defined by a rotatable portion and the aerosol generating article is receivable into the chamber through the second opening.

Example 80: A computing system as described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a first button and a second button at each position on the first housing portion or the second housing portion, the first button having at least one of a different size and a different shape than the second button, the first button configured to activate a first function of the aerosol generating device, and the second button configured to activate a second function of the aerosol generating device, the first function being different from the second function.

Example 81: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 80, wherein the first function is a first heating profile.

Example 82: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 81, wherein the second function is a second heating profile.

Example 83: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 82, wherein the first heating profile is different from the second heating profile.

Example 84: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 80 to 83, wherein the control circuit has a low power mode and an operating mode that uses more power than the low power mode.

Example 85: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 84, wherein the control circuit is configured to transition from the low power mode to the operating mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and the second button.

Example 86: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 80 to 85, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate a first function in response to detecting activation of the first button for a predetermined length of time.

Example 87: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 80 to 86, wherein the control circuit is configured to activate a second function in response to detecting activation of the second button for a predetermined length of time.

Example 88: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device is a heating non-combustion type device.

Example 89: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heater is arranged to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 90: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the heater is arranged to heat the tobacco plug.

Example 91: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chamber is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 92: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chamber is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article comprising a tobacco plug.

Example 93: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chamber is tubular in shape.

Example 94: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 93, in which the tubular shape has a diameter of 6.5 millimeters to 8.0 millimeters.

Example 94A: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first housing portion comprises a battery.

Example 94B: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 94A, in which the battery is located below the heater.

Example 94C: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 94A or 94B, wherein the battery is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first housing portion.

Example 94D: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 94A or 94B, wherein the battery is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first housing portion.

Example 94D: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 94A to 94D, wherein the airflow channel extends along one side of the battery.

Example 94E: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 94A to 94E, wherein the multiple airflow channels extend around the sides of the battery.

Example 94F: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 94D or Example 94E, wherein the airflow channel or multiple airflow channels feed into a funnel, and optionally the airflow channel or multiple airflow channels feed into a first inlet of the funnel that is wider than the second outlet of the funnel.

Example 94G: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first housing portion includes an air intake at a base of the first housing portion opposite the end of the aerosol generating device that receives the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 94H: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the first housing portion includes an air intake in a sidewall of the first housing portion that is perpendicular to an end face of the aerosol generating device that receives the aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 94I: An aerosol generating device described in any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a magnetic shield within the first housing portion, the magnetic shield being positioned between the heater and the second housing portion.

Example 95: An aerosol generating system comprising:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments;
an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate;

Example 96: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 95, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example 97: An aerosol generating system as described in Example 95 or Example 96, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a tobacco plug.

Example 98: An aerosol generating article described in any one of Examples 95 to 97, wherein the aerosol generating system includes at least one susceptor element.

Example 99: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 95 to 98, wherein the aerosol generating article has a substantially cylindrical shape.

Example 100: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 95 to 99, wherein the aerosol generating article has a diameter of 6.5 millimeters to 7.0 millimeters.

Example 101: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 95 to 100, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length of 70 millimeters to 80 millimeters.

Example 102: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 95 to 101, wherein the aerosol generating article has a mass of 570 milligrams to 630 milligrams.

Example 103: An aerosol generating system described in any one of Examples 95 to 102, wherein the aerosol generating article has a withdrawal resistance of 30 millimeters of water column to 45 millimeters of water column.

Example 104: A method for producing an aerosol generating device, comprising:
Manufacturing a power module comprising a control circuit and a power source;
Manufacturing a heater module comprising an induction heater;
attaching a power module to the heater module;
and programming the power module according to a type of heater module that is or has been attached to the power module.

Example 105: The manufacturing method described in Example 104, wherein the heater module includes a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils.

Example 106 The method of manufacturing as described in example 104, wherein the heater module is a first heater module, the induction heater is a first induction heater having a single induction coil, and the method further comprises:
The method further includes manufacturing a second heater module comprising a second induction heater, the second induction heater comprising only two induction coils or a plurality of induction coils, and the step of attaching the power supply module to the heater module includes attaching either the first heater module or the second heater module to the power supply module.

Example 107: The manufacturing method described in Example 106, wherein the power supply module further comprises a data storage device and a plurality of control programs stored on the data storage device, and the programming step includes the control circuit selecting one of the control programs depending on the type of heater module attached to the power supply module.

Example 108: The manufacturing method described in any one of Examples 104 to 107, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 94.

1-7 show an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a housing 12 comprising a first housing portion 14 and a second housing portion 16. The second housing portion 16 is configured for removably mounting to the first housing portion 14. A first electrical contact 52 is positioned on the first housing portion 14 and a second electrical contact 62 is positioned on the second housing portion 16. The first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62 are arranged to contact each other when the second housing portion 16 is mounted to the first housing portion 14. The first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62 may each comprise multiple electrical contacts, such as a positive power connection, a negative power connection, and one or more data connections.

The aerosol generating device 10 also comprises a charging circuit 19 and a first power source 20 located within the second housing part 16. The first power source 20 is a power supply source including a rechargeable battery. The first power source 20 may be referred to as a main power source. A charging electrical contact 49 in the form of a USB-C connector is included at an end of the second housing part 16 and is configured to receive a power supply from an external device. The charging circuit 19 is configured to control the supply of power received from the external device to recharge the first power source 20.

The first housing portion 14 defines a chamber 32 in the form of a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article 80 and an opening 34 located at an end of the cavity. The opening 34 is located at a first end of the first housing portion 14. When the aerosol generating article 80 is received within the cavity, the aerosol generating article 80 and the aerosol generating device 10 together form an aerosol generating system.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a heater in the form of a tubular susceptor element 22 and an induction coil 23. The tubular susceptor element 22 is formed of an iron material having a nickel coating. The susceptor element 22 is positioned within the chamber 32 and is supported and held in place within the chamber 32 by a susceptor holder 35. The induction coil 23 surrounds the chamber 32. The susceptor element 22 and the induction coil 23 are located within the first housing portion 14.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a control circuit including a first controller 18 and a second power source 30 positioned within the first housing portion 14. The second power source 30 may be referred to as an auxiliary power source.

The control circuit also includes a second controller 38 positioned within the second housing portion 14.

The first and second buttons 27, 28 are positioned on the side wall of the second housing portion 14. The first button 27 is larger than the second button 28.

The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a cover 100 and a cover actuator having a rotatable portion 102.

The cover 100 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In FIG. 2, the cover 100 is shown in the open position. In the open position, the chamber 32 is open and the aerosol-generating article 80 can be received in the chamber 32 through the first opening 34. In FIG. 1, the cover 100 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the cover 100 closes the chamber 32. This prevents dust and dirt from entering the chamber 32. When the cover 100 is in the closed position, it is not possible to receive the aerosol-generating article 80 in the chamber 32 through the first opening 34.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cover 100 includes a number of movable elements 116 in the form of an iris mechanism. Rotation of the rotatable portion 102 moves the movable elements 116 to open and close the iris mechanism.

The aerosol-generating article 80 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 82 in the form of a solid tobacco-containing substrate. The aerosol-generating article 80 further comprises a mouth end 84 that projects from the chamber 32 through the opening 34.

The rotatable portion 102 is ring-shaped and includes a second opening 104 concentric with the first opening 34. When the aerosol-generating article 80 is received within the cavity, the aerosol-generating article 80 is received through the second opening 104 and then through the first opening 34. The aerosol-generating article 80 is receivable within the chamber 32 along a longitudinal axis represented by the dashed line 101 in FIG. 2.

The cover actuator is configured such that rotation of the rotatable portion 102 moves the cover 100 between a closed position and an open position. In particular, the rotatable portion 102 is rotatable about an axis of rotation corresponding to the longitudinal axis 101. The rotatable portion 102 is rotatable about 90 degrees between a first position in which the cover is in a closed position and a second position in which the cover is in an open position. Rotation of the rotatable portion 102 from the first position moves the cover from the closed position to the open position and vice versa. The rotatable portion 102 may include a raised portion or a recessed portion. This is shown as the raised portion 103 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The raised portion or the recessed portion may assist a user in gripping the rotatable portion 102 with his or her fingers. The raised portion or the recessed portion may extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101. The raised portion or the recessed portion may be located on an outer side wall of the rotatable portion 102. The raised or recessed portion may extend from the lower end to the upper end of the rotatable portion, preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 101.

Figures 3 and 4 show top views of the aerosol generating device 10. Figures 5 and 6 show perspective views of the aerosol generating device 10. The first housing portion 14 defines a cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article 80 is partially received within the chamber 32 with the mouth end 84 of the aerosol generating article 80 protruding from the chamber 32. While the aerosol generating article 80 is received within the chamber 32, the cover 100 is in an open position.

4 and 6 show a configuration in which the first housing portion 14 is removed from the second housing portion 16. The second housing portion 16 of the side wall 17 defines a semicircular concave shape 110. The diameter of the semicircular concave shape 110 is only slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical first housing portion 14. In this manner, the first housing portion 14 can be received in the semicircular concave shape 110 to engage the first housing portion 14 with the second housing portion 16.

The interface between the first housing portion 14 and the second housing portion 16 (not shown) can be used to removably attach the two portions together. The interface relies on an interference fit or a magnetic connection.

Both the main power source 20 and the auxiliary power source 30 take the form of rechargeable batteries. The main power source 20 has a greater capacity for storing electrical energy than the auxiliary power source 30. In particular, the main power source 20 stores enough energy for multiple use sessions, while the auxiliary power source 30 stores enough energy for the main heating phase of one or more use sessions, such as one, two, three, four, five or six use sessions.

The second controller 38 is configured to initiate a usage session when the user presses the first button 27. The second housing part 16 should be attached to the first housing part 14 when the user initiates the usage session.

The second controller 38 is configured to control the supply of power from the main power supply 20. After the start of a use session, the second controller 38 is configured to control the supply of power from the main power supply to the induction coil 23 as a high frequency fluctuating current via the first electrical contact 52 and the second electrical contact 62. During use, the power supplied to the induction coil of the inductor generates a changing magnetic field that inductively heats the tubular susceptor element 22.

The use session is divided into an initial pre-heat phase followed by a main heating phase. The second controller 38 is configured to control power to the induction coil 23 during the pre-heat phase. The pre-heat phase has high power requirements because the susceptor element 22 (and the received aerosol-generating article 80) must be rapidly brought up to the target temperature at which aerosol is generated during the pre-heat phase.

The second controller 38 is configured to terminate the preheating phase after a predetermined period of time or when it is detected that the susceptor element has reached a predetermined temperature. At the end of the preheating phase, the second controller 38 is configured to stop the supply of power from the main power supply 20 to the induction coil 23. The main heating phase then begins.

The first controller 18 is configured to initiate the supply of power from the auxiliary power source 30 to the induction coil 23 during the main heating phase.

The user can then detach the first housing part 14 from the second housing part 16 and use the first housing part 14 separately from the second housing part 16 in response to power from the auxiliary power source 30 to continue to supply a varying current to the induction coil 23 and maintain the temperature of the susceptor element 22 at the target operating temperature.

The second controller 38 is configured to control power to the induction coil 23 during a usage session (including pre-heating and main heating phases) when the first housing part is connected to the second housing part. The main power source may recharge the auxiliary power source at the same time that the main power source powers the heater.

In some embodiments, if the remaining charge level of the main power source is insufficient for one use session, the first or second controller requests charge level information of the auxiliary power source. If the remaining charge level of the auxiliary power source is equal to or greater than one use session, power for the pre-heat and main heating phases is drawn from the auxiliary power source. If the remaining charge level of either the main power source or the auxiliary power source is insufficient to support one use session alone, the controller determines whether the combined remaining charge level of both power sources is sufficient to support one use session. If the total remaining charge level is sufficient for one use session, power for the pre-heat and main heating phases is drawn from both power sources.

The susceptor element 22 heats an aerosol-forming substrate 82 contained within an aerosol-generating article 80 received within the chamber 32. This produces a vapor. The vapor condenses to form an aerosol, which can be inhaled by a user by taking a puff on the mouth end 84 of the aerosol-generating article 80.

The advantage of providing the main power source 20 and the auxiliary power source 30 in this manner is that the auxiliary power source 30 can be a small, lightweight battery. This means that the first housing portion 14 (including the auxiliary power source 30) can be small and lightweight.

When the device 10 is not in use, the second controller 38 is configured to control the power supply from the main power source 20 to charge the auxiliary power source 30. In this way, the auxiliary power source 30 is charged and ready for the next session of use. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a wireless charging device (not shown) for wirelessly charging the auxiliary power source 30 from the main power source 20. To reduce or prevent the induction of fluctuating currents in the induction coil 23 and the susceptor element 22, a layer of material 117 is provided on the side wall 17 of the second housing part 16. The layer of material 117 forms a magnetic shield.

The visual feedback device 60 comprises an outer illumination area 61 and an inner illumination area 62 integrated into the second housing portion 16 of the aerosol generating device 10. The outer illumination area 61 defines a closed annulus that extends about a 360 degree arc and surrounds the inner illumination area 62. The inner illumination array 62 is generally elliptical in shape. Each of the outer illumination array 61 and the inner illumination array 62 has a respective viewing window that forms part of the exterior surface of the housing 20 and is light transmissive.

The second controller 38 is coupled to the outer illumination area 61 and the inner illumination area 62 and is configured to i) selectively illuminate the outer illumination area 61 to generate a first predetermined light radiation communicating first data indicative of a state of the aerosol generating device, and ii) selectively illuminate the inner illumination area 62 to generate a second predetermined light radiation communicating second data indicative of a state of the aerosol generating device. The first data and the second data are different from each other. In particular, the first data is related to a state of progression of an operational stage of the aerosol generating device, and the second data is related to a state of the aerosol generating device.

The first data is communicated by progressively illuminating the outer illumination area 61 around the annulus as the use session progresses. In particular, the outer illumination area 61 is illuminated by a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned around the outer illumination area. The second controller 38 progressively activates successive LEDs throughout the use session to indicate that a percentage of the duration of the use session has elapsed. In another embodiment, the second controller 38 may be configured to increase the brightness of the outer illumination area 61 throughout the use session.

The second data is conveyed by the inner light area 62 being illuminated with a different color. In one embodiment, the second controller is configured to illuminate the inner light area 62 with blue light during a pre-heating phase. The second controller is configured to illuminate the inner light area 62 with green light during a main heating phase. The user may use the color change from blue to green as an indicator to continue the use session by separating the first housing portion 14 from the second housing portion 16 and puffing on the aerosol-generating article 80 received within the chamber 32 of the first housing portion 14.

The aerosol generating device 10 also includes a user input device 63 positioned between the inner illumination area 62 and the outer illumination area 61. The user input device 63 may include a light sensor or a touch sensor, such as a capacitive or resistive sensor. The user input device 63 may be used to control one or more functions of the aerosol generating device 10.

1 and 2, the device includes buttons 27 and 28. The second controller 38 is connected to the first button 27 and the second button 28. It has already been described that the second controller 38 is configured to start the pre-heating phase when it detects the pressing of the button 27. Instead of or in addition to the second controller 38 detecting the pressing of the button 27, the second controller 38 is configured to start the boost heating mode when it detects the pressing of the button 28. In the boost heating mode, the power supplied to the induction coil by both the main power source 20 and the auxiliary power source 30 is increased compared to the normal heating mode. The temperature reached by the susceptor element 22 during both the pre-heating phase and the main heating phase is higher in the boost heating mode than in the normal heating mode. Therefore, the amount of aerosol generated is increased in the boost heating mode. Thus, a user may select the boost heating mode if he or she desires an experience different from the normal experience.

In the boost heating mode, the second controller 38 is configured to illuminate the inner light area 62 with a red light in the main heating stage to indicate to the user that the boost heating mode has been selected.

Figure 7 shows an alternative configuration of the aerosol generating device 10 in which the first housing part 14 is replaced with a third housing part 114. The third housing part 114 is identical to the first housing part 14, except for the heater configuration. In particular, the third housing part 114 includes a first induction coil 23 and a second induction coil 25. During the main heating phase, the first controller 18 may supply power from the auxiliary power supply 30 to each of the first induction coil 23 and the second induction coil 25 independently of each other to facilitate independent heating of different portions of the susceptor element 22. Otherwise, the operation of the configuration of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 7 is identical to the operation of the configuration shown in Figure 1.

Claims (108)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a first housing portion and a second housing portion defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, the first housing portion being configured to be removably attached to the second housing portion;
a heater positioned within the first housing portion;
a power source positioned within the second housing portion;
and a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising an interface for attaching the second housing portion to the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the interface includes a slot arranged to receive at least a portion of the first housing portion or at least a portion of the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the interface includes a latching element arranged to removably attach and hold the second housing portion to the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the interface further comprises a release element arranged to disengage the latch element. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the interface comprises a first magnetic element on the first housing part and a second magnetic element on the second housing part, the second magnetic element being arranged to engage with the first magnetic element when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the chamber defines a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article, the first housing portion defines an opening at an end of the cavity, and the opening is located at a first end of the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the first housing portion has a second end opposite the first end and at least one side wall extending between the first end and the second end, and the second housing portion is configured to be removably attached to the at least one side wall. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a first electrical contact positioned on the first housing part and a second electrical contact positioned on the second housing part, the second electrical contact configured to engage with the first electrical contact when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part, and optionally, a control circuit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater via the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source, the aerosol generating device is positioned within the second housing portion, and the aerosol generating device comprises a charging circuit configured to control the supply of power received from an external device to recharge the power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the power source is a first power source, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a second power source positioned within the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the supply of power from the second power source to the heater. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the first power source to the heater during at least one of a preheating stage and a main heating stage, and the control circuit is configured to supply power from the second power source to the heater during at least one of a preheating stage and a main heating stage. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the first power source to the heater during a pre-heating phase when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part, and the control circuit is configured to supply power from the second power source to the heater during a main heating phase when the second housing part is detached from the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is configured to provide power from the second power source to the heater in response to detecting removal of the second housing portion from the first housing portion during the preheating stage to complete the preheating stage. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the first power source or the second power source to the heater during the preheating stage to heat the heater or susceptor to an operating temperature. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to supply power from the first power source or the second power source to the heater during the main heating stage to maintain the temperature of the heater within an operating temperature range. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the second power source is a rechargeable power source, and the control circuit is configured to control the supply of power from the first power source to the second power source in order to recharge the second power source when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of claim 18, wherein the aerosol generating device is configured to wirelessly transfer power from the first power source to the second power source to recharge the second power source. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first power source has a first charge storage capacity, the second power source has a second charge storage capacity, and the first charge storage capacity is different from the second charge storage capacity. The aerosol generating device of claim 20, wherein the first charge storage capacity is greater than the second charge storage capacity. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the first housing portion has a cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the second housing part has a sidewall arranged to engage with the first housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part, and the second housing part sidewall has a concave shape. The aerosol generating device of claim 23, wherein the second housing portion sidewall has a semicircular concave shape. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a feedback device arranged to provide feedback to a user. The aerosol generating device of claim 25, wherein the feedback device comprises a visual feedback device. The aerosol generating device of claim 26, wherein the visual feedback device comprises at least one light emitting diode. 28. The aerosol generating device of claim 27, wherein the at least one light emitting diode comprises a first array of one or more light emitting diodes and a second array of one or more light emitting diodes. 29. The aerosol generating device of claim 28, wherein the first array of one or more light emitting diodes includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of claim 29, wherein the first light emitting diode array comprises a chip-on-board (COB) light emitting diode array. The aerosol generating device of claim 29 or 30, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes of the first array form a segmented display. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the first array of one or more light emitting diodes has an annular shape. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion defines a first window overlying the first array of one or more light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of claim 33, wherein the first window has an annular shape. The aerosol generating device of claim 33 or 34, wherein the first window is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent. The aerosol generating device of claim 32 or 34, wherein the annular shape is a circular annular shape. The aerosol generating device of claim 32, 34 or 35, wherein the second array of one or more light emitting diodes is positioned inside the annular shape. The aerosol generating device of claim 37, wherein the second array of one or more light emitting diodes is positioned concentrically with the annular shape. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein the second array of one or more light emitting diodes is a single light emitting diode. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 28 to 39, wherein the second array of one or more light emitting diodes has a circular shape. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 28 to 40, wherein the first housing portion or the second housing portion defines a second window overlying the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of claim 41, wherein the second window is transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or semi-translucent. The aerosol generating device of claim 41 or 42, wherein the second window has a circular shape. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 26 to 43, wherein the visual feedback device is positioned on the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 44, wherein the visual feedback device is positioned at a first end of the second housing portion. The aerosol generating device of claim 45, wherein the second housing portion is positioned such that, when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion, the first end of the second housing portion and the first end of the first housing portion together define a first end of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 26 to 46, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the visual feedback device to provide feedback to a user during use of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device of claim 47 in combination with claim 28, wherein the control circuitry is configured to separately control the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of claim 48, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control at least one of the color, brightness, number of illuminated light emitting diodes, and illumination sequence of each of the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of claim 48 or 49, in combination with claim 31, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the segmented display to display at least one of progress in a pre-heating phase, progress in a main heating phase, progress in a current usage session, and a remaining charge level of the power source. The aerosol generating device of claim 48, 49 or 50, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the second array of one or more light emitting diodes to indicate a current operating mode of the aerosol generating device. 52. The aerosol generating device of claim 51, wherein the current operating mode is selectable from a list of modes including a standby mode, a device power on mode, a preheat phase, a main heating phase, a normal heating mode, a boost heating mode, and an end of use session mode. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 25 to 52, further comprising a user input device, the user input device being integrated with the feedback device. The aerosol generating device of claim 53 in combination with claim 26, wherein the user input device is positioned on the first housing portion or the second housing portion along with the visual feedback device. The aerosol generating device of claim 54 in combination with claim 38, wherein the user input device has an annular shape and the user input device is positioned between the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. 56. The aerosol generating device of claim 55, wherein the user input device is positioned concentrically with the first array of one or more light emitting diodes and the second array of one or more light emitting diodes. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the user input device comprises at least one of an optical sensor, a capacitive touch sensor, and a resistive touch sensor. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein the control circuitry is configured to receive a signal from the user input device, the signal being indicative of a user input, and the control circuitry is further configured to control operation of the aerosol generating device based on the signal received from the user input device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 58, wherein the control circuit is positioned within at least one of the first housing part and the second housing part. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the second housing part is manually removable from the first housing part by a user without the need for the use of a tool, or the second housing part is removable from the first housing part by the use of a tool. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the heater is an induction heater. The aerosol generating device of claim 61, wherein the induction heater comprises a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils. The aerosol generating device of claim 61, wherein the induction heater is a first induction heater, and the aerosol generating device comprises a third housing portion defining a chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and a second induction heater positioned within the third housing portion, the second housing portion configured for removable attachment to the third housing portion, and the second induction heater being different from the first induction heater. The aerosol generating device of claim 63, wherein the first induction heater comprises a first induction coil having a first number of turns, and the second induction heater comprises a second induction coil having a second number of turns, the first number of turns being different from the second number of turns. The aerosol generating device of claim 63 or 64, wherein the first induction heater comprises a first number of induction coils, the second induction heater comprises a second number of induction coils, and the first number of induction coils is different from the second number of induction coils. The aerosol generating device of claim 65, wherein the first induction heater comprises a single induction coil and the second induction heater comprises only two induction coils or a plurality of induction coils. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 66, further comprising a layer of material positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of claim 67, wherein the material is at least one of a magnetic material and a conductive material. The aerosol generating device of claim 67 or 68, wherein the layer of material forms a magnetic shield. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 67 to 69, wherein the layer of material is positioned between the heater and the second housing part when the second housing part is attached to the first housing part. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein the second housing portion is configured to be attached to the first housing portion along a sidewall of the second housing portion, and the layer of material covers at least 25 percent of the sidewall when the second housing portion is attached to the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 67 to 71, wherein the layer of material is attached to the first housing part, the second housing part, or both the first housing part and the second housing part. the first housing portion defines an opening for insertion of an aerosol-forming substrate into the chamber, the aerosol generating device comprising:
a cover movable between an open position in which an aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into said chamber and a closed position in which insertion of an aerosol-forming substrate into said chamber is prevented;
An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 72, comprising a cover actuator having a rotatable part configured such that rotation of the rotatable part moves the cover between the open position and the closed position. The aerosol generating device of claim 73, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatable in a first direction to move the cover from the open position to the closed position. The aerosol generating device of claim 74, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatable in a second direction to move the cover from the closed position to the open position, the first direction being opposite to the second direction. The aerosol generating device of claim 73, 74 or 75, wherein the cover comprises a plurality of movable elements. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 73 to 76, wherein the cover includes an iris mechanism. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 73 to 77, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is receivable in the chamber in a longitudinal direction, and the rotatable portion is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 78, wherein a second opening is defined by the rotatable portion, and an aerosol generating article is receivable into the chamber through the second opening. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 79, further comprising a first button and a second button at each position on the first housing part or the second housing part, the first button having at least one of a different size and a different shape from the second button, the first button configured to activate a first function of the aerosol generating device, and the second button configured to activate a second function of the aerosol generating device, the first function being different from the second function. The aerosol generating device of claim 80, wherein the first function is a first heating profile. The aerosol generating device of claim 81, wherein the second function is a second heating profile. The aerosol generating device of claim 82, wherein the first heating profile is different from the second heating profile. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 80 to 83, wherein the control circuit has a low power mode and an operating mode that uses more power than the low power mode. The aerosol generating device of claim 84, wherein the control circuitry is configured to transition from the low power mode to the operational mode in response to detecting activation of at least one of the first button and the second button. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 80 to 85, wherein the control circuitry is configured to activate the first function in response to detecting activation of the first button for a predetermined length of time. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 80 to 86, wherein the control circuitry is configured to activate the second function in response to detecting activation of the second button for a predetermined length of time. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 87, wherein the aerosol generating device is a heating non-combustion type device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 88, wherein the heater is arranged to heat a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 89, wherein the heater is arranged to heat a tobacco plug. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 90, wherein the chamber is arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 91, wherein the chamber is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article comprising a tobacco plug. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 92, wherein the ventilation chamber is tubular in shape. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 93, wherein the hollow tubular shape has a diameter of about 6.5 millimeters to about 7.0 millimeters. 1. An aerosol generation system comprising:
An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 94,
An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system of claim 95, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system of claim 95 or 96, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is a tobacco plug. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 95 to 97, wherein the aerosol generating article further comprises at least one susceptor element. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 95 to 98, wherein the aerosol generating article has a cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 95 to 99, wherein the aerosol generating article has a diameter of 6.5 millimeters to 7.0 millimeters. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 95 to 100, wherein the aerosol generating article has a length of 70 millimeters to 80 millimeters. The aerosol generating system of any one of claims 95 to 101, wherein the aerosol generating article has a mass of 570 milligrams to 630 milligrams. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 95 to 102, wherein the aerosol generating article has a withdrawal resistance of between 30 millimeters of water column and 45 millimeters of water column. A method for manufacturing an aerosol generating device, comprising the steps of:
Manufacturing a power module comprising a control circuit and a power source;
Manufacturing a heater module comprising an induction heater;
attaching the power supply module to the heater module;
and programming the power supply module according to the type of heater module that is or has been attached to the power supply module. The method of claim 104, wherein the heater module includes a single induction coil, only two induction coils, or multiple induction coils. 105. The method of claim 104, wherein the heater module is a first heater module, the induction heater is a first induction heater comprising a single induction coil, the method comprising:
The method further comprises manufacturing a second heater module comprising a second induction heater, the second induction heater comprising only two induction coils or a plurality of induction coils, and the step of attaching the power supply module to the heater module comprises attaching either the first heater module or the second heater module to the power supply module. The method of claim 106, wherein the power module further comprises a data storage device and a plurality of control programs stored on the data storage device, and the programming step includes the control circuit selecting one of the control programs depending on the type of the heater module attached to the power module. The manufacturing method according to any one of claims 104 to 107, wherein the aerosol generating device is the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 94.

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