KR20230148187A - Aerosol generating device with actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (10) is provided including a cavity (16) for receiving an aerosol-generating article (50; 150; 250), wherein the cavity (16) includes a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating device 10 also includes a first opening 18 at the first end of the cavity 16 and a second opening 20 at the second end of the cavity 16. The aerosol-generating article (50; 150; 250) may be inserted into the cavity (16) through the first opening (18) or the second opening (20). The aerosol-generating device 10 also includes an actuator 22 arranged to move the aerosol-generating article 50; 150; 250 through the cavity 16. Additionally, an aerosol-generating system (100) is provided, comprising an aerosol-generating device (10) and at least one aerosol-forming substrate having a total length (70) greater than the length (27) of the heating zone of the aerosol-generating device (10). and aerosol-generating articles (50; 150; 250), including (60; 160, 161; 260, 261). Additionally, an aerosol-generating article (250) is provided, comprising first and second aerosol-forming substrates (260, 261) located in first and second airflow paths (254, 256), and comprising a second aerosol-forming substrate ( 261) overlaps only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 250.

Description

Aerosol generating device with actuator

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity and an actuator arranged to move an aerosol-generating article through the cavity. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system, comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate having a total length greater than the length of a heating zone of the aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising first and second aerosol-forming substrates positioned in first and second airflow paths, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate extends the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. Only part of overlaps.

A number of electrically operated aerosol-generating systems have been proposed in the art in which an aerosol-generating device with an electric heater is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a cigarette plug. The aerosol-generating substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

Typically, an aerosol-generating device includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the size, shape and design of the aerosol-generating article are typically limited by the size and shape of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that would facilitate the use of the device and a wide range of aerosol-generating articles. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device that provides greater flexibility with respect to the size, shape and design of the aerosol-generating article compared to existing aerosol-generating systems.

Aerosol-generating articles typically include an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a cigarette plug, and a mouthpiece downstream of the cigarette plug. Typically, the mouthpiece includes a filter element. These aerosol-generating articles can provide users with limited options for customizing their user experience. Accordingly, some users may attempt to use aerosol-generating articles in ways not intended by the manufacturer. For example, a user may attempt to use an aerosol-generating article without fully inserting the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device, such that only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is heated. However, the result is that some of the aerosol-forming substrate is not heated and is therefore wasted. Additionally, using aerosol-generating articles in this manner can reduce consistency from one user experience to the next. Other users may remove portions of the aerosol-forming substrate by cutting the aerosol-generating article prior to insertion into the aerosol-generating device. This leads to the additional problem of reducing the resistance to suction, which can also adversely affect the user experience.

It would be desirable to provide aerosol-generating articles that can facilitate customization of the user experience.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided. An aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The cavity may include a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating device may include a first opening at a first end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may include a second opening at a second end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the first or second opening. The aerosol-generating device may include an actuator arranged to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, the cavity comprising a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating device also includes a first opening at a first end of the cavity and a second opening at a second end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the first or second opening. The aerosol-generating device also includes an actuator arranged to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device includes first and second openings at first and second ends of the cavity. A cavity that includes openings at first and second ends of the cavity may be referred to as a through cavity. Advantageously, the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the first or second opening. Advantageously, the through cavity may facilitate the use of aerosol-generating devices with longer aerosol-generating articles compared to conventional devices having cavities comprising closed ends. For example, an aerosol-generating article can be received in a cavity such that the aerosol-generating article protrudes from both first and second ends of the cavity.

Advantageously, providing a through cavity may facilitate cleaning of the cavity. For example, a brush or other cleaning tool can be pushed all the way through the cavity, which can facilitate the removal of debris and other contaminants from the cavity.

Advantageously, providing a through cavity may facilitate simple airflow through the aerosol-generating device during use. In particular, air can flow directly through the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity without requiring a dedicated airflow inlet or airflow outlet on the aerosol-generating device.

Advantageously, the actuator can assist the user in moving the aerosol-generating article through the cavity. Advantageously, the actuator can be used to move an aerosol-generating article through the cavity during a single user experience or between successive user experiences. Advantageously, this can facilitate heating different parts of the aerosol-generating article at different times. Advantageously, this may facilitate the use of aerosol-generating devices with a wider range of aerosol-generating articles compared to existing devices.

The actuator may include a conveyor arranged to engage the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

Preferably, the actuator comprises a wheel arranged to engage the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

Advantageously, the wheel can be relatively simple to design and operate. Advantageously, the wheel may facilitate operation of the actuator in more than one direction. For example, the wheel can rotate clockwise to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity in a first direction. The wheel may rotate counterclockwise to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction.

The wheel may include a circumferential engagement surface arranged to engage an outer surface of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. The fastening surface may be a textured surface. The fastening surface may include rubber. Suitable rubbers include natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

Advantageously, applying at least one of texture and rubber to the engagement surface of the wheel can provide a relatively high coefficient of friction between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, a relatively high coefficient of friction can facilitate movement of the aerosol-generating article by the actuator.

The actuator may be arranged such that a user can manually actuate the actuator to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity. Advantageously, manually operated actuators can be relatively simple and cost-effective to design and manufacture.

In embodiments where the actuator includes a wheel, the wheel may be arranged such that a user manually rotates the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity. Preferably, a portion of the wheel is accessible to the user when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, so that the user can directly operate the wheel.

The actuator may be electrically operated.

Advantageously, electrically actuated actuators can facilitate more precise movement of aerosol-generating articles through the cavity.

Advantageously, electrically operated actuators may be easier for the user to operate.

Advantageously, electrically operated actuators can facilitate semi-automatic or automatic operation of the actuator.

In embodiments where the actuator includes a wheel, the actuator may further include an electric motor configured to drive the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity. The electric motor may be configured to rotate the wheel in only a single direction. The electric motor may be configured to rotate the wheel in two directions.

The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface configured to provide user control of the electrically actuated actuator. The user interface may include at least one of a touch screen, buttons, and switches.

The user interface may be configured to allow a user to actuate the electrically actuated actuator in a user-determined direction. The user interface may be configured to allow a user to actuate the electrically actuated actuator at a user-determined speed. The user interface may be configured to allow a user to actuate an electrically actuated actuator for a period of time determined by the user.

The user interface may be configured to allow a user to select at least one of a preset direction, a preset speed, and a preset duration for operation of the electrically actuated actuator.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device includes an electric heater, a power supply, and a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater. Advantageously, during use, the electric heater is capable of heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity.

In embodiments where the actuator is electrically operated, preferably the controller is configured to supply power to the actuator from a power supply. In embodiments where the actuator comprises an electric motor, preferably the controller is configured to supply power to the electric motor from a power supply.

Advantageously, providing a controller configured to operate an electrically actuated actuator may facilitate semi-automatic or automatic control of the actuator.

The controller may be configured to actuate the actuator to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity between a plurality of predetermined positions. The controller may be configured to actuate the actuator to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity in one or more predetermined periods. The controller may be configured to actuate the actuator to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity at one or more predetermined speeds.

Advantageously, the controller may be configured to operate the electric heater and actuator to heat different portions of the aerosol-generating article in separate heating cycles. The controller may be configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater to heat the first portion of the aerosol-generating article for the duration of the first heating cycle. The controller may be configured to supply power from the power supply to the actuator to move the aerosol-generating device through the cavity after the first heating cycle. The controller may be configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater for the duration of the second heating cycle to heat the second portion of the aerosol-generating article after the actuator moves the aerosol-generating device through the cavity.

Advantageously, the controller can be configured to vary which portions of the aerosol-generating article are heated during successive heating cycles. The controller may be configured to simultaneously supply power from the power supply to the electric heater and the electric motor to heat the aerosol-generating article as the aerosol-generating article moves through the cavity.

Preferably, the electric heater extends around at least a portion of the cavity such that when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the electric heater. In arrangements where the aerosol-generating article is housed within an electric heater, the electric heater may be referred to as an “external heater.” Advantageously, the external heater facilitates movement of the aerosol-generating article through the cavity and through the external heater.

Preferably, the cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, the circular cross-sectional shape facilitates the use of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating article having a circular cross-sectional shape. Advantageously, the circular cross-sectional shape allows the user to insert the aerosol-generating article into the cavity in any rotational orientation. Preferably, the inner diameter of the first opening is the same as the inner diameter of the second opening.

Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing defining a cavity. The housing may include a first housing portion defining a cavity, and a second housing portion extending from the first housing portion. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating device comprises an electric heater, a power supply and a controller, preferably the electric heater and the actuator are located within the first housing part. The power supply and controller may be located within the second housing.

The second housing portion may be movable relative to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be slidable relative to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may be rotatable relative to the first housing portion.

Preferably, the second housing portion has an elongated shape and includes a first housing end coupled to the first housing portion for movement relative to the first housing portion, and a second housing end opposite the first housing end. .

The term “elongate” is used herein to refer to a shape having a length and a width substantially perpendicular to the length, where the ratio of length to width is 1.5:1.

Advantageously, the second elongated housing portion can facilitate use of the second housing portion as a handle by a user. That is, the user can maintain the aerosol-generating device by the second housing portion while using the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may include at least one indicia on at least one of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, where the at least one indicia is arranged to indicate a position of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.

The aerosol-generating device may include a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion. Advantageously, the locking mechanism can prevent unwanted movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion during use of the aerosol-generating device.

The locking mechanism may include a ratchet mechanism. Advantageously, the ratchet mechanism can facilitate movement of the second housing portion to one or more desired positions relative to the first housing portion.

The electric heater may include an induction heating element. During use, the induction heating body inductively heats the susceptor material to heat the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity. The susceptor material may form part of an aerosol-generating device. The susceptor material may form part of an aerosol-generating article. The induction heating element may include at least one inductor coil extending around at least a portion of the cavity such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the inductor coil when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity.

The electric heater may include a resistive heating element. During use, an electric current is supplied to the resistive heating element to generate heat by resistive heating. The resistive heating element may include a foil heater. Preferably, the foil heater is a wrapper around at least a portion of the cavity such that when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article is received within the foil heater. The foil heater may be an etched foil heater. The foil heater may be a tubular foil heater.

The power supply may be a DC voltage source. Preferably, the power supply is a battery. The power supply unit may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery. Suitable lithium batteries may include lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, and lithium-polymer batteries. The power supply may include other types of charge storage devices, such as capacitors. The power supply may require recharging. The power supply may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for use of the aerosol-generating device with one or more aerosol-generating articles.

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating device includes a housing, the housing may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. I'm doing it. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to an aspect of the disclosure, and an aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that, when heated, releases volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one filter element. At least one filter element may be adjacent to at least one aerosol-forming substrate. At least one filter element can be spaced apart from the at least one aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include at least one additional element positioned between the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and the at least one filter element. The at least one additional element may include an aerosol cooling element.

The aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper. Preferably, the wrapper is wrapped around at least one aerosol-forming substrate and, if present, at least one filter element and at least one further element.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may include at least one aerosol-forming substrate positioned between a first end and a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can define a first longitudinal direction extending between a first end and a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The at least one aerosol-forming substrate can have a total length extending in a first longitudinal direction. An aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The cavity may include a first end and a second end. The cavity may define a second longitudinal direction extending between the first and second ends of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may also include a first opening at a first end of the cavity and a second opening at a second end of the cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into the cavity through the first or second opening. The aerosol-generating device may include an electric heater extending around at least a portion of the cavity and defining a heating zone between a first end of the electric heater and a second end of the electric heater. The heating zone may have a length extending in the second longitudinal direction. The total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate may be greater than the length of the heating zone.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article includes at least one aerosol-forming substrate positioned between a first end and a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article defines a first longitudinal direction extending between a first end and a second end of the aerosol-generating article. The at least one aerosol-forming substrate has a total length extending in a first longitudinal direction. The aerosol-generating device includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, the cavity comprising a first end and a second end. The cavity defines a second longitudinal direction extending between the first and second ends of the cavity. The aerosol-generating device also includes a first opening at a first end of the cavity and a second opening at a second end of the cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the first opening or the second opening. there is. The aerosol-generating device also includes an electric heater extending around at least a portion of the cavity and defining a heating zone between the first end of the electric heater and the second end of the electric heater. The heating zone has a length extending in the second longitudinal direction, wherein the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating zone.

Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating article with at least one aerosol-forming substrate having a total length greater than the length of the heating zone of the aerosol-generating device will facilitate the use of a single aerosol-generating article to provide different user experiences. You can. For example, the aerosol-generating article may move gradually through the cavity during a single heating cycle such that all portions of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate are heated during portions of the single heating cycle. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may remain in a fixed position during the first heating cycle such that the first portion of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is heated for the entire duration of the first heating cycle. The aerosol-generating article can then be moved through the cavity to a different location during the second heating cycle such that the second portion of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is heated for the entire duration of the second heating cycle.

The cavity may have a length extending in a second longitudinal direction, wherein the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the cavity.

Advantageously, providing an aerosol-generating article with at least one aerosol-forming substrate having a total length greater than the length of the cavity may further facilitate the use of a single aerosol-generating article to provide different user experiences.

The at least one aerosol-forming substrate may be a single aerosol-forming substrate, where the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is the length of the single aerosol-forming substrate in the first longitudinal direction.

The electric heater may include an inductor coil. The aerosol-generating article can include a first susceptor element located within the aerosol-forming substrate, and a second susceptor element located within the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, positioning the first and second susceptor elements within the aerosol-forming substrate may facilitate separate inductive heating of the first and second portions of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into an aerosol-generating device such that only one of the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element is located within the inductor coil. Advantageously, this can facilitate heating of different parts of the aerosol-forming substrate during different user experiences.

Preferably, the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction.

The at least one aerosol-forming substrate may include a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, each aerosol-forming substrate having a length extending in a first longitudinal direction, and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate being equal to the plurality of aerosol-forming substrates. Contains the combined length of . Advantageously, providing multiple aerosol-forming substrates allows separate heating of different aerosol-forming substrates during different user experiences.

Each aerosol-forming substrate can have a length in the first direction of about 8 mm to about 16 mm. Each aerosol-forming substrate can have a length of about 10 mm to about 12 mm.

At least two adjacent aerosol-forming substrates may be spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction. Each aerosol-forming substrate may be spaced longitudinally from an adjacent aerosol-forming substrate. Each space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates has a length extending in the longitudinal direction, and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate further includes the combined length of the spaces between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates. That is, the total length of at least one aerosol-forming substrate includes the sum of the individual lengths of the aerosol-forming substrate and the individual lengths of the space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates.

Preferably, each space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates has a length of 2 mm to 5 mm in the first direction.

The electric heater may include an inductor coil. The aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor element located within each aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, providing each aerosol-forming substrate with a separate susceptor element can facilitate separate induction heating for each aerosol-forming substrate. For example, an aerosol-generating article can be inserted into an aerosol-generating device such that only one of the aerosol-forming substrates is located within the inductor coil. Advantageously, this can facilitate heating of each aerosol-forming substrate during different user experiences.

The aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper wrapped around at least one aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of indicia on the outer surface of the wrapper, wherein the plurality of indicia are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

Advantageously, the plurality of spaced markings can provide the user with a visual indication of how far the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a user can insert an aerosol-generating article into the cavity until the selection mark is aligned with a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, this can facilitate the insertion of aerosol-generating articles into an aerosol-generating device in a plurality of different positions or orientations, facilitating selective heating of separate aerosol-forming substrates, or selective heating of parts of a single aerosol-forming substrate. Let it be done.

The plurality of indicia may include any suitable number of indicia. For example, a plurality of indicia may include two, three, four, five, or six indicia.

Preferably, each indicia surrounds a portion of the wrapper. Advantageously, providing indicia surrounding a portion of the wrapper may facilitate viewing each indicia regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, at least two of the marks comprise at least one of different sizes, different shapes, different colors, and different motifs. Preferably, each indicia includes at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif. Advantageously, providing indicia having at least one of different sizes, different shapes, different colors, and different motifs may assist a user in distinguishing between different indicia.

The spacing between adjacent marks in the first longitudinal direction may be 5 mm to 10 mm.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one filter element. At least one filter element may be adjacent to at least one aerosol-forming substrate. At least one filter element can be spaced apart from the at least one aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include at least one additional element positioned between the at least one aerosol-forming substrate and the at least one filter element. The at least one additional element may include an aerosol cooling element.

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article comprises a wrapper, preferably the wrapper is wrapped around at least one aerosol-forming substrate and, if present, at least one filter element and at least one additional element.

Each aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plug of tobacco. Tobacco plugs may include one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco rib pieces, regenerated tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and puffed tobacco. You can. 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 contain a capsule containing, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. These capsules may melt while the tobacco plug is heated. Additionally or alternatively, these capsules may be ground before, during, or after the tobacco plug is heated. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain one or more plants.

When the tobacco plug includes homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in sheet form. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content exceeding 5% on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of 5% to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by pulverizing or finely grinding one or both of the tobacco leaf blades and tobacco petioles; Alternatively, or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products produced, for example, during processing, handling and shipping of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more intrinsic binders that are tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders that are tobacco extrinsic binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be prepared from tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. It may contain other additives including. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material is prepared by casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and homogenizing from the support surface. It is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves removing a sheet of tobacco material.

Each cigarette plug can have a length of 8 mm to 16 mm. Each cigarette plug can have a length of 10 mm to 12 mm.

Each cigarette plug can have a diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm.

Each filter element described herein may include any suitable material. Suitable materials for each filter element may include at least one of acetate tow, paper, lyocell, viscose, biodegradable fibers, polylactic acid (PLA), and one or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Each filter element described herein may include a cellulose acetate filter plug. Each filter element can have a length of 5 mm to 10 mm.

The aerosol-generating device may include any feature or combination of features as previously described herein. The aerosol-generating device may be an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating article may include a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating article may define a longitudinal direction extending between a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating article may include a first airflow path extending longitudinally. The aerosol-generating article may include a longitudinally extending second airflow path. The aerosol-generating article can include a first aerosol-forming substrate positioned within a first airflow path. The aerosol-generating article can include a second aerosol-forming substrate positioned within the second airflow path. The second aerosol-forming substrate may overlap only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating article is provided including a first end and a second end. The aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end. The aerosol-generating article also includes a first longitudinally extending airflow path and a second longitudinally extending airflow path. The aerosol-generating article also includes a first aerosol-forming substrate located within the first airflow path, and a second aerosol-forming substrate located within the second airflow path. The second aerosol-forming substrate overlaps only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

The aerosol-generating article includes a second aerosol-forming substrate that only partially overlaps the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, this can facilitate the use of a single aerosol-generating article to provide the user with multiple different user experiences, or a single user experience with variable aerosol generation during the user experience. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be configured such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within a cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device may include only the first aerosol-forming substrate, only the second aerosol-forming substrate, or both the first and second aerosol-forming substrates. It can be configured to heat both.

Advantageously, providing the first and second aerosol-forming substrates with separate first and second airflow paths facilitates heating of one aerosol-forming substrate without contaminating the other aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may include a third longitudinally extending airflow path and a third aerosol-forming substrate positioned within the third airflow path. The third aerosol-forming substrate may overlap only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, providing a third aerosol-forming substrate that overlaps only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction may facilitate further changes to one or more user experiences using the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, the second aerosol-forming substrate does not overlap the third aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the first aerosol-forming substrate includes a portion that does not overlap with the second aerosol-forming substrate or the third aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may include a plug element defining a first airflow path, a second airflow path and, if present, a third airflow path. Preferably, the plug element contains a first aerosol-forming substrate, a second aerosol-forming substrate, and, if present, a third aerosol-forming substrate.

Advantageously, providing a plug element that defines an airflow path and contains an aerosol-forming substrate can facilitate the manufacture of aerosol-generating articles. For example, plug elements can be assembled with an aerosol-forming substrate in a dedicated process to produce loaded plug elements. The loaded plug elements can then be combined with other elements, such as filter elements and wrappers, using many of the conventional processes and machinery for assembling aerosol-generating articles.

The plug element may include any suitable material. Suitable materials may include at least one of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and ceramics. The material forming the plug element may be flavored. The plug element may include at least one flavoring agent sorbed within the material forming the plug element. The plug element may include one or more flavor elements contained within the plug element. The plug element may include one or more flavor elements positioned on the plug element. Each flavor component may include a substrate and at least one flavor agent sorbed within the substrate. Each substrate may include plastic. Each substrate may be in the form of a strip. Each substrate may include extruded plastic.

Preferably, the plug element has a cylindrical shape. The plug element may have a diameter between 6 mm and 8 mm.

Each aerosol-forming substrate can have a cylindrical shape. Each aerosol-forming substrate can have a diameter between 0.5 mm and 6 mm. At least one of the aerosol-forming substrates can have a diameter of about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm. At least one of the aerosol-forming substrates can have a diameter of about 4 mm to about 6 mm.

The aerosol-generating article may include a susceptor element located within each aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, providing each aerosol-forming substrate with a separate susceptor element can facilitate separate induction heating for each aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may include an external wrapper. Preferably, the outer wrapper is wrapped around the aerosol-forming substrate. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article includes a plug element, preferably the outer wrapper is wrapped around the plug element.

The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of indicia on the outer surface of the outer wrapper, wherein the plurality of indicia are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

Advantageously, the plurality of spaced markings can provide the user with a visual indication of how far the aerosol-generating article has been inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. For example, a user can insert an aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device until the selection mark is aligned with a portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, this may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device in a plurality of different positions or orientations, such that the first aerosol-forming substrate, the second aerosol-forming substrate, and, if present, the third aerosol-forming substrate. Facilitates selective heating of one or more of the substrates.

The plurality of indicia may include any suitable number of indicia. For example, a plurality of indicia may include two, three, four, five, or six indicia.

Preferably, each indicia surrounds a portion of an outer wrapper. Advantageously, providing indicia surrounding a portion of the outer wrapper may facilitate viewing each indicia regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article.

Preferably, at least two of the marks comprise at least one of different sizes, different shapes, different colors, and different motifs. Preferably, each indicia includes at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif. Advantageously, providing indicia having at least one of different sizes, different shapes, different colors, and different motifs may assist a user in distinguishing between different indicia.

The longitudinal spacing between adjacent marks may be 5 mm to 10 mm.

At least one of the aerosol-forming substrates may include tobacco elements. The tobacco element may include one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of tobacco leaves, tobacco rib pieces, regenerated tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and puffed tobacco. You can. Optionally, the tobacco component may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the tobacco component. Optionally, the tobacco component may also contain, for example, a capsule containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds. These capsules can melt while the tobacco element is heated. Additionally or alternatively, these capsules may be pulverized before, during, or after the tobacco elements are heated.

When the tobacco element comprises homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in sheet form. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content exceeding 5% on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of 5% to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by pulverizing or finely grinding one or both of the tobacco leaf blades and tobacco petioles; Alternatively, or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products produced, for example, during processing, handling and shipping of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more intrinsic binders that are tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders that are tobacco extrinsic binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be prepared from tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, wetting agents, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof. It may contain other additives including. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material is prepared by casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and homogenizing from the support surface. It is preferably formed by a casting process of a type that generally involves removing a sheet of tobacco material.

At least one of the aerosol-forming substrates may include flavor yarns or flavor yarns. Preferably, the flavored yarn or flavored yarn comprises a spun yarn or yarn coated or impregnated with at least one flavoring agent. The at least one flavoring agent may include menthol.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one filter element. At least one filter element may be adjacent to at least one of the aerosol-forming substrates. At least one filter element may be spaced apart from the aerosol-forming substrate. In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article includes a plug element, at least one filter element may be adjacent the plug element. At least one filter element can be spaced apart from the plug element.

The aerosol-generating article may include at least one additional element positioned between the plug element and the at least one filter element. The at least one additional element may include an aerosol cooling element.

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, preferably the outer wrapper is wrapped around the plug element and, if present, at least one filter element and at least one further element.

The aerosol-generating article may include any feature or combination of features as previously described herein. The aerosol-generating article may be an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided. An aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating article according to the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating system also includes an aerosol-generating device, comprising a housing defining a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article, an electric heater, a power supply, and a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater.

The aerosol-generating device may include any of the features previously described herein. The aerosol-generating device may be an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure.

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

Example Ex1: An aerosol generating device comprising:

a cavity containing an aerosol-generating article and including a first end and a second end;

a first opening at a first end of the cavity, and a second opening at a second end of the cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the first opening or the second opening; and

A device comprising an actuator arranged to move an aerosol-generating article through the cavity.

Embodiment Ex2: The aerosol-generating device of Embodiment Ex1, wherein the actuator comprises a wheel arranged to engage an external surface of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

Embodiment Ex3: The aerosol-generating device of Embodiment Ex2, wherein the wheel is arranged so that a user can manually rotate the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity.

Embodiment Ex4: The aerosol-generating device of Embodiment Ex2, further comprising an electric motor configured to drive the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity.

Embodiment Ex5: The aerosol-generating device of embodiment Ex4, further comprising a user interface configured to provide user control of the electric motor.

Example Ex6: According to any of the previous examples,

electric heater;

power supply department; and

The aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater.

Embodiment Ex7: An aerosol-generating device according to Embodiment Ex6 in combination with Embodiments Ex4 or 5, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric motor.

Embodiment Ex8: In embodiment Ex7, the controller comprises:

supplying power from the power supply to the electric heater to heat the first portion of the aerosol-generating article for the duration of the first heating cycle;

supplying power from the power supply to the electric motor to move the aerosol-generating device through the cavity;

and configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater to heat the second portion of the aerosol-generating article for the duration of the second heating cycle.

Embodiment Ex9: The method of embodiment Ex7, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously supply power from the power supply to the electric heater and the electric motor to heat the aerosol-generating article as the aerosol-generating article moves through the cavity. Aerosol generating device.

Example Ex10: The method of any of Examples Ex6 to Ex9, wherein the electric heater is positioned around at least a portion of the cavity such that the aerosol-generating article is received within the electric heater when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. Extended, aerosol-generating device.

Example Ex11: An aerosol-generating device according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cavity has a circular cross-sectional shape and the inner diameter of the first opening is equal to the inner diameter of the second opening.

Example Ex12: An aerosol generating system comprising:

An aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate; and

A system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments.

Embodiment Ex13: Dependent directly or indirectly on Embodiment Ex6 according to Embodiment Ex12, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a first end and a second end, and the aerosol-generating article comprises the first and second ends of the aerosol-generating article. defining a first longitudinal direction extending between second ends, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate has a total length extending in the first longitudinal direction, and wherein the cavity is between the first and second ends of the cavity. defines a second longitudinal direction extending from, wherein the electric heater defines a heating zone between a first end of the electric heater and a second end of the electric heater, and the heating zone extends in the second longitudinal direction. An aerosol-generating system having a length, wherein the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating zone.

Example Ex14: An aerosol generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate positioned between a first end and a second end of the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising: defining a first longitudinal direction extending therebetween, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate has a total length extending in the first longitudinal direction; and

It includes an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes:

a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article, the cavity comprising a first end and a second end, the cavity defining a second longitudinal direction extending between the first and second ends of the cavity;

a first opening at a first end of the cavity, and a second opening at a second end of the cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the first opening or the second opening; and

an electric heater extending around at least a portion of the cavity, the electric heater defining a heating zone between a first end of the electric heater and a second end of the electric heater, the heating zone extending in the second longitudinal direction wherein the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating zone.

Example Ex15: The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex13 or Ex14, wherein the cavity has a length extending in the second longitudinal direction, and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the cavity.

Example Ex16: The method of Example Ex13, Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is a single aerosol-forming substrate, and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is such that the single aerosol-forming substrate in the first longitudinal direction An aerosol-generating system, which is a length of substrate.

Example Ex17: The method of Example Ex16, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises:

a first susceptor element located within the aerosol-forming substrate; and

An aerosol-generating system further comprising a second susceptor element located within the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the first susceptor element and the second susceptor element are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction.

Example Ex18: The method of Example Ex13, Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, each aerosol-forming substrate having a length extending in the first longitudinal direction, and An aerosol-generating system, wherein the total length of at least one aerosol-forming substrate comprises the combined length of the plurality of aerosol-forming substrates.

Example Ex19: The method of Example Ex18, wherein at least two adjacent aerosol-forming substrates are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction, each space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates has a length extending in the longitudinal direction, and An aerosol-generating system, wherein the total length of one aerosol-forming substrate further includes the combined length of the space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates.

Example Ex20: The aerosol-generating system of Example EX19, wherein the aerosol-generating article further comprises a susceptor element located within each of the aerosol-forming substrates.

Example Ex21: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex20,

a wrapper wrapped around the at least one aerosol-forming substrate; and

An aerosol-generating system further comprising a plurality of indicia on the outer surface of the wrapper, wherein the plurality of indicia are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction.

Example Ex22: The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex21, wherein each indicia surrounds a portion of the wrapper.

Example Ex23: The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex21 or Ex22, wherein each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif.

Example Ex24: The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex21, Ex22, or Ex23, wherein the first longitudinal spacing between adjacent marks is 5 mm to 10 mm.

Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article comprising:

a first end and a second end, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end;

a first airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction;

a second airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction;

a first aerosol-forming substrate located within the first airflow path; and

comprising a second aerosol-forming substrate located within the second airflow path,

An aerosol-generating article, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate only partially overlaps the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex26: For Example Ex25,

a third airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction; and

further comprising a third aerosol-forming substrate located within the third airflow path,

An aerosol-generating article, wherein the third aerosol-forming substrate only partially overlaps the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex27: The aerosol-generating article of Example Ex26, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate does not overlap the third aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex28: The aerosol-generating article of Example Ex26 or Ex27, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate comprises a portion that does not overlap with the second aerosol-forming substrate or the third aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex29: The aerosol-generating article of any of Examples Ex25-Ex28, further comprising a plug element defining the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

Example Ex30: The aerosol-generating article according to any of Examples Ex25-Ex29, further comprising a susceptor element located within each of said aerosol-forming substrates.

Example Ex31: According to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex30,

external wrapper; and

An aerosol-generating article further comprising a plurality of indicia on the outer surface of the outer wrapper, wherein the plurality of indicia are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex32: The aerosol-generating article of Example Ex31, wherein each of the indicia surrounds a portion of the outer wrapper.

Example Ex33: The aerosol-generating article of Example Ex31 or Ex32, wherein each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif.

Example Ex34: The aerosol-generating article according to Example Ex31, Ex32 or Ex33, wherein the longitudinal spacing between adjacent marks is 5 mm to 10 mm.

Example Ex35: An aerosol generating system comprising:

An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex34; and

It includes an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes:

a housing defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article;

electric heater;

power supply department; and

A system comprising a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater.

Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex11; and an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex34.

Now, implementations of the present disclosure will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol article according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 shows a side view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 2;
Figures 4-7 show two configurations of an aerosol-generating system including the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 and the aerosol-generating article of Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol article according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 9 shows a side view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 8;
Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol article according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 shows a side view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 10.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a first housing portion 12 and a second housing portion 14 extending from the first housing portion 12. As shown by comparing Figures 1 and 4, the second housing part 14 is configured to rotate the first housing part 12 with respect to the second housing part 14 so that the second housing part 14 can rotate with respect to the first housing part 12. connected to During use of the aerosol-generating device 10, the user can use the second housing portion 14 as a handle to hold the aerosol-generating device 10. Accordingly, the user can rotate the second housing portion 14 to an ergonomically comfortable position.

The first housing portion 12 defines a cavity 16 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion 12 also defines a first opening 18 at the first end of the cavity 16 and a second opening 20 at the second end of the cavity 16. The first and second openings 18 , 20 are sized such that an aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity 16 through the first opening 18 or the second opening 20 .

An actuator 22 including a toothed wheel is rotatably mounted on the first housing portion 12. The toothed wheel extends into cavity 16 to engage an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into cavity 16. When an aerosol-generating article is received within cavity 16, a user may rotate the toothed wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through cavity 16. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a toothed wheel protrudes from the outer surface of the first housing portion 12 so that a user can manually turn the toothed wheel. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 22 includes an electric motor arranged to rotate the toothed wheel, and the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a user interface that allows a user to electrically actuate the toothed wheel. Includes.

The electric heater 26 is located in the first housing portion 12 and includes an inductor coil extending around a central portion of the cavity 16 . The inductor coil defines a heating zone within the cavity 16, which heating zone has a length 27 extending longitudinally of the cavity 16.

A controller 28 and a power supply 30 including a battery are located in the second housing portion 14 . The controller 28 is configured to supply power from the power supply 30 to the inductor coil to inductively heat the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity 16. In implementations where the actuator 22 includes an electric motor, the controller 28 is also configured to supply power from the power supply 30 to the electric motor.

2 and 3 illustrate an aerosol-generating article 50 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 50 includes a filter element 52 at a first end 54 of the aerosol-generating article 50 and a porous element 56 at a second end 58 of the aerosol-generating article 50. Includes. During use, filter element 52 forms the mouth end of aerosol-generating article 50. Porous element 56 may have a higher porosity than filter element 52 to provide a desired resistance to attraction for aerosol-generating article 50.

At the center of the aerosol-generating article 50, an aerosol-forming substrate 60 containing a tobacco plug is located. The aerosol-forming substrate 60 may have a length 70 extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 50. The length 70 of the aerosol-forming substrate 60 is greater than the length 27 of the heating zone defined by the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device 10. An aerosol cooling element 62 is located between the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the filter element 52.

The aerosol-generating article 50 also includes a first susceptor element 66 located within the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60, and a second susceptor element 68 located within the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60. ) includes. The first and second susceptor elements 66, 68 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the aerosol-generating article 50.

Wrapper 72 is wrapped around filter element 52, porous element 56, aerosol forming substrate 60 and aerosol cooling element 62. A plurality of indicia are provided on the outer surface of the wrapper 72, the plurality of indicia including first indicia 74 and second indicia 76. Each indicia includes a different printed line extending around the wrapper 72 to enable the user to distinguish between the different indicia.

Figures 4-7 illustrate an aerosol-generating system 100 including the aerosol-generating device 10 of Figure 1 and the aerosol-generating article 50 of Figures 2 and 3. When the aerosol-generating article 50 is received within the cavity 16, the outer surface of the wrapper 72 engages the toothed wheel of the actuator 22.

In the first configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the user inserts the aerosol-generating article 50 into the cavity 16 until the first indicia 74 is aligned with the edge of the first housing portion 12. The toothed wheel is rotated to move the aerosol-generating article 50 through the cavity 16. In this configuration, only the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the first susceptor element 66 are located within the inductor coil. Accordingly, in the first configuration, the electric heater 26 heats only the first portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60.

In the second configuration shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the user rotates the toothed wheel until the second mark 76 is aligned with the edge of the first housing portion 12 to generate an aerosol through the cavity 16. Move the article 50. In this configuration, only the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60 and the second susceptor element 68 are located within the inductor coil. Accordingly, in the second configuration, the electric heater 26 heats only the second portion of the aerosol-forming substrate 60.

The first and second configurations allow a user to use the aerosol-generating article 50 for two user experiences, with each experience using only half of the aerosol-forming substrate 60. The user may use the second configuration following the first configuration. Alternatively, the user may use the first configuration followed by the second configuration.

8 and 9 illustrate an alternative aerosol-generating article 150 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Aerosol-generating system 150 is substantially identical to aerosol-generating article 50 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and like reference numerals are used to designate like parts.

Aerosol-generating article 150 differs from aerosol-generating article 50 by the arrangement of the aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the aerosol-generating article 150 comprises a first aerosol-forming substrate 160 comprising a first cigarette plug on which a first susceptor element 66 is located, and a second cigarette plug on which a second susceptor element 68 is located. and a second aerosol-forming substrate 161 comprising a plug. The first and second cigarette plugs 160 and 161 are spaced apart from each other by a space 163 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 50. The total length 70 of the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article 150 includes the combined length of the first aerosol-forming substrate 160, the space 163, and the second aerosol-forming substrate 161. The total length 70 of the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article 250 is greater than the length 27 of the heating zone defined by the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the separate first and second aerosol-forming substrates 160, 161 of the aerosol-generating article 150 correspond to the first and second portions of the single aerosol-forming substrate 60 of the aerosol-generating article 50. you will understand Accordingly, aerosol-generating article 150 may be used with aerosol-generating device 10 in the same manner as aerosol-generating article 50.

10 and 11 illustrate a disruptive aerosol-generating article 250 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Aerosol-generating system 250 is substantially similar to aerosol-generating article 50 shown in Figures 2 and 3, and like reference numerals are used to designate like parts.

Aerosol-generating article 250 differs from aerosol-generating article 50 by the arrangement of the aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the aerosol-generating article 250 includes a plug element 252 positioned between the filter element 52 and the porous element 56. The plug element 252 defines a first airflow path 254 and a second airflow path 256, each extending longitudinally of the aerosol-generating article 250.

A first aerosol-forming substrate 260 comprising a tobacco plug is positioned within the first airflow path 254. The first susceptor element 266 is located within the first portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 and the second susceptor element 267 is located within the second portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260. The first and second susceptor elements 266, 267 are spaced apart from each other along the length of the aerosol-generating article 250.

A second aerosol-forming substrate 261 containing flavor threads is located within the second airflow path 256. A third susceptor element 268 is located within the second airflow path 256 together with the second aerosol-forming substrate. The second aerosol-forming substrate 261 overlaps only the second portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 250.

The total length 70 of the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article 250 includes the combined length of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 261. The total length 70 of the aerosol-forming section of the aerosol-generating article 250 is greater than the length 27 of the heating zone defined by the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Those skilled in the art will understand that aerosol-generating article 250 may be used with aerosol-generating device 10 in a similar manner as aerosol-generating article 50. In particular, when the aerosol-generating article 250 is inserted within the cavity 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10 in the first configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, only the first portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 and a first susceptor element 266 is located within the inductor coil. Accordingly, in the first configuration, the electric heater 26 heats only the first portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260.

6 and 7 when the aerosol-generating article 250 is inserted within the cavity 16 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the second portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260, the second portion Sceptor element 267, second aerosol-forming substrate 261 and third susceptor element 268 are located within the inductor coil. Accordingly, in the second configuration, the electric heater 26 heats the second portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate 260 and the second aerosol-forming substrate 261.

Claims (18)

An aerosol generating device, comprising:
a cavity containing an aerosol-generating article and including a first end and a second end;
a first opening at a first end of the cavity, and a second opening at a second end of the cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity through the first opening or the second opening; and
A device comprising an actuator arranged to move an aerosol-generating article through the cavity. 2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a wheel arranged to engage an external surface of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the wheel is arranged so that a user can manually rotate the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising an electric motor configured to drive the wheel to move the aerosol-generating article through the cavity, optionally further comprising a user interface configured to provide user control of the electric motor. , aerosol generating device. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
electric heater;
power supply department; and
The aerosol-generating device further comprises a controller configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5 in combination with claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric motor. The method of claim 6, wherein the controller:
supplying power from the power supply to the electric heater to heat the first portion of the aerosol-generating article for the duration of the first heating cycle;
supplying power from the power supply to the electric motor to move the aerosol-generating device through the cavity;
and configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater to heat the second portion of the aerosol-generating article for the duration of the second heating cycle. 7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to simultaneously supply power from the power supply to the electric heater and the electric motor to heat the aerosol-generating article as the aerosol-generating article moves through the cavity. An aerosol generating system, comprising:
An aerosol-generating article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate; and
A system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a first end and a second end, and the aerosol-generating article is positioned between the first and second ends of the aerosol-generating article. defines a first longitudinal direction extending in, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate has a total length extending in the first longitudinal direction, and the cavity extends between a first end and a second end of the cavity. 2 defining a longitudinal direction, wherein the electric heater defines a heating zone between a first end of the electric heater and a second end of the electric heater, wherein the heating zone has a length extending in the second longitudinal direction, An aerosol-generating system, wherein the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the heating zone. 11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the cavity has a length extending in the second longitudinal direction and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is greater than the length of the cavity. 12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates, each aerosol-forming substrate having a length extending in the first longitudinal direction, and the at least one aerosol-forming substrate The total length of the forming substrate includes the combined length of the plurality of aerosol forming substrates,
Optionally, at least two adjacent aerosol-forming substrates are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction, and each space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates has a length extending in the longitudinal direction, and the total length of the at least one aerosol-forming substrate is , wherein the aerosol-generating system further comprises the combined length of space between adjacent aerosol-forming substrates. The method of claim 10, 11, or 12, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises:
a wrapper wrapped around the at least one aerosol-forming substrate; and
further comprising a plurality of marks on the outer surface of the wrapper, wherein the plurality of marks are spaced apart from each other in the first longitudinal direction,
Optionally each of the indicia surrounds a portion of the wrapper,
Optionally each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif,
Optionally, the first longitudinal spacing between adjacent marks is between 5 mm and 10 mm. As an aerosol-generating article,
a first end and a second end, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a longitudinal direction extending between the first end and the second end;
a first airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction;
a second airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction;
a first aerosol-forming substrate located within the first airflow path; and
comprising a second aerosol-forming substrate located within the second airflow path,
An aerosol-generating article, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate only partially overlaps the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction. According to clause 14,
a third airflow path extending in the longitudinal direction; and
further comprising a third aerosol-forming substrate located within the third airflow path,
The third aerosol-forming substrate overlaps only a portion of the first aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction,
Optionally, the second aerosol-forming substrate does not overlap the third aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction,
Optionally, the first aerosol-forming substrate comprises a portion that does not overlap with the second aerosol-forming substrate or the third aerosol-forming substrate. 16. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a plug element defining the first airflow path and the second airflow path. The method of claim 14, 15 or 16,
external wrapper; and
further comprising a plurality of marks on the outer surface of the outer wrapper, wherein the plurality of marks are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction,
Optionally each of the indicia surrounds a portion of the outer wrapper,
Optionally each of the indicia comprises at least one of a different size, a different shape, a different color, and a different motif,
Optionally, the longitudinal spacing between adjacent marks is between 5 mm and 10 mm. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 14 to 17.