RU2808834C2 - Aerosol generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generation system.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol-generating product and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating product has an upstream end and a downstream end. The aerosol-generating product defines a longitudinal direction between an upstream end and a downstream end. An aerosol-generating product comprises: an upstream segment located at an upstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the upstream segment comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an outer surface a substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate; and a downstream segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment, wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment is larger, than the outer diameter of the substrate. An aerosol-generating device comprises: a device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an internal diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to accommodate at least an aerosol-generating substrate and an aerosol-generating product. At least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating substrate is received within the cavity of the device. When the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating product is placed in the device cavity, a passage for air flow is defined between the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the device cavity. The air flow passage extends longitudinally along the length of the aerosol-generating substrate.

EFFECT: increasing the efficiency of generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating product.

25 cl, 8 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to aerosol generating articles, aerosol generating devices, and aerosol generating systems containing aerosol generating articles and aerosol generating devices.

State of the art

In the prior art, aerosol-generating products are known in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned. The purpose of such heated aerosol generating products is to reduce harmful or potentially harmful by-products generated by combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

In aerosol-generating products, a respirable aerosol is typically generated by heat transfer from a heating element to the aerosol-generating substrate. During heating, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and are captured into the air. For example, volatile compounds may become entrained in air drawn through, over, around, or otherwise in the vicinity of the aerosol-generating article. As the released volatile compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol. The aerosol may be inhaled by the user. The aerosol may contain aromatics, flavorings, nicotine and other desired elements.

The heating element may be contained in the aerosol generating device. The combination of an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device may form an aerosol generating system.

US 2018146713A1 is considered to be the closest prior art to the present invention and discloses (see in particular the disclosure in FIG. 1) an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article defines a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end. An aerosol generating article comprises an upstream segment located at an upstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the upstream segment comprises a wrapped aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an outer surface of the substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate ; and a downstream segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream wrapped segment, and wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment is larger than the outer diameter of the substrate; and an aerosol generating device comprising: a device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an internal diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article. A disadvantage of the known aerosol generating system is the lack of release of volatile compounds from the heated substrate, since the heated air drawn in by the user flows only through the aerosol-generating substrate, which limits the release of volatile compounds from the heated substrate.

Disclosure of the invention

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system, the system comprising:

an aerosol generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article defines a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article , contains:

an upstream segment located at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate comprising an outer surface of the substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate; And

a downstream segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment, wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment is greater than outer diameter of the substrate; And

an aerosol generating device containing:

a device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an internal diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to accommodate at least an aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article; And

at least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device,

wherein, when the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is placed in the cavity of the device, a passage for air flow is defined between the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the cavity of the device, wherein the passage for air flow extends in the longitudinal direction along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generating device contains a device cavity. In use, the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article is placed within the cavity of the device, which is an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may then be heated by the heating element to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate, which may condense to form an aerosol.

When the device cavity accommodates an aerosol-forming substrate, a passage for air flow is defined by the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the device cavity. The gap between the inner surface of the device cavity and the outer surface of the substrate at least partially restricts the passage for air flow. The air flow passage is located external to the aerosol-generating substrate and is contained within the cavity of the device, which is the aerosol-generating device.

The air flow passage may allow air drawn in by the user to flow along the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate rather than through the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby reducing or minimizing the amount of air passing through the aerosol-forming substrate. As a result, the air flow within the device initially cools the outer surface of the substrate as it flows along the air flow passage, rather than cooling the substrate through its entire thickness. Advantageously, this can reduce fluctuations in substrate temperature due to user puffing on the aerosol generating article.

Advantageously, providing a passage for air flow between the outer diameter of the substrate and the inner diameter of the device cavity provides space in which volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate can travel. Such an air flow passage may facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the heated substrate as air drawn through the article by the user is drawn over the outer surface of the substrate.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating article suitable for the above aerosol generating system, the article comprising:

an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article defines a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises:

an upstream segment located at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-generating substrate, the substrate comprising an outer surface of the substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate; And

a downstream segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment, wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment is greater than outer diameter of the substrate.

The downstream segment has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate. Compared to aerosol generating articles having a constant outer diameter along the length of the article, providing the aerosol generating article with segments having different outer diameters can ensure that the segment of the article containing the aerosol generating substrate is thinner than other components products such as a filter or cooling element. Advantageously, reducing the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate can allow heat applied to the substrate to rapidly spread from the heating element through the thickness of the substrate, reducing the amount of time required for the heating element to raise the temperature of the substrate in areas of the substrate that are located furthest from the heating element. This may reduce temperature variations across the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate and reduce the likelihood that unheated and unused portions of the aerosol-forming substrate will remain in areas of the substrate that are located furthest from areas heated by the heating element. Because temperature variations across the thickness of the aerosol-generating substrate can be reduced, the composition and other properties of the aerosol generated from the substrate can be the same throughout a user's smoking session and can be more easily controlled between a user's smoking sessions with different substrates. Advantageously, this can create a more consistent smoking session for the user.

Since the aerosol generating article according to this aspect of the present invention is suitable for the aerosol generating system according to the previous aspect of the present invention, the advantages presented above for the system also apply to the article itself.

The term "aerosol generating article" is used herein to refer to an article containing an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating substrate is capable of being heated to produce and deliver an aerosol to a user. As used herein, the term "aerosol generating substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated to generate an aerosol.

The aerosol generating article may typically be in the form of a rod. The article may have a central longitudinal axis extending centrally through the rod in the longitudinal direction from an upstream end to a downstream end. The upstream segment and the downstream segment of the aerosol generating article may be positioned in coaxial alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The upstream segment and the downstream segment of the aerosol generating article may be arranged end-to-end in coaxial alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of from about 40 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters.

An aerosol generating product may contain a variety of components. For example, an aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol generating substrate and any one or combination of any one or more of the following: a thermal conductive layer, a mouthpiece, a filter, a cooling element, an intermediate element, and a flavor element.

The downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment that is larger than the outer diameter of the substrate. The outer diameter of the downstream segment is greater than the outer diameter of the substrate at least at the upstream end of the downstream segment. As used herein, the term "upstream end" refers to the end of a feature or aspect of the product that is closest to the upstream end of the product, and the term "downstream end" refers to the end of the feature or the aspect of the product that is closest to the downstream end of the product.

In some preferred embodiments, the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment that is constant along the length of the downstream segment. However, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of the downstream segment varies along the length of the downstream segment from the upstream end to the downstream end of the article. The outer diameter of the downstream segment may increase from the upstream end of the downstream segment to the downstream end of the product. The outer diameter of the downstream segment may decrease from the upstream end of the downstream segment to the downstream end of the product.

The downstream segment may have an outer diameter of the downstream segment from about 5 millimeters to about 13 millimeters. Preferably, the downstream segment has an outer diameter that is substantially constant along the length of the segment.

The downstream segment may have a length of from about 7 millimeters to about 25 millimeters.

The downstream segment may contain one or more components. For example, the downstream segment may comprise any one or any combination of any one or more of the following: a mouthpiece, a filter, an intermediate element, a cooling element, and a flavor element.

The upstream segment may contain a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is a component configured to be drawn by a user to produce an aerosol from the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is heated.

An upstream segment may contain a filter. The term "filter" is used to indicate a section of an aerosol generating article that is configured to remove at least part of the gas phase or particulate phase constituents or both the gas phase and particulate phase constituents from the main aerosol stream drawn through the filter. Therefore, a filter may be advantageous for minimizing the presence of undesirable constituents in the generated aerosol. Preferably the filter is a cellulose acetate filter rod. Preferably, the downstream segment comprises a filter-shaped mouthpiece. Preferably, the downstream segment includes a filter-shaped mouthpiece that is approximately 7 millimeters in length, but may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the downstream segment consists of a filter. This can provide a compact aerosol generating article in which the number of parts is reduced to a minimum.

In some embodiments, at least one of a cooling element and an intermediate element may be located between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter. Such additional components may be used to improve the thermal or mechanical properties of the aerosol generating article.

As used herein, the term "cooling element" refers to a component of an aerosol-generating article located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate such that, in use, the aerosol formed by volatile compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate passes through the cooling element and is cooled by it until inhaled by the user. The cooling element has a large surface area but produces a low pressure drop. Filters and other mouthpieces that create a high pressure drop, such as filters made from fiber bundles, are not considered aerosol cooling elements. Chambers and cavities in an aerosol-generating product are not considered to be aerosol cooling elements.

The intermediate element may be a support element configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate upon insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. The intermediate element may comprise a hollow tube. The intermediate element may comprise a hollow tube of cellulose acetate.

In some embodiments, the downstream segment contains a flavor element. The flavor element may contain one or more flavoring agents. As used herein, the term “flavorant” refers to an agent that, when used, imparts flavor and/or aroma to an aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An example of a suitable flavoring agent is menthol. The flavor element may be located at any suitable location in the downstream segment.

The segment located earlier in the flow contains a substrate that forms an aerosol. The upstream segment may also include one or more additional components, such as a layer of thermally conductive material, a cooling element, and an intermediate element. Preferably, the upstream segment consists of an aerosol-forming substrate and optionally a layer of thermally conductive material.

The upstream segment may have an outer diameter of from about 3 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. The upstream segment may have an outer diameter that is substantially constant along the length of the segment.

The upstream segment may have a length from approximately 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters.

The aerosol-forming substrate has an outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may have an outer diameter of from about 3 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. Preferably, the outer diameter of the substrate is substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The outer diameter of the substrate may be from about 50% to about 98% of the outer diameter of the downstream segment, or from about 60% to about 95% of the outer diameter of the downstream segment, or from about 70% to about 90% of the outer diameter diameter of the downstream segment.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of from about 8 millimeters to about 12 millimeters.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable cross-section. As used herein, the term "cross section" means a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, the substrate may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape with two semicircular sides, a rectangular shape, or a triangular cross-sectional shape. Preferably the substrate has a circular cross-sectional shape.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contains tobacco. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating.

The aerosol-forming solid substrate may comprise a tobacco rod. The tobacco rod may contain, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, beads, pieces, threads, strips or sheets containing one or more of: grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco. As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco material” means a material formed by agglomeration of bulk tobacco. Providing homogenized tobacco material can improve aerosol generation, nicotine content and the aromatic profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol generating article. In particular, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves shredding the tobacco leaf, which more effectively allows the nicotine and flavors to be released when heated. If the tobacco rod contains homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. As used herein, the term “sheet” refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

The aerosol-forming solid substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may contain pieces, strands or strips of homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming solid substrate may comprise a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially uniform composition. In an embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially uniform composition in at least the longitudinal direction.

A sheet of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating bulk tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise crushing one or both of the tobacco leaf blade and tobacco leaf stems. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may contain one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other bulk tobacco by-products generated, for example, during tobacco processing, handling and shipping. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material is preferably formed by a molding process of a type that typically involves molding a slurry containing bulk tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the molded slurry to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and removing the sheet of homogenized tobacco material. material from the supporting surface.

The aerosol-forming solid substrate may comprise a collected sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is folded, folded, or otherwise compressed or tapered substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “textured sheet” means a sheet that has been corrugated, embossed, blind embossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. The use of a textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material may advantageously facilitate the collection of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material containing a plurality of spaced indentations, projections, perforations, or a combination thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “corrugated sheet” means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel folds or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. This advantageously simplifies the assembly of the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol generating article. However, it should be understood that the corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations that are located at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material and non-tobacco-containing material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming substance. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol-forming substance or a combination of two or more aerosol-forming substances. As used herein, the term “aerosol generating agent” is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes aerosol generation and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating article. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The content of the aerosol-forming agent in the aerosol-forming substrate may be greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content of the aerosol-forming aerosol substrate may range from about 5 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming agent content of the aerosol-forming substrate may be approximately 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol-forming agent and water.

The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in the form of sheets that are one of the following: folded, corrugated or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheets are cut into strips having a width of from about 0.2 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.4 millimeters to about 1.2 millimeters. In one embodiment, the width of the strips is approximately 0.9 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an internal cavity. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a hollow tubular substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an inner surface of the substrate having an inner diameter of the substrate, wherein the inner surface of the substrate defines an internal cavity extending longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing an internal cavity in the aerosol-forming substrate can facilitate insertion of a heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity without puncturing the substrate or changing the structure of the substrate. Providing an internal cavity may also be advantageous to further reduce the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate, increasing the heat transfer benefits described above.

The inner diameter of the substrate may be from about 60% to about 90% of the outer diameter of the substrate, or may be from about 70% to about 90%, or from about 80% to about 90%. Such ranges can provide the necessary heat distribution within the aerosol-forming substrate while providing the substrate with the desired mechanical properties.

If the aerosol-forming substrate includes an inner surface of the substrate defining an internal cavity, the inner surface of the substrate may have the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface of the substrate. In particular, the inner surface of the substrate may have a substantially circular, oval, or rectangular cross-section with two semicircular sides.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article includes a layer of thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, a layer of thermally conductive material may cover at least a portion of at least an otherwise exposed aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, a layer of thermally conductive material may be located on at least the outer surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, a layer of thermally conductive material may be located on at least the inner surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, a layer of thermally conductive material may be located on at least the inner surface of the substrate and on the outer surface of the substrate. Providing a layer of thermally conductive material on an otherwise exposed surface of the substrate can help spread heat from a heating element embedded in or engaged with the substrate over a larger area of the aerosol-forming substrate, increasing the efficiency of heat transfer between the heating element and the aerosol-forming substrate. The layer of thermally conductive material may also create a physical separation between the heating element housed in the internal cavity and the aerosol-forming substrate, which may reduce the risk of overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate in areas of the substrate near the heating element. The layer of thermally conductive material may also increase the reliability of the tubular aerosol-forming substrate, which may be reduced by reducing the thickness of the substrate by providing an internal cavity.

As used herein, the term "thermal conductive" refers to a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W/m∙K, preferably at least 40 W/m∙K, more preferably at least 100 W/m∙K at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. In preferred embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material comprises a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 40 W/m∙K, preferably at least 100 W/m∙K, more preferably at least 150 W/m∙K, and even more preferably at least at least 200 W/m∙K at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 50%.

Examples of suitable conductive materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in several separate segments. In some embodiments, each segment may contain an aerosol-forming substrate with the same composition. In some embodiments, one or more segments may contain aerosol-forming substrates having different compositions. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first segment of aerosol-forming substrate having a first composition and a second segment of aerosol-forming substrate having a second composition.

Different compositions of the first and second aerosol-generating substrate segments may enable the generation of aerosols having different compositions from a single aerosol-generating article. This may also allow the user to select a specific aerosol-forming substrate to heat to generate a specific aerosol during a smoking session.

The first and second segments of the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be heated sequentially. This may be advantageous for establishing a given user's smoking session in which at least two types of aerosol are sequentially generated within a given period of time.

In some preferred embodiments, the individual segments may be arranged end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the product.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a wrapper surrounding an upstream segment. Advantageously, such a wrapper can prevent the user from touching the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby maintaining a high level of hygiene. The wrapper can be made from any suitable material. In particular, the wrapper can be made of a porous material. The wrapper may be made of a material that promotes the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate if the wrapper is positioned around a downstream segment.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a wrapper surrounding a downstream segment. Advantageously, if the downstream segment contains multiple components, the wrapper can hold multiple components together.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include a wrapper surrounding an upstream segment and a downstream segment. Advantageously, the wrapper can hold the upstream segment and the downstream segment together.

Advantageously, the provision of one or more wrappers can improve the structural integrity of the aerosol generating article.

The upstream segment and the downstream segment can be secured together. The upstream segment and the downstream segment may be secured together in any suitable manner. For example, the aerosol generating article may include a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may help hold the upstream segment and the downstream segment together. In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism may include a cavity provided in the upstream end of the downstream segment into which the downstream end of the upstream segment is inserted. The downstream end of the upstream segment may include a protrusion inserted into the cavity.

If a wrap is provided surrounding the downstream segment and the aerosol generating article includes a coupling mechanism, the wrap may be configured to apply pressure to the coupling mechanism. In an embodiment, the wrapper may apply pressure around a cavity housing the downstream end of the downstream segment. This may further assist in holding the upstream segment and the downstream segment together.

The outer diameter of the downstream aerosol generating segment of the article may be substantially the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the device cavity. This may be advantageous to ensure that aerosol that exits the airflow passage through the downstream edge of the airflow passage can be drawn through the downstream segment rather than being released directly to the outside of the system. , generating aerosol.

At least one heating element is located inside the cavity of the device. The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device includes multiple heating elements. For example, in some embodiments, the device includes two or more heating elements. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity of the device. If the aerosol-forming substrate includes an internal cavity, in some embodiments, the at least one heating element may be configured to be inserted into the internal cavity of the substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the cavity of the device. The at least one heating element may be an elongated heating element. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the form of a plate. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the form of a pin. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. At least one elongated heating element may have a pointed end. The at least one elongated heating element may be cone-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have any suitable shape adapted to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-generating substrate. Advantageously, the elongated heating element may provide easier engagement, or easier release, or both easier engagement and easier release of the aerosol-forming substrate relative to the heating element of the device.

The at least one heating element may comprise at least one resistive heating element. Preferably, the at least one heating element comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements. Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in parallel. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in parallel can simplify the delivery of the required electrical power to the at least one heating element while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the required electrical power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the at least one heating element may help reduce or minimize the physical size of the power supply.

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an electrically insulating substrate and one or more electrically conductive tracks on the electrically insulating substrate.

Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at the operating temperature of the at least one heating element. Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at temperatures up to about 400 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 500 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 600 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 700 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 800 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be at least about 200 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 700 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 600 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 500 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 400 degrees Celsius.

The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of the following: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. Ceramics may include mica, aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or zirconia (ZrO ₂ ). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity that is less than or equal to about 40 watts per meter kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 watts per meter kelvin, and ideally less than or equal to about 2 watts per meter kelvin.

Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element and in particular one or more electrically conductive tracks include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys.

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

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a power supply configured to supply high frequency oscillatory current to the induction coil. As used herein, the term “high frequency oscillatory current” means oscillatory current with a frequency between 500 kHz and 30 MHz. The at least one heating element may advantageously comprise a DC-AC converter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into AC current. The induction coil may be adapted to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field to receive the high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The induction coil may be adapted to generate a high frequency oscillatory electromagnetic field within the cavity of the device. In some preferred embodiments, the induction coil may substantially surround the cavity of the device. The induction coil may extend at least partially along the length of the cavity of the device.

The induction heating element may include a current collecting element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element containing a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Thus, when the current collector element is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, the current collector heats up. Heating of the current collector element may result from hysteresis losses and/or eddy currents induced in the current collector, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collector material. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current-receiving materials due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be caused if the current receiving material is electrically conductive. In the case of an electrically conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current-receiving material, heat can be generated through both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Accordingly, the current collecting element may be configured to heat due to at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collecting material.

The susceptor element is configured such that when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the device, the oscillatory electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil can induce a current into the susceptor element, resulting in heating of the susceptor element. The aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (magnetic field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA m), preferably 2 to 3 kA/m, for example about 2.5 kA/m. m. The electrically controlled aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, eg 1 to 10 MHz, eg 5 to 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the current collecting element is located in the aerosol generating article. In these embodiments, the current collecting element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The current collecting element may be located in the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the current collector element is an elongated current collector that extends along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the product. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an internal cavity, the current collecting element may be located in the internal cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an internal cavity, the current collecting element may be located on the internal surface of the substrate. The aerosol generating product may contain one or more current collecting elements. The aerosol generating product may contain a plurality of current collecting elements.

In some embodiments, the current collector element is located in the aerosol generating device. In these embodiments, the current collecting element may be located in the cavity of the device. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the device. If the aerosol-generating substrate includes an internal cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the internal cavity of the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received into the cavity of the device. The current collecting element may extend into the device cavity in a longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The current-receiving element can be oblong. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a plate. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a pin. The elongated current collecting element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. The elongated current-receiving element may have a pointed end. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a cone. The aerosol generating device may include one or more current collecting elements. The aerosol generating device may contain a plurality of current collecting elements.

The current collecting element may comprise any suitable material. The current collecting element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated current collecting element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel compounds, titanium and composite metal materials. Preferred current collecting elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the current collecting element may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. A suitable current collecting element may be made of or comprise aluminum. The current collecting element preferably contains more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred elongated current collecting elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

The current collecting element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current collecting element may include metal tracks formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes at least one resistive heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes a combination of resistive heating elements and induction heating elements.

The aerosol generating device may include a plurality of heating elements. The aerosol generating device may include a first heating element and a second heating element. In some embodiments, the second heating element may be located at a distance from the first heating element. The second heating element may be located at a distance from the first heating element in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. Providing heating elements spaced apart from each other can allow the aerosol generating device to separately heat different sections of the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating substrate is contained within a cavity of the device.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate and a second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate may be adjacent to the second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction. The first heating element may be adapted to heat the first longitudinal segment of the substrate, and the second heating element may be adapted to heat the second longitudinal segment of the substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity of the device.

The second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a composition different from the composition of the first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate. Different compositions of the first and second aerosol-generating substrate segments may enable the generation of aerosols having different compositions from a single aerosol-generating article. This may allow the user to select a specific aerosol-forming substrate to heat to generate a specific aerosol during a smoking session.

The first and second heating elements may be configured to sequentially heat the first and second segments of the aerosol-forming substrate during a user's smoking session. This may be advantageous for establishing a given user's smoking session in which at least two types of aerosol are sequentially generated within a given period of time.

The first heating element may be adapted to heat the first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate without heating the second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the second segment of the substrate that forms the aerosol. The second heating element may be adapted to heat the second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate without heating the first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the first segment of the substrate that forms the aerosol. In other words, each heating element may be adapted to heat a separate segment of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may contribute to the sequential heating of such segments of the substrate, forming an aerosol.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes a power supply. The power supply may be a DC voltage source. In preferred embodiments, the power supply is a battery. For example, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply may alternatively be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored to operate the aerosol generating device with one or more aerosol generating substrates.

The power supply may be electrically coupled to the at least one heating element to provide power to the at least one heating element. When the heating element receives power from the power supply, the heating element can generate heat. The power supply may be configured to supply sufficient power to the at least one heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the substrate.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes a housing. Preferably, the housing at least partially defines a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes at least one air inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. In embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes a housing, preferably the housing at least partially defines the at least one air inlet. Preferably, the at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the cavity. In embodiments in which the at least one heating element is at least one elongated heating element located within the cavity, preferably the elongated at least one heating element extends into the cavity from an upstream end of the cavity.

The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one heating element. The controller may be any suitable controller. The controller may include any suitable circuitry and electrical components. Preferably, the controller includes a processor and a memory device. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor.

The aerosol generating device may include a sensor for detecting an air flow indicating a puff by the user. The air flow sensor may be an electromechanical device. The air flow sensor may be any of a mechanical device, an optical device, an optical-mechanical device, and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor. The aerosol generating device may include a manually controlled switch to initiate a puff by the user.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device includes an indicator to indicate when the at least one heating element is activated. The indicator may include a light source that is activated when the at least one heating element is activated.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one of an external plug or connector and at least one external electrical contact allowing the aerosol generating device to be connected to another electrical device. For example, the aerosol generating device may include a USB plug or USB connector to allow the aerosol generating device to be connected to another USB equipped device. For example, a USB plug or USB connector may allow the aerosol generating device to be connected to a USB charger to charge a rechargeable power supply within the aerosol generating device. The USB plug or USB connector may additionally or alternatively support the transfer of data to or from the aerosol generating device, or both to and from it. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating device may be coupled to a computer to transmit data, such as new heating profiles for new aerosol generating products, to the device.

In those embodiments in which the aerosol generating device includes a USB plug or USB connector, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a removable cap that fits over the USB plug or USB connector when not in use. In embodiments in which the USB plug or USB connector is a USB plug, the USB plug may additionally or alternatively be selectively retractable from the device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for housing an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising:

at least one heating element;

a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion comprising a first cavity,

wherein the second part of the housing is configured to move relative to the first part of the housing between an open position and a closed position;

wherein in the closed position, the first cavity and the second housing part define the cavity of the device, wherein the cavity of the device has an upstream end and a downstream end and defines the longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end the end

wherein at least one heating element is adapted to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device; And

wherein, in the open position, an opening is formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into or removed from the first cavity in a direction other than the longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the aerosol generating device according to this aspect enables the aerosol-generating substrate to be inserted into and removed from the device cavity in a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the cavity. This can make insertion of the substrate into and removal from the device cavity particularly easy, reducing the risk of damage to the substrate or device when inserting and removing the aerosol-forming substrate.

In particular, the opening between the first housing portion and the second housing portion allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into or removed from the first cavity in a direction other than the longitudinal direction. The direction other than the longitudinal direction may be any suitable direction that is different from the longitudinal direction. Preferably the direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The device cavity may be an oblong cavity. In other words, the cavity of the device may have a length that is greater than other dimensions of the cavity, such as diameter. The length of the elongated cavity of the device may extend in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the cavity of the device is a round-cylindrical cavity. However, the device cavity may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the device cavity may have any suitable cross-sections. In particular, the cavity of the device may have a circular, oval, rectangular with two semicircular sides, square or triangular cross-section.

The cavity of the device may be configured to surround the aerosol-forming substrate in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the cavity of the device may be configured to form a tube surrounding or enclosing the sides of the aerosol-forming substrate. The device cavity may have an open end. The device cavity can be open at both ends. The device cavity may have one open end and one substantially closed end. The open end may be at the downstream end of the device cavity, and the substantially closed end may be at the upstream end of the device cavity. The substantially closed end may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the cavity of the device.

The device cavity may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the device cavity. The first housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the cavity of the device. The second housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the cavity of the device.

The aerosol generating device according to this aspect comprises at least one heating element. Preferably, the device according to this aspect includes a plurality of heating elements. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is located in the first housing portion. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is located in the second housing portion.

The at least one heating element may be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity of the device. If the aerosol-forming substrate includes an internal cavity, in some embodiments, the at least one heating element may be configured to be inserted into the internal cavity of the substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the cavity of the device. The at least one heating element may be an elongated heating element. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the form of a plate. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the form of a pin. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. At least one elongated heating element may have a pointed end. The at least one elongated heating element may be cone-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have any suitable shape adapted to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-generating substrate. Advantageously, the elongated heating element may provide easier engagement, or easier release, or both easier engagement and easier release of the aerosol-forming substrate relative to the heating element of the device.

Preferably, the resistive heating elements are electrically connected in parallel. Advantageously, providing multiple resistive heating elements electrically connected in parallel can simplify the delivery of the required electrical power to the at least one heating element while reducing or minimizing the voltage required to provide the required electrical power. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate the at least one heating element may help reduce or minimize the physical size of the power supply.

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an electrically insulating substrate and one or more electrically conductive tracks on the electrically insulating substrate.

Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at the operating temperature of the at least one heating element. Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate is stable at temperatures up to about 400 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 500 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 600 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 700 degrees Celsius, more preferably about 800 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be at least about 200 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 700 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 600 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 500 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of the at least one heating element during use may be less than about 400 degrees Celsius.

The electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of the following: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and polyimide. Ceramics may include mica, aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or zirconia (ZrO ₂ ). Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity that is less than or equal to about 40 watts per meter kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 watts per meter kelvin, and ideally less than or equal to about 2 watts per meter kelvin.

Suitable materials for forming the at least one resistive heating element and in particular one or more electrically conductive tracks include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys.

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

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may comprise an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a power supply configured to supply high frequency oscillatory current to the induction coil. As used herein, the term “high frequency oscillatory current” means oscillatory current with a frequency between 500 kHz and 30 MHz. The at least one heating element may advantageously comprise a DC-AC converter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into AC current. The induction coil may be adapted to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field to receive the high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The induction coil may be adapted to generate a high frequency oscillatory electromagnetic field within the cavity of the device. In some preferred embodiments, the induction coil may substantially surround the cavity of the device. The induction coil may extend at least partially along the length of the cavity of the device.

The induction heating element may include a current collecting element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element containing a material that is capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Thus, when the current collector element is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, the current collector heats up. Heating of the current collector element may result from hysteresis losses and/or eddy currents induced in the current collector, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collector material. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current-receiving materials due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be caused if the current receiving material is electrically conductive. In the case of an electrically conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic current-receiving material, heat can be generated through both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Accordingly, the current collecting element may be configured to heat due to at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collecting material.

The susceptor element is configured such that when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the device, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the induction coil can induce a current into the susceptor element, resulting in heating of the susceptor element. The aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (magnetic field strength) of 1 to 5 kiloamperes per meter (kA m), preferably 2 to 3 kA/m, for example about 2.5 kA/m. m. The electrically controlled aerosol generating device is preferably capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, eg 1 to 10 MHz, eg 5 to 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the current collecting element is located in the aerosol generating article. In these embodiments, the current collecting element is preferably positioned in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The current collecting element may be located in the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the current collector element is an elongated current collector that extends along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the product. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an internal cavity, the current collecting element may be located in the internal cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an internal cavity, the current collecting element may be located on the internal surface of the substrate. The aerosol generating product may contain one or more current collecting elements. The aerosol generating product may contain a plurality of current collecting elements.

In some embodiments, the current collector element is located in the aerosol generating device. In these embodiments, the current collecting element may be located in the cavity of the device. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity of the device. If the aerosol-generating substrate includes an internal cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the internal cavity of the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received into the cavity of the device. The current collecting element may extend into the device cavity in a longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The current-receiving element can be oblong. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a plate. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a pin. The elongated current collecting element may have a tapered shape or at least a tapered end. The elongated current-receiving element may have a pointed end. The elongated current-receiving element may have the shape of a cone. The aerosol generating device may include one or more current collecting elements. The aerosol generating device may contain a plurality of current collecting elements.

The current collecting element may comprise any suitable material. The current collecting element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the elongated current collecting element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel compounds, titanium and composite metal materials. Preferred current collecting elements contain metal or carbon. Advantageously, the current collecting element may contain or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite. A suitable current collecting element may be made of or comprise aluminum. The current collecting element preferably contains more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred elongated current collecting elements can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

The current collecting element may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current collecting element may include metal tracks formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes at least one resistive heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating system includes a combination of resistive heating elements and induction heating elements.

Preferably, the at least one heating element according to this aspect is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in a closed position and the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the cavity of the device. Accordingly, at least one heating element may protrude from the first housing portion into the device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in a closed position. Accordingly, at least one heating element may extend or protrude from the second housing portion into the device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in a closed position.

If the heating element extends from one of the first and second housing portions into the device cavity, the heating element may extend into the device cavity in any suitable direction. In some embodiments, it is advantageous for the heating element to extend into the cavity of the device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. If the device contains multiple heating elements extending into the cavity of the device, it may be preferable for all of the heating elements to be substantially parallel to each other.

The device according to this aspect may contain any suitable number of heating elements. For example, the device may contain one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve heating elements. If the device contains multiple heating elements, the heating elements may be spaced apart from each other. The heating elements may be spaced longitudinally in the device cavity between an upstream end and a downstream end of the device cavity. The heating elements can be spaced in the transverse direction of the device cavity, parallel to the longitudinal direction.

In some embodiments, the device of this aspect includes at least two heating elements: a first heating element and a second heating element, wherein the second heating element is spaced from the first heating element in the longitudinal direction of the cavity of the device. In these embodiments, the device may be suitable for use with an aerosol generating article comprising two or more longitudinally spaced aerosol generating substrate segments, as described above with respect to the previous aspect. In these embodiments, the first heating element may be adapted to heat a first segment of aerosol-forming substrate housed within the device cavity, and the second heating element may be adapted to heat a second segment of aerosol-forming substrate housed within the device cavity. The device may be configured to heat the first and second heating elements at different times or to different temperatures to vary the aerosol generated by the system and the user's smoking session.

In some embodiments of the device according to this aspect, the device includes at least one heating element extending from the first housing portion and at least one heating element extending from the second housing portion. Advantageously, providing heating elements on both the first and second housing portions allows the heating elements to be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate from different sides, which can reduce temperature variations of the aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, movement of the first and second housing portions between open and closed positions allows for easy insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into and removal from such device.

The second part of the housing is configured to move relative to the first part of the housing. The first housing part and the second housing part can be movably connected. The first and second housing portions may be movably joined together by any suitable connecting means.

In some embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be slidably coupled together. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be provided with complementary guides allowing the second housing portion to slide relative to the first housing portion between an open position and a closed position.

In some embodiments, the second housing portion may be releasably coupled to the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be in an open position when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be in a closed position when the second housing portion is releasably coupled to the first housing portion.

In some preferred embodiments, the first and second housing portions are rotatably connected together. The second housing portion may be rotatably coupled to the first housing portion and is rotatable from an open position to a closed position. The first and second housing portions may be rotatably connected by any suitable connecting means. For example, the first and second housing portions may be rotatably connected via a hinge or hinge.

The second housing portion may be rotatable relative to the first housing portion in any suitable direction. Preferably, the second housing part is rotatable relative to the first housing part in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into the device cavity and removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in an open position in a direction other than the longitudinal direction.

In some preferred embodiments, the second housing portion includes a second cavity. The second cavity may be configured such that, in the closed position, the first cavity and the second cavity define a cavity of the device. In other words, the first cavity and the second cavity may be aligned to form a larger cavity, the device cavity, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the second cavity is different from the first cavity. This may cause the first and second cavities to form a device cavity having an asymmetrical shape.

Preferably, the second cavity is substantially identical to the first cavity, having the same shape and size. For example, the first cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical, and the second cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical, with the first and second cavities forming a substantially cylindrical cavity of the device when the first and second housing portions are in a closed position. The first and second cavities may be of any suitable size and shape to accommodate any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate.

In all other aspects, the aerosol generating devices of this aspect may be the same as the aerosol generating devices described above with respect to the previous aspects.

For example, the device preferably includes one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the cavity of the device, a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element, and a controller for controlling the supply of power from the power supply to the at least one a heating element.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising:

an aerosol generating device according to the previous aspect; And

an aerosol-generating product containing an aerosol-generating substrate.

Aerosol generating articles used in combination with an aerosol generating device according to this aspect may comprise the same features as the aerosol generating articles described above with respect to the previous aspects of the present invention. However, it should also be understood that other aerosol generating products may be suitable for use in this system with the devices of the previous aspect. For example, aerosol generating articles having a substantially constant outer diameter along their length may be suitable for use with the device of the previous aspect.

Brief description of drawings

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating article according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating article according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the aerosol generating system includes the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention including the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7.

Carrying out the invention

1 shows an aerosol generating article 10 comprising an upstream end 11 and a downstream end 12. The article 10 includes an upstream segment that contains an aerosol generating substrate 13 and a downstream one. downstream segment 14, which in this embodiment consists of a filter 15. The filter 15 typically forms a cylindrical cellulose acetate portion having an outer cylindrical surface with the outer diameter D1 of the downstream segment. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 13 typically forms a hollow cylindrical tube of homogenized molded tobacco sheet. The tubular aerosol-forming substrate 13 has an outer substrate surface 17 having a substrate outer diameter D2 and an inner substrate surface 18 having a substrate inner diameter D3. The inner surface 18 of the substrate defines an internal cavity 16 extending longitudinally within the aerosol-forming substrate 13.

The outer diameter D1 of the filter is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the substrate.

The thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is significantly reduced compared to the thickness of aerosol-forming substrates in articles having a constant outer diameter along its length and articles in which the aerosol-forming substrate is not tubular. The reduced thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 can allow heat applied to the substrate 13 to rapidly spread through the thickness of the substrate. This may reduce the time required to increase the temperature of the substrate 13. For example, it may reduce the time required to increase the temperature of the substrate 13 in areas of the substrate 13 that are furthest from the heating element 31. Reduced thickness of the substrate 13 aerosol generating article 10 aerosol, can improve the efficiency of generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating article 10 of FIG. 2 is similar to the article of the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the downstream segment 14 includes an intermediate element 19 and a filter 15. In this embodiment, the intermediate element 19 is located between the filter 15 and substrate 13, forming an aerosol.

In this embodiment, the intermediate element 19 is a support element. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the product may include a cooling element located between the filter 15 and the substrate 13 in addition to or instead of the support element.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generating system 40 comprising the aerosol generating article 10 of FIG. 1 and the aerosol generating device 30. The aerosol generating device 30 includes a heating element 31 that is configured to be inserted into the aerosol generating substrate 13 when the aerosol generating article is received into the device 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the heating element 31 is received within an internal cavity 16 of the article. 10 defined by the inner surface 18 of the substrate.

The aerosol generating device 30 includes a device cavity 32 having an inner surface 33 of the device cavity. The inner surface 33 of the device cavity has an inner diameter D4 of the device cavity. In FIG. 3, the device cavity 32 accommodates the aerosol-forming substrate 13 of the article 10. When the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is received in the device cavity 32, an annular gap is formed between the outer surface 17 of the substrate and the inner surface 33 of the device cavity, which provides a passage 35 for air flow in the longitudinal direction along the length of the substrate 13 and surrounds the substrate. The width of the air flow passage 35 is the difference between the inner diameter D4 of the chamber and the outer diameter D2 of the substrate. The air flow passage 35 is located outside the aerosol-forming substrate 13.

When the aerosol generating system 40 is used as shown in FIG. 3, power is provided to the heating element 31 to heat the aerosol generating substrate 13 to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the substrate 13. The user puffing on a downstream A flow segment 14, such as filter 15, of article 10, allows air to be drawn into air flow passage 35 through air inlet openings 36 at the distal end of device cavity 32 along air flow passage 35 in the longitudinal direction of article 10 and out of device cavity 32 through a downstream segment 14, for example, through a filter 15. Volatile compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate 13 are released into the air flow passage 35, as schematically shown by curved arrows in Fig. 3, and are cooled to form an aerosol, which can be inhaled by the user. The aerosol is entrained by the air drawn through the air flow passage 35 and flows from the device cavity 32 through the filter 15 of the article 10 towards the downstream end 12, as indicated by arrow A1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the outer diameter D1 of the downstream segment is the same as the inner diameter D4 of the device cavity. Consequently, the air flow passage is limited at its downstream edge by the downstream segment 14, which in this embodiment corresponds to the filter 15. Accordingly, the aerosol that exits the air flow passage 35 must flow through the filter 15 .

In the aerosol generating system 40 of FIG. 4, the aerosol generating article 10 differs from the article of FIGS. 1 and 3 in that the aerosol generating substrate 13 does not contain an internal cavity; instead, the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is a solid cylindrical rod of homogenized molded tobacco sheet. The aerosol generating device 30 is identical to the device of FIG. 3 except that it includes a heating element 31 that penetrates the aerosol generating substrate 13 when the aerosol generating substrate 13 is inserted into the cavity 32 of the device. In some embodiments, the heating element has any of the following shapes: plate, pin, prong; or any other shape that facilitates insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heating element may have a tapered or pointed end. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the heating element is a plate-shaped heating element.

In the aerosol generating system 40 of FIG. 5, the aerosol generating article 10 differs from the article of FIGS. 1 and 3 in that the aerosol generating article 10 includes a downstream segment 14, which in this embodiment represents is a filter 15, which has an outer diameter D1 of a downstream segment that is larger than the inner diameter D4 of the device cavity. Such a downstream segment configuration may further ensure that the upstream edge of the filter 15 limits the downstream edge of the air flow passage 35. In addition, a layer 23 of thermally conductive material is located on the inner surface 18 of the substrate. The thermally conductive material layer 23 substantially covers the inner surface 18 of the substrate, surrounding the internal cavity 16 and extending along the entire length of the internal cavity 16. This may improve heat transfer from the heating element 31 to the substrate 13. The thermally conductive material layer 23 may also provide a physical separation of the heating element 31 , housed in the internal cavity 16, and the aerosol-forming substrate 13, which may reduce the risk of overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 in areas of the substrate 13 near the heating element 31. The thermally conductive material layer 23 may also increase the reliability of the tubular aerosol-forming substrate 13, which may be reduced due to a decrease in the thickness of the substrate 13 due to the provision of an internal cavity 16.

Other features of the system 40 of FIG. 5 correspond to the features of the system 40 of FIG. 3.

In the aerosol generating system 40 of FIG. 6, the aerosol generating device 30 includes a first heating element 34 and a second heating element 38 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity 32. The aerosol-generating article 10 includes an aerosol-generating substrate 13 having two aerosol-generating substrate segments: a first aerosol-generating substrate segment 21 and a second aerosol-generating substrate segment 22, arranged end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the product. The first aerosol-forming substrate segment 21 contains a first aerosol-forming substrate composition, and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment 22 contains a second aerosol-forming substrate composition different from the composition of the first longitudinal substrate segment 21.

The first heating element 34 is adapted to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate segment 21, and the second heating element 38 is adapted to heat the second aerosol-forming substrate segment 22 when the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is received in the cavity 32 of the device. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 30 may be configured to separately heat each segment of the aerosol generating substrate 13. Since heat can be selectively applied to the first substrate segment 21 and the second substrate segment 22, the segments 21, 22 can be sequentially heated by the aerosol generating device 40. Each segment can also be heated according to the type of aerosol the user wants to consume.

The aerosol generating device 30 of FIG. 6 further includes a sensor 37 located in the device cavity 32, on the inner surface 33 of the device cavity, and within the air flow passage 35 when the aerosol generating substrate 13 is placed in the device cavity 32. Sensor 37 may provide the device and/or user with relevant data, such as the start of a puff, the duration of a puff, the temperature of the aerosol, or the concentration of a particular aerosol component in the air flow passage 35.

FIG. 7 illustrates an aerosol generating device 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 300 includes a housing capable of defining a device cavity 305 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The housing includes a first housing portion 301 and a second housing portion 302 that are movable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first and second housing parts 301, 302 are rotatable relative to each other, and the relative movement is represented by arrow R1 in FIG. 7. Hinge 307 pivotally attaches first housing portion 301 to second housing portion 302.

The first and second housing parts 301, 302 are rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are adapted to form a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate 130. In the closed position, the formed cavity of the device can surround the aerosol-forming substrate. In the open position, the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are adapted to facilitate entrainment of the aerosol-forming substrate 130 into and removal from the main portions 301, 302.

The first housing portion 301 includes a first cavity 303, and the second housing portion 302 includes a second cavity 304. In this embodiment, the first cavity 303 is a substantially semi-cylindrical cavity, and the second cavity 304 is a substantially semi-cylindrical cavity. In the closed position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 are aligned to form a device cavity 305 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate 130. In this embodiment, the device cavity 305 surrounds the aerosol-forming substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction X when the aerosol-forming substrate 130 is accommodated in the device cavity 305. In other words, the device cavity 305 defines a tubular cavity that surrounds or encloses the aerosol-forming substrate 130, the tubular cavity having a length extending in the longitudinal direction X. The tubular cavity may be closed at an end. In the open position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 rotate to form an opening 306 through which the aerosol-forming substrate 130 can be inserted into each of the first and second cavities 303, 304 in a direction other than the longitudinal direction X, as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 130 may be inserted into any of the first and second cavities 303, 304 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal X direction P1.

The aerosol generating device 300 includes a plurality of internal heating elements 310. The internal heating elements 310 are configured to at least partially penetrate the aerosol generating substrate. In this embodiment, the internal heating elements 310 are pin-shaped heating elements 310. The first housing portion 301 includes a plurality of pin-shaped heating elements 310 extending into the first cavity 303, and the second housing portion 302 includes a plurality of pin-shaped heating elements 310 extending into the second cavity 304. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, device 300 includes twelve heating elements 310, wherein six heating elements 310 extend from the first housing portion 301 into the first cavity 303, and six heating elements 310 extend from the second housing portion 302 into the second cavity 304. The pin-shaped heating elements 310 extend in a substantially transverse direction within chamber 305. The pin-shaped heating elements 310 are adapted to extend substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X of the cavity when the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are in a closed position. While pin-shaped heating elements are described and presented herein, it should be understood that any number of different shapes may be used. For example, heating elements may have any one or combination of the following shapes: plate, pin, prong; or any other shape adapted to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heating element may have a tapered or pointed end. The heating elements in the first cavity 303 may be the same or may be different. The heating elements in the second cavity 304 may be the same or may be different. The heating elements in the first cavity 303 may have the same shape or may have different shapes compared to the heating elements in the second cavity 304. Although twelve heating elements are described with reference to the illustrated embodiment, it should be understood that other numbers of heating elements may be used. Although the illustrated invention describes heating elements in both cavities 303, 304, it should be understood that in some embodiments there may only be heating elements extending from one cavity.

Each of the first and second housing portions 301, 302 further includes air inlets 360. Air inlets 360 are located at one end of the device cavity 305 and are adapted to draw ambient air into the device cavity 305.

FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal section through the aerosol generating device 300 of FIG. 7 in a closed position when used with the aerosol generating article 100. The aerosol generating article 100 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the device in FIG. 1. The article 100 contains an aerosol-forming substrate 130 in an upstream segment. The article 100 includes a downstream segment 140, which in this embodiment contains a filter 150 immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol generating substrate 130 has a cylindrical tubular shape having an internal cavity 160. However, it should be understood that other aerosol generating articles, and in particular non-tubular aerosol generating articles, may be equally suitable for use with the aerosol generating device of FIG. 7.

The device cavity 30 of the aerosol generating device 300 extends in the longitudinal direction X from the upstream end 308 of the device cavity to the downstream end 309 of the device cavity. In the closed position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 are aligned to form a substantially cylindrical device cavity 305.

When the aerosol-forming substrate 130 is placed in the first cavity 303 and the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are in the open position, the pin-shaped heating elements 310 of the first housing portion 301 pierce the aerosol-forming substrate. When the first housing portion 301 and the second housing portion 302 are moved to the closed position, the aerosol-forming substrate is retained in the cylindrical device cavity 305, and the pin-shaped heating elements 310 of the second housing portion 302 also pierce the aerosol-forming substrate 130. As shown in FIG. 8, the pin-shaped heating elements 310 are spaced apart from each other in both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction. Thus, the pin-shaped heating elements 310 are adapted to heat different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate 130. Advantageously, this should ensure that all of the aerosol-forming substrate 130 is heated to the desired temperature during use of the system 400.

In use, when a user takes a puff on the filter 150 of the aerosol generating article 100, air is drawn into the device cavity through air inlets 360 at the upstream end 308 of the device cavity. In this embodiment, the air inlet 360 is directed toward the central longitudinal axis of the device chamber. Air drawn into the device cavity from the air inlet ports 360 enters the internal cavity 160 of the aerosol-forming substrate 130, is drawn along the internal cavity 160 to the filter 150, as shown by arrow A10, and is released from the filter 150 at the downstream end. 120 of a product 100 that generates an aerosol, from where it is delivered to the user.

When power is provided to the multiple heating elements 310, the multiple heating elements 310 heat the aerosol-forming substrate 130 to a temperature at which volatile compounds are released from the substrate 130, which are released from the substrate 130 into the internal cavity 160 of the substrate 130 and cooled to form a respirable aerosol. user. The aerosol is entrained by air drawn through the internal cavity 160 and drawn from the internal cavity 160 through the filter 150 and delivered to the user at the downstream end 120.

Claims (38)

1. An aerosol generating system containing: - an aerosol generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article defines a longitudinal direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, wherein the aerosol generating article aerosol contains: an upstream segment located at the upstream end of the aerosol generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an outer surface of the substrate having an outer diameter of the substrate; And a downstream segment located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of the downstream segment, wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment is greater than outer diameter of the substrate; And - an aerosol generating device containing: a device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an inner diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to receive at least an aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article; And at least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the device, wherein, when the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is placed in the cavity of the device, a passage for air flow is defined between the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the cavity of the device, wherein the passage for air flow extends in the longitudinal direction along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises an inner surface of the substrate having an internal diameter of the substrate, wherein the inner surface of the substrate defines an internal cavity extending longitudinally within the aerosol-generating substrate. 3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the substrate is from 60 to 90% of the outer diameter of the substrate. 4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 2, 3, in which a layer of thermally conductive material is located on the inner surface of the substrate. 5. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream segment and the downstream segment are positioned in coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. 6. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream segment comprises a filter. 7. The aerosol generating system of claim 6, wherein the downstream segment further comprises at least one of a cooling element and an intermediate element disposed between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter. 8. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the substrate is from 50 to 98% of the outer diameter of the downstream segment. 9. The aerosol generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of the substrate has a circular or oval cross-section. 10. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a molded tobacco sheet. 11. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has a uniform composition in the longitudinal direction. 12. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a first segment of aerosol-generating substrate extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second segment of aerosol-generating substrate adjacent to the first segment of the substrate, forming an aerosol in the longitudinal direction. 13. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity of the aerosol generating device defines a longitudinal direction between an upstream end of the device cavity and a downstream end of the device cavity, and wherein said at least one heating element contains a first heating element and a second heating element spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. 14. The aerosol generating system according to any of the previous paragraphs, wherein the outer diameter of the downstream segment of the aerosol generating article is the same as or greater than the inner diameter of the device cavity. 15. An aerosol generating system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating article has an overall length of from 30 to 100 mm, preferably from 40 to 50 mm. 16. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream segment has an outer diameter of 5 to 13 mm. 17. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream segment has a length of from 7 to 25 mm. 18. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating substrate has an outer diameter of 3 to 12 mm. 19. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream segment has a length of from 8 to 25 mm. 20. The aerosol generating system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one heating element comprises at least one resistive heating element, at least one induction heating element, or both at least one resistive heating element and at least one induction heating element. 21. The aerosol generating system according to any of the previous paragraphs, in which the aerosol generating device contains: a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion comprising a first cavity; wherein the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part between an open position and a closed position; in the closed position, the first cavity and the second housing portion define the cavity of the device; in the open position, an opening is formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into or removed from the first cavity in a direction other than the longitudinal direction. 22. The aerosol generating system of claim 21, wherein said at least one heating element is configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in a closed position and the aerosol-generating substrate is placed in the cavity of the device. 23. The aerosol generating system of claim 22, wherein the device comprises at least one heating element extending from the first housing portion and at least one heating element extending from the second housing portion. 24. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the first and second housing parts are slidably connected together or rotatably connected together. 25. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the second housing portion comprises a second cavity, wherein the second cavity is configured such that in the closed position the first cavity and the second cavity define a cavity of the device.

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