Aerosol-generating device with movable portion

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arrangeable in a first position in which the first housing portion is extended relative to the second housing portion and in which the cavity is accessible for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arrangeable in a second position in which the second housing portion is at least partially retracted within the cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity, for example a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element can be arranged within or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. When the aerosol-generating device is not in use, the open cavity of the aerosol-generating device can be problematic. Potentially, a user or a bystander can accidentally or otherwise access the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. As a result, the user or bystander can be exposed to the high temperature of the cavity. Furthermore, components of the aerosol-generating device can be damaged or the interior of the cavity can be contaminated.

[0003] It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with improved closure of the cavity when the aerosol-generating device is not in use. It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device in which the cavity for insertion of an aerosol-generating article is protected. It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device in which contamination of the cavity is prevented. SUMMARY

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device can comprise a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion can comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The first housing portion and the second housing portion can be configured to be arrangeable in a first position in which the first housing portion is extended relative to the second housing portion and in which the cavity is accessible for insertion of the aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion and the second housing portion can be configured to be arrangeable in a second position in which the second housing portion is at least partially retracted within the cavity.

[0005] According to embodiments of the application, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arrangeable in a first position in which the first housing portion is extended relative to the second housing portion and in which the cavity is accessible for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arrangeable in a second position in which the second housing portion is at least partially retracted within the cavity of the first housing portion.

[0006] In the first position, the aerosol-generating device is configured to be in use. An aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity of the first housing portion. Subsequently, the aerosol-generating device can be operated to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. After use, the aerosol-generating article can be removed from the cavity of the first housing portion. Then, the aerosol-generating device can be moved from the first position to the second position. In the second position, the second housing portion is at least partially retracted within the cavity. In this position, the space of the cavity can be occupied by the second housing portion. Preferably, in the second position, the cavity is not accessible for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. In this way, the cavity can be protected. In particular, the cavity can not be accessible to a user or a bystander. Furthermore, contamination of the cavity can be prevented by arranging the second housing portion within the cavity in the second position.

[0007] The cavity can be a heating chamber. The cavity can have a cylindrical shape. The cavity can have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity can have a circular cross-section. If desired, the cavity can have a shape deviating from a cylindrical shape or a cross-section deviating from a circular cross-section. The shape of the cavity can correspond to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received therein. The cavity can have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity can have a base at an upstream end of the cavity. The base can be circular. One or more air inlets can be arranged at or adjacent to the base. The air inlets can be arranged in one or more of the base of the cavity and a sidewall of the cavity adjacent to the base of the cavity. An airflow passage can pass through the cavity. Ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and through the airflow passage towards a user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece can be arranged or a user can draw directly on the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece can be part of the aerosol-generating article. The airflow passage can extend through the mouthpiece.

[0008] The base of the cavity can be formed by a proximal end face of the second housing portion. The proximal end face of the second housing portion can be arranged at the upstream end of the cavity. The second housing portion can directly abut the cavity of the first housing portion. The second housing portion can be in direct contact with the cavity of the first housing portion.

[0009] The proximal portion of the second housing portion can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cavity of the first housing portion. Advantageously, the correspondingly shaped proximal portion of the second housing portion and the cavity means that the proximal portion of the second housing portion substantially fills the cavity of the first housing portion when the first and second housing portions are arranged in the second position. The proximal portion of the second housing portion can have a shape and a volume corresponding to the shape and volume of the cavity of the first housing portion. Advantageously, the correspondingly shaped volume of the proximal portion of the second housing portion and the cavity means that the proximal portion of the second housing portion substantially fills the cavity of the first housing portion when the first and second housing portions are arranged in the second position. In the second position, access to the cavity is preferably blocked by the second housing portion. In the second position, the second portion and the first portion can be substantially flush at least in the region of the opening of the cavity of the first housing portion. This prevents insertion of a consumable in the second position. It can also help to remove any debris remaining in the cavity after use. The proximal portion of the second housing portion and the cavity of the first housing portion can be correspondingly shaped to fit closely together. The close fit can mean that as the first and second housing portions are moved from the first position to the second position, the proximal portion of the second housing portion can act as a wiper to scrape the walls of the cavity of the first housing portion.

[0010] The outer diameter of the proximal portion of the second housing portion can correspond to the inner diameter of the cavity of the first housing portion. The first housing portion can have a hollow cylindrical shape. The proximal portion of the second housing portion, which can be arranged within the cavity of the first housing portion, is preferably cylindrical and can have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical first housing portion.

[0011] The length of the proximal portion of the second housing portion can correspond to the length of the cavity of the first housing portion. The length of the proximal portion of the second housing portion can be measured along the longitudinal axis of the second housing portion.

[0012] The longitudinal axis of the second housing portion can be the same as one or more of the longitudinal axis of the first housing portion and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The cross-sectional shape of the proximal portion of the second housing portion can correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity of the first housing portion. The proximal portion of the second housing portion can be cylindrical.

[0013] As used herein, the terms “upstream”, “downstream”, “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of the aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on them during use of the aerosol-generating device.

[0014] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a biasing device configured to bias the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion towards the first position. The biasing device can comprise at least one spring. The biasing device can be configured as at least one spring. Preferably, the biasing device comprises at least two springs. The biasing device can extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The biasing device can be arranged around a periphery of the proximal portion of the second housing portion. The biasing device can be arranged evenly around a periphery of the proximal portion of the second housing portion. Such an arrangement can facilitate an even biasing action.

[0015] The biasing device can be arranged between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The biasing device can be mounted in the first housing portion or the second housing portion.

[0016] The aerosol-generating device can comprise one or more guide rails configured to guide movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion. The guide rails can be configured as grooves. The guide rails can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The guide rails can be arranged in a side wall of the cavity of the first housing portion. The proximal portion of the second housing portion can comprise guide elements configured to engage with the guide rails of the first housing portion. The guide elements can be configured as protrusions. Alternatively, the second housing portion can comprise guide rails and the first housing portion can comprise guide elements. Exemplarily, the guide rails can be arranged on an outer side wall of the proximal portion of the second housing portion parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The guide elements can be arranged on a side wall of the cavity of the first housing portion.

[0017] The second housing portion can be configured to move towards the first housing portion in a direction parallel or coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The second housing portion can be configured to move towards the first housing portion in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0018] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a locking device. The locking device can be configured to lock the aerosol-generating device in the second position. A user can want to have the aerosol-generating device in the second position if the aerosol-generating device is not used. The locking device can be used to lock the aerosol-generating device in the second position during non-use. For use of the aerosol-generating device, the locking device can be disengaged. Disengagement of the locking device can cause the biasing device to bias the aerosol-generating device towards the first position.

[0019] The locking device can be any conventional locking device. Illustratively, the locking device can comprise a male locking element and a female locking element. The male locking element can be configured to engage the female locking element for a locking action. The proximal portion of the second housing portion can comprise the male locking element and the first housing portion can comprise the female locking element, or vice versa. To engage the female locking element, the male locking element can be moved in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The locking elements can be mechanical locking elements. The locking elements can be user-controlled. Alternatively, the locking elements can be electrical locking elements.

[0020] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface can be configured to interact with an external device for unlocking the locking device. The external device can be a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a tablet computer. The locking device can be configured to unlock if the external device is within a predetermined distance around the aerosol-generating device. The locking device can be configured to unlock if a user inputs an unlock command into the external device.

[0021] The wireless communication interface can comprise an authorization device configured to interact with the external device for unlocking the locking device. The authorization device can be configured to identify the aerosol-generating device.

[0022] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a heating element. The heating element can be arranged in the first housing portion. Preferably, the heating element can be configured as an external heating element. The external heating element can take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element can take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (e.g. polyimide). The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the periphery of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element can take the form of a metal mesh, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or can be formed on a suitable shaped substrate using a coating technique (e.g. plasma vapor deposition). The external heating element can also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an illustrative device, the metal can be formed as a trace between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this way can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation. The heating element can be configured as an electrical resistance heating element.

[0023] Alternatively, the heating element can be configured as an inductive heating element. Similarly, the heating element can be configured as an external heating element. The heating element can comprise an induction coil arranged at least partially around the cavity of the first housing portion. The induction coil can be a spiral induction coil. The induction coil can have a tubular shape coaxially surrounding the cavity. The inductive heating element can further comprise a susceptor.

[0024] Generally, a susceptor is a material that is capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced and hysteresis losses occur in the susceptor, causing heating of the susceptor. The electromagnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol- generating article, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer can be primarily by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is optimal if the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-generating substrate. The susceptor can have a tubular shape. The outer diameter of the susceptor can be smaller than the inner diameter of the induction coil. The susceptor can be arranged within the induction coil. The susceptor can form a side wall of the cavity.

[0025] The susceptor can be formed of any material that is capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors can comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors can be of aluminium or comprise aluminium. Preferred susceptors can be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0026] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a controller. The controller can be configured to prevent operation of the aerosol-generating device, preferably operation of the heating element of the aerosol-generating device, when one or both of

[0027] the first housing portion is in the retracted position; and

[0028] the locking means is locked.

[0029] The controller can be configured to prevent accidental operation of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device is in a second position if the aerosol-generating device is not in use. The controller is therefore configured to prevent operation of the aerosol-generating device if the aerosol-generating device is in the second position. The second position is typically detected by the locking means being locked. The controller can be configured to enable operation of the aerosol-generating device if the aerosol-generating device is in a first position. In the first position, the controller can be configured to control operation of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] The aerosol-generating device can comprise an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit can comprise a microprocessor, which can be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor can be part of the controller. The electrical circuit can comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit can be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the heating element. The electrical power can be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device or can be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The electrical power can be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit can be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of electrical power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0031] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a power source, typically a battery, within the second housing portion of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium-titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. As an alternative, the power source can be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source can require charging and can have a capacity capable of storing sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source can have sufficient capacity to generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes continuously. In another example, the power source can have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heater.

[0032] The present application further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

[0033] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate can be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device can be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device can be a holder. The device can be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device can comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a cavity, and a heating element.

[0034] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article can be disposable.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article can be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article can have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article can be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate can be substantially elongate. The aerosol-forming substrate can also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate can be substantially rod-shaped.

[0036] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds which can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0037] The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise both a solid component and a liquid component. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise an aerosol former which aids in the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0038] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, in some embodiments the solid aerosol-forming substrate can comprise one or more of: a powder, a granule, a pellet, a shard, a cannelloni, a rod or a sheet material containing one or more of herbal plant leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribbings, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be in loose form, or can be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds which are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can also contain capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, and such capsules can melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0039] The present application can further relate to use of the aerosol-generating device. The use can comprise arranging the first housing portion and the second housing portion in the first position. The use can comprise extending the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion. The use can comprise holding the aerosol-generating device at the first housing portion. The use can comprise extending the first housing portion by holding the first housing portion and pushing the second housing portion. Pushing the second housing portion can release the second housing portion so that the biasing device can bias the first housing portion and the second housing portion towards the first position. The use can comprise inserting an aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The use can comprise generating an aerosol by heating the aerosol-generating article. The use can comprise removing a consumed aerosol-generating article from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article can be extracted by pushing the second housing portion towards the first housing portion against the biasing force of the biasing means. A user can push the end face of the second housing portion with a finger, for example a thumb. As a result, the second housing portion can be pushed into the first housing portion. The cavity can be gradually occupied by the second housing portion. The aerosol-generating article can be pushed out of the cavity through the proximal end face of the proximal portion of the second housing portion. The second housing portion can be fully pushed into the first housing portion. The proximal end face of the second housing portion can subsequently be flush with the opening of the cavity. As a result, the aerosol-generating article can be extracted from the cavity. The present invention can relate to a method for extracting an aerosol-generating article from an aerosol-generating device comprising any of the steps described herein for extracting an aerosol-generating article.

[0041] Features described in relation to one embodiment can equally apply to other embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0043] Figure 1a An illustrative side cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device in a second position is shown;

[0044] Figure 1b An illustrative side cross-sectional view of the first housing portion of the aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0045] Figure 2 An illustrative side cross-sectional view of the second housing portion of the aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0046] Figure 3 An illustrative side cross-sectional view of the operation of the aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0047] Figures 4a to 4e An illustrative side cross-sectional view of the operation of the aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0048] Figure 5 An example of extracting an aerosol-generating article from an aerosol-generating device is shown;

[0049] Figure 6a A schematic view of a first position of the aerosol-generating device is shown; and

[0050] Figure 6b and 6c A schematic view of a second position of the aerosol-generating device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a first housing portion 10 and a second housing portion 12. The first housing portion 10 is a proximal housing portion. In other words, the first housing portion 10 faces the user when the device is in use of the aerosol-generating device. The second housing portion 12 is a distal housing portion. In other words, the second housing portion 12 faces away from the user during use of the aerosol-generating device. The first housing portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The second housing portion 12 has a solid cylindrical shape. The second housing portion 12 is arranged at least partially receivable within the first housing portion 10.

[0052] The first housing portion 10 comprises a cavity 14. The cavity 14 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 16. The cavity 14 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity 14 is arranged adjacent to a proximal end of the first housing portion 10. The cavity 14 extends substantially through half of the first housing portion 10.

[0053] The second housing portion 12 comprises a proximal portion 18. The proximal portion 18 has a length of about half the length of the second housing portion 12. The proximal portion 18 is arranged adjacent to a proximal end of the second housing portion 12. The proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is arranged to be received within the first housing portion 10. Thus, the outer diameter of the proximal portion 18 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity 14. A proximal end face 20 of the proximal portion 18 can form a base of the cavity 14. In particular, the proximal end face 20 forms the base of the cavity 14 when the aerosol-generating device is positioned in a first position. The first position is shown in Figure 1b In the first position, the aerosol-generating device is in an extended position. The extended position is characterized in that the cavity 14 is open. The extended position is further characterized in that the second housing portion 12 is arranged in the extended position relative to the first housing portion 10.

[0054] Figure 1a The aerosol-generating device is shown in a second position. In the second position, the aerosol-generating device is in a retracted position. In this position, the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is retracted into the cavity 14 of the first housing portion 10. In the second position, the proximal end face 20 of the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is arranged flush with the proximal end of the first housing portion 10. In other words, the proximal end face 20 of the second housing portion 12 is arranged flush with the outlet of the cavity 14. In this way, the cavity 14 is protected from contamination and from being accessed by the user or a bystander.

[0055] Figure 1b Further shown is a biasing device 22 for biasing the aerosol-generating device into the first position. The biasing device 22 is arranged between the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12. Figure 1bThe biasing device 22 is arranged between the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12. The biasing device 22 is arranged adjacent to the periphery of the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. The biasing device 22 is arranged adjacent to the side wall of the hollow cylindrical first housing portion 10. The biasing device 22 is arranged upstream of the cavity 14 of the first housing portion 10. The biasing device 22 is configured to bias the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12 away from each other to a first position of the aerosol-generating device.

[0056] Figure 1 further shows a locking device 24. The locking device 24 is configured to hold the aerosol-generating device in the second position. In other words, the locking device 24 is configured to hold the second housing portion 12 in the retracted position relative to the first housing portion 10 against the biasing force of the biasing device 22. The locking device 24 can be configured as any conventional locking device 24. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the locking device 24 comprises a male locking element 26 and a female locking element 28. The male locking element 26 is arranged adjacent to the side wall of the first housing portion 10. The female locking element 28 is arranged adjacent to the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. However, the placement and configuration of the locking device 24 is merely exemplary.

[0057] The unlocking of the locking device 24 can be facilitated mechanically by a user. Exemplarily, the aerosol-generating device can comprise a button for unlocking the locking device 24. Alternatively, the locking device 24 can be configured as an electrically operated locking device 24 and operated by a controller. The aerosol-generating device can further comprise a communication interface, preferably a wireless communication interface. The communication interface can be configured to interact with an external device for unlocking the locking device 24. The external device can be a smartphone, a smartwatch or a tablet computer. The communication interface can receive an output from the external device. The communication interface can subsequently generate an output which is received by the controller. The controller can then unlock the locking device 24 upon receiving the appropriate output from the communication interface. The communication interface can comprise an authorization device which identifies the correct external device.

[0058] Figure 1a The second position is shown in which the locking device 24 is locked and the second housing portion 12 is held in the retracted state within the first housing portion 10. Thus, the cavity 14 of the first housing portion 10 is protected by the appropriately shaped proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. This position is preferably the position in which the aerosol-generating device is arranged when the device is not in use. In Figure 1b In the second position, the locking device 24 is unlocked and the biasing device 22 has biased the aerosol-generating device to the first position such that the cavity 14 is accessible. As Figure 1b In the second position, the locking device 24 is unlocked and the biasing device 22 has biased the aerosol-generating device to the first position such that the cavity 14 is accessible. As

[0059] For operating the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element 30. The heating element 30 is heated to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 16. The heating element 30 is configured to heat, but not to combust, the aerosol-forming substrate. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the heating element 30 is constructed as an induction heating element 30. Thus, the heating element 30 comprises an induction coil. Further, a susceptor (not shown) for generating heat to heat the aerosol-forming substrate is provided. The susceptor can be provided as part of the aerosol-generating device, or as part of the aerosol-generating article, or as part of both the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating consumable. The induction coil is arranged around a periphery of the susceptor. The induction coil is preferably constructed as a spiral coil. The susceptor is preferably constructed as a tubular susceptor surrounding the cavity 14. The susceptor can form a side wall of the cavity 14.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the heating element 30 comprises two separate induction coils. One induction coil is arranged around an upstream portion of the cavity 14. The other induction coil is arranged around a downstream portion of the cavity 14. The two induction coils can be used to heat different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 16. The controller can independently control the induction coils.

[0061] Fig. 1 further shows that the second housing portion 12 comprises a power supply 32. The power supply 32 is preferably configured as a battery. The power supply 32 is configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element 30 to operate the heating element 30. The power supply 32 can be controlled by the controller.

[0062] Figure 2 A more detailed view of the first housing portion 10 is shown. In particular, the hollow cylindrical shape of the first housing portion 10 is shown in Figure 2 The cavity 14 for inserting the aerosol-generating article 16 is arranged in the proximal portion 36 of the first housing portion 10. The cavity 14 is surrounded by the heating element 30. The heating element 30 comprises two separate induction coils for heating different regions of the inserted aerosol-generating article 16. The second housing portion 12 is mounted in the distal portion 34 of the first housing portion 10 opposite the proximal portion 36 of the first housing portion 10. Thus, the distal portion 34 of the first housing portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical shape such that the second housing portion 12 can be inserted into the first housing portion 10.

[0063] Figure 3 A more detailed view of the second housing portion 12 is shown. In particular, a proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 having a reduced diameter is shown. This proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is dimensioned to be arranged within the cavity 14 of the first housing portion 10 when the aerosol-generating device is in the second position.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates the operation of the aerosol generation device. From left ( Figure 4a ) to the right ( Figure 4e The aerosol generating device is in an unused state, then used, and then returned to an unused state. Figure 4a The aerosol generating device in a second position is shown. In this second position, the second housing portion 12 is retracted into the first housing portion 10. Furthermore, access to the cavity 14 is blocked by the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. Figure 4b In this configuration, the aerosol generating device is ready for use. For this purpose, the locking device 24 is disengaged. This disengagement of the locking device 24 causes the biasing device 22 to bias the second housing portion 12 relative to the first housing portion 10 into an extended position. Therefore, the aerosol generating device is ready for use. Figure 4b It holds the first position. Figure 4c In this configuration, the aerosol generating device is inserted into cavity 14. In the first position of the aerosol generating device, cavity 14 is not occupied by the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. When the aerosol generating article 16 is inserted into cavity 14, the heating element 30 is operated to heat the aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generating article 16. Thus, an inhalable aerosol that can be inhaled by the user is generated. After the aerosol generating article 16 is depleted, it is removed from cavity 14. To remove the aerosol generating article 16 from cavity 14, the second housing portion 12 can be pushed into the first housing portion 10, such as... Figure 4d As indicated by the arrows in the diagram. The second housing portion 12 can be manually pushed into the first housing portion 10 by the user against the biasing force of the biasing device 22. Therefore, the cavity 14 gradually narrows as the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is pushed into the cavity 14. Specifically, the proximal end face 20 of the second housing portion 12 forming the base of the cavity 14 is pushed into the cavity 14 until the aerosol-generating article 16 is pushed out of the cavity 14 and can be removed by the user. Figure 4e As shown, after the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is fully pushed into the first housing portion 10, the aerosol generating device is again in the second position. The second position of the aerosol generating device is a compact position in which undesirable access to the cavity 14 is prevented by positioning the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12.

[0065] Figure 5An example is shown of the extraction of the aerosol generating article 16 from the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article 16 is depleted, the user 38 can press on the second housing portion 12. The user 38 can push the end face of the second housing portion 12 with a finger, for example the thumb. As a result, the second housing portion 12 is pushed into the first housing portion 10. The cavity 14 is gradually occupied by the second housing portion 12. The aerosol generating article 16 is pushed out of the cavity 14 by the proximal end face 20 of the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12. Finally, the second housing portion 12 is completely pushed into the first housing portion 10. The proximal end face 20 of the second housing portion 12 is flush with the opening of the cavity 14. As a result, the aerosol generating article 16 is extracted from the cavity 14. The aerosol generating article 16 can be disposed in the recycling bin 40.

[0066] Figure 6a The first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12 of the aerosol generating device are shown in the second position. In the second position, the first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12 are arranged in a retracted position. In this position, the proximal portion 18 of the second housing portion 12 is arranged within the cavity 14. As a result, the proximal end face 20 of the proximal portion 18 is arranged flush with the opening of the cavity 14, as shown in Figure 6a .

[0067] Figure 6b The first housing portion 10 and the second housing portion 12 are shown arranged in the first position, which is an extended position. The cavity 14 is accessible. As shown in Figure 6c , the aerosol generating article 16 can be inserted into the cavity 14. The aerosol generating device can then be operated by heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 16. As described in connection with Figure 5 , the aerosol generating article 16 can be extracted when the aerosol generating article 16 is depleted. To extract the aerosol generating article 16, the second housing portion 12 can be pushed towards the first housing portion 10 such that the aerosol generating device is again arranged in the second position shown in Figure 6a .

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: The first housing portion, wherein, when the aerosol generating device is in use, the first housing portion faces the user; and A second housing portion, in which a power source is arranged, is positioned away from the user during use of the aerosol generating device. The first housing portion includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arranged in a first position, in which the first housing portion extends relative to the second housing portion, and in which the aerosol generating article can be inserted into the cavity. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are configured to be arranged in a second position, in which the second housing portion is at least partially retracted into the cavity.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the proximal portion (18) of the second housing portion has a shape corresponding to the shape of the cavity of the first housing portion, wherein, The proximal portion of the second housing part refers to the portion of the second housing part that is closer to the user than other portions of the second housing part when the aerosol generating device is in use.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a biasing device configured to bias the first housing portion toward the first position relative to the second housing portion.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the biasing device comprises at least one spring.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the biasing device is arranged between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes one or more guide rails configured to guide movement of the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second housing portion is configured to move toward the first housing portion in a direction parallel to or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a locking device, and wherein the locking device is configured to lock the aerosol generating apparatus in the second position.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a wireless communication interface, and wherein the wireless communication interface is configured to interact with an external device for unlocking the locking device.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the wireless communication interface includes an authorization device configured to interact with the external device to unlock the locking device.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 10, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a heating element, and wherein the heating element is disposed in the first housing portion.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the heating element comprises an induction coil arranged at least partially around a cavity of the first housing portion.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 8, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent operation of the aerosol generating apparatus when one or both of the following occur: The first housing portion is in the second position; and The locking device locks the device.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus of claim 11, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a controller, and wherein the controller is configured to prevent operation of the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus when one or both of the following occur: The first housing portion is in the second position; and The locking device locks the device.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In the first position, the second housing portion extends from the first housing portion.

16. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing portion is configured to be manually moved into the first housing portion for placement in the second position.

17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In the second position, the aerosol-generating article cannot be inserted into the cavity in which the aerosol-generating article is not present.

18. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, In the second position, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity by being blocked by the second housing portion.

19. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-18, wherein the first housing portion has a hollow cylindrical shape, and wherein a portion of the second housing portion that can be disposed within the cavity of the first housing portion is cylindrical and has an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical first housing portion.

20. An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus and an aerosol generation article according to any one of claims 1-19, the aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix.

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