Accessory for an aerosol-generating device with a heating element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an accessory for an aerosol-generating device. The accessory comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The accessory further comprises a heating element. The heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating kit comprising an aerosol-generating device and an accessory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generating apparatus for generating inhalable vapor is known. Such an apparatus heats an aerosol forming matrix to a temperature that causes one or more components of the aerosol forming matrix to volatilize without burning the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix can be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a strip-like structure for inserting the aerosol generating article into a cavity (e.g., a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating apparatus. Heating elements may be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol forming matrix after the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus. An accessory or top cover may be configured to close the cavity. The accessory may be positioned above the opening of the cavity. The accessory may cover a portion of the aerosol generating article protruding from the cavity. A user can inhale directly from the accessory. The accessory may have a mouthpiece from which the user inhales. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Accessories that improve the user experience are desired. Accessories that improve the user experience when used with the aerosol generating device are desired. Aerosol generating device that improves the experience when used with the accessory is desired. An aerosol generating system that includes both the aerosol generating device and the accessory that improves the user experience is desired. Any of the above is desired to improve adaptability to different user experiences.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, an accessory for an aerosol generation apparatus is provided. The accessory may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The accessory may further include a heating element. The heating element may be arranged at least partially around the cavity.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an accessory for an aerosol generation apparatus is provided. The accessory includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The accessory further includes a heating element. The heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity.

[0006] The heating element in the accessory enables the heating of the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating product. This can be used in different ways.

[0007] As a first option, the accessory can be used with an aerosol generating apparatus that already provides a heating option for the aerosol-generated article. In this first option, the accessory enables the provision of a secondary heating option for the aerosol-generated article. This secondary heating option allows the user to provide improved aerosol generation. The heating characteristics of the aerosol generating apparatus can be modified by providing an accessory that also heats the aerosol generating apparatus. Different portions of the aerosol-generated article can be heated by the accessory, compared to the portion of the aerosol-generated article heated by the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the proximal portion of the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generated article can be heated by the accessory, while the distal portion of the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generated article can be heated by the aerosol generating apparatus. Furthermore, the user can combine a single aerosol generating apparatus with different types of accessories. Different types of accessories can each include different heating characteristics. Therefore, different aerosol generation schemes may exist by using a single aerosol generating apparatus with different types of accessories.

[0008] As a second option, the accessory may be the sole heat source for heating the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article. In this case, the aerosol-generating apparatus may not heat the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article. This may be desirable for heating only the proximal portion of the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the accessory heats all the aerosol-forming matrix within the aerosol-generating matrix of the aerosol-generating article. Exemplarily, as described in more detail below, the aerosol-generating apparatus may be used solely as a power source for the heating element of the accessory.

[0009] The heating element can be an induction heating element that includes a sensor and an induction coil.

[0010] The receptor may be arranged at least partially around the cavity of the accessory. The receptor may be arranged completely around the cavity of the accessory. The receptor may at least partially form the sidewall of the cavity of the accessory. The receptor may completely form the sidewall of the cavity of the accessory. The aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article may be placed in the cavity of the accessory to be heated by the receptor.

[0011] The induction coil can be a helical induction coil. The induction coil can be arranged at least partially around the receptor. The induction coil can be arranged completely around the receptor. The induction coil can generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field can cause heating of the receptor. The induction coil can generate an alternating magnetic field during heating operation.

[0012] As an alternative to an induction heating element, the heating element may be configured as a resistance heating element. In this embodiment, the heating element may similarly be arranged at least partially or completely around the cavity, or at least partially or completely form the sidewall of the cavity of the accessory. The resistance heating element may include heating rails. The heating rails may be disposed on a substrate, such as a polyimide substrate. The heating rails may be printed on the substrate.

[0013] The receptor can be porous. The receptor can be fully porous. The receptor can be partially porous. Providing a porous receptor allows lateral airflow to enter the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article.

[0014] The attachments may further include a flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may be arranged at least partially around the induction coil.

[0015] Flux concentrators can concentrate the alternating magnetic field generated by induction coils. The alternating magnetic field can be concentrated in the region of the sensor to improve heating efficiency.

[0016] The accessory may include a proximal end and a distal end. Electrical contacts may be located at the distal end. The electrical contacts may be electrically connected to a heating element. The electrical contacts may be configured to enable electrical connection between the accessory and the aerosol generating device.

[0017] By providing electrical contacts to engage the aerosol generating device, the accessory may not require a separate power source, such as a battery. The accessory, particularly its heating element, can be powered by the aerosol generating device. In other words, the power source of the aerosol generating device can be used to power the heating element of the accessory.

[0018] The cavity may include an opening for receiving the aerosol-generated article. The opening may be located at the proximal end of the accessory.

[0019] The cavity of the accessory may terminate within the accessory. In other words, the proximal end of the cavity of the accessory may be within the accessory. The proximal end of the accessory may be configured as a mouthpiece. The user may inhale through the proximal end of the accessory. The proximal end of the cavity of the accessory may be fluidly connected to the proximal end of the accessory. An air passage may be arranged between the proximal end of the cavity of the accessory and the proximal end of the accessory.

[0020] When the accessory is attached to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article can be sandwiched between the accessory and the aerosol generating device. In this case, the aerosol generating article can be partially received in the cavity of the accessory. Another portion of the aerosol generating article can be received in the aerosol generating device. The portion of the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating device can be received in the device cavity of the aerosol generating device. The portion of the aerosol generating article received in the aerosol generating device can be the distal portion of the aerosol generating article. The portion of the aerosol generating article received in the cavity of the accessory can be the proximal portion of the aerosol generating article. When the aerosol generating article is received within the accessory and optionally within the aerosol generating device, and the accessory is attached to the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article can be completely surrounded by the accessory and the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article can be hermetically received within the cavity of the accessory and optionally within the aerosol generating device.

[0021] The cavity can extend longitudinally through the attachment, allowing the aerosol-generated article to be pushed through the cavity of the attachment.

[0022] In this embodiment, the user can inhale directly from the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the accessory may not be configured as a mouthpiece. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may protrude from the open proximal end of the accessory. Therefore, the cavity can extend completely through the accessory.

[0023] The heating element of the accessory may be arranged near the distal end of the accessory. The heating element may be arranged near the opening of the cavity at the distal end of the accessory.

[0024] The proximal portion of the accessory can be configured as a cooling section. Particularly preferred is that a heating element is arranged at the distal portion of the accessory to heat the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article to produce an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol then travels downward toward the proximal portion of the accessory and is cooled. This aerosol cooling improves aerosol generation and achieves an optimal temperature for inhalation by the user. The accessory may include a mouthpiece, and the proximal portion of the accessory may be configured as a cooling section.

[0025] The accessory may include an air inlet. The air inlet may be located at the distal end of the accessory. The air inlet allows ambient air to be drawn into the cavity of the accessory. Alternatively, the air inlet may be located on the outer circumference of the accessory. As another alternative, multiple air inlets may be provided. Exemplarily, one or more air inlets may be located at the distal end of the accessory, and one or more of the air inlets may be located on the outer circumference of the accessory.

[0026] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a device cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a device heating element. The device heating element may be arranged at least partially around the cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a power source configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a controller configured to control the electrical energy supply from the power source to the device heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus may further include device electrical contacts. The apparatus may include a proximal end configured for attachment to an accessory. The accessory is preferably an accessory as described herein. The device electrical contacts may be arranged at the proximal end of the apparatus and may be configured to establish an electrical connection between the apparatus and the accessory.

[0027] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a device cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a device heating element. The device heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a power source configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a controller configured to control the electrical energy supply from the power source to the device heating element. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes device electrical contacts. The apparatus includes a proximal end configured for attachment to an accessory. The accessory is preferably an accessory as described herein. The device electrical contacts are arranged at the proximal end of the apparatus and configured to establish an electrical connection between the apparatus and the accessory.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may be partially received within the device cavity. The distal portion of the aerosol-generating article may be received within the device cavity. The proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude from the device cavity. As described herein, the proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article may be covered by an accessory. The proximal portion of the aerosol-generating article may be received within the cavity of the accessory.

[0029] The controller can be configured to control the electrical power supply to the accessory via electrical contacts for powering the accessory.

[0030] The controller can be configured to supply electrical power to the heating element of the accessory. The controller can be further configured to supply electrical power to the heating element of the aerosol generating device. In other words, the controller can have a dual function: it can be configured to supply electrical power to both the heating element of the aerosol generating device and the heating element of the accessory.

[0031] The aerosol generation device may include an accessory detection element configured to detect the type of accessory attached to the aerosol generation device. A controller may be configured to control the power supply to the heating element of the accessory based on the detected accessory type. Each accessory may correspond to a desired heating profile. Each accessory may be different from one another. The heating profile of each accessory may be different. The power supply from the battery to the heating element of the accessory via the controller may be selected based on the desired heating profile. The heating profile may include a desired heating temperature, heating duration, temperature increase, temperature decrease, heating duration, and other parameters affecting aerosol generation.

[0032] One or both of the aerosol generating apparatus and the accessories may include attachment means for attaching the accessories to the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0033] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus as described herein and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix.

[0034] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation kit, the aerosol generation kit comprising an aerosol generation device as described herein and accessories as described herein.

[0035] The kit may include multiple accessories. Each accessory may have a different heating element, resulting in different heating characteristics. Different heating characteristics may correspond to different heating profiles.

[0036] The cavity of one or both of the accessories and the aerosol generating apparatus may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing air vents disposed in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be the direction extending along the longitudinal central axis between the open end and the closed end. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0037] One or both of the cavities in the accessory and the aerosol generating apparatus may be configured as heating chambers. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shape of the cavity may correspond to the shape of the aerosol-generated article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generated article.

[0038] An airflow channel can pass through the cavity. Ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol generating device, enter the cavity, and flow to the user through the airflow channel. A mouthpiece can be positioned downstream of the cavity, or the user can inhale directly from the aerosol generating product. The airflow channel can extend through the mouthpiece.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a smoking article. An aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through their mouth. An aerosol generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. An aerosol generating device may include a housing, circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates aerosols that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through their mouth. Aerosol-generating articles can be disposable.

[0041] The aerosol-generating article can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article can be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article can have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to said length. The aerosol-generating article can be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-forming matrix can be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming matrix can be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming matrix can also have a certain length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to said length. The aerosol-forming matrix can be substantially rod-shaped.

[0042] In all aspects of this disclosure, one or both of the heating elements of the aerosol generating apparatus and its accessories may comprise resistive materials. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, “conductive” ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, chromium alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, zirconium alloys, hafnium alloys, niobium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tantalum alloys, tungsten alloys, tin alloys, gallium alloys, manganese alloys, gold alloys, iron alloys, and alloys containing nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, etc. And superalloys mainly composed of iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, resistive materials can be optionally embedded in insulating materials, encapsulated by insulating materials, coated by insulating materials, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and desired external physicochemical properties.

[0043] As an alternative to resistance heating elements, one or both of the heating elements of the aerosol generating device and its accessories can be configured as induction heating elements. This is the preferred type of heating element. Induction heating elements may include induction coils and sensors. Generally, a sensor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field, if the sensor is conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the sensor is magnetic, another effect that typically contributes to heating is often called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the sensor, as the magnetic orientation of these domain blocks aligns with the alternating magnetic field. Another effect contributing to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the sensor. Typically, all these changes occurring in the sensor at the nanometer scale or below are called "hysteresis losses" because they generate heat within the sensor. Therefore, if the sensor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation contribute to heating the sensor. If the sensor is magnetic but non-conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means of heating the sensor when the alternating magnetic field penetrates. According to the invention, the sensor can be conductive or magnetic, or both. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the sensor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming matrix, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer can be primarily through thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the sensor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix. An accessory may include an induction heating element comprising a sensor and an induction coil arranged in the accessory. An aerosol-generating apparatus may include a separate induction heating element comprising a sensor and an induction coil arranged in the aerosol-generating apparatus.

[0044] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term "smoking" in relation to apparatus, articles, systems, substrates, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol-generating apparatus of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but at or above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0045] The aerosol generating apparatus may include circuitry. The circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The circuitry may include additional electronic components. The circuitry may be configured to regulate the power supply to one or both of the heating elements of the aerosol generating apparatus and its accessories. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating elements after the aerosol generating apparatus is activated, or it may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating elements in the form of current pulses. The circuitry may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating elements and preferably control the power supply to the heating elements based on the resistance of the heating elements.

[0046] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may 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. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging and may have a capacity capable of storing sufficient energy for one or more uses; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosols for approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another instance, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of suctions or discontinuous activation of the heater. The power source is preferably used for the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus and the heating element of an accessory. Device contacts may be disposed between the power source and the controller. Device contacts may be disposed between the power source and the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus. Accessory contacts may be disposed between the power source and the heating element of the accessory. The accessory contacts extend from the power source in the main body of the aerosol generating device to the proximal end of the aerosol generating device and from the distal end of the accessory to the heating element of the accessory. Contact is established when the accessory is attached to the aerosol generating device.

[0047] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0048] The aerosol forming matrix can be a solid aerosol forming matrix. It can include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol forming matrix can include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the matrix upon heating. The aerosol forming matrix can also include non-tobacco materials. It can include aerosol forming agents that contribute to the formation of dense and stable aerosols. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0049] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws air onto the aerosol generating device during use.

[0050] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, implementation, or aspect described herein.

[0051] Example A: An accessory for an aerosol generating apparatus, the accessory comprising:

[0052] A cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix, and

[0053] A heating element, wherein the heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity.

[0054] Example B: According to the appendix to Example A, the heating element is an induction heating element comprising a sensor and an induction coil.

[0055] Example C: According to the appendix to Example B, the sensor is arranged at least partially around the cavity, and the induction coil is arranged at least partially around the sensor.

[0056] Example D: According to the appendix to Example A or Example B, the receptor at least partially forms the sidewall of the cavity.

[0057] Example E: An appendix to any of Examples A through D, wherein the appendix further includes a flux concentrator, wherein the flux concentrator is arranged at least partially around the induction coil.

[0058] Example F: According to the appendix of any of the preceding examples, the appendix includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein an electrical contact is disposed at the distal end, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the heating element, and wherein the electrical contact is configured to enable an electrical connection between the appendix and the aerosol generating device.

[0059] Example G: According to the attachment of any of the foregoing examples, the cavity includes an opening for receiving the aerosol-generated article, wherein the opening is located at the proximal end of the attachment.

[0060] Example H: According to the attachment of Example G, wherein the cavity extends longitudinally through the attachment, such that the aerosol-generating article can be pushed through the cavity of the attachment.

[0061] Example 1: An aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0062] A device cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix.

[0063] A device heating element, wherein the device heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity.

[0064] A power supply configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element.

[0065] A controller, configured to control the electrical power supply from the power source to the heating element of the device, and

[0066] Device electrical contacts,

[0067] The device includes a proximal end configured for attachment to an accessory, wherein electrical contacts are disposed at the proximal end of the device and configured to enable an electrical connection between the device and the accessory.

[0068] Example J: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example I, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of electrical energy to the accessory via the electrical contacts for powering the accessory.

[0069] Example K: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example I or Example J, wherein the apparatus further includes an accessory detection element configured to detect the type of an accessory attached to a proximal end of the apparatus.

[0070] Example L: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example K, wherein the controller is configured to control the electrical energy supply to the accessory for powering the accessory based on the type of accessory detected by the accessory detection element.

[0071] Example M: ​​An aerosol generation system, including an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of Examples I to L, and an aerosol generation article including an aerosol forming matrix.

[0072] Example N: An aerosol generation kit, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of Examples I to L, and an accessory according to any one of Examples A to H.

[0073] Example O: An aerosol generation kit according to Example N, wherein the kit includes multiple attachments, and each attachment has a different heating element, thereby producing different heating characteristics.

[0074] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0075] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0076] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generation device and accessories; and

[0077] Figure 2 The appendix is ​​shown in more detail. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Figure 1A illustrates an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device 10 and an accessory 12. The accessory 12 is configured to be attached to the aerosol generation device 10. The accessory 12 is configured as a top cover of the aerosol generation device 10. Figure 1B shows the accessory 12 detached from the aerosol generation device 10.

[0079] Annex 12 includes an accessory housing 14, and the aerosol generating apparatus 10 includes an apparatus housing 16. An accessory cavity 18 is disposed within the accessory housing 14. The accessory cavity 18 is configured to receive an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix.

[0080] The accessory cavity 18 extends through the accessory 12. The accessory cavity 18 extends from the distal end 20 of the accessory 12 to the proximal end 22 of the accessory 12. The accessory 12 includes an opening at the distal end 20 and an opening at the proximal end 22. The cavity extends from the distal end 20 to the proximal end 22 of the accessory 12, allowing airflow to pass through the accessory 12 via the cavity.

[0081] The aerosol generating device 10 includes a button 24 for activating the aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may further include a power source in the form of a battery and a controller. Pressing the button 24 causes the controller to supply electrical energy from the power source to the device's heating element. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown in more detail, pressing button 24 causes the controller to supply electrical energy from the power source to the accessory heating element 26.

[0082] Electrical contacts are configured to establish an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device 10 and the accessory 12. Device contacts may be arranged within the aerosol generating device 10 from the power source to the proximal end 22 of the aerosol generating device 10. Accessory contacts 34 and 36 may be located between the distal end 20 of the accessory 12 and the accessory heating element 26. When the accessory 12 is attached to the aerosol generating device 10, electrical energy can therefore be supplied from the power source of the aerosol generating device 10 to the accessory heating element 26 via the device contacts and accessory contacts 34 and 36. The device contacts are arranged to electrically contact the accessory contacts 34 and 36 when the accessory 12 is attached to the aerosol generating device 10.

[0083] Figure 2Annex 12 is shown in more detail. Specifically, a cross-sectional view shows the accessory heating element 26 in more detail. The accessory heating element 26 is configured as an induction heating element. The accessory heating element 26 includes a sensor 28 and an induction coil 30. The sensor 28 is arranged around the accessory cavity 18 or forms a sidewall of the accessory cavity 18. The induction coil 30 is arranged around the sensor 28. The controller of the aerosol generating apparatus 10 is configured to control the supply of alternating current to the induction coil 30. When the induction coil 30 is subjected to alternating current, the induction coil 30 generates an alternating magnetic field. The sensor 28 is heated when subjected to the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 30.

[0084] Flux concentrator 32 is arranged around induction coil 30. Flux concentrator 32 concentrates magnetic field lines within itself. Therefore, the density of magnetic field lines in the region of sensor 28 increases, thereby increasing heating efficiency.

[0085] The aerosol-generating article can be at least partially received in the accessory cavity 18. The portion of the aerosol-generating article received in the accessory cavity 18 can be heated by the accessory heating element 26. All options for heating the aerosol-generating article are possible: heating the aerosol-generating article via the device heating element, heating the aerosol-generating article via the accessory heating element 26, or heating the aerosol-generating article via both the device heating element and the accessory heating element 26. Additionally, different accessories can be used with a single aerosol-generating device 10. Each accessory 12 can have a different heating profile. The heating profile can be selected, for example, by using different accessory heating elements 26. Different accessory heating elements 26 can differ from each other in terms of the type of sensor 28, the shape of the sensor 28, the material of the sensor 28, the shape of the induction coil 30, the material of the induction coil 30, the thickness of the induction coil 30, the number of windings of the induction coil 30, and other parameters affecting the heating characteristics. Additionally, resistance heating can be used in the accessory 12. The kit of accessories 12 can be arranged together with the aerosol-generating device 10 so that the user can use the accessory 12 to obtain the desired heating profile.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation kit, comprising an aerosol generation device and accessories for said aerosol generation device, The aerosol generating device includes: A device cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. A device heating element, wherein the device heating element is arranged at least partially around the device cavity. A power source configured to supply electrical energy to the heating element of the device. A controller, configured to control the electrical power supply from the power source to the heating element of the device, and Device electrical contacts, The aerosol generating device includes a proximal end configured for attachment to the accessory, wherein electrical contacts are arranged at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device and configured to establish an electrical connection between the aerosol generating device and the accessory. The attachments include: A cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix, and A heating element, wherein the heating element is arranged at least partially around the cavity.

2. The aerosol generation kit according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is an induction heating element comprising a sensor and an induction coil.

3. The aerosol generation kit of claim 2, wherein the sensor is arranged at least partially around the cavity, and wherein the induction coil is arranged at least partially around the sensor.

4. The aerosol generation kit of claim 2, wherein the receptor at least partially forms the sidewall of the cavity.

5. The aerosol generation kit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the accessory further comprises a flux concentrator, wherein the flux concentrator is arranged at least partially around the induction coil.

6. The aerosol generating kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the accessory includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein an electrical contact is provided at the distal end, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the heating element, and wherein the electrical contact is configured to enable an electrical connection between the accessory and the aerosol generating device.

7. The aerosol generation kit of claim 6, wherein the cavity includes an opening for receiving the aerosol-generated article, wherein the opening is located at the proximal end of the accessory.

8. The aerosol generation kit of claim 7, wherein the cavity extends longitudinally through the attachment such that the aerosol generation article can be pushed through the cavity of the attachment.

9. The aerosol generation kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of electrical energy for supplying electrical energy to the accessory via electrical contacts in order to power the accessory.

10. The aerosol generation kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generation device further includes an accessory detection element configured to detect the type of an accessory attached to the proximal end of the aerosol generation device.

11. The aerosol generation kit of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to control the power supply for supplying power to the attachment to power the attachment based on the type of attachment detected by the attachment detection element.

12. The aerosol generation kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the aerosol generation kit comprises a plurality of attachments, and wherein each attachment has a different heating element, thereby producing different heating characteristics.

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