Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is described. The device generates an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The device has a device body (110) with a power source (112), and a heating module (130) having a heating chamber (132) and a heating element (134). The heating chamber receives a portion of an article (120) comprising an aerosol-generating material, and the heating element heats the heating chamber. The heating module can be separated from the device body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The present invention also relates to a heating module, an aerosol generating system and a modular aerosol generating device system. Background Art

[0002] Smoking articles (such as cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. People have tried to provide substitutes for these articles by producing products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating rather than burning materials. The material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material is provided, comprising: a device body including a power supply; a heating module including: a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material, and a heating element configured to heat the heating chamber, wherein the heating module can be separated from the body.

[0004] The device may comprise an electrical connection arrangement arranged to electrically connect the heating module to a power source of the device body.

[0005] The device may include: a mounting member configured to releasably mount the heating module to the device body.

[0006] The mounting member can connect one end of the device body with one end of the heating module. The electrical configuration can be located on the mounting member.

[0007] The mount may include at least one of a magnet configuration, a press-fit configuration, a bayonet configuration, and a threaded configuration.

[0008] The heating element may comprise a material that can be heated by a varying magnetic field.

[0009] The heating module may include an induction coil, and the induction coil may be configured to generate a varying magnetic field.

[0010] The induction coil may extend around the heating element.The induction coil and the heating element may be fixedly mounted.

[0011] The induction coil and the heating element may be integrally formed in the heating module.

[0012] The heating element may extend within the heating chamber. The heating element may be elongate.

[0013] The heating element may comprise a wall of the heating chamber.

[0014] The heating module may comprise a peripheral wall defining at least a portion of an outer wall of the device.

[0015] The heating module may comprise a secondary body arranged to be mounted to the device body.The secondary body may comprise a mouthpiece.

[0016] The heating module may be configured to extend in the secondary body. The device body and the secondary body may be configured to surround the heating module.

[0017] The device may include a cavity in the secondary body, the cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the heating module. The cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material. The cavity may extend to an opening in the secondary body through which the article is arranged to extend from the aerosol generating device. The air path may extend from the cavity to an opening on a peripheral surface of the secondary body. The air path may be a hole.

[0018] According to one aspect, a heating module is provided, which is arranged to be installed together with a device body of an aerosol generating device, and the heating module includes: a receiving portion, which defines a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article containing an aerosol generating material; a heating element, which is arranged to heat the heating chamber; and an electrical connection configuration, which is arranged to electrically connect the heating module to a power source of the device body.

[0019] According to one aspect, a system is provided comprising an aerosol generating device or heating module, and an article comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0020] According to one aspect, a modular aerosol generating device system is provided, comprising an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, comprising: a main device body, comprising a power source; a heating module, comprising a heating element, the heating element being configured to heat at least a portion of an article containing the aerosol generating material; and a secondary device body, configured to at least partially surround at least a portion of the article containing the aerosol generating material, wherein the main device body, the heating module and the secondary device body are separable.

[0021] The heating module may include a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

[0022] The secondary body may include a cavity which may be configured to receive at least a portion of a portion of an article comprising an aerosol generating material. The cavity may extend to an opening in the secondary body through which the article is arranged to extend from the aerosol generating device. The air path may extend from the cavity to an opening on a peripheral surface of the secondary body. The air path may be an aperture. The secondary body may be a mouthpiece.

[0023] The heating module may be a first heating module including a first heating element, and a second heating module including a second heating element. The first heating element may have a different configuration than the second heating element. The first heating element may have a first length, and the second heating element may have a second length. The first heating module and the second heating module may be interchangeable.

[0024] The secondary body may be a first primary body, and the system may further include a second secondary body. The first primary body may include a first cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a portion of a first article comprising an aerosol generating material, and the second secondary body may include a second cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a portion of a second article comprising an aerosol generating material. The first cavity and the second cavity may include different configurations. The first cavity may have a different volume than the second cavity.

[0025] Apparatus of these aspects may suitably include one or more or all of the features described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system;

[0028] FIG2 shows a partially schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the system of FIG1 ;

[0029] FIG3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating module of FIG1 and FIG2 ;

[0030] FIG4 shows a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of the system of FIG1 ;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the aerosol generating system of Figure 1; and

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another configuration of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating material" is a material that can generate an aerosol when, for example, heated, irradiated or powered in any other way. The aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavors. The aerosol generating material can include any plant-based material, such as a tobacco-containing material, and can, for example, include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstructed tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol generating material can also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol generating material can, for example, be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, a wax, etc. The aerosol generating material can also, for example, be a combination or a blend of materials. The aerosol generating material can also be referred to as a "smokable material".

[0034] The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active substance and / or a filler may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0035] The aerosol generating material may include or may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "bulk solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid (such as a liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0036] The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise a sheet or be a sheet which may optionally be comminuted to form a comminuted sheet. The aerosol-generating sheet or comminuted sheet may be substantially free of tobacco.

[0037] Devices are known that heat an aerosol-generating material to aerosolize at least one component of the aerosol-generating material, typically forming an aerosol that can be inhaled, without igniting or burning the aerosol-generating material. Such devices are sometimes described as "aerosol-generating devices", "aerosol-supply devices", "heat-not-burn devices", "tobacco heating product devices" or "tobacco heating devices" or similar devices. Similarly, there are also so-called electronic cigarette devices, which typically vaporize an aerosol-generating material in liquid form, which material may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-generating material may be provided in the form of or as part of a rod, a cartridge or a box, etc. that can be inserted into the device. The heater for heating and aerosolizing the aerosol-generating material may be provided as a "permanent" part of the device.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material for heating. An "article" in this context is a component comprising or containing the aerosol generating material in use, and optionally other components in use, which is heated to aerosolize the aerosol generating material. A user may insert the article into the aerosol supply device before the article is heated to generate an aerosol, and the user then inhales the aerosol. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size that is configured to be placed in a heating chamber of the device that is sized to receive the article.

[0039] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 100. The system 100 comprises an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material and a replaceable article 120 containing the aerosol generating material. The device may be used to heat the replaceable article 120 containing the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol or other inhalable material that can be inhaled by a user of the system 100.

[0040] The device comprises a device body 110 which surrounds and houses the various components of the device. The device body 110 is elongated. The device body 110 serves as the main body of the system and is arranged to be held by a user.

[0041] The device includes a heating module 130. The heating module defines a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the article 130. The heating module 130 includes a heating chamber 132 and a heating element 134. At least a portion of the article 130 can be received in the heating chamber 132. The heating chamber 132 defines a heating area that is configured to be heated to heat the aerosol generating material. The heating module 130 is separable from the device body 110 and is arranged to be mounted to the device body.

[0042] The device includes a secondary body 150. The secondary body 150 acts as a mouthpiece 150. The mouthpiece 150 is separable from the device body 110 and is arranged to be mounted to the device body. The mouthpiece 150 is elongated. The mouthpiece 150 is configured to receive a portion of the heating module 130. In embodiments, as described below, the mouthpiece 150 may be omitted.

[0043] The device body 110 defines a longitudinal axis 105 along which the device body 110, the heating module 130 and the mouthpiece 150 are aligned when the system 100 is assembled. In use, the article 120 may also be aligned along the axis 105.

[0044] The device body 110 includes a user-operable control element 107 (such as a button or switch) which, when operated (eg, pressed), operates the device. For example, a user may enable the device by pressing a switch.

[0045] The device body 110 includes a power source 112. The power source 112 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0046] The device body 110 includes a controller 114. When the device is assembled, the power supply 112 is electrically coupled to the heating module 130 to supply power to heat the aerosol generating material when required and under the control of the controller 114. The control circuit 114 is configured to activate and deactivate the heating module 130 based on user operation of the control elements.

[0047] The heating module 130 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 120 inserted into the device so that aerosol is generated from the aerosol generating material. The power supply 112 supplies power to the heating module 130, and the heating module 130 converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol generating material.

[0048] The heating module 130 is surrounded by the device body 110 and the mouthpiece 150 which acts as a secondary body. This can help with the insulation of the system 100 to maintain a low external temperature of the system 100. Such an arrangement can help with the efficiency of the system 100 by containing the heating area of ​​the heating module 130.

[0049] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the system 100 along axis 105. In Figure 2, the system 100 is shown in a disassembled state, wherein each of the device body 110, the heating module 130, the article 120, and the mouthpiece 150 are separated from each other. The mouthpiece 150 can be separated from the rest of the system 100 to provide direct insertion and removal of the article 120 in the device.

[0050] The mouthpiece 150 provides an opening 156 through which a user draws an aerosol from the device. The opening 156 defines an outlet for an air path through the device. The air path is defined as from an air inlet to an air outlet. In an embodiment, an air inlet (not shown) is located in one or more of the device body 110, the heating module 130 and the mouthpiece 130. In an embodiment, the air inlet is defined between the two components. In the present embodiment, the air inlet is defined at a junction 155 of the device body 110 and the mouthpiece 150. Therefore, it is easy to form an air inlet.

[0051] The end of the device closest to the opening 156 is referred to as the proximal end (or mouth end) 103 of the device because, in use, it is closest to the user's mouth. The opening 156 is arranged along the longitudinal axis 105. The other end of the device farthest from the opening 156 can be referred to as the distal end 104 of the device because, in use, it is the end farthest from the user's mouth. In view of this orientation, features may be described herein with respect to each feature.

[0052] The device body 110 includes a recess 116 in which the heating module 130 is partially received. The heating module 130 is removably received by the recess 116. The device body 110 defines a proximal side 119 on which the heating module 130 is removably attached. The heating module 130 is partially inserted into the recess 116 so that it extends away from the device body 110 in the proximal direction. The heating module is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. The device body 110 defines a first housing 111. The first housing 111 accommodates the components of the device. The power supply 112 and the controller 114 are accommodated in the device body 110. The mounting member 160 mounts the device body 110 and the heating module 130. The mounting member 160 detachably mounts the heating module 130 on the device body 110. The heating module 130 is configured to remain on the device body 110 when assembled. The mounting member 160 mounts the distal end of the heating module 130 with the proximal end of the device body 110.

[0053] The mounting member 160 includes a first mounting portion 161 on the device body 110 and a second mounting portion 162 on the heating module 130. The first mounting portion 161 and the second mounting portion 162 interact to hold the heating module 130 on the device body 162. The first mounting portion 161 and the second mounting portion 162 align the heating module 130 and the device body 110. The first mounting portion 161 is located in the recess 116. In an embodiment, the first mounting portion 161 is located on the proximal side 119 of the device body 110. The first mounting portion 161 includes a concave fitting. The second mounting portion 162 includes a corresponding convex fitting. In an embodiment, the arrangement is reversed.

[0054] The mounting member 160 includes an attachment configuration 165. The attachment configuration 165 is used to releasably retain the device body 110 and the heating module 130. The attachment configuration 165 includes a magnetic attachment configuration. In an embodiment, the attachment configuration 165 includes an alternative or complementary releasable attachment arrangement, such as at least one of a press-fit configuration, a bayonet configuration, and a threaded configuration. The attachment configuration 165 includes a first attachment 166 located on the device body 110 and a corresponding second attachment 167 located on the heating module 130. As shown, the first attachment 166 and the second attachment 167 are respectively located on the first mounting portion 161 and the second mounting portion 162.

[0055] The heating module 130 is inserted into the recess 116 so that the heating module 130 is positioned and removably fixed to the device body 110 .

[0056] The electrical connection arrangement 168 is arranged to electrically connect the heating module to the power supply of the device body. The electrical connection arrangement 168 is electrically connected to the power supply 112. The electrical connection arrangement 168 is located on the mounting member. When the heating module 130 is connected to the device body 110, the electrical connection arrangement 168 moves into electrical contact.

[0057] The heating module 130 includes various components for heating the aerosol-generating material of the article 120 via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conductive heating element (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. The induction heating assembly may include an induction element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and a device for passing a varying current (such as an alternating current) through the induction element. The varying current in the induction element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the induction element and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has a resistance to the eddy current, and thus the eddy current flows against this resistance so that the susceptor is heated by Joule heating. In the case where the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, or cobalt, heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e., heat is generated by the orientation of the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material changing due to their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In induction heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing rapid heating, compared to heating by conduction, for example. In addition, no physical contact is required between the induction element and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom of construction and application.

[0058] Referring now particularly to FIG. 3 , the heating module 130 includes a heating chamber 132 configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the article 120 to be heated. The heating chamber 132 defines a heating zone. The article 120 is generally cylindrical, and the shape of the heating chamber 132 is correspondingly generally cylindrical. However, other shapes will be possible. The heating chamber 132 is defined by the inner surface of the end wall 142 and the peripheral wall 144. The end wall 142 forms the closed end of the heating chamber 132 and acts as the base of the heating chamber 132. The peripheral wall 144 is generally tubular and extends along the longitudinal axis 105. However, other shapes will be possible.

[0059] The heating module 130 includes a heating element 134. The heating element 134 is configured to heat a heating area defined by the heating chamber 132. The heating element 134 is an induction heating element. That is, the heating element 134 includes a material that can be heated by penetration using a changing magnetic field. The material that can be heated by penetration using a changing magnetic field acts as a susceptor. The susceptor includes a conductive material suitable for heating by electromagnetic induction. For example, the susceptor can be formed of carbon steel. It will be understood that other suitable materials can be used, for example, ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel or cobalt.

[0060] The heating module 130 includes a magnetic field generator 131 configured to generate one or more magnetic fields that penetrate the susceptor to induce heating in the susceptor. The magnetic field generator 131 includes an induction coil arrangement including an induction coil 140 that acts as an induction element. The induction coil 140 is a spiral coil, however other arrangements are contemplated. The induction coil 140 is located in a heating module body 133 of the heating module. The induction coil 140 and the heating element 134 are integrally formed in the heating module body 133. The induction coil and the heating element 134 can be formed separately and attached to the heating module body 133 to provide the heating module 130.

[0061] The heating element 134 extends in the heating chamber 132. The heating element 134, acting as a protruding element, protrudes in the heating chamber 132. The heating element 134 stands upright from the end wall 142. The heating element 134 is spaced apart from the peripheral wall 144. The heating element 134 is positioned within the article 120 in use. The heating element 134 is configured to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 120 from the inside. The heating element 134 extends into the heating chamber along the longitudinal axis 105. The heating element may also be offset from the axis or not parallel to the axis 105. In an embodiment, the heating element is positioned around the article 120 so that it surrounds the article 120 and is located between the article 120 and the induction coil 140.

[0062] The induction coil 140 is located outside the heating chamber 132. The induction coil 140 extends around a peripheral wall 144 of the heating chamber 132. The induction coil 140 extends around at least a portion of the heating element 134 that acts as a susceptor. The induction coil 140 is configured to generate a changing magnetic field that penetrates the heating element 134. The induction coil 140 can be helical and arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis 105. Other types of induction coils can be used.

[0063] The heating module 130 is open at its proximal end so that the product 120 can be received by the heating chamber 132. The product 120 can be fully or partially inserted into the device by inserting it into the heating module. In use, the product can extend from the proximal end of the heating module 130 along the longitudinal axis 105.

[0064] The mouthpiece 150 is arranged so that it is assembled to surround and enclose the heating module 130 together with the device body 110. The mouthpiece may include an attachment arrangement (not shown) to removably attach the mouthpiece 150 to the device body 110. The mouthpiece includes a cavity 152 for receiving at least a portion of the heating module 130. When the heating module 130 is attached to the device body 110, the cavity 152 surrounds the portion of the heating module 130 that protrudes from the device body 110. The recess 116 of the device body 110 and the cavity 152 in the sub-body 150 provide a receiving space for the heating module 130.

[0065] The distal end of the mouthpiece 150 is attached to the proximal end of the device body 110. The mouthpiece 150 and the device body 110 can be attached by an attachment arrangement (such as a magnet configuration, a press-fit configuration, a bayonet configuration, or a threaded configuration). The cavity 152 receives the heating module 130. The cavity 152 defines a heating module receiving space 157 and a product end receiving space 159. When assembled, the heating module 130 extends in the heating module receiving space 157. The extended end of the product 120 is received in the product end receiving space 159. The product end receiving space 159 receives the product 120 and holds it in place in the mouthpiece 150, and the extended portion of the product 120 allows the user to remove the product 120.

[0066] An air path 154 connects the cavity 152 and the opening 156. The air path may be a hole. The air path 154 has a smaller diameter than the cavity 152. Thus, the article 120 is held by the mouthpiece 150. In an embodiment, the cavity 152 extends along the longitudinal axis 105 to form an opening 156 in the mouthpiece. In such an embodiment, an article may be inserted through the opening 156 for heating by the device, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 .

[0067] The cavity 152 is defined by an inner wall 153. The heating module 130 and the cavity 152 have corresponding shapes. The heating module 130 and the cavity 152 are cylindrical. The heating module 130 and the cavity 152 may be another shape or configuration that allows the heating module 130 to fit within the cavity 152. The inner surface of the inner wall 153 may be in contact with and substantially parallel to the outer wall of the heating module 130.

[0068] In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 150 is removed before the article 120 is inserted into the heating module 130. In use, the user can remove the mouthpiece 150 and the heating module 130 so that the heating module 130 and the mouthpiece 150 can be replaced by alternative heating modules 230, 430 and mouthpieces 250, 350 such as those shown in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7. The configuration of Figures 6 and 7 allows the mouthpiece 350 to remain attached during the insertion and removal of the article 320. The configuration of these embodiments is generally the same as described above, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a configuration in which the first mouthpiece 150 is replaced by a second mouthpiece 190. Such mouthpieces are interchangeable. The second mouthpiece 190 includes an extended cavity 152 in which the depth of the product end receiving space 191 is greater than the depth of the product end receiving space 159 of the first mouthpiece 150. Thus, products of different lengths can be used with the same device body 110. Other spatial dimensions may vary between different mouthpieces.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a configuration in which the first heating module 130 is replaced by another second heating module 230. Such heating modules 130, 230 are interchangeable. The first heating module 130 and the second heating module 230 have different characteristics. As shown in FIG. 5, the length of the second heating module 230 is greater than the length of the first heating module 130. Therefore, articles of different lengths can be used with the same device body 110. Different heating curves can be applied. Other characteristics may be different between heating modules.

[0071] Referring now to FIG. 6 , the system 300 shows a configuration in which the first sub-body 150 that acts as a mouthpiece is replaced by a second sub-body 350. The second sub-body 350 does not act as a mouthpiece. The sub-body 350 includes an opening 356 through which the article 320 is inserted from the proximal end of the device. The article 320 acts as a mouthpiece at the article proximal end 321. The article proximal end 321 extends from the sub-body opening 356 along the longitudinal axis 105 so that the article proximal end 321 extends proximally beyond the sub-body 350. In this embodiment, the sub-body 350 remains in place when the article 320 is inserted into or removed from the system 300. The cavity 352 that receives the heating module 130 can extend to the opening 356 in the sub-body 350. The article 320 is arranged to extend through the opening 356. The air path 354 extends from the cavity 352 to the opening 356 on the peripheral surface of the sub-body 350. In an embodiment, the sub-body is omitted. The heating module includes an outer peripheral wall 446 that forms the outer surface of the device. The article 320 of FIG. 6 or a similar article is used with such a configuration.

[0072] The user can remove and replace the heating modules 130, 230, so that interchangeable and / or replacement mouthpieces 150, 250, 350 and products 120, 220, 320 can be used. This helps allow the user to create different heating curves for the device without requiring a completely new device. It also has the environmental benefit of reducing waste. The heating modules 130, 230 can be changed, and the appropriate mouthpieces 150, 250, 350 for the heating modules can be selected. Different mouthpieces 150, 250, 350 can provide different experiences for users and allow heating modules 130, 230 of different shapes or sizes to be used in combination with the device body 110. Products 120, 220, 320 of different sizes can also be used in combination with different heating modules and mouthpieces. The heating modules 130, 230 can be different in external size or shape. Different heating modules can have heating chambers of different sizes, shapes or volumes to provide different heating curves for products. Different heating modules can also have different heating capabilities. The heating module can have two or more coils. As previously described, the heating module can have a heating element external to the article. The heating element can have a different arrangement than described. Different mouthpieces will have different external shapes or sizes. The mouthpiece can have air passages of different lengths or openings of different sizes. The difference in the internal dimensions of the mouthpiece can create different user experiences. Different mouthpieces can be used with heating modules of corresponding shapes. Different mouthpieces can also provide different aesthetic appearances of the device to provide different user experiences.

[0073] The device body 110 can receive different heating modules, different mouthpieces and different products. The heating module 130 , 230 of any embodiment can be fully or partially recessed within the device body 110 .

[0074] In use, the system 100, 200, 300 is assembled by attaching a selected one of the heating modules 130, 230 to the device body 110, inserting the corresponding article 120, 220, 320 into the heating chamber 132, and attaching the corresponding secondary body 150, 250, 350 to the heating module 130, 230. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 6 , the article 320 is inserted after the secondary body is attached to the device body 110.

[0075] In use, the user can interchange the mouthpiece, article, and heating module and attach these components to the same device body. The device body can be replaced. This interchangeability allows for different user experiences. The heating module 130, 230, 430 comprising a single unit allows for the modular aspect of the system 100, 200, 300 and allows the heating module 130, 230 to be interchangeable depending on user preference or in relation to the design of other components.

[0076] The heating module 130, 230 is attached to the device body by engaging the second mounting portion 162 with the first mounting portion 161. The electrical connection arrangement 166 provides an electrical connection between the heating module 130 and the power source 112.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the heating device is an induction heating device. In an embodiment, other types of heating devices are used, such as resistive heating. The configuration of the device is generally as described above, and therefore a detailed description will be omitted. In such a device, the heating module 130 includes a resistive heating generator, which includes a component that heats the heating element via a resistive heating process. In this case, current is applied directly to the resistive heating component, and the flow of current generated in the heating component causes the heating component to be heated by Joule heating. The resistive heating component includes a resistive material that is configured to generate heat when a suitable current passes through it, and the heating assembly includes electrical contacts for supplying current to the resistive material.

[0078] In an embodiment, the heating element itself forms the resistive heating component.In an embodiment, the resistive heating component transfers heat to the heating element, for example by conduction.

[0079] The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative examples of the present invention. Additional embodiments of the present invention are contemplated. It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiment. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, comprising: The device body, including a power supply; Heating module, comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material, and a heating element configured to heat the heating chamber; Wherein, the heating module can be separated from the device body.

2. The device according to claim 1, comprising: An electrical connection configuration is arranged to electrically connect the heating module to the power supply of the device body.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: The mounting member is configured to releasably mount the heating module to the device body.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The electrical connection arrangement is located on the mounting member.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heating element comprises a material that can be heated by a varying magnetic field.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The heating module includes an induction coil, and the induction coil is configured to generate a varying magnetic field.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The induction coil is fixed relative to the heating element.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The heating module includes a peripheral wall defining at least a portion of an outer wall of the device body.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The heating module comprises a sub-body arranged to be mounted to the device body.

10. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The secondary body includes a mouthpiece.

11. The device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The device body and the sub-body are configured to surround the heating module.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising a cavity in the secondary body, the cavity being configured to receive at least a portion of the heating module.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the portion of the article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

14. A heating module arranged to be mounted with a device body of an aerosol generating device, the heating module comprising: a receiving portion defining a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; a heating element arranged to heat the heating chamber; and an electrical connection configuration arranged to electrically connect the heating module to a power source of the device body.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a heating module according to claim 14; and articles containing aerosol-generating materials.

16. A modular aerosol generating device system comprising an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material, comprising: The main device body includes a power supply; a heating module comprising a heating element configured to heat at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; as well as a secondary device body configured to at least partially surround at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material; Wherein, the main device body, the heating module and the secondary device body can be separated.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The heating module includes a heating chamber configured to receive at least a portion of an article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

18. The system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The secondary body comprises a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the portion of the article comprising an aerosol generating material.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: The cavity extends to an opening in the secondary body, the article being arranged to extend from the aerosol generating device through the opening.

20. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising an air path extending from the cavity to an opening on a peripheral surface of the secondary body.

21. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein: The secondary body is a mouthpiece.

22. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein: The heating module is a first heating module including a first heating element, and the system further includes a second heating module including a second heating element.

23. The system of claim 24, wherein: The first heating element has a first length and the second heating element has a second length.

24. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein: The first heating module and the second heating module are interchangeable.

25. A system according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein: The secondary body is a primary body, and the system further includes a secondary body.

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