Aerosol-generating device with modular heater unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The apparatus includes a main body and a first heater unit. The main body comprises a power supply device and a first connecting element. The first heater unit includes a second connection element, a heating element, and a receiving region configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The first connection element of the main body is configured to be removably connected with the second connection element of the first heater unit such that the first heater unit is mounted adjacent to the main body and such that electrical energy can be supplied from the power supply device to the heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] There are known aerosol generating devices for generating inhalable vapors. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized without burning 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 strip shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. A heating element can be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Instead of using a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article, other aerosol generating devices use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be evaporated by a heating element. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a desire for an aerosol generating device with improved variability. There is a desire for an aerosol generating device that can be used with both solid and liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes a body and a first heater unit. The body includes a power supply device and a first connection element. The first heater unit includes a second connection element, a heating element, and a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The first connection element of the body is configured to be removably connected to the second connection element of the first heater unit such that the first heater unit is mounted adjacent to the body and such that electrical energy can be supplied from the power supply device to the heating element.

[0005] The present invention can provide a modular aerosol generating device. The body can be configured to be used with a variety of different heater units. The body can be configured to adjust the electrical energy supply to the heating element according to the specific heater unit connected to the body. The body can be configured to supply a heater unit-specific heating curve to the connected heater unit. As used herein, the term "heating curve" can refer to the progression of a target temperature over time. The heating curve can include a maximum target temperature and a minimum target temperature, as well as the heating duration at a specific target temperature. The specific heating curve can be achieved by adjusting the power supply from the power supply device to the heating element.

[0006] The body can be configured to supply a heater-unit-specific current to a connected heater unit. The body can be configured to supply a heater-unit-specific voltage to a connected heater unit. The body can be configured to supply a heater-unit-specific electrical signal to a connected heater unit. The body can be configured to supply a heater-unit-specific electrical signal profile to a connected heater unit. As used herein, the term "electrical signal profile" can refer to the progression of an electrical signal over time. The electrical signal profile can refer to the progression of electrical energy supplied over time (electrical energy profile). The electrical signal profile can refer to the progression of power supplied over time (power profile). The electrical signal profile can also refer to the progression of current supplied over time (current profile). The electrical signal profile can also refer to the progression of voltage supplied over time (voltage profile). The electrical signal profile can also include information regarding whether direct current or alternating current is supplied at a particular time. The electrical signal profile can also include information regarding whether direct voltage or alternating voltage is supplied at a particular time.

[0007] The present invention allows the body to be used with a variety of different and easily replaceable heater units. The end user can replace the heater unit. The configuration of the heater unit can be generic. For example, different embodiments of the heater unit can include different types of aerosol-forming substrates (e.g., liquid or solid aerosol-forming substrates) and heating elements (e.g., resistive or inductive heating elements, external or internal heating elements).

[0008] The inventive device is provided with a separate body and heater unit, which provides various advantages. The service life of the body (including the power supply means) is generally significantly longer than the service life of a single heater unit (including the aerosol-forming substrate (i.e., the consumable)) or a heater unit of a development generation. Thus, by separating the device into a body (which can be adapted to a particular heater unit attached thereto) and a heater unit, the body can be used with not only a single heater unit, with heater units of more than one development generation, and even with heater units of completely different types and embodiments.

[0009] A variety of different consumables (e.g., liquid aerosol - forming substrates or solid aerosol - forming substrates) and heating mechanisms (e.g., resistive heating or inductive heating) are known. Each type of consumable and heating mechanism can provide consumers with different consumption experience characteristics. By providing a body that can be used with heater units including different types of consumables and heating mechanisms, the present invention achieves a diverse and consumer - controlled consumption experience. The cost for consumers is reduced because they do not need to purchase a complete device but can simply reuse the body with different heater units. Additionally, consumers can be encouraged to try new versions, types, and generations of heater units. Moreover, since only the heater units (rather than the body) need to be developed, the product development of new heater units becomes faster and more diverse. This also results in an accelerated market launch.

[0010] Finally, providing a reusable body results in a lower environmental impact and lower material consumption in production.

[0011] The first connection element and the second connection element can be configured to be complementary to each other. The first connection element and the second connection element can be configured to fix the body and the heater unit to each other. The first connection element and the second connection element can be configured to couple the heater unit to the body.

[0012] The first connection element of the body can be configured to be compatible with the second connection element of different heater unit embodiments.

[0013] The body can be configured to detect that a new aerosol - generating article or aerosol - forming substrate has been inserted into the heater unit.

[0014] The heater unit can include a housing. The housing can include a base. The housing can include one or more walls. The walls can extend from the base. The base and the one or more walls can be integrally formed. The base and the one or more side walls can be different elements that are attached or fixed to each other. The housing can be a rigid housing. The walls of the heater unit housing can include heating elements.

[0015] The body can include an interface. The body can include a user interface. The body can include a visual interface. The interface can be configured such that a user can interact with the aerosol - generating device. The interface can include a display. The interface can include a touch screen. The interface can include buttons that are configured such that a user can use the buttons to interact with the device. The interface can provide the user with information about the heater unit connected to the body. Such information can include the type of the attached heater unit, the level of the remaining aerosol - forming substrate in the heater unit, and available heating curves or electrical signal curves. The interface can be configured such that a user can select a specific heating curve or electrical signal curve. The user can provide input to the body via the interface.

[0016] The body can be configured to determine whether a heater unit connected thereto is new. The body can be configured to determine whether a heater unit connected thereto has not been used. The body can be configured to monitor the consumption of the aerosol-forming substrate of the connected heater unit. The body can be configured to monitor the level of the aerosol-forming substrate of the connected heater unit. The body can be configured to determine whether the heater unit has been recently connected to the body. The body can be configured to determine the identity of the connected heater unit. The body can be configured to determine the manufacturer of the connected heater unit.

[0017] The body may also include an interface configured to connect to an external power source. The external power source can recharge the power supply device of the body. The body may also include an interface configured to connect to an external data source.

[0018] The body can be configured to communicate with an external device (such as a smart phone). For example, the body can include a radio frequency (RF) system configured to wirelessly communicate with the smart phone. The body can be configured to exchange data with the external device.

[0019] The body can include a first identification element. The heater unit can include a second identification element.

[0020] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can be configured such that the body identifies the heater unit connected to the body. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can be configured such that the body identifies a single heater unit connected to the body. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can be configured such that the body identifies the type of the heater unit connected to the body. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can be configured such that the body identifies the generation or version of a specific type of heater unit connected to the body.

[0021] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can allow for the differentiation of heater units from different manufacturers. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can distinguish heater units from authorized manufacturers from those of unauthorized manufacturers. One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can be used to identify counterfeit heater units.

[0022] The second identification element can include first heater unit identification information.

[0023] The body can be configured to identify the heater unit connected to the body based on the heater unit identification information. The body can be configured to process the heater unit identification information. The heater unit identification information can be one or more of a mechanical signal, an electrical signal, an analog signal, and a digital signal. The heater unit identification information can be encrypted.

[0024] The first identification element of the main body can be configured to read the first heater unit identification information of the second identification element, thereby identifying the first heater unit.

[0025] The main body may further include a controller configured to control the electrical energy supply from the power supply device to the heating element. The controller can be configured to control the electrical energy supply based on the identified first heater unit.

[0026] The controller can be configured to control the electrical energy supply from the power supply device to the heating element according to a specific heater unit or a specific type of heater unit connected to the main body. The heater unit identification information can be used to identify the specific heater unit connected. The heater unit identification information can be used to identify the specific type of heater unit connected.

[0027] The controller can be configured to control the supply of current and voltage delivered by the power supply device to the heating element according to a specific heater unit connected to the main body. The controller can be configured to select a specific heating curve according to a specific heater unit connected to the main body. The controller can be configured to select a specific electrical signal curve according to a specific heater unit connected to the main body.

[0028] The controller can be configured to provide a current and voltage compatible with the heater unit to the connected heater unit according to the heater unit identification information. The controller can be configured to provide a heating curve compatible with the heater unit to the connected heater unit according to the heater unit identification information. The controller can be configured to provide an electrical signal curve compatible with the heater unit to the connected heater unit according to the heater unit identification information.

[0029] Some types of heater units can be supplied with direct current. Some types of heater units can be supplied with alternating current. The controller can be configured to provide direct current or alternating current to the connected heater unit according to the heater unit connected to the main body. The controller can be configured to provide direct current voltage or alternating current voltage to the connected heater unit according to the heater unit connected to the main body.

[0030] The identification of the connected heater unit and the subsequent control of the electrical energy supply from the power supply device to the heating element can be automated. In this way, the user's comfort of use can be improved.

[0031] The controller may include a memory element. The memory element may include a database. The database may include various heating curves. The database may include various electrical signal curves. The database may include various heater unit identification information. The controller can read the memory element. The controller can be configured to process the data of the database from the memory element. The controller can be configured to process the heater unit identification information.

[0032] The controller can be configured to assign a specific heating curve or a specific electrical signal curve to specific heater unit identification information. The controller can be configured to select a suitable heating curve or electrical signal curve based on the assigned heating curve or electrical signal curve for the heater unit identification information. By comparing the heater unit identification information obtained from one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element with the heater unit identification information stored in the memory element, and by assigning a specific heating curve or electrical signal curve to the heater unit identification information, the controller can select a heating curve or electrical signal curve suitable for the heater unit connected to the body. The controller can be configured to control the delivery of such a heating curve (or corresponding electrical energy curve) or electrical signal curve from the power supply device to the heating element of the heater unit.

[0033] By identifying the connected heater unit and providing a customized response for the connected heater unit (such as a specific heating curve or electrical signal curve), the user's consumption experience can be optimized.

[0034] The control of the type of current or voltage (AC and DC) delivered can be achieved by using an electronic circuit.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control of the type of current or voltage (AC and DC) can be achieved by using an inverter with an H-bridge arrangement.

[0036] The H-bridge arrangement can include four switches, with the load at the center, configured in an H shape. The H-bridge switches can be transistors, whose bases are linked to an electronic oscillator (usually an RC or RLC circuit). Only when the base of the transistor receives a (small) current can the transistor allow current to flow from its collector to its emitter (switch closed); otherwise, the switch may be open. The component values of the oscillator can define the frequency of the generated alternating current.

[0037] The H-bridge arrangement can generate a square wave. Known rectification arrangements can allow a modified sine wave or a sine wave to be realized from it.

[0038] The H-bridge can utilize NPN transistors as switches. When the oscillator supplies a very small current to the base of the NPN transistor, current can flow from the collector of the NPN transistor to the emitter of the NPN transistor.

[0039] The control of the type of current or voltage (AC and DC) can be achieved by using an H-bridge arrangement, where the base of the transistor is additionally controlled by a MOSFET.

[0040] In addition, converters can be used to increase and decrease the current and voltage outputs.

[0041] Other ways of controlling the type of current and voltage (AC or DC) are possible, and the invention is not limited to the example of the H-bridge arrangement discussed above.

[0042] The controller can be configured to control the interface. The controller can be configured to control the display on the interface of information related to a particular heater unit attached to the body. The controller can be configured to process user input obtained through the interface.

[0043] The body can include a first electrical contact. The first heater unit can include a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to establish an electrical connection between the body and the first heater unit when a first connecting element of the body is connected to a second connecting element of the first heater unit.

[0044] One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit data. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit heater unit identification information. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit heater unit identification information between a first identification element of the body and a second identification element of the heater unit connected to the body. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit electrical energy. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit electrical energy from a power supply device to a heating element. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit current. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to transmit power. One or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to form an interface between the body and the heater unit. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to be complementary to each other.

[0045] The controller can be configured to regulate data transmission via one or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. The controller can be configured to regulate electrical energy transmission via one or more of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0046] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can include one or more of the following: a mechanical identification element; and an electrical identification element; a wireless identification element; an NFC reader; an NFC tag; NVM, such as OTP, EPROM or EEPROM; and an encrypted identification element.

[0047] One or both of the first identification element and the second identification element can allow the body to identify the heater unit.

[0048] In an embodiment of a mechanical identification element, the second identification element may include at least one pushing element, such as a pin. The first identification element may include at least one movable element. The movable element may be complementary to the pushing element. The pushing element may be configured such that a specific mechanical configuration of the movable element allows identification of the heater unit employed when the body is connected to the heater unit. Alternatively, the first identification element may include at least one pushing element, and the second identification element may include at least one movable element.

[0049] In an embodiment of an electrical identification element, one or more of the heater unit and the body may be configured to establish or disconnect at least one current line between the body and the heater unit when the body and the heater are connected. The location and number of the disconnected / closed current lines may allow the body to identify the heater unit by checking which lines are closed and which are open.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may be configured to detect that a new aerosol generating article or aerosol-forming substrate has been inserted into the heater unit connected to the body. For example, removing the aerosol generating article or aerosol-forming substrate may disconnect the current line to the body, while inserting a new consumable may close the current line to the body. By checking this current line, the body can detect whether a consumable has been inserted into or removed from the connected heater unit.

[0051] In an embodiment of a wireless identification element, the body may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader. The heater unit may include an NFC tag. The NFC reader of the body may read the NFC tag of the heater unit. The NFC reader of the body may be configured to send a Radio Frequency (RF) signal to the NFC tag of the heater unit when the body and the heater unit are connected. Even when the NFC tag is not powered on, the NFC tag of the heater unit may be configured to scatter the RF signal back to the NFC reader of the body. The NFC tag may add heater unit identification information to the scattered RF signal. The NFC reader of the body may be configured to identify the heater unit based on such added information.

[0052] In an embodiment of an identification element, the heater unit may include a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM). The body may be configured to read the NVM of the heater unit via a connection wire connecting the body to the heater unit. The NVM may contain heater unit identification information. For example, the NVM may be selected from a One-Time Programmable Memory (OTP), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), etc.

[0053] In an embodiment of an encrypted identification element, the heater unit may include the following data in the NVM:

[0054] · Encrypted ID (EID),

[0055] ·Refer to the general ID (GID) of the heater unit type, and

[0056] ·A unique identification value, such as a manufacturing information block (MIB).

[0057] An EID can be created by encrypting an initial ID (IID) using a master key by using a symmetric key algorithm (such as AES128).

[0058] A master key can be created by using a shared key common to all heater units of the same type (i.e., having the same GID) and the MIB that are processed into a KDF (key derivation function) such as HKDF.

[0059] When reading the EID, GID, and MIB from the heater unit NVM, the device can first retrieve the shared key associated with the GID. To this end, all shared keys can be recorded inside all the bodies, or the body can be able to securely connect to the manufacturer's server (through a known process) to retrieve the shared key by providing the GID (only required to be done once for each GID). Then, using the KDF, the shared key, and the MIB, the device can create the master key, and then can use the symmetric key algorithm to decrypt the EID and obtain the IID.

[0060] The IID can include (part of) the GID and / or the MIB to confirm correct decryption, and additional data such as for helping to optimize the use of the heater unit. If such data is related to different possible heating curves, for example, such data can be displayed via the body interface for the user to select.

[0061] In the case where the decryption process is not valid, the body can stop working and display the problem details via its interface.

[0062] This encryption method ensures that the IID can be kept quite secure and makes the system difficult to forge.

[0063] In addition, in the case where a forger copies the EID, GID, and MIB of a heater unit and manufactures several forged heater units with these same values, the forged items are limited to the GID / IID type of the heater unit (i.e., a current / voltage / heating curve), and cannot be used for various heater units.

[0064] Additionally, by tracking the MIB and its geographical location (e.g., this can be done via a body connected to the manufacturer's server to provide information about the MIB / GID connected thereto), the product manufacturer can discover several instances of the same MIB (which was not possible), and communicate with all bodies to stop processing such MIBs, thereby immediately rendering all counterfeits useless, while only needing to replace the single original product that has been counterfeited.

[0065] The identification systems discussed above can also be combined.

[0066] The first connecting element of the body and the second connecting element of the first heater unit can be configured as mechanical connecting elements.

[0067] One or more of the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be a magnetic coupling element. One or more of the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be a bayonet coupling element. The first connecting element can be a flange or a pin, and the second connecting element can be a complementary recess, or vice versa. One or more of the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be a friction coupling element. The first connecting element can be a screw element, and the second connecting element can be a complementary threaded element, or vice versa. One or more of the first connecting element and the second connecting element can be an electrical coupling element.

[0068] The aerosol-forming substrate of the first heater unit can include a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0069] The heating element can include a resistive heater or an inductive heater.

[0070] The heating element can be arranged at least partially around the receiving area, or can be arranged to at least partially penetrate into the receiving area.

[0071] The first heater unit can include an air inlet and an air outlet that can be fluidly connected.

[0072] The air inlet and the air outlet can be fluidly connected via an air flow channel.

[0073] The body can include at least one air inlet, and the heater unit can include at least one air outlet. When the heater unit is connected to the body, the air inlet of the body can be fluidly connected to the air outlet of the heater unit. The air inlet of the body can be fluidly connected to the air outlet of the heater unit via an air flow channel. The air flow channel can at least partially extend through a part of the body.

[0074] The power supply device can include a rechargeable battery.

[0075] The first heater unit can include a mouthpiece.

[0076] In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a kit comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and a second heater unit, the second heater unit comprising a second connection element, a heating element and a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The first connection element of the body is configured to be removably connected to the second connection element of the second heater unit such that the second heater unit is held firmly adjacent to the body and such that electrical energy can be supplied from the power supply means to the heating element. The receiving area of the first heater unit is configured to receive a different aerosol-forming substrate compared to the receiving area of the second heater unit.

[0077] The first heater unit of the kit may be configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The second heater unit of the kit may be configured to receive a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0078] Features described herein with respect to the first heater unit may equally be features of the second heater unit.

[0079] As used herein, the terms "proximal", "distal", "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol-generating device relative to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

[0080] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into a user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, a circuitry, a power supply means, a heating chamber and a heating element.

[0081] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "smoking" as used in relation to a device, article, system, substrate or other does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention may be arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature that is 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.

[0082] The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element (resistive heater). The heating element may include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors (such as doped ceramics), electrically “conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include 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-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated by, or coated with an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physical and chemical properties. The heating element may exemplarily be a coil heater, a capillary heater, a mesh heater, or a metal plate heater.

[0083] One or both of the first heater unit and the second heater unit may include an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both an internal heating element and an external heating element, where “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a sleeve or substrate having different conductive portions, or a resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating pins or rods passing through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as, for example, Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as tracks on a suitable insulating material (such as a ceramic material) and then sandwiched between another insulating material (such as glass). The heater formed in this way may be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the heating element during operation.

[0084] The external heating element can be in any suitable form. For example, the external heating element can be in the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (such as, polyimide). The flexible heating foil can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the matrix receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element can be in the form of one or more metal grids, flexible printed circuit boards, molded interconnect devices (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or can be formed on a suitable shaped substrate using coating techniques (such as, 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 exemplary device, the metal can be formed as tracks between two layers of suitable insulating material. The external heating element formed in this way can be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0085] As an alternative to a resistive heating element, the heating element can be configured as an inductive heating element (induction heater). The inductive heating element can include an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, the susceptor is a material that can generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, another effect that typically contributes to heating is generally referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss mainly occurs due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, as the magnetic orientation of these magnetic domain blocks will align with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes in the susceptor that occur at the nanoscale or below are referred to as "hysteresis loss" because they generate heat in the susceptor. Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means of heating the susceptor when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor can be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The susceptor is heated by an alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils, and the susceptor then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming matrix such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer can occur mainly by heat conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0086] The heating element can be part of one or both of the first heater unit and the second heater unit. The heating element of the first heater unit can be different from the heating element of the second heater unit. For example, the first heater unit can include a resistive heater, preferably a mesh heater, and the second heater unit can include an induction heater, preferably including an induction coil and a susceptor.

[0087] 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 directly inhaled by a user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol - generating article can be disposable.

[0088] As used herein, the term "aerosol - forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that 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.

[0089] The aerosol - forming substrate can be a solid aerosol - forming substrate. The aerosol - forming substrate can include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol - forming substrate can include a tobacco - containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol - forming substrate can include non - tobacco materials. The aerosol - forming substrate can contain aerosol - forming agents that promote the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol - forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0090] If the aerosol - forming substrate is a solid aerosol - forming substrate, then in some embodiments, the solid aerosol - forming substrate can include one or more of the following: powders, particulates, pellets, fragments, strands, strips, or sheets, which contain one or more of the following: herbaceous leaves, tobacco leaves, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast - leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol - forming substrate can be in a loose form or can be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol - forming substrate can contain additional tobacco or non - tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released when the substrate is heated. The solid aerosol - forming substrate can also contain capsules, which, for example, include additional tobacco or non - tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules can melt during heating of the solid aerosol - forming substrate.

[0091] As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco can be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material can have an aerosol-forming agent content of greater than 5% by dry weight. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material can have an aerosol-forming agent content between 5 wt% and 30 wt% by dry weight. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise combining one or both of tobacco leaves and tobacco stems. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material can include one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the handling, processing, and transportation of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can include one or more inherent binders that are endogenous to the tobacco, one or more non-inherent binders that are exogenous to the tobacco, or a combination thereof to assist in the agglomeration of particulate tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material can contain other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol-forming agents, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous solvents, and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0092] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming matrix can be disposed on or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier can be in the form of a powder, particulate, pellet, fragment, strip, ribbon, or sheet. Alternatively, the carrier can be a tubular carrier on which a thin layer of the solid matrix is deposited on its inner surface, its outer surface, or both its inner and outer surfaces. Such tubular carriers can be formed of, for example, paper or paper-like materials, non-woven carbon fiber mats, low mass openmesh metallic screens, or perforated metal foils, or any other heat-stable polymeric matrix.

[0093] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously facilitates the aggregation of the crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate. However, it should be understood that the crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material that is substantially uniformly textured over substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material that includes a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

[0094] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern so as to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0095] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

[0096] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. An aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use and is substantially heat-resistant to degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming agent may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol-forming agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may include both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0097] The aerosol-forming substrate can also be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can comprise other additives and ingredients such as flavorants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can have a nicotine concentration between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can comprise an aerosol former. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be housed in the liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article can be represented as a cartridge.

[0098] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be disposed in the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion can be adapted to store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be supplied to the heating element. The liquid storage portion can be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0099] Preferably, the liquid storage portion can be coupled to at least one pumping device and the heating element via a respective connector that is hermetically sealed relative to the surrounding atmosphere. Preferably, the connector is configured as a self-healing pierceable membrane. The membrane can prevent the undesired leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion can be configured as a replaceable cartridge or container. In order to couple the replaceable liquid storage portion to the pumping device and / or the heating element, a respective needle-like hollow tube can pierce through the respective membrane. When the pumping device and / or the heating element are coupled to the liquid storage portion, the membrane prevents the undesired leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate as well as the leakage of air from and into the liquid storage portion.

[0100] The liquid storage portion can be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion can be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion can be, for example, substantially circular, oval, square, or rectangular.

[0101] The liquid storage portion may include a housing. The housing may include a base and one or more side walls extending from the base. The base and the one or more side walls may be integrally formed. The base and the one or more side walls may be separate elements attached or fixed to each other. The housing may be a rigid housing. As used herein, the term "rigid housing" is used to mean a self - supporting housing. The rigid housing of the liquid storage portion may provide mechanical support for the aerosol - generating article. The liquid storage portion may include one or more flexible walls. The flexible walls may be configured to accommodate the volume of the liquid aerosol - forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. The housing of the liquid storage portion may include any suitable material. The housing of the liquid storage portion may include a substantially fluid - impermeable material. The housing of the liquid storage portion may include a transparent or translucent portion such that a user can see through the housing the liquid aerosol - forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may be configured such that the aerosol - forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion is protected from ambient air. The liquid storage portion may be configured such that the aerosol - forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion is protected from light. This may reduce the risk of substrate degradation and may maintain a high level of hygiene.

[0102] The liquid storage portion may be substantially sealed. The liquid storage portion may include one or more outlets for the liquid aerosol - forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion to flow from the liquid storage portion to the heating element. The liquid storage portion may include one or more semi - open inlets. This may enable ambient air to enter the liquid storage portion. The one or more semi - open inlets may be a semi - permeable membrane or a one - way valve that is permeable to allow ambient air to enter the liquid storage portion and impermeable to substantially prevent air and liquid inside the liquid storage portion from leaving the liquid storage portion. The one or more semi - open inlets may enable air to enter the liquid storage portion under certain conditions. The liquid storage portion may be permanently disposed in the body of the aerosol - generating device. The liquid storage portion may be refillable. Alternatively, the liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may be part of a replaceable cartridge or configured as a replaceable cartridge. The aerosol - generating device may be configured to receive a cartridge. When the initial cartridge is depleted, a new cartridge may be attached to the aerosol - generating device.

[0103] Preferably, the first heater unit is configured to receive a solid aerosol - forming substrate, and the second heater unit is configured to receive a liquid aerosol - forming substrate. The solid aerosol - forming substrate may be a tobacco rod. The solid aerosol - forming substrate may be part of a bar - shaped aerosol - generating article. Such aerosol - generating articles may be configured to be inserted into the first heater unit. The liquid storage portion may be configured to hold the liquid aerosol - forming substrate. The liquid storage portion may be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to be inserted into the second heater unit.

[0104] The receiving region may include a chamber. The chamber may have an open end into which one or more of the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating article are inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The chamber may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the chamber. The closed end may be closed except for providing air holes disposed in the base. The base of the chamber may be flat. The base of the chamber may be circular. The base of the chamber may be disposed upstream of the chamber. The open end may be disposed downstream of the chamber. The chamber may have an elongated extension. The chamber 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 chamber may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The chamber may include one or more walls. The walls of the chamber may enclose the chamber. The walls of the chamber may extend from the base of the chamber. The walls of the chamber may extend from the base of the chamber towards the open end of the chamber. The walls of the chamber may correspond to the walls of the housing of the heater unit.

[0105] The chamber may be configured as a heating chamber. The chamber may have a cylindrical shape. The chamber may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shape of the chamber may correspond to the shape of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-forming substrate to be received in the chamber. The chamber may have a circular cross-section. The chamber may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The chamber may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0106] An air flow channel may pass through the chamber. Ambient air may be drawn through the air flow channel into the aerosol-generating device, into the chamber and towards the user. Downstream of the chamber, a mouthpiece may be disposed, or the user may draw directly on the aerosol-generating article. The air flow channel may extend through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include an air outlet.

[0107] The receiving region may be configured to receive a liquid storage portion. The chamber may be configured to receive a liquid storage portion. The heating element may be disposed at least partially around the chamber, or may be disposed to at least partially penetrate into the chamber. The heating element may be disposed in the wall of the chamber.

[0108] One or more of the first heater unit and the second heater unit may be provided with at least one air inlet. The air inlet may be a semi-open inlet. The semi-open inlet may be an inlet that allows air or fluid to flow in one direction (such as into the device), but at least limits (preferably prohibits) air or fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The semi-open inlet preferably allows air to enter the aerosol generating device. Air or liquid may be prevented from leaving the aerosol generating device through the semi-open inlet. For example, the semi-open inlet may be a semipermeable membrane that is only air permeable in one direction, but airtight and liquid-tight in the opposite direction. The semi-open inlet may also be, for example, a one-way valve. Preferably, the semi-open inlet allows air to pass through the inlet only when certain conditions are met, such as a minimum depression in the aerosol generating device or a certain volume of air passing through a valve or membrane.

[0109] The power supply of the main body can be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply of the main body 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 supply of the main body can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply of the main body may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that enables sufficient energy to be stored for one or more use experiences; for example, the power supply of the main body may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply of the main body may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0110] The aerosol generating device may include a circuit system. The circuit system may include a controller. The circuit system may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The circuit system may include additional electronic components. The circuit system may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after activating the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The circuit system may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element, and preferably control the supply of power to the heating element based on the resistance of the heating element.

[0111] The circuit system may include a storage device for one or more of the heating curve and the electrical signal curve. The circuit system may be configured to assign the heater unit identification information to one or more of the specific heating curve and the electrical signal curve. The circuit system may be configured to adjust the power supply to the heating element according to the specific electrical signal curve assigned to the heater unit identification information. The circuit system may be configured to adjust the temperature of the heating element according to the specific heating curve assigned to the heater unit identification information.

[0112] Different embodiments of the heater unit may utilize different types of aerosol-generating articles or aerosol-forming substrates (e.g., solid aerosol-forming substrates or liquid aerosol-forming substrates) or different types of heating elements.

[0113] For example, one embodiment of the heater unit includes a resistive heater in the wall of a cavity configured to receive a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article. In this embodiment, the heater unit may generate resistive heating when receiving a direct current from the body at an appropriate voltage.

[0114] In another embodiment, the cavity of the heater unit includes at least a portion of a resistive heating blade. The heating blade may be inserted into the strip-shaped aerosol-generating article.

[0115] Another embodiment of the heater unit includes a flat induction coil and a flat susceptor. The flat susceptor may be disposed on the flat coil. The heater unit may include a flat aerosol-generating article or a flat aerosol-forming substrate. The article or substrate may be disposed on the susceptor. In this case, the heater unit may generate an alternating magnetic field when receiving an alternating current from the body and via its flat induction coil, and the alternating magnetic field may generate eddy currents in the flat susceptor. These eddy currents may heat the flat susceptor on which the flat article or substrate may be disposed according to Joule's law (resistive heating).

[0116] Another embodiment of the heater unit may include a cavity. The induction coil may at least partially surround the cavity. The induction coil may be disposed in the wall of the cavity. An aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into the cavity. The article or substrate may include a susceptor. In this embodiment, the heater unit may generate an alternating magnetic field via the induction coil when receiving an alternating current from the body.

[0117] Another embodiment of the heater unit may include a cavity configured to receive a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0118] Another embodiment of the heater unit may include a closed cavity. The closed cavity may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may be configured such that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into the cavity. The heating element may be a resistive heating wire.

[0119] Another embodiment of the heater unit may include a cavity. The induction coil may at least partially surround the cavity. The induction coil may be disposed in the wall of the cavity. A flat induction coil may be disposed at the base of the cavity. At the base of the cavity, the cavity may include fine particles, and the fine particles include a susceptor core and an aerosol-forming substrate coating.

[0120] The following provides 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, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0121] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0122] The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0123] Figure 1 An embodiment of the aerosol-generating device of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 a shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating device including a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article, Figure 1 b shows a (non-exploded) view of the same device, and Figure 1 c shows a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating device including a heater unit comprising a liquid aerosol-generating substrate;

[0124] Figure 2 A third embodiment of the aerosol-generating device of the present invention including an induction heater is shown. Figure 2 a shows an external view of the device, Figure 2 b and Figure 2 c show cross-sectional views of the device;

[0125] Figure 3 A fourth embodiment of the aerosol-generating device of the present invention including a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is shown. Figure 3 a shows an external view of the device, and Figure 3 b shows a cross-sectional view of the device; and

[0126] Figure 4 A simplified working algorithm of the main body is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0127] Figure 1 Two embodiments of an aerosol-generating device (100) are shown. Figure 1a shows an exploded view of an aerosol-generating device, which includes a body (102) and a first heater unit (104). The body includes a first connection element (106), a battery (not shown), an interface (not shown), a controller (not shown), and a first identification element (not shown). The heater unit includes a second connection element (not shown), a second identification element (not shown), a heating element (108) including an induction heater (including an induction coil), an air inlet (110), and a receiving section including a cavity (112). As indicated by arrow 114, the heater unit can be connected to the body via the first connection element and the second connection element. Figure 1 a also shows a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article (116). The aerosol-generating article includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate (118). A susceptor (120) is embedded in the aerosol-forming substrate. As indicated by arrow 122, the strip-shaped aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity of the heater unit.

[0128] Figure 1 b shows Figure 1 the assembled aerosol-generating device (100) of a, in which the aerosol-generating article (116) is inserted into the cavity (112) of the heater unit. The induction coil (108) surrounds a portion of the aerosol-generating article including the aerosol-forming substrate (118) and the susceptor (120). The device includes a proximal end (124) and a distal end (126).

[0129] In use, the user sucks on the aerosol-generating article at the proximal end 124, such that air is drawn into the heater unit through the air inlet (110), as indicated by arrow 128. The body identifies the connected heater unit by means of a first identification element (not shown) of the body and a second identification element (not shown) of the connected heater unit (104). When identifying the connected heater unit, the body adopts electrical energy provided by the identified connected heater unit. The battery of the body (102) delivers electrical energy to the induction coil (108) via a connection formed between the first connection element and the second connection element. Since the heater unit includes an induction heating mechanism, the body delivers an alternating current (rather than a direct current) to the induction coil. The induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field around the inserted aerosol-forming substrate to generate eddy currents in the susceptor embedded in the aerosol-forming substrate. Heat generated from the susceptor heats the aerosol-forming substrate and at least partially evaporates it. As also indicated by arrow 128, the drawn air that enters the device through the air inlet travels through the aerosol-forming substrate and picks up the vapors formed from the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating action of the susceptor, such that an aerosol is formed. The formed aerosol is inhaled into the consumer's mouth via the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, as indicated by arrow 128.

[0130] Figure 1 c shows an aerosol generating device including a second heater unit (130). Figure 1 The main body (102) of the device in c is the same main body (102) as that shown in Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b. The main body (102), the first heater unit (104) and the second heater unit (130) form a kit of the present invention.

[0131] The second heater unit (130) includes a liquid storage portion (132) and an air inlet (not shown). The liquid storage portion includes a liquid aerosol forming matrix. The liquid storage portion is configured to be refillable with the liquid aerosol forming matrix. The second heater unit (130) further includes a heating element, which includes a resistive heater, in particular a resistive heating mesh (not shown). The resistive heating mesh is arranged to heat the liquid aerosol forming matrix. The second heater unit (130) further includes a mouthpiece (134) at the proximal end and a second connection element (not shown).

[0132] In use, the user sucks on the mouthpiece (134) such that air is drawn into the heater unit through the air inlet (not shown). The main body identifies the connected second heater unit (130) by means of a first identification element (not shown) of the main body and a second identification element (not shown) of the connected second heater unit (130). Upon identifying the connected heater unit, the main body adopts the electrical energy provided by the identified connected heater unit. The battery of the main body (102) delivers electrical energy to the resistive heating mesh (not shown) via a connection formed between the first connection element and the second connection element. Since the connected second heater unit (130) includes a resistive heater, the main body delivers direct current (instead of the alternating current discussed with respect to the inductive heater of the heater units in Figure 1 a and Figure 1 b). When delivering electrical energy from the battery, the resistive heating mesh generates heat. The heat generated from the resistive heating mesh at least partially evaporates the liquid aerosol forming matrix. The air drawn into the device through the air inlet picks up the vapor formed from the liquid aerosol forming matrix by the heating action of the resistive heating mesh, such that an aerosol is formed. The formed aerosol is inhaled into the consumer's mouth via the proximal end of the mouthpiece (134).

[0133] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the aerosol generating device is shown. Figure 2 a shows an external view of a device including a main body (102), a heater unit (104) and an aerosol generating article (116).

[0134] Figure 2 b and Figure 2 c show a cross-section through the aerosol generating device. InFigure 2 In b, the body (102) and the heater unit (104) are shown separated from each other, while in Figure 2 In c, the heater unit (104) is shown connected to the body (102).

[0135] The body includes a power supply device (battery) (136), a controller (138), a first connection element (106), and a first electrical contact (140). One of the electrical contacts is configured to transmit electrical energy, and the other electrical contact is configured to transmit data. The body further includes an interface (142) configured to connect to an external power supply device. The external power supply device can be a power grid or a mobile power source. Additionally or alternatively, a data port can be installed at the connection location for the external power supply device.

[0136] The heater unit includes a cavity (112), a wall (144), an induction coil (146), a second connection element (148), and a second electrical contact (150). One of the electrical contacts is configured to transmit electrical energy, and the other electrical contact is configured to transmit data.

[0137] Figure 2 Figure c shows the body (102) connected to the heater unit via the first connection element (106) and the second connection element (148). The heater unit (104) is mounted adjacent to the body (102). Furthermore, an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate (tobacco rod) (118) having a sensor (120) embedded in the tobacco rod is shown inserted into the cavity of the heater unit.

[0138] In use, the user draws on the aerosol-generating article at the proximal end 124 such that air is drawn into the heater unit through an air inlet (110) formed between the wall (144) of the heater unit and the inserted aerosol-generating article, as indicated by the arrow 152. The controller (138) of the body (102) identifies the connected heater unit by means of a first identification element (not shown) of the body and a second identification element (not shown) of the connected heater unit. First heater unit identification data for identifying the heater unit is transmitted from the heater unit to the body via the second electrical contact (150) and the first electrical contact (140).

[0139] When identifying a connected heater unit, the controller (138) of the main body adopts the electric energy provided by the identified connected heater unit. Under the regulation of the controller, the battery (136) of the main body (102) delivers electric energy to the induction coil (146) via the first electrical contact (140) and the second electrical contact (150). Since the heater unit includes an induction heating mechanism, the main body delivers an alternating current (instead of a direct current) to the induction coil. The induction coil generates an alternating magnetic field around the inserted tobacco rod (118) to generate eddy currents in the receptor (120) embedded in the tobacco rod. The heat generated from the receptor heats the components of the tobacco rod and at least partially vaporizes them. As also indicated by arrow 152, the air sucked into the device through the air inlet (110) travels in the space formed between the wall (144) of the heater unit and the aerosol-generating article. At the base (154) of the cavity (112), the air is sucked into the tobacco rod and picks up the vapor formed from the tobacco rod through the heating action of the receptor, so that an aerosol is formed. The formed aerosol is inhaled into the consumer's mouth via the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article is exhausted, a new aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity of the heater unit to provide a further consumption experience.

[0140] By connecting an external power source to the interface (142) for the external power supply device, the battery can be recharged by such an external power source.

[0141] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the aerosol-generating device is shown. Figure 3 a shows a device including a main body (102) and a heater unit (104). The main body is the same main body as shown in Figure 2 A cartridge (156) including a mouthpiece (134) and a liquid storage part (158) can be inserted into the heater unit.

[0142] Figure 3 b shows the device in a cross-sectional view, where the cartridge (156) is inserted into the cavity (112) of the heater unit. The heater unit is coupled to the main body via a first connection element (106) and a second connection element (148). The heater unit includes a resistive heater (160). The resistive heater surrounds the distal end of the cavity (112). The liquid storage part (158) of the cartridge includes a liquid aerosol-forming matrix.

[0143] In use, the user draws on the mouthpiece (134) at the proximal end 124 such that air is drawn through an air inlet (not shown) into the heater unit. The controller (138) of the body (102) identifies the connected heater unit by means of a first identification element (not shown) of the body and a second identification element (not shown) of the connected heater unit (104). First heater unit identification data for identifying the heater unit is transmitted from the heater unit to the body via the second electrical contact (150) and the first electrical contact (140).

[0144] Upon identifying the connected heater unit, the controller (138) of the body employs the electrical energy provided according to the identified connected heater unit. Under the regulation of the controller, the battery (136) of the body (102) delivers electrical energy to the resistive heater (160) via the first electrical contact (140) and the second electrical contact (150). Since the heater unit includes a resistive heater, the body delivers direct current (instead of alternating current) to the resistive heater. Heat generated from the resistive heater heats at least the distal end of the liquid storage portion and at least partially evaporates the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The air drawn into the device picks up the evaporated aerosol-forming substrate such that an aerosol is formed. The formed aerosol is inhaled into the consumer's mouth via the air outlet (162) of the mouthpiece.

[0145] Figure 4 A simplified working algorithm of the body is shown in the form of a flow chart. The body executes such an algorithm to check whether a heater unit is connected, identify the heater unit, check whether an aerosol-generating article and / or an aerosol-forming substrate is inserted in the heater unit, select a suitable heating curve or electrical signal curve based on the identified connected heater unit, and initiate the supply of electrical energy to the heating element of the heater unit.

[0146] Specifically, Figure 4 the left column of the flow chart relates to the connection of a new heater unit and subsequent associated steps. When a new heater unit is connected to the body, the body identifies the connected heater unit. If this identification is unsuccessful, the body stops working. In this way, it is possible to prevent the aerosol-generating device from working with a counterfeit heater unit. If the identification is successful, the body retrieves information regarding the electrical signal curve or heating curve associated with the identified heater unit.

[0147] Once an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-forming substrate is detected as being inserted into the heater unit, electrical energy according to a selected electrical signal profile or heating profile can be delivered to the heating element of the heater unit. An interface can be used to prompt the user to select a particular heating profile, for example, based on the individual aerosol-generating article or aerosol-forming substrate inserted in the heater unit. Power supply to the heating element is terminated when the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-forming substrate is depleted or when the user wishes to terminate the consumption experience.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a body, and a first heater unit, wherein the body includes a power supply device and a first connection element, wherein the first heater unit includes a second connection element, a heating element, and a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the first connection element of the body is configured to be removably connected to the second connection element of the first heater unit such that the first heater unit is mounted adjacent to the body and such that electrical energy can be supplied from the power supply device to the heating element.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the body includes a first identification element, and wherein the heater unit includes a second identification element.

3. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein the second identification element includes first heater unit identification information.

4. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein the first identification element of the body is configured to read the first heater unit identification information of the second identification element, thereby identifying the first heater unit.

5. The aerosol generating device according to the previous claim, wherein the body further includes a controller configured to control the supply of electrical energy from the power supply device to the heating element, and wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of electrical energy based on the identified first heater unit.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the body includes a first electrical contact, wherein the first heater unit includes a second electrical contact, and wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are configured to establish an electrical connection between the body and the first heater unit when the first connection element of the body is connected to the second connection element of the first heater unit.

7. According to claims 2 to 6, wherein one or both of the first identification element and the second identification element include one or more of the following: a mechanical identification element; and an electrical identification element; a wireless identification element; an NFC reader; an NFC tag; an NVM, such as an OTP, EPROM, or EEPROM; and an encrypted identification element.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the first connection element of the body and the second connection element of the first heater unit are configured as mechanical connection elements.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate of the first heater unit includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the heating element includes a resistive heater or an inductive heater.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the heating element is at least partially disposed around the receiving area or is disposed to at least partially penetrate into the receiving area.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heater unit comprises an air inlet and an air outlet fluidly connected.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power supply means comprises a rechargeable battery.

14. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first heater unit comprises a mouthpiece.

15. A kit comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and a second heater unit, the second heater unit comprising a second connecting element, a heating element and a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the first connecting element of the body is configured to be removably connected to the second connecting element of the second heater unit such that the second heater unit is held firmly adjacent to the body and such that electrical energy can be supplied from the power supply means to the heating element, and wherein the receiving area of the first heater unit is configured to receive a different aerosol-forming substrate compared to the receiving area of the second heater unit.

16. A kit according to the preceding claim, wherein the first heater unit is configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate and wherein the second heater unit is configured to receive a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

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