Mixed aerosol-generating device with single induction coil

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mixed aerosol-generating device (10). The aerosol-generating device comprises a body (14). The body includes a power source. The body is disposed at a distal end of the mixed aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device further comprises a top portion (12). The top portion includes a cavity (16). The cavity includes a proximal substrate receiving portion (18) configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate (22, 24). The cavity includes a distal substrate receiving portion (20) configured to receive a second aerosol-forming substrate (26, 28). The first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the second aerosol-forming substrate. The top portion is disposed at the proximal end of the mixed aerosol-generating device. The mixed aerosol-generating device further comprises an induction coil (32). The induction coil extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mixed aerosol-generating device at least partially over the proximal substrate-receiving portion and at least partially over the distal substrate-receiving portion. The invention also relates to a system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mixed aerosol generating device and a system.

[0002] It is known to provide a hybrid aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat two different aerosol-forming substrates to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrates volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article or as part of a cartridge. One or more of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge can be inserted into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. An induction coil can be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Additional aerosol-forming substrate can be evaporated in the aerosol-generating device to form a hybrid aerosol-generating device.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a more versatile hybrid aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to have a more compact hybrid aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to have a less complex hybrid aerosol generating device. It would be desirable to have a hybrid aerosol generating device with improved airflow through two different aerosol-forming substrates.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device may include a main body. The main body may include a power source. The main body may be disposed at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may further include a top portion. The top portion may include a cavity. The cavity may include a proximal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may include a distal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the second aerosol-forming substrate. The top portion may be disposed at the proximal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device. The hybrid aerosol generating device may further include an induction coil. The induction coil may extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol generating device, at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a hybrid aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a main body. The main body includes a power source. The main body is arranged at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device also includes a top portion. The top portion includes a cavity. The cavity includes a proximal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity includes a distal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the second aerosol-forming substrate. The top portion is arranged at the proximal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device. The hybrid aerosol generating device also includes an induction coil. The induction coil extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol generating device at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-generating system may include a first aerosol-generating article comprising a first aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may include a second aerosol-generating article comprising a second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the second aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system may include a hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device may include a main body. The main body may include a power source. The main body may be disposed at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device may include a top portion. The top portion may include a cavity. The cavity may include a proximal substrate receiving portion configured to receive the first aerosol-generating article. The cavity may include a distal substrate receiving portion configured to receive the second aerosol-generating article. The cavity may further include an airflow channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the cavity. The top portion may be disposed at the proximal end of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device may further include an induction coil. The induction coil may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The induction coil may extend at least partially over the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially over the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided. The aerosol-generating system includes a first aerosol-generating article, the first aerosol-generating article including a first aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system also includes a second aerosol-generating article, the second aerosol-generating article including a second aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the second aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating system includes a hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device includes a main body. The main body includes a power source. The main body is disposed at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device includes a top portion. The top portion includes a cavity. The cavity includes a proximal substrate receiving portion configured to receive the first aerosol-generating article. The cavity includes a distal substrate receiving portion configured to receive the second aerosol-generating article. The cavity also includes an airflow channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The top portion is disposed at the proximal end of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The hybrid aerosol-generating device also includes an induction coil. The induction coil extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol-generating device. The induction coil extends at least partially over the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially over the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0008] Providing an induction coil extending at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion helps to simultaneously heat both the first aerosol-forming substrate received in the proximal substrate receiving portion and the second aerosol-forming substrate received in the distal substrate receiving portion. In addition, both the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate can be heated by the (single) induction coil. Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises only a single induction coil. This simplifies the device.

[0009] The induction coil can be controlled by a controller to simultaneously heat the first and second aerosol-forming substrates. Alternatively, the electrical contacts of the induction coil, or at least one of the electrical contacts of the induction coil, can be configured as sliding contacts. The sliding contacts can be configured to slide in an axial direction, thereby enabling contact with the induction coil at different points. This allows only a portion of the induction coil to be subjected to an alternating current. This, in turn, can create heating zones. For example, a first heating zone can cover the area of ​​the proximal substrate receiving portion, and a second heating zone can cover the area of ​​the distal substrate receiving portion. Thus, the controller can control the heating of the first and second substrates independently of each other. Alternatively or additionally, more than two electrical contacts for the induction coil can be arranged at fixed positions along the axial length of the induction coil. These contacts can implement predefined heating zones, such as a first heating zone covering the area of ​​the proximal substrate receiving portion and a second heating zone covering the area of ​​the distal substrate receiving portion. The controller can control the activation of induction in the first heating zone independently of the second heating zone. The controller can even be configured to supply currents of different frequencies or intensities to different electrical contacts, thereby optimizing the heat generated in the different heating zones. This may be advantageous if the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate may require different heating regimes.

[0010] As used herein, the terms “proximal”, “distal”, “downstream” and “upstream” are used to describe the relative position of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws puff on the aerosol generating device during use.

[0011] The main body may be disposed at a distal end of the aerosol generating device. The main body may be disposed distally of the top portion. As described in more detail below, the main body may include a controller. The main body may be disposed directly adjacent to the top portion. The main body may have the same diameter as the top portion. The main body may have a circular or oval cross-section. The main body may be configured to be held by a user. The main body may have a main body housing that faces the surrounding environment. The main body housing may house other components of the main body, particularly a power supply and a controller.

[0012] The aerosol generating device may include a circuit system. 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 be disposed in the body. The circuit system may include additional electronic components. The circuit system may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the induction coil. Power may be supplied to the induction coil continuously after activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the induction coil in the form of current pulses.

[0013] The power source can be configured as a battery, particularly a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storing sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activations of the induction coil.

[0014] The top portion may be disposed at a proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The top portion may be disposed proximal to the main body. The top portion may be disposed directly adjacent to the main body. The top portion may have the same diameter as the main body. The top portion may have a circular or oval cross-section. The top portion may be configured to be held by a user. The top portion may have a top portion housing that faces the surrounding environment.

[0015] The top portion can be configured as a mouth end, through which, during use, the aerosol leaves the aerosol generating device and is delivered to the user. The mouth end can also be referred to as the proximal end. During use, the user draws suction on the proximal end or mouth end of the aerosol generating device to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the user can draw suction directly on an aerosol generating article inserted into the opening at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. The opening at the proximal end can be the opening of a cavity. The cavity can be configured to receive the aerosol generating article. The cavity can also or alternatively be configured to receive a tube. The cavity can be configured to receive both the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating article at the cavity. The cavity can be configured to receive the aerosol generating article via the opening at the proximal end. As described in more detail below, the cavity can be configured to receive the tube via another opening (such as a side door). Alternatively, the cavity can be configured to receive both the cavity and the aerosol generating article via the opening at the proximal end. As another alternative, the cavity can be configured to receive the aerosol generating article via another opening and to receive the tube via the opening at the proximal end.

[0016] The cartridge is preferably configured as an aerosol-generating cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0017] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end at an opening at the proximal end, into which the aerosol generating article and / or cartridge is inserted. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air orifice arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream / distal of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream / proximal of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending along the longitudinal central axis between the open and closed ends. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0018] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The shape of the cavity may correspond to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0019] Providing a lumen comprising an airflow channel extending along the central longitudinal axis of the lumen allows for the use of both aerosol-generating articles comprising a solid aerosol-generating substrate and aerosol-generating articles comprising a liquid aerosol-generating substrate in either the distal substrate receiving portion or the proximal substrate receiving portion. This may increase the flexibility of use of the device.

[0020] The proximal or mouth end or top portion of an aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end or body of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of an aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

[0021] The proximal substrate receiving portion can be arranged proximal to the distal substrate receiving portion. The proximal substrate receiving portion can be arranged downstream of the distal substrate receiving portion. The proximal substrate receiving portion can be expressed as the downstream substrate receiving portion. The distal substrate receiving portion can be expressed as the upstream substrate receiving portion. The longitudinal center axis of the proximal substrate receiving portion can be identical to the longitudinal center axis of the distal substrate receiving portion. In other words, the proximal substrate receiving portion and the distal substrate receiving portion can be aligned on a shared longitudinal center axis. This shared longitudinal center axis is preferably the longitudinal center axis of the cavity. This shared longitudinal center axis is preferably the longitudinal center axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] A hybrid aerosol generating device can be used with only a single aerosol-forming substrate (in which case the aerosol-forming substrate can be received in either the proximal substrate receiving portion or the distal substrate receiving portion). In this case, the hybrid aerosol generating device is configured as a hybrid aerosol generating device, but in practice functions primarily as a non-hybrid device for aerosolizing one type of aerosol-forming substrate. The use of a second, different aerosol-forming substrate is optional. Thus, the aerosol generating device can be transformed from an aerosol generating device that uses only a first aerosol-forming substrate to a hybrid aerosol generating device that also uses a second, different aerosol-forming substrate.

[0023] The first aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0024] One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, a heat-not-burn tobacco substrate as described below. One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, a solid aerosol-forming substrate as described below. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be nicotine-free. One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, a plant-based substrate. One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for medical use. One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, a gel-based substrate as described below. One or both of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates may include, preferably may be, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate as described below.

[0025] 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 may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0026] Said solid aerosol formation substrate can comprise tobacco-containing material, and said tobacco-containing material contains the volatile tobacco flavor compounds that release from substrate after heating.Aerosol formation substrate can comprise non-tobacco material.Aerosol formation substrate can comprise the aerosol forming agent that helps dense and stable aerosol to form.The example of suitable aerosol forming agent is glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0027] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, in some embodiments, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of a powder, granules, pellets, fragments, core tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herbaceous plant leaves, tobacco leaves, fragments of tobacco rib stock, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in a loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released when the substrate is heated. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules that, for example, include additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules may melt during the heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0028] As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to the material formed by making particle tobacco agglomerate.Homogenized tobacco can be in the form of sheet.Homogenized tobacco material can have with dry weight basis content greater than 5% aerosol forming agent.Alternately, homogenized tobacco material can have with dry weight basis content between 5 weight % and 30 weight % aerosol forming agent.The sheet of homogenized tobacco material can be formed by making particle tobacco agglomerate, and described particle tobacco is by one or both grinding or otherwise combining and obtaining in tobacco leaf blade and tobacco leaf stem.Alternately or in addition, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material can be included in one or more of tobacco dust, cigarette dust and other particle tobacco byproducts formed during for example disposal, processing and transport tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more intrinsic binders as endogenous binders to the tobacco, one or more non-intrinsic binders as exogenous binders to the tobacco, or a combination thereof, to help the particulate tobacco agglomerate; alternatively or in addition, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorings, fillers, aqueous solvents and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

[0029] Alternatively, the solid aerosol forming matrix can be arranged on a heat-stable carrier or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of a powder, granule, pellet, fragment, thin strip, strip or sheet. Alternatively, the carrier can be a tubular carrier, on its inner surface or on its outer surface or on both its inner surface and outer surface, a thin layer of solid matrix is ​​deposited. Such tubular carriers can be formed by, for example, paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, low mass open mesh metal screen or perforated metal foil or any other heat-stable polymer matrix.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered, curled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "curled sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or folds. Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or folds extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously promotes the gathering of the curled sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. However, it should be understood that the curled sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in the aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or folds arranged at an acute angle or an 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 a gathered sheet of homogenized tobacco material that is substantially uniformly textured over substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

[0031] 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 to provide uneven flavour delivery during use.

[0032] An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds can 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 containing 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.

[0033] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0034] If the aerosol-forming substrate is configured as a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a liquid storage portion of an aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be represented as a cartridge. The cartridge is preferably configured as a removable cartridge. When the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is depleted, the removable cartridge may be replaced with a new cartridge.

[0035] The tube may include a liquid retaining material or a tank that holds or is suitable for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "liquid retaining material" refers to a high-retention or high-release material (HRM) for storing liquids. The liquid retaining material is configured to inherently retain at least a portion of the liquid, which in turn is not available for aerosolization before leaving the retaining. Since the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is securely retained in the retaining material, the use of the liquid retaining material reduces the risk of overflow in the event of a tube failure or rupture. Advantageously, this allows the aerosol-generating article to be leak-proof.

[0036] An aerosol-generating article may be provided, comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor comprises a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material, the first susceptor material being arranged in close physical contact with the second susceptor material. The second susceptor material preferably has a Curie temperature below 500°C. The first susceptor material is preferably used primarily to heat the susceptor when the susceptor is placed in a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material may be used. For example, the first susceptor material may be aluminum, or may be an iron-containing material such as stainless steel. The second susceptor material is preferably used primarily to indicate when the susceptor has reached a specific temperature, which is the Curie temperature of the second susceptor material. The Curie temperature of the second susceptor material can be used to regulate the temperature of the entire susceptor during operation. Therefore, the Curie temperature of the second susceptor material should be below the ignition point of the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the second susceptor material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of elements in the form of a strip assembled within a packaging, the strip having an orifice and a distal end upstream of the orifice, the plurality of elements comprising an aerosol-forming substrate positioned at or towards the distal end of the strip. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the susceptor is an elongated susceptor having a width between 3 mm and 6 mm and a thickness between 10 microns and 200 microns. The susceptor is preferably located within the aerosol-forming substrate. It is particularly preferred that the elongated susceptor is located in a radially central position within the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably such that it extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming substrate. The length of the elongated susceptor is preferably between 8 mm and 15 mm, for example between 10 mm and 14 mm, for example approximately 12 mm or 13 mm.

[0038] The cartridge may include a hollow tubular susceptor device as disclosed in EP21203770.9, which is incorporated herein by reference for its content regarding the structural features of the cartridge. The cartridge may include a hollow tubular wicking element. The hollow tubular wicking element may coaxially define the susceptor device. The cartridge may include a hollow tubular liquid storage portion. The hollow tubular liquid storage portion may coaxially define the wicking element.

[0039] The cartridge may include an airflow path extending along a longitudinal central axis within the hollow tubular susceptor device. The airflow path of the cartridge may extend from a distal end of the cartridge to a proximal end of the cartridge. The distal end of the cartridge may be an upstream end. The proximal end of the cartridge may be a downstream end.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article is a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0041] The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially strip-shaped. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially strip-shaped.

[0042] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may include a filter segment. The filter segment may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter segment may be a cellulose acetate filter segment. The length of the filter segment is about 7 mm in one embodiment, but may have a length of between about 5 mm and about 10 mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of approximately 10 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of approximately 12 mm. Furthermore, the diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may include an outer paper wrapper. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article may include a partition between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter segment. The partition may be approximately 18 mm, but may be in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm.

[0044] 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 a smoking article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article and part of a cartridge. As described herein, it is particularly preferred to provide a first aerosol-forming substrate and a different second aerosol-forming substrate housed in the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge, respectively. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the 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. As described herein, the aerosol-generating device may include a housing, an electrical circuit system, a power supply, a heating chamber, and an induction coil.

[0045] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "smoking" used in relation to a device, article, system, substrate or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is 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.

[0046] The proximal substrate receiving portion may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The distal substrate receiving portion may be configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the proximal substrate receiving portion may be configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The distal substrate receiving portion may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] The receiving portion configured to receive the cartridge may be configured to receive the cartridge laterally.Preferably, the distal matrix receiving portion is configured to receive the cartridge laterally.

[0048] The respective receiving portion may be configured such that a user can insert the cartridge into the respective receiving portion in a lateral direction.When the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge is exhausted, the user can remove the exhausted cartridge in an opposite lateral direction and insert a new cartridge.

[0049] The receiving portion configured to receive the aerosol-generating article may be configured to axially receive the aerosol-generating article.Preferably, the proximal substrate receiving portion is configured to axially receive the aerosol-generating article.

[0050] The respective receiving portion may be configured such that a user can insert an aerosol-generating article into the respective receiving portion in an axial direction. When the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article is exhausted, the user can remove the exhausted aerosol-generating article in the opposite axial direction and insert a new aerosol-generating article.

[0051] The term "axial / axially" may refer to a direction along or parallel to a longitudinal centre axis of the aerosol-generating device. The term "lateral / laterally" may refer to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal centre axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0052] The housing portion of the top portion may be configured to be axially movable relative to the distal matrix receiving portion to enable opening and closing of the distal matrix receiving portion. The movable housing portion may also be denoted as a first housing portion.

[0053] The top portion may include a second housing portion that is stationary relative to the main body. The first housing portion of the top portion may be configured to be movable relative to the second housing portion of the top portion. The second housing portion may include a distal substrate receiving portion. The distal substrate receiving portion may be made accessible by movement of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.

[0054] In particular, a lateral opening can be created in the distal matrix receiving portion by relative movement of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion. More specifically, a user can axially move the first housing portion away from the second housing portion to open the lateral opening to the distal matrix receiving portion. The user can then insert a new cartridge into the distal matrix receiving portion or remove a spent cartridge from the distal matrix receiving portion (or both).

[0055] The distal matrix receiving portion can be formed by a half tube. The half tube can be a tube with a lateral opening of the incision. As described herein, the lateral opening of the incision can make it possible to insert a tube laterally into / remove the tube from the distal matrix receiving portion. The distal matrix receiving portion, particularly the lateral opening of the incision of the distal matrix receiving portion, can be closed when the first housing portion is in the first position. In the first position of the first housing portion, the first housing portion can be in a first position near the main body. This first position can be the distal position of the first housing portion relative to the main body. The first position can also be expressed as a retracted position. When the first housing portion moves relative to the second housing portion, the first housing portion can be in a second position away from the main body. The second position can be the proximal position of the first housing portion relative to the main body. The second position can be expressed as an expanded position.

[0056] The first housing portion of the top portion can be slidably connected to the second housing portion of the top portion. The first housing portion can be axially slidable relative to the second housing portion. The first housing portion can include a first sliding element and the second housing portion can include a second sliding element, wherein the first sliding element and the second sliding element can interact to achieve sliding movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. For example, the first housing portion can include a groove and the second housing portion can include a protrusion, or vice versa. The protrusion can be arranged in the groove to facilitate sliding movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0057] One or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion may include a guide element to guide sliding movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The guide element and the first sliding element and the second sliding element may be the same element to enable sliding movement between the first housing portion and the second housing portion. The guide element may prevent rotation of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.

[0058] The top portion may include a locking element. The locking element may be configured to prevent the first housing portion from separating from the distal matrix receiving portion during axial movement of the housing portion relative to the distal matrix receiving portion. The locking element may prevent the first housing portion of the top portion from separating from the second housing portion of the top portion. The locking element may include a stop. The stop may be arranged in the aforementioned recess so that the protrusion stops when it reaches the stop. The locking element may limit axial movement of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion.

[0059] One or both of the first housing portion and the distal matrix receiving portion may include a biasing element. The biasing element may be configured to bias the first housing portion away from the distal matrix receiving portion. The second housing portion may include a biasing element.

[0060] The biasing element may be a spring.The biasing element may automatically move the first housing portion into the second position such that a user can access the distal matrix receiving portion.

[0061] One or both of the first housing portion and the distal matrix receiving portion may include a release element.The release element may be configured to release the biasing element upon user interaction.

[0062] The release element may be a button. The release element may be arranged on the outer periphery of the first housing portion or the second housing portion so that the user can easily access the release element. The release element may retain the first housing portion in the first position. When the first housing portion is released from the first position by activating the release element, the first housing portion may automatically move to the second position due to the biasing force of the biasing element. The user may return the first housing portion to the first position against the biasing force of the biasing element. When the release element is activated again, the first housing portion may be retained in the first position again.

[0063] The distal matrix receiving portion may include a door configured to enable lateral insertion of the cartridge.The door may be part of the second housing portion of the top portion.

[0064] The door can be slidably mounted. The slidable mounting of the door allows for sliding movement to facilitate lateral insertion of the cartridge. The door can be slidably mounted on the second housing portion of the top portion. The door can be slidably mounted so that the door can slide into the second housing portion during the sliding movement. Alternatively, the door can be hingedly mounted on the second housing portion or on the distal matrix receiving portion. In other words, the door can include hinges so that the door can swing open to allow lateral access to the distal matrix receiving portion.

[0065] The sealing element can be arranged at the door or adjacent to the door. When the door is closed, the sealing element can be sealed to the door. When the door is closed, the sealing element can airtightly seal the door. The sealing element can reduce or prevent air from escaping through the door or near the door. Therefore, the air flow channel adjacent to the door can be free from the disturbance of the door, particularly the air flow channel through the distal matrix receiving portion. The sealing element can include or can be configured as an O-ring. The sealing element can include or can be configured as a matching sealing member.

[0066] In another embodiment, the door may include a portion or segment of an induction coil. The induction coil may be partially housed in the door. A portion of the induction coil may be disposed in the door. One or both of the electrical contacts of the induction coil may be connected to a circuit. When the door is open, the circuit may be open. When the door is closed, the circuit may be closed. The circuit may electrically connect the induction coil to one or both of a controller and a power supply. The door may be configured to have dual functions. A first function may enable the insertion and removal of a cartridge. A second function may enable the operation of the induction coil by closing the circuit, and disable the operation of the induction coil by opening the circuit. A connecting element may be provided at one or both of the door and the distal matrix receiving portion. The connecting element may be configured to attach the door. The connecting element may also enable electrical energy to the door. The connecting element may be configured to allow electrical energy to be transferred to the door when the door is closed. The connecting element may include a spring-loaded pin or tab that engages with a corresponding conductive tab in the door or door frame at the distal matrix receiving portion to allow electrical energy to be transferred to the door when the door is closed. The connecting element may maintain the door in a closed state after closing. The connecting element may include a retaining element to hold the door in a closed state after the door is closed.

[0067] The induction coil may extend completely over one or both of the distal and proximal stroma receiving portions.

[0068] The entire length of the distal and proximal stroma receiving portions may thus be heated by a single induction coil.

[0069] One or both of the body and the distal substrate receiving portion may include an air inlet to allow ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel of the hybrid aerosol generating device. The air inlet may also be arranged in the top portion, preferably in the second housing portion of the top portion. The air inlet may be arranged in a side wall of the body or the top portion.

[0070] The air flow channel may include a first portion fluidly connecting the air inlet with the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0071] The first portion of the airflow channel may include an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The downstream portion may extend along the longitudinal center axis of the cavity.

[0072] Dividing the first portion into upstream and downstream portions having different orientations allows for different directions of airflow for the upstream and downstream portions.The downstream portion extending along the longitudinal central axis of the cavity may open into a central airflow through the cavity.

[0073] The upstream portion may provide a fluid connection to an air inlet arranged in a non-axial orientation relative to the air flow channel. The upstream portion may have a lateral extension. The upstream portion may extend perpendicular to the extension of the downstream portion.

[0074] Alternatively, the air inlet may be arranged at the proximal end of the top portion and fluidly connected with the distal matrix receiving portion by a 180 degree turn in the air flow channel.

[0075] Providing a 180 degree turn in the air flow path may allow ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol generating device in an opposite direction, parallel to the hot air flow path of the device, and may preheat the ambient air before reaching the chamber.

[0076] The distal matrix receiving portion of the top portion or the second housing portion may include a second portion of the airflow channel fluidly connecting the distal matrix receiving portion with the proximal matrix receiving portion.

[0077] Advantageously, a single air inlet and a single air flow channel can therefore be configured to allow airflow through both the distal substrate receiving portion and the proximal substrate receiving portion. In particular, air can first flow through the distal substrate receiving portion and then flow through the proximal substrate receiving portion downstream of the distal substrate receiving portion. Advantageous selections of the first and second aerosol-forming substrates can be selected such that an optimized aerosol is generated by subsequently passing air through the distal substrate receiving portion and then through the proximal substrate receiving portion.

[0078] The second portion of the airflow channel may fluidly connect the distal substrate receiving portion with the proximal substrate receiving portion via a separator element.

[0079] The separator element may be configured as a mechanical separator element.The separator element may comprise a one-way valve enabling gas flow only in the direction from the distal matrix receiving portion to the proximal matrix receiving portion.

[0080] The second portion of the air flow channel may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0081] The longitudinal axis of the cavity is preferably the longitudinal centre axis of the cavity, more preferably the longitudinal centre axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0082] The top portion may include a third portion fluidly connecting the proximal matrix receiving portion of the airflow channel with the proximal opening of the lumen of the top portion.

[0083] The third portion of the air flow channel may extend along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0084] The airflow channel may extend along a central longitudinal axis through one or both of the first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend along the central longitudinal axis parallel to the susceptor element of the aerosol-generating article. Providing an airflow channel that extends centrally through one or both of the first aerosol-generating articles may allow for a simple central airflow through one or both of the aerosol-generating articles. If one or both of the liquid aerosol-generating article and the solid aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the cavity, the airflow channel may extend along the central longitudinal axis through one or both of the aerosol-generating articles. If one or both of the aerosol-generating articles can be inserted into the cavity, the airflow channel may extend along the central longitudinal axis through one or both of the aerosol-generating articles. This may increase the flexibility of use of the device. The present invention also relates to a system comprising a hybrid aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise a susceptor material.

[0085] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a hybrid aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article comprises a heating element. The heating element comprises a susceptor material.

[0086] The heating element may also be referred to as an induction heating element. The heating element is preferably not configured as a resistive heating element. The induction heating element may include a susceptor. Preferably, the induction heating element is configured as a susceptor. Generally speaking, a susceptor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in the 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 often contributes to heating is often referred to as hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses are primarily caused by the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, as their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis losses is when magnetic domains grow or shrink within the susceptor. Generally, all of these changes in the susceptor that occur at the nanometer scale or below are referred to as "hysteresis losses" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis losses and eddy current generation contribute to heating the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but non-conductive, hysteresis losses will be the only means of heating the susceptor when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic, or both. The alternating magnetic field generated by the induction coil heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, causing aerosol formation. Heat transfer may be primarily by thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0087] According to the present invention, it is particularly preferred that a single induction coil heats two separate susceptors. The first susceptor is part of the aerosol-generating article. The second susceptor is part of the cartridge. The respective susceptors may be in the form of particles distributed near or within one or both of the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0088] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a hybrid aerosol generating device as described herein and a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise a susceptor material.

[0089] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a hybrid aerosol generating device as described herein and a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the cartridge comprising a heating element, and the heating element comprising a susceptor material.

[0090] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a hybrid aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article as described herein and a cartridge as described herein.

[0091] The system may further include a first aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element. The heating element may include a susceptor material. The system may further include a second aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element. The heating element may include a susceptor material.

[0092] The system may include two different aerosol-generating articles, each comprising a solid aerosol-generating substrate. The system may include two different aerosol-generating articles, each comprising a liquid aerosol-generating substrate. The system may include an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-generating substrate and an aerosol-generating article comprising a liquid aerosol-generating substrate.

[0093] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.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.

[0094] ex1. A mixed aerosol generating device comprising:

[0095] a body, wherein the body includes a power source, and wherein the body is disposed at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device;

[0096] a top portion, wherein the top portion comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a proximal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a first aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the cavity comprises a distal substrate receiving portion configured to receive a second aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the second aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the top portion is disposed at a proximal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device;

[0097] The hybrid aerosol generating device further comprises an induction coil, and the induction coil extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol generating device at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0098] ex2. A hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex1, wherein the proximal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate, and the distal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, or

[0099] wherein the proximal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the distal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0100] ex3. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex2, wherein the receiving portion configured to receive the cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge laterally.

[0101] ex4. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex2 or ex3, wherein the housing portion of the top portion is configured to be axially movable relative to the distal matrix receiving portion to achieve opening and closing of the distal matrix receiving portion.

[0102] ex5. A hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex4, wherein the top portion comprises a locking element, wherein the locking element is configured to prevent the housing portion from separating from the distal matrix receiving portion during axial movement of the housing portion relative to the distal matrix receiving portion.

[0103] ex6. A hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of examples ex4 and ex5, wherein one or both of the housing portion and the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a biasing element, wherein the biasing element is configured to bias the housing portion away from the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0104] ex7. A hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex6, wherein one or both of the housing portion and the distal matrix receiving portion comprises a release element, wherein the release element is configured to release the biasing element upon user interaction.

[0105] ex8. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex3, wherein the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a door configured to enable lateral insertion of the cartridge.

[0106] ex9. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the induction coil extends completely over one or both of the distal substrate receiving portion and the proximal substrate receiving portion.

[0107] ex10. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the induction coil extends completely above the cavity of the top portion.

[0108] ex11. A hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein one or both of the body and the distal substrate receiving portion comprises an air inlet to allow ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel of the hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0109] ex12. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex11, wherein the air flow channel comprises a first portion fluidly connecting the air inlet and the distal substrate receiving portion.

[0110] ex13. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of examples ex11 and ex12, wherein the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a second portion of the airflow channel fluidly connecting the distal substrate receiving portion with the proximal substrate receiving portion.

[0111] ex14. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex13, wherein the second portion of the airflow channel fluidly connects the distal substrate receiving portion with the proximal substrate receiving portion via a separator element.

[0112] ex15. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of examples ex13 and ex14, wherein the second portion of the airflow channel extends along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0113] ex16. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of examples ex11 to ex15, wherein the top portion comprises a third portion of the airflow channel fluidly connecting the proximal substrate receiving portion with a proximal opening of the cavity of the top portion.

[0114] ex17. The hybrid aerosol generating device according to example ex16, wherein the third portion of the airflow channel extends along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0115] ex18. A system comprising the hybrid aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples ex1 to ex17 and an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a heating element, and wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor material.

[0116] ex19. A system comprising the hybrid aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples ex1 to ex17 and a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the cartridge comprises a heating element, and wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor material.

[0117] ex20. A system comprising the hybrid aerosol generating device according to any one of claims ex1 to ex17, the aerosol generating article according to claim ex18, and the cartridge according to claim ex19.

[0118] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.

[0119] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0120] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention;

[0121] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative aerosol generating device;

[0122] Figure 3 A-3C shows the movement of components of the aerosol generating device;

[0123] Figure 4 A and 4B show cross-sectional top views of the movement of components of an aerosol generating device;

[0124] Figure 5 A and 5B illustrate the movement of components of the aerosol generating device;

[0125] Figure 6 A and 6B show cross-sectional side views of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge;

[0126] Figure 7 A and 7B show different uses of the aerosol generating device; and

[0127] Figure 8 An alternative embodiment for inserting the cartridge is shown.

[0128] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device 10 is shown, more particularly a top portion 12 of the aerosol generating device 10 and a main body 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. The top portion 12 is arranged proximally of the main body 14. The top portion 12 is arranged adjacent to the main body 14.

[0129] The top portion 12 includes a cavity 16. The cavity 16 has a circular cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the cavity 16 may have a non-circular cross-section. Exemplarily, the cavity 16 may have a rectangular or irregularly shaped cross-section. The cavity 16 includes a proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and a distal substrate receiving portion 20. The proximal substrate receiving portion 18 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 22 comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate 24. The distal substrate receiving portion 20 is configured to receive a cartridge 26 comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28.

[0130] The proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may have the same diameter. Alternatively, the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may have different diameters. For example, the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may have a smaller diameter than the proximal substrate receiving portion 18. This may make it clear to the user which portion 18, 20 the aerosol-generating article 22 must be inserted into. Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may have complementary or proprietary shapes. The shape of one or both of the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may be such that only the desired element (such as the aerosol-generating article 22 or the cartridge 26) can be inserted into the respective portion 18, 20. For example, the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 may be shaped to receive only the aerosol-generating article 22. For example, the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 may be shaped such that the cartridge 26 does not fit into the proximal substrate receiving portion 18. Illustratively, the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may be shaped to receive only the cartridge 26. Illustratively, the distal substrate receiving portion 20 may be shaped such that the aerosol-generating article 22 does not fit into the substrate receiving portion 20.

[0131] The cavity 16 has an open proximal end 30 into which the aerosol generating article 22 can be inserted. Optionally, the cartridge 26 can also be inserted into the cavity 16 via the open proximal end 30 of the cavity 16. Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 8 Alternative options for inserting the cartridge 26 are described in more detail.

[0132] A user can draw on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 22 to inhale the generated aerosol. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 22 is disposed proximal to, or downstream of, the barrel 26, which is disposed distal to, or upstream of, the aerosol-generating article 22. Thus, the proximal substrate-receiving portion 18 is disposed proximal to, or downstream of, the distal substrate-receiving portion 20, which is disposed distal to, or upstream of, the proximal substrate-receiving portion 18.

[0133] The aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a single induction coil 32. The induction coil 32 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 16 at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion 20. Preferably, the induction coil 32 extends over an axial portion of the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 in which the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 of the aerosol-generating article 22 is disposed when the aerosol-generating article 22 is received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18. Preferably, the induction coil 32 extends over an axial portion of the distal substrate receiving portion 20 in which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 of the cartridge 26 is disposed when the cartridge 26 is received in the distal substrate receiving portion 20.

[0134] Figure 1 Also shown is an air inlet 34 disposed in a side wall of the body 14. Alternatively, the air inlet 34 may be disposed in a side wall of the top portion 12. In both cases, the air inlet 34 is fluidly connected to a first portion 36 of the air flow channel, which fluidly connects the air inlet 34 with the upstream or distal end of the distal substrate receiving portion 20.

[0135] Thus, air can be drawn into and through the distal matrix receiving portion 20 via the air inlet 34 and the first portion 36 of the air flow channel. Air is preferably drawn through the distal matrix receiving portion 20 along the longitudinal center axis of the cavity 16. Downstream of the distal matrix receiving portion 20, the air flow channel includes a second portion 38 that fluidly connects the distal matrix receiving portion 20 with the proximal matrix receiving portion 18. The second portion 38 of the air flow channel is preferably arranged along the longitudinal center axis of the cavity 16.

[0136] In the second part 38 of air flow channel, a separator element 35 such as a sidewall with an orifice or a one-way valve can be arranged to separate distal substrate receiving portion 20 and proximal substrate receiving portion 18. In other words, a separator element 35 such as a sidewall with an orifice or a one-way valve can be arranged between distal substrate receiving portion 20 and proximal substrate receiving portion 18. One of tube 26 and aerosol generating article 22 can comprise the separator element 35 of several parts of whole separator element 35. Tube 26 and aerosol generating article 22 can be stacked and can have fluid channel therebetween. Alternatively, tube 26 and aerosol generating article 22 can be configured to be connected to each other before being inserted into cavity 16. The connection between tube 26 and aerosol generating article 22 can be promoted by separator element 35.

[0137] Thus, air is drawn into the proximal matrix receiving portion 18 after having passed through the distal matrix receiving portion 20. The air flow channel includes a final third portion 40 that fluidly connects the proximal matrix receiving portion 18 with the open proximal end 30 of the lumen 16. The third portion 40 of the air flow channel is preferably arranged along the longitudinal center axis of the lumen 16.

[0138] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment is shown in which the order of arrangement of the aerosol-generating article 22 and cartridge 26 is reversed with respect to the upstream / downstream or distal / proximal directions. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, an aerosol-generating article 22 is disposed in the distal substrate receiving portion 20, and a cartridge 26 is received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18. In this embodiment, air will first be drawn through the aerosol-generating article 22 and then through the cartridge 26.

[0139] In this embodiment, the air inlet 34 is exemplarily depicted as being arranged in the side wall of the top portion 12. However, this arrangement of the air inlet 34 is illustrative, and the air inlet 34 may alternatively be arranged in the main body 14, such as Figure 1 As shown in .

[0140] Figure 2 A mouthpiece 42 is shown as a further element of the aerosol-generating device 10. This may be advantageous in this arrangement of the aerosol-generating article 22 and cartridge 26, as the user cannot draw directly on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 22.

[0141] Figure 2 Also shown are induction coils 32 arranged around the proximal portion of the cavity 16 and around the distal portion of the cavity 16. The induction coils 32 can be connected in series so that the induction coils 32 act as a single induction coil. In this embodiment, only a single pair of electrical connections may be required between the induction coils 32 and the power supply. Alternatively, two different induction coils 32 can be provided with separate connections to the power supply. The first induction coil 32 can be arranged around the proximal portion of the cavity 16, and the second induction coil 32 can be arranged around the distal portion of the cavity 16.

[0142] Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which the cartridge 26 can be received laterally in the distal matrix receiving portion 20. To facilitate this, the top portion 12 includes a first housing portion 44 and a second housing portion 46 that can move relative to each other in the distal / proximal direction. Figure 3 In A, the first housing portion 44 is in a first position in which the top portion 12 is arranged adjacent the body 14. Figure 3 In Figure 2B, first housing portion 44 is in second position, and in this second position, second housing portion 46 is arranged to proximally away from main body 14 and has made the lateral opening in first housing portion 44 accessible.In more detail, first housing portion 44 comprises half pipe 48, and described half pipe comprises incision lateral opening 50.Thus, tube 26 can be inserted in distal matrix receiving portion 20 via incision lateral opening 50.Subsequently, first housing portion 44 can be pushed back into first position and can use aerosol generating device 10.After tube 26 is exhausted, can repeat this movement of first housing portion 44 from first position to second position to remove exhausted tube 26.New tube 26 can be inserted again then.

[0143] In reference Figure 3In all embodiments of the present invention described exemplarily, the aerosol-generating device 10 can be operated with only the first aerosol-forming substrate received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 or only the second aerosol-forming substrate received in the distal substrate receiving portion 20. For example, it may be desirable to insert only the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 and leave the distal substrate receiving portion 20 empty. In this case, air will flow freely through the distal substrate receiving portion 20, which in this case forms part of the airflow channel. For example, it may be desirable to insert only the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 in the distal substrate receiving portion 20 and leave the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 empty. In this case, air will flow freely through the proximal substrate receiving portion 18, which in this case forms part of the airflow channel.

[0144] Figure 4 A cross-sectional top view of the distal matrix receiving portion 20 is shown. Figure 4 In A, a second position of the second housing portion 46 of the top portion 12 is depicted. The cut-out lateral opening 50 is exposed so that the cartridge 26 can be inserted into the distal matrix receiving portion 20. Figure 4 In B, a first position of the second housing portion 46 of the top portion 12 is depicted. The cut-out lateral opening 50 is closed so that the cartridge 26 is securely held within the distal matrix receiving portion 20.

[0145] The top portion 12 can be configured as a cover. One or both of the top portion 12 and the first housing portion 44 can be configured to be removably attached to the main body 14. To this end, one or both of the top portion 12 and the first housing portion 44 and the main body 14 can include an attachment device. The attachment device can be configured as one or more of the following: a snap-lock attachment device, a bayonet-type locking device, a threaded device, an interference fit attachment device, or a male and female attachment device.

[0146] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which one or both of the top portion 12 and the first housing portion 44 cannot be separated from the body 14. Instead, sliding movement of the first housing portion 44 of the top portion 12 relative to the body 14 is facilitated to enable access to the distal matrix receiving portion 20. In more detail, Figure 5 Movement of the first housing portion 44 of the top portion 12 relative to the second housing portion 46 of the top portion 12 and relative to the body 14 of the aerosol generating device 10 is shown. Figure 5In Figure A, the first housing portion 44 is in the second position. By providing a guide element 52 on the second housing portion 46, the movement of the first housing portion 44 is limited to axial movement. The first housing portion 44 includes a corresponding recess that interacts with the guide element 52 to facilitate axial sliding movement of the first housing portion 44 relative to the second housing portion 46.

[0147] To prevent the first housing portion 44 of the top portion 12 from being separated from the second housing portion 46 of the top portion 12, the second housing portion 46 includes a locking element 54. The locking element 54 acts as a stop to limit sliding movement of the first housing portion 44 in the proximal direction.

[0148] Figure 6 A shows the aerosol generating article 22 in more detail. The aerosol generating article 22 is configured to be received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 (e.g., Figure 1 ) or received in the distal matrix receiving portion 20 (as shown in Figure 2 ). The aerosol-generating article 22 comprises a solid aerosol-forming substrate 24. In addition, an article susceptor 56 is arranged to be embedded in the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 of the aerosol-generating article 22. When subjected to the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 32, the article susceptor 56 will generate heat, thereby heating the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24. The article susceptor 56 is arranged along the longitudinal center axis of the aerosol-generating article 22. The article susceptor 56 is preferably configured to generate the required heat for optimally heating the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 when subjected to the alternating magnetic field of a single induction coil 32. In order to optimize the heat generated by the article susceptor 56, the article susceptor 56 may have one or more of a different heating surface, a different length, a different width, a different thickness, a different material, and a different cross-sectional shape than the cartridge susceptor described below.

[0149] Figure 6 B shows the barrel 26 in more detail. The barrel 26 is configured to be received in the distal matrix receiving portion 20 (e.g., Figure 1 ) or received in the proximal matrix receiving portion 18 (as shown in Figure 2). The cartridge 26 includes a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28. In addition, a cartridge susceptor 58 is disposed within the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 of the cartridge 26. When subjected to the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil 32, the product susceptor 56 will generate heat, thereby heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28. The cartridge 26 includes an internal central airflow channel that enables air to be drawn axially through the cartridge 26. The cartridge susceptor 58 is arranged along the longitudinal center axis of the cartridge 26. The cartridge susceptor 58 is preferably configured to generate the required heat for optimally heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 when subjected to the alternating magnetic field of a single induction coil 32. In order to optimize the heat generated by the cartridge susceptor 58, the cartridge susceptor 58 may have one or more of a different heating surface, a different length, a different width, a different thickness, a different material, and a different cross-sectional shape than the above-described product susceptor 56. By making the product susceptor 56 and the cartridge susceptor 58 different, it is preferred that both the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 be optimally heated using a single induction coil 32. The single induction coil 32 heats both the article susceptor 56 and the drum susceptor 58 simultaneously.

[0150] Figure 7 Two options for using the aerosol generating device 10 are shown. Figure 7 In A, the cartridge 26 is not received in the distal substrate receiving portion 20. Thus, only the aerosol-generating article 22 is received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18 or in both the proximal and distal substrate receiving portions 20. During use, only the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 of the aerosol-generating article 22 will be heated by means of the induction coil 32 and the article susceptor 56.

[0151] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 1B , the cartridge 26 is received in the distal substrate receiving portion 20. Additionally, the aerosol-generating article 22 is received in the proximal substrate receiving portion 18. During use, the solid aerosol-forming substrate 24 of the aerosol-generating article 22 will be heated by means of the induction coil 32 and the article susceptor 56. Additionally, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 28 of the cartridge 26 will be heated by means of the induction coil 32 and the cartridge susceptor 58. As the aerosol-generating article 22 abuts the cartridge 26, the aerosol-generating article 22 will protrude further from the proximal opening of the cartridge 26 of the top portion 12.

[0152] Figure 8 As shown in reference Figures 3 to 51 and 2. Alternatively, a door 60 is provided adjacent the distal matrix receiving portion 20. The door 60 is hingedly attached to a side wall of the top portion 12. The door 60 can be opened to allow lateral access to the distal matrix receiving portion 20 to enable insertion / removal of the cartridge 26 into / from the distal matrix receiving portion 20.

[0153] The induction coil 32 can be partially housed in the door 60. When the door 60 is closed, the electrical contacts of the induction coil 32 can be connected to the power supply of the main body 14. Thus, the door 60 can have a dual function, namely, enabling access to the distal substrate receiving portion 20 and enabling / disabling the operation of the induction coil 32 by closing / opening the door 60. If the door 60 is closed, the induction coil 32 in the door 60 can be operable. Alternatively or in addition, a sensor can be provided to detect the presence of the cartridge 26 in the distal substrate receiving portion 20. The controller can be configured to enable the operation of the induction coil 32 if the sensor detects the presence of the cartridge 26 in the distal substrate receiving portion 20.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a first aerosol-generating article comprising a first aerosol-forming substrate, and a second aerosol-generating article comprising a second aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the first aerosol-forming substrate is different from the second aerosol-forming substrate; A hybrid aerosol generating device comprising: a body, wherein the body includes a power source, and wherein the body is disposed at a distal end of the hybrid aerosol generating device; a top portion, wherein the top portion comprises a cavity, wherein the cavity comprises a proximal substrate-receiving portion configured to receive the first aerosol-generating article, wherein the cavity comprises a distal substrate-receiving portion configured to receive the second aerosol-generating article, wherein the cavity further comprises an airflow channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the cavity, and wherein the top portion is disposed at a proximal end of the hybrid aerosol-generating device; The hybrid aerosol generating device further comprises an induction coil, and the induction coil extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hybrid aerosol generating device at least partially above the proximal substrate receiving portion and at least partially above the distal substrate receiving portion.

2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the proximal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate, and the distal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, or wherein the proximal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and the distal substrate receiving portion is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 2, wherein the receiving portion configured to receive a cartridge is configured to receive the cartridge laterally.

4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing portion of the top portion is configured to be axially movable relative to the distal substrate receiving portion to achieve opening and closing of the distal substrate receiving portion.

5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein the top portion comprises a locking element, wherein the locking element is configured to prevent the housing portion from separating from the distal substrate receiving portion during axial movement of the housing portion relative to the distal substrate receiving portion.

6. An aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein one or both of the housing portion and the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a biasing element, wherein the biasing element is configured to bias the housing portion away from the distal substrate receiving portion.

7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 6, wherein one or both of the housing portion and the distal matrix receiving portion comprises a release element, wherein the release element is configured to release the biasing element upon user interaction.

8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a door configured to enable lateral insertion of the cartridge.

9. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the induction coil extends completely over one or both of the distal substrate receiving portion and the proximal substrate receiving portion.

10. An aerosol generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the induction coil extends completely above the cavity of the top portion.

11. An aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the body and the distal substrate receiving portion comprises an air inlet to allow ambient air to be drawn into the air flow channel of the hybrid aerosol generating device, preferably wherein the air flow channel comprises a first portion fluidly connecting the air inlet with the distal substrate receiving portion.

12. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the first portion comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion, wherein the downstream portion extends along the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.

13. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the air inlet is arranged at a proximal end of the top portion and is fluidly connected with the distal substrate receiving portion by a 180 degree turn in the air flow channel.

14. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the distal substrate receiving portion comprises a second portion of the airflow channel fluidly connecting the distal substrate receiving portion with the proximal substrate receiving portion, preferably wherein the second portion of the airflow channel fluidly connects the distal substrate receiving portion with the proximal substrate receiving portion via a separator element, more preferably wherein the second portion of the airflow channel extends along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

15. An aerosol generating system according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the top portion comprises a third portion of the airflow channel fluidly connecting the proximal substrate receiving portion with the proximal opening of the cavity of the top portion, preferably wherein the third portion of the airflow channel extends along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

16. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow channel extends along a central longitudinal axis through one or both of the first aerosol-generating article and the second aerosol-generating article.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the following are true: the first aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element, wherein the heating element comprises a susceptor material; and The second aerosol-generating article comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element, wherein The heating element includes a susceptor material.

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