Aerosol generator equipped with airflow control valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator comprising a main cavity disposed for receiving a main article. The main article comprises a main aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generator comprises a main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through a main cavity to an air outlet. The main airflow channel comprises a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake to the main cavity inlet. The main airflow channel comprises an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet to an air outlet. The aerosol generator comprises a main cavity outlet valve assembly. The main cavity outlet valve assembly comprises a gate valve. The gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the gate valve closes the main cavity outlet. In the open position, the main cavity is fluidly connected to the air outlet. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating device. It is also known to use aerosol-forming substrates and aerosol-generating articles having other shapes, such as a cube or sheet-like shape, for insertion into the device cavity. It is also known to provide an aerosol generating device having an enlarged cavity capable of receiving a plurality of aerosol-generating articles, for example to allow a user to combine a plurality of flavors. The heating element may be disposed in or around a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved aerosol delivery. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator compatible with a variety of aerosol-forming substrates. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved aerosol delivery for a variety of aerosol-forming substrates. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved aerosol delivery when a variety of aerosol-forming substrates are heated simultaneously. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with airflow control management. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with improved aerosol delivery management. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with individualized aerosol delivery management for a variety of aerosol-forming substrates. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator that avoids or reduces contamination of the internal channels of the device. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator that is customizable. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator that allows multiple aerosol-forming substrates to be used independently and simultaneously. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generator with a compact design. [Overview of the project]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided. The aerosol generator may include a main cavity disposed for receiving a main article. The main article may include a main aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generator may include a main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through a main cavity to an air outlet. The main airflow channel may include a main inlet channel extending from a main air intake to a main cavity inlet. The main airflow channel may include an air outlet channel extending from a main cavity outlet to an air outlet. The aerosol generator may include a main cavity outlet valve assembly. The main cavity outlet valve assembly may include a gate valve. The gate valve may be movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the gate valve may close the main cavity outlet. In the open position, the main cavity may be fluidly connected to the air outlet.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided. The aerosol generator comprises a main cavity disposed for receiving a main article. The main article comprises a main aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generator comprises a main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through the main cavity to an air outlet. The main airflow channel comprises a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake to the main cavity inlet. The main airflow channel comprises an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet to an air outlet. The aerosol generator comprises a main cavity outlet valve assembly. The main cavity outlet valve assembly comprises a gate valve. The gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the gate valve closes the main cavity outlet. In the open position, the main cavity is fluidly connected to the air outlet.

[0006] Aerosol generators with improved aerosol delivery may be provided. Aerosol generators compatible with a variety of aerosol-forming substrates or articles may be provided. Aerosol generators with improved aerosol delivery may be provided for a variety of aerosol-forming substrates or articles. Aerosol generators with improved aerosol delivery may be provided when a variety of aerosol-forming substrates or articles are heated simultaneously. Aerosol generators with airflow control management may be provided. Aerosol generators with improved aerosol delivery management may be provided. Aerosol generators with individual aerosol delivery management for a variety of aerosol-forming substrates or articles may be provided. Aerosol generators that avoid or reduce contamination of the internal channels of the device may be provided. Aerosol generators with customizability may be provided. Aerosol generators that allow the independent and simultaneous use of multiple aerosol-forming substrates or articles may be provided. Aerosol generators with a compact design may be provided.

[0007] The gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly may seal the main cavity outlet when in the closed position.

[0008] The gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be located within the main cavity. The gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0009] The main cavity outlet valve assembly may include a compressible element connected to the gate valve. The main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0010] The aerosol generator may include a main cavity inlet valve assembly equipped with a gate valve. The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity inlet, and in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to the main air intake. The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may seal the main cavity inlet in the closed position. The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be disposed within the main cavity.

[0011] The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity. The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity, so that both the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly can be pushed by the main article.

[0012] The gate valves of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured to be both pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity. The gate valves of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured to be both pushed from the closed position to the open position simultaneously by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0013] The main cavity inlet valve assembly may include a compressible element connected to the gate valve. The main cavity inlet valve assembly may be configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0014] As used herein, the term “compressible element” may refer to a deformable element that can change between a compressed configuration and a relaxed configuration. A compressible element may be a spring element. A spring element may be a helical spring. A spring element may be a plane spring. A compressible element may be formed from a compressible material. A compressible material may be an elastomer.

[0015] The aerosol generator may include a main heating element configured to heat a main article received in a main cavity. The main heating element may be any type of heating element known to those skilled in the art. The main heating element may be any type of heating element described herein.

[0016] The main heating element may be an induction heating element. The main heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil. At least one inductor coil may be planar. The main heating element may comprise at least one planar inductor coil and at least one planar susceptor element. The susceptor element may be part of an aerosol generator. The susceptor element may be part of the main article.

[0017] The main cavity may have a main cavity opening for inserting the main aerosol-forming substrate.

[0018] The aerosol generator may include a main shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends of the device. The main cavity opening may be located within the lateral side wall of the device so that the main article can be inserted into the main cavity through the main cavity opening along the insertion direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the main shaft. The proximal end may include a mouthpiece.

[0019] The aerosol generator may include a sealing element positioned close to the main cavity opening. The sealing element can help establish an airtight connection between the main article and the main cavity opening when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0020] The sealing element may be disposed on the outer side wall of the aerosol generator. The sealing element may be disposed to surround the main cavity opening.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “sealing,” “sealed,” “closed,” and “closed” are not limited to 100 percent airtight configurations. The terms may also encompass situations in which the opening is substantially sealed or closed. For example, in a sealed or closed configuration, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening may be reduced by at least 90 percent, preferably at least 95 percent, compared to an unsealed or open configuration. The sealing elements described herein may include elastic materials. The elastic material may be an elastomer material. The elastomer material may be one or more selected from synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE.

[0022] The air outlet channel may include a Venturi conduit. The Venturi conduit may have an intermediate section of the air outlet channel. The intermediate section may have a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the sections of the air outlet channel upstream and downstream of the intermediate section. The Venturi circuit can improve aerosol formation.

[0023] The main cavity inlet may include a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber may have an expanding cross-sectional area of ​​the main inlet channel in the direction toward the main cavity. Advantageously, the distribution chamber can promote a uniform airflow through the cavity.

[0024] The aerosol generator may include an auxiliary cavity for receiving an auxiliary article. The auxiliary article may include an auxiliary aerosol forming substrate. The auxiliary cavity may be located upstream of the main cavity. The auxiliary cavity may include an auxiliary cavity opening for inserting the auxiliary article.

[0025] The aerosol generator may include an auxiliary airflow channel extending from an auxiliary air intake through an auxiliary cavity to the main cavity. The auxiliary airflow channel may include an auxiliary inlet channel extending from the auxiliary air intake to the auxiliary cavity inlet. The auxiliary airflow channel may include a supply channel extending from the auxiliary cavity outlet to the supply inlet. The supply inlet may be configured as a supply inlet into the main inlet channel or as a supply inlet into the main cavity.

[0026] The main cavity inlet valve assembly may include an additional valve portion. The additional valve portion of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the additional valve portion closes the supply inlet, and in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to the supply channel. The additional valve portion may be configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0027] The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly may be connected to an additional valve portion. The gate valve and the additional valve portion may be formed as a single part, preferably a single monolithic part. The gate valve and the additional valve portion may be configured to be pushed together from a closed position to an open position when the main article is inserted into the main cavity. The compressible element may be connected to the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly via the additional valve portion.

[0028] The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly, as well as the additional valve portion of the main cavity inlet valve assembly, and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured such that when the main article is inserted into the main cavity, all three gate valves are pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article. The gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly, as well as the additional valve portion of the main cavity inlet valve assembly, and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured such that when the main article is inserted into the main cavity, all three gate valves are simultaneously pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article.

[0029] The aerosol generating device may comprise an auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly with a gate valve. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly may be movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly, the gate valve may close the auxiliary cavity outlet. In the open position of the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly, the auxiliary cavity may be fluidly connected to the supply channel. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly may hermetically seal the auxiliary cavity outlet in the closed position.

[0030] The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly may be disposed within the auxiliary cavity. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly may be configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the auxiliary article when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0031] The auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly may comprise a compressible element connected to the gate valve, and preferably, the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0032] The aerosol generator may include an auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly equipped with a gate valve. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may be movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly, the gate valve may seal the auxiliary cavity inlet. In the open position of the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly, the auxiliary cavity may be fluidly connected to the auxiliary air intake. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may seal the auxiliary cavity inlet in the closed position.

[0033] The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may be located within the auxiliary cavity. The gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may be configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the auxiliary article when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0034] The auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may include a compressible element connected to the gate valve. The auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly may be configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0035] The aerosol generator may include an auxiliary heating element configured to heat an auxiliary article receiving an auxiliary cavity. The auxiliary heating element may be any type of heating element known to those skilled in the art. The auxiliary heating element may be any type of heating element described herein. The aerosol generator may also include a heater assembly which comprises both a main heating element and an auxiliary heating element.

[0036] The auxiliary heating element may be an induction heating element. The auxiliary heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil. At least one inductor coil may be planar. The auxiliary heating element may comprise at least one planar inductor coil and at least one planar susceptor element. The susceptor element may be part of an aerosol generator. The susceptor element may be part of an auxiliary article.

[0037] The aerosol generator may be configured such that the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element can be controlled independently.

[0038] The main cavity and auxiliary cavity may have different shapes or dimensions according to a key-locking principle to prevent the insertion of the wrong item.

[0039] The aerosol generator includes a main shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends of the device. An auxiliary cavity opening may be located on the lateral wall of the device such that an auxiliary article is inserted into the cavity through the opening along the insertion direction, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to the main shaft. The proximal end may include a mouthpiece.

[0040] The aerosol generator may include a sealing element positioned close to the auxiliary cavity opening. The sealing element can help establish an airtight connection between the auxiliary article and the auxiliary cavity opening when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0041] The sealing element may be disposed on the outer side wall of the aerosol generator. The sealing element may be disposed to surround the auxiliary cavity opening.

[0042] The auxiliary cavity inlet may include a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber may have an expanding cross-sectional area of ​​the auxiliary inlet channel in the direction toward the auxiliary cavity.

[0043] The main cavity may comprise a first main interface and a second main interface. The first and second main interfaces may face each other in a parallel relationship and define the main axis of the fluid flowing through the main cavity. The device may be configured such that the fluid flow from the main cavity inlet to the main cavity outlet during use is substantially parallel to the main axis. The main axis may be substantially parallel to the main axis of the aerosol generator.

[0044] The internal volume of the main cavity may generally be cubic. The diameters of the first and second main interfaces of the main cavity may be four times or more the length of the distance between the first and second main interfaces of the main cavity.

[0045] The first and second main interfaces of the main cavity may be spaced apart from each other by distances of less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, and less than 2.5 mm.

[0046] The auxiliary cavity may comprise a first main interface and a second main interface. The first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity may face each other in a parallel relationship and define the main axis of the fluid flowing through the auxiliary cavity. The device may be configured such that the fluid flow from the auxiliary cavity inlet to the auxiliary cavity outlet during use is substantially parallel to the main axis. The main axis may be substantially parallel to the main axis of the aerosol generator.

[0047] The internal volume of the auxiliary cavity may generally be cubic. The diameters of the first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity may be four times or more the length of the distance between the first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity.

[0048] The first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity may be spaced apart from each other by distances of less than 10 mm, less than 9 mm, less than 8 mm, less than 7 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, and less than 2.5 mm.

[0049] One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may have a flat or planar shape. For example, at least one of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may have a slot-like shape for inserting a card-like article, similar in shape to a SIM card slot or SD card slot, or other type of electronic card slot. For insertion of an aerosol-forming article, at least one of the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may have a slot shape in the side wall of the aerosol generator. For example, the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be formed as two slots whose extending longitudinal axes coincide. Both the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening have the same size and shape, so that a particular aerosol-forming article can be received in either of the cavities.

[0050] The main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may have one or both of different sizes and shapes. This allows only specific articles to be inserted into each cavity.

[0051] One or both of the main article and the auxiliary article may have a flat or planar shape. For example, at least one of the main article and the auxiliary article may have a card-like shape similar to that of a SIM card or SD card, or other type of electronic card. Both the main article and the auxiliary article may have the same size and shape so that one of the aerosol-generating articles can be received in a particular cavity. The main article and the auxiliary article may have one or both of different sizes and different shapes so that only a specific article can be inserted into each cavity.

[0052] Non-limiting examples of the structure of a flat article may be those shown in PCT / EP2022 / 084128 and WO2016 / 005531, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0053] One or both of the main and auxiliary articles may be shaped to be non-sticky or rod-shaped, for example, as flat or planar articles. Therefore, the articles may have a different appearance or feel compared to conventional cigarettes compared to rod-shaped articles used in some conventional non-combustible heating devices. For example, compact and easy-to-store flat or planar articles may be used. Flat or planar articles may be stackable, thereby allowing for storage in small quantities. Flat or planar articles may be manufactured to be solid and robust. Flat or planar articles may not simultaneously function as a mouthpiece similar to that of a conventional cigarette, but may be less prone to breakage, as they may be fully or at least partially integrated into the body of the aerosol generator when used for inhalation, providing a separate mouthpiece for inhalation. Flat or planar articles may be designed to be thinner in thickness compared to the diameter of stick-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol generator articles, thereby allowing for a further reduction in the volume that needs to be heated and further increasing heater efficiency.

[0054] Tab-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol generators may be used in conjunction with flat or planar articles. Tab-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol generators are generally similar to well-known e-vapor devices but may provide devices that offer a heating-non-combustion technology. Conveniently, tab-shaped or rod-shaped aerosol generators may be held and concealed in the user's hand for discretionary and inhalation purposes.

[0055] The aerosol generator may be configured as a “side loader” device. One or both of the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be provided on the lateral side wall of the aerosol generator. The housing of the aerosol generator may have two large opposing main surfaces and two smaller opposing secondary surfaces. One or both of the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be located on one of the secondary surfaces. One or both of the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be located on one of the secondary surfaces. The main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be located on opposing secondary surfaces. It is preferable that both the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening are located on the same secondary surface. The main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be located at different longitudinal positions of the aerosol generator with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device, the longitudinal axis of the device extending between the proximal end of the device and the distal end of the device opposite the proximal end, and the proximal end preferably includes a mouthpiece. The main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening may be arranged along a common longitudinal axis of the cavity opening. The common longitudinal axis of the cavity opening may be substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the device. For example, the cutting angle between the common longitudinal axis of the cavity opening and the longitudinal axis of the device may be less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees.

[0056] The "side loader" configuration described above can advantageously improve the usefulness of the aerosol generator. It can also improve convenience for the user of the device. The side loader configuration can, advantageously, be combined with an airflow configuration including one or more valve assemblies disclosed herein.

[0057] One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may be provided with an insertion mechanism for inserting the respective main or auxiliary article into the respective main or auxiliary cavity. One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may be provided with an discharge mechanism for discharging the respective main or auxiliary article from the respective main or auxiliary cavity. One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may be provided with an injection and discharge mechanism for inserting the respective main or auxiliary article into the respective main or auxiliary cavity and for discharging the respective main or auxiliary article from the respective main or auxiliary cavity.

[0058] The insertion and discharge mechanism may comprise one or more of the following: a tray mechanism, a push-pull mechanism, and a push-push mechanism, or a tray mechanism using either a push-pull mechanism or a push-push mechanism. The main cavity and auxiliary cavity may have the same insertion and discharge mechanism. The main cavity and auxiliary cavity may have different insertion and discharge mechanisms.

[0059] An insertion mechanism or an discharge mechanism, preferably an insertion and discharge mechanism, can advantageously improve the usefulness of the aerosol generator. Convenience for the user of the device can be improved by the mechanism. The mechanism can advantageously be combined with an airflow configuration including one or more valve assemblies disclosed herein.

[0060] The mechanism may include security locks to prevent accidental ejection of each item.

[0061] An insertion mechanism, or an discharge mechanism, or both an insertion and discharge mechanism, may be arranged so as not to adversely affect any of the valve assemblies described herein. However, a movable gate valve of a valve assembly described herein may be configured to form part of a discharge mechanism. For example, the gate valve may assist in the discharge of articles as it moves from an open position to a closed position.

[0062] One or both of the main and auxiliary cavities may be equipped with a tray mechanism for inserting and removing the respective main or auxiliary articles. For example, the tray mechanism may include insertable trays for receiving the respective articles. The insertable trays may be configured to be insertable into and removable from each cavity. The insertable trays may form part of the aerosol generator or part of the respective main or auxiliary articles. The tray mechanism may include sliding trays for receiving the respective articles. The sliding trays may be configured to slide in and out of each cavity. The sliding trays may be permanently connected to the aerosol generator. The sliding tray mechanism may be similar to the sliding tray mechanism known in CD players or card holders. It is preferable that the sliding tray mechanism does not include a motor.

[0063] One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may be equipped with a push-push insertion and removal mechanism for inserting and removing the respective articles.

[0064] One or both of the main and auxiliary cavities may be equipped with a push-push insertion and ejection mechanism for inserting and ejecting their respective articles. The push-push insertion and ejection mechanism may be similar to the mechanism known for SD cards or SIM cards, for example, the push-push ejection system for SD / SIM (push to insert, push to eject). Each cavity may be equipped with a socket for removably holding a card-like main or auxiliary article.

[0065] Insertion and injection mechanisms may include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,394,827 and 6,478,591, and these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0066] One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity may be provided with a door mechanism for opening and closing their respective cavity openings. The door mechanism may include a spring-loaded door. The door mechanism may include an inclined door. The inclined door may be forcibly opened by the insertion of the respective main or auxiliary article.

[0067] The aerosol generator may include one or more additional cavities located upstream of the auxiliary cavity and the main cavity. Each of the one or more additional cavities may have a cavity opening for the insertion of each article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Each of the one or more additional cavities may include an additional airflow channel similar to the auxiliary airflow channel. Each of the one or more additional cavities may include one or more additional valve assemblies similar to the valve assemblies of the auxiliary cavity. Each of the one or more additional cavities may be a duplicate of the auxiliary cavity.

[0068] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a control device. The controller may be configured to individually control the operation of the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element.

[0069] The aerosol generator may include a main sensor for detecting whether a main article is inserted into the main cavity. The controller may be adapted to control the main heating element depending on the signal received from the main sensor. The aerosol generator may include an auxiliary sensor for detecting whether an auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity. The controller may be adapted to control the auxiliary heating element depending on the signal received from the auxiliary sensor. The controller may be adapted to control one or both of the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element depending on one or both of the signals received from the main sensor and the signals received from the auxiliary sensor.

[0070] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a power supply. The power supply may be configured to supply power to one or both of the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided comprising an aerosol generating device described herein and a main article containing a main aerosol forming substrate. The main article may be shaped to closely conform to the shape of the main cavity. The system may also comprise an auxiliary article. The auxiliary article may be shaped to closely conform to the shape of the auxiliary cavity.

[0072] The main article may include a cap element configured to be grasped by the user's hand. The cap element may also include a sealing element configured to seal the opening of the main cavity when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0073] The main article may have any kind of geometric shape. For example, the main article may have a round shape, such as a roughly spherical shape. For example, the main article may have a cubic shape, such as a planar or flat type of shape, such as a roughly SD or SIM card shape. The main cavity may have any kind of geometric shape. For example, the main cavity may have a round shape, such as a roughly spherical shape. For example, the main cavity may have a cubic shape, such as a roughly SD or SIM card slot shape. The main article and the main cavity may have corresponding shapes.

[0074] As used herein, the term “main article” refers to an aerosol generating article configured to be inserted into the main cavity of an aerosol generating device. The main article may comprise a main aerosol-forming substrate. The main aerosol-forming substrate may be any of the aerosol-forming substrates described herein.

[0075] The main article may be a dummy article that does not contain an aerosol-forming substrate. The purpose of the dummy article may be to close the main cavity opening. The purpose of the dummy article may be to open the gate valve of the main cavity.

[0076] The auxiliary article may include a cap element configured to be grasped by the user's hand. The cap element may also include a sealing element configured to seal the opening of the auxiliary cavity when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0077] The auxiliary article may have any kind of geometric shape. For example, the auxiliary article may have a round shape, such as a roughly spherical shape. For example, the auxiliary article may have a cubic shape, such as a roughly SD or SIM card shape. The auxiliary cavity may have any kind of geometric shape. For example, the auxiliary cavity may have a round shape, such as a roughly spherical shape. For example, the auxiliary cavity may have a cubic shape, such as a roughly SD or SIM card slot shape. The auxiliary article and the auxiliary cavity may have corresponding shapes.

[0078] As used herein, the term “auxiliary article” refers to an aerosol generating article configured to be inserted into an auxiliary cavity of an aerosol generating device. The auxiliary article may comprise an auxiliary aerosol forming substrate. The auxiliary aerosol forming substrate may be any of the aerosol forming substrates described herein.

[0079] The auxiliary article may be a dummy article that does not contain an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0080] The main article and the auxiliary article may be the same article. The main article and the auxiliary article may be different tapes of the article. For example, the main article and the auxiliary article may have different shapes. For example, the main article and the auxiliary article may comprise one or both of different types and different amounts of aerosol-forming substrates. The main aerosol-forming substrate and the auxiliary aerosol-forming substrate may have the same composition.

[0081] The main aerosol-forming substrate and the auxiliary aerosol-forming substrate may have different compositions. Users can personalize their user experience by combining different main and auxiliary materials with desired different compositions and flavors.

[0082] The main heating element may be any type of heating element described herein. The auxiliary heating element may be any type of heating element described herein.

[0083] The heating element may be a dielectric or capacitive heating element. For example, a dielectric or capacitive heating element may be used to have two or more flat or planar electrodes arranged to detachably receive an exemplary flat or planar aerosol generating article between them, interconnected to an AC source via an impedance matching circuit, in order to generate microwaves between the electrodes for capacitance / dielectric heating.

[0084] The heating element may be a resistance heating element or a Joule-type heating element, and may be part of, for example, an aerosol forming apparatus, an exemplary flat or planar aerosol forming article, or both. The resistance heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the resistance heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to fit around each cavity. Alternatively, the resistance heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded circuit device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate of a suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma deposition. The resistance heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary apparatuses, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable insulating material. The resistance heating element formed in this manner may be used both to heat the resistance heating element and to monitor its temperature during operation. Furthermore, the resistive heating element is part of an aerosol-forming article, for example, a flat or planar aerosol-forming article, such as one in the shape of a plate, or having an electrically resistive track disposed on a flat heater base, and refers to a cartridge having an integrated heating element, as described in WO2016 / 005530 and WO2016 / 005533, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] The heating element may be a radiant heating element, such as a semiconductor-based heating element having an array of individual radiant heating elements, as shown in WO2017 / 182249, but is not limited thereto, and the whole is incorporated by reference.

[0086] The radiant heating element may be a non-contact heater, as shown in WO2022 / 207447, for example, and this reference incorporates the entire element by reference.

[0087] A radiation-based heating element may comprise a radiation source capable of radiating onto the surface or layer of a flat aerosol-forming article to induce aerosolization or vaporization. The radiation source may be configured to emit electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be microwaves, far-infrared radiation, infrared radiation, near-infrared radiation, or visible light.

[0088] The radiation source may be a photonic device or a laser irradiation device. The photonic device may be a light-emitting diode (LED). The radiation source may be a perovsite LED.

[0089] The photonic device may be a thin film that can be irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, preferably infrared radiation.

[0090] The radiation source may include an infrared radiation coating, such as a NiCr2O4 powder coating, or another high-emission ceramic coating capable of emitting infrared radiation.

[0091] The heating element may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise one or more induction coils, each of which may surround a main cavity or an auxiliary cavity. For example, a helical induction coil may extend around a first main interface and a second main interface of the cavity. The longitudinal axis of each induction coil may be substantially parallel to the main axis. For example, the heating element may be configured to have a flat coil configured to induction heat the inside, outside, or a flat susceptor in contact with an aerosol-forming substrate of a flat or planar aerosol-forming article, as described, for example, in WO2015 / 177043 or WO2015 / 177044, and these references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0092] As used herein, the term “long axis” in relation to an induction coil refers to the axis extending through the center of the coil in a direction generally perpendicular to the coil windings.

[0093] An induction heating element may be arranged to induce heating of the susceptor. The induction heating element may include one or more induction coils located adjacent to the first and / or second main interface of each main cavity or auxiliary cavity. The longitudinal axis of each induction coil may be substantially perpendicular, for example, to the main axis and to the plane defined by the first main interface.

[0094] One or more induction coils may be planar. For example, planar induction coils may be located adjacent to and parallel to one of the first and second main boundary surfaces of each cavity. For example, the first planar induction coil may be located adjacent to and parallel to the first main boundary surface, and the second planar induction coil may be located adjacent to and parallel to the second main boundary surface.

[0095] The susceptor may be part of an aerosol generating article within a main cavity or an auxiliary cavity. The susceptor may also be part of an aerosol generating device. For example, the susceptor may be disposed on the inside of a cavity. For example, one or both of the first and second main interface surfaces of each cavity may contain susceptor material.

[0096] During use, the susceptor can be inductively heated by each of the induction coils. The susceptor then heats the aerosol-forming substrate located proximal to the susceptor by conduction, convection, and / or radiation.

[0097] A "susceptor" refers to an element that heats up when exposed to a fluctuating or alternating magnetic field. Typically, susceptors are conductive, and their heating is a result of eddy currents being induced within the susceptor or hysteresis loss. Both hysteresis loss and eddy currents may occur within the susceptor. Examples of susceptors include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and any other conductive elements. The susceptor element is preferably a ferrite element. The material and geometric shape of the susceptor may be selected to provide the desired electrical resistance and heat generation.

[0098] During the operation of an induction heater, a high-frequency alternating current passes through one or more induction coils, generating one or more corresponding alternating magnetic fields that induce a voltage within the susceptor of the object. The induced voltage causes a current to flow within the susceptor, which causes Joule heating of the susceptor, thereby heating the aerosol-forming substrate. If the susceptor is ferromagnetic, hysteresis losses within the susceptor may also generate heat.

[0099] The term "high frequency" refers to frequencies in the range of approximately 500 kilohertz (kHz) to approximately 30 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 500 kHz to 30 MHz), particularly approximately 1 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 10 MHz (including the range of 1 MHz to 10 MHz), and more specifically, approximately 5 megahertz (MHz) to approximately 7 megahertz (MHz) (including the range of 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

[0100] Throughout this disclosure, the term “magnetic field” may refer to a fluctuating or alternating magnetic field.

[0101] Throughout this disclosure, the term "current" may refer to alternating current.

[0102] The heating element is configured, or may be configured, to heat the article received in the cavity to a temperature of less than 400°C, for example, less than 300°C, for example, less than 270°C. In some embodiments, the heater is configured, or may be configured, to heat the article for forming an aerosol received in the heating chamber to a temperature of less than 250°C, less than 225°C, less than 200°C, less than 175°C, or less than 150°C, for example, less than 140°C, less than 130°C, less than 120°C, less than 110°C, less than 100°C, or less than 90°C.

[0103] The aerosol generator may have a power source or power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for a period of about six minutes, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous activation of a heating element.

[0104] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form or liquid form. The aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The terms “aerosol” and “vapor” are used interchangeably.

[0105] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain pharmaceutically active compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of tobacco, nicotine, gel compositions, and flavoring agents. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine.

[0106] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of plant components, plant drugs, and pharmaceutical components. One or more of the plant components, plant drugs, and pharmaceutical components may be part of the aerosol-forming substrate that can be at least partially aerosolized by the aerosol-forming substrate for inhalation. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of plant components, plant drugs, and pharmaceutical components, and the substrate has an aerosol-forming content of 5% to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0107] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably includes plant material and an aerosol-forming material. The plant material is preferably a plant material containing alkaloids, more preferably a plant material containing nicotine, and even more preferably a tobacco-containing material.

[0108] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains at least 70% by weight of plant material, and more preferably at least 90% by weight of plant material, on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains less than 95% by weight of plant material, such as 90 to 95% by weight of plant material, on a dry weight basis.

[0109] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains at least 5% by weight of aerosol-forming material on a dry weight basis, and more preferably at least 10% by weight of aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains less than 30% by weight of aerosol-forming material on a dry weight basis, such as 5 to 30% by weight of aerosol-forming material on a dry weight basis.

[0110] In some particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plant material and an aerosol-forming material, the substrate having an aerosol-forming material content of 5 to 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The plant material is preferably a plant material containing alkaloids, more preferably a plant material containing nicotine, and more preferably a tobacco-containing material. Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compounds. Alkaloids are found mainly in plants, but also in bacteria, fungi, and animals. Examples of alkaloids include, but are not limited to, caffeine, nicotine, theobromine, atropine, and tubocurarine. A preferred alkaloid is nicotine, which may be found in tobacco.

[0111] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco, for example, a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco material, such as cast-leaf tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may further contain aerosol-forming bodies. Suitable examples of aerosol-forming bodies are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0112] As used herein, the term “tobacco material” is used to describe any material containing tobacco, including but not limited to tobacco leaves, tobacco veins, tobacco stems, tobacco petioles, tobacco dust, puffed tobacco, reconstituted tobacco material, and homogenized tobacco material.

[0113] As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco” means a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Homogenized tobacco may include reconstituted tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, or a mixture of both. The term “reconstituted tobacco” refers to a paper-like material that can be made from tobacco by-products such as tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco stalks, or mixtures thereof. Reconstituted tobacco can be made by extracting soluble chemicals from tobacco by-products, processing the remaining tobacco fibers into a sheet, and then applying the extracted material in a concentrated form back onto the sheet.

[0114] The term “cast leaf” is used herein to refer to a sheet product produced by a casting process that involves casting a slurry containing plant particles (e.g., clove particles, or tobacco particles and clove particles in a mixture) and a binder (e.g., guar gum) onto a support surface such as a belt conveyor, drying the slurry, and then removing the dried sheet from the support surface. Examples of the casting or cast leaf process are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. A-5,724,998 for the production of cast leaf tobacco. In the cast leaf process, particulate plant material is mixed with a liquid component (typically water) to form a slurry. Other components added to the slurry may include fibers, binders, and aerosol-forming agents. The particulate plant material may aggregate in the presence of a binder. The slurry is cast onto a support surface and dried to form a homogenized sheet of plant material.

[0115] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more flavoring agents. As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" refers to a composition having sensory stimulation properties that provide a sensory experience to the user in order to enhance the flavor of the aerosol. Flavoring agents can be used, for example, to deliver taste, smell, or both taste and smell to the user when the aerosol is inhaled.

[0116] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable. An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco may be referred to herein as a tobacco stick.

[0117] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generator may interact with either or both an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate and / or a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In some examples, an aerosol generator may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the substrate. An electrically operated aerosol generator may include an atomizer, such as an electric heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0118] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate forms part of an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol generating system refers to the combination of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. In an aerosol generating system, the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol generating device work together to generate an aerosol.

[0119] As used herein, the terms “proximal,” “distal,” “downstream,” and “upstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator or aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the user inhales the aerosol generator or aerosol generating article during its use.

[0120] An aerosol generator may have an oral end through which, during use, an aerosol exits the aerosol generator and is delivered to the user. During use, the user inhales the proximal or oral end of the aerosol generator to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator has a distal end opposite to the proximal or oral end. The proximal or oral end of the aerosol generator may also be called the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generator may also be called the upstream end. Components of the aerosol generator, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream, or oral end of the aerosol generator and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol generator. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0121] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the aerosol generation system. [Figure 2] Figures 2a and 2b show a portion of the aerosol generation system according to Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 3a and 3b show a portion of the aerosol generation system according to Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the main cavity of the aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the aerosol generation system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a portion of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a portion of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a portion of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figures 9a and 9b show an aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0122] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0123] Example 1: Aerosol generator, A main cavity is provided to receive a main article having a main aerosol-forming substrate, A main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through a main cavity to an air outlet, comprising a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake to the main cavity inlet, and an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet to the air outlet, Aerosol generator comprising: a main cavity outlet valve assembly having a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity outlet, and in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to an air outlet.

[0124] Example 2: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is disposed within the main cavity.

[0125] Example 3: The aerosol generator according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0126] Example 4: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 3, wherein the main cavity outlet valve assembly comprises a compressible element connected to a gate valve, and preferably the main cavity outlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0127] Example 5: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, comprising a main cavity inlet valve assembly with a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity inlet, and in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to the main air intake.

[0128] Example 6: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 5, wherein the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is disposed within the main cavity.

[0129] Example 7: The aerosol generator according to Example 5 or Example 6, wherein the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity, so that both the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly can be pushed by the main article.

[0130] Example 8: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 7, wherein the main cavity inlet valve assembly comprises a compressible element connected to a gate valve, and preferably the main cavity inlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0131] Example 9: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, comprising a main heating element configured to heat a main article received in a main cavity, preferably comprising at least one inductor coil, more preferably at least one planar inductor coil.

[0132] Example 10: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the main cavity has a main cavity opening for inserting a main article.

[0133] Example 11: The aerosol generator has a main shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends of the device, The main cavity opening is located within the side wall of the apparatus so that the main article can be inserted into the main cavity through the main cavity opening along the insertion direction, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to the main axis. Preferably, the aerosol generator according to Example 10, wherein the proximal end comprises a mouthpiece.

[0134] Example 12: The aerosol generator according to Example 11, comprising a sealing element disposed adjacent to the main cavity opening, wherein the sealing element preferably comprises a material selected from one or more of the following: elastic material, more preferably elastic material, more preferably synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE.

[0135] Example 13: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the air outlet channel comprises a venturi conduit, the venturi conduit comprises an intermediate section of the air outlet channel, and the intermediate section has a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the sections of the air outlet channel upstream and downstream of the intermediate section.

[0136] Example 14: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the main cavity inlet comprises a distribution chamber, and the distribution chamber has a cross-sectional area that expands in the direction toward the main cavity.

[0137] Example 15: An auxiliary cavity located upstream of the main cavity for receiving an auxiliary article having an auxiliary aerosol-forming substrate, An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, comprising: an auxiliary airflow channel extending from an auxiliary air intake to a main cavity via an auxiliary cavity, the auxiliary airflow channel comprising: an auxiliary inlet channel extending from an auxiliary air intake to an auxiliary cavity inlet; and a supply channel extending from an auxiliary cavity outlet to a supply inlet, wherein the supply inlet is configured as a supply inlet into the main inlet channel or as a supply inlet into the main cavity.

[0138] Example 16: The aerosol generator according to Embodiment 15, comprising an auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly with a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the auxiliary cavity outlet, and in the open position the auxiliary cavity is fluidly connected to a supply channel.

[0139] Example 17: The aerosol generator according to Example 16, wherein the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is disposed within the auxiliary cavity.

[0140] Example 18: The aerosol generator according to Example 16 or Example 17, wherein the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the auxiliary article when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0141] Example 19: The aerosol generator according to Example 18, wherein the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly comprises a compressible element connected to the gate valve, and preferably the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0142] Example 20: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 19, comprising an auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly with a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve seals the auxiliary cavity inlet, and in the open position the auxiliary cavity is fluidly connected to an auxiliary air intake.

[0143] Example 21: The aerosol generator according to Example 20, wherein the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly is disposed within the auxiliary cavity.

[0144] Example 22: The aerosol generator according to Example 20 or Example 21, wherein the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the auxiliary article when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

[0145] Example 23: The aerosol generator according to Example 22, wherein the auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly comprises a compressible element connected to the gate valve, preferably configured such that the compressible element is relaxed when the gate valve is in the closed position.

[0146] Example 24: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 23, comprising an auxiliary heating element configured to heat an auxiliary article received in an auxiliary cavity, preferably comprising at least one inductor coil, preferably at least one planar inductor coil.

[0147] Example 25: The aerosol generator according to a combination of Examples 9 and 24, wherein the device is configured such that the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element can be controlled independently.

[0148] Example 26: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 15 to 25, wherein the main cavity and auxiliary cavity are shaped differently according to a key-lock principle to prevent insertion of the wrong article.

[0149] Example 27: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 26, wherein the auxiliary cavity is provided with an auxiliary cavity opening for inserting an auxiliary article.

[0150] Example 28: The aerosol generator has a main shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends of the device, The auxiliary cavity opening is located within the side wall of the apparatus such that an auxiliary article may be inserted into the auxiliary cavity through the auxiliary cavity opening along the insertion direction, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to the main axis. Preferably, the aerosol generator according to Example 27, wherein the proximal end comprises a mouthpiece.

[0151] Example 29: The aerosol generator according to Example 28, comprising a sealing element disposed adjacent to an auxiliary cavity opening, wherein the sealing element preferably comprises a material selected from one or more of the following: elastic material, more preferably elastic material, more preferably synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE, and ULDPE.

[0152] Example 30: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 29, wherein the auxiliary cavity inlet comprises a distribution chamber, and the distribution chamber has a cross-sectional area that expands in the direction toward the auxiliary cavity of the auxiliary inlet channel.

[0153] Example 31: The auxiliary cavity comprises a first main boundary surface and a second main boundary surface, the first and second main boundary surfaces of the auxiliary cavity facing each other in a parallel relationship and defining the main axis of the fluid flowing through the auxiliary cavity. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 15 to 30, wherein the device is configured such that, during use, the fluid flow from the auxiliary cavity inlet to the auxiliary cavity outlet is substantially parallel to the main axis.

[0154] Example 32: The aerosol generator according to Example 31, wherein the internal volume of the auxiliary cavity is generally cubic in shape, and preferably, the diameters of the first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity are equal to at least four times the distance between the first and second main interfaces of the auxiliary cavity.

[0155] Example 33: The aerosol generator according to Example 31 or Example 32, wherein the first main interface and the second main interface of the auxiliary cavity are spaced less than 5 millimeters apart from each other.

[0156] Example 34: The main cavity comprises a first main boundary surface and a second main boundary surface, the first and second main boundary surfaces of the main cavity facing each other and extending in a parallel relationship, defining the main axis of the fluid flowing through the main cavity. An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the device is configured such that, during use, the fluid flow from the main cavity inlet to the main cavity outlet is substantially parallel to the main axis.

[0157] Example 35: The aerosol generator according to Example 34, wherein the internal volume of the main cavity is generally cubic in shape, and preferably, the diameters of the first main interface and the second main interface of the main cavity are equal to at least four times the distance between the first main interface and the second main interface of the main cavity.

[0158] Example 36: The aerosol generator according to Example 34 or Example 35, wherein the first main interface and the second main interface of the main cavity are spaced less than 5 millimeters apart from each other.

[0159] Example 37: An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples 1 to 36, comprising either or both a controller and a power supply.

[0160] Example 38: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device described in any of Examples 1 to 37 and a main article containing a main aerosol forming substrate, wherein the main article has a shape that closely conforms to the shape of the main cavity.

[0161] Example 39: The aerosol generating system according to Example 38, wherein the main article comprises a cap element configured to be grasped by the user's hand, and preferably the cap element comprises a sealing element configured to seal the opening of the main cavity when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

[0162] Example 40: Aerosol generator, A main cavity disposed to receive a main article having a main aerosol-forming substrate, and An aerosol generating device comprising an auxiliary cavity for receiving an auxiliary article having an auxiliary aerosol-forming substrate.

[0163] Example 41: One or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity have a flat or planar shape, preferably The apparatus according to Example 40, or any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein at least one of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity has a slot-like shape for inserting a card-shaped article, for example, a shape similar to a SIM card slot or an SD card slot.

[0164] Example 42: The apparatus according to Example 41, wherein at least one of the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening has the shape of a slot in the side wall of the aerosol generator.

[0165] Example 43: The apparatus according to Example 42, wherein both the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening are formed as slots whose extending longitudinal axes are parallel to each other, and the extending longitudinal axes are aligned to form a common longitudinal axis.

[0166] Example 44: The apparatus according to Example 43, wherein the longitudinal axis of the slot is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator, and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator extends between the proximal and distal ends of the apparatus.

[0167] Example 45: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 40 to 44, or any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein both the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening have the same size and shape.

[0168] Example 46: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 40 to 45, or any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein the main cavity opening and the auxiliary cavity opening have one or both of different sizes and shapes.

[0169] Example 47: The apparatus according to any one of Examples 40 to 46, wherein the auxiliary cavity is located upstream of the main cavity.

[0170] Example 48: A main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through a main cavity to an air outlet, comprising a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake to the main cavity inlet, and an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet to the air outlet, The apparatus according to Embodiment 47, comprising: an auxiliary airflow channel extending from an auxiliary air intake to a main cavity via an auxiliary cavity, the auxiliary airflow channel comprising: an auxiliary inlet channel extending from an auxiliary air intake to an auxiliary cavity inlet; and a supply channel extending from an auxiliary cavity outlet to a supply inlet, wherein the supply inlet is configured as a supply inlet into the main inlet channel or as a supply inlet into the main cavity.

[0171] Example 49: The apparatus according to Embodiment 48, comprising a main cavity outlet valve assembly with a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity outlet, and in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to an air outlet.

[0172] Example 50: The apparatus according to any of Examples 40 to 49, further comprising additional features described in any of Examples 1 to 37.

[0173] Example 51: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 40 to 49, or according to any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein one or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are equipped with a tray mechanism for inserting and discharging articles.

[0174] Example 52: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 40 to 49, or any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein one or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are equipped with a push-push mechanism for inserting and ejecting the respective articles.

[0175] Example 53: An aerosol generator according to any of Examples 40 to 49, or according to any of Examples 1 to 37, wherein one or both of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are equipped with a push-pull mechanism for inserting and discharging the respective articles.

[0176] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0177] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

[0178] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator comprises a main cavity 10 disposed for receiving a main article 12. The main article 12 comprises a main aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generator comprises a main airflow channel extending from a main air intake 14 through the main cavity 10 to an air outlet 16. The main airflow channel comprises a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake 14 to the main cavity inlet 18. The main airflow channel comprises an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet 20 to the air outlet 16.

[0179] The main cavity 10 is provided with a main cavity opening 22 for inserting the main article 12.

[0180] The aerosol generator comprises a main shaft 24 extending between the proximal end 26 and distal end 28 of the device. A main cavity opening 22 is provided within the lateral side wall of the device so that a main article 12 can be inserted into the main cavity 10 through the main cavity opening 22 along the insertion direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the main shaft 24. The proximal end 26 comprises a mouthpiece, such as a removable or disposable mouthpiece.

[0181] The aerosol generator shown in Figure 1 includes a main cavity outlet valve assembly, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0182] Figures 2a and 2b show the main cavity outlet valve assembly of the aerosol generator according to Figure 1. The main cavity outlet valve assembly includes a gate valve 30. The gate valve 30 is movable between the closed position shown in Figure 2a and the open position shown in Figure 2b. The airflow path through the device is indicated by a dotted arrow in Figure 2.

[0183] In the closed position, the gate valve 30 closes the main cavity outlet 20. In the open position, the main cavity 10 is fluidly connected to the air outlet 16.

[0184] The gate valve 30 of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is located inside the main cavity 10. The gate valve 30 of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article 12 when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10.

[0185] The main cavity outlet valve assembly includes a compressible element 32 connected to the gate valve 30. The compressible element 32 may be a compressible spring.

[0186] The main cavity outlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element 32 is relaxed when the gate valve 30 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 2a. The aerosol generator may further comprise the main cavity inlet valve assembly described herein.

[0187] The air outlet channel optionally includes a venturi conduit. The venturi conduit includes an intermediate section of the air outlet channel. The intermediate section has a reduced cross-sectional area 34 compared to the sections of the air outlet channel upstream and downstream of the intermediate section.

[0188] The main cavity inlet 18 optionally includes a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber has a cross-sectional area 36 that expands in the direction toward the main cavity 10.

[0189] The aerosol generator may further include a main cavity inlet valve assembly comprising a gate valve 52 and a compressible element 54, as shown in Figure 3a. The gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the gate valve 52 closes the main cavity inlet 18, and in the open position, the main cavity 10 is fluidly connected to the main air intake 14. The gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is disposed within the main cavity 10. The gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the gate valve 30 of the main cavity outlet valve assembly are configured to be pushed together from the closed position to the open position by the main article 12 when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10.

[0190] Figure 3b shows one embodiment of the aerosol generation system according to Figure 1. The embodiment in Figure 3b differs from the embodiment in Figure 3a in that it includes only the main cavity inlet valve assembly and does not include the main cavity outlet valve assembly.

[0191] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the main cavity 10 in a perspective view. The main cavity 10 comprises a first main boundary surface 38 and a second main boundary surface 40. The first main boundary surface 38 and the second main boundary surface 40 of the main cavity 10 face each other in a parallel relationship and define a main axis 42 for the fluid flowing through the main cavity 10 from the main cavity inlet 18 to the main cavity outlet 20.

[0192] The apparatus may be configured such that, during use, the fluid flow from the main cavity inlet 18 to the main cavity outlet 20 is substantially parallel to the main axis 42. The main axis 42 is substantially parallel to the main axis 24 of the aerosol generator.

[0193] The internal volume of the main cavity 10 is generally cubic in shape. However, the main cavity 10 may have geometric features to deter the insertion of the wrong article into the main cavity 10. These geometric features may include, for example, a cutoff angle of 44.

[0194] The diameters "x" of the first main boundary surface 38 and the second main boundary surface 40 are at least four times the length of the distance "y" between the first main boundary surface 38 and the second main boundary surface 40 in a direction perpendicular to the main axis 42.

[0195] Alternatively, the cavity shown in Figure 4 can be an auxiliary cavity as described herein.

[0196] Figure 5 shows an aerosol generator comprising a main cavity 10 for receiving a main article 12 through a main cavity opening 22 and an auxiliary cavity 110 for receiving an auxiliary article 112 through an auxiliary cavity opening 122. The aerosol generator comprises a main shaft 24 extending between the proximal end 26 and the distal end 28 of the device. The proximal end 26 is equipped with a mouthpiece.

[0197] The aerosol generator includes a main heating element 46 configured to heat the main article 12 received in the main cavity 10. The aerosol generator also includes an auxiliary heating element 146 configured to heat the auxiliary article 112 received in the auxiliary cavity 110.

[0198] Each of the main heating element 46 and the auxiliary heating element 146 may include at least one planar inductor coil. At least one inductor coil may be configured to heat each susceptor element. Each susceptor element may be part of the aerosol generator, or part of the main article 12 or auxiliary article 112.

[0199] The aerosol generator may include one or both of the controller 48 and the power supply 50. The aerosol generator may be configured such that the main heating element 46 and the auxiliary heating element 146 can be controlled independently.

[0200] The aerosol generator shown in Figure 5 comprises a main airflow channel, an auxiliary airflow channel, a main cavity outlet valve assembly, a main cavity inlet valve assembly, and an auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0201] The aerosol generator in Figure 5 may include one or more additional cavities located upstream of the auxiliary cavity and the main cavity. Each of the one or more additional cavities may include an additional airflow channel similar to the auxiliary airflow channel. Each of the one or more additional cavities may include one or more additional valve assemblies similar to the valve assemblies of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity.

[0202] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generator in which neither the main item 12 nor the auxiliary item 112 is inserted into the device. Figure 7 shows an aerosol generator in which only the main item 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10 of the device. Figure 8 shows an aerosol generator in which both the main item 12 and the auxiliary item 112 are inserted into the respective cavities 10 and 110 of the device. The airflow path through the device is indicated by dotted arrows in Figures 6 and 7.

[0203] As shown in Figures 5-7, the aerosol generator includes a main airflow channel extending from a main air intake 14 through a main cavity 10 to an air outlet 16 (see Figure 5). The main airflow channel includes a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake 14 to the main cavity inlet 18. The main airflow channel includes an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet 20 to the air outlet 16. The main cavity 10 includes a main cavity opening 22 for inserting the main article 12.

[0204] The aerosol generator includes a main cavity outlet valve assembly equipped with a gate valve 30 as described above in conjunction with the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The aerosol generator further includes a main cavity inlet valve assembly equipped with a gate valve 52 disposed within the main cavity 10. The gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the gate valve 52 closes the main cavity inlet 18, and in the open position, the main cavity 10 is fluidly connected to the main air intake port 14.

[0205] The gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed by the main article 12 from the closed position shown in Figure 6 to the open position shown in Figures 6 and 7 when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10. Both the gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the gate valve 30 of the main cavity outlet valve assembly are configured to be pushed to their open positions by the main article 10. The main cavity inlet valve assembly includes a compressible element 54 connected to the gate valve 52. The main cavity inlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element 54 is relaxed when the gate valve 52 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 6.

[0206] The auxiliary cavity 110 is located upstream of the main cavity 10. The aerosol generator includes an auxiliary airflow channel extending from the auxiliary air intake 114 through the auxiliary cavity 110 to the main cavity 10. The auxiliary airflow channel includes an auxiliary inlet channel extending from the auxiliary air intake 114 to the auxiliary cavity inlet 118. The auxiliary cavity inlet 118 may include a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber may have an expanding cross-sectional area of ​​the auxiliary inlet channel in the direction toward the auxiliary cavity 110.

[0207] The auxiliary airflow channel comprises a supply channel extending from the auxiliary cavity outlet 120 to the supply inlet 121. In the shown embodiment, the supply inlet 121 is configured as a supply inlet 121 into the main cavity 10. Alternatively, the supply inlet may be configured as a supply inlet into the main inlet channel.

[0208] The main cavity inlet valve assembly comprises an additional valve portion 53.

[0209] An additional valve portion 53 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the additional valve portion 53 closes the supply inlet 121, and in the open position, the main cavity 10 is fluidly connected to the supply channel.

[0210] The additional valve portion 53 is configured to be pushed from a closed position to an open position by the main article 12 when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10. The gate valve 52 and the additional valve portion 53 are formed as a single component. The gate valve 52 and the additional valve portion 53 are pushed together from a closed position to an open position when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10. The compressible element 54 is connected to the gate valve 52 of the main cavity inlet valve assembly via the additional valve portion 53.

[0211] The aerosol generator includes an auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly comprising a gate valve 130. The gate valve 130 of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position of the gate valve 130 of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly, the gate valve 130 closes the auxiliary cavity outlet 120. In the open position of the gate valve 130 of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly, the auxiliary cavity 110 is fluidly connected to the supply channel.

[0212] The gate valve 130 of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is disposed within the auxiliary cavity 110. The gate valve 130 of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the auxiliary article 112 when the auxiliary article 112 is inserted into the auxiliary cavity 110.

[0213] The auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly comprises a compressible element 132 connected to the gate valve 130. The auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured such that the compressible element 132 is relaxed when the gate valve 130 is in the closed position, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0214] The main cavity opening 22 and the auxiliary cavity opening 122 are arranged in the side wall of the apparatus such that the main article 12 may be inserted into the main cavity 10 through the main cavity opening 22 along the insertion direction, and the auxiliary article 112 may be inserted into the auxiliary cavity 110 through the auxiliary cavity opening 122 along the insertion direction, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to the main shaft 24.

[0215] The main article 12 includes a cap element 13 configured to be grasped by the user's hand. The cap element 13 may also include a sealing element configured to seal the opening 22 of the main cavity 10 when the main article 12 is inserted into the main cavity 10.

[0216] The auxiliary article 112 includes a cap element 113 configured to be grasped by the user's hand. The cap element 113 may also include a sealing element configured to seal the opening 122 of the auxiliary cavity 110 when the auxiliary article 112 is inserted into the auxiliary cavity 110.

[0217] The auxiliary article 112 and the auxiliary cavity 110 have corresponding geometric features. These corresponding geometric features may be, for example, the cutoff angle 144 of the auxiliary cavity 110 and the corresponding cutoff angle 145 of the auxiliary article 112. The corresponding geometric features may prevent the insertion of incorrect articles, for example, the insertion of the main article 12 into the auxiliary cavity 110, using a key-lock principle.

[0218] Figures 9a and 9b show perspective views of the aerosol generator. The device may be the one shown in Figure 5. The proximal end 26 of the device is configured as a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be replaceable.

[0219] The apparatus in Figures 9a and 9b may be described as a “side loader”. The main cavity opening 22 and the auxiliary cavity opening 122 are provided on the side wall of the apparatus. The housing of the apparatus comprises two large opposing main surfaces and two smaller opposing secondary surfaces. The main cavity opening 22 and the auxiliary cavity opening 122 are located on one of the secondary surfaces.

[0220] Both the main cavity opening 22 and the auxiliary cavity opening 122 have a planar, slot-like shape for inserting card-shaped articles 12, 112. Both the main cavity opening 22 and the auxiliary cavity opening 122 are formed as slots, each slot having an extending longitudinal axis, both axes being parallel to each other and aligned to form a common longitudinal axis 25 of the cavity openings 22, 122. The common longitudinal axis 25 of the cavity openings 22, 122 is substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis 24 of the device, the longitudinal axis 24 of the aerosol generator extending between the proximal end 26 and the distal end 28 of the device.

[0221] Figure 9a shows the user's hand and how the user is conveniently inserting the main item 12 into the main cavity 10 through the main cavity opening 22.

[0222] One or both of the main cavity 10 and the auxiliary cavity 110 may be equipped with a tray mechanism for inserting and ejecting the respective articles 10, 110. For example, the tray mechanism may include an insertable tray for receiving the respective articles 12, 112, and the insertable tray is configured to be insertable into the respective cavities 10, 110. For example, the tray mechanism may include a sliding tray for receiving the respective articles 12, 112. The sliding tray may be slidable into and out of the respective cavities 10, 110. The mechanism may be similar to a sliding tray mechanism known as a CD player.

[0223] One or both of the main cavity 10 and the auxiliary cavity 110 may be provided with a push-pull insertion and ejection mechanism for inserting and ejecting the respective articles 10, 110. Preferably, one or both of the main cavity 10 and the auxiliary cavity 110 are provided with a push-push insertion and ejection mechanism for inserting and ejecting the respective articles 10, 110. The push-push insertion and ejection mechanism may be similar to the mechanism used for SD cards or SIM cards, for example, a push-push ejection system for SD / SIM (push to insert, push to eject). Each cavity 10, 110 may be provided with a socket for removably holding card-like articles 12, 112. When considering embodiments in which one or more valve assemblies are present, the insertion and ejection mechanisms may be arranged so as not to interfere with any of the valve mechanisms described herein.

[0224] In Figure 9b, the walls of the outer housing of the device are shown as transparent for illustrative purposes so that the internal components of the device are visible. The aerosol generator comprises a power source 50, which is preferably in the form of a pouch battery. The aerosol generator comprises a main heating element 46 configured to heat a main article 12 received in a main cavity 10 through a main cavity opening 22. The aerosol generator comprises an auxiliary heating element 146 configured to heat an auxiliary article 112 received in an auxiliary cavity 110 through an auxiliary cavity opening 122. The main heating element 46 and the auxiliary heating element 146 are configured as flat or planar heating elements. The main heating element 46 and the auxiliary heating element 146 may be configured, for example, as resistance heating elements, or as induction heating elements, each comprising a planar inductor coil.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A main cavity is provided to receive a main article having a main aerosol-forming substrate, A main airflow channel extending from a main air intake through the main cavity to an air outlet, comprising a main inlet channel extending from the main air intake to the main cavity inlet, and an air outlet channel extending from the main cavity outlet to the air outlet, - A main cavity outlet valve assembly comprising a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity outlet, in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to the air outlet, and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity, and - Aerosol generator comprising one or both of the following main cavity inlet valve assemblies, the gate valve being movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the main cavity inlet, in the open position the main cavity is fluidly connected to the main air intake, and the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the main article when the main article is inserted into the main cavity.

2. - The device comprises the main cavity outlet valve assembly, and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly is disposed within the main cavity. - The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises the main cavity inlet valve assembly, and the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly is disposed within the main cavity, one or both of the above.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising the main cavity outlet valve assembly.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the main cavity inlet valve assembly.

5. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising both the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the main cavity outlet valve assembly, wherein both the gate valve of the main cavity inlet valve assembly and the gate valve of the main cavity outlet valve assembly can be pushed by the main article.

6. The main cavity is provided with a main cavity opening for inserting the main article, The aerosol generator comprises a main shaft extending between the proximal and distal ends of the device, The main cavity opening is disposed within the side wall of the apparatus such that the main article can be inserted into the main cavity through the main cavity opening along the insertion direction, and the insertion direction is substantially perpendicular to the main axis. Preferably, the aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the proximal end comprises a mouthpiece.

7. An auxiliary cavity disposed upstream of the main cavity for receiving an auxiliary article having an auxiliary aerosol-forming substrate, An aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: an auxiliary airflow channel extending from an auxiliary air intake to the main cavity via the auxiliary cavity, the auxiliary airflow channel comprising: an auxiliary inlet channel extending from the auxiliary air intake to the auxiliary cavity inlet; and a supply channel extending from the auxiliary cavity outlet to the supply inlet, wherein the supply inlet is configured as a supply inlet into the main inlet channel or as a supply inlet into the main cavity.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 7, comprising an auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly having a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve closes the auxiliary cavity outlet, and in the open position the auxiliary cavity is fluidly connected to the supply channel.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the gate valve of the auxiliary cavity outlet valve assembly is configured to be pushed from the closed position to the open position by the auxiliary article when the auxiliary article is inserted into the auxiliary cavity.

10. An aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising an auxiliary cavity inlet valve assembly having a gate valve, wherein the gate valve is movable between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position the gate valve seals the auxiliary cavity inlet, and in the open position the auxiliary cavity is fluidly connected to the auxiliary air intake.

11. The device comprises a main heating element configured to heat the main article received in the main cavity, and an auxiliary heating element configured to heat the auxiliary article received in the auxiliary cavity, The apparatus is configured such that the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element can be controlled independently. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element preferably comprises at least one inductor coil, and more preferably at least one planar inductor coil.

12. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are shaped differently according to a key-lock principle to prevent the insertion of the wrong article.

13. The auxiliary cavity comprises a first main boundary surface and a second main boundary surface, the first main boundary surface and the second main boundary surface of the auxiliary cavity extend in a parallel relationship, defining the main axis of the fluid flowing through the auxiliary cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, during use, the fluid flow from the auxiliary cavity inlet to the auxiliary cavity outlet is substantially parallel to the main axis.

14. The main cavity comprises a first main boundary surface and a second main boundary surface, the first main boundary surface and the second main boundary surface of the main cavity face each other and extend in a parallel relationship, defining the main axis of the fluid flowing through the main cavity. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, during use, the fluid flow from the main cavity inlet to the main cavity outlet is substantially parallel to the main axis.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a main article containing a main aerosol forming substrate, wherein the main article has a shape that closely conforms to the shape of the main cavity.

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