Aerosol generating device and system, and extractor for extracting aerosol-forming substrate from aerosol generating device

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating device.SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating device (10), an extractor (30) for the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system comprising a cavity (20) for accommodating an aerosol forming substrate (52), wherein the cavity (20) has: a first end and an opposite second end; a length between the first end and the second end; and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. At least one of the following occurs: the cross-sectional shape of the cavity (20) varies along the length of the cavity (20); the surface area of the cross-section of the cavity (20) varies along the length of the cavity (20); and the cross-sectional size of the cavity (20) varies along the length of the cavity (20).EFFECT: aerosol generating device is proposed.13 cl, 17 dwg

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (for generating an aerosol), an extractor for the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

[0002] Some known aerosol-generating systems include an aerosol-generating device with a power supply, such as a battery, a controller, and a heating element for heating an aerosol-generating substrate. In some examples, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a tobacco rod or tobacco plug, which are located within the aerosol-generating article. In use, the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, and the heating element either penetrates the aerosol-generating substrate or is positioned around the outside of the aerosol-generating substrate. Power is supplied to the heating element from the power supply to heat the aerosol-generating substrate. The volatile components of the aerosol-generating substrate evaporate, are released, and condense, forming an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

[0003] In some such aerosol-generating systems, the aerosol-generating article resembles a conventional cigarette, having a similar cylindrical stick configuration. This resemblance to a conventional cigarette is often desirable for users of the aerosol-generating system, who may be familiar with the ritual of smoking cigarettes. However, such a configuration of the aerosol-generating article may be suboptimal for the efficient or uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating element in the aerosol-generating device. Such a configuration of the aerosol-generating article may result in portions of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated to a lower temperature than required. This may also result in the aerosol-generating article requiring excess aerosol-forming substrate to enable the aerosol-generating system to generate the required amount of aerosol.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that provides improved heat transfer from a heating element to an aerosol-forming substrate. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that ensures uniform heating across the entire aerosol-forming substrate. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device that utilizes a minimal mass of aerosol-forming substrate to generate the required amount of aerosol.

[0005] According to the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising a cavity for housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may have a first end. The cavity may have a second end opposite the first end. The cavity may have a length between the first end and the second end. The cavity may have a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity. The cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity. The cross-sectional size of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity. In some embodiments, one or more of the cross-sectional shape of the cavity, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity, and the cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0007] Varying at least one of the cross-sectional shape of the cavity and the cavity size along the cavity length can allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be provided in a first configuration and then deformed upon insertion into the cavity in a second configuration. In particular, when the aerosol-forming substrate is located in an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article can have a configuration similar to a conventional cigarette, which can be familiar and desirable to the user. Subsequently, the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article can be deformed upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device in order to optimize the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate to improve heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate.For example, the density of the aerosol-forming substrate can be altered by deforming the aerosol-forming substrate, which minimizes the peripheral portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, which are located remote from the heating element of the aerosol-generating device and are difficult to heat to the desired temperature. Advantageously, optimizing the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating device to improve heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate can increase the amount of aerosol that can be generated from a given mass of the aerosol-forming substrate. Accordingly, optimizing the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating device can enable the desired amount of aerosol to be produced using a minimum mass of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0008] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

[0009] For the purposes of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can cool to form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol formed by heating the aerosol-forming substrate may contain lower levels of known hazardous constituents than would be formed by combustion or pyrolytic degradation of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] An aerosol-generating substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article.

[0011] As used herein, an "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article is preferably a heated aerosol-generating article, which is an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate that is designed to be heated, rather than burned, to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article may be a tobacco stick or may contain a tobacco stick.

[0012] The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have any suitable shape and size. The cavity has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The cavity has a length extending between the first end and the second end. The cavity also has a cross-section extending in a direction perpendicular to the length of the cavity. The cavity has a cross-section at each point along the cavity's length.

[0013] Each cross-section of the cavity is formed by a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the length of the cavity. Each cross-section of the cavity may have a width or diameter, a surface area, and a perimeter. For the purposes of this document, the width of the cross-section of the cavity is the distance between two opposite sides of the cavity on the plane forming the cross-section. For the purposes of this document, the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity is the length of the line forming the boundary of the cavity on the plane forming the cross-section. For the purposes of this document, the surface area of ​​the cross-section of the cavity is the size of the region defined by the perimeter of the cross-section.

[0014] The cross-sectional dimension of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity. Preferably, the cross-sectional dimension of the cavity is the cross-sectional width of the cavity. If the cross-section is circular, the cross-sectional dimension may be the cross-sectional diameter of the cavity. If the cross-section is not circular, the dimension may be the main cross-sectional width of the cavity. The main cross-sectional width is the largest width of the cross-section. If the cross-section is not circular, the dimension may be the minor cross-sectional width of the cavity. The minor cross-sectional width is the smallest width of the cross-section.

[0015] If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity does not change along its length, then the dimension that varies along the cavity length may be the same cross-sectional dimension of the cavity. For example, the dimension may represent the minor width of the cross-section. The dimension that varies along the cavity length may extend in the same direction for each cross-section of the cavity.

[0016] If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity varies along the cavity's length, the dimension of the cavity's cross-section that varies along the cavity's length may be the smallest cross-sectional width of the cavity. For example, if a cavity contains a part with a circular cross-section and a part with an oval cross-section, the dimension for the circular cross-section may be the diameter of a circle, and the dimension for the oval cross-section may be the minor diameter of an oval. If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity varies along the cavity's length, the dimension that varies along the cavity's length may be the largest cross-sectional dimension of the cavity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity may be smaller than the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity. For example, the cross-sectional width at the first end of the cavity may be larger than the cross-sectional width at the second end of the cavity. In these embodiments, if an aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the cavity at the first end and moves toward the second end, the aerosol-forming substrate may be compressed as it moves from the first end to the second end.The compression of the aerosol-forming substrate can increase the density of the aerosol-forming substrate at the second end of the cavity, facilitating the transfer of heat from the heating element to all parts of the aerosol-forming substrate, which can advantageously result in uniform heating throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end may be less than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end. Advantageously, such a configuration can lead to compression of the aerosol-forming substrate as it moves from the first end to the second end of the cavity and facilitate heat transfer from the heating element to all parts of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0019] Preferably, the perimeter of each cross-section of the cavity along the length of the cavity remains substantially constant. In other words, the length of the line forming the boundary of the cross-section of the cavity may remain substantially constant at each point along the length of the cavity. The perimeter of the cross-section at the first end of the cavity and the perimeter of the cross-section at the second end of the cavity may be the same. The cross-section at the first end of the cavity and the cross-section at the second end of the cavity may be isoperimetric. Preferably, the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity along the length of the cavity is substantially the same as the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate, or the aerosol-generating article.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity, so as to ensure that the perimeter of the cross-section at the second end of the cavity is equal to the perimeter of the cross-section at the first end of the cavity. For example, if the cross-section at the first end of the cavity is circular and the cross-section at the second end of the cavity is oval, the major diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity may be larger than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity.

[0021] If the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, such as an outer wrapper formed from paper, the outer wrapper may be corrugated or crumpled when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, if the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity at any point along the length of the cavity is less than the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, providing a cavity with a cross-section having a perimeter along the length of the cavity that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article, or greater than the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article, can substantially prevent or hinder the corrugation or crumpling of the outer wrapper of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity.Advantageously, maintaining a substantially constant cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity along the length of the cavity can substantially prevent or hinder corrugation or crumpling of the outer wrapper of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity and moved from the first end to the second end.

[0022] If the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity at any point along the length of the cavity is less than the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article, and the aerosol-generating article comprises an outer wrapper, the outer wrapper of the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more cutouts or slits to prevent or hinder corrugation and crushing of the outer wrapper when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the cavity. The one or more cutouts or slits may extend substantially in the direction of the length of the aerosol-generating article.

[0023] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity has: a first end and an opposite second end; a length between the first and second ends; and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. In these preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity, and the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity. In some of these preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0024] The cross-section of the cavity at the first end may have any suitable shape. For example, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end may be substantially circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or hexagonal. The cross-section of the cavity at the first end may have any polygonal shape. If the cross-section of the cavity at the first end has corners, the corners may be rounded. Preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular.

[0025] The cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have any suitable shape. For example, the cross-section of the cavity at the second end may be substantially circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or hexagonal. The cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have any polygonal shape. If the cross-section of the cavity at the second end has corners, the corners may be rounded.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises a plurality of conjugate shapes. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end consists of a plurality of shapes having the same shape and dimensions. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the second end comprises two conjugate circles. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the second end comprises two conjugate ovals or ellipses. In some embodiments, the plurality of conjugate shapes partially overlap. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end consists of two conjugate circles, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end may form a figure-eight shape.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate circles.

[0028] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end may be identical to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially triangular, preferably forming an equilateral triangle. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially oval or elliptical. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially square or rectangular.

[0030] If the cavity cross-section contains corners, the corners can be rounded. For example, if the cavity cross-section is triangular, the three corners of the triangle can be rounded. Rounding the corners of the cavity cross-section can facilitate cleaning.

[0031] If the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end, the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity preferably remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end and the cross-section of the cavity at the second end are isoperimetric.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cavity at the second end comprises one or more projections. The one or more projections may help retain the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the one or more projections may comprise ridges. The ridges may extend substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity. The ridges may extend circumferentially around the cavity.

[0033] Preferably, the cross-section of the first end of the cavity may limit the cross-section of the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-section of the second end of the cavity may be completely contained within the cross-section of the first end of the cavity. For example, if the first end of the cavity has a substantially circular cross-section and the second end of the cavity has a substantially triangular cross-section, the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity may be truncated at the corners by the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity. The triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity may have rounded corners, and each rounded corner may have a radius equal to the radius of the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity.

[0034] Preferably, the cross-section of the first end of the cavity and the cross-section of the second end of the cavity are located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis.

[0035] The cavity may comprise a first end portion extending from a first end of the cavity. The cavity may comprise a second end portion extending from the second end of the cavity. The first end portion may extend to the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end portion may extend to the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion may terminate at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end portion may terminate at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0036] Preferably, the first end portion of the cavity and the second end portion of the cavity are located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis.

[0037] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be substantially the same between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may be substantially the same between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity may remain constant between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0038] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be substantially the same between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may be substantially the same between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity may remain constant between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0039] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may gradually change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may gradually change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion may be beveled. Such a gradual change, or bevel, may promote deformation of the aerosol-forming substrate as it moves from the first end of the cavity to the second end of the cavity.

[0040] The intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion may be an intersection region. The intersection region may extend along a portion of the cavity length. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may vary along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may gradually vary along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional size of the cavity may vary along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional size of the cavity may gradually vary along the length of the intersection region. Preferably, the cross-section of the cavity in the intersection region may gradually change from the cross-section of the first end portion to the second end portion to facilitate the deformation of the aerosol-forming substrate inserted into the cavity in the first end portion and moved to the second end portion.

[0041] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element. The heating element may have any suitable shape.

[0042] In some embodiments, the heating element may comprise a resistive heating element. During use, an electric current is applied to the resistive heating element to generate heat via resistive heating.

[0043] Suitable materials for forming a resistive heating element include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron-based alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, stainless steel-, Timetal®-, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based superalloys.

[0044] In some embodiments, the resistive heating element comprises one or more stamped portions made of an electrically resistive material, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, such as a wire made of Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloys.

[0045] The heating element may comprise an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the resistive heating element is provided on the electrically insulating substrate. The electrically insulating substrate may be a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina. Preferably, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to approximately 2 watts per meter-kelvin.

[0046] In some embodiments, the heating element may comprise an induction heating element.

[0047] The induction heating element may comprise a susceptor material. During use, an alternating magnetic field is applied to the induction heating element, and the induction heating element generates heat through the induction of eddy currents and hysteresis losses when the alternating magnetic field penetrates the induction heating element. In these embodiments, an induction coil typically surrounds the induction heating element, and an alternating electric current is applied to the induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The induction coil may surround a cavity. The induction coil may surround a second end portion of the cavity.

[0048] In the context of this document, "current collector material" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When an alternating electromagnetic field penetrates the current collector material, the current collector heats up. Heating of the current collector element may result from at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the current collector, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the current collector material.

[0049] The induction heating element may comprise any suitable material. The induction heating element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the induction heating element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. The induction heating element may preferably comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously, the induction heating element may consist of or contain a ferromagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite.

[0050] In some preferred embodiments, the heating element is configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate. In these embodiments, the heating element preferably extends into the cavity. Preferably, the heating element extends into the cavity at its second end. In these embodiments, the heating element may be an elongated heating element. The heating element may be plate-shaped. The heating element may be pin-shaped. The heating element may be cone-shaped.

[0051] In some embodiments, a heating element may extend along the outer surface of an aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity. The heating element may have a tubular shape. The heating element may comprise an electrically insulating substrate and at least one resistive heating track on the electrically insulating substrate. The electrically insulating substrate may comprise a flexible sheet. For example, the heating element may be formed flat and then rolled into a tubular shape. The electrically insulating substrate may comprise a polyimide film. The at least one resistive heating track may comprise at least one metal or metal alloy. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals.Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, and iron-based alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, stainless steel-, Timetal®-, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based superalloys.

[0052] If the cavity comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, the length of the heating element is preferably substantially equal to the length of the second end portion of the cavity or shorter than the length of the second end portion of the cavity. The length of the heating element may be substantially the same as the length of the second end portion of the cavity. The length of the heating element may be shorter than the length of the second end portion of the cavity. If the heating element extends into the cavity from the second end, the heating element preferably extends into the second end portion of the cavity. The heating element may extend into the second end portion of the cavity and terminate at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion or around it. If the heating element surrounds the cavity, the heating element preferably surrounds the second end portion of the cavity. The heating element may surround the second end portion of the cavity and not surround the first end portion of the cavity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device comprises a pin-shaped heating element extending into the cavity at its second end. The pin-shaped heating element may be an elongated heating element extending primarily in one direction and having a tip at one end for piercing the aerosol-forming substrate. The pin-shaped heating element may extend into the cavity substantially along the length of the cavity. The pin-shaped heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity.

[0054] In some preferred embodiments including a pin-shaped heating element, the cross-sectional shape at the first end of the cavity is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end of the cavity is substantially triangular. Preferably, the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity defines a triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity. The circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity and the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity can be located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis. The pin-shaped heating element can extend along the central longitudinal axis.

[0055] Advantageously, providing a cavity with a second end having a substantially triangular cross-section can improve heat transfer from the pin-shaped heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate, compared to a cavity with a second end having a substantially circular cross-section and similar dimensions. This is due to the fact that the proportion of the aerosol-forming substrate located farthest from the heating element decreases for a cavity with a triangular cross-section, compared to a cavity with a circular cross-section. In addition, the density of the aerosol-forming substrate is redistributed at the second end of the cavity, providing a higher density between the pin-shaped heating element and the flat sides of the triangular cross-section, and a lower density at the corners of the triangular cross-section, which are farthest from the pin-shaped heating element.Advantageously, the presence of a cavity having a second end having a triangular cross-section can provide a reduction in the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate required to generate the desired amount of aerosol.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating device comprises two pin-shaped heating elements that extend into the cavity at their second ends. Each pin-shaped heating element can extend into the cavity substantially along the length of the cavity. Each pin-shaped heating element can be configured to penetrate an aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity.

[0057] In some preferred embodiments providing two pin-shaped heating elements, the cross-sectional shape at the first end of the cavity is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end of the cavity is substantially oval or elliptical. Preferably, the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity defines an oval or elliptical cross-section of the second end of the cavity. The circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity and the oval or elliptical cross-section of the second end of the cavity can be located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis. The pin-shaped heating element can extend parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0058] The oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have a primary diameter. If the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has a primary diameter, two pin-shaped heating elements may extend through the primary diameter. Advantageously, such an arrangement of pin-shaped heating elements can provide improved heat transfer from the pin-shaped heating elements to the aerosol-forming substrate located at the second end of the cavity.

[0059] The oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity may have two foci at the second end. If the oval or elliptical cross-section has two foci, each pin-shaped heating element may pass through one of the foci. Advantageously, such an arrangement of pin-shaped heating elements can provide improved heat transfer from the pin-shaped heating elements to the aerosol-forming substrate located at the second end of the cavity.

[0060] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating device comprises a plurality of pin-shaped heating elements. Each of the plurality of pin-shaped heating elements can extend into a cavity at the second end. If the aerosol-generating device comprises a plurality of heating elements, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end can comprise a plurality of conjugate shapes. The number of pin-shaped heating elements can be the same as the number of conjugate shapes that make up the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end. In these embodiments, each of the plurality of pin-shaped heating elements preferably extends through the center of one of the plurality of conjugate shapes.For example, an aerosol generating device may comprise two pin-shaped heating elements extending into a cavity at a second end, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end may be two conjugate circles, and each of the pin-shaped heating elements may extend through the center of one of the conjugate circles.

[0061] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element in the form of a plate extending into the cavity at the second end.

[0062] The plate-shaped heating element may be an elongated heating element extending primarily in one plane and having a tip at one end for piercing the aerosol-forming substrate. The plate-shaped heating element may extend into the cavity substantially along the length of the cavity. The plate-shaped heating element may be configured to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity.

[0063] In some preferred embodiments providing a heating element in the form of a plate, the cross-sectional shape at the first end of the cavity is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end of the cavity is substantially oval or elliptical. Preferably, the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity defines an oval or elliptical cross-section of the second end of the cavity. The circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity and the oval or elliptical cross-section of the second end of the cavity can be located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis. The heating element in the form of a plate can extend along the central longitudinal axis.

[0064] Advantageously, providing a cavity with a second end having a substantially oval or elliptical cross-section can improve heat transfer from the plate-shaped heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate, compared to a cavity with a second end having a substantially circular cross-section and having similar dimensions. This is because the proportion of the aerosol-forming substrate located farthest from the plate-shaped heating element is smaller for a cavity having an oval or elliptical cross-section, compared to a cavity having a circular cross-section.Furthermore, the density of the aerosol-forming substrate is redistributed at the second end of the cavity, providing a higher density between the plate-shaped heating element and the long sides of the oval cross-section, and a lower density on the short sides of the oval cross-section, which are furthest from the pin-shaped heating element. Advantageously, providing a cavity with a second end with an oval or elliptical cross-section can reduce the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate required to generate the desired amount of aerosol.

[0065] The oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have a main diameter. If the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has a main diameter, a plate-shaped heating element may extend through the main diameter. Preferably, the plate-shaped heating element has a length extending substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity and a width extending substantially in the direction of the main diameter of the cross-section of the cavity at the second end. Advantageously, such an arrangement of plate-shaped heating elements can provide improved heat transfer from the plate-shaped heating elements to the aerosol-forming substrate located at the second end of the cavity.

[0066] The oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have two foci. If the oval or elliptical cross-section has two foci, the plate-shaped heating element may pass through both foci. Advantageously, such an arrangement of the plate-shaped heating element can provide improved heat transfer from the plate-shaped heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate located at the second end of the cavity.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating device further comprises an extractor. The extractor can facilitate the extraction of the aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol-generating device. In these preferred embodiments, the extractor comprises a housing defining a cavity for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0068] The extractor may comprise a tubular main portion. The tubular main portion of the extractor may form a cavity for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. A first end of the cavity may be open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity. The tubular main portion of the extractor may comprise an open first end that forms an open first end of the cavity. The second end of the cavity may be substantially closed. The tubular main portion of the extractor may comprise a substantially closed second end that forms a substantially closed second end of the cavity. The substantially closed second end of the extractor may comprise one or more openings for allowing one or more heating elements to pass into the cavity from the second end.

[0069] If the aerosol-generating device includes a housing, the extractor may be movable relative to the housing. The extractor may be movable relative to the housing in any suitable manner. For example, the extractor may be configured to rotate, pivot, or slide relative to the housing. Preferably, the extractor is movable relative to the housing.

[0070] If the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element, the extractor is preferably movable relative to the heating element. In some preferred embodiments, the extractor is movable relative to the heating element between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the heating element may extend into the cavity. In the second position, the heating element may not extend into the cavity. The extractor may be movable relative to the heating element in any suitable manner. For example, the extractor may be configured to rotate, pivot, or slide relative to the heating element. Preferably, the extractor is movable relative to the heating element.

[0071] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a power supply. The power supply may be a DC power supply. In preferred embodiments, the power supply is a battery. The power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron phosphate, or lithium-polymer battery. However, in some embodiments, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity capable of storing sufficient energy for one or more user operations, such as one or more aerosol generation sessions.For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide continuous heating of the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to the typical time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period of time that is a multiple of six minutes.

[0072] In some embodiments, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously heat the aerosol-forming substrate for a period of approximately four minutes, or for a period of multiples of four minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to support a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

[0073] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a controller. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating element. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may also comprise additional electronic components.

[0074] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing. If the aerosol-generating device does not comprise an extractor, the tubular portion of the housing may at least partially form a cavity for accommodating an aerosol-generating substrate. The housing may have a first end and a second end. The cavity may be located at the first end of the device.

[0075] The housing may be elongated. Preferably, the housing is cylindrical. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0076] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may have a length of between approximately 70 millimeters and approximately 120 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may be hand-held. In other words, the aerosol-generating device may be sized and shaped to fit in the user's hand.

[0077] The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one air inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating device comprises a housing, the housing preferably at least partially defines at least one air inlet. Preferably, the at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with the second end of the cavity. In embodiments in which a heating element extends into the cavity, the heating element preferably extends into the cavity from the second end of the cavity.

[0078] According to the present invention, an extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from an aerosol-generating device is provided. The extractor may comprise a housing defining a cavity for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may have a first end. The cavity may have a second end opposite the first end. The cavity may have a length between the first end and the second end. The cavity may have a cross-section perpendicular to the length. At least one of: the cross-sectional shape of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity; the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity; and the cross-sectional size of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity.

[0079] The extractor cavity can have any suitable shape and size. The cavity has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The cavity has a length extending between the first end and the second end. The cavity also has a cross-section extending in a direction perpendicular to the cavity length. The cavity has a cross-section at each point along the cavity length.

[0080] Each cavity cross-section is formed by a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the cavity length. Each cavity cross-section can have a width or diameter, surface area, and perimeter.

[0081] The cross-sectional dimension of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity. Preferably, the cross-sectional dimension of the cavity is the cross-sectional width of the cavity. If the cross-section is circular, the cross-sectional dimension may be the cross-sectional diameter of the cavity. If the cross-section is non-circular, the dimension may be the main cross-sectional width of the cavity. If the cross-section is non-circular, the dimension may be the minor cross-sectional width of the cavity.

[0082] If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity does not change along its length, then the dimension that varies along the cavity length may be the same cross-sectional dimension of the cavity. For example, the dimension may represent the minor width of the cross-section. The dimension that varies along the cavity length may be in the same direction for each cross-section of the cavity.

[0083] If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity varies along the cavity's length, the dimension of the cavity's cross-section that varies along the cavity's length may be the smallest cross-sectional width of the cavity. For example, if a cavity contains a part with a circular cross-section and a part with an oval cross-section, the dimension for the circular cross-section may be the diameter of a circle, and the dimension for the oval cross-section may be the minor diameter of an oval. If the cross-sectional shape of a cavity varies along the cavity's length, the dimension that varies along the cavity's length may be the largest cross-sectional dimension of the cavity.

[0084] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity may be smaller than the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity. For example, the cross-sectional width at the first end of the cavity may be larger than the cross-sectional width at the second end of the cavity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end may be less than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end.

[0086] Preferably, the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity. In other words, the length of the line forming the boundary of the cross-section of the cavity may remain substantially constant along the length of the cavity. The cross-sectional perimeter at the first end of the cavity and the cross-sectional perimeter at the second end of the cavity may be the same. The cross-section at the first end of the cavity and the cross-section at the second end of the cavity may be isoperimetric. Preferably, the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity is substantially the same as the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article, or greater than the cross-sectional perimeter of the aerosol-generating article along the length of the cavity.

[0087] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity, so as to ensure that the perimeter of the cross-section at the second end of the cavity is equal to the perimeter of the cross-section at the first end of the cavity. For example, if the cross-section at the first end of the cavity is circular and the cross-section at the second end of the cavity is oval, the major diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity may be larger than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity.

[0088] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an extractor is provided for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from an aerosol-generating device. The extractor may comprise a housing defining a cavity for housing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may have a first end. The cavity may have a second end opposite the first end. The cavity may have a length between the first end and the second end. The cavity may have a cross-section perpendicular to the length. In these preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity, and the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity. In some of these preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0089] The cross-section of the cavity at the first end may have any suitable shape. For example, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end may be substantially circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or hexagonal. The cross-section of the cavity at the first end may have any polygonal shape. If the cross-section of the cavity at the first end has corners, the corners may be rounded. Preferably, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular.

[0090] The cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have any suitable shape. For example, the cross-section of the cavity at the second end may be substantially circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or hexagonal. The cross-section of the cavity at the second end may have any polygonal shape. If the cross-section of the cavity at the second end has corners, the corners may be rounded.

[0091] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises a plurality of conjugate shapes. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end consists of a plurality of shapes having the same shape and dimensions. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the second end comprises two conjugate circles. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the second end comprises two conjugate ovals or ellipses. In some embodiments, the plurality of conjugate shapes partially overlap. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end consists of two conjugate circles, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end may form a figure-eight shape.

[0092] In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate circles.

[0093] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end may be identical to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially triangular, preferably forming an equilateral triangle. In some preferred embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially oval or elliptical. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially square or rectangular.

[0095] If the cavity cross-section contains corners, the corners can be rounded. For example, if the cavity cross-section is triangular, the three corners of the triangle can be rounded. Rounding the corners of the cavity cross-section can facilitate cleaning.

[0096] If the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end, the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity preferably remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity at the first end and the cross-section of the cavity at the second end are isoperimetric.

[0097] In some embodiments, the cavity at the second end comprises one or more projections. The one or more projections may help retain the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the one or more projections may comprise ridges. The ridges may extend substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity. The ridges may extend circumferentially around the cavity.

[0098] Preferably, the cross-section of the first end of the cavity may limit the cross-section of the second end of the cavity. In other words, the cross-section of the second end of the cavity may be completely contained within the cross-section of the first end of the cavity. For example, if the first end of the cavity has a substantially circular cross-section and the second end of the cavity has a substantially triangular cross-section, the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity may be truncated at the corners by the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity. The triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity may have rounded corners, and each rounded corner may have a radius equal to the radius of the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity.

[0099] Preferably, the cross-section of the first end of the cavity and the cross-section of the second end of the cavity are located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis.

[0100] The cavity may comprise a first end portion extending from a first end of the cavity. The cavity may comprise a second end portion extending from the second end of the cavity. The first end portion may extend to the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end portion may extend to the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion may terminate at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The second end portion may terminate at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0101] Preferably, the first end portion of the cavity and the second end portion of the cavity are located coaxially on the central longitudinal axis.

[0102] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be substantially the same between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may be substantially the same between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity may remain constant between the first end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0103] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may be substantially the same between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may be substantially the same between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the cross-section of the cavity may remain constant between the second end and the intersection of the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0104] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may gradually change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity may gradually change at the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion. In other words, the intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion may be beveled. Such a gradual change, or bevel, may promote deformation of the aerosol-forming substrate as it moves from the first end of the cavity to the second end of the cavity.

[0105] The intersection between the first end portion and the second end portion may be an intersection region. The intersection region may extend along a portion of the length of the cavity. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may vary along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity may gradually change along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional size of the cavity may vary along the length of the intersection region. The cross-sectional size of the cavity may gradually change along the length of the intersection region. Preferably, the cross-section of the cavity in the intersection region may gradually change from the cross-section of the first end portion to the second end portion to facilitate the deformation of the aerosol-forming substrate inserted into the cavity in the first end portion and moved to the second end portion.

[0106] According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol generating device as described above.

[0107] In some preferred embodiments, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity of the aerosol generating device has: a first end and an opposite second end; a length between the first end and the second end; and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. At least one of the following occurs: the shape of the cross-section of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; the surface area of ​​the cross-section of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and the size of the cross-section of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0108] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate has: a first end and an opposite second end; a length between the first end and the second end; and a cross-section perpendicular to the length.

[0109] Before the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device at the first end of the cavity. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially circular.

[0110] Before the aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the cross-sectional size of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. The cross-sectional size of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end of the cavity.

[0111] Preferably, the length of the aerosol-generating substrate is equal to or shorter than the length of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The length of the aerosol-generating substrate may be: no more than 90% of the cavity length; no more than 80% of the cavity length; no more than 70% of the cavity length; no more than 60% of the cavity length; and no more than 50% of the cavity length.

[0112] If the cavity comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is preferably substantially the same as the length of the second end portion of the cavity or shorter than the length of the second end portion of the cavity. The length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially the same as the length of the second end portion of the cavity. The length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be shorter than the length of the second end portion of the cavity.

[0113] The aerosol-generating device is configured to accommodate an aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating.

[0114] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco rod. The tobacco rod may comprise, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, beads, pieces, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of: grass leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco. As used herein, "homogenized tobacco material" means a material formed by agglomerating tobacco particles. Providing a homogenized tobacco material can improve aerosol generation, nicotine content, and the flavor profile of the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol-generating article. In particular, the process of manufacturing homogenized tobacco includes grinding the tobacco leaf, which more effectively allows for the release of nicotine and flavoring substances upon heating.If the tobacco rod contains homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. For the purposes of this document, "sheet" refers to a layered element whose width and length significantly exceed its thickness.

[0115] The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may contain pieces, threads, or strips of homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

[0116] Sheets of homogenized tobacco material can be formed by agglomerating bulk tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of the tobacco leaf blade and the tobacco leaf stems. The sheets of homogenized tobacco material may contain one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other by-products of the bulk tobacco generated, for example, during the processing, handling, and shipping of tobacco. The sheets of homogenized tobacco material are preferably formed by a forming process of the type that typically includes forming a slurry containing bulk tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other supporting surface, drying the formed slurry to form a sheet of homogenized tobacco material, and removing the sheet of homogenized tobacco material from the supporting surface.

[0117] The solid aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or narrowed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0118] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, a "textured sheet" refers to a sheet that has been corrugated, embossed, blind-embossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed. The use of a textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material can advantageously facilitate the assembly of the sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material comprising a plurality of spaced-apart recesses, projections, perforations, or a combination thereof.

[0119] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, a "corrugated sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously simplifies the assembly of the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form the aerosol-generating article. However, it should be understood that corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations that are located at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0120] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing material and non-tobacco-containing material.

[0121] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol forming agent. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol forming agent or a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents. As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes aerosol formation and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin. The aerosol former content of the aerosol-forming substrate may be greater than 5 percent by dry weight. The aerosol former content of the aerosol substrate may range from approximately 5 percent to approximately 30 percent by dry weight. The aerosol former content of the aerosol-forming substrate may be approximately 20 percent by dry weight.

[0122] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol-forming agent, and water.

[0123] The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in the form of sheets, which are folded, corrugated, or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheets are cut into strips having a width of from about 0.2 millimeters to about 2 millimeters, more preferably from about 0.4 millimeters to about 1.2 millimeters. In one embodiment, the width of the strips is approximately 0.9 millimeters.

[0124] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

[0125] An aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate and one or more additional components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one of a filter, a hollow tube, and an aerosol cooling element. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate and one or more additional components are arranged end to end in a rod-shaped configuration. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article comprises a wrapper surrounding the aerosol-forming substrate and one or more additional components.

[0126] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a first end and an opposite second end. An aerosol-generating substrate may be located at the second end. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to accommodate at least the aerosol-generating substrate at the second end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be in the form of a filter, such as a cellulose acetate rod. The mouthpiece may be located at the first end of the aerosol-generating article, opposite the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0127] Preferably, before inserting the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol-generating article has a shape substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first end of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0128] Preferably, before inserting the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol-generating article has dimensions substantially similar to the cross-sectional dimensions of the first end of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0129] The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from approximately 30 millimeters to approximately 100 millimeters.

[0130] The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 13 millimeters.

[0131] The aerosol-forming substrate may be approximately 10 millimeters in length. The tobacco rod may be approximately 12 millimeters in length. The diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may range from approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 12 millimeters.

[0132] If the aerosol-generating article includes a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece preferably has a length of approximately 7 millimeters, but it may also have a length of from approximately 5 millimeters to approximately 10 millimeters.

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 40 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

[0134] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a shape similar to that of a traditional cigarette, and in particular, a similar rounded cross-sectional shape with a similar outer diameter. This shape can be desirable for a user. Advantageously, changing the cross-section of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, in which the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is located, can ensure that the aerosol-generating article maintains its shape before inserting it into the aerosol-generating device, similar to a traditional cigarette, and also allows for optimizing the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate when inserted into the aerosol-generating device for heating. Optimizing the shape of the aerosol-forming substrate for heating can minimize the mass of the aerosol-forming substrate without reducing the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate.Minimizing the mass of the aerosol-generating substrate in an aerosol-generating article while maintaining the aerosol-generating article's shape prior to insertion into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may require reducing the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article prior to insertion into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. Reducing the density of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article may also contribute to deformation of the aerosol-generating substrate upon insertion into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0135] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise a current-collecting material. During use, an alternating magnetic field is applied to the induction heating element, and the induction heating element generates heat through eddy current induction and hysteresis losses as the alternating magnetic field penetrates the induction heating element.

[0136] The induction heating element may comprise any suitable material. The induction heating element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the induction heating element include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. The induction heating element may preferably comprise a metal or carbon. Advantageously, the induction heating element may consist of or contain a ferromagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite.

[0137] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0138] EX1. An aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for containing an aerosol generating substrate, the cavity having:

[0139] first end and opposite second end;

[0140] the length between the first end and the second end; and

[0141] cross-section perpendicular to the length,

[0142] and at least one of the following occurs:

[0143] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity changes along the length of the cavity;

[0144] the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and

[0145] The cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0146] EX2. An aerosol generating device according to EX1, wherein the cross-sectional size at the first end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional size at the second end of the cavity.

[0147] EX3. An aerosol generating device according to EX1 or EX2, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0148] EX4. An aerosol generating device according to example EX3, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity.

[0149] EX5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX4, wherein the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity.

[0150] EX6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially triangular.

[0151] EX7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially oval or elliptical.

[0152] EX8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially square or rectangular.

[0153] EX9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises a plurality of conjugate shapes, and optionally, the plurality of conjugate shapes partially overlap.

[0154] EX10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate circles, and optionally, these two conjugate circles partially overlap.

[0155] EX11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1-EX5, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate ovals or ellipses, and optionally, these two conjugate ovals or ellipses partially overlap.

[0156] EX12. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples EX1-EX11, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element.

[0157] EX13. An aerosol generating device as per EX12, wherein the heating element extends into the cavity.

[0158] EX14. An aerosol generating device according to examples EX12 or EX13, wherein the heating element extends into a cavity at the second end.

[0159] EX15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX12-EX14, wherein the heating element is a pin-shaped heating element.

[0160] EX16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX12-EX14, wherein the heating element is a plate heating element.

[0161] EX17. An aerosol generating device according to example EX6, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating element in the form of a pin extending into the cavity at the second end.

[0162] EX18. An aerosol generating device according to example EX17, wherein the heating element in the form of a pin extends into the cavity substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity.

[0163] EX19. An aerosol generating device according to example EX7, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises two pin-shaped heating elements extending into the cavity at the second end.

[0164] EX20. An aerosol generating device according to example EX19, wherein each pin-shaped heating element extends into the cavity substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity.

[0165] EX21. An aerosol generating device according to example EX19 or EX20, wherein the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has a main diameter, and two pin-shaped heating elements pass through the main diameter.

[0166] EX22. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples EX19-EX21, wherein the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has two foci, and each pin-shaped heating element passes through one of the foci.

[0167] EX23. An aerosol generating device according to example EX7, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a heating element in the form of a plate extending into the cavity at the second end.

[0168] EX24. An aerosol generating device according to example EX23, wherein the heating element in the form of a plate extends into the cavity substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity.

[0169] EX25. An aerosol generating device according to example EX23 or EX24, wherein the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has a main diameter, and the heating elements in the form of a plate pass through the main diameter.

[0170] EX26. An aerosol generating device according to example EX25, wherein the heating element in the form of a plate has a length extending substantially in the direction of the length of the cavity and a width extending substantially in the direction of the main diameter of the cross-section of the cavity at the second end.

[0171] EX27. An aerosol generating device according to any one of EX23-EX26, wherein the oval or elliptical cross-section of the cavity at the second end has two foci, and each plate-shaped heating element passes through these two foci.

[0172] EX28. An aerosol generating device according to example EX9, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a plurality of pin-shaped heating elements extending into the cavity at the second end.

[0173] EX29. An aerosol generating device according to example EX28, wherein the number of pin-shaped heating elements is similar to the number of mating shapes providing a cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end, and wherein each of the plurality of pin-shaped heating elements passes through the center of one of the plurality of mating shapes.

[0174] EX30. An aerosol generating device according to any of examples EX1-EX29, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol generating device, and wherein the extractor comprises a main portion forming a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0175] EX31. An aerosol generating device according to example EX30, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises a housing, and wherein the extractor is movable relative to the housing.

[0176] EX32. An aerosol generating device according to any of the examples EX12-EX29, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol generating device, wherein the extractor comprises a main portion forming a cavity for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the extractor is movable relative to the heating element.

[0177] EX33. An aerosol generating device according to example EX32, wherein the extractor is movable relative to the heating element between a first position in which the heating element extends into the cavity and a second position in which the heating element does not extend into the cavity.

[0178] EX34. An extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from an aerosol-generating device, wherein the extractor comprises a main portion defining a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the cavity has:

[0179] first end and opposite second end;

[0180] the length between the first end and the second end;

[0181] and a cross-section perpendicular to the length,

[0182] and at least one of the following occurs:

[0183] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity changes along the length of the cavity;

[0184] the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and

[0185] The cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0186] EX35. An extractor according to example EX34, wherein the cross-sectional size at the first end of the cavity is larger than the cross-sectional size at the second end of the cavity.

[0187] EX36. An extractor according to examples EX34 or EX35, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0188] EX37. An extractor according to example EX36, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity.

[0189] EX38. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX37, wherein the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity remains substantially constant along the length of the cavity.

[0190] EX39. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially triangular.

[0191] EX40. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially oval or elliptical.

[0192] EX41. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is substantially square or rectangular.

[0193] EX42. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises a plurality of conjugate shapes, and optionally, the plurality of conjugate shapes partially overlap.

[0194] EX43. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate circles, and optionally, these two conjugate circles partially overlap.

[0195] EX44. An extractor according to any one of examples EX34-EX38, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end comprises two conjugate ovals or ellipses, and optionally, these two conjugate ovals or ellipses partially overlap.

[0196] EX45. Aerosol generating system comprising:

[0197] aerosol-forming substrate; and

[0198] an aerosol generating device according to any one of examples EX1 to EX33.

[0199] EX46. Aerosol generating system comprising:

[0200] aerosol-forming substrate; and

[0201] an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol forming substrate, wherein the cavity has:

[0202] first end and opposite second end;

[0203] the length between the first end and the second end;

[0204] and the cross section perpendicular to the length,

[0205] at least one of the following occurs:

[0206] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity changes along the length of the cavity;

[0207] the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and

[0208] The cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

[0209] EX47. An aerosol generating system according to example EX46, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has:

[0210] first end and opposite second end;

[0211] the length between the first end and the second end; and

[0212] cross-section perpendicular to the length,

[0213] and before placing the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device:

[0214] the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate and is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end of the cavity; and

[0215] the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate and is substantially similar to the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity.

[0216] EX48. An aerosol generating system according to example EX47, wherein the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is either less than or equal to the length of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0217] EX49. An aerosol generating system according to example EX48, wherein the length of the aerosol-forming substrate is one of the following:

[0218] not more than 90% of the cavity length;

[0219] not more than 80% of the cavity length;

[0220] no more than 70% of the cavity length;

[0221] not more than 60% of the cavity length; and

[0222] Not more than 50% of the cavity length.

[0223] EX50. An aerosol generating system according to any of EX35-EX4 9, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming substrate.

[0224] EX51. An aerosol generating system according to example EX50, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises at least one of: a filter, a hollow tube, and an aerosol cooling element.

[0225] EX52. An aerosol generating system according to example EX51, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a wrapper surrounding an aerosol-forming substrate and at least one of: a filter, a hollow tube, and an aerosol cooling element.

[0226] EX53. An aerosol generating system according to any one of examples EX50-EX52, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate and at least one of the filter, the hollow tube, and the aerosol cooling element are arranged end to end in the form of a rod.

[0227] EX54. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX45-EX53, wherein the first end of the cavity of the aerosol generating device is open for insertion of an aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity.

[0228] EX55. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX45-EX54, wherein the aerosol generating article has a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein the aerosol forming substrate is located at the second end.

[0229] EX56. An aerosol generating system according to example EX55, in which the cavity of the aerosol generating device is configured to accommodate at least an aerosol-forming substrate at the second end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0230] EX57. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX55-EX56, wherein, prior to inserting the aerosol generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol generating article has a shape substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the first end of the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0231] EX58. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX55-EX57, wherein, prior to inserting the aerosol generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol generating article has dimensions substantially similar to the cross-sectional dimensions of the first end of the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0232] EX59. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX55-EX58, wherein, prior to inserting the aerosol generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol generating article has a shape substantially different from the cross-sectional shape of the second end of the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0233] EX60. An aerosol generating system according to any of the examples EX55-EX59, wherein, prior to inserting the aerosol generating article into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the cross-section of the second end of the aerosol generating article has a size substantially different from the cross-sectional size of the second end of the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0234] The examples will be further described below with reference to the figures in which:

[0235] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a cavity having a first end with a circular cross-section and a second end with an oval cross-section;

[0236] Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1, rotated 90 degrees compared to Fig. 1;

[0237] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a top view of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1, looking into the cavity of the device from the open first end of the cavity;

[0238] Fig. 4 schematically shows an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is suitable for use with the aerosol-generating device shown in Fig. 1 to form an aerosol-generating system according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0239] Fig. 5 schematically shows an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 1 and an aerosol generating article shown in Fig. 4, in which a part of the aerosol generating article is placed in a cavity of the aerosol generating device;

[0240] Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an extractor that forms a cavity having a first end with a circular cross-section and a second end with an oval cross-section;

[0241] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an extractor of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6;

[0242] Fig. 8 schematically shows the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, in which the extractor is located on the body of the aerosol generating device, and the extractor is located in a second position in which the heating element of the device does not extend into the cavity of the extractor;

[0243] Fig. 9 schematically shows an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6 and an aerosol generating article shown in Fig. 4, in which an extractor is located on the body of the aerosol generating device, and the extractor is located in a first position in which a heating element of the device extends into a cavity of the extractor and in which a part of the aerosol generating article is located in the cavity of the extractor;

[0244] Fig. 10a is a schematic view of the top of the extractor of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 10b is a schematic view of the side of the extractor of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, and Fig. 10c is a schematic view of another side view of the extractor of the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, rotated by 90 degrees compared to Fig. 10b;

[0245] Fig. 11a is a schematic view of a top view of another embodiment of an extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 11b is a schematic view of the side of the extractor shown in Fig. 11a, and Fig. 11c is a schematic view of another side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 11a, rotated by 90 degrees compared to Fig. 11b;

[0246] Fig. 12a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 12b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 12a, and Fig. 12c is a schematic side view of another extractor shown in Fig. 12a, rotated by 90 degrees compared to Fig. 12b;

[0247] Fig. 13a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 13b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 13a, and Fig. 13c is a schematic side view of another extractor shown in Fig. 13a, rotated by 90 degrees compared to Fig. 13b;

[0248] Fig. 14a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 14b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 14a, and Fig. 14c is a schematic side view of another extractor shown in Fig. 14a, rotated 90 degrees compared to Fig. 14b;

[0249] Fig. 15a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 15b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 15a;

[0250] Fig. 16a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the cavity of the extractor from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 16b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 16a; and

[0251] Fig. 17a is a schematic top view of another embodiment of the extractor according to the invention, which is suitable for use in the aerosol generating device shown in Fig. 6, when looking into the extractor cavity from the open first end of the cavity, Fig. 17b is a schematic side view of the extractor shown in Fig. 17a.

[0252] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an aerosol generating device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a housing 11 having a tubular portion 12 at one end that forms the cavity 20.

[0253] The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a heating element 14 in the form of a plate extending into the cavity 20 and a power supply unit 15 in the form of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, as well as a controller 16 located in the housing 11, at the end of the housing 11 opposite the tubular portion 12. The controller 16 is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power supply unit 15 to the heating element 14 for heating the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity 20.

[0254] The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting an aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The first end portion 21 extends to the intersection between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 and ends therein, and the second end portion 22 extends to the intersection between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22 and ends therein.

[0255] The cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end. The cavity 20 also has a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the first end. As shown in Fig. 3, at the first end of the cavity 20, the cross-section of the cavity 20 is substantially circular, and at the second end of the cavity 20, the cross-section of the cavity 20 is substantially oval. The main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially similar to the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20. In other words, the largest dimension of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially similar to the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20. The smaller diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20.The cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end is less than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end. However, the cross-sectional perimeter of cavity 20 at the second end is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end.

[0256] Although in this embodiment, the main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is similar to the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is larger than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20, in order to ensure that the perimeter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is similar to the perimeter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20.

[0257] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 is substantially circular along the length of the first end portion 21, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 is substantially oval along the length of the second end portion 22. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 gradually changes from circular to oval at the intersection between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22.

[0258] The heating element 14 extends into the cavity 20 from the second end and passes through the second end portion 22 to the intersection between the second end portion 22 and the first end portion 21, but not into the first end portion 21. The heating element 14 is elongated and thin, its length and width significantly exceed its thickness. The heating element 14 also has a pointed end, which allows the heating element to penetrate into the substrate that forms the aerosol. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the width of the heating element 14 extends substantially in the direction of the major axis of the oval cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20. In other words, the width of the heating element 14 extends substantially in the direction of the largest dimension of the oval cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20. In this orientation, the oval cross-section of the cavity 20 at the second end complements the shape of the heating element 14.

[0259] Figure 4 shows an aerosol-generating article 50 for use in the aerosol-generating device 10 of Figure 1. The aerosol-generating article 50 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 52, a hollow acetate tube 53, a polymer filter 54, and a mouthpiece 55 arranged end to end and surrounded by an outer wrapper 56. The aerosol-forming substrate 52 comprises a rod of tobacco, and the mouthpiece 55 comprises a rod of cellulose acetate fibers. The aerosol-generating article is typically a cylindrical rod with a circular cross-section, having substantially the same shape and dimensions as the first end of the cavity 20 of the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0260] In use, the end of the aerosol generating article 50 containing the aerosol generating substrate 52 is inserted into the cavity 20 at the first end. The aerosol generating substrate 52 is not deformed when pushed through the first end portion 21 of the cavity, since the shape and dimensions of the cross-section of the aerosol generating article 50 are substantially similar to the shape and dimensions of the cross-section of the first end portion 21 of the cavity 20. However, when the aerosol generating article 50 is pushed into the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20, the aerosol generating substrate 52 is deformed by the tubular portion 12 of the body 11 as the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 changes from round to oval. The cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 52 changes when the aerosol-generating article 50 is pushed into the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20, and corresponds to the shape and dimensions of the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20, becoming substantially oval.In addition, when the aerosol-generating article 50 is pushed into the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20, the pointed tip of the heating element 14 penetrates the aerosol-generating substrate 52, and the aerosol-generating substrate 52 is positioned above the heating element 14.

[0261] As shown in Fig. 5, the length of the heating element 14 is substantially the same as the length of the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

[0262] When the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 52 changes from round to oval, the aerosol-forming substrate is compressed around the heating element. The oval cross-sectional shape more closely resembles the cross-sectional shape of the heating element 14, which, along with the compression, leads to improved heat transfer from the heating element 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52 and improved heat distribution through the aerosol-forming substrate 52, compared to if the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate 52 remained round.

[0263] Fig. 5 shows the aerosol generating article 50 shown in Fig. 4 inserted into the cavity 20 of the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Fig. 1. In use, the user activates the aerosol generating device by pressing a button (not shown) on the housing 11, and the heating element 14 is supplied with power from the power supply 15 to heat the aerosol generating substrate 52. When the user draws on the mouthpiece 55 of the aerosol generating article 50, air is drawn into the cavity 20 of the aerosol generating device 10 through an inlet (not shown) in the tubular portion 12 of the housing 11, and into the aerosol generating article 50 through the aerosol generating substrate 52. The heated aerosol-forming substrate 52 releases volatile compounds that are drawn into the acetate tube 53, cooled in the acetate tube 53 and polymer filter 54, and condensed to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 55.

[0264] When the aerosol-generating article 50 is removed from the cavity 20 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the aerosol-forming substrate 52 is no longer compressed. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate 52 may maintain its deformed shape. However, in other embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may return to its undeformed shape (i.e., to a substantially circular cross-section).

[0265] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generating device 10 that is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 1, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements. The aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 6 is substantially similar to the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 1, except that the aerosol generating device 10 shown in Figure 6 comprises an extractor 30 that facilitates removing an aerosol-forming substrate from the aerosol generating device 10, and a cover 40.

[0266] The extractor 30 comprises a tubular main portion forming a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 has a size and a shape of the cavity 20 substantially similar to the size and shape of the cavity of the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in Fig. 1. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting an aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The first end portion 21 extends to the second end portion 22 and ends on it, and the second end portion 22 extends to the first end portion 21 and ends on it.

[0267] The cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. As shown in Fig. 7 and Figs. 10, 10b and 10c, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the second end is different from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of the cavity 20 is substantially circular. The cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially oval. The cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity 20 at the second end is smaller than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity 20 at the first end. The perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity 20 at the second end is substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the first end.

[0268] The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 is substantially circular along the length of the first end portion 21, and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 is substantially oval along the length of the second end portion 22. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 gradually changes at the intersection between the first end portion 21 and the second end portion 22.

[0269] The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a housing 11 comprising a tubular portion 12 forming a cavity in which an extractor 30 is accommodated. The aerosol generating device 10 also comprises a heating element 14 in the form of a plate. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the extractor 30 is inserted into the tubular portion 12 of the housing 11 and is configured to slide relative to the tubular portion 12 and the heating element 14 between a first portion and a second position. In the first position, as shown in Fig. 9, the heating element 14 extends into the cavity 20 of the extractor 30. In the second position, as shown in Fig. 8, the heating element 14 does not extend into the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has an opening at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow the heating element 14 to extend into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0270] The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a power supply unit 15 in the form of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, as well as a controller 16, both of which are housed in a housing 11, at the end of the housing 11 opposite the tubular portion 12. The controller 16 is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power supply unit 15 to the heating element 14 for heating the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity 20 of the extractor 30, when the extractor 30 is in the first position.

[0271] The cover 40 is removable and can be installed over the tubular portion 12 and substantially surrounds the tubular portion 12 during use, as shown in Fig. 9, to further protect the user from the heat generated by the heating element 14.

[0272] Fig. 9 shows the aerosol-generating article 50 shown in Fig. 4 inserted into the cavity 20 of the extractor 30, wherein the extractor 30 is located in a first position, and the heating element 14 extends into the cavity 20. Inserting the article 50 into the cavity 20 of the extractor 30 results in the same deformation of the article 50 and the aerosol-generating substrate 52 as described above with reference to Fig. 5, with a change in the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating substrate 52 from round to oval.

[0273] When used, the user activates the aerosol generating device by pressing a button (not shown) on the housing 11, and the heating element 14 is supplied with power from the power supply 15 to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 52. When the user draws on the mouthpiece 55 of the aerosol-generating article 50, air is drawn into the cavity 20 of the aerosol-generating device 10 through the inlet (not shown) in the tubular portion 12 of the housing 11, and into the aerosol-generating article 50 through the aerosol-generating substrate 52. The heated aerosol-forming substrate 52 releases volatile compounds that are drawn into the acetate tube 53, cooled in the acetate tube 53 and polymer filter 54, and condensed to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 55.

[0274] After use, the user can remove the aerosol-generating article 50 from the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in Fig. 6 by first moving the extractor 30 from the first position to the second position. This removes the aerosol-forming substrate 52 from the heating element 14 without causing friction on the outer surfaces of the aerosol-generating article 50. Then, the user can remove the aerosol-generating article 50 from the extractor 30. This two-step process reduces the instantaneous frictional forces experienced by the aerosol-generating article 50 when it is removed from the device 10, compared to removing the aerosol-generating article 50 from the device 10 without the extractor. As a result, the extractor 30 helps reduce the likelihood of breakage of the aerosol-generating article 50 during removal from the aerosol-generating device.

[0275] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 11a, 11b and 11c is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 6-10, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0276] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 11a, 11b and 11c comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has an opening at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow the heating element 14 in the form of a plate to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0277] Cavity 20 has a length extending between a first end and a second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of cavity 20 is substantially circular. The cross-section of the second end of cavity 20 is substantially oval.

[0278] The difference between the extractor shown in Fig. 11a, 11b and 11c and the extractor shown in Fig. 6-10 is that the main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor shown in Fig. 11a, 11b and 11c is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20. In other words, the largest dimension of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20. Reducing the length of the main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 provides further compression of the aerosol-forming substrate 52 around the heating element 14, which can provide improved heat transfer from the heating element 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

[0279] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity 20 at the second end is smaller than the cross-sectional perimeter of the cavity at the first end. As a result, when the aerosol-generating article 50 is inserted into the cavity 20 and moved toward the second end, the outer wrapper 56 may be corrugated or wrinkled, since the aerosol-generating substrate 52 is compressed at the second end of the cavity 20. In order to reduce the corrugation or wrinkle of the outer wrapper 56, slits or cutouts may be provided on a portion of the outer wrapper surrounding the aerosol-generating substrate 52. One or more of the slits or cutouts preferably extend in the length direction of the aerosol-generating article 50. Advantageously, the slits or cutouts in the outer wrapper 56 may provide for overlapping portions of the outer wrapper 56 without corrugating or wrinkling the outer wrapper 56 as the aerosol-forming substrate moves toward the second end of the cavity 20.

[0280] Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 12a, 12b and 12c is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 6-10, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0281] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 12a, 12b and 12c comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20.

[0282] The cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of the cavity 20 is substantially circular. The cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially oval. The main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor shown in Figs. 12a, 12b and 12c is substantially similar to the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20.

[0283] The difference between the extractor shown in Fig. 12a, 12b and 12c and the extractor shown in Fig. 6-10 is that the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 12a, 12b and 12c has two openings at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow two pin-shaped heating elements 14 to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end. The openings are arranged in such a way that the pin-shaped heating elements pass into the cavity 20 at the foci of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20.

[0284] Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 13a, 13b and 13c is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 12a, 12b and 12c, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0285] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 13a, 13b and 13c comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has two openings on the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow two heating elements 14 in the form of a pin to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0286] Cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of cavity 20 is substantially circular. The cross-section of the second end of cavity 20 is substantially oval.

[0287] The difference between the extractor shown in Fig. 13a, 13b and 13c and the extractor shown in Fig. 12a, 12b and 12c is that the main diameter of the oval cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor shown in Fig. 13a, 13b and 13c is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20.

[0288] Figures 14a, 14b and 14c show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 14a, 14b and 14c is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 12a, 12b and 12c, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0289] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 14a, 14b and 14c comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has two openings on the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow two heating elements 14 in the form of a pin to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0290] Cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end.

[0291] The cross-section of the first end of the cavity 20 is substantially circular. The difference between the extractor shown in Fig. 14a, 14b and 14c and the extractor shown in Fig. 12a, 12b and 12c is that the cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 shown in Fig. 14a, 14b and 14c contains two conjugate circles that form a two-segment shape similar to the figure eight. The perimeter of the two-segment cross-sectional shape at the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially similar to the perimeter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20.

[0292] Each pin-shaped heating element 14 extends into the second end of the cavity 20 through the center of one of the two conjugate circles. The two-segment cross-sectional shape at the second end of the cavity 20 ensures that the majority of the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity 20 is located closer to the pin-shaped heating elements 14 than the circular cross-section of the first portion of the cavity 20, which can provide improved heat transfer from the pin-shaped heating elements 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

[0293] Figures 15a and 15b show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 15a and 15b is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 6-10, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0294] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 15a and 15b comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has a single opening at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow one heating element 14 in the form of a pin to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0295] Cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of cavity 20 is substantially circular.

[0296] The cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 is substantially triangular.

[0297] The triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 is truncated at the corners so that the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 does not extend beyond the circular cross-section of the first end of the cavity. The triangular cross-section at the second end of the cavity 20 positions a larger portion of the aerosol-forming substrate located in the cavity 20 closer to the pin-shaped heating element 14 than the circular cross-section of the first portion of the cavity 20, which can provide improved heat transfer from the heating element 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

[0298] Figures 16a and 16b show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 16a and 16b is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 15a and 15b, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0299] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 16a and 16b comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has a single opening at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow one heating element 14 in the form of a pin to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0300] Cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end differs from the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of cavity 20 is substantially circular. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end is substantially triangular.

[0301] The difference between the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 16a and 16b and the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 15a and 15b is that the lengths of the sides of the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 16a and 16b are shorter than the lengths of the sides of the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 15a and 15b. This reduces the surface area of ​​the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 16a and 16b, compared with the surface area of ​​the triangular cross-section of the second end of the cavity 20 of the extractor 30 shown in Fig. 15a and 15b, which can provide improved heat transfer from the heating element 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

[0302] Figures 17a and 17b show an extractor 30 according to another embodiment of the invention. The extractor 30 shown in Figures 17a and 17b is similar to the extractor 30 shown in Figures 6-10, and like reference numerals are used to designate like elements.

[0303] The extractor 30 shown in Fig. 17a and 17b comprises a tubular main part that forms a cavity 20 for accommodating an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 20 comprises a first end that is open for inserting the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity 20, and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially closed. The first end portion 21 of the cavity 20 extends from the first end of the cavity 20, and the second end portion 22 of the cavity 20 extends from the second end of the cavity 20. The extractor 30 has a single opening at the substantially closed second end of the cavity 20 to allow one heating element 14 in the form of a pin to pass into the cavity 20 from the second end.

[0304] Cavity 20 has a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a cross-section perpendicular to the length. The cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the second end is similar to the cross-sectional shape of cavity 20 at the first end. The cross-section of the first end of cavity 20 is substantially circular, and the cross-section of the second end of cavity 20 is substantially circular.

[0305] The diameter of the circular cross-section of the cavity 20 at the second end of the cavity 20 is smaller than the diameter of the circular cross-section at the first end of the cavity 20. This reduces the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the second end of the cavity 20 compared to the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the first end of the cavity 20, which can provide improved heat transfer from the pin-shaped heating element 14 to the aerosol-forming substrate 52.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for containing an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity having: the first end and the opposite second end; the length between the first end and the second end; and cross-section perpendicular to the length, wherein the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity remains essentially constant along the length of the cavity, and at least one of the following occurs: the cross-sectional shape of the cavity changes along the length of the cavity; the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and the cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional dimension at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional dimension at the second end of the cavity.

3. A device according to any one of claims 1, 2, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity.

4. The device of any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is one of: essentially triangular; essentially oval or elliptical; and essentially square or rectangular.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end is substantially triangular, and the device comprises a heating element in the form of a pin extending into the cavity at the second end.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the second end is substantially oval or elliptical, and the device comprises a blade-shaped heating element extending into the cavity at the second end, or two pin-shaped heating elements extending into the cavity at the second end.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising an extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from the device, wherein the extractor comprises a main portion forming a cavity for containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

8. An extractor for extracting an aerosol-forming substrate from an aerosol generating device, comprising a main portion that forms a cavity for accommodating the aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the cavity has: the first end and the opposite second end; the length between the first end and the second end; and a cross-section perpendicular to the length, wherein the perimeter of the cross-section of the cavity remains essentially constant along the length of the cavity, and in this case, at least one of the following occurs: the cross-sectional shape of the cavity changes along the length of the cavity; the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity varies along the length of the cavity; and the cross-sectional size of the cavity varies along the length of the cavity.

9. An extractor according to claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional size at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional size at the second end of the cavity.

10. An extractor according to any one of claims 8, 9, wherein the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the first end of the cavity is greater than the cross-sectional surface area of ​​the cavity at the second end of the cavity.

11. An extractor according to any one of claims 8-10, in which the cross-sectional shape at the first end is substantially circular and the cross-sectional shape at the second end is one of: essentially triangular; essentially oval or elliptical; and essentially square or rectangular.

12. An aerosol generating system comprising: aerosol-forming substrate; and an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1-7.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has: the first end and the opposite second end; the length between the first end and the second end; and cross-section perpendicular to the length, in this case, before placing the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity of the device: the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially constant along the length of the substrate and substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end of the cavity; and the cross-sectional size of the aerosol-forming substrate is substantially constant along the length of the substrate and substantially corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cavity at the first end of the cavity.

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