Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns an aerosol generating device (1) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate (3), comprising: - a chamber (9) for accommodating at least a portion of, or completely, an article (2) comprising the aerosol generating substrate (3), - a heater (4) being configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate (3), when present in the chamber (9), in order to generate the aerosol, the heater (4) comprising a light apparatus (5) comprising a light emitting element (51), producing a light beam (6) configured to generate heat, the heater (4) further comprising a lightguide (8) comprising a body (81) through which the light beam (6) passes, the lightguide (8) being configured to direct the light beam (6) onto the aerosol generating substrate (3) when present in the chamber (9).

Description

DescriptionTitle: Aerosol generating deviceTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aerosol generating devices. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive a consumable article to be heated, for example resistively or inductively, to generate an inhalable aerosol. The consumable article may comprise an aerosol precursor material being any one of a liquid, a gel, a solid, and comprising tobacco or not.Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating inhalable smoke by combustion of an aerosol generation material such as tobacco, they generate an aerosol which can be inhaled by a user, heating, without combusting, an aerosol precursor material of an aerosol generating substrate, the aerosol precursor material comprising an aerosol former component. An aerosol generating device is a hand-held inhaler device having a casing to accommodate working components. The casing of the aerosol generating device may be elongated in a shape for a user to hold. It typically comprises a housing for at least a portion of, or for a complete, consumable article, a heating unit and a power supply unit, such as a battery. Vaporization is achieved when the heating unit heats the consumable article to form an aerosol that is inhalable through a mouthpiece section or directly through the article.

[0003] There is a need to improve the energetic efficiency of the aerosol generating device by reducing heat dissipation and to increase controllability of the “heat-not-burn” process. There is also a need to provide an even heating of the tobacco product to enhance the taste or overall user experience. Furthermore, the compactness of the heating device is sought to meet user expectations.Summary

[0004] The present disclosure provides improvements, that will be discussed in greater detail later, with respect to the aerosol generating devices known in the art.

[0005] It is proposed, according to one aspect, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate, comprising: a chamber for accommodating at least a portion of, or completely, an article comprising the aerosol generating substrate, a heater being configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate, when present in the chamber, in order to generate the aerosol, the heater comprising a light apparatus comprising a light emitting element, producing a light beam configured to generate heat, the heater further comprising a lightguide comprising a body through which the light beam passes, the lightguide being configured to direct the light beam onto the aerosol generating substrate when present in the chamber.

[0006] The use of a lightguide with a light apparatus provides better control of the light beam which is focused into a linear shaped ray for precise and controllable heat-not-burn action. The light beam is essentially focused on the aerosol generating substrate hence improving power efficiency due to less heat dissipation.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of a lightguide allows the heat to be localized over a very small area, which avoids heating and damaging surrounding parts of the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The following features can be optionally implemented, separately or in combination one with the others:

[0009] The heater may comprise a beam focusing lens being configured to concentrate the light beam produced by the light emitting element into the lightguide.

[0010] The lens may allow to focus a broader light beam into the lightguide thus increasing efficiency in light transmission into the aerosol generating substrate.

[0011] The focusing lens may be a distinct part from the light emitting element. The focusing lens may be an add-on part for the light emitting element, or an add-on part for the lightguide.

[0012] The lightguide and the chamber may be aligned along an assembly axis.

[0013] The body of the lightguide may have an elongated portion, preferably with a circular cross section, extending along the assembly axis, and the chamber may comprise an elongated shape extending along said assembly axis.

[0014] The lightguide may comprise a bottom part surrounding the beam focusing lens. For example, the beam focusing lens is dome shaped. The bottom part of the lightguide may comprise a complementary dome-shaped surface surrounding the beam focusing lens.

[0015] The beam focusing lens may extend between the light emitting element and the lightguide. The lightguide may extend between the beam focusing lens and the chamber.

[0016] The body of the lightguide may comprise a polymer. The polymer may be chosen in the group of: thermoplastic, thermoset or elastomer. The polymer may be a transparent polymer.

[0017] The lightguide may comprise a reflective coating applied onto at least a portion of an outer wall of the body. Such a reflective coating preferably comprises an aluminized surface.

[0018] The body of the lightguide may comprise an elongated portion comprising a top portion forming a cover overlapping the elongated portion and having a curved edge extending in line with the elongated portion.

[0019] The chamber may comprise a bottom portion with an opening. The top portion of the body may extend through the opening within the bottom portion of the chamber.

[0020] The lightguide may be fastened to the light apparatus, preferably with a high-temperature silicone glue. Other glues may be used.

[0021] The aerosol generating device may comprise an auxiliary heater configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate. The auxiliary heater may externally surround at least part, or completely, the chamber. The auxiliary heater may comprise an auxiliary heating element chosen in the group of: a resistive heating element, an inductive heating element and a piezoelectric heating element, preferably a resistive heating element.

[0022] The light emitting element may be a Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0023] A VCSEL (for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) may for example feature a divergent angle of about + / -200. The use of a combined lens and lightguide may allow for a more efficient power transfer to theaerosol generating substrate. An integration of smaller energy storage systems and an increased compacity of the aerosol generating device are thus allowed.

[0024] In other embodiments, the light emitting element may be a Topological-cavity surface-emitting laser (TCSEL).

[0025] In other embodiments, the light emitting element may be a light emitting diode, preferably emitting infrared light. Infrared LED (“Light Emitting Diodes”) may be more divergent than VCSEL.

[0026] Generally for the invention and according to possible embodiments, the chamber and the lightguide may be arranged so that at least part of the article is accommodated within the chamber in an operation position suitable for operation of the device with the article, where any section of the article is free of crossing by the lightguide. In other words, according to possible embodiments, the relative position of the aerosol generating article and the lightguide can be such that the lightguide is arranged outside the aerosol generating article, i.e. the lightguide does not extend in the article when the article is in the operation position. In particular, the lightguide does not penetrate the article in the operation position and / or no part of the lightguide is surrounded by any part of the article in the operation position. This ensures, for example, that the article can be inserted easily into the chamber, without excessive resistance due to rubbing of the article against the lightguide. Optionally, the relative position can be such that, the chamber and the lightguide may be arranged so that the lightguide acts as a stopper for the article being inserted into the chamber until the operation position, preferably with respective abutting surfaces of the article and the lightguide which are perpendicular to an insertion direction effective for the article into the chamber.

[0027] The present disclosure further concerns, according to another aspect, in combination with the above, an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described above and an article comprising an aerosol generating substrate at least partially, or completely, accommodated in the chamber.

[0028] The article of the aerosol generating system may be a stick. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise compressed or reconstituted tobacco.

[0029] Advantageously, the article, the chamber and the lightguide in the aerosol generating system may meet one of the relative positions here-above indicated.Brief Description of Drawings

[0030] Other features, details and advantages will be shown in the following detailed description and on the figures, on which:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of an aerosol generating device according to an example,

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded view in perspective of an example of an aerosol generating device, that is to be assembled along an assembly axis A,

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic view in perspective of the aerosol generating device of figure 2 after being assembled,

[0034] Fig. 4 is a partial schematic view in longitudinal section of an aerosol generating system according to an example,

[0035] Fig. 5 is an isolated schematic perspective view of a lightguide of an aerosol generating device according to an example,

[0036] Fig. 6 is an isolated schematic view in longitudinal section of a lightguide of an aerosol generating device according to an example.Description of Embodiments

[0037] Aspects set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. The same references correspond to the same elements on different drawings. These elements may be described on only one or more figures, but they apply to all figures except for mention to the contrary.

[0038] In the following description, when referring to terms qualifying absolute position, such as the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, etc., or relative ones, such as the terms “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or an aerosol generating device with an inhalation duct on the top.

[0039] It is now referred to Figure 1 showing an aerosol generating device 1 . The aerosol generating device 1 comprises a casing 11 , for example a plastic or metal shell designed to accommodate an energy storage device 12. The casing 11 may be designed to be as compact as possible and may feature a shape that is comfortable to hold. The energy storage device 12 may for example comprise a battery dimensioned to provide sufficient energy to the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0040] The casing 11 may feature an inhalation duct 13. Such an inhalation duct 13 may be configured to allow an article to be introduced in the aerosol generating device when used. The inhalation duct 13 may comprise for example a protruding tube-shaped part or, as illustrated here, a simple orifice in the casing 11 through which the article may be introduced as will be explained below.

[0041] In the example shown in figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 may also feature an assembly 15 of elements stacked along an assembly axis A seen in the figure. Such an assembly may provide optimum compacity and efficiency.

[0042] In an example, the assembly 15 may comprise, from bottom to up: a heater 4 comprising a light emitting element 51 , a focusing lens 7, a lightguide 8, and, above the heater 4, a chamber 9 for accommodating an article 2 comprising an aerosol generating substrate 3, as shown in figures 2 and 3. The inhalation duct 13 may be aligned with the assembly 15. In this example, the chamber 9 has an elongated shape that extends along the assembly axis A. According to a possible embodiment, as for example shown in figure 4 and as it will be disclosed in greater detail here below, the article 2 comprising the aerosol generating substrate 3 is partially housed in the chamber 9, having at least a portion protruding outside the device, thus the user is able to directly inhale the aerosol from the portion of the article protruding outside the device. However, embodiments are not excluded wherein the article 2 is completely housed within the chamber 9. In this case the device is preferably provided with a mouthpiece in communication with the chamber 9 wherein the article is housed, thus allowing the user to inhale the aerosol.

[0043] The general functioning of the aerosol generating device 1 is as follows and as shown in figure 4: A light beam 6 is emitted from the light emitting element 51 , focused by the focusing lens 7 towards the lightguide 8. The lightguide 8 is configured to direct the light beam 6 with maximum efficiency to the chamber 9 in order to heat up the aerosol generating substrate 3 of the article 2 and generating an aerosol inhaled by a user.

[0044] In this example, as shown in figure 1 , the energy storage device 12 is elongated and extends parallel to the assembly 15 and parallel to the assembly axis A. In another example, the energy storage device 12 may be aligned to the assembly 15, extending along the assembly axis 1 , for example under the light emitting element 51 .

[0045] The aerosol generating device 1 is shown in more detail in figure 2. The chamber 9 may comprise a peripheral wall 99, which may be cylindrical, delimiting an interior space. The chamber 9 may comprise an upper end 96 that is open. The chamber 9 is designed to accommodate an article 2 comprising an aerosol generating substrate 3.

[0046] The chamber 9 may communicate with the inhalation duct 13 through the upper end 96, in such a way that an air flow initiated by inhalation of a user may cross the chamber 9 and evacuate through the inhalation duct 13 and the article 2. The inhalation duct 13 and the upper end 96 may further be configured to let the article 2 at least partly into an interior space of the chamber 9, for example when recharging a used-up aerosol generating substrate.

[0047] The article 2 comprises an aerosol generating substrate 3 that may be in a liquid or in a solid form, being for example made from compressed or reconstituted tobacco. The article 2 may be a stick, that may be known as a heat-not-burn stick (HTS) as shown in Figures 2 and 4, or a parallelepipedal cassette or in another shape. The chamber 9 may be designed to accommodate one or more types of aerosol generating substrates. In the shown example, the chamber 9 is in the shape of a hollow stick in order to accommodate the stick-like article 2.

[0048] The heater 4 is configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate 3, when the latter is present in the chamber 9 in order to generate the aerosol. The heating process of the aerosol generating substrate 3 is a heat-not-burn process.

[0049] The heater 4 comprises a light apparatus 5 comprising the light emitting element 51 , producing the light beam 6 configured to generate heat. The light emitting element 51 may comprise an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode), or an EEL (Edge Emitting Laser), or a VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), or a TCSEL (Topological Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), or any other type of light emitting elements known to the skilled person. In this example, the light emitting element 51 comprises a VCSEL. The use of a VCSEL may be advantageous as being effective and having a more efficient manufacturing process which allows mass production at minimum cost.

[0050] The aerosol generating device 1 may further comprise a printed circuit board PCB connected to the energy storage device 12 and suited for controlling the light emitting element 51. The PCB may be operated by a button, or any other type of user interface generally present on the casing 11 and designed to receive a command from a user of the aerosol generating device 1 .

[0051] The beam focusing lens 7 is configured to concentrate the light beam 6 produced by the light emitting element 51 into the lightguide 8. Thus, it may allow for a broader spectrum of the light beam to be transferred to the lightguide. The lightguide 8 is designed to let the light beam 6 through, directing the light beam 6 onto the aerosol generating substrate 3 when present in the chamber 9 in such a way that the amount of energy transferred to the aerosol generating substrate 3 is maximum.

[0052] To this end, the lightguide 8 is configured to be crossed by the light beam 6. In the example shown in figure 4, the lightguide 8 comprises a body 81 comprising transparent matter through which the light beam 6passes. In another example, not shown, the lightguide 8 may comprise an opened hollow passage that goes all the way through the lightguide 8 along the assembly axis A to direct the light beam 6. This may allow for improved compactness.

[0053] In the example of figure 4 partially showing the aerosol generating system 10 comprising the aerosol generating device and the article 2, the body 81 of lightguide 8 comprises an elongated portion having, in this example, a circular cross section. The body 81 has an outer wall 86. The body 81 , in the elongated portion, comprises a bottom part 84 surrounding the beam focusing lens 7. In this example, the beam focusing lens 7 has a convex external shape 71 facing the lightguide 8. The external shape 71 may be, as in this example, dome shaped. Still in this example, as shown in Figure 6, the bottom part 84 of the lightguide 8 comprises a recess 85. The recess 85 may comprise, like in this example, a complementary dome shaped surface that is concave towards the beam focusing lens 7 and is suitable for surrounding the beam focusing lens 7. In this way, the bottom part 84 of the lightguide 8 may be stacked on the beam focusing lens 7. The cooperation between both complementary dome-shaped surfaces may optimize the amount of light directed into the lightguide 8 for power efficiency. In other embodiments, the recess 85 of the bottom part 84 of the lightguide 8 and the external shape 71 of the beam focusing lens 7 may comprise any shape of complementary surfaces, for instance conically shaped, or cylindrically shaped. One of the complementary surfaces may be concave and the other one may be convex in order for one to fit into the other.

[0054] The recess 85 of bottom part 84 of the lightguide 8 and the external shape 71 of the focusing lens 7 may comprise complementary surfaces that are shapes of revolution around the assembly axis A. Both complementary surfaces may be coaxial around the assembly axis A. In another example, the recess 85 and the external shape 71 are not of complementary shapes.

[0055] The beam focusing lens 7 advantageously extends between the light emitting element 51 and the lightguide 8. The lightguide 8 preferably extends between the beam focusing lens 7 and the chamber 9. As shown for example in figure 3, such a stackable configuration may provide optimum compacity for the device. The light beam 6 is directly guided and focused onto the aerosol generating substrate 3.

[0056] The lightguide 8 comprises a reflective coating 82 applied onto at least a portion of the outer wall 86 of the body 81. In an embodiment, the reflective coating 82 comprises an aluminized surface. The reflective coating 82 may be configured to confine the light beam 6 inside the outer wall 86 of the lightguide 8 preventing light from escaping from its volume.

[0057] Thus, as shown in figure 4, the light beam 6 is emitted from the light emitting element 51 and is reflected by the outer wall 86 of the body 81 having the reflective coating 82. The light beam 6 is therefore confined into the boundaries of the lightguide 8 to be directed towards the chamber 9.

[0058] For an operation position of the article 2 in the chamber 9 as for example shown in figure 4, the bottom end of the article 2 is apart from the top portion 87 (see Figure 6) of the lightguide 8. Possibly, the bottom end of the article 2 may abut the top portion 87 of the lightguide 8, but this latter preferably does not extend through an end surface of the article 2 at the top portion 87. When the article 2 is in such operation position with respect to the device 1 , the light beam 6 heats the aerosol generating substrate of the article 2 suitably for producing aerosol to be inhaled by a user of the device.

[0059] Figures 5 and 6 show more detailed information about an example of the lightguide 8. For instance, the elongated portion of the body 81 extends along the assembly axis A. Such an elongated portion is used toguide the light beam 6. In this embodiment, the elongated portion also comprises a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the cross section of the lightguide 8 may be elliptical, polygonal or feature yet another shape. In an example in which the light emitting element 51 , the beam focusing lens 7 and the lightguide 8 form a stackable configuration, the lightguide 8 may for instance comprise an elongated shape that extends along the direction of the stacking of the configuration, for example along the assembly axis A. The assembly axis A may cross the light emitting element 51 , the focusing lens 7 and the lightguide 8. The assembly axis A may in addition cross the chamber 9 and the inhalation duct 13. The chamber 9 may comprise an elongated shape that extends in a direction parallel to the assembly axis A.

[0060] The lightguide 8 may comprise a body 81 comprising an elongated portion that extends along the assembly axis A, and the chamber 9 may comprise an elongated shape that extends in a direction parallel to the assembly axis A. In embodiments, the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 may both comprise elongated shapes, that extend along the assembly axis A, thus being aligned one after the other in a sequence along the assembly axis A.

[0061] In embodiments comprising a focusing lens 7, the focusing lens 7, the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 may be aligned along the assembly axis A.

[0062] In another example, the focusing lens 7, the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 each feature a general shape of revolution (that is obtained by rotation of a profile around an axis) around the assembly axis A. The focusing lens 7, the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 thus are coaxial along the assembly axis A.

[0063] The body 81 of the lightguide 8 may comprise a polymer, preferably a transparent polymer in order to let the light beam through it.

[0064] The body 81 may comprise a hollow portion, for example a tunnel extending all the way through the elongated portion from its bottom end to an upper end of the lightguide 8, to let the light beam 6 through.

[0065] The body 81 comprises in this example a top portion 87 forming a cover overlapping the elongated portion and having a convex curved edge 83 extending in line with the elongated portion. The curved edge 83 form a radius particularly visible on figure 5 that helps focusing the light beam inside the chamber 9 on the aerosol generating substrate 3. Such a concentrated light beam 6 allows for a more localized heating that, in some cases, may prevent burning surrounding parts. In examples, the article 2 may comprise paper surrounding a stick shaped aerosol generating substrate 3, the curved edge 83 may prevent the light beam from burning the surrounding paper which would create a displeasing burning taste for the user.

[0066] The top portion 87 may comprise a flat part 88 that is in the center of the top portion 87, in this example. When the body 81 has an elongated shape extending along the assembly axis A, the flat part 88 may be perpendicular to the assembly axis A. The curved edge 83 may join the elongated portion of the body 81 to the flat part 88 by forming a radius, as shown in particular in figures 5 and 6.

[0067] As illustrated on figure 2, the chamber 9 may comprise a recipient 94 which is for example opened at the upper end 96, designed to accommodate the aerosol generating substrate 3. For example, if the article 2 is a stick, as shown, the recipient 94 may have a shape of a cylinder of a diameter substantially equal to the article 2 to avoid the aerosol generating substrate 3 from moving inside it.

[0068] The chamber 9 may further comprise a bottom cup holder 91 and a top cup holder 92 configured to fasten the recipient 94 to a structure part 14 of the device. In the example shown in figure 1 and 2, the bottom and the top cup holders 91 , 92 are used to fasten the recipient 94 to the structure part 14 that is itself fastenedto the casing 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 . The chamber 9 may further comprise a top seal 93 that is configured to avoid leakage of air and / or humidity by the inhalation duct 13 inside the casing 11 . The top seal 93 may for example extend between the top cup holder 92 and the casing 11 . It may be in any material allowing for a sealing function such as a rubber or an elastomer.

[0069] The structure part 14 may comprise a structural body 141 elongated along the assembly axis A. The additional structure part 14 may comprise first fastening portions configured to cooperate with second fastening portions of the casing 11 of the aerosol generating device 1 . The structure part 14 may comprise a plurality of third fastening portions configured to hold the chamber 9, for example via holding the bottom cup holder 91 and the top cup holder 92, and to hold the lightguide 8, and / or to hold the light apparatus 5. The plurality of third fastening parts may be configured to align the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 along the assembly axis A.

[0070] As especially shown in figure 3, the bottom cup holder 91 may comprise a hollow cylindrical body 911 , for example extending along the assembly axis A, with two opened longitudinal ends 912. The cylindrical body 911 may comprise a plurality of tabs 913 extending peripherally and longitudinally in a direction parallel to the assembly axis A. The plurality of tabs 913 may be, for example regularly, arranged around the recipient 94 in order to hold it. The hollow cylindrical body 911 may be configured to let the lightguide 8 through. The hollow cylindrical body 911 may also be configured to maintain the lightguide 8 in position aligned with the assembly axis A by inserting the lightguide 8 through the hollow cylindrical body 911 of the bottom cup holder 91. The hollow cylindrical body 911 may comprise first fastening parts 914 configured to cooperate with complementary second fastening parts 142 of the structure part 14.

[0071] The chamber 9 may comprise a bottom portion 97 with an aperture 98, or a transparent portion, configured to let the focused light beam 6 penetrate the chamber 9 in order to heat the aerosol generating substrate 3. In the example shown in figure 4, the lightguide 8 penetrates into the chamber 9 through the aperture 98 at the bottom portion 97 of the chamber 9, said opening may for example be arranged in a bottom of the recipient 94 and / or in the bottom cup holder 91 , in this example in both the bottom of the recipient 94 and the bottom cup holder 91. In this case, as shown, the top portion 87 of the body 81 may extend through the aperture 98 within the bottom portion 97 of the chamber 9. When the lightguide 8 and the chamber 9 are coaxial along the assembly axis A, the heating is thus operated at the bottom of the chamber 9 and may propagate in a bottom-up manner for a more consistent heating of the aerosol generating substrate 3.

[0072] It may be advantageous for the bottom portion 97 of the chamber 9 to comprise an aperture 98 not only for light, but also to let air through. For instance, the casing 11 may comprise an air inlet to let in some air from the outside when a user inhales. The air inlet may be an orifice or at least one slot arranged in the casing (not represented). The air may then pass through the opening at the bottom portion 97 of the chamber 9 to charge itself with aerosol and create an air flow through the inhalation duct 13 to the mouth of a user. In examples wherein the bottom portion 97 of the chamber 9 does not comprise an aperture 98 but instead comprises a transparent portion configured only to let light through, at least one opening may be arranged in another wall of the chamber 9, for example in a side wall, or in case of a circular cross section of an elongated chamber, in the peripheral wall 99 of the chamber 9.

[0073] The light apparatus 5 may comprise the light emitting element 51 and a support plate 52, arranged for example in an example particularly shown in figure 3, extending in this example substantially perpendicularly to the assembly axis A. The lightguide 8 may be fastened to the light apparatus 5, via an at least partially plane surface of the support plate 52, for example an upper surface of the support plate 52. In an embodiment, thelightguide 8 may be fixed to the light apparatus 5 with a high-temperature silicone glue, in order to withstand the high functioning temperatures of the device. In another example, the lightguide 8 may be fastened in another way. For example, the lightguide 8 may be maintained at a distance of the light apparatus 5 by fastening means to the structure part 14 or may comprise any other fastening solution known to the skilled person.

[0074] The PCB may for example be fastened on a PCB support wall 53. The PCB support wall 53 may be made of material with the support plate 52.

[0075] In an example, shown in figure 4, the aerosol generating device may further comprise an auxiliary heater 95 configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate 3 in addition to the heater 4 comprising the light apparatus 5. Such auxiliary heater 95 may be proven effective to help perform a more consistent heating of the aerosol generating substrate 3. The auxiliary heater 95 may be arranged at close distance to the chamber 9 for energetic efficiency, for example it may be externally surrounding, at least in part or completely the peripheral wall 99 delimiting the chamber 9. The auxiliary heater 95 may comprise an auxiliary heating element chosen in the group: a resistive heating element, an inductive heating element and a piezoelectric heating element. In a preferred example, the auxiliary heating element 95 comprises a resistive heating element.

[0076] In examples using an auxiliary heater 95, the latter may be connected to the PCB and to the energy storage 12 device and may be controlled independently or in cooperation with the light apparatus 5 of the heater 4.Parts list

[0077] - 1 : Aerosol generating device- 2: Article- 3: Aerosol generating substrate- 4: Heater- 5: Light apparatus- 6: Light beam- 7: focusing lens- 8: Lightguide- 9: Chamber- 10: Aerosol generating system- 11 : Casing- 12: Energy storage device- 13: Inhalation duct- 14: Structure part- 51 : Light emitting element- 52: Support plate- 53: Support wall- 71 : External shape- 81 : Body- 82: Reflective coating- 83: Curved edge- 84: Bottom portion- 85: Recess- 86: Outer wall- 87: Top portion- 88: Flat part- 91 : Bottom cup holder- 92: Top cup holder- 93: Top seal- 94: Recipient- 95: Auxiliary heater- 96: Upper end- 97: Bottom portion- 98: Aperture- 99: Peripheral wall- 141 : Structural body- 142: Second fastening parts- 911 : Cylindrical body- 912: Opened ends- 913: Tabs- 914: First fastening parts- A: Assembly axis- PCB: Printed circuit board

Claims

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (1) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating substrate (3), comprising: a chamber (9) for accommodating at least a portion of, or completely, an article (2) comprising the aerosol generating substrate (3), a heater (4) being configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate (3), when present in the chamber (9), in order to generate the aerosol, the heater (4) comprising a light apparatus (5) comprising a light emitting element (51), producing a light beam (6) configured to generate heat, the heater (4) further comprising a lightguide (8) comprising a body (81) through which the light beam (6) passes, the lightguide (8) being configured to direct the light beam (6) onto the aerosol generating substrate (3) when present in the chamber (9).

2. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the heater (4) further comprises a beam focusing lens (7) configured to concentrate the light beam (6) produced by the light emitting element (51) into the lightguide (8).

3. The aerosol generating device (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the lightguide (8) and the chamber (9) are aligned along an assembly axis (A).

4. The aerosol generating device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the body (81) of the lightguide (8) has an elongated portion, preferably with a circular cross section, extending along the assembly axis (A), and wherein the chamber (9) comprises an elongated shape extending along said assembly axis (A).

5. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, wherein the lightguide (8) comprises a bottom part surrounding the beam focusing lens (7), preferably the beam focusing lens (7) is dome-shaped and the bottom part of the lightguide (8) comprises a complementary dome-shaped surface surrounding the beam focusing lens (7).

6. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2, wherein the beam focusing lens (7) extends between the light emitting element (51) and the lightguide (8), and the lightguide (8) extends between the beam focusing lens (7) and the chamber (9).

7. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body (81) of the lightguide (8) comprises a polymer, preferably a transparent polymer.

8. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lightguide (8) comprises a reflective coating (82) applied onto at least a portion of an outer wall (86) of the body (81), wherein the reflective coating (82) preferably comprises an aluminized surface.

9. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body (81) comprises an elongated portion comprising a top portion (87) forming a cover overlapping the elongated portion and having a curved edge (83) extending in line with the elongated portion.

10. The aerosol generating device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the chamber (9) comprises a bottom portion (97) with an aperture (98) and wherein the top portion (87) of the body (81) extends through the aperture (98) within the bottom portion (97) of the chamber (9).

11. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lightguide (8) is fastened to the light apparatus (5), preferably with a high-temperature silicone glue.

12. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an auxiliary heater (95) configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate (3), the auxiliary heater (95) externally surrounding at least part of, or completely, the chamber (9), and preferably comprising an auxiliary heating element (95) chosen in the group of: a resistive heating element, an inductive heating element and a piezoelectric heating element, preferably a resistive heating element.

13. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the light emitting element (51) is a Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

14. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light emitting element (51) is a Topological-cavity surface-emitting laser (TCSEL).

15. The aerosol generating device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the light emitting element (51) is a light emitting diode, preferably emitting infrared light.

16. An aerosol generating system (10) comprising an aerosol generating device (1) according to any of the preceding claims and an article (2) comprising an aerosol generating substrate (3) at least partially, or completely, accommodated in the chamber (9).

17. The aerosol generating system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the article (2) is a stick and the aerosol generating substrate (3) preferably comprises compressed or reconstituted tobacco.

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