Aerosol-generating device comprising a clamping mechanism

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating device (100) for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device (100) comprises a first portion (101) comprising a first housing (103), the first housing (103) comprising a recess (110) for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device (100) comprises a second portion (102) comprising a second housing (104) and a heater assembly (106) configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess (110). The aerosol-generating device (100) further comprises a connection mechanism connecting the first housing (103) to the second housing (104) and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing (103) and the second housing (104); and a clamping mechanism (115) configured to allow relative movement between the recess (110) and at least a portion of the heater assembly (106) in response to relative movement between the first housing (103) and the second housing (104).

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE COMPRISING A CLAMPING MECHANISM

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosolgenerating article and an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device.

[0003] Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco containing substrate, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. In heated aerosolgenerating articles, the aerosol is generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0004] One type of aerosol-generating system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically comprise an aerosol-generating device comprising a rechargeable battery, control electronics and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article designed specifically for use with the aerosol-generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and the heater contained within the aerosol-generating device is inserted into or located around the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] A heating element may be provided in an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-generating substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-generating substrate. In doing so, the aerosol-generating substrate may generate an aerosol which may be delivered to a user.

[0006] Such aerosol-generating articles may take the form of a conventional cigarette. Where this is the case, the aerosol-generating substrate may be wrapped in cigarette paper. This approach may be appropriate where the aerosol-generating substrate comprises strands or spaghettis of material, for example strands of cast leaf tobacco or strands of shredded tobacco.

[0007] However, this approach may not effectively retain other forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such aerosolgenerating articles may be prone to leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates during storage, handling and use thereof. Leakage of the aerosol-generating substrates may be exacerbated by high environmental temperatures and humidities. Loss of aerosol-generating substrates through leakage may disadvantageously reduce the lifespan of the aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate. Leakage of aerosol-generating substrates may negatively impact the overall performance of the aerosol-generating article. For example, leakage of aerosol-generating substrates may negatively impact the consistency of the inhalable aerosol generated by an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article.

[0008] In order to provide an aerosol-generating article in which loss or leaking of the aerosolgenerating substrate is reduced or prevented even when the aerosol-generating article is heated to the temperatures required to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate, an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be provided. Such an aerosol-generating article may be able to retain different forms of aerosol-generating substrate, such as granulated or powdered aerosol-generating substrate. Such an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may be readily handled and manipulated by a consumer when it is being used in combination with a suitable aerosol-generating device. However, aerosol-generating devices of the prior art may not be suitable for heating aerosol-generating articles comprising a container. For example, inserting a heating element into an aerosol-generating article comprising a container may disadvantageously cause the aerosol-generating substrate to leak out of the container. In addition, existing heaters configured to externally heat aerosol-generating articles may not provide efficient heating sufficient to generate a consistent aerosol from an aerosol-generating article comprising a container.

[0009] There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which is suitable for use with an aerosol-generating article, such as an aerosol-generating article comprising a container.

[0010] There is a need to provide an aerosol-generating device which is able to provide more reliable heating of an aerosol-generating article. There is also a need to provide an aerosolgenerating device which is able to provide more consistent aerosol generation from an aerosolgenerating article used with the aerosol-generating device.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an aerosolgenerating device for use with an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first portion comprising a first housing. The first housing may comprise a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a second portion comprising a second housing and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosolgenerating article when it is received in the recess. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a connection mechanism connecting the first housing to the second housing and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise a clamping mechanism configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0012] Advantageously, the provision of the clamping mechanism configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly may allow the heater assembly to move towards the recess, and therefore towards the aerosol-generating article during use. Advantageously, the distance between the heater assembly and the aerosol-generating article may therefore be reduced during use. For example, contact between the heater assembly and the aerosol-generating article may be improved. As a result, more reliable heating of the aerosol-generating article and a more consistent aerosol-generation may be achieved.

[0013] The provision of the connection mechanism connecting the first housing to the second housing may prevent the first housing from being separated from the second housing by a user. Conveniently, this may prevent one of the first portion or second portion of the device from being removed from the device and potentially being misplaced by a user. Advantageously, the provision of the clamping mechanism being configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing may facilitate the insertion of an aerosol-generating article into the device. Advantageously this may allow the aerosolforming article to be consistently held in the aerosol-generating device in the same position each time an aerosol-generating article is loaded into the device. For example, because the clamping mechanism is actuated in response to the relative movement of the first and second housing, the force that may be applied to the aerosol-generating article by the heater assembly on loading may be consistent each time because it is applied by the clamping mechanism, rather than by the user insertion. So the distance between the heater assembly and the recess may be the same each time an aerosol-generating article is inserted. Advantageously, the consistency of heating and aerosol-generating may therefore be improved and therefore more consistent aerosol generation may be achieved.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping mechanism is configured to cause relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0015] The clamping mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the heater assembly. In particular, the heater assembly may comprise a heating element and clamping mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the heating element.

[0016] The clamping mechanism may urge the heater assembly towards the recess in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing. Alternatively, or in addition, clamping mechanism may urge the recess towards the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0017] Preferably, the clamping mechanism urges the heater assembly towards an aerosolgenerating article positioned in the recess.

[0018] The clamping mechanism may not contact the first portion of the aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the clamping mechanism does not contact the first housing.

[0019] The connection mechanism may be a separate component to the clamping mechanism.

[0020] The connection mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing in a first plane. The clamping mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in a second plane. Preferably, the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane. For example, in response to relative movement between the first housing and second housing in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device, the clamping mechanism may be configured to move the heater assembly relative to the recess in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the clamping mechanism urges the heater assembly towards an aerosol-generating article positioned in the recess, wherein the heater assembly is substantially coplanar with a surface of the aerosol-generating article configured to contact the heater assembly. Preferably, the clamping mechanism is configured to exert a force onto an aerosol-generating article received within the recess that is substantially uniform across a surface of the aerosol-generating article that is configured to contact the heater assembly. Advantageously, this may improve the consistency of heating throughout the aerosol-generating article and therefore more consistent aerosol generation may be achieved.

[0021] The clamping mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement of the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The distance between the at least a portion of the heater assembly and a base of the recess in the second plane may be greater in the unclamped position than in the clamped position.

[0022] In the clamped position an opening of the recess may be substantially closed by at least a portion of the heater assembly.

[0023] Advantageously, the provision an opening of the recess being substantially closed by at least a portion of the heater assembly may reduce the amount of air and generated aerosol that may leak out of the recess through the opening (other than through an air outlet), which may lead to improved volume of aerosol being deliver to a user.

[0024] The clamping mechanism may comprise a resilient element configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the at least a portion of the heater assembly.

[0025] The clamping mechanism may comprise a resilient element configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the recess. For example, the resilient element may be configured to resiliently urge the at least a portion of the heater assembly towards the recess. The resilient element may be positioned between an internal wall of the second housing and the heater assembly and may configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the second housing.

[0026] The resilient element may be configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the heater assembly.

[0027] The resilient element may be configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the heater assembly.

[0028] The resilient element may comprise a spring. For example, the second portion may comprise a spring configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the recess. The resilient element may comprise one, two, three or four springs. Preferably, the resilient element is configured to exert a force onto the heater assembly, such that the heater assembly exerts a force onto an aerosol-generating article positioned within the cavity, such that the force exerted on the aerosol-generating article is substantially uniform across a surface of the aerosol-generating article that is configured to contact the heater assembly. Advantageously, this may improve the consistency of heating throughout the aerosol-generating article and therefore more consistent aerosol generation may be achieved. The spring may be positioned between an internal wall of the second housing and the heater assembly and may configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the second housing.

[0029] The spring may be a leaf spring.

[0030] The spring may comprise an electrically conductive material. Any other type of clamping mechanism may comprise an electrically conductive material. Advantageously, the provision of the clamping mechanism comprising an electrically conductive material may allow the clamping mechanism to supply power to the heater assembly.

[0031] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a hinge arranged between and connected to the spring and the heater assembly. Preferably, the hinge is a rigid hinge. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise one, two, three of four hinges, each hinge arranged between and connected to a corresponding spring and the heater assembly.

[0032] The combination of the hinge and spring may provide a bistable mechanism. Advantageously, this may allow the clamping mechanism to function as a locking mechanism for retaining the heater assembly in the clamped position.

[0033] The clamping mechanism may comprise a first sloped element connected to the second housing and a second sloped element connected to the heater assembly. The first sloped element and the second sloped element may comprise corresponding slopes configured to slide relative to one another to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0034] The first sloped element may be a wedge-shaped element. The second sloped element may be a wedge-shaped element.

[0035] Preferably, the first sloped element may comprise a deformable elastic material.

[0036] The heater assembly may comprise a roller configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly. The first portion may comprise a roller recess configured to receive the roller.

[0037] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a recovery element for guiding the heater assembly away from the recess. Advantageously, the recovery element may allow the user to move the first housing relative to the second housing more easily.

[0038] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a limitation element configured to limit the movement of the heater assembly with respect to the second housing.

[0039] The limitation element may comprise a limitation spring for limiting movement of the heater assembly. The limitation element may comprise an anchor for limiting movement of the heater assembly. The limitation element may comprise a stopper positioned in the first portion for limiting the relative movement between the heater assembly and the recess. Advantageously, the limitation element may prevent the heater assembly from becoming misaligned with the recess as the first housing is moved relative to the second housing. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The first portion may comprise the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be integral with the first housing. The mouthpiece may be a removable mouthpiece. Advantageously, the provision of a removable mouthpiece may allow the mouthpiece to be removed for cleaning, or to be replaced without needing to replace the entire device.

[0040] Preferably, the connection mechanism comprises a sliding mechanism connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to allow relative movement of the first housing and second housing between a closed position. The connection mechanism may be the sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism may connect the first housing to the second housing. The sliding mechanism may be configured to allow the second housing to translate between the open position and the closed position, relative to the first housing.

[0041] The sliding mechanism may provide a simple and robust connection mechanism, which may facilitate holding the aerosol-generating device and operating the relative movement of the first housing and second housing with one hand. The sliding mechanism may also be relatively simple to manufacture and provide a simple and robust connection mechanism.

[0042] The sliding mechanism may comprise the clamping mechanism, for example the sliding mechanism may comprise a connection spring. In response to relative movement between the first housing and second housing in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device, the connection spring may be configured to move the recess relative to the heater assembly in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device.

[0043] The connection mechanism may be configured to allow relative movement of the first housing and second housing between a closed position, in which the recess is closed by the first portion, and an open position, in which the recess is open for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] In the closed position the recess may be at least partially closed by the heater assembly. Preferably, in the closed position the recess may be enclosed by the heater assembly.

[0045] For example, in the closed position the recess may be sealed by the first portion. Preferably, in the closed position the recess may be sealed by the heater assembly.

[0046] The heater assembly may comprise a heating element. The heater assembly may comprise a resistive heating element. During use, an electrical current may be supplied to the resistive heating element to generate heat by resistive heating.

[0047] Suitable materials for forming the 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 of 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 metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys.

[0048] The resistive heating element may comprise one or more stamped portions of electrically resistive material, such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the at least one resistive heating element may comprise a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire.

[0049] The resistive heating element may comprise at least one electrically insulating substrate, wherein the resistive heating element is provided on the at least one electrically insulating substrate.

[0050] The at least one electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of: paper, glass, ceramic, anodized metal, coated metal, and Polyimide. The ceramic may comprise mica, Alumina (AI2O3) or Zirconia (ZrC>2). The electrically insulating substrate may have a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 Watts per metre Kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 Watts per metre Kelvin and ideally less than or equal to about 2 Watts per metre Kelvin.

[0051] The resistive heating element may comprise a heating element comprising a rigid electrically insulating substrate with one or more electrically conductive tracks or wire disposed on its surface. In use, a current may be passed through the one or more electrically conductive tracks to heat the resistive heating element the aerosol-generating substrate received within the recess.

[0052] The heater assembly may comprise an inductive heating element. During use, the inductive heating element inductively heats at least one susceptor material to heat an aerosolgenerating article received within the recess. The at least one susceptor material may form part of the aerosol-generating device. The at least one susceptor material may form part of the aerosol-generating article. The inductive heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. During use the alternating magnetic field is configured to inductively heat the susceptor material.

[0053] The inductive heating element may be connected to a power supply configured to provide high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, a high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency of between about 500 kHz and about 30 MHz. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field on receiving a high frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field in the recess.

[0054] The provision of the heater assembly comprising an inductive heating arrangement may advantageously be used in combination with an aerosol-generating article which comprises a susceptor element.

[0055] The susceptor element may comprise any suitable susceptor element. In some embodiments the heater assembly may comprise at least one resistive heating element and at least one inductive heating element. In some embodiments the heater assembly may comprise a combination of resistive heating elements and inductive heating elements.

[0056] The heater assembly may comprise a heating element and a support element for supporting the heating element.

[0057] Preferably the support element may comprise a heat resistant and non-electrically conductive material. The support element may comprise a heat-resistant polymer. For example, the support element may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The support element may be made of PEEK. The support element may comprise a ceramic. For example, the support element may comprise alumina. In another example, the support element may comprise zirconia.

[0058] The heater assembly may comprise a sealing member to seal the aerosol-generating article within the recess during heating. The heating element may be mounted on the sealing member. The support element may comprise the sealing member.

[0059] The heating element may be mounted on a surface of the sealing member facing the recess.

[0060] Preferably, the heater assembly may comprise a heating element and a support element wherein the heating element is resiliently mounted on the support element such that the heating element may be resiliently urged towards the recess. For example, the heater assembly may comprise a resilient member positioned between the support element and the heating element for allowing relative movement between the support element and the heating element. Preferably, the heating element may be resiliently mounted on the sealing member by the resilient member such that the heating element is resiliently urged towards the recess.

[0061] Preferably, the sealing member is resiliently mounted on the second housing by the resilient element such that the heating element is resiliently urged towards the recess.

[0062] Advantageously, providing the heating element being resiliently urged towards the recess may improve contact between the heating element and the aerosol-generating article during heating, therefore aerosol generation may be improved.

[0063] The sealing member may be configured to deform at least a portion of the aerosolgenerating article to seal the aerosol-generating article within the recess.

[0064] The heating element may protrude from the sealing member towards the recess to allow the heating element to directly contact the aerosol-generating article.

[0065] The heating element may be integral to the sealing member.

[0066] The heating element may be fixedly attached to the sealing member.

[0067] The sealing member may comprise a sealing frame having a perimetral structure surrounding an aperture, wherein the sealing frame is configured to seal a perimeter of the recess. The heating element may extend across the aperture. The sealing frame may be configured to provide mechanical support to the heating element. The support element may further comprise a fixing member for fixing the heater to the sealing member. The fixing member may be moveable relative to the sealing member. For example, the fixing member may be moveable relative to the sealing frame such that at least a portion of the fixing member can enter the aperture to urge the heating element towards the recess. The fixing member may comprise a heat resistant and non-electrically conductive material. For example, the fixing member may comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The fixing member may be made of PEEK. The fixing member may be configured to urge the heating element toward the recess with a force that is substantially uniform across a surface of the heating element that is configured to contact an aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be substantially coplanar with the aerosol-generating article, when the heating element contacts the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, the force exerted across a surface of the aerosolgenerating article may be substantially uniform, to provide uniform heating of the aerosolgenerating article. Advantageously, this may improve the consistency of heating throughout the aerosol-generating article and therefore more consistent aerosol generation may be achieved.

[0068] The recess may comprise one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets and an airflow path defined between the one or more air inlet and the one or more air outlets.

[0069] The at least one air inlet may allow air to enter the recess and access the aerosolgenerating article received within the recess. The at least one air inlet may be located at the upstream end of the recess. The at least one air outlet may allow aerosol to leave the recess to be delivered to a user. The at least one air outlet may be located at the downstream end of the recess.

[0070] A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more aerosol outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess.

[0071] Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more air outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may increase the airflow path length through the recess. Therefore, the contact between airflow through the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received in the recess may be increased.

[0072] Advantageously, providing a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more air outlets which is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess may increase the release of active ingredients into an aerosol, such as one or both of nicotine and flavours, from an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery throughout a user experience may be improved. In particular, advantageously, aerosol generation and delivery at an end of the user experience may be improved.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the feature “a shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more air outlets is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess” refers to there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a width of the recess and there being no air inlets for which a shortest line joining any of the air inlets to any of the aerosol outlets is parallel to a length of the recess. It follows that this also refers to a shortest line joining any of the one or more aerosol outlets to any of the one or more aerosol inlets being non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess. In other words, there may be no line parallel to a width of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess, and that there may be no line parallel to a length of the recess that intersects both an inlet and an outlet of the recess. In other words, there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a width of the recess, and there may be no straight line that joins an inlet and an outlet of the recess which is parallel to a length of the recess.

[0074] A shortest line joining any of the one or more air inlets to any of the one or more air outlets of the recess may be non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of one or both of the recess and the aerosol-generating device. In other words, the one or more air inlets and the one or more air outlets of the recess may be offset from each other relative to a longitudinal axis of one or both of the recess and the aerosol-generating device.

[0075] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a sensor for detecting airflow through the device. The sensor may be an airflow sensor. Preferably, the sensor is a pressure sensor for detecting airflow through the device.

[0076] The sensor may be configured to detect a puff. The sensor may allow heating of the heater assembly to be controlled based on the detection of airflow through the device. Advantageously, the temperature of the heater assembly may be modulated based on the measurements of the sensor. For example, the sensor may detect when a negative pressure is applied to a device air outlet, for example a user puff. The size and frequency of the user puffs may be monitored by a controller, wherein the controller may control the amount of power supplied to the heater assembly in response to the sensor measurements.

[0077] A sealed air channel between the first housing and the second housing may be provided. The sensor may measure the pressure through the sealed air channel.

[0078] The connection mechanism may comprise the airflow sensor. The second portion of the aerosol-generating device may comprise the sensor. Advantageously, providing the second portion of the aerosol-generating device comprising the sensor may allow electrical components associated with the sensor to be provided in the second portion of the aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, this may reduce the number of electrical connections required between the first portion and the second portion of the device, or this may remove the need for electrical connections between the first portion and the second portion of the device. For example, if a power supply for supplying power to the heater assembly, the sensor and the control electronics is also contained in the second portion, this may allow the device to be constructed with no electrical connection or electrical interface between the first portion and the second portion. Advantageously, this may simplify the connection between the first housing and second housing, simplify the construction of the device and improve reliability of the electrical system by requiring less interfaces. Advantageously, no electrical interface may be required in the connection mechanism.

[0079] The first portion of the aerosol-generating device may comprise the sensor.

[0080] The provision of the sensor within the first portion may allow the sensor to also be used as a contact sensor configured to detect an electrical connection between the first portion and the second portion. Advantageously, the sensor as a contact sensor may be able to detect if the aerosol-generating device is in the closed position.

[0081] Advantageously, providing the first portion of the aerosol-generating device comprising the sensor and the recess may improve sealing of the sensor to the locations in the first portion in which measurements are taken by the sensor. Advantageously, this may improve the accuracy of measurements made by the sensor.

[0082] In addition to the one or more air inlets of the recess, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a device air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating device. The device air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may be in fluid communication with the air inlet of the recess. The device air inlet may be located on the first device housing portion or the second device housing portion.

[0083] In addition to the one or more air outlets of the recess, the aerosol-generating device may further comprise a device air outlet for allowing aerosol to exit the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece at a downstream end of the aerosolgenerating device. The mouthpiece may be provided as part of the first housing. The mouthpiece may be removably attachable to the first housing. The device air outlet may be provided in the mouthpiece. The device air outlet may be in fluid communication with the air outlet of the recess.

[0084] The sensor may be configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess.

[0085] Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess may reduce the risk of condensation along the airflow path measured by the pressure sensor. Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air inlets of the recess may reduce complexity of the pressure sensor arrangement.

[0086] The pressure sensor may be configured to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air outlets of the recess.

[0087] Advantageously, configuring the pressure sensor to measure the pressure change between a device air inlet and the one or more air outlets of the recess may improve the reliability of the measurement made by the pressure sensor. The recess may have a length of at least 10 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of at least 12 millimetres, at least 14 millimetres, at least 16 millimetres, or at least 18 millimetres.

[0088] The recess may have a length of no more than 30 millimetres. For example, the recess may have a length of no more than 28 millimetres, no more than 25 millimetres, no more than 20 millimetres, or no more than 18 millimetres.

[0089] The recess may have a length of between about 10 millimetres and about 30 millimetres, between about 12 millimetres and about 28 millimetres, between about 14 millimetres and about 25 millimetres, or between about 20 millimetres and about 16 millimetres.

[0090] The recess may have a length of about 14 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 16 millimetres. The recess may have a length of about 18 millimetres.

[0091] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device may be portable. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a handheld device, the aerosol-generating device may form part of a handheld aerosol-generating system. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is configured to be handheld in use.

[0092] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosolgenerating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

[0093] The aerosol-generating article may be any aerosol-generating article.

[0094] Preferably, the aerosol-generating system may be portable. The aerosol-generating system may be a handheld aerosol-generating system. Preferably, the aerosol-generating system is configured to be handheld in use.

[0095] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a container, the container comprising a first wall and a second wall. The first wall and second wall may together defining a substrate compartment. An aerosol-generating substrate may be provided in the substrate compartment.

[0096] The first wall may comprise a different material to the second wall. The first wall may comprise a flexible cellulosic material. The second wall may have a higher stiffness than the first wall. Alternatively, the first wall may have a higher stiffness than the second wall.

[0097] The heater assembly may be configured to contact the second wall of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0098] At least a portion of the first wall may be porous. The first wall may comprise a non-woven material. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “cellulosic material” refers to a material which is made from or is a derivative of cellulose.

[0099] The first wall may comprise any cellulosic material. The first wall may comprise a nonwoven material.

[0100] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “non-woven” refers to a manufactured sheet, web or batt of directionally or randomly orientated fibres, bonded by friction, and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding products which are woven, knitted, tufted, stitch- bonded incorporating binding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet-milling, whether or not additionally needled. The fibres may be of natural or man-made origin.

[0101] The first wall may comprise a moulded paper material.

[0102] The second wall may be non-porous. The second wall may comprise a substantially planar material. The second wall may comprise a paper material.

[0103] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least one alkaloid.

[0104] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “alkaloid compound” is used to describe any one of a class of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Generally, an alkaloid contains at least one nitrogen atom in an amine-type structure. This or another nitrogen atom in the molecule of the alkaloid compound can be active as a base in acid-base reactions. Most alkaloid compounds have one or more of their nitrogen atoms as part of a cyclic system, such as for example a heterocylic ring. In nature, alkaloid compounds are found primarily in plants, and are especially common in certain families of flowering plants. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In the context of the present invention, the term “alkaloid compounds” is used to describe both naturally derived alkaloid compounds and synthetically manufactured alkaloid compounds. Suitable alkaloid compounds for use in an aerosol-generating element in accordance with the invention include, but are not limited to, nicotine and anatabine.

[0105] In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine or anatabine.

[0106] In particularly preferred embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

[0107] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “nicotine” is used to describe nicotine, a nicotine base, or a nicotine salt. In embodiments in which the aerosol-generating substrate comprises a nicotine base or a nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine recited herein are the amount of free base nicotine or amount of protonated nicotine, respectively.

[0108] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0109] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more monoprotic nicotine salts.

[0110] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “monoprotic nicotine salt” is used to describe a nicotine salt of a monoprotic acid.

[0111] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0112] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. The aerosolgenerating substrate may contain any amount of aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 50 weight percent, at least 60 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent aerosol-former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise about 80 weight percent aerosol-former.

[0113] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a polyhydric alcohol. The polyhydric alcohol acts as the aerosol-former for the aerosol-generating substrate. Polyhydric alcohols suitable for use in the aerosol-generating substrate include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol, and glycerin. Preferably, in an aerosolgenerating substrate in accordance with the invention the polyhydric alcohol is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments the polyhydric alcohol is glycerin.

[0114] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules. The granules may have any diameter. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of greater than or equal to 100 micrometres, greater than or equal to 250 micrometres, or greater than or equal to 500 micrometres.

[0115] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of less than or equal to 5 millimetres, less than or equal to 4 millimetres, or less than or equal to 3 millimetres.

[0116] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of between 500 micrometres and 3 millimetres. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise granules with a diameter of about 1.5 millimetres.

[0117] The substrate compartment may contain any mass of aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the substrate compartment may contain at least 80 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, at least 85 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or at least 90 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0118] The substrate compartment may contain at no more than 300 milligrams of aerosolgenerating substrate, no more than 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, or no more than 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0119] The substrate compartment may contain between 80 milligrams and 300 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, between 85 milligrams and 250 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate, and between 100 milligrams and 200 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0120] As used herein, the terms “air inlet’ and ‘air outlet” are used to describe one or more apertures through which air may be drawn into, and out of, respectively, of a component or portion of a component of the heater assembly, aerosol-generating system, cartridge, or aerosolgenerating device.

[0121] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” denotes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating, which can condense to form an aerosol.

[0122] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol” denotes a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating article” denotes an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0123] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “aerosol-generating device” denotes a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-generating device heats the aerosol-generating substrate to facilitate release of volatile compounds from the substrate.

[0124] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating system” means a system that generates an aerosol from one or more aerosol-forming substrates. With reference to the resent invention, the term refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.

[0125] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “heater assembly” refers to an arrangement configured to generate heat to heat an aerosol-generating article. The heater assembly may be an electric heater assembly.

[0126] As used herein, the term “heating element” refers to an element of a heater assembly, the element being configured to be heated. For example, the term “heating element” may refer to an element configured for at least a portion of the element to be heated to at least 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, or 300 degrees Celsius.

[0127] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating device or portion of the aerosol-generating device.

[0128] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative positions of elements, or portions of elements, of the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol-generating device during use.

[0129] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “length” is used to describe the maximum dimension of elements, or portions of elements, of aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating devices, and aerosol-generating systems according to the disclosure. The length may be defined in the longitudinal direction or along a longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating device. In particular, the length of the recess may refer to the maximum dimension of the recess.

[0130] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “transverse” is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction or the length.

[0131] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “width” is used to describe the maximum transverse dimension of elements, or portions of elements, of aerosol-generating articles, aerosol-generating devices, and aerosol-generating systems according to the disclosure. In particular, the width of the recess may refer to the transverse dimension of the recess. The width of the recess is perpendicular to the length of the recess. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term “seal” is used to describe the closure of the recess to prevent aerosol escaping from the recess other than via the air outlet. Airflow through the recess is still permitted.

[0132] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0133] Ex1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a first portion comprising a first housing, the first housing comprising a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article; a second portion comprising a second housing and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess; a connection mechanism connecting the first housing to the second housing and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing; and a clamping mechanism configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0134] Ex2. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex1 , wherein the connection mechanism is configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing in a first plane and the clamping mechanism is configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in a second plane.

[0135] Ex3. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex2, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane.

[0136] Ex4. The aerosol-generating device according to Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to allow relative movement of the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly between a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein the distance between the at least a portion of the heater assembly and a base of the recess in the second plane is greater in the unclamped position than in the clamped position.

[0137] Ex5. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex4, wherein in the clamped position an opening of the recess is substantially closed by at least a portion of the heater assembly.

[0138] Ex6. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a resilient element configured to allow relative movement between the recess and the at least a portion of the heater assembly.

[0139] Ex7. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a resilient element configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the recess. Ex8. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex6 or Ex7, wherein the second portion comprises a spring configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the recess.

[0140] Ex9. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex8, wherein the spring is positioned between an internal wall of the second housing and the heater assembly and is configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the second housing.

[0141] Ex10. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex8 or Ex9, wherein the spring is a leaf spring.

[0142] Ex11. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex8 to Ex10, wherein the spring comprises an electrically conductive material.

[0143] Ex12. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex8 to Ex11 further comprising a hinge arranged between and connected to the spring and the heater assembly.

[0144] Ex13. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex6 to Ex12, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first sloped element connected to the second housing and a second sloped element connected to the heater assembly, wherein the first sloped element and the second sloped element comprise corresponding slopes configured to slide relative to one another to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0145] Ex14. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex9 to Ex13, wherein the heater assembly comprises a roller configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly and the first portion comprises a roller recess configured to receive the roller.

[0146] Ex15. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, comprising a recovery element for guiding the heater assembly away from the recess.

[0147] Ex16. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, comprising a limitation element configured to limit the movement of the heater assembly with respect to the second housing.

[0148] Ex16a. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex16, wherein the limitation element comprises a limitation spring for limiting movement of the heater assembly.

[0149] Ex17. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex16 or Ex16a, wherein the limitation element comprises an anchor for limiting movement of the heater assembly.

[0150] Ex18. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of examples Ex16 to Ex17, wherein the limitation element comprises a stopper positioned in the first portion for limiting the relative movement between the heater assembly and the recess. Ex19. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heating element, a support element for supporting the heating element, and a resilient member positioned between the support element and the heating element for allowing relative movement between the support element and the heating element.

[0151] Ex20. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example wherein the first portion comprises a mouthpiece.

[0152] Ex21. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, the connection mechanism comprising a connection sliding mechanism connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

[0153] Ex22. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the connection mechanism is configured to allow relative movement of the first housing and second housing between a closed position, in which the recess is at least partially closed by the first portion, and an open position, in which the recess for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0154] Ex23. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex22, wherein in the closed position the recess is at least partially closed by the heater assembly.

[0155] Ex24. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex22 or Ex23, wherein in the closed position the recess is sealed by the first portion.

[0156] Ex25. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the recess comprises one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets and an air flow path defined between the one or more air inlet and the one or more air outlets.

[0157] Ex26. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex25, wherein the shortest air flow path is non-parallel to each of a width of the recess and a length of the recess.

[0158] Ex27. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, comprising an airflow sensor for detecting airflow through the device.

[0159] Ex28. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex27, wherein the second portion comprises the airflow sensor.

[0160] Ex29. The aerosol-generating device according to example Ex27, wherein the connection mechanism comprises the airflow sensor.

[0161] Ex29a. The aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example, wherein the first portion comprises a mouthpiece.

[0162] Ex30. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding example; and an aerosol-generating article.

[0163] Ex31. The aerosol-generating system according to example Ex30, wherein the aerosolgenerating article comprises a container, the container comprising: a first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising a different material to the second wall, the first wall and second wall together defining a substrate compartment, and an aerosol-generating substrate provided in the substrate compartment, wherein the first wall comprises a flexible cellulosic material, and wherein the second wall has a higher stiffness than the first wall.

[0164] Ex32. The aerosol-generating system according to example Ex31 , wherein at least a portion of the first wall is porous.

[0165] Ex33. The aerosol-generating system according to example Ex31 or Ex32, wherein the second wall of the aerosol-generating article is in contact with the heater assembly.

[0166] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0167] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to a first example the present disclosure, in an open position;

[0168] Figure 1 B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1A and an aerosol-generating article, in a closed position;

[0169] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of the first example the present disclosure;

[0170] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a heater assembly according a second example to the present disclosure;

[0171] Figures 4A and 4B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosol- generating device according to a third example the present disclosure;

[0172] Figures 5A and 5B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosol- generating device according to a fourth example the present disclosure;

[0173] Figures 6A and 6B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosol- generating device according to a fifth example the present disclosure;

[0174] Figures 7A and 7B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a sixth example the present disclosure;

[0175] Figures 8A and 8B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a seventh example the present disclosure;

[0176] Figures 9A and 9B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to an eighth example the present disclosure;

[0177] Figures 10A and 10B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a ninth example the present disclosure;

[0178] Figure 10C shows a displacement profile of the sliding mechanism of the aerosol- generating device of Figures 10A and 10B;

[0179] Figures 11A and 11 B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a tenth example the present disclosure;

[0180] Figure 11C shows a displacement profile of the sliding mechanism of the aerosolgenerating device of Figures 11 A and 11 B;

[0181] Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a recess of an aerosol-generating device according to an eleventh example of the present disclosure; and Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device of the present invention.

[0182] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present invention, in an open position. The aerosol-generating device 100 is intended for use with an aerosol-generating article (not shown in Figure 1A). The device 100 comprises a first portion 101 and a second portion 102. The first portion 101 comprises a first housing 103 and the second portion 102 comprises a second housing 104. A connection mechanism 112 connects the first housing 103 to the second housing 104 and is configured to allow relative movement of the first housing 103 and second housing 104 between a closed position and an open position. The first housing 103 comprises a recess 110 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. In the closed position the recess 110 is closed by the second portion 102 of the aerosol-generating device 100. In the open position the recess 110 is open for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0183] As shown in Figure 1A the connection mechanism 112 is a sliding mechanism 114 that connects the first housing 103 to the second housing 104 and is configured to allow relative movement of the first housing 103 and second housing 104 between the closed position and the open position. In particular, the sliding mechanism 114 is configured to allow the first housing 103 to translate between the open position and the closed position, relative to the second housing 104.

[0184] The second portion 102 comprises a heater assembly 106 configured to heat an aerosolgenerating article when it is received in the recess 110. In the closed position (shown in Figure 1 B), the heater assembly 106 opposes and closes the recess 110.

[0185] A clamping mechanism 115 is positioned in the second portion 102 and is configured to allow relative movement between the recess 110 and at least a portion of the heater assembly 106 in response to relative movement between the first housing 103 and the second housing 104. As shown in Figures 1A and 1 B, the clamping mechanism 115 may comprise a resilient element, such as a spring 117, positioned between the heater assembly 106 and an inner wall of the second housing 104. The spring is configured to extend and resiliently urge the heater assembly 106towards the recess 110 when the first portion 101 , in particular the first housing 103, is moved relative to the second portion 102, in particular the second housing 104. In other words, the clamping mechanism 115 is configured to allow relative movement between the recess 110 and at least a portion of the heater assembly 106 between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The distance between the heater assembly 106 and a base of the recess 110 is greater in the unclamped position than in the clamped position. As the first housing 103 and second housing 104 are moved from the open position to the closed position by a user, the clamping mechanism 115 moves the heater assembly 106 towards the recess 110, from the unclamped position to the clamped position. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism 115 is configured to move the heater assembly 106 away from the recess as the first housing 103 and second housing 104 are moved from the closed position to the open position by a user. The device 100 comprises a device air inlet (not shown) and the recess 110 comprises one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets (not shown in Figure 1A). An airflow path is defined between the one or more air inlets and the one or more air outlets. The device air inlet is in fluid communication with the one or more air inlets. The device 100 also comprises a device air outlet (not shown) in fluid communication with the one or more air outlets of the recess.

[0186] A mouthpiece 105 is provided at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating device 100, the mouthpiece 105 comprises the device air outlet. The mouthpiece 105 shown in Figures 1A and 1 B is integral with the first housing 103. However, it will be appreciated that the mouthpiece 105 could alternatively be removably attachable to the first portion 101.

[0187] The second portion 102 comprises a power supply 108 and a controller 109 electrically connected to the heater assembly 106. The power supply 108 is configured to supply power to the heater assembly 106, while the controller 109 is configured to control the supply of power to the heater assembly 106.

[0188] The second portion 102 comprises a pressure sensor 107 for detecting airflow through the aerosol-generating device 100. However, it will be appreciated that the pressure sensor may alternatively be located in the first portion 101. The power supply 108 and the controller 109 are also electrically connected to the sensor 107.

[0189] Figure 1 B shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device 100 according to the present invention, in a closed position having received an aerosol-generating article 950 within the recess 110. The aerosol-generating device with an aerosol-generating article received in the recess, may together be referred to as an aerosol-generating system.

[0190] In the closed position, the heater assembly 106 opposes and closes the recess 110. The heater assembly 106 is situated in contact with the aerosol-generating article 950.

[0191] In the closed position, shown in Figure 1 B, the aerosol-generating device 100 is configured to heat the aerosol-generating article 950.

[0192] Before use and between uses of the aerosol-generating device 100, the user may keep the device in the closed position. To use the device, the user moves the first housing 103 and second housing 104 from the closed position, in which the recess 110 is closed by the second portion 102, to the open position shown in Figure 1A, in which the recess is open for insertion of the aerosol-generating article. The user can then insert an aerosol-generating article 950 into the recess 110 (see Figure 1 B). The user then moves the first housing 103 and second housing 104 from the open position to the closed position shown in Figure 1 B, in which the recess 110 is closed by the second portion 102. As the user moves the first housing relative to the second housing, the clamping mechanism 115 allows the heater assembly 106 to move towards the recess 110, as the spring 117 extends from a compressed position (when the device is open) to an extended position, such that the heater assembly is urged towards the recess 110. In particular, the heater assembly 106 is urged towards the aerosol-generating article 950 that is positioned in the recess 110. The clamping mechanism, via heater assembly 106, compresses the aerosol-generating article 950 into the recess 110. The aerosol-generating device is then ready for use.

[0193] In use, the controller 109 supplies electrical power from the power supply 108 to the heating element of the heater assembly 106 such that an electrical current passes through the heating element causing the heating element to heat up. Heat is transferred to the aerosol-forming article 950 such that aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 950 heats up and volatile compounds are vaporised from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0194] During use of the device and article shown in Figure 1 B, a user will puff on the mouthpiece 105. During each user puff, inhalation on the mouthpiece 105 of the aerosol-generating device 100 results in air being drawn through the device towards the user’s mouth. During a puff, air will be drawn from outside of the aerosol-generating device through the device air inlet, through the recess air inlet and into the recess 110. In the recess 110 the air is in contact with the aerosolforming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 950. The air passes through the aerosolgenerating article 950 to the recess air outlet. As the air passes through the aerosol-forming substrate, volatile compounds generated by the heating of the aerosol-forming substrate will become entrained in the air. As the air continues out of the recess air outlet through the device to the device air outlet, the volatile compounds cool to form an aerosol which is then inhaled by a user of the device.

[0195] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 1 B, in the closed position. As shown in Figure 2, the heater assembly 106 closes the recess, when the device is in the closed position. The heater assembly 106 comprises a heating element 120 and a support element 122 configured to provide mechanical support to the heating element. In the example shown in Figure 2, the support element 122 comprises a sealing member 124 to seal the aerosol-generating article within the recess 110 during heating. The support element 122 also comprises a fixing member 126 for fixing the heating element 120 to the sealing member 124.

[0196] The heating element 120 is mounted on the sealing member 124 facing the recess 110 so that a surface if the heating element 120 will face or contact the aerosol-generating article during heating. In the example shown in Figure 2, the heating element 120 is fixedly attached to the sealing member 124. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples the heating element 120 may be integral to the sealing member 124. The heating element 120 protrudes from the sealing member 124 towards the recess 110 to allow the heating element 120 to directly contact the aerosol-generating article, when the article is received in the recess 110. The sealing member 124 is made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0197] The device of Figure 2 is shown in the clamped position, so the spring 117 of the clamping mechanism is extended to urge the heating element 120 towards the recess 110, so that when an aerosol-generating article is received in the recess 110, the heating element contacts the article. The recess 110 comprises a recess air inlet 111 and a recess air outlet 113 with an airflow path defined therebetween, such that in use the air flow travels directly through the aerosolgenerating article received within the recess 110.

[0198] Figure 3 shows perspective views of a heating element 220, the heating element 220 mounted on a sealing member 224, and a heater assembly 206 for an aerosol-generating device according to a second example of the present disclosure. The heater assembly 206 comprising the heating element 220, the sealing member 224 and a fixing member 226. The heater assembly 206 is an alternative example of a heater assembly suitable for the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure. The heater assembly 206 may be included in the device 100 instead of the heater assembly 106.

[0199] The heating element 220 is resistive heating element, however, it will be appreciated that alternatively, or in addition an inductive heating element could be used.

[0200] The sealing member 224 comprises a sealing frame 225 configured to seal a perimeter of the recess. The sealing frame 225 has a perimetral structure surrounding an aperture. As shown in Figure 3, the heating element 220 extends across the aperture. The sealing frame 225 is configured to provide mechanical support to the heating element 220.

[0201] The heater assembly 206 further comprises a fixing member 226. The fixing member 226 is mounted to the sealing member 224. The fixing member 224 is mounted to an internal portion of the second housing of the device. The clamping mechanism comprises two springs 227 to allow the heater assembly 206 to move relative to a recess of the device, in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing

[0202] Figures 4A and 4B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 300 according to a third example of the present disclosure. The aerosolgenerating device 300 of Figures 4A and 4B is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below.

[0203] In the device shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the heater assembly 306 is resiliently mounted to an internal portion of the second housing 104 by a clamping mechanism 330 comprising two leaf springs 335. The device may alternatively comprise one, three or four leaf springs. The leaf springs 335 are configured to allow the heater assembly to move between an unclamped position, shown in Figure 4A, to a clamped position, shown in Figure 4B, in response to the second housing portion 304 being moved relative to a first housing 303 from an open position, shown in Figure 4A to a closed position, shown in Figure 4B. In the open position, the heater assembly 306 closes the recess 310, so that in use, an aerosol-generating article received in the recess 310 can be heated by a heating element 320 if the heater assembly 306. In the clamped position the leaf springs 335 are resiliently deformed to apply a force to the heater assembly 306 towards a base of the recess 310. Therefore, the heater assembly 306 applies a compressive force to an aerosolgenerating article received in the device. The heating element 320 is resiliently mounted to a support element 322 by a resilient member 340. In this example, the resilient member 340 is a leaf spring. However, it should be appreciated that the aerosol-generating device 300 could be implemented with the heating element 320 fixedly mounted to the support element 322, without a resilient member therebetween.

[0204] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a stopper 350 positioned in the first portion of the device for limiting the relative movement between the heater assembly 306 and the recess 310. As the device is moved from the open position to the closed position, when reaching the closed position the heater assembly 306, in particular the support element 322, abuts the stopper 350, therefore maintaining a longitudinal position of the heater assembly 306 above the recess 110.

[0205] Advantageously, the leaf springs 335 may me made of an electrically conductive material, to supply power from a power supply of the aerosol-generating device to the heater assembly 306, to heat the heating element 320.

[0206] Figures 5A and 5B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 400 according to a fourth example the present disclosure. The aerosolgenerating device 400 shown in Figures 5A and 5B is substantially the same as the aerosolgenerating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with those of the third example share the same reference numerals.

[0207] The clamping mechanism 430 of the aerosol-generating device 400 comprises two flexible leaf springs 435 and two rigid hinges 436 connecting the leaf springs 435 to the support element 322. As the second housing 304 is moved relative to the first housing 303 the heater assembly 306 is guided towards the recess 310 by the hinges 436 on the flexible leaf springs 435. As the device reaches the closed, clamped position, the support element 322 abuts the stopper 350, which prevents further movement of the heater assembly 306 in the longitudinal direction of the device, while the support element 322 and heating element 320 are urged towards the recess 310 by the hinges 436.

[0208] The aerosol-generating device 400 also comprises a limitation spring 438 for limiting movement of the heater assembly 306 with respect to the second housing 304. In the open position, the limitation spring 438 is extended (Figure 5A) and in the closed position the limitation spring 438 is compressed (Figure 5B).

[0209] Figures 6A and 6B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 500 according to a fifth example the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 500 shown in Figures 6A and 6B is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with those of the third and fourth examples share the same reference numerals.

[0210] The aerosol-generating device 500 comprises a clamping mechanism 530. The clamping mechanism 530 comprises a first, sloped, wedge-shaped element 533 which is part of the support element 522. The clamping mechanism 530 further comprises a second, sloped, wedge-shaped element 534 which is connected to the second housing 304 via a leaf spring 535. Alternatively, the second wedge-shaped element may be elastically deformable and connected directly to the second housing 304. The limitation spring 438 limits the movement of the heater assembly 506 with respect to the second housing 304.

[0211] First sloped, wedge-shaped, element 533 and the second sloped, wedge-shaped, element 534 comprise corresponding slopes configured to slide relative to one another to allow relative movement between the heater assembly 506 and the recess 310, in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing 304.

[0212] The aerosol-generating device 500 is shown in the unclamped position in Figure 6A and the clamped position in Figure 6B.

[0213] Figures 7A and 7B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a sixth example the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 600 shown in Figures 7A and 7B is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with those of the fifth example share the same reference numerals.

[0214] The aerosol-generating device 600 comprises an anchor 660 that limits the movement of the heater assembly 506. The anchor is configured to allow a first end of the support element 522 to move in the longitudinal direction of the device 600, while the corresponding sloped, wedge- shaped, elements 533, 534 slide relative to each other, allowing the support element 522 to tilt in open position.

[0215] When closing the device, the support element 522 is stopped by the anchor 660 abutting a stopper 650, which maintains the longitudinal position of the heater assembly 506 with respect to the recess 310.

[0216] In the unclamped position, the first wedge 533, is adjacent to the second wedge 534 in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device 600. In the clamped position, the first, sloped, wedge-shaped element 533 and the second, sloped, wedge-shaped element 533 and the 534 are longitudinally aligned and but displaced in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, to urge the heating element 320 into the recess 310.

[0217] Figures 8A and 8B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 700 according to a seventh example the present disclosure. The aerosolgenerating device 700 shown in Figures 8A and 8B is substantially the same as the aerosolgenerating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with the sixth example share the same reference numerals.

[0218] The clamping mechanism 730 comprises a spring 717 connected between the second housing 704 and the support element 722. The spring resiliently urges the heater assembly 706 towards the recess 310 as the second housing 704 is moved to a closed position relative to the first housing 703. The rollers 760 allow relative movement between the heater assembly 706 and the recess 310. The first portion 701 comprises roller recesses 750 configured to receive the rollers 760 in the clamped position.

[0219] Figures 9A and 9B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device according to a eighth example the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 800 shown in Figures 9A and 9B is substantially the same as the aerosol-generating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with the fourth and seventh examples share the same reference numerals.

[0220] The aerosol-generating device 800 comprises the clamping mechanism 717 and the heater assembly 306.

[0221] The aerosol-generating device 800 comprises a latch 820 positioned in the second portion and attached to an inner surface of the second housing 704. The latch 820 engages with the support member 322 in the unclamped position. In this position, the heater assembly 306 is raised relative to the recess 310.

[0222] The first portion of the aerosol-generating device 800 comprises a stopper 810. The stopper 810 engages with the latch 820 in the clamped position.

[0223] In the unclamped position the heater assembly is vertically secured by the latch 820. As a user moves the first housing 702, towards the closed position, the latch 820 catches on the stopper 810 and releases the support member 322. As the support member 322 is released by the latch 820, the spring 717 resiliently urges the heater assembly 306 towards the recess 310.

[0224] The aerosol-generating device further comprises a recovery element 815 has an inclined contact surface for guiding the heater assembly 306 away from the recess 310 and urging the heater assembly 306 back to the unclamped position which involves compressing the spring 717 until the support element 322 re-engages with the latch 820.

[0225] Figures 10A and 10B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 850 according to a ninth example the present disclosure. The aerosolgenerating device 850 shown in Figures 10A and 10B is substantially the same as the aerosolgenerating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with the eighth example share the same reference numerals.

[0226] The clamping mechanism comprises a spring 717 configured to move between an extended state in the unclamped position (Figure 10A) and a compressed state in the clamped position (Figure 10B). Movement of the heater assembly 306 between the unclamped and clamped positions is controlled by the displacement profile 864 of the sliding mechanism shown in Figure 10C.

[0227] In this example, the first housing 703 is connected to the second housing 704 by a sliding mechanism. As the first housing 703 is moved relative to the second housing 740 by a user sliding the first housing 703 in a longitudinal direction of the device, the displacement profile 864 of the sliding mechanism causes the heater assembly 306 to move relative to the recess 310 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the device. So as the first housing 703 is moved towards to the second housing 740 by a user sliding the first housing, the spring 717 is compressed.

[0228] Figures 11A and 11 B show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an aerosolgenerating device 880 according to a tenth example the present disclosure. The aerosolgenerating device 880 shown in Figures 11A and 11 B is substantially the same as the aerosolgenerating device 100, and works in substantially the same way, except where described below. Features in common with the ninth example share the same reference numerals.

[0229] In the example shown in Figures 11 A and 11 B, the heater assembly 306 is fixedly attached to the second housing 704. So the heater assembly does not move relative to the housing 704.

[0230] In this example, the first housing 703 is connected to the second housing 704 by a sliding mechanism. The displacement profile of the sliding mechanism 884 is shown in Figure 11C. The sliding mechanism comprises a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism comprises a spring 887.

[0231] As the first housing 703 is moved relative to the second housing 740 by a user sliding the first housing 703 in a longitudinal direction of the device, the displacement profile 884 of the sliding mechanism causes the first housing 703 to move relative to the second housing 704 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the device. Therefore, as the first housing 703 is moved relative to the second housing 740 by a user sliding the first housing 703 in a longitudinal direction of the device, the displacement profile 884 of the sliding mechanism causes the heater assembly 306 to move relative to the recess 310 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the device. For example, in an open, unclamped, position, the spring 887 is extended and the heater assembly 306 is offset from the recess 310 in both the longitudinal direction and in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. As the first housing 703 is moved towards to the second housing 740 in the longitudinal direction, the spring 887 is compressed to move the second housing 704 and therefore the heater assembly 306 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. This movement continues until the heater assembly 306 is aligned with the recess 310, at which point, the device is in a closed, clamped position. In the closed, clamped position the spring 887 is extended due to displacement profile of the 884 of the sliding mechanism 884, so the heater assembly 306 closes the recess 310.

[0232] The displacement profile of the 884 of the sliding mechanism also includes recovery elements, such as the slopes shown in Figure 11 C. The slopes allow the sliding of the first housing 703 relative to the second housing 704 out of the clamped or unclamped position, in which the spring 887 is extended, by transferring a force applied by a user in the longitudinal direction into a force that acts to compress the spring 887.

[0233] Figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a recess an aerosol-generating device 900 according to an eleventh example of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating device 900 comprises all of the features of the aerosol-generating device 100 discussed above for Figures 1A and 1 B.

[0234] The recess 910 comprises an air inlet 911 and an air outlet 912. A width 921 of the recess 910, a length 922 of the recess 910 and a depth 923 of the recess 910 are shown.

[0235] The shortest line 924 joining the air inlet 911 and the air outlet 912 is non-parallel to the width 921 of the recess 910. The shortest line 924 joining the air inlet 911 and the aerosol outlet 912 is non-parallel to the length 922 of the recess 910.

[0236] The air inlet 911 is at a first depth and the aerosol outlet 912 is at a second depth. The first depth and the second depth are different.

[0237] The recess 904 comprises a base wall 905 and sidewalls. The sidewalls comprise an upstream sidewall 906 and a downstream sidewall 907.

[0238] The air inlet 911 is provided in the upstream sidewall 906. The air outlet 912 is provided in the downstream sidewall 907.

[0239] The distance between the air outlet 912 and the base wall 905 is less than the distance between the air inlet 911 and the base wall 905. In alternative embodiments, the distance between the air outlet and the base wall may be the same as, or greater than the distance between the air inlet and the base wall.

[0240] An aerosol-generating article 950 for use with an aerosol-generating device of the present invention is shown in Figure 13. The aerosol-generating article 950 comprises a container 960. The container 960 comprises a first wall 961 and a second wall 962 which together define a substrate compartment 963. An aerosol-generating substrate 964 is provided in the substrate compartment.

[0241] In the example shown in Figure 13, the first wall 961 is formed from a non-woven cotton material. The first wall 961 comprises between 85 weight percent and 90 weight percent cellulose, between 7 weight percent and 16 weight percent hemicellulose, and between 1 weight percent and 3 weight percent lignin. The first wall 961 is porous.

[0242] The second wall 962 comprises paper. The second wall 962 has a grammage of about 35 gsm. The second wall is non-porous.

[0243] The second wall 962 is substantially planar. The second wall 962 has a higher stiffness than the first wall 961. In this way, the first wall 961 may generally form a bag shape which is closed by the second wall 962.

[0244] An aerosol-generating substrate 964 is provided in the substrate compartment 963. The aerosol-generating substrate 964 comprises granules of homogenised tobacco material, and an aerosol-former. The aerosol-former comprises glycerine. The substrate compartment 963 contains about 150 milligrams of aerosol-generating substrate 964.

[0245] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article, the aerosolgenerating device comprising: a first portion comprising a first housing, the first housing comprising a recess for receiving the aerosol-generating article; a second portion comprising a second housing and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess; a connection mechanism connecting the first housing to the second housing and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing; and a clamping mechanism configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in response to relative movement between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a resilient element configured to allow a relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the connection mechanism is configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing in a first plane and the clamping mechanism is configured to allow relative movement between the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly in a second plane.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the clamping mechanism is configured to allow relative movement of the recess and at least a portion of the heater assembly between a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein the distance between the at least a portion of the heater assembly and a base of the recess in the second plane is greater in the unclamped position than in the clamped position.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein in the clamped position an opening of the recess is substantially closed by at least a portion of the heater assembly.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resilient element comprises a spring and the second portion comprises the spring, wherein the spring is configured to allow the at least a portion of the heater assembly to move relative to the recess.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the spring is a leaf spring.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the resilient element comprises an electrically conductive material.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a limitation element configured to limit the movement of the heater assembly with respect to the second housing.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heater assembly comprises a heating element, a support element for supporting the heating element, and a resilient member positioned between the support element and the heating element for allowing relative movement between the support element and the heating element.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 10, the connection mechanism comprising a connection sliding mechanism connecting the first portion to the second portion and configured to allow relative movement between the first housing and the second housing.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the connection mechanism is configured to allow relative movement of the first housing and second housing between a closed position, in which the recess is closed by the second portion, and an open position, in which the recess for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion comprises a mouthpiece.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim; and an aerosol-generating article.

15. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a container, the container comprising: a first wall and a second wall, the first wall comprising a different material to the second wall, the first wall and second wall together defining a substrate compartment, and an aerosol-generating substrate provided in the substrate compartment, wherein the first wall comprises a flexible cellulosic material, and wherein the second wall has a higher stiffness than the first wall.

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