Aerosol-forming article and aerosol-forming device

Abstract

A fluidic interconnection element (81) for an aerosol-forming device, the fluidic interconnection element configured to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosol-forming device and a removable aerosol-forming article, the fluidic interconnection element comprising a blade structure (84) surrounding a flow path (805) defining a central axis, the blade structure having a first end (83) configured to face a fluidic opening of an aerosol-forming article, and a second end (88) configured to provide a fluidic connection to another element of the aerosol-forming device, wherein an outer wall of the blade structure has a sloped or tapered shape thereby increasing a thickness of the blade structure in a direction from the first end to the second end, wherein an outer edge of the blade structure includes a wavy end edge (810).

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-FORMING ARTICLE AND AEROSOL-FORMING DEVICE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol-forming systems and devices for generating aerosol, also referred to as aerosol-generating systems and devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to electronic aerosol-forming systems, devices, and articles configured to generate aerosol inhalable by a user and / or to generate nicotine-containing aerosol. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-forming device with housing parts that are movable relative to each other, to an aerosol-forming system comprising such aerosol-forming device, and to use of such aerosol-forming device and / or system. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of loading an aerosol-forming article into a heating chamber of an aerosolforming device.

[0003] Aerosol-forming or aerosol-generating devices are typically designed as handheld devices that can be used by a user for consuming or experiencing, for instance in one or more usage sessions, aerosol generated from an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming article, for example by heating. The aerosol-forming devices the present disclosure pertains to are mainly directed to the field of tobacco and tobacco-substitute products, as well as e-vapor devices, for example heated tobacco products (HTP), heat-not-burn devices, electronic cigarettes, e-vapor devices, and / or vaporisers. The aerosol-forming devices of the present disclosure may also pertain to other types of inhalers, dispensers, or atomizers, for example inhalers, dispensers, or atomizers for medical applications.

[0004] Typical aerosol-forming systems can be designed as one-part systems or devices including an aerosol-forming device that can be operated by a user to generate aerosol. Alternatively, aerosol-forming systems can be designed as two-part systems or devices comprising an aerosolforming device and a companion device for storing and / or charging the aerosol-forming device. In either design or configuration, the aerosol-forming system or device can be used by a user for consuming or inhaling, for instance in one or more usage sessions, aerosol generated based on heating an aerosol-forming article or substrate couplable to the aerosol-forming system. In the context of the present disclosure, an aerosol-forming device can refer to both a one-part device and a two-part device, unless explicitly specified otherwise.

[0005] The aerosol-forming article, also referred to as aerosol-generating article, can comprise an aerosol-generating or aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco or nicotine-containing substrate. The aerosol-forming article may be configured in shape and size to be inserted at least partially into the aerosol-forming device or system. In conventional systems or devices, the aerosol-forming article is usually formed as a stick that can be at least partly inserted into a cavity or heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device for aerosol consumption. Insertion of the sticklike shaped aerosol-forming article into the cavity, however, can potentially damage the aerosolforming article, which may potentially affect an experience for a user, for example in terms of taste or homogeneity of the experience. Also, inserting the aerosol-forming article into and removing it from the cavity of conventional systems may, at least for some users or in certain scenarios, be cumbersome.

[0006] Exemplary aerosol-forming substrates can comprise solid substrate material, such as tobacco material or tobacco cast leaves (TCL) material. The substrate material can, for example, be assembled, often with other elements or components, to form a substantially stick-shaped aerosol-forming article. Such a stick or aerosol-forming article can be configured in shape and size to be inserted at least partially into the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device may comprise a heating element or heater device for heating the aerosol-forming article and / or the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element or heater device may be part of the aerosolforming article and / or the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively or additionally, aerosol-forming substrates can comprise one or more liquids and / or solids, which can, for example, be supplied to the aerosol-forming device in the form of a cartridge or container. Corresponding exemplary aerosol-forming articles can, for example, comprise a cartridge containing or fillable with the liquid and / or solid substrate, which can be vaporized during aerosol consumption by the user based on heating the substrate and / or liquid. Usually, such cartridge or container can be coupled to, attached to or at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively, the cartridge may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol-forming device and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid into the cartridge.

[0007] The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate or article may comprise or include one or more of nicotine, aroma, sugar, moisturising agent, botanicals, preservative, flavouring, for example cocoa, liquorice, menthol and lactic acid or other additives. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate or article may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more pharmaceutical agents or drugs and may include one or more adjuvants.

[0008] For generating the aerosol during use or consumption, heat can be supplied by a heating element, heater device or heat source to heat at least a portion or part of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element, heater device or heat source can be arranged in the handheld device or a handheld part of the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of or the entire heating element or heater device or heat source can be fixedly associated with or arranged within an aerosol-forming article, for instance in the form of a stick or cartridge, which can be attached to and / or powered by the handheld device or handheld part of the aerosolforming device.

[0009] Exemplary heating elements or heater devices can be based on one or more of resistive heating, inductive heating and microwave heating using electrical energy supplied via, drawn from or stored in an energy storage or battery of the aerosol-forming device. As used herein, a battery of the aerosol-forming device can generally refer to an energy storage of the aerosol-forming device configured to store electrical energy. Accordingly, the term energy storage can include one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators or other types of energy storage. Also, any reference to a battery herein can include a plurality of batteries.

[0010] Typically, aerosol-forming devices comprise an energy storage, for example a battery, providing the electrical energy needed to operate the aerosol-forming device and especially for heating the aerosol-forming substrate and / or article, for example to generate aerosol in one or more usage sessions using one or more aerosol-forming articles. The battery may, for example, be a lithium-ion battery.

[0011] As used herein, a usage session may refer to a period of time, during which a user may use the device to generate, consume, experience or inhale aerosol using the aerosol-forming device. Therein, a usage session may be finite. In other words, a usage session may have a start, an end and a duration. The duration of the usage session as measured by time may be influenced by use during the usage session. The duration of the usage session may have a maximum duration determined by a maximum time from the start of the usage session. The duration of the usage session may be less than the maximum time if one or more monitored parameters reaches a predetermined threshold before the maximum time from the start of the usage session. By way of example, the one or more monitored parameters may comprise one or more of: i) a cumulative puff count of a series of puffs drawn by a user since the start of the usage session, and ii) a cumulative volume of aerosol evolved from the aerosol-forming substrate since the start of the usage session.

[0012] The sticks used as aerosol-forming articles may be predominantly based on cylindrical rodshape embodiments, following the traditional concepts from conventional tobacco containing products (TCP), and its manufacturing, for example rod-making technologies. Cylindrical rodshape consumables may be designed for use with devices having tubular cavities, which may use several heating technologies (induction and resistive are common, and there also exists infrared heating, microwave heating, etc) to generate a heated temperature profile for aerosolization of the consumable. The cylindrical consumable geometry, however, may result in non-uniform heat distribution along the radial direction of its cross section. This, in turn, may negatively influence the aerosol quality provided by these devices and may also lead to non-uniform and incomplete depletion of the aerosol-forming article, i.e. a waste of substrate.

[0013] It may therefore be desirable to provide for an improved aerosol-forming device and system, which overcomes or at least mitigates the drawbacks of conventional systems, for example which allows for safe insertion of an aerosol-forming article into and / or removal from an aerosol-forming device. For example, it may be desirable to provide for an improved aerosol-forming device using an improved aerosol-forming article, ensuring a more uniform heat distribution in the aerosolforming article and improving aerosol quality and user experience. These advantages may be achieved by the features described herein.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an aerosol-forming device, an aerosol-forming system, use of such system and / or device, and to a method of loading an aerosol-forming article into an aerosol-forming device. It is noted that any disclosure presented herein with reference to one or an aspect of the present disclosure, equally applies to any other aspect of the present disclosure, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In particular, it is emphasized that any disclosure presented herein with respect to an aerosol-forming device equally applies to an aerosol-forming system comprising such aerosol-forming device and an aerosol-forming article, and optionally comprising a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy and / or store the aerosol-forming device.

[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces or surfaces, which may also be referred to as large surfaces or faces of the aerosol-forming article, two opposing side faces or surfaces, also referred to herein as lateral or small surfaces or faces of the aerosol-forming article, and two opposing end faces or surfaces. The aerosol-forming article includes an aerosol-forming substrate arranged between the opposing main faces. Further, the aerosol-forming article may comprise an upstream air inlet and a downstream aerosol outlet located on the two opposing end faces. The aerosol-forming device comprises a main air inlet for receiving an airflow from an outside. The outside may refer to an exterior environment or surrounding of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a downstream element removably or fixedly attachable to a mouthpiece of the aerosol-forming device, wherein the downstream element includes a downstream air channel. The downstream element may also be referred to herein as second housing part or as mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a device body, also referred to herein as body portion or first housing part of the aerosol-forming device, wherein the body part includes a heating chamber, which defines an insertion direction for at least partly inserting an aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a first air path structure with two parallelly arranged first air channels fluidically connected or coupled to the main air inlet, the first air channels running in parallel to the heating chamber on two opposing sides thereof. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a second air path structure arranged and / or configured to redirect the air flow from the two parallelly arranged first air channels to a center axis of the aerosol-forming device. The center axis (also referred to as central axis) may be coaxial to or define a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a center upstream air channel for fluidically connecting the second airpath structure with an upstream inlet of the aerosol-forming article. The upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article may also be referred to herein as air inlet or inlet of the aerosol-forming device.

[0016] The configuration and design of the aerosol-forming device with main air inlet or device air inlet, the downstream element, the first and second airpath structures, and the center upstream air channel can advantageously allow to draw fresh air into the device, which may result in an airflow passing through the aerosol-forming article to enrich the air or airflow with aerosol generated, for example, based on heating the aerosol-forming article in the heating chamber. The airflow path or channel of the device will be described in more detail in the Figures, making reference to several airflow path portions. However, this terminology is used for explanatory purposes only and refers to the same airflow path described here and in other parts of the present disclosure.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" may describe the relative positions of components or elements of the aerosol-forming device in relation to the direction of the airflow, for example, an airflow through the aerosol-generating article. The airflow through the article may refer to the flow through the article, when placed in the aerosol-generating device. The airflow through the aerosol-forming article, for example from upstream to downstream, may be substantially directed along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device and / or article. The airflow through the aerosol-forming article may, for example, correspond to a net airflow through the aerosol-forming device.

[0018] As used herein, “upstream” may refer to a location that comes before a particular point of reference in the direction of the airflow. For example, an upstream part or element of the device may refer to a part or element where the air comes from before reaching the reference point. As used herein, “downstream” may refer to a location that comes after a particular point of reference in the direction of the airflow. For example, a downstream part or element of the device may refer to a part or element where the air goes or flows to after leaving the reference point.

[0019] The aerosol-forming device may have a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a normal axis, each being transverse, in particular orthogonal, to each other. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or may extend from a proximal end or portion towards a distal end or portion of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, the proximal end or portion may be associated with a mouthpiece portion or mouthpiece that may be contacted by a user’s mouth during aerosol generation or consumption. The longitudinal axis may be coaxial to or define a center axis and / or an insertion axis of the aerosol-forming device. Unless otherwise stated, a reference to a longitudinal axis may mean the center axis or longitudinal center axis. A transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the transverse axis, and a normal direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the normal axis. When the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device are both arranged, oriented or aligned in a horizontal plane, the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device defines a vertical axis of the aerosol-forming device. Therefore, the normal axis, respectively the normal direction may also be referred to herein as vertical axis, respectively as vertical direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0020] The longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a transverse axis of the heating chamber. The normal axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a normal axis of the heating chamber.

[0021] Accordingly, at least when the aerosol-forming article is at least partly inserted in the heating chamber, the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article. The transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a transverse axis of the aerosol-forming article. The normal axis of the aerosol-forming device may define or be coaxial to a normal axis of the aerosol-forming article.

[0022] An extension, length or size of the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosol-forming article may be longer in longitudinal direction than in directions transverse, for example orthogonal, thereto. Specifically, the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosol-forming article, respectively, may have a length measured along the longitudinal direction or axis, a width measured along the transverse direction or axis, and a thickness or height measured along the normal axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosol-forming article, respectively. Accordingly, the transverse axis may also be referred to herein as width axis, and the transverse direction may also be referred to herein as width direction. Further, the normal axis may also be referred to herein as height or thickness axis, and the normal direction may also be referred to herein as height or thickness direction of the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosol-forming article, respectively.

[0023] It is noted that any dimension size or extension, such as the length, width, thickness and height of one or more of the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosolforming article can refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance measured along the respective direction (e.g., longitudinal direction, transverse direction, normal direction) between two points, sides or ends of the aerosol-forming device, the heating chamber and / or the aerosolforming article.

[0024] For example, the length of the aerosol-forming device may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two ends or end surfaces of the aerosol-forming device opposing each other in longitudinal direction. The width of the aerosol-forming device may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two lateral surfaces or sides of the aerosolforming device opposing each other in transverse direction. The height or thickness of the aerosol- forming device may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two main surfaces or sides of the aerosol-forming device opposing each other in normal direction.

[0025] The length of the aerosol-forming article may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two ends or end surfaces of the aerosol-forming article opposing each other in longitudinal direction. The width of the aerosol-forming article may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two lateral surfaces or sides of the aerosol-forming article opposing each other in transverse direction. The height or thickness of the aerosol-forming article may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two main surfaces or sides of the aerosolforming article opposing each other in normal direction.

[0026] The length of the heating chamber may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two ends or end surfaces of the heating chamber opposing each other in longitudinal direction. The width of the heating chamber may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two lateral surfaces or sides of the heating chamber opposing each other in transverse direction. The height or thickness of the heating chamber may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance between two main surfaces or sides of the heating chamber opposing each other in normal direction.

[0027] Further, the longitudinal direction may define and / or may be parallel to an insertion direction, along which the aerosol-forming article may be inserted into the heating chamber. Accordingly, the longitudinal axis may define and / or may be parallel or coaxial to an insertion axis.

[0028] For example, the aerosol-forming article may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming article may be plate-like or cuboid formed. The aerosol-forming article may comprise two opposing main surfaces, which may be substantially flat. When the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device, a surface normal vector of the two opposing main surfaces may be parallel to the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Further, the aerosol-forming article may comprise two end faces or surfaces, in particular substantially flat end faces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device. The two end faces or surfaces may form the smallest surfaces of the aerosol-forming article. Moreover, the aerosol-forming article may comprise two lateral faces, in particular substantially flat lateral faces or surfaces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, each of the lateral faces of the aerosol-forming article may have a surface normal vector substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device. The heating chamber may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The heating chamber may comprise two opposing main surfaces, which may, for example, be substantially flat. A surface normal vector of the two opposing main surfaces may be parallel to the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Further, the heating chamber may comprise two end faces or surfaces, in particular substantially flat end faces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The two end faces or surfaces may form the smallest surfaces of the heating chamber. It is noted that these surfaces or faces may refer to an open volume provided by the heating chamber. For example, at least one of the end faces or surfaces may be an open end, for example defining an insertion opening for the aerosol-forming article. Moreover, the heating chamber may comprise two lateral faces, in particular substantially flat lateral faces or surfaces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, each of the lateral faces of the heating chamber may have a surface normal vector substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0029] The downstream element of the aerosol-forming device, respectively, the second housing part or mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-forming device, may be slidably attached or coupled to the device body, such that the downstream element is movable, for example relative to the body part, from an open position to a use position, wherein in the use position, at least one or a plurality of air gaps is formed between the mouthpiece portion and the device body serving as the main air inlet or device air inlet (or a plurality of main / device air inlets). The downstream element and the device body may be moved or displaced relative to each other along the longitudinal direction or parallel to the longitudinal axis between the open position and the use position.

[0030] It should be noted that a sliding arrangement or coupling of the downstream element and the device body is exemplary only. Generally, the downstream element and the device body can be configured to be movable relative to each other between the open position and the use position. For instance, the downstream element and the device can be coupled via one or more hinges, via one or more connection elements, such as a rod, a pin, an elastic element, or the like, via a flap mechanism, via a folding mechanism or other coupling. Optionally, the downstream element and the device body may be separable and may be plugged or removably interlocked together, for example via an interlocking means or mechanism. Other couplings, such as a magnetic or electromagnetic coupling, are also envisaged in the frame of the present disclosure.

[0031] The use position and the open position of the aerosol-forming device may generally refer to two different configurations of the aerosol-forming device. Also, the terms open position and closed position may be used herein with reference to one or more elements or components of the aerosol-forming device, such as for example the downstream element, the device body, the first housing part, the second housing part, and the heating chamber, thereby describing different configurations of said components or elements.

[0032] For example, between the open position and the use position, the device body (also referred to herein as first housing part) may be moved or displaced relative to a mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-forming device. The mouthpiece portion is also referred to herein as second housing part and / or downstream element of the aerosol-forming device. The device body may be moved relative to the mouthpiece portion or the second housing part, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis or along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. A relative movement of the mouthpiece portion with respect to the device body in one or more other directions transverse to the longitudinal axis, for example in transverse or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device, is possible.

[0033] The aerosol-forming device being in the open position, respectively, being in the closed position, may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein with the device body and / or second mouthpiece portion being in the open position, respectively, being in the closed position.

[0034] In the use position, the heating chamber may be closed and / or covered by the mouthpiece portion and / or the device body. Accordingly, the heating chamber may not be accessible, respectively, may be inaccessible for a user to insert the aerosol-forming article or remove it therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming article may only be inserted into the heating chamber when the device body and / or the mouthpiece portion are displaced or moved relative to each other out of the use position, for example are displaced towards the open position. Optionally, generation of aerosol may only be allowed in the use position.

[0035] In the open position, the heating chamber may be accessible, for example for inserting an aerosol-forming article into or removing it from the heating chamber.

[0036] In an example, a relative displacement or movement of the device body and the mouthpiece portion from the open position towards or into the use position may refer to a displacement or movement of the mouthpiece portion from a proximal end towards a distal end of the aerosolforming device, and / or may refer to a displacement or movement of the device body from a distal end towards a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, the first housing part and the second housing part may be moved or displaced towards each other, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, when moving the first housing part and the second housing part from the open position towards or into the use position. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing part and the second housing part may be moved or displaced away from each other, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, when moving first housing part and the second housing part from the use position towards or into the open position. The second airpath structure may include a backplate arranged at a distal end of the heating chamber, the backplate separating the heating chamber from a fluidic connection provided by the second air path structure, the backplate including two traversing openings to provide a fluidic connection of the second airpath structure with the two parallelly arranged first air channels.

[0037] As used herein, the terms “distal” and “proximal” are used to describe the locations of components or elements in relation to a user holding or using the aerosol-generating device, for example using the aerosol-forming device to consume or inhale aerosol. Therein, “distal” can refer to a location or element that is farther away from the user, and “proximal” can refer to a location or element that is closer to the user.

[0038] The fluidic connection of the second air path structure may provide for two or more linear fluidic pathways from a side wall towards a center axis of the device. In other words, the fluidic connection of the second air path structure may comprise two or more linear fluidic pathways from a side wall towards a center axis of the device. Accordingly, air or an airflow through the second fluidic air path structure may flow from a side wall towards the center axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0039] In an example, the aerosol-forming device may further comprise a resistive heater element constituting a convective heater extending along the two or more linear fluidic pathways for heating the airflow passing through the second airpath structure. Accordingly, air flowing through the two or more linear fluidic pathways may be guided along or may pass the resistive heater element, such that the air may be heated and / or a temperature of the air may be increased. The resistive heater element may provide a pre-heating advantageously allowing to pass pre-heated or heated air through the aerosol-forming article. As will be explained below, the resistive heater elements may allow flash heating and heating on demand, i.e puff-based heating. This may potentially reduce an amount of energy required for heating the aerosol-forming article to actually generate aerosol.

[0040] The two parallelly arranged first air channels may be arranged to not fluidically connect with the heating chamber. Accordingly, the two parallelly arranged first air channels may be fluidically decoupled or isolated from the heating chamber. Further, the two parallelly arranged first air channels may have first air inlets at a proximal end of the device body, the first air inlets being fluidically connected to the main air inlet. For example, each of the first air channels may have one or more first air inlets fluidically coupled to the main air inlet, such that air can be drawn into the first air channels via the main air inlet. It is noted that more than two parallelly arranged first air channels are also possible.

[0041] The heater casing may be at least partly housed or inserted in an insulating casing. The heater casing and / or the insulating casing may be made of a material having a high thermal resistivity or low thermal conductivity, preferably a thermal conductivity below 1 W / (m • K), more preferably below 0.5 W / (m • K), for example a plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and / or polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and / or polyetherimide (PEI), preferably PEEK. Additionally or alternatively, the heater casing and / or the insulating casing may be made of a material having an isobaric mass heat capacity Cpof 3 or more, preferably 2 or more or 1 or more or 0.5 or more. This helps in keeping the heating energy inside the heater while minimizing losses through the walls.

[0042] The two parallelly arranged first air channels may be arranged between an inner heater casing that forms the heating chamber, and the outer insulation casing or insulating casing that at least partially encapsules the heater casing. For example, the inner heating casing and the outer insulating casing may be spaced apart from each other, thereby defining the two parallelly arranged first air channels.

[0043] The heating chamber may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the two parallelly arranged first air channels may be arranged along one or both of the small side faces of the heating chamber, also referred to herein as lateral faces of the heating chamber. For instance, on each of the small side faces, one of the two first air channels may be arranged. For example, the two parallelly arranged first air channels may be provided by or as grooves in the small side faces of the heating chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the two parallelly arranged first air channels or additional channels may be arranged along the main faces or surfaces of the heating chamber, for example as gap between the heater casing and the insulation casing.

[0044] It should be noted that the two parallelly arranged first air channels are preferably arranged substantially parallel to each other. Accordingly, the term “parallel” as used herein does not require a strict parallel arrangement of the air channels, but deviations therefrom, for example along the main extension of the air channels, are included. The same applies to any other reference to a parallel arrangement or extension of other components, members or parts of the aerosol-generating device, system and / or article. Hence, whenever referring to parallel herein, deviations from a strict parallel arrangement, for example by about 1 %-50% are included.

[0045] Also, the two first air channels may at least partly be arranged skew or crooked to each other in one or more spatial directions. Phrased differently, the first air channels may at least in parts extend in different directions with respect to each other.

[0046] In an example, the center upstream air channel for fluidically connecting the second airpath structure with the upstream inlet of the aerosol-forming article may include a convective heater or convective heater assembly for heating the airflow, the convective heater forming an air path at or near the center or center axis, for example parallel to the insertion direction. The convective heater may be or may comprise the resistive heating element as already mentioned. The convective heater may provide a pre-heating advantageously allowing air to pass therethrough to increase a temperature of the air. This may potentially reduce an amount of energy required for heating the aerosol-forming article to actually generate aerosol.

[0047] In an exemplary configuration, the center upstream air channel may include a slit-like shape. In other words, the center upstream air channel may be slit-like formed.

[0048] The second air path structure may be arranged to redirect the air flow from the two parallelly arranged first air channels to the center upstream air channel, to pass or guide the air through the convective heater assembly.

[0049] The first air inlets may be arranged and / or configured as air passages that are open towards the heating chamber. Therein, the air passages may define or include a flow area, for example given by a cross-sectional area of the air passages. The first air inlets may be arranged at the small side faces or lateral faces of the heating chamber, such that presence of the aerosol-forming article defines or creates a resistance-to-draw of the flow path with the defined flow area of the air passages.

[0050] The two parallelly arranged first air channels may be arranged to fl uidical ly connect with the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the two parallelly arranged first air channels may be open towards the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the two parallelly arranged first air channels may be arranged or may extend along the small side faces or lateral faces of the heating chamber.

[0051] The two parallelly arranged first air channels may each have a first air inlet at the proximal end of the device body, the first air inlet forming a cavity having a funnel or wedge-type shape.

[0052] An insertion of the aerosol-forming article to or into the heating chamber may close a side of the first air channels, such that the air flows past the small side faces or lateral faces of the aerosol-forming article.

[0053] The downstream element may have a downstream air channel arranged along the center axis of the aerosol-forming device, for example in parallel to an insertion direction for inserting an aerosol-forming article. The downstream element and / or the aerosol-forming article may further comprise a nucleation chamber in fluidic connection with the downstream air channel. Also, more than one downstream air channels are possible.

[0054] In an example, the nucleation chamber may comprise at least one air inlet or separate air inlet. Via the air inlet and / or separate air inlet, fresh air or surrounding air may be drawn into the nucleation chamber, and the drawn air may mix with the air in the nucleation chamber. Such mixing with fresh air in the nucleation chamber may advantageously improve aerosol quality and taste.

[0055] In an exemplary configuration, the at least one air inlet and / or the at least one separate air inlet may be fluidically connected or coupled to the main air inlet. Accordingly, via the main air inlet, fresh air may be drawn through the air inlet and / or separate air inlet of the nucleation chamber into the nucleation chamber. This may allow to avoid obstruction of only one of the first or second airflow branches separately, as either both are obstructed, or none. This may in turn simplify the recognition and therefore elimination of an obstruction. Also, the arrangement of the airflow paths in this way is very compact and space saving. Alternatively, however, the air inlet and / or separate air inlet of the nucleation chamber may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the outside or exterior environment via another opening or inlet.

[0056] In an example, the aerosol-forming device may be connected to an outside or exterior environment only via the main air inlet. Accordingly, only via the main air inlet fresh air, for example ambient air, may be drawn from the outside or exterior environment of the aerosolforming device.

[0057] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fluidic interconnection element for an aerosol-forming device, wherein the fluidic interconnection element may be configured to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosol-forming device and an aerosolforming article insertable into and / or removable from the aerosol-forming device. The fluidic interconnection element, as used herein, may refer to an element or component for fluidically connecting and / or coupling the aerosol-forming device and an aerosol-forming article. The fluidic interconnection element may provide an at least partly fluid-tight sealing between the aerosolforming device and an aerosol-forming article. For example, the upstream fluidic interconnection element may provide some or a certain degree of airtightness and / or the downstream fluidic interconnection element may provide some or a certain degree of aerosol-tightness, when fluidically interconnected to the upstream inlet or downstream outlet, respectively. The fluidic interconnection element may also be referred to herein as sealing member or element. The terminology of “sealing member”, however, does not imply a complete sealing or complete fluid- tight seal between the aerosol-forming device and the aerosol-forming article.

[0058] The fluidic interconnection element comprises a blade structure surrounding, enclosing or encompassing a flow path defining a central axis of the fluidic interconnection element. The central axis of the fluidic interconnection element may be coaxial with a central axis of the aerosolforming device, when the fluidic interconnection element is mounted to or arranged in an aerosolforming device. The blade structure has or includes a first end configured to face a fluidic opening of an aerosol-forming article, and a second end configured to provide a fluidic connection to the aerosol-forming device, for example another element of the aerosol-forming device, wherein an outer wall of the blade structure has a sloped or tapered shape thereby increasing a thickness of the blade structure in a direction from the first end to the second end. An outer edge of the blade structure may include a wavy end edge.

[0059] The outer edge of the blade structure may be the edge located at the first end of the fluidic interconnection element. Thus, the outer edge of the blade structure may be the first part of the fluidic interconnection element coming into contact with the aerosol-forming article when the article is inserted into the device and the device is closed. In other words, the outer edge of the blade structure may be the first part of the fluidic interconnection element to penetrate into the aerosol-forming article.

[0060] That the outer edge of the blade structure includes a wavy end edge may mean that parts of the outer edge protrude further, for example along the flow path and / or the central axis, than neighbouring parts of the outer edge. The outer edge itself may therefore at least partially be formed like a wave, for example in that some parts protrude over other parts, and / or in that the outer edge has a curved contour. For example, neighboring parts of the outer edge of the blade structure having different signs of curvature may constitute the wavy end edge. The wavy end edge may be configured to facilitate penetration of the fluidic interconnection element into the aerosol-forming article. Particularly, the wavy end edge may be configured to facilitate a sealing of the fluidic connection, for example an air-tight sealing, between the fluidic interconnection element and the aerosol-forming article.

[0061] Therefore, as mentioned, some parts of the outer edge of the blade structure may protrude further along the flow path and / or the central axis than neighbouring parts. The parts which protrude furthest along the flow path and / or the central axis, for example in the direction of the first end, may be called crests. The crests therefore may constitute the furthest extending parts of the outer edge of the blade structure and / or of the fluidic interconnection element. The crests may constitute the first end of the blade structure and / or of the fluidic interconnection element.

[0062] For example, the wavy end edge may include at least two crests. In other words, the wavy end edge may include at least two parts, the neighboring parts of which spring back or are recessed or are set back in relation to them. Therefore, the back-and-forth of the contour of the outer edge of the blade structure constitutes the wavy end edge. However, more than two crests may also be possible, for example three, four, five or six crests.

[0063] The crests may constitute the tops, tips or apices of the wavy end edge and / or the outer edge of the blade structure. The end point or end surface or end of the crests at the first end of the blade structure may be differently shaped. For example, the crests may include any one of a pointed end, a flat end, and a rounded end. A pointed end may be a needle-like tip. A flat end may be a section of the outer edge of the blade structure extending perpendicular to the flow path and / or central axis. A rounded end may be a curved or rounded section of the outer edge of the blade structure, for example a convex section. These shapes may help in penetrating the aerosolforming article and sealing the fluidic connection.

[0064] The crests themselves may be differently formed in the outer edge of the blade structure. For example, each crest may comprise two flanks leading up to the crest from either side. The flanks may have a positive or a negative curvature. In other words, the outer edge of the blade structure leading up to the crests may have a positive or a negative curvature. The flanks themselves may therefore either be convex or concave. Additionally or alternatively, the flanks may also be straight, for example a straight line leading up to the crest. It may also be provided that the two flanks of one crest may be differently shaped, for example one flank having a positive curvature and the other having a negative curvature. Depending on the actual implementation, these shapes may help penetration of the aerosol-forming article.

[0065] As explained, the parts of the outer edge of the blade structure neighboring the crests may be recessed with respect to the crests. Therefore, the outer edge of the blade structure may comprise parts recessed with respect to the crests, for example located between the crests. These parts may be called troughs. The at least two crests may be separated by a trough. Along the outer edge of the blade structure, for example, there may be arranged a first crest, a first trough, and a second crest. Particularly, a trough may be arranged between every two crests, for example neighboring crests. All of these may be comprised in the wavy end edge.

[0066] The distance a crest protrudes or extends beyond its neighboring sections of the outer edge of the blade structure may be between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, for example between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, for example between 0.2 mm and 0.25 mm. This may be the distance between a crest and a trough, for example a neighboring trough, for example along the flow path and / or the central axis.

[0067] In the outer edge of the blade structure, crests and troughs may alternate or follow upon one another. For example, the wavy end edge may include at least two crests and at least two troughs, for example wherein the crests and troughs alternate in the wavy end edge. Along the outer edge of the blade structure, for example, there may be arranged a first crest, a first trough, a second crest, and a second trough. All of these may be comprised in the wavy end edge.

[0068] The trough or the troughs may include any one of an angled bottom and a rounded bottom. In other words, the part of the outer edge of the blade structure defining the bottom or base of the trough may be angled or rounded. An angled bottom or base may mean that at least one or both flanks constituting the trough may be straight and meet in an angled corner or an angled point. A rounded bottom or base may mean that the trough may be formed as a curved or rounded recess, for example as a convex or a concave recess. Additionally or alternatively, the trough or the troughs may include a section of the outer edge of the blade structure having a positive or a negative curvature.

[0069] The wave end edge may be arranged at any suitable location of the blade structure or outer edge of the blade structure. As explained herein, the fluidic interconnection element, specifically the blade structure, may form and / or surround a flow path for air and / or aerosol, the fluidic interconnection element being configured to connect the flow path to a fluidic opening of the aerosol-forming article, i.e. the air inlet and / or the aerosol outlet. A section of the flow path perpendicular to the flow direction, i.e. a cross-section of the flow path, may have different shapes, for example round, oval, oblong, polygonal or rectangular. The blade structure or outer edge of the blade structure may run around this cross-sectional shape of the flow path, i.e. around the circumference of the outer edge of the blade structure. Therefore, the outer edge of the blade structure may have four sides or side parts which may together completely run around the flow path or the cross-sectional shape of the flow path. The four sides or side parts may comprise two pairs, wherein in each pair, the two sides or side parts may be symmetrical to each other, for example may be mirror images of each other. Depending on the shape of the cross-section of the flow part, the sides or side parts may be the same length or they may be of different length. The sides or side parts of different pairs may alternate with each other around the circumference of the outer edge of the blade structure, i.e. around the circumference, each side or side part of one pair may be neighboring a side or side part of the other pair, for instance in both directions along the circumference. For example, the sides or side parts comprised in each of the pairs may be the same length whereas the length of the sides or side parts may differ between the pairs. For example, the outer edge of the blade structure may have two long and two short sides or side parts. The two long sides may form a pair and the two short sides may form a pair, i.e. another pair. For example, in a specific orientation of the fluidic interconnection element, the two long sides may be an upper side and a lower side, while the two short sides may be a left and a right side. The two long sides may be configured to be parallel to the main surfaces of the aerosolforming article when the article has been inserted into the device. Analogously, the two short sides may be configured to be perpendicular to the main surfaces of the aerosol-forming article when the article has been inserted into the device. However, as the sides may not be straight, but rounded, parallel and perpendicular may mean, in this case, that their main direction of extension may be oriented as mentioned. A skilled person will recognize that a curved line may be regarded as running in a certain direction. For example, the sides or side parts may be configured to cover or extend over a distance between the neighboring sides or side parts. This distance may be parallel or perpendicular to the main surfaces of the aerosol-forming article when the article has been inserted into the device, independent of whether the sides or side parts are straight or curved.

[0070] For instance, the outer edge of the blade structure may include two long sides and two short sides around its circumference, and the wavy end edge may be arranged on at least one or both of the short sides. For example, both short sides may each comprise a wavy end edge as explained herein. Conversely, the long sides may be free of the wavy end edge. The long sides may therefore have a uniform extension along the flow path and / or central axis without any part of the outer edge of the blade structure protruding beyond a neighboring part. Particularly, the long sides may be recessed in relation to the crests of the wavy end edge. In other words, the crests of the wavy end edge may protrude and / or extend beyond the long sides, for example the complete long sides, of the outer edge of the blade structure. This may mean that the crests may protrude beyond a plane defined by the two long sides. The long sides may be recessed in relation to the troughs of the wavy end edge. In other words, the troughs of the wavy end edge may protrude and / or extend beyond the long sides, for example the complete long sides, of the outer edge of the blade structure. Alternatively, the long sides and the troughs may be recessed in relation to the crests of the wavy end edge in the same magnitude. In other words, the long sides and the troughs of the wavy end edge may protrude and / or extend similarly far in the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. Still alternatively, the troughs may be recessed in relation to the long sides, i.e. the long sides may protrude and / or extend over the troughs in the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. Arranging the wavy end edge on the short sides may lead to easier penetration of the wavy end edge into the aerosol-forming article and / or may increase the air tightness of the seal between the fluidic interconnection element and the aerosol-forming article.

[0071] The aerosol-forming article may be made up of or may comprise three layers, for example three layers making up of being comprised in the frame of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the three layers of the aerosol-forming article may be stacked on top of each other to form the article. The layers may be made from a cellulose material, like cardboard, or another suitable material. They may be connected to each other, for example by gluing or pressing. Therefore, there may be two outer and one inner layer, wherein the outer layers may be connected to the inner layer and the inner layer may be, consequently, connected to both outer layers. The connection of the layers between each other may define a contact surface, i.e. a surface at which the connected layers touch each other, for example directly. Each of the layers may be cut, stamped, or punched from a larger sheet of material. The fluidic interconnection element may be configured to be used with such an aerosol-forming article. For example, the fluidic interconnection element may be configured to be used with an aerosol-forming article comprising three stacked layers. The wavy end edge, for example the crests, may be configured to be aligned with contact surfaces between the layers of the aerosol-forming article, particularly when the aerosol-forming article is in contact with the fluidic interconnection element. The contact surfaces between the layers may be particularly important for a tight seal between the fluidic interconnection element and the aerosol-forming article. Therefore, aligning the crests with the contact surfaces may ensure a proper seal, as the crests will penetrate furthest into the aerosolforming article, particularly the frame of the aerosol-forming article.

[0072] For instance, the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the wavy end edge, may be configured to penetrate at least 0.6 mm or at least 0.7 mm or at least 0.8 mm or at least 0.9 mm into the aerosol-forming article. These dimensions may pertain to a distance from the outermost edge of the aerosol-forming article to the top of the crest when the blade structure is fully inserted into the aerosol-forming article, particularly as measured in the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. This may ensure a proper seal between the fluidic interconnection element and the aerosol-forming article.

[0073] The ends of the layers of the aerosol-forming article may not be completely perpendicular or orthogonal to the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. For example, due to the production process of extracting the layers from a larger sheet of material, the ends of the aerosolforming article, for example the face end sides or all sides, may be slanted, for example in the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. All of the layers may be slanted like this, for example slanted in the same way, e.g. by the same angle. Therefore, the layers of the aerosolforming article may not be connected or in touch with each other over their full main surfaces. Instead, the layers of the aerosol-forming article may protrude beyond the contact surfaces in the flow direction of air through the article and / or the flow path in the fluidic interconnection element. The point or location where the contact surfaces between the layers of the aerosol-forming article begin, for example seen in the flow direction of air through the article and / or the flow path in the fluidic interconnection element, may be called the zero point. In other words, the individual layers of the aerosol-forming article may protrude over the zero point, but in the opposite direction of the protrusion (still in or against the flow direction of air through the article and / or the flow path in the fluidic interconnection element), the layers of the aerosol-forming article are in contact with each other. In other words, in the flow direction of air through the article and / or the flow path in the fluidic interconnection element, beyond the zero point, the contact surfaces are located.

[0074] To ensure a tight seal, it may be provided that the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the blade structure, penetrates into the aerosol-forming article beyond the protrusions of the layers over the contact surfaces. For example, the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the wavy end edge, may be configured to penetrate at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.25 mm or at least 0.3 mm, for example 0.265 mm, into the aerosol-forming article beyond the zero point of the aerosol-forming article. This may mean that the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the wavy end edge, may be configured to penetrate this far or at least this far into and / or along the contact surfaces between the layers of the aerosol-forming article, for example in or against the flow direction of air through the article and / or the flow path in the fluidic interconnection element.

[0075] To ensure these penetration depths, the fluidic interconnection element and / or the blade structure and / or the wavy end edge may protrude sufficiently in the direction of the flow path and / or the central axis. For example, the fluidic interconnection element and / or the blade structure and / or the wavy end edge may protrude from a back plate on which the blade structure and / or the wavy end edge may be arranged. The back plate may be part of the fluidic interconnection element. For instance, the fluidic interconnection element and / or the blade structure and / or the wavy end edge extends for at least 0.5 mm, for example for at least 0.6 mm or at least 0.7 mm or at least 0.8 mm or at least 0.9 mm or at least 1 .0 mm, and / or at most 1 .5 mm or at most 1.4 mm or at most 1 .3 mm or at most 1.2 mm or at most 1 .1 mm or at most 1.0 mm, for example for 0.8 mm or for 0.9 mm or for 1.0 mm, along the flow path and / or the central axis. These dimensions may facility penetration and sealing between the fluidic interconnection element and the aerosolforming article.

[0076] The fluidic interconnection element may be configured to connect the air flow path through the aerosol-forming device to the air flow path through the aerosol-forming article. However, the fluidic interconnection element may be configured to do so unobtrusively, i.e. without influencing parameters like the resistance to draw, for example. Therefore, an inner diameter of the flow path inside the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element may increase from the second end to the first end. In other words, the inner diameter of the flow path inside the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element may increase towards the aerosol-forming article.

[0077] The fluidic interconnection element may be made of or may comprise a metal or a metal material, for example stainless steel, or a rubber, for example a silicone rubber or a silicone rubber material. For example, the upstream fluidic interconnection element may be made of or may comprise a metal or a metal material, for example stainless steel. As there may be a convective air heater arranged on the upstream side of the aerosol-forming article, the fluidic interconnection element needs to tolerate frequent heating to high temperatures and subsequent cooling. The downstream fluidic interconnection element may be made of or may comprise a rubber, for example a silicone rubber or a silicone rubber material. On the downstream side of the aerosolforming article, the temperatures may be lower overall, so that such materials may be more convenient. Regardless of the material used, the material needs to be approved under toxicology evaluation for use the present disclosure.

[0078] When the blade structure is at least partly inserted into the aerosol-forming article, for example by penetrating a frame of the article, the sloped or tapered shape of the blade structure may lead to or cause the material of the frame of the article being pushed or compressed radially to the outside, away from the fluidic opening or airflow path. By means of the sloped or tapered shape, it may be ensured that a cross-section of the fluidic opening of the aerosol-forming article is not decreased and / or that the fluidic opening is kept open.

[0079] The fluidic interconnection element may further comprise a backplate, which the blade structure is mounted to, or which the blade structure is integrally formed with, wherein the flow path of the blade structure traverses or passes through the backplate. The fluidic interconnection element and / or the second end thereof may be configured to provide a fluidic connection to the backplate. In an example, a first end edge or blade edge of the blade structure may be formed to extend in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the flow path, which may be coaxial or at least parallel to a central or center axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0080] The first end edge of the blade structure may, for example, have a flat first end surface having a width or extension of about 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm, more preferably a width of about 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm. The width or extension of the flat first end surface may be measured in a direction transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the central axis. In other words, the width or extension of the flat first end surface may describe the sharpness of the blade edge.

[0081] In an example, the sloped shape of the outer wall of the blade structure may include a concave shape. In other words, the sloped shape of the blade structure may be concavely shaped and / or may be curved towards the central axis. For example, a cross-section of the blade structure, for example a section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the device or the airflow path, may have an area that gets smaller in the direction towards the substrate chamber of the aerosol-forming article. This may be applicable to the upstream and / or the downstream fluidic interconnection element. In other words, the upstream fluidic interconnection element may have such a cross section with an area that gets smaller in the direction of the airflow. The downstream fluidic interconnection element, on the other hand, may have such a cross section with an area that gets bigger in the direction of the airflow. The smallest area of the cross section of the blade structure may therefore always be directed towards the aerosol-forming article, facilitating pressing into the air inlet and / or the aerosol outlet and / or into the frame of the article.

[0082] The concave shape of the outer wall may, at one end thereof, be formed to be flush with the first end of the outer wall, and optionally may be parallel to the central axis, thereby defining the blade edge. Further, the concave shape of the outer wall may, at another end, for example an opposite end, be formed to be flush with a first surface of the backplate.

[0083] An inner wall of the blade structure may form the or part of the flow path, which may be parallel to the central axis of the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element.

[0084] Further, the inner wall of the blade structure may be formed to have no fluidic obstructions. Accordingly, air may flow therethrough without obstructions. Thus, the inner wall of the blade structure may have a smooth surface and / or be smooth and / or parallel to the central axis of the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element.

[0085] In an example, the inner wall of the blade structure forming the flow path may have a length in a range between 2 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm. The length may be measured along or parallel to the central axis of the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element.

[0086] The blade structure may be traversed laterally by at least one, two or more lateral flow paths, forming a nucleation chamber inside the flow path. In other words, one, two or more lateral flow paths may laterally pass through the blade structure, thereby forming the nucleation chamber inside the blade structure or the fluidic interconnection element.

[0087] A cross-sectional area of the flow path as seen or measured in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis has a longitudinal extension, oblong shape, elongated shape, or elongated form.

[0088] For instance, the cross-sectional area may have one of a rectangular shape, an oblong shape, elliptic shape or an oval shape.

[0089] In an example, the cross-sectional area of the flow path may have a length, for example along or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, for example parallel to the central axis, in a range between 3 mm and 12 mm, for example between 3 mm and 10 mm or between 4 mm and 8 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the cross-sectional area of the flow path may have a height or thickness, for example measured transverse or orthogonal to the longitudinal or central axis, in a range between 0.8 mm and 3 mm, for example between 1 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 1.3 mm and 2.5 mm. For example, the cross-sectional area of the flow path may have a length which is at least twice the height.

[0090] In a further example, the blade structure may protrude from a backplate of the fluidic interconnection element parallel to the central axis in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm. Accordingly, the blade structure may have a length measured along or parallel to the central axis, respectively, the longitudinal axis of aerosolforming device, in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

[0091] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming or aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming device comprises a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article, an upstream airflow path configured to provide air to the aerosol-forming substrate when received in the heating chamber. For example, the upstream airflow path may be configured to guide or pass air through the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming device further comprises an upstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect and / or fluidically couple the upstream airflow path with the aerosol-forming article, wherein the upstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall or frame around an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a fluidic connection and / or fluidic coupling between the upstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosol-forming article.

[0092] By means of the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element cutting or pressing into the wall or frame surrounding the upstream air inlet, a substantially or at least partially sealed or fluid-tight coupling between the upstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosol-forming article can be ensured or provided.

[0093] A cross-sectional area of an opening provided around an outer edge of the blade structure may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. This may ensure that the cross-sectional area of the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article is not decreased by the blade structure at least partially pressing or cutting into the wall around or surrounding the upstream air inlet. Accordingly, the upstream air inlet may be kept open to let air pass therethrough.

[0094] A cross-sectional area of an opening provided around an outer edge of the blade structure may have one or more of a circular shape, an elliptic shape, an oval shape, an oblong shape, a rectangular shape, and an irregular shape.

[0095] For example, a cross-sectional area of a flow path provided by the blade structure may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. By means of the rectangular shape with rounded corners obstructions for air flowing therethrough may advantageously be avoided.

[0096] A material of the blade structure may have a hardness value of at least 70, more preferably at least 80, even more preferably at least 100, even more preferably about 105, on the Rockwell hardness scale, particularly the Rockwell M scale HRM.

[0097] For example, a material of the blade structure may include at least one of metal, ceramic, or a polymer, preferably polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and / or polyetherimide (PEI). It is noted, though, that also combinations of these materials or other materials, such as composite materials, may be used.

[0098] The upstream fluidic interconnection element with the blade structure and the upstream airflow path may be formed as a unitary or single element. In other words, the upstream fluidic interconnection element may be integrally formed with the blade structure and the upstream airflow path. Hence, a robust fluidic interconnection element with the blade structure and the upstream airflow path may be provided.

[0099] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a downstream airflow path configured to provide an aerosol from the substrate to an aerosol outlet of the device, for example the mouthpiece, and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect the downstream airflow path with the aerosol-forming article, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall around a downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a fluidic connection and / or coupling between the substrate of the aerosol-forming article and the downstream airflow path. The air outlet of the aerosol-forming article may also be referred to herein as aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article. By means of the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element cutting or pressing into the wall or frame surrounding the downstream air outlet, a substantially or at least partially sealed or fluid-tight coupling between the substrate of the aerosol-forming article and the downstream airflow path can be ensured or provided.

[0100] The downstream fluidic interconnection element, with or including the blade structure, may be in fluidic interconnection with a mouthpiece of the aerosol-forming device, which mouthpiece may be movable relative to the heating chamber by either a rotational movement, a linear movement, or a combination of a rotational and linear movement. Accordingly, air flowing or passing through the downstream fluidic interconnection element with the associated blade structure may flow into the mouthpiece. In other words, the downstream fluidic interconnection element may guide the air or air flow from the aerosol-generating article and the downstream air outlet into the mouthpiece, optionally towards a user’s mouth.

[0101] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming device and a removable aerosol-forming article, wherein the aerosol-forming article includes an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein one or more walls forming the air inlet and the air outlet are made of a compressible material for engagement with the upstream fluidic interconnection element and / or for engagement with the downstream fluidic interconnection element. The walls forming the air inlet and the air outlet of the aerosol-forming article may be part of or may constitute the frame of the aerosol-forming article and may also be referred to as such. The air outlet may also be referred to herein as aerosol outlet of the aerosolforming article. For instance, in direction of an airflow through the aerosol-forming article, which may correspond to or be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, the aerosolforming article may be arranged between the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element. The downstream fluidic interconnection element may also be referred to as first or top fluidic interconnection element. The upstream fluidic interconnection element may also be referred to as second or bottom fluidic interconnection element. Therein, the air inlet may be fluidically coupled to the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the air or aerosol outlet may be fluidically coupled to the downstream fluidic interconnection element.

[0102] By means of the compressible material in one or more walls or parts of the frame surrounding the air inlet and the air outlet of the aerosol-forming article, a substantially or at least partially sealed or fluid-tight coupling between the aerosol-forming article and both fluidic interconnection elements can be ensured or provided.

[0103] The aerosol-forming article may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein the air inlet and the air outlet may be located opposite of each other on the smallest faces or surfaces of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article. The smallest faces or surfaces of the aerosol-forming article may also be referred to herein as end faces or end surfaces of the aerosol-forming article. The air inlet and the air outlet may be arranged opposite to each other and may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction.

[0104] The upstream fluidic interconnection element may be arranged or positioned such that upon contact of the upstream fluidic interconnection element with a wall or frame of the aerosol-forming article, for example a wall at an end face or surface of the aerosol-forming article, a distance from the outer edge of the blade structure towards a side wall or wall that forms the air inlet is in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably in a range between 0.25 mm and 0.7 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, and even more preferably about 0.4 mm. This may ensure that the air inlet is not reduced in its cross-section when the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element presses or cuts into the wall of the aerosol-forming article that surrounds the air inlet.

[0105] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming device comprises a downstream airflow path configured to receive aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article, and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect and / or couple to an aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall or frame around the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a fluidic connection and / or coupling between the downstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosol-forming article.

[0106] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a device body, also referred to herein as body portion or first housing part, the device body having a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion including the downstream airflow path and the downstream fluidic interconnection element.

[0107] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a mechanism or means for moving the mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion such that the downstream fluidic interconnection element comes into fluid and sealed connection with the aerosol-forming article and / or substrate.

[0108] For example, such mechanism may be based on displacing one or more housing parts of the aerosol-forming device, for example based on displacing a first housing part relative to a second housing part. Such relative displacement may be along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device or transverse thereto. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator may be used to move or displace the mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion. The blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element may be tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. The center axis of the airflow path may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device and / or article.

[0109] The blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element may form or comprise a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure may be configured to cut into the wall or frame around the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. The cutting end edge may also be referred to as blade edge or first end edge.

[0110] The blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article. The center axis of the airflow path may be substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device and / or article. The downstream air outlet may also be referred to herein as aerosol outlet or downstream aerosol outlet of the aerosolforming article.

[0111] The blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element may form or comprise a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure may be configured to cut into the wall or frame around the downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article. The cutting end edge may also be referred to as blade edge or first end edge.

[0112] In an example, the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element may include one or more lateral air inlets. Alternatively or additionally, an interior volume of the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element may form or comprise a nucleation chamber.

[0113] The downstream fluidic interconnection element may be linearly moveable and / or displaceable relative to an upstream fluidic interconnection element between an open position, in which the heating chamber may be accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article, and a use position for generating an aerosol based on heating of at least a part of the aerosol-forming article.

[0114] The downstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device or transverse thereto. The upstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device or transverse thereto.

[0115] The upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along the same axis, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming. Alternatively, the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along different axes. For example, the first upstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along a first axis and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be displaceable along a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second may be parallel to each or may be skew to each other. In an example, the first axis and the second axis may be parallel to each other and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0116] The upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be moved or displaced towards each other, when moving from the open position towards or into the use position. Alternatively or additionally, the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be moved or displaced away from each other, when moving from the use position towards or into the open position.

[0117] The upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be coaxial and / or congruent to each other with regard to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. In other words, the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element, for instance the cross-sections of their airflow paths or channels, may be similarly (or substantially identically) shaped and similarly (or substantially identically) arranged relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0118] In the use position, a distance between the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element, for example a distance (e.g. a minimum, mean or maximum distance) measured along the longitudinal direction or axis of the aerosol-forming device, may be in a range between 19.2 mm and 39.2 mm. In the open position, a distance between the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element, for example a distance (e.g. a minimum, mean or maximum distance) measured along the longitudinal direction or axis of the aerosol-forming device, may be longer, for example may be in a range between 39.2 mm and 89.2 mm.

[0119] The aerosol-forming device may include a mechanism to move or displace the downstream fluidic interconnection element relative to the upstream fluidic interconnection element. For example, a first and second housing part of the device may be displaced relative to each other to displace the downstream fluidic interconnection element relative to the upstream fluidic interconnection element. Alternatively or additionally, an actuator or other mechanism, for example not involving housing parts, may be utilised, such as for example a linear or rotational slider as actuator.

[0120] The upstream fluidic interconnection element may be mechanically coupled to or arranged at a device body or first housing part of the aerosol-forming device. The downstream fluidic interconnection element may be mechanically coupled to or arranged at a mouthpiece portion, second housing part and / or downstream element of the aerosol-forming device. The downstream element, respectively, the mouthpiece portion and / or second housing part of the aerosol-forming device may be slidably attached or coupled to the device body, such that the downstream element is movable from an open position to a use position. By or based on a relative movement or displacement of the device body and the downstream element, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal direction or transverse thereto, the upstream and downstream fluidic interconnection elements are displaced relative to each other.

[0121] For example, based on or by relative displacement or movement of the device body and the downstream element from the open position to the use position, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal direction or transverse thereto, a fluidic connection between one or more of the upstream airflow path, the upstream fluidic interconnection element, the downstream airflow path and the downstream fluidic interconnection element may be established, optionally with the aerosol-forming article, for example the air inlet and the aerosol or air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, based on or by relative displacement or movement of the device body and the downstream element, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal direction or transverse thereto from the open position to the use position, a fluidic connection between one or more of the main air inlet, the first airpath structure, the second airpath structure, and the center upstream air channel may be established, optionally with the aerosol-forming article, for example the air inlet and the aerosol or air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, based on or by relative displacement or movement of the device body and the downstream element, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal direction or transverse thereto, from the open position to the use position, a fluidic connection between one or more of the main air inlet, the first airpath structure, the second airpath structure, and the center upstream air channel may be established, optionally with the aerosol-forming article, for example the air inlet and the aerosol or air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0124] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming article and an aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device may be any aerosol-forming device described with reference to any aspect of the present disclosure. In particular, the aerosol-forming device includes a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article includes an aerosol-forming substrate and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, defining a longitudinal axis. Therein, the aerosol-forming device includes one or more fluidic interconnection elements, for example one or more of the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element as described herein. The at least one fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure surrounding a flow path, wherein the blade structure includes a first end configured to face towards a side face or end face of the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article includes a cavity or compartment for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, and a fluidic opening arranged on a side face or end face fluidically connected to the cavity, wherein, upon pressing the aerosol-forming article against the fluidic interconnection element, the blade structure of the fluidic interconnection element is configured to cut or press into a wall or frame around the fluidic opening to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosol-forming device and the removable aerosol-forming article.

[0125] By pressing or cutting the blade structure into the wall or frame around or surrounding, for example along a perimeter of the fluidic opening, a reliable fluidic connection can be established, in particular an at least partly sealed or fluid-tight connection.

[0126] The at least one fluidic opening of the aerosol-forming article may also be referred to herein as air inlet, air outlet or aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0127] The at least one opening may be arranged at an end face of the aerosol-forming article. Optionally, two fluidic interconnection elements may be arranged at the two end faces of the aerosol-forming article opposing each other in longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0128] The aerosol-forming device may further include a mechanism to move the aerosol-forming article relative to the aerosol-forming device in the longitudinal or insertion direction to put the aerosol-forming device and the article in a fluidically interconnected state. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming device may further include a mechanism to move the aerosolforming article relative to the aerosol-forming device in the longitudinal direction to establish a fluidic connection or coupling between the aerosol-forming device and the aerosol-forming article. Therein, the flow path, also referred to herein as airflow or airflow path or airflow channel, of or through the fluidic interconnection element and the fluidic opening may extend or be directed in longitudinal direction, for example from a distal end towards a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device.

[0129] As used herein, the fluidically interconnected state may refer to a fluidic connection or interconnection being established between the aerosol-forming device and the aerosol-forming article.

[0130] The mechanism to move the aerosol-forming article relative to the aerosol-forming device in the longitudinal direction may, for example, relate to or include a relative movement or displacement of the device body, respectively, the first housing part and the downstream element, respectively, the mouthpiece portion or second housing part.

[0131] Alternatively or additionally, also an actuator, for example a linear or rotational actuator, or manual movement of the aerosol-forming article relative to the aerosol-forming device may be involved. For instance, a user may push the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber.

[0132] An outer wall of the blade structure of the at least one fluidic interconnection element may include a sloped shape thereby increasing or decreasing a thickness of the blade structure in a flow direction along the flow path. Hence, the material forming the wall around the fluidic opening of the article may be pushed outwards by the blade structure, thereby ensuring that the fluidic opening, and hence the flow path, are kept open.

[0133] In the fluidically interconnected state, respectively, upon establishing connection or an interconnection being established between the aerosol-forming device and the aerosol-forming article, a penetration depth of the blade structure into the wall or frame around the fluidic opening is about 0.05 mm to 1 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0134] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming device comprises a device body or first housing part forming or defining a main axis of extension of the aerosol-forming device. The main axis of extension may refer to or be coaxial with the longitudinal axis and / or center axis of the aerosol-forming device. The device further comprises a heating module arranged at least partially inside the device body, the heating module being configured to at least partially and removably hold the aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a downstream element, second housing part or mouthpiece portion movably attached to the device body, and configured to or able to move between an open position and a use position. In the open position, the aerosol-forming device is configured to provide access to a heating chamber of the heating module, and in the use position, the aerosol-forming device is configured to close the heating module. The device further comprises a spring biasing mechanism establishing or configured to establish or exert a compressive force acting onto the inserted aerosol-forming article in a direction along the main axis of extension, when the downstream element is in the use position.

[0135] By the compressive force, the aerosol-forming article may be fixed in the heating chamber along the longitudinal direction or axis of the device. For example, this may ensure correct positioning of aerosol-forming article in the heating chamber, thereby allowing for a reliable and efficient heating. Optionally, also one or more fluidic connections may be established between the aerosol-forming article and the aerosol-forming device.

[0136] The compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism may act between the device body and the heating module to press the heating module towards the downstream element when the downstream element is in the use position. A compressive force acting in the opposite direction may be used instead or in addition.

[0137] The heating module may be slidably arranged inside the device body to slide along the main axis of extension or longitudinal axis, wherein the spring biasing mechanism may be configured to push the heating module to be at least partially outside the device body when the downstream element is in the open position. In other words, in the open position, the heating module may protrude from an end of the device body. For instance, this may allow to remove or replace the heating module. The compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism may act onto a center end wall of the heating module. A surface normal vector of the center end wall may be directed along the longitudinal direction, for example from a proximal to a distal end of the aerosol-forming device or opposite thereto.

[0138] The heating module may include a distal end portion that is slidably arranged relative to the heating chamber, wherein the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism may act onto the distal end portion of the heating module, for example to move the distal end portion into the heating chamber. In this case, the heating elements of the heating module may remain stationary. The heating elements may also be referred to herein as heater elements.

[0139] The distal end portion of the heating module may include an upstream flow path and an upstream fluidic interconnection element that can be configured to provide a fluidic interconnection with an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0140] A proximal end portion of the heating module may include a downstream flow path and a downstream fluidic interconnection element that can be configured to provide a fluidic interconnection with a downstream air or aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0141] In an example, the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism may act between the downstream element of the aerosol-forming device and the inserted aerosol-forming article to press the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, when the downstream element is in the use position.

[0142] The spring biasing mechanism may further include an elastic element operatively arranged between a body or main part of the downstream element and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect to an aerosol or air outlet of the aerosol-forming article. By means of the elastic element, a substantially sealed or fluid-tight connection or coupling can be ensured.

[0143] The downstream element may optionally include a mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may be extractable from and / or retractable into the downstream element, respectively, the second housing part or mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-forming device.

[0144] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise an interconnection mechanism arranged between the downstream element and the device body, permitting the movement between the open and the use position, wherein the movement may include a rotational movement, a linear movement, or combination of a rotational and linear movement. In particular, any mechanism described herein for moving or displacing the device body and the downstream element relative to each other between the open position and use position can be used.

[0145] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, for example opposing each other in normal direction of the aerosol-forming device and / or article. The aerosol-forming device comprises a heating chamber for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, and a convective air heater or convective heater assembly arranged upstream of the heating chamber. Therein, the convective air heater includes a slit-shaped or slot shaped air channel and a resistive heating element, which may optionally be planar, helix- or spiral-shaped, arranged inside the slit-shaped or slot-shaped air channel, such that two air flow channels or paths, also referred to herein as narrow air flow channels or simply as gaps, are formed above and below the resistive heating element, respectively on two opposing sides of the resistive heating element. The slit-shaped or slot shaped air channel may also be referred to as convective heating chamber. For instance, the air channels or gaps may be formed on two opposite sides, for example two planar sides or surfaces, of the resistive heating element. The resistive heating element of the convective heater assembly may have a thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. It may be made from a planar sheet of metal, for example stainless steel.

[0146] The walls forming the air channels or gaps may be provided by a convective heater casing. The convective heater casing may surround or house the convective heater, for instance the convective heating chamber and / or the resistive heating element. The convective heater casing may be made of a material having a high thermal resistivity or low thermal conductivity, preferably a thermal conductivity below 1 W / (m • K), more preferably below 0.5 W / (m • K), for example a plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and / or polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and / or polyetherimide (PEI), preferably PEEK. This prevents heat from being conducted from the chamber and further assists flash heating.

[0147] By means of the convective air heater with the resistive heating element, an efficient preheating or flash heating of the airflow may be ensured, for example such that air with elevated temperature can be directed into or towards the aerosol-forming article for generating aerosol.

[0148] The two narrow air flow channels or air flow channels or gaps may have a width in a range between 3 mm to 15 mm, and may have a height of less than 0.5 mm and more than 0.05 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm and more than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.25 mm to 0.1 mm. The width may, for example, be measured along the transverse or width direction of the aerosolforming device, and the height may be measured along the normal or height direction of the aerosol-forming device, or vice versa. Such dimensions, heights and / or widths may allow for an efficient and fast heating of the air flowing through the air flow channels.

[0149] In an example, two opposing walls of the convective heater casing forming the slit-shaped air channel and having the resistive element therebetween may not be heated. They may be made from an insulating material, avoiding heat transfer from the convective heating chamber into other parts of the device through other paths than the heated air flow. This may provide for efficient heating of the aerosol-forming article.

[0150] The two opposing walls forming the slit-shaped air channel and having the resistive element therebetween may have a structured, for example roughened or ragged, surface for causing an air flow turbulence. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the resistive heating element may be structured, for example roughened or ragged, to cause turbulences. Also such air flow turbulence may be beneficial in terms of an efficient heating, for example as it may allow for a more homogenous temperature distribution.

[0151] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise two terminals for electrical interconnection of the convective air heater with the aerosol-forming device, the two terminals and the resistive heating element formed by a single sheet of metal. The single sheet of metal may allow for efficient heating and may be cost-efficient. The terminals may protrude from the resistive heating element in the same direction, for example in parallel, and may have a resistance that is lower than the one of the resistive heating element, for example by being wider and / or thicker.

[0152] An air flow direction in the convective air heater may be in axis with an air flow direction in the heating chamber. For example, the air flow direction may be substantially parallel or along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device and / or article. By being in axis, obstructions in the flow path can be avoided, thereby also potentially preventing overheating.

[0153] A downstream end of the convective air heater may form or comprise a blade structure around the slit-shaped or slot-shaped air channel, the blade structure being configured to cut or press into a wall or frame around or surrounding an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. By means of the blade structure a substantially sealed or fluid connection may be ensured, thereby ensuring that the air flow is guided or directed towards the air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0154] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a backplate forming at least one lateral airflow path upstream of the slit-shaped or slot-shaped air channel and leading to the slit-shaped air channel, wherein the backplate holds or supports the resistive heating element suspended inside the slit-shaped air channel. Accordingly, the resistive heating element, for example protruding inside the slit-shaped air channel, may be arranged at the backplate, for example at least partially or exclusively upstream of the backplate.

[0155] The resistive heating element may be formed as a meandering or serpentine structure, wherein the meandering or serpentine structure may extend in-plane of the resistive heating element. For example, the resistive heating element may extend in a plane, and the meandering or serpentine structure may be directed along an extension direction thereof in said plane, wherein portions of the meandering or serpentine structure may alternately traverse the actual extension direction of the meandering or serpentine structure. The extension direction of the meandering or serpentine structure may, for example, extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device, for example along the transverse or normal direction thereof.

[0156] For example, the resistive heating element may comprise a strip of a metal sheet, for example stainless steel, which may optionally be perforated and / or which may optionally include one or more perforation openings or holes. For instance, the resistive heating element may comprise or be a meshed metal strip. The strip may be bent into a stack of serpentine branches spanning between the two terminals of the resistive heating element. The branches may all be formed similarly, for example by having the same dimensions and / or extensions. The direction in which the stack of serpentine branches extends may be referred to as the stack direction, and the stack direction may be perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis or direction of the aerosolforming device. The resistive heating element may be configured and / or arranged so that the air flowing through the convective heating chamber passes through the perforations forming the mesh of the strip, particularly along the stack direction. By flowing along the stack direction, the air may pass through perforations of every single branch in the stack, which ensures efficient and quick heat transfer to the air.

[0157] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces. The aerosol-forming device comprises a heating chamber for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, the heating chamber defining an insertion direction, for example for inserting the aerosol-forming article into the aerosol-forming device. The insertion direction may extend along or parallel to an insertion axis and / or a longitudinal axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a convective air heater assembly arranged upstream of the heating chamber, the convective air heater assembly including a resistive heater element (also referred to herein as resistive heating element) extending at least partly into the convective air heater assembly. The space in the convective heater assembly in which the resistive heating element is arranged may also be referred to as convective heating chamber. Therein, the convective air heater assembly includes two air heating channels leading from each side or lateral face of the aerosolforming device to a central air channel. Alternatively or additionally, the convective air heater assembly may include two air heating channels leading or extending from two opposing sides or lateral faces of the aerosol-forming device, for example opposing in transverse direction and / or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device, to a central air channel. Further, the central air channel may lead or extend fluidically to an air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, the central air channel may be fluidically coupled or couplable to the air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0158] By means of the convective air heater assembly with the resistive heater element, an efficient pre-heating or flash heating of the airflow may be ensured, for example such that air with elevated temperature can be directed into or towards the air inlet of the aerosol-forming article for generating aerosol.

[0159] For example, by means of the convective air heater assembly with the resistive heater element, the airflow may be heated or pre-heated to an elevated temperature or pre-heating temperature, during at least a part of a usage session, preferably during the entire usage session. Optionally, puff-based heating to a heating temperature for generating aerosol may be provided by or implemented in the aerosol-forming device.

[0160] The resistive heater element may include a coil that extends through the two air heating channels. Based on supplying current to the coil, an efficient and fast heating of the air can be ensured.

[0161] The resistive heater element may include a planar or preferably planar resistive heating element that extends through the two air heating channels. The resistive heating element may be a planarly-extending resistive heating element extending laterally and / or longitudinally inside the slit-shaped air channel. Laterally and / or longitudinally may be defined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the device and / or the flow direction of the air in the airflow path. Based on supplying current to the planar resistive heating element, an efficient and fast heating of the air can be ensured.

[0162] The resistive heating element may also correspond to the embodiment using the meshed metal strip as previously explained. To avoid repetitions, reference is made to the previous explanations.

[0163] For example, a plane defined by the planar resistive heating element may be perpendicular or orthogonal to the insertion direction. For example, the plane defined by the planar resistive heating element may extend in or be congruent with a plane defined by the transverse and the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device. However, any other plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction or insertion direction may be used instead.

[0164] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise a backplate, also referred to herein as back plate, between the heating chamber and the convective air heater or the convective heating chamber, the backplate including the central air channel. Accordingly, the central air channel may be formed by or pass through the backplate.

[0165] The backplate may further include a blade structure around or surrounding the central air channel, configured to cut or press into a wall or frame around an upstream air inlet of the aerosolforming article. Thereby, a substantially sealed or fluid-tight connection may be established. The backplate may further include two air inlet holes, openings or inlets, which may be arranged upstream of two air heating channels, respectively, to fluidically connect with the respective one of air heating channels. Accordingly, each of the two air inlet holes may be coupled with a respective or corresponding one of the two air heating channels.

[0166] Further, one or more side walls forming the two air heating channels may not be heated, and may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity. For example, they may be made from thermally insulating material, avoiding heat transfer from the convective heating chamber into other parts of the device through other paths than the heated air flow. This may provide for efficient heating of the aerosol-forming article.

[0167] The one or more side walls forming the two air heating channels may have a structured surface, for example a roughened or ragged surface, for causing an air flow turbulence. Additionally or alternatively, the surface of the resistive heating element may be structured, for example roughened or ragged, to cause turbulences. Also such air flow turbulence may be beneficial in terms of an efficient heating, for example as it may allow for a more homogenous temperature distribution.

[0168] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise two terminals for electrical interconnection of the convective air heater assembly with the aerosol-forming device, the two terminals and the resistive heating element optionally formed by a single sheet of metal, for example stainless steel. The single sheet of metal may allow for efficient heating and may be cost-efficient.

[0169] The two air heating channels may be arranged in an axis or extend along a direction that is perpendicular or orthogonal to the insertion direction. However, also any direction transverse or non-parallel to the insertion direction may be used instead.

[0170] The resistive heater element may be formed from a single sheet of metal, for example stainless steel. The single sheet of metal may allow for efficient heating and may be cost-efficient.

[0171] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, and an aerosol-forming substrate arranged between the opposing main faces. The main faces or surfaces may oppose each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, for example in transverse direction or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The substrate may be arranged therebetween, for example in transverse direction or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosolforming device comprises a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the substantially rectangular parallelepiped aerosol-forming article, the heating chamber defining an insertion direction for the aerosol-forming article. The insertion direction may extend along or parallel to an insertion axis and / or a longitudinal axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a heating structure, at least an element thereof made of an electrically conductive material, the heating structure being arranged at least partly inside the heating chamber, such that upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, at least a part of the heating structure is configured to move towards an adjacent side face and / or a main face or surface of the heating chamber, so that a heating surface of the heating structure and / or said at least part of the heating structure is pressed against one of the main faces or surfaces of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the heating structure may comprise at least one or two heating elements (also referred to as heater elements), which may, for example, be resistive heating elements. At least a part of the heating element may be moved by the insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber.

[0172] Accordingly, the heating chamber may comprise two main faces opposing each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, for example along the transverse direction or normal direction of the device. Each of the main faces of the heating chamber may be associated with, or arranged adjacent to, or arranged opposite to a respective one of the main faces of the aerosol-forming article. For example, at least one of the heating elements may be arranged at one of the main faces of the heating chamber. Particularly, the two heating elements of the heating chamber are arranged on both main faces of the heating chamber, one heating element per main face. Based on inserting the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, at least a part of the heating structure, for example at least one heating surface of the heating structure, i.e. at least part of one of the heating elements, may be relatively displaced with respect to the aerosolforming article and / or the heater casing, such that said at least part of the heating structure is pressed against the associated main face of the aerosol-forming article to heat the aerosolforming article. Hence, an efficient and fast heating of the aerosol-forming article may be provided. Such relative displacement of the heating structure or heating surface may be along or parallel to the normal direction, along the transverse direction and / or along the longitudinal direction.

[0173] A compression force exerted onto the inserted aerosol-forming article from one side by the heating structure, for example exerted onto one of the main faces or surfaces of the aerosolforming article, for example by one or both of the heating elements, may be in a range between 1 N to 30 N, preferably between 4 N and 25 N, more preferably between 6 N and 20 N, even more preferably about 9.4 N. This may allow for a reliable heat transfer between the heating structure or the at least one heating surface or heating element thereof and the aerosol-forming article.

[0174] The heating structure may include a first heating element and a second heating element, the first heating element and the second heating element opposing each other, for example in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, in a transverse direction or a normal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The first heating element and the second heating element each form an airgap between the first and second heating element and the respective adjacent side face or main face of the heating chamber.

[0175] For instance, the first heating element may be spaced apart from a first main face of the heating chamber by a first air gap and the second heating element may be spaced apart from a second main face of the heating chamber by a second air gap, wherein the first and second main faces of the heating chamber may oppose each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, in a transverse direction or a normal direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0176] The heating structure may include a heating element and a non-heated counter element or supporting element, the heating element and the non-heated counter element opposing each other, for example in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, in a transverse direction or a normal direction of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, a heater gap, also referred to herein as airgap, may be formed between at least the heating element and the adjacent or respective side face or main face of the heating chamber. The non-heated counter element may refer to an element that is not heated. Apart from not being heated, the non-heated counter element may be substantially identical to or may differ from the heating element. By means of the non-heated counter element, the aerosol-forming article may be clamped between the non-heated counter element and the heating element, thereby ensuring thermal contact between the heating element and the article.

[0177] Alternatively to a non-heated counter element, two heating elements may be used that oppose each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, for example in transverse direction or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0178] In an example, the heating structure may comprise a plurality of heating elements, for example two or more heating elements, wherein the heating elements are configured to be simultaneously heated or are configured to be alternately heated. Optionally, each of the heating elements may be heated entirely or only partly.

[0179] The heating structure may include one or more heating elements arranged or configured to heat one or more main faces of the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively or additionally, also one or more lateral faces, side faces or small side faces may be heated by one or more lateral heating elements of the heating structure. For example, the heating structure or one or more heating surfaces or elements thereof may at least partly or completely surround the aerosol-forming article along a perimeter thereof, for example in a U-shape, a C-shape, a circular shape or other shape, to heat the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, the main faces or surfaces and / or one or more lateral faces or surfaces of the aerosol-forming article may be heated by the heating structure.

[0180] The aerosol-forming device further comprises a suspension element, spring element or other mechanism configured to hold and / or position the heating structure inside the heating chamber and to provide for a compressive force by the heating structure to or towards the inserted aerosol-forming article. By means of the compressive force, the at least one heating surface may be reliably pressed against one of the main faces of the aerosol-forming article, thereby ensuring heat transfer or thermal conduction from the heating structure to the aerosol-forming article.

[0181] The heating structure may include at least one heater plate or element. The at least one heater plate may constitute or define the at least one heating surface of the heating structure. The at least one heater plate may have or include a front edge at an open end of the heating chamber to be beveled for facilitating an insertion of the aerosol-forming article. For instance, the front edge at the open end of the heating chamber may be curved outwards with respect to the longitudinal direction of the device, thereby allowing to insert the aerosol-forming article.

[0182] The heating structure may include at least one heater plate or element. The at least one heater plate may constitute or define the at least one heating surface of the heating structure. The at least one heater plate may be arranged oblique, inclined or tilted with respect to the insertion direction, with a larger gap being formed at an open end of the heating chamber, for facilitating an insertion of the aerosol-forming article.

[0183] In an example, the suspension element or spring element may include at least one of a leaf spring, coil spring, elastomeric elements, or a combination thereof. Any other appropriate suspension element or means may be used instead or addition thereto.

[0184] The suspension element may include an active element or mechanism configured to actively displace at least a part of the heating structure, for example the at least one heating surface, towards a center or center axis of the heating chamber. The center axis of the heating chamber may be parallel or coaxial to the longitudinal axis and / or center axis of the aerosolforming device.

[0185] The heating structure may include at least one heating plate or element formed as a meandering branch or track in the shape of a leaf spring, such that long branches of the meandering track bulge outwardly towards the opposite side of the heating chamber.

[0186] For example, the meandering track may meander around a transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, wherein individual branches may substantially extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, the branches may alternately cross the transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0187] The heating structure may include a heating plate or element with a plurality of parallelly- arranged heating tracks or branches in parallel or orthogonal to an insertion direction. The plurality of heating tracks may be commonly heated or individually heated.

[0188] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heating structure for an aerosol-forming device, for example for heating an aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining or with two opposing main faces. The heating structure includes a distal end and a proximal end. The heating structure comprises a holding section having two terminals for electrical interconnection arranged at the distal end, for example with an electric circuit of the aerosol-generating device. The heating structure further comprises a central section including a plurality of parallelly-arranged heater branches or resistive branches, and a proximal end section forming one or more plate-like elements. The central section may be arranged between the holding section and the proximal section in direction from the distal to the proximal end of the aerosol-forming device. The central section may be configured to heat at least one main face or surface of the aerosol-forming article. The heating structure may also be referred to herein as a heating element, for example a first and / or second heating element. The holding section may also be referred to herein as a first end. The central section may also be referred to herein as heating section. The proximal end section may also be referred to herein as a second end.

[0189] The terminals may protrude from the heater branches in the same direction, for example in parallel, and may have a resistance that is lower than the one of the heater branches, for example by being wider and / or thicker.

[0190] A surface area of the plurality of parallelly-arranged heater branches, which may be configured to come into contact with a main surface of the aerosol-forming article, may be in a range between 20 mm2and 100 mm2, more preferably in a range between 30 mm2and 75 mm2, even more preferably between 35 mm2and 70 mm2. This area may for example form or constitute a heating surface of the heating structure.

[0191] The heating structure may be made from a single sheet of metal, preferably stainless steel. The single sheet of metal may allow for efficient heating and may be cost-efficient. Stainless steel may be beneficial in terms hygiene.

[0192] The single sheet of metal may have a thickness in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably about 0.15 mm.

[0193] The proximal end section of the heating structure may be arranged at a first angle relative to the heating section or central section. Accordingly, the proximal end section may be arranged tilted or oblique with respect to the central section. For instance, the proximal end section may be directed outwards from distal to proximal end.

[0194] The parallelly-arranged heater branches of the central section may be connected or electrically connected in series. Hence, the branches may be heated simultaneously by supplying current to the branches.

[0195] The parallelly-arranged heater branches of the central section may form a meandering element. For example, the meandering element may include one or more meandering tracks or branches, which may meander around a transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, wherein individual branches may substantially extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, the branches may alternately cross the transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0196] The parallelly-arranged heater branches of the central section may include between two and twenty branches, preferably between four and twelve branches. This may provide a large heating surface allowing for fast heating of the article.

[0197] The holding section may include a connection element having two portions thereof interconnecting to the two terminals, the connection element arranged at a second angle relative to the heating section. Therein, the first and second angle may differ from one another or be substantially identical. In particular, the first angle may be larger than the second angle, such that the proximal section may be more tilted with respect to the central section than the holding section of the heating structure.

[0198] The heating structure may be arranged or configured to heat one or more main faces of the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively or additionally, also one or more lateral faces may be heated, for example by one or more lateral heating elements of the heating structure. For example, the heating structure or one or more heating surfaces thereof may at least partly or completely surround the aerosol-forming article along a perimeter thereof, for example in a U-shape, a C- shape, circular shape or other shape, to heat the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, the main faces or surfaces and / or one or more lateral faces or surfaces of the aerosol-forming article may be heated by the heating structure.

[0199] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a heater module for an aerosol-forming device, the heater module configured to removably and at least partially receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces. The heater module comprises a heating structure including two opposing heating elements forming a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heating volume therebetween for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, the heating volume being arranged at least partially inside a heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device and defining an insertion axis, for example parallel to or coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. The heater elements may oppose each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis, for example along a transverse direction or normal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The heater module further comprises a heater casing made of a non-conductive and / or thermally insulating material forming an outer shell around the two opposing heating elements. Further, two smaller inner side faces or lateral faces of the heater casing form or define the inner small side faces or lateral faces of the heating chamber. The heater module further comprises a backplate forming a distal end wall or end face of the heating chamber, the backplate having an upstream air inlet for fluidic connection with the aerosol-forming article. For example, the two heater elements may oppose each other in normal direction and the small or smaller inner side faces of the heater casing may refer to lateral faces of the inner casing that define or constitute two lateral faces of the heating chamber, wherein the two lateral faces of the heater casing and / or the heating chamber may oppose each other in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0200] The heating chamber may be configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-forming article having a length, e.g. as measured along the insertion axis in longitudinal direction, and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis, in a range between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably about 30 mm, having a width, e.g. measured in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, in a range between 7 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 13 mm, more preferably about 11 mm, and a thickness or height, e.g. measured in normal direction of the aerosol-forming device, of between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, more preferably about 3.1 mm. Therein, the length may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum length, the width may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum width and the thickness may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum thickness, respectively, height of the aerosol-forming article.

[0201] The heating chamber may be configured to have an insertion depth along the insertion axis in a range between 10 mm and 35 mm, preferably in a range between 15 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. The insertion depth may refer to a distance by which the aerosol-forming article can be inserted into the heating chamber. The insertion depth may for example correspond to a distance, for example minimum, mean or maximum distance, between a proximal end face of the heating chamber and a distal end face of the heating chamber, respectively the backplate of the heating chamber. The insertion depth may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance or insertion depth.

[0202] The insertion depth may define or substantially correspond to a length of the heating chamber, for example measured in longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, a length of the heating chamber may be in a range between 10 mm and 35 mm, preferably in a range between 15 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm. The length may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum length.

[0203] The heating chamber may be configured to have an insertion depth that is shorter than a length of the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, the aerosol-forming article, when inserted into the heating chamber, may protrude from a proximal end of the heating chamber, for example by about 1 mm to 30 mm, for example 2 mm to 20 mm, preferably about 5 mm to 15 mm, more preferably about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

[0204] The aerosol-forming substrate that is located inside the aerosol-forming article may be placed such that upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, the aerosol-forming substrate is fully inserted into the heating volume, such that the substrate faces or is arranged between the two opposing heating elements. Accordingly, the substrate may be completely located in the heating chamber, for example to ensure homogenous generation of aerosol across the substrate.

[0205] The heating chamber may have a width, for example measured along the transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, between the two inner small side faces or lateral faces between 7.2 mm and 15.2 mm, preferably between 9.2 mm and 13.2 mm, more preferably about 11.2 mm. The width may be minimum, mean or maximum width.

[0206] The heating chamber may have a width, for example measured along the transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, between the two inner small side faces or lateral faces to provide for an interference fit, a press-fit, or a friction-fit with the small side surfaces or lateral faces of aerosol-forming article. Hence, the aerosol-forming article may be laterally positioned or fixed in the heating chamber.

[0207] The heating chamber may have a height or thickness, for example measured along the normal direction of the aerosol-forming device, between two inner large side faces or main faces of the heater casing between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 8 mm, even more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. The height may be minimum, mean or maximum height.

[0208] Further, a heater gap may be formed between at least one of the two opposing heating elements and a large inner side surface or main face of the heating chamber.

[0209] For example, one of the two opposing heating elements may include an electrically conducting heatable or heating element, wherein the other one of the two opposing heating elements may include a non-conductive and / or non-heatable counter plate or element, also referred to as supporting element. Accordingly, one of the heating elements may be heated and another one may be formed as non-heated counter element.

[0210] In another example, both of two opposing heating elements may be electrically conducting and may form two opposing heatable elements. The two heatable elements may oppose each other in normal direction of the aerosol-forming device, for example.

[0211] The one or more conductive heating or heatable elements may be configured to act as dielectric heater electrodes of a load capacitor supplied with a Radio Frequency, RF, voltage. This may allow for a fast and efficient heating of the one or more conductive heating or heatable elements.

[0212] At least one of the opposing heating or heatable elements may include one or more branches acting as resistive or Joule-type heater elements.

[0213] For example, at least one of the branches may be shaped as spring-like elements, shaped to define the heating volume, and arranged to be substantially parallel with the insertion axis. In an example, the one or more heating or heatable elements may form spring-like elements defining the heating volume and arranged in a plane parallel to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0214] The heater module may further comprise an inductor coil or induction coil wound around the insertion axis, around, inside, or at least partially inside the heater casing, the induction coil configured to be powered by an AC voltage or current to induce currents inside at least one of the opposing heating elements to act as one or more susceptors of an inductive heater. In other words, the one or more heating elements may act as susceptor and may be inductively heated.

[0215] The heater module may further comprise a convective air heater assembly arranged to fluidically interface with the upstream air inlet of the backplate, the airflow path defined by the upstream air inlet and the convective air inlet substantially flowing along a center axis extending along the insertion direction. As described hereinabove and hereinbelow, the convective heater assembly may provide a pre-heating, particularly flash heating, of the air directed to the air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0216] In an example, the small inner side faces, also referred to as lateral faces, of the heater casing may include at least one channel extending in parallel to an insertion direction along the heating chamber and or thereby forming or defining an upstream airflow path. The channel may, for example, be or comprise a groove in the small inner side faces of the heater casing.

[0217] The heater module may further comprise a puff sensing module or puff sensor arranged in fluidic connection with the upstream air inlet of the backplate. By means of the puff sensing module, a puff, for example initiation of a puff by a user and / or termination of a puff, may be detected. Optionally, detecting a puff may trigger heating of the one or more heating elements of the heater module. Further optionally, the heating chamber may be preheated to a preheating temperature, for example during a usage session, and upon detecting a puff the one or more heating elements of the heater module may be heated to a heating temperature for generating aerosol.

[0218] Optionally, the heater module and / or aerosol-forming device may include one or more temperature sensors for controlling a temperature of the one or more heating elements and / or of the aerosol-forming article.

[0219] The puff sensing module may include a sensing cavity located in a center of the device, arranged to fluidically connect to the upstream air inlet. This may allow for reliable puff detection.

[0220] The heater module may further comprise a sensing device placed at the heater casing configured to read an indicium from a surface of the aerosol-forming article. The indicium may for example be a printed indicium or other indicium, such as an RFID tag, barcode or QR code. The indicium may be visible or invisible with the human eye. Also, a plurality of same or different indicia may be used. The sensing device may for example include a reader module configured to read information that is provided with or on the aerosol-forming article, for example in the form of one or more indicia, for at least one of authenticating and / or classifying the aerosol-forming article. Hence, authenticity and / or type of the aerosol-forming article may be detected.

[0221] A least one of two opposing heating elements may include two electrical connection terminals, wherein the at least one of the two opposing heating elements with the corresponding two electrical connection terminals may be formed from a single metal sheet.

[0222] Therein, two electrical connection terminals may be configured to protrude in a distal direction away from the heater casing, for example in parallel to the insertion direction.

[0223] The heater module may further comprise attachment means, which may also be called a mounting structure herein, for removably holding the heater module inside the aerosol-forming device, for example inside an insulating casing, the attachment means may be configured to release the heater module from the aerosol-forming device, thereby permitting a removal of the heating module via a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device. Via the attachment means, the heater module may be removed or replaced. For example, the heater module may be removably mounted inside the insulating casing of the aerosol-forming device. The attachment means or mounting structure may comprise mounting protrusions and correspondingly formed mounting guides configured to slidably engage one another and guide the insertion and / or removal of the heater module from the insulating casing and / or the aerosol-forming device.

[0224] The one or more branches, also referred to herein as tracks, of at least one of the opposing heating elements may be arranged to form a meandering shape, with the longer branches of the meandering shape arranged to be substantially in parallel with the insertion direction and / or longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0225] The longer branches of the meandering shape may be configured to contact a surface of the aerosol-forming article when inserted into the heating chamber at a location where the substrate is placed, the longer branches having a higher resistance and / or resistivity than the other elements of the opposing heating elements. Hence, an efficient and fast heating can be provided.

[0226] The heater module further comprises an insulation casing arranged around the heater casing. By the insulation casing it may be avoided that a casing or housing of the aerosol-forming device gets too hot, for example too hot to be comfortably handled by a user.

[0227] An upstream airflow path of the aerosol-forming device or heater module may be formed between the insulating casing and the heater casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the heater module and / or insulating casing. This can provide further insulation or cooling of the insulating casing via the air passing between the insulating casing and the heater casing. Additionally or alternatively, the upstream airflow path may be formed in the heater casing, for example in a sidewall of the heater casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the heater module.

[0228] Additionally or alternatively, the upstream airflow path is formed in an insulating casing, for example in a sidewall of the insulating casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the insulating casing.

[0229] The upstream airflow path may be formed by an air channel. The air channel may comprise a flat or substantially flat hollow space. For example, a clearance of the air channel in the height direction may be smaller than a clearance of the air channel in the width direction, wherein the height direction and the width direction of the air channel may both be perpendicular and / or orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the heater module and / or the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device may comprise two such air channels, arranged on opposite sides of the heating chamber.

[0230] The heating chamber or heating cavity may have a height or clearance defined by the two opposing heating elements between the two inner large side faces or main faces to provide for an interference fit, a press-fit, or a friction-fit with the aerosol-forming article. Dimensions of the heating chamber may be as described hereinabove or hereinbelow.

[0231] The heater module may further comprise two heater clamps or clamp elements for holding at least a portion of the opposing heating elements against the corresponding part of the heater casing. Hence, reliable and good thermal contact may be ensured.

[0232] For example, the two heater clamps may have a U-shape. Other shapes are envisaged.

[0233] Therein, a smallest clearance distance of the heater volume or heating volume may be in a range between 1 mm to 6 mm, more preferably in a range between 2 mm and 3.5 mm. Accordingly, a heater gap between at least one of the two opposing heating elements and a large inner side surface or main face of the heating chamber may be in a range between 1 mm to 6 mm, more preferably in a range between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0234] The heater module may be configured to heat one or more main faces of the aerosolforming article. Alternatively or additionally, also one or more lateral faces may be heated by heater module. For example, a heating structure may at least partly or completely surround the aerosol-forming article along a perimeter thereof, for example in a U-shape, a C-shape, circular shape or other shape, to heat the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, the main faces or surfaces and / or one or more lateral faces or surfaces of the aerosol-forming article may be heated by the heating structure.

[0235] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming article and an aerosol-forming device, for example an aerosol-forming device according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The aerosol- forming device may include a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Therein, the heating chamber includes two opposing heater elements forming a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heating volume therebetween for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article. The terms heater element and heating element may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein. The heating volume defines an insertion axis for inserting the article therein. The insertion axis may be parallel to or coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, the aerosolforming article may have a length, for example as measured along the insertion axis and / or along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device or article, in a range between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably about 30 mm. The aerosolforming article may have a width, for example as measured along the transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device or article, in a range between 7 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 13 mm, more preferably about 11 mm. The aerosol-forming article may have a thickness or height, for example as measured along the normal direction of the aerosol-forming device or article, of between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, more preferably about 3.1 mm. Therein, the length may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum length, the width may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum width and the thickness may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum thickness, respectively, height of the aerosol-forming article.

[0236] At least one central section or heating section of at least one of the heater or heating elements may be configured to elastically flex or bend in a thickness direction, for example in normal direction of the aerosol-forming article and / or device, which may be perpendicular or orthogonal to the insertion direction, such that upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, a contact or compressive force between the central section and one of the main faces of the rectangular parallelepiped aerosol-forming article is established. By flexing or bending the central section, for example outwards parallel to a surface normal vector of a main face of the aerosol-forming article, sufficient thermal contact between the heating element and / or central section thereof and the main face may be ensured.

[0237] Therein, a flex distance established by the at least one heating section between an inserted and removed aerosol-forming article may be in a range between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, even more preferably in a range between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The flex distance may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum distance, by which the central section may be bent in normal direction of the aerosol-forming device or opposite thereto. Alternatively to flexing, the at least one heating element may be displaced along the normal direction.

[0238] The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially planar shape and may be located between a top and bottom cover sheet inside the aerosol-forming article, wherein the substrate may have a length, for example as measured along the insertion axis and / or along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device or article, of about 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably about 12 mm. The substrate may further have a width, for example as measured perpendicularly to the insertion direction and / or along the transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device or article, of about 6 mm to 13 mm, preferably about 8 mm. Therein, the length may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum length, and the width may refer to a minimum, mean or maximum width of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0239] One or two main faces, and optionally one or two lateral faces or surfaces of the aerosolforming article may be heated by one or more heater or heating elements.

[0240] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device for generating aerosol, for example aerosol inhalable by a user and / or nicotine containing aerosol. The aerosol-forming device comprises a first housing part including a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol-forming article, and a second housing part movably coupled to the first housing part, such that the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device between an open position, in which the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article, and a use position for generating aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming article. Therein, the second housing part includes a fixation means configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is movable along the longitudinal direction based on movement of the second housing part along the longitudinal direction.

[0241] Due to the fixation means in combination with the relative movability of the first and second housing part, handling of an aerosol-forming article and / or handling of the aerosol-forming device may be simplified for a user. In particular, the aerosol-forming article may be moved or displaced based on moving the first and second housing parts relative to each other, thereby providing an intuitive and simple way for a user to load an aerosol-forming article into the device and to remove it therefrom. Also, the configuration and design of the device can allow for an insertion and removal in a controlled manner, thereby avoiding any damage to the aerosol-forming article.

[0242] As used herein the first and second housing parts may refer to respective portions of the housing or enclosure of the aerosol-forming device. In particular, the first and second housing parts may constitute portions of the housing, which are mechanically coupled to each other, such that the first and second housing parts can be moved and / or displaced relative to each other along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. In an example, the first housing part may refer to or include a device body, a body portion, a front part, a distal part and / or a lower part of the housing. Alternatively or additionally, the second housing part may refer to or include a mouthpiece portion, a rear part, an upper part, a top part and / or a proximal part of the housing.

[0243] Optionally, the majority of electronic components of the aerosol-forming device may be arranged in the first housing part, preferably all electronic components of the aerosol-forming device may be arranged in the first housing part. Alternatively or additionally, less or fewer electronic components may be arranged in the second housing part compared to the first housing part. Optionally, the second housing part may lack electronic components.

[0244] Details of the first housing part and the second housing part are shown in and described with reference to Figures 52, 53, and 59-68, for example, wherein the first housing part is referred to as device body or body portion or body part, and the second housing part is referred to as mouthpiece portion or mouthpiece part. Accordingly, the terms “first housing part” and “device body” may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein. Alternatively or additionally, he terms “second housing part” and “mouthpiece portion” may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein.

[0245] The use position and the open position of the aerosol-forming device may generally refer to two different configurations of the aerosol-forming device. Between the open position and the use position, the first housing part and the second housing part can be moved or displaced relative to each other, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis or along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device being in the open position, respectively, being in the closed position, may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein with the first and / or second housing parts being in the open position, respectively, being in the closed position.

[0246] In the use position, the heating chamber may be closed and / or covered by the second housing part and / or the first housing part. Accordingly, the heating chamber may not be accessible, respectively, may be inaccessible for a user to insert the aerosol-forming article or remove it therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming article may only be inserted into the heating chamber when the second housing part and the first housing part are displaced or moved relative to each other out of the use position, for example are displaced towards the open position. Optionally, generation of aerosol may only be allowed in the use position.

[0247] In the open position, the heating chamber may be accessible, for example for inserting an aerosol-forming article into or removing it from the heating chamber.

[0248] A relative displacement or movement of the second housing part and the first housing part from the open position towards or into the use position may refer to a displacement or movement of the second housing part from a proximal end towards a distal end of the aerosol-forming device, and / or may refer to a displacement or movement of the first housing part from a distal end towards a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device.

[0249] Accordingly, the first housing part and the second housing part may be moved or displaced towards each other, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, when moving the first housing part and the second housing part from the open position towards or into the use position. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing part and the second housing part may be moved or displaced away from each other, for example along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, when moving the first housing part and the second housing part from the use position towards or into the open position.

[0250] In a non-limiting example, an opening of the heating chamber may be revealed or uncovered when the aerosol-forming device is in the open position or when the first and / or second housing parts are at least displaced from the use position towards or into the open position. Via the opening, the aerosol-forming article may be inserted into the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the heating chamber may be opened based on or by displacing the second and / or first housing parts from the use position towards or into the open position, and it may be closed based on or by displacing the second and / or first housing parts from the open position towards or into the use position.

[0251] The aerosol-forming device may have a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a normal axis, each being transverse, in particular orthogonal, to each other. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the longitudinal axis and / or may extend from a proximal end or portion towards a distal end or portion of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, the proximal end or portion may be associated with a mouthpiece portion or mouthpiece that is contacted by a user’s mouth during aerosol generation or consumption. A transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the transverse axis, and a normal direction of the aerosol-forming device may be parallel to the normal axis. When the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device are both arranged, oriented or aligned in a horizontal plane, the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device defines a vertical axis of the aerosol-forming device. Therefore, the normal axis or direction may also be referred to herein as vertical axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0252] An extension, length or size of the aerosol-forming device may be longer in longitudinal direction than in directions transverse, for example orthogonal, thereto. Specifically, the aerosolforming device may have a length measured along the longitudinal direction or axis, a width measured along the transverse direction or axis, and a thickness or height measured along the normal axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device.

[0253] Optionally, the longitudinal direction may define and / or may be parallel to an insertion direction, along which the aerosol-forming article may be inserted into the heating chamber. As used herein, the fixation means may generally refer to a component or element configured to secure or stabilize the aerosol-forming article with respect to the second housing part. In particular, the “fixation means being configured to engage” may refer to the fixation means being configured to mechanically and / or releasable couple or fix the aerosol-forming article to the aerosol-forming device. For instance, the fixation means can be arranged in the second housing part of the aerosol-forming device, for example at or near a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device, and the fixation means may be configured to mechanically and / or releasable couple or fix the aerosol-forming article to the second housing part.

[0254] A coupling and / or engagement of the fixation means and the aerosol-forming article may be based on a releasable mechanical fixation, such as for example based on frictional engagement and / or interlocking engagement. However, one or more of adhesive fixation, magnetic fixation, vacuum fixation or other fixation techniques may be used instead or in addition.

[0255] For coupling and / or engaging the aerosol-forming article with the fixation means, respectively for engaging the fixation means with the aerosol-forming article, a user may manually push or move the aerosol-forming article towards a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming device is in the open position or when the first and / or second housing parts are at least displaced from the use position towards the open position. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming article may be engaged with the fixation means by moving the second and / or first housing parts from the open position towards or into the use position. Optionally, the aerosol-forming article may be manually released from the fixation means by a user, when the second and / or first housing parts are in the open position or at least displaced from the use position towards the open position.

[0256] The fixation means may be configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is insertable into the heating chamber of the first housing part based on movement or displacement of the second and / or first housing part from the open position towards or into the use position. Such configuration or design can allow for an intuitive and safe handling of an aerosol-forming article by a user, for example allowing to securely insert the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber without risk of damaging the article. Also, handling or operation for the user may be simplified, because insertion of the comparatively small aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber may be cumbersome, at least for some users.

[0257] The fixation means may be configured to clamp the aerosol-forming article, for example at a proximal end thereof, such that the aerosol-forming article is at least partly pushed into the heating chamber of the first housing part by displacing the second housing part from the open position towards or into the use position.

[0258] A stop element may be arranged at the second housing part, which may limit movement of the aerosol-forming article in direction of the proximal end of the second housing part and / or of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the stop element may push the aerosol-forming article towards the distal end of the aerosol-forming device, when the second housing part is moved or displaced from the open position towards the use position.

[0259] The fixation means may be configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is removable and / or releasable from the heating chamber of the first housing part based on or by displacing the second and / or first housing part from the use position to the open position. For instance, the aerosol-forming article may be manually removed from, for example pulled out of, the heating chamber. Alternatively, the fixation means may be configured to clamp the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is pulled out of the heating chamber of the first housing part by the fixation means based on or by displacing the second and / or first housing part from the use position to the open position. Hence, the aerosolforming article may be safely removed from the heating chamber by displacing the second and / or first housing part, for example the second housing part towards the proximal end and / or the first housing part towards the distal end of the aerosol-forming device. This can be in particular advantageous when removing the aerosol-forming article right after a usage session, because the article may still have an elevated temperature and may thus not be comfortably removed manually by a user. Also, handling or operation for the user may be simplified.

[0260] The fixation means may be configured to engage with an end portion of the aerosol-forming article. In particular, the fixation means may be configured to engage with a proximal end of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the fixation means may be configured to only engage with the end portion of the aerosol-forming article. Accordingly, only the surface at an end portion of the aerosol-forming article may be in contact with and / or may be covered by the fixation means, such that the remaining surface of the aerosol-forming article can be used for heating the aerosolforming article.

[0261] The fixation means may be configured to at least partly surround an end portion, for example a proximal end, of the aerosol-forming article along at least a part of a perimeter of the aerosolforming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is fixed relative to the second housing part. For example, the fixation means may be shaped or formed in correspondence with a shape of the end portion of the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article may be received by the fixation means and at least partly encompassed by the fixation means along its perimeter or outer circumference.

[0262] The fixation means may, for example, include a recess configured to receive an end portion of the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is fixed relative to the second housing part. For example, the recess may be formed to at least partly surround and / or encompass the end portion of the aerosol-forming article. The fixation means may comprise one or more fixation brackets or spring loaded arms, hooks, spheres, or pins configured to clamp and / or clamp-hold the aerosol-forming article, in particular an end portion thereof. The one or more fixation brackets may be manufactured from metal, plastic material, ceramics material, composite material or other material. Using one or more brackets, which may also be referred to herein as clamps or clamp elements, can allow to provide for a robust and reliable coupling of the aerosol-forming article and the second housing part. Also, a size of the fixation means may be reduced compared to other solutions or designs. Further, a contact surface between the one or more brackets and the aerosol-forming article may advantageously be reduced or optimized.

[0263] In an example, the fixation means may comprise at least two opposing fixation brackets, wherein the at least two fixation brackets are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, such that an end portion of the aerosol-forming article is receivable between the fixation brackets. By using at least two opposing fixation brackets, a contact surface between the aerosol-forming article and the brackets can be reduced, while also providing a reliable and robust mechanical coupling or fixation.

[0264] The at least two fixation brackets may, for example, be arranged and / or configured to contact the aerosol-forming article at two opposing lateral faces or surfaces, which are also referred to herein as two opposing side faces or surfaces, of the aerosol-forming article. In particular, the at least two fixation brackets may be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction parallel to a transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device. The transverse direction parallel to the transverse axis of the device may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and to a normal or vertical axis of the aerosol-forming device. Optionally, the opposing lateral faces of the aerosol-forming article may be substantially flat.

[0265] For example, the aerosol-forming article may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming article may be plate-like or cuboid formed. The aerosol-forming article may comprise two opposing main surfaces, which may be substantially flat. When the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device, a surface normal vector of the two opposing main surfaces may be parallel to the normal axis of the aerosol-forming device. Further, the aerosol-forming article may comprise two end faces or surfaces, in particular substantially flat end faces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device. The two end faces or surfaces may form the smallest surfaces of the aerosol-forming article. Moreover, the aerosol-forming article may comprise two lateral faces, in particular substantially flat lateral faces or surfaces, which are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced apart from each other in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device. Accordingly, each of the lateral faces of the aerosol-forming article may have a surface normal vector substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the aerosol-forming device, when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the aerosol-forming device.

[0266] In an example, each of the fixation brackets of the fixation means may be spring-loaded towards a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device, such that receipt of the aerosol-forming article between the fixation brackets creates a clamping retention fixing the aerosol-forming article between the fixation brackets. Spring-loading the at least two fixation brackets may allow to create higher clamp forces compared to non-spring-loaded brackets. As a consequence, a contact surface between the fixation brackets and the aerosol-forming article can further be reduced or optimized.

[0267] In an exemplary configuration, each of the one or more fixation brackets may be curved towards a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device. When inserting an aerosol-forming article between the fixation brackets, the brackets may at least partly be pushed outwards and / or away from each other to create a clamp force fixing or holding the aerosol-forming article in place.

[0268] The heating chamber may be configured to receive the aerosol-forming article along the longitudinal direction. The heating chamber may be interchangeably or synonymously used herein with “heating cavity” or “cavity”. For instance, the heating chamber may be arranged such that the aerosol-forming article is insertable into the heating chamber along the longitudinal direction. Alternatively or additionally, the heating chamber may be arranged such that the aerosol-forming article is removable from the heating chamber in the opposite direction. In an example, the heating chamber may include an opening, which may be revealed or uncovered when the second and / or first housing part is moved to or located in the open position. The aerosolforming article may then be inserted into the heating chamber via the opening by pushing the aerosol-forming article along the longitudinal direction, respectively, along the insertion direction, towards the distal end of the aerosol-forming device. Vice versa, the aerosol-forming article may be pulled out of the heating chamber via the opening in an opposite direction towards a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device.

[0269] In an exemplary configuration, the second housing part may be coupled to the first housing part in a sliding relationship. In other words, the second housing part may be slidably coupled to the first housing part. Accordingly, the first housing part and the second housing part may be slid or displaced relative to each other from the open position into the use position, for example based on sliding the second housing part towards the distal end of the aerosol-forming device, and / or based on sliding the first housing part towards the proximal end of the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively or additionally, the first housing part and the second housing part may be slid or displaced relative to each other from the use position into the open position, for example based on sliding the second housing part towards the proximal end of the aerosol-forming device, and / or based on sliding the first housing part towards the distal end. A slidable coupling between the first and second housing parts can allow for an intuitive and comfortable handling, which may even allow for one-handed operation by a user. Also, slidable couplings may provide a robust and reliable mechanical fixation, thereby increasing the lifetime of the aerosol-forming device.

[0270] In an example, a relative displacement or movement of the first housing part and the second housing part between the use position and the open position may be such that the aerosol-forming article is fully removable or can be fully removed in the open position of the aerosol-forming device. For example, when the first and second housing parts are slid to the open position, at least a part of the aerosol-forming article may be revealed, such that user may remove the article from the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, when the first and second housing parts are slid to the open position, the heating chamber may be accessible, such that the user may insert an aerosol-forming article at least partly into the heating chamber.

[0271] For example, the relative displacement of the first housing part and the second housing part between the use position and the open position may be in a range between 20 mm and 50 mm. Accordingly, the first housing part may be displaced or moved, relative to the second housing part, between the open position and the use position by a distance of about 20 mm to about 50 mm. Vice versa the second housing part may be displaced or moved, relative to the first housing part, between the open position and the use position by a distance of about 20 mm to about 50 mm.

[0272] The first housing part may comprise one or more first slide means and the second housing part may comprise one or more second slide means, wherein each of the one or more second slide means may be configured to at least partly engage with a respective one of the one or more first slide means, such that the second housing part is slidably coupled to the first housing part. For example, the first and second slide means may be formed to cooperate with each other, such that the first and second housing parts are mechanically or slidably coupled to each other. For instance, the first and second slide means may be shaped in correspondence with each other. The first slide means may also be referred to as a sliding mount. The second slide means may also be referred to as sliding frame.

[0273] In an example, the first slide means may comprise or may be shaped as compartment in the first housing part, wherein the second slide means may be slidably arranged, accommodated or received within the compartment. For example, the second slide means may be slidably insertable via an opening of the compartment.

[0274] In another example, the first slide means may comprise one or more protrusions and the second slide means may comprise one or more grooves configured to slidably receive the first slide means therein. Alternatively, the second slide means may comprise one or more protrusions and the first slide means may comprise one or more grooves configured to slidably receive the second slide means therein.

[0275] The second housing part may further comprise a support element or guide configured to support and / or hold the aerosol-forming article, wherein, in the open position of the second housing part, the support element protrudes from an end of the second housing part, in particular from a distal end of the second housing part, along the longitudinal axis or direction towards the first housing part. By means of the support element, controlled insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber based on displacement of the second housing part towards the use position may be provided.

[0276] A length of the support element, which may be measured along the longitudinal axis or direction of the aerosol-forming device may be such that at least a part of a main surface or face of the aerosol-forming article can be supported by the support element. For instance, the length of the support element may be in the range of about 20 mm to about 50 mm

[0277] For example, the support element may be slidably arranged at the first housing part. For example, the support element may be at least partly insertable into a compartment of the first housing part.

[0278] Optionally, the support element may comprise one or more slide protrusions configured to slidably engage with one or more slide grooves of the first housing part. Alternatively, the support element may comprise one or more slide grooves configured to slidably engage with one or more slide protrusions of the first housing part. The slide protrusions and the slide grooves may also be referred to herein as first and second slide means.

[0279] When the second and / or first housing part is located in the use position, the support element may form a rear wall of a housing of the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively, the rear wall may be provided by a part of the first housing part, wherein the support element may be at least partly inserted into a compartment of the first housing part, when the second and / or first housing part is located in the use position.

[0280] In an example, the support element may be configured to support a plate-like or cuboid formed aerosol-forming article. In particular, the support element may comprise and / or define a substantially flat support area configured to support and / or hold the plate-like or cuboid formed aerosol-forming article. For instance, the support element may comprise or define a substantially flat support area configured to support or receive a substantially flat surface of the aerosol-forming article, in particular one of the main surfaces or faces of the plate-like or cuboid aerosol-forming article.

[0281] The support element may optionally include a guide for supporting a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped, plate-like or cuboid formed aerosol-forming article. For example, the guide may be configured to clamp hold the aerosol-forming article between two guide elements of the guide. Accordingly, the guide may comprise two opposing guide elements which may be spaced apart from each other in transverse direction of the aerosol-forming device, such that the guide and / or the two guide elements fix, contact and / or hold the aerosol-forming article on at least two opposing sides of the aerosol-forming article. In particular, the guide may be configured to fix, contact and / or hold the aerosol-forming article on two opposing lateral sides or faces of the aerosol-forming article. By means of the guide, the aerosol-forming article may be laterally fixed and securely guided into the heating chamber, when displacing the second housing part from the open position towards the use position.

[0282] In an exemplary configuration, the guide may comprise a depression or recess for receiving the aerosol-forming article, for example for receiving a substantially flat main surface of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped or cuboid aerosol-forming article. For example, the depression may define a substantially flat support area configured to support and / or hold a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped, plate-like or cuboid formed aerosol-forming article, in particular to support a substantially flat main surface of the cuboid aerosol-forming article.

[0283] The second housing part may further include a mouthpiece configured to deliver aerosol to the mouth of a user. The mouthpiece may at least partly be inserted into a user’s mouth during aerosol consumption. A mouthpiece may generally be advantageous in terms of hygiene or cleanability. Also, aerosol generated based on heating the aerosol-forming article may be cooled on its way through the mouthpiece and / or may be mixed with air, which can increase comfort and taste for the user.

[0284] The mouthpiece may be configured to be replaceable and / or may be removably fastened to the second housing part. A replaceable mouthpiece may be of particular advantage in terms of hygiene. Also, a particular aerosol-forming device may be shared by a plurality of users, each having its own mouthpiece.

[0285] In an example, the mouthpiece may be at least partly retractable into and / or extractable out of the second housing part. By retracting the mouthpiece into the second housing part and / or into the housing of the aerosol-forming device, the mouthpiece may be protected against dirt or other substances when the device is not being used for aerosol consumption.

[0286] The mouthpiece may for example be retracted into the housing by displacing the mouthpiece along the longitudinal direction towards the distal end of the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may be extracted from the housing by displacing the mouthpiece in opposite direction towards the proximal end of the aerosol-forming device.

[0287] In an example, the mouthpiece may be coupled to the second housing part, such that displacement of the second housing part from the open position into the use position extracts the mouthpiece from the second housing part. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may be coupled to the second housing part, such that displacement of the second housing part from the use position into the open position retracts the mouthpiece into the second housing part.

[0288] The mouthpiece may be at least partly retractable into and / or extractable from the second housing part based on actuating a mouthpiece actuator or slider movably arranged on the second housing part or the first housing part. In other words, the aerosol-forming device may comprise a mouthpiece actuator or slider that is actuatable by user to extract the mouthpiece from the second housing part and / or to retract it into the second housing part. For example, the mouthpiece actuator may be displaceable along the longitudinal direction and in a direction opposite thereto to retract and extract the mouthpiece. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece actuator may be arranged at the first housing part or at the second housing part, and the mouthpiece actuator may be actuatable by a user to slide the mouthpiece out of the second housing part and / or to retract the mouthpiece into the second housing part.

[0289] When the second housing part is in the open position, retraction of the mouthpiece into the second housing part may disengage and / or release the aerosol-forming article from the fixation means. This may provide for a simplified handling for the user allowing to simultaneously release or disengage the aerosol-forming article from the fixation means and retract the mouthpiece into the second housing part, for example for storing the aerosol-forming device.

[0290] The second housing part or the first housing part may include a mouthpiece actuator actuatable by a user to slide the mouthpiece out of the second housing part and / or to retract the mouthpiece into the second housing part. The mouthpiece actuator may for example be linearly displaceable by the user, for example along the longitudinal direction or transverse thereto. Accordingly, the mouthpiece actuator may be configured as linear slider that may be slidable by a user to retract or extract the mouthpiece. Alternatively to a linearly displaceable actuator, other actuation means, such as a push button or rotational actuator may be used.

[0291] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise an aerosol-forming article receivable in the heating chamber to generate aerosol. For example, the aerosol-forming device may be configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming article.

[0292] For heating the aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming device may comprise one or more heating elements. Exemplary heating elements can be based on one or more of resistive heating, inductive heating and microwave heating, for example using electrical energy supplied via, drawn from or stored in an energy storage of the aerosol-forming device, or received from an external power or energy source. It is noted that alternatively or additionally heating of the aerosolforming article other aerosol generating means can be used, for example a non-thermal aerosol generator.

[0293] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming or aerosol-generating system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device, for example any of the aerosol-forming device described herein, and a companion device configured to charge and / or at least partly receive the aerosol-forming device, for example in a cavity or compartment arranged in a housing of the companion device.

[0294] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to use of an aerosol-forming device according and / or an aerosol-forming system as described herein for aerosol consumption, for example in one or more usage sessions.

[0295] A usage session, also referred to as an “experience” or an “experience session”, may have a particular start, an end and a duration. The start and / or end may be initiated or triggered by the user, for example based on actuating a user interface of the aerosol-forming device or system. A usage session may generally be characterized by the aerosol-forming device being operated to heat at least a part of an aerosol-forming article, for example above a threshold temperature or heating temperature sufficient to release aerosol, for example nicotine-containing aerosol, from the aerosol-forming article, which may be inhaled by the user. Optionally, a usage session may be interrupted or paused by a user, for example based on actuating a user interface of the aerosolforming system or device and / or based on configuring the aerosol-forming system or device in a pause mode.

[0296] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of loading an aerosol-forming article into an aerosol-forming device or system, for example loading an aerosol-forming article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device may refer to any aerosol-forming device described herein. In particular, the aerosolforming device can comprise a first housing part, which includes the heating chamber, and a second housing part movably coupled to the first housing part, such that the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. The method may comprise moving and / or displacing the second and / or first housing part from a use position, in which the heating chamber is covered by the second housing part, towards or into an open position, in which the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article. The method further comprises inserting the aerosol-forming article at least partly into the heating chamber, and moving the second and / or first housing part from the open position into the use position, thereby at least partly engaging the aerosol-forming article with a fixation means arranged at the second housing part, such that the aerosol-forming article is pushed by the relative movement of the first and second housing parts completely into the heating chamber.

[0297] In an example, the method may further comprise moving the second housing part from the use position into the open position, thereby pulling the aerosol-forming article engaged with the fixation means of the second housing part out of the heating chamber.

[0298] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device including a device housing and a mouthpiece. The device housing may also be referred to herein as housing of the aerosol-forming device. The device housing includes a storage chamber for storing or accommodating the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is movable between a storage position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly arranged inside the storage chamber, and a use or extracted position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly displaced from the storage position and at least partly protrudes from the device housing, for example at a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device includes an actuator, also referred to herein as mouthpiece actuator, which is movably arranged on the device housing, the actuator or mouthpiece being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position is actuatable by the movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position. Further, a heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device is arranged in the device housing, the heating chamber being configured to heat an aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein an airflow channel is provided in the device housing, wherein the airflow channel is configured to conduct aerosol from the heating chamber through the mouthpiece for inhalation by a user, and wherein downstream of the heating chamber, the airflow channel includes at least one air inlet channel in the device housing, the at least one air inlet channel being configured to provide a fluid coupling or connection between the airflow channel and an outside environment of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, the at least one air inlet channel is configured to provide an air flow from the outside environment into the airflow channel, wherein the air inlet channel is blocked when the mouthpiece is in the storage position and open when the mouthpiece is in the use position.

[0299] Accordingly, when in the open or extracted position, air can be drawn through the air inlet channel, which may be mixed with an airflow from or through the aerosol-forming article. Hence, aerosol content in the airflow or air passed through the mouthpiece may be reduced or homogenized, which may be beneficial in terms of user experience.

[0300] In the storage position, the mouthpiece may be arranged inside the storage chamber and may be arranged flush with an outer contour of the device housing. Accordingly, the mouthpiece may be completely retracted into the device housing, for example into a mouthpiece portion, second housing part or downstream element of the housing. Hence, the mouthpiece may be protected against dirt and damage, for example.

[0301] The air inlet channel may be connected to a nucleation chamber, wherein the nucleation chamber may be a part of the airflow channel downstream of the heating chamber having an increased inner diameter in comparison to parts of the airflow channel upstream and / or downstream of the nucleation chamber. By means of the nucleation chamber, a mixing with air drawn from the air inlet channel may be provided, which may be beneficial in terms of user experience. The mouthpiece may include a locking device configured to provide a resistance against a movement of the mouthpiece out of the storage position and / or out of the use position. Hence, extraction or retraction by mistake of the mouthpiece may be avoided.

[0302] The locking device may include at least one magnet. Other means for providing resistance against movement of the mouthpiece may be used instead or in addition thereto.

[0303] The mouthpiece may include a sealing device configured to provide an airtight sealing between a part of the airflow channel in the mouthpiece and a part of the airflow channel in the device housing. Accordingly, by means of the sealing device, the airflow channel in the device housing and in the mouthpiece may be separated from one another.

[0304] The sealing device may include a sealing ring or O-ring and the locking device may include at least one groove in the mouthpiece and / or the device housing, for example in a part of the device housing forming the airflow channel. Therein, the movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position may actuate or cause a movement of the sealing ring and the groove relative to each other. By means of the sealing ring and the groove, the resistance against a movement of the mouthpiece out of the storage position and / or out of the use position may be provided. Also, reliable sealing may be ensured.

[0305] For example, the sealing ring may be arranged in a use position groove when the mouthpiece is in the use position and / or the sealing ring may be arranged in a storage position groove when the mouthpiece is in the storage position. For example, the sealing ring may be displaced from the storage position groove to the use position groove when moving the mouthpiece from the storage to the use position. Vice versa, the sealing ring may be displaced from the use position groove to the storage position groove when moving the mouthpiece from the use to the storage position.

[0306] The mouthpiece may be removably attached to the device housing. Accordingly, the mouthpiece may be removed or replaced. This may be beneficial in terms of hygiene.

[0307] The movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position and / or the movement of the actuator or mouthpiece actuator between the first position and the second position may be a linear sliding motion. Accordingly, the actuator or mouthpiece actuator may be or include a linear slider that may be linearly slidable between the first and second position, for example along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device or transverse thereto.

[0308] The heating chamber and the storage chamber may be arranged adjacent to each other and partly overlap, so that an aerosol-forming article or substrate received in the heating chamber at least partly protrudes into the storage chamber. Hence, the article may be efficiently heated.

[0309] The mouthpiece can be configured so that the movement of the mouthpiece from the use position to the storage position displaces the aerosol-forming article or substrate from the storage chamber. For example, the mouthpiece may be configured so that the loading of the aerosol-forming article or substrate at least partly into the heating chamber displaces the mouthpiece from the storage position towards the use position. Accordingly, by moving the article into the heating chamber, the mouthpiece may be extracted to the use position.

[0310] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise an aerosol-forming article or substrate, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate or article.

[0311] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device as described herein and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy. The companion device may be configured store and / or at least partly receive the aerosol-forming device, for example in a cavity or compartment thereof.

[0312] The aerosol-forming device and the companion device may each include at least one energy storage, the companion device being configured to charge the energy storage of the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy from the energy storage of the companion device, wherein a position sensor may be provided on the aerosol-forming device or the companion device, the position sensor being configured to detect the position of the mouthpiece in the storage position and / or the use position. Further, a switch device or switch may be provided on the aerosol-forming device or the companion device, the switch device being configured to direct power from the energy storage of the companion device to a heating device, also referred to herein as heater module, heating module, or heating structure of the aerosol-forming device, when the mouthpiece is in the use position.

[0313] For instance, the aerosol-forming device may be stored in the companion device and the mouthpiece may be extracted from the aerosol-device and / or from a casing of the companion device. Therein, energy may be supplied from the energy storage of the companion device to the heating device and / or may be used for heating the aerosol-forming article. As the battery or energy storage of the companion device may have a larger capacity compared to an energy storage of the aerosol-forming device, a larger number of usage sessions or experiences can be provided to the user.

[0314] Optionally, the switch device may be configured to direct power from the energy storage of the companion device to the energy storage of the aerosol-forming device when the mouthpiece is displaced from the use position or is in the storage position.

[0315] According to an aspect, there is provided a method of controlling air flow through an air inlet channel of an airflow channel in an aerosol-forming device, for example an aerosol-forming device as described herein. The air inlet channel may be arranged downstream of a heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device and provide a connection between the airflow channel and an outside environment. The method comprises moving a mouthpiece of the aerosol-forming device between a storage position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly arranged inside the storage chamber, and a use position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly displaced from the storage position and at least partly protrudes from the device housing, by moving an actuator or mouthpiece actuator or slider between a first position and a second position. The method further comprises closing the air inlet channel when the mouthpiece is moved into the storage position, and opening the air inlet channel when the mouthpiece is moved into the use position.

[0316] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming device comprising a device housing with a first housing part and a second housing part. The device housing is also referred to herein a housing of the aerosol-forming device. The first housing part is also referred to herein as device body, and the second housing part is also referred to herein as mouthpiece portion or downstream element or part of the aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device further comprises a housing actuator or actuator movably arranged on the first housing part, the housing actuator being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first housing part includes a heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber is configured to heat an aerosol-forming article or substrate, particularly a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped aerosol-forming article or substrate, and includes a loading opening, the loading opening being configured to receive the aerosol-forming article or substrate, for example along an insertion direction or longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device. Therein, the second housing part is fixed or hinged to the first housing part via a rotational joint or hinge and rotatably or pivotably movable between a use position, also referred to herein as sealing position, and an open position, also referred to herein as loading position, by movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position. Further, the second housing part covers the loading opening of the heating chamber, also referred to herein as opening of the heating chamber, in the use position, and wherein the second housing part is removed from the loading opening or opening of the heating chamber in the open position, for example such that the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article via the opening or remove it therefrom.

[0317] Accordingly, when actuating the housing actuator from the first to the second position, the second housing part may be rotated or flipped via the rotational joint relative to the first housing part, thereby revealing or uncovering the opening or loading opening of the heating chamber allowing to insert an aerosol-forming article thereinto or remove it therefrom. Further, when actuating the housing actuator from the second to the first position, the second housing part may be rotated or flipped via the rotational joint relative to the first housing part, thereby covering the opening or loading opening, for example to allow for a usage session or experience. Hence, a user-friendly and robust actuation mechanism may be provided. The movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position may be mechanically translated into the movement of the second housing part between the use position and the open position.

[0318] For example, the movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position may be a linear movement, in particular a linear sliding movement. Accordingly, the housing actuator may include a linear slider that may be linearly slidable, for example along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device or transverse thereto.

[0319] The housing actuator may include a linearly moveable worm or rack and the second housing part may comprise a gear or pinion, the gear or pinion being rotatable about a rotational axis of the rotational joint. Further, the worm or rack may mesh with the gear or pinion during movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position. By means of the worm or rack, a robust connection may be provided that allows to translate the linear movement of the housing actuator into a rotational movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part.

[0320] Therein, the movement or displacement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position may be transverse, for example orthogonal or perpendicular, to a rotational axis of the rotational joint. Hence, a compact device may be provided.

[0321] The first housing part may have an elongated shape, for example a substantially cylindrical shape, and the second housing part, in the use position, may be arranged flush with the first housing part and may extend or continue the shape of the first housing part, for example in a tapered manner. This may allow for a comfortable handling by a user and small footprint of the device, in particular when in the use position.

[0322] The second housing part may include a mouthpiece configured to deliver aerosol to the mouth of a user. In other words, aerosol or air containing aerosol may be passed through the mouthpiece to a user’s mouth.

[0323] The mouthpiece may be configured to be replaceable and / or may be removably fastened to the second housing part. Hence, the mouthpiece may be removed or replaced, which may be beneficial in terms of hygiene.

[0324] The mouthpiece may be at least partly retractable into and / or extractable out of the second housing part, for example based on actuating a mouthpiece actuator or slider movably arranged on the second housing part or the first housing part.

[0325] The second housing part may include at least a part of an airflow channel connected to the heating chamber.

[0326] For example, the first housing part and / or the second housing part may include a sealing device, for example a sealing lip or ring, configured to connect an airflow channel included in the second housing part to an airflow channel and / or the heating chamber in the first housing part. The second housing part may further include a piercing connector configured to be at least partly piercingly insertable into the aerosol-forming article or substrate. Via the piercing connector, a fluidic connection may be established. The piercing connector may also be referred to herein as blade structure of a fluidic interconnection element.

[0327] The piercing connector, blade structure and / or fluidic interconnection element may comprise a circumferential insertion edge, preferably wherein the circumferential insertion edge is at least partly sharpened or the entire circumferential insertion edge is sharpened. The piercing connector, blade structure and / or fluidic interconnection element may at least partly cut and / or press into an aerosol-forming article, for example to provide a fluidic coupling or seal.

[0328] The device housing may include a locking means configured to lock the second housing part in the use position and / or in the open position. By using the locking means, a displacement between the use and open position by mistake may be avoided.

[0329] In an example, the device housing may include a spring-load, and the second housing part may be spring-loaded by the spring-load to stay in the use position and / or in the open position.

[0330] The aerosol-forming device may further comprise an aerosol-forming article or substrate, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate or article.

[0331] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-forming system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device as described herein and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy. The companion device may be configured store and / or at least partly receive the aerosol-forming device, for example in a cavity or compartment thereof.

[0332] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of loading an aerosol-forming article or substrate into an aerosol-forming device, for example into a heating chamber of an aerosol-forming device. The aerosol-forming device may include a device housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, the second housing part being fixed to the first housing part via a rotational joint. The method comprises moving a housing actuator on the first housing part from a first position into a second position, translating the movement of the housing actuator between the first and second positions into a rotation of the second housing part from a use position, in which the second housing part covers a loading opening or opening of the heating chamber, into an open position, in which the second housing part is removed from the loading opening of the heating chamber.

[0333] The method may further comprise inserting an aerosol-forming article or substrate into the heating chamber through the loading opening, moving the housing actuator on the first housing part from the second position into the first position, and translating the movement of the housing actuator between the second position and first position into a rotation of the second housing part from the open position to the use position.

[0334] 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.

[0335] Example 1 : An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces and two opposing side faces, the aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate arranged between the two opposing main faces, the device comprising: a main air inlet for receiving an airflow from an outside; a downstream element removably or fixedly attachable to a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion, the downstream element including a downstream air channel; a device body having a heating chamber and defining an insertion direction for the article; a first air path structure with two parallelly-arranged first air channels fluidically connected to the main air inlet running in parallel to the heating chamber on two opposing sides; a second air path structure arranged to redirect the air flow from the two parallel ly arranged first air channels to a center axis of the aerosol-forming device; and a center upstream air channel for fluidically connecting the second airpath structure with an upstream inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0336] Example 2: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the downstream element is slidably, rotatably, or slidably-rotatably attached to the device body, to be moved from an open position to a use position, wherein in the use position, a plurality of air gaps are formed between the downstream element or the mouthpiece portion or the mouthpiece and the device body serving as the main air inlet.

[0337] Example 3: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 2, wherein the second airpath structure includes a backplate arranged at a distal end of the heating chamber, the backplate separating the heating chamber from a fluidic connection provided by the second air path structure, the backplate including two traversing openings to provide a fluidic connection of the second airpath structure with the two parallel ly arranged first air channels.

[0338] Example 4: The aerosol-forming device according to one of examples 1 to 3, wherein the fluidic connection of the second air path structure provides for two linear fluidic pathways from a side wall towards a center axis of the device.

[0339] Example 5: The aerosol-forming device according to one of examples 1 to 4, further comprising a resistive heater element extending along the two linear fluidic pathways for heating the airflow passing through the second airpath structure. Example 6: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 5, wherein the two parallelly arranged first air channels are arranged to not fl uidically connect with a heating volume of the heating chamber, and have first air inlets at a proximal end of the device body, the first air inlets fluidically connected to the main air inlet.

[0340] Example 7: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 6, wherein the two parallelly arranged first air channels are arranged between an inner heater casing that forms the heating chamber, and an outer insulation casing that at least partially encapsules the heater casing, and may therefore be thermally insulated from a heating volume of the heating chamber.

[0341] Example 8: The aerosol-forming device according to one of examples 1 to 7, wherein the heating chamber has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the two parallelly arranged first air channels are arranged along the small side faces of the heating chamber.

[0342] Example 9: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 8, wherein the center upstream air channel for fluidically connecting the second airpath structure with the upstream inlet of the aerosol-forming article includes a convective heater for heating the airflow, the convective heater forming an air path in the center arranged to be parallel to the insertion direction.

[0343] Example 10: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the center upstream air channel includes a slit-like shape.

[0344] Example 11 : The aerosol-forming device according to one of examples 9 and 10, wherein the second air path structure is arranged to redirect the air flow from the two parallelly arranged first air channels to the center upstream air channel, to pass the air through the convective heater.

[0345] Example 12: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 11 , wherein the first air inlets are arranged as air passages that are open towards the heating chamber, and are arranged at the small side faces of the heating chamber, such that presence of the aerosolforming article defines a resistance-to-draw of the flow path with the defined flow area of the air passages.

[0346] Example 13: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 12, wherein the two parallelly arranged first air channels are arranged to fluidically connect with the heating chamber, form an open side towards the heating volume of the heating chamber, and are arranged along the small side faces of the heating chamber.

[0347] Example 14: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the two parallelly arranged first air channels each have a first air inlet at the proximal end of the device body, the first air inlet forming a cavity having a funnel or wedge-type shape. Example 15: The aerosol-forming device according to one of examples 13 and 14, wherein an insertion of the aerosol-forming article to the heating chamber closes the open side of the first air channels, such that the air flows past the small side faces of the aerosol-forming article.

[0348] Example 16: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 15, wherein the downstream element includes the downstream air channel arranged along a center axis of the aerosol-forming device in parallel to an insertion direction for inserting an aerosol-forming article, and further comprising a nucleation chamber in fluidic connection with the downstream air channel.

[0349] Example 16A: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 16, wherein the nucleation chamber includes at least one separate air inlet.

[0350] Example 16B: The aerosol-forming device according to example 16A, wherein the at least one separate air inlet is fluidically connected or coupled to the main air inlet.

[0351] Example 16C: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 1 to 16B, wherein the aerosol-forming device is connected to an outside or exterior environment only via the main air inlet.

[0352] Example 17: A fluidic interconnection element for an aerosol-forming device, the fluidic interconnection element configured to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosolforming device and a removable aerosol-forming article, the fluidic interconnection element comprising: a blade structure surrounding a flow path defining a central axis, the blade structure having a first end configured to face a fluidic opening of an aerosol-forming article, and a second end configured to provide a fluidic connection to another element of the aerosol-forming device, wherein an outer wall of the blade structure has a sloped or tapered shape thereby increasing a thickness of the blade structure in a direction from the first end to the second end, for example wherein an outer edge of the blade structure includes a wavy end edge.

[0353] Example 17a: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 17, wherein the wavy end edge includes at least two crests.

[0354] Example 17b: The fluidic interconnection element according to the previous example, wherein the crests include any one of a pointed end, a flat end, and a rounded end.

[0355] Example 17c: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17a- 17b, wherein the outer edge of the blade structure leading up to the crests has a positive or a negative curvature.

[0356] Example 17d: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17a- 17c, wherein the at least two crests are separated by a trough. Example 17e: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17- 17d, wherein the wavy end edge includes at least two crests and at least two troughs, for example wherein the crests and troughs alternate in the wavy end edge.

[0357] Example 17f: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17d- 17e, wherein the trough includes or the troughs include any one of an angled bottom and a rounded bottom.

[0358] Example 17g: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17d- 17f, wherein the trough includes or the troughs include a section of the outer edge of the blade structure having a positive or a negative curvature.

[0359] Example 17h: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17- 17g, wherein the outer edge of the blade structure includes two long sides and two short sides around its circumference, and wherein the wavy end edge is arranged on at least one or both of the short sides.

[0360] Example 17i: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17-17h, wherein the fluidic interconnection element is configured to be used with an aerosol-forming article comprising three stacked layers, and wherein the wavy end edge, for example the crests, are configured to be aligned with contact surfaces between the layers of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is in contact with the fluidic interconnection element.

[0361] Example 17j: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17-17i, wherein the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the wavy end edge, is configured to penetrate at least 0.6 mm or at least 0.7 mm or at least 0.8 mm or at least 0.9 mm into the aerosolforming article, and / or wherein the fluidic interconnection element, particularly the wavy end edge, is configured to penetrate at least 0.2 mm or at least 0.25 mm or at least 0.3 mm, for example 0.265 mm, into the aerosol-forming article beyond a zero point of the aerosol-forming article.

[0362] Example 17k: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17-17j, wherein the wavy end edge extends for at least 0.5 mm, for example for at least 0.6 mm or at least 0.7 mm or at least 0.8 mm or at least 0.9 mm or at least 1.0 mm, and / or at most 1.5 mm or at most 1.4 mm or at most 1.3 mm or at most 1 .2 mm or at most 1.1 mm or at most 1 .0 mm, for example for 0.8 mm or for 0.9 mm or for 1.0 mm, along the flow path and / or the central axis.

[0363] Example 171: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17-17k, wherein an inner diameter of the flow path inside the blade structure and / or the fluidic interconnection element increases from the second end to the first end.

[0364] Example 17m: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17- 171, wherein the fluidic interconnection element is made of or comprises a metal or a metal material, for example stainless steel, or a rubber, for example a silicone rubber or a silicone rubber material.

[0365] Example 18: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 17m, further comprising: a backplate to which the blade structure is mounted to or is integrally formed with, the flow path of the blade structure traversing the backplate.

[0366] Example 19: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 18, wherein a first end edge of the blade structure is formed to extend in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the flow path.

[0367] Example 20: The fluidic interconnection element according to the previous example, wherein the first end edge of the blade structure has a flat first end surface having a width of about 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm, more preferably a width of about 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm.

[0368] Example 21 : The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 20, wherein the sloped shape of the outer wall of the blade structure includes a concave shape.

[0369] Example 22: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 21 , wherein the concave shape, at one end, is formed to be flush with the first end of the outer wall that is parallel to the central axis, and at the other end, is formed to be flush with a first surface of the back plate.

[0370] Example 23: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 22, wherein an inner wall of the blade structure forming the flow path is parallel to the central axis.

[0371] Example 24: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 23, wherein an inner wall of the blade structure is formed to have no fluidic obstructions, for example wherein the inner wall of the blade structure has a smooth surface.

[0372] Example 25: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 14, wherein an inner wall of the blade structure forming the flow path has a length in a range between 2 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm.

[0373] Example 26: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to

[0374] 25, wherein the blade structure is traversed laterally by two or more lateral flow paths, forming a nucleation chamber inside the flow path.

[0375] Example 27: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to

[0376] 26, wherein a cross-sectional area of the flow path as seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis has a longitudinal extension and / or an oblong shape.

[0377] Example 28: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 27, wherein the cross-sectional area has one of a rectangularly-shape or an oval-shape.

[0378] Example 29: The fluidic interconnection element according to example 27 or 28, wherein the cross-sectional area has a length, for example along or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is in a range between 3 mm and 12 mm, for example between 3 mm and 10 mm or between 4 mm and 8 mm, and has a height or thickness in a range between 0.8 mm and 3 mm, for example between 1 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 1.3 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0379] Example 30: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 18 to

[0380] 29, wherein the blade structure protrudes from the backplate parallel to the central axis in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

[0381] Example 30a: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to

[0382] 30, wherein an inner clearance provided for the airflow through the fluidic interconnection element is greater than or equal to an inner clearance provided for the airflow through the aerosol-forming article.

[0383] Example 30b: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 30a, comprising a stop or limit stop at the blade structure, wherein the stop or limit stop may protrude perpendicularly to the flow path and / or which wherein the stop or limit stop may be configured to press or otherwise engage with an outer surface wall of the aerosol-forming article.

[0384] Example 30c: The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of examples 17 to 30b, wherein the blade structure is configured to press against a tapered surface of the fluidic opening of the aerosol-forming article, preferably providing a press seal with the aerosol-forming article.

[0385] Example 30d: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosolforming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming device comprising at least one fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous Examples 17-30c.

[0386] Example 31 : An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the device comprising: a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article; an upstream airflow path configured to provide air to the aerosol-forming substrate when received in the heating chamber; and an upstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect the upstream airflow path with the aerosol-forming article, wherein the upstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall around an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a fluidic connection between the upstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosolforming article.

[0387] Example 32: The aerosol-forming device of example 11 , wherein a cross-sectional area of an opening provided around an outer edge of the blade structure is larger than a cross-sectional area of the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. Example 33: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 32, wherein a cross- sectional area of an opening provided around an outer edge of the blade structure has a circular shape, an oval shape, an oblong shape, a rectangular shape, an irregular shape.

[0388] Example 34: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 33, wherein a cross- sectional area of a flow path provided by the blade structure has a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0389] Example 35: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 34, wherein a material of the blade structure has a hardness value of at least 70, more preferably at least 80, even more preferably at least 100, even more preferably about 105, on the Rockwell hardness scale.

[0390] Example 36: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 35, wherein a material used for the blade structure includes at least one of metal, ceramic, or a polymer, preferably polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and / or polyetherimide (PEI).

[0391] Example 37: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 36, wherein the upstream fluidic interconnection element with the blade structure and the upstream airflow path are formed as a unitary element or structure.

[0392] Example 38: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 37, further comprising: a downstream airflow path configured to provide an aerosol from the substrate to an aerosol outlet of the device; and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect the downstream airflow path with the aerosol-forming article, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall around a downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a sealed fluidic connection between the substrate of the aerosol-forming article and the downstream airflow path.

[0393] Example 39: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 31 to 38, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element with the blade structure is in fluidic interconnection with a mouthpiece that is movable relative to the heating chamber by either a rotational movement, a linear movement, or combination of a rotational and linear movement.

[0394] Example 39a: The aerosol-forming device of any one of the previous Examples 31 to 39, wherein the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element is tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article. Example 39b: The aerosol-forming device of any one of the previous Examples 31 to 39a, wherein the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element forms a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure is configured to cut into the wall around the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0395] Example 39c: The aerosol-forming device of any one of previous Examples 31 to 39b, wherein the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element is tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0396] Example 39d: The aerosol-forming device of any one of previous Examples 31 to 39c, wherein the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element forms a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure is configured to cut into the wall around the downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0397] Example 40: An aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 31 to 39d, and a removable aerosol-forming article, wherein the aerosolforming article includes an air inlet and an outlet, wherein one or more walls forming the air inlet and the air outlet are made of a compressible material for engagement with the upstream fluidic interconnection element and / or the downstream fluidic interconnection element.

[0398] Example 41 : The aerosol-forming system of example 40, wherein the aerosol-forming article has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and wherein the air inlet and the air outlet are located opposite of each other on the smallest faces of the rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article.

[0399] Example 42: The aerosol-forming system of any one of examples 40 to 41 , wherein the upstream fluidic interconnection element is positioned such that upon contact of the upstream fluidic interconnection element with a wall of the aerosol-forming article, a distance from the outer edge of the blade structure towards a side wall that forms the air inlet is in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, preferably in a range between 0.25 mm and 0.7 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, more preferably about 0.4 mm

[0400] Example 43: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, a downstream airflow path configured to receive aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article; and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect to an aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall around the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a sealed fluidic connection between the downstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Example 44: The aerosol-forming device of example 43, further comprising: a device body having a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article; a mouthpiece including the downstream airflow path and the downstream fluidic interconnection element.

[0401] Example 45: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 44, further comprising: a mechanism for moving the mouthpiece such that the downstream fluidic interconnection element comes into fluid and / or sealed connection with the aerosol-forming article and / or substrate.

[0402] Example 46: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 45, wherein the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element is tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0403] Example 47: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 46, wherein the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element forms a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure is configured to cut into the wall around the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0404] Example 48: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 47, wherein the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection element is tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the downstream air outlet of the aerosolforming article.

[0405] Example 49: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 48, wherein the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection forms a cutting end edge, such that the cutting end edge of the blade structure is configured to cut into the wall around the downstream air outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0406] Example 50: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 49, wherein the blade structure of the downstream fluidic interconnection includes lateral air inlets, optionally the interior volume of the blade structure forming a nucleation chamber.

[0407] Example 50a: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 49, further comprising: an upstream airflow path configured to provide air to the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received in the heating chamber; and an upstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect the upstream airflow path with the aerosol-forming article, wherein the upstream fluidic interconnection element includes a blade structure configured to cut or press into a wall around an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article, to provide for a fluidic connection between the upstream airflow path and the substrate of the aerosol-forming article.

[0408] Example 50b: The aerosol-forming device of the previous Example, wherein the blade structure of the upstream fluidic interconnection element is tapered or conical towards a center axis of the airflow path, such that one or more tapered or conical walls of the blade structure are configured to press against an inner wall forming the upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0409] Example 51 : The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 43 to 50b, wherein the downstream fluidic interconnection element is linearly moveable relative to the an upstream fluidic interconnection element between an open position, in which the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article, and a use position for generating an aerosol based on heating of at least a part of the aerosol-forming article ; wherein in a use position, a distance between the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element is in a range between 19.2 mm and 39.2 mm, wherein in an open position, a distance between the upstream fluidic interconnection element and the downstream fluidic interconnection element is in a range between 39.2 mm and 89.2 mm.

[0410] Example 52: An aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming article and an aerosol-forming device having a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the aerosol-forming device includes: a fluidic interconnection element having a blade structure surrounding a flow path, the blade structure having a first end configured to face towards a side face of the aerosol-forming article, wherein the aerosol-forming article includes: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, and a fluidic opening arranged on a side face fluidically connected to the cavity, wherein, upon pressing the aerosol-forming article against the fluidic interconnection element, the blade structure of the fluidic interconnection element is configured to cut or press into a wall around the fluidic opening to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosolforming device and the removable aerosol-forming article.

[0411] Example 53: The aerosol-forming system of example 52, wherein the aerosol-forming device further includes: a mechanism to move the aerosol-forming article relative to the aerosol-forming device in the longitudinal direction to put the aerosol-forming device and the article in a fluidically interconnected state, wherein the flow path of the fluidic interconnection element and the fluidic opening extend in a direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0412] Example 54: The aerosol-forming system of any one of examples 52 to 53, wherein an outer wall of the blade structure has a sloped shape thereby increasing or decreasing a thickness of the blade structure in a flow direction along the flow path.

[0413] Example 55: The aerosol-forming system of any one of examples 52 to 54, wherein in the fluidically interconnected state, a penetration depth of the blade structure into the wall around the fluidic opening is about 0.05 mm to 1 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0414] Example 56: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the device comprising: a device body forming a main axis of extension; a heating module arranged at least partially inside the device body, the heating module configured to at least partially and removably hold the aerosol-forming article ; a downstream element movably attached to the device body able to move between an open position and a use position, in the open position to provide access to a heating chamber of the heating module for inserting the aerosol-forming article, and in the use position to close the heating module; and a spring biasing mechanism establishing a compressive force acting onto the inserted aerosol-forming article in a direction along the main axis of extension, when the downstream element is in the use position.

[0415] Example 57: The aerosol-forming device according to example 56, wherein the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism acts between the device body and the heating module to press the heating module towards the downstream element when the downstream element is in the use position.

[0416] Example 58: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 57, wherein the heating module is slidably arranged inside the device body to slide along the main axis of extension, and wherein the spring biasing mechanism is configured to push the heating module to be at least partially outside the device body when the downstream element is in the open position.

[0417] Example 59: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 58, wherein the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism acts onto a center end wall of the heating module. Example 60: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 59, wherein the heating module includes a distal end portion that is slidably arranged relative to the heating chamber, wherein the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism acts onto a distal end portion of the heating module to move the distal end portion into the heating chamber.

[0418] Example 61 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 60, wherein the distal end portion includes an upstream flow path and an upstream fluidic interconnection element that is configured to provide a fluidic interconnection with an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0419] Example 62: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 61 , wherein the proximal end portion includes a downstream flow path and a downstream fluidic interconnection element that is configured to provide a fluidic interconnection with a downstream air or aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0420] Example 63: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 62, wherein the compressive force of the spring biasing mechanism acts between the downstream element and the inserted aerosol-forming article to press aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber when the downstream element is in the use position.

[0421] Example 64: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 63, wherein the spring biasing mechanism includes an elastic element operatively arranged between a body of the downstream element and a downstream fluidic interconnection element configured to fluidically interconnect to an aerosol outlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0422] Example 65: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 64, wherein the downstream element includes a mouthpiece.

[0423] Example 66: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 56 to 65, further comprising: an interconnection mechanism arranged between the downstream element and the device body, permitting the movement between the open and the use position, wherein the movement includes a rotational movement, a linear movement, or combination of a rotational and linear movement.

[0424] Example 66a: An aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming device according to any one of the previous Examples 56 to 66, and an aerosol-forming article.

[0425] Example 66b: The aerosol-forming system of the previous Example, wherein the aerosolforming article has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example comprising or defining two opposing main faces or surfaces, two opposing side faces or surfaces, and two opposing end faces or surfaces. Example 67: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, the device comprising: a heating chamber for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article; a convective air heater arranged upstream of the heating chamber in fluidic connection with the heating chamber; wherein the convective air heater includes a slit-shaped air channel and a resistive heating element, for example a substantially or preferably planar resistive heating element, arranged inside the slit-shaped air channel, such that two narrow air flow channels are formed above and below the resistive heating element.

[0426] Example 67a: The aerosol-forming device of example 67, wherein the resistive heating element is a planarly-extending resistive heating element extending laterally and / or longitudinally inside the slit-shaped air channel.

[0427] Example 67b: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 67a, wherein the convective air heater is connected to an outside environment through a main air inlet of the aerosol-forming device.

[0428] Example 68: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 67b, wherein the two narrow air flow channels have a width in a range between 3 mm to 15 mm, and have a height of less than 0.5 mm and more than 0.05 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm and more than 0.1 mm, preferably less than 0.25 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0429] Example 69: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 68, wherein the two opposing walls forming the slit-shaped air channel and having the resistive element therebetween are not heated.

[0430] Example 69a: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 69, wherein the two opposing walls forming the slit-shaped air channel and having the resistive element therebetween are formed by a convective heater casing, the convective heater casing being made from a material having a high thermal resistivity or low thermal conductivity, preferably a thermal conductivity below 1 W / (m • K), more preferably below 0.5 W / (m • K), for example a plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and / or polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and / or polyetherimide (PEI), preferably PEEK.

[0431] Example 70: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 69a, wherein the two opposing walls forming the slit-shaped air channel and having the resistive element therebetween have a structured surface for causing an air flow turbulence.

[0432] Example 71 : The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 70, further comprising: two terminals for electrical interconnection of the convective air heater with the aerosolforming device, the two terminals and the resistive heating element formed by a single sheet of metal.

[0433] Example 72: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 71 , wherein an air flow direction in the convective air heater is in axis with an air flow direction in the heating chamber.

[0434] Example 73: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 72, wherein a downstream end of the convective air heater forms a blade structure around the slit-shaped air channel, configured to cut or press into a wall around an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0435] Example 74: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 73, further comprising: a back plate forming at least one lateral airflow path upstream of the slit-shaped air channel and leading to the slit-shaped air channel, the back plate holding the resistive heating element suspended inside the slit-shaped air channel.

[0436] Example 75: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 74, wherein the resistive heating element is formed as a meandering or serpentine structure, extending in-plane of the resistive heating element.

[0437] Example 75a: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 67 to 75, further comprising an aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-forming article or substrate. Example 76: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, the device comprising: a heating chamber for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, the heating chamber defining an insertion direction; and a convective air heater assembly arranged upstream of the heating chamber, the convective air heater including a resistive heater element extending therein, the convective air heater being in fluidic connection with the heating chamber, wherein the convective air heater assembly includes two air heating channels leading from each side of the aerosol-forming device to a central air channel, the central air channel leading fluidically to an air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0438] Example 77: The aerosol-forming device according to example 76, wherein the resistive heater element includes a coil having a main coil axis that extends through the two air heating channels. Example78: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 76 to 77, wherein the resistive heater element extends through the two air heating channels.

[0439] Example 79: The aerosol-forming device according to example any one of examples 76 to 78, wherein a plane defined by the heating element is perpendicular to the insertion direction.

[0440] Example 80: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 76 to 79, further comprising: a back plate between the heating chamber and the convective air heater, the back plate including the central air channel.

[0441] Example 81 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 76 to 80, wherein the back plate further includes a blade structure around the central air channel, configured to cut or press into a wall around an upstream air inlet of the aerosol-forming article.

[0442] Example 82: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 76 to 81 , wherein the back plate further includes two air inlet holes that are arranged upstream of the air heating channels, respectively, to fluidically connect with the respective one of air heating channels.

[0443] Example 83: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 82, wherein side walls forming the two air heating channels are not heated, and are made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0444] Example 84: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 83, wherein side walls forming the two air heating channels have a structured surface for causing an air flow turbulence.

[0445] Example 85: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 84, further comprising: two terminals for electrical interconnection of the convective air heater assembly with the aerosol-forming device, the two terminals and the resistive heating element formed by a single sheet of metal.

[0446] Example 86: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 85, wherein the two air heating channels are arranged in an axis that is perpendicular or orthogonal to the insertion direction.

[0447] Example 87A: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 86, wherein the resistive heater element and / or the resistive heating element is formed from a single sheet of metal.

[0448] Example 87B: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 87A, wherein the resistive heater element and / or the resistive heating element comprises at least one strip of a metal sheet, optionally wherein the strip of metal sheet is perforated and / or includes one or more perforation openings or holes. Example 87C: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 87B, wherein the resistive heater element and / or the resistive heating element comprises at least one strip of a metal sheet, the at least one strip being bent or formed into a stack of a plurality of serpentinelike formed branches, preferably the branches of the stack spanning between the two terminals of the resistive heating element; and optionally wherein the stack extends along a stack direction perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0449] Example 87D: The aerosol-forming device of any one of examples 76 to 87C, further comprising an aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-forming article or substrate.

[0450] Example 88: An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, an aerosol-forming substrate arranged between the opposing main faces, the device comprising: a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the rectangular parallelepiped aerosol-forming article, the heating chamber defining an insertion direction for the aerosol-forming article; a heating structure, at least an element thereof made of an electrically conductive material, the heating structure arranged inside the heating chamber such that upon insertion of the aerosolforming article into the heating chamber, the heating structure is configured to move towards an opposite side face of the heating chamber so that a heating surface of the heating structure is pressed against one of the main faces of the aerosol-forming article.

[0451] Example 89: The aerosol-forming device according to example 88, wherein a compression force exerted onto the inserted aerosol-forming article from one side by the heating structure is in a range between 1 N to 30 N, preferably between 4 N and 25 N, more preferably between 6 N and 20 N, even more preferably about 9.4 N.

[0452] Example 90: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 89, wherein the heating structure includes a first heating element and a second heating element, the first and second heating elements opposing each other and forming an airgap between the first and second heating element and the adjacent side face of the heating chamber, respectively.

[0453] Example 91 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 90, wherein the heating structure includes a heating element and a non-heated counter element, the heating element and the non-heated counter element opposing each other, wherein a heater gap is formed between at least the heating element and the adjacent side face of the heating chamber.

[0454] Example 92: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 91 , further comprising: a suspension element configured to hold the heating structure inside the heating chamber and to provide for a compressive force via the heating structure to the inserted aerosol-forming article.

[0455] Example 93: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 92, wherein the heating structure includes at least one heater plate, the at least one heater plate having a front edge at an open end of the heating chamber to be beveled for facilitating an insertion of the aerosol-forming article.

[0456] Example 94: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 93, wherein the heating structure includes at least one heater plate, the at least one heater plate arranged to be oblique to the insertion direction, with a larger gap formed at an open end of the heating chamber, for facilitating an insertion of the aerosol-forming article.

[0457] Example 95: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 94, wherein the suspension element includes at least one of a leaf spring, coil spring, and / or an elastomeric element.

[0458] Example 96: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 95, wherein the suspension element includes an active element configured to actively displace at least a part of the heating structure towards the opposite side of the heating chamber.

[0459] Example 97: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 96, wherein the heating structure includes a heating plate formed as a meandering track in the shape of a leaf spring, such that long branches of the meandering track bulge outwardly towards the opposite side of the heating chamber.

[0460] Example 98: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 97, wherein the heating structure includes a heating plate with a plurality of parallelly-arranged heating tracks in parallel to an insertion direction.

[0461] Example 99: A heating structure for heating an aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, the heating structure including a distal end and a proximal end, the heating structure comprising: a holding section having two terminals for electrical interconnection arranged at the distal end; a central section including a plurality of parallelly-arranged heater branches; and a proximal end section forming plate-like elements.

[0462] Example 100: The heating structure of example 99, wherein a surface area of the plurality of parallelly-arranged heater branches that is configured to come into contact with a main surface of the aerosol-forming article is in a range between 20 mm2and 100 mm2, more preferably in a range between 30 mm2and 75 mm2, even more preferably between 35 mm2and 70 mm2. Example 101 : The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 100, wherein the heating structure is made from a single sheet of metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0463] Example 102: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 101 , wherein the proximal end section is arranged at a first angle relative to the central section.

[0464] Example 103: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 102, wherein the parallelly-arranged heater branches are connected in series.

[0465] Example 104: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 103, wherein the parallelly-arranged heater branches form a meandering element.

[0466] Example 105: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 104, wherein the parallelly-arranged heater branches includes between two and twenty branches, preferably between four and twelve branches.

[0467] Example 106: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 105, wherein the holding section includes a connection element having two portions thereof interconnecting to the two terminals, the connection element arranged at a second angle relative to the central section.

[0468] Example 107: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 106, wherein the single sheet of metal has a thickness in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, preferably about 0.15 mm.

[0469] Example 107a: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 107, wherein the terminals protrude from the heater branches in the same direction, for example in parallel.

[0470] Example 107b: The heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 107a, wherein the terminals have a resistivity that is lower than the one of the heater branches, for example by being wider and / or thicker.

[0471] Example 107c: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 88 to 98 or the heating structure of any one of examples 99 to 107b, further comprising an aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming device or the heating structure is configured to generate aerosol from the aerosol-forming article or substrate.

[0472] Example 108: A heater module for an aerosol-forming device, the heater module configured to removably and at least partially receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming article having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape defining two opposing main faces, the heater module comprising: a heating structure including two opposing heating elements forming a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heating volume therebetween for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, the heating volume arranged inside a heating chamber and defining an insertion axis; a heater casing made of a non-conductive and / or thermally insulating material forming an outer shell around the two opposing heating elements, two smaller inner side faces of the heater casing forming the inner small side faces of the heating chamber; and a back plate forming a distal end wall of the heating chamber, the back plate having an upstream air inlet for fluidic connection with the aerosol-forming article.

[0473] Example 109: The heater module according to example 108, wherein the heating chamber is configured to at least partially receive the aerosol-forming article having a length as measured along the insertion axis in a range between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably about 30 mm, having a width in a range between 7 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 13 mm, more preferably about 11 mm, and a thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, more preferably about 3.1 mm.

[0474] Example 110: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 109, wherein the heating chamber is configured to have an insertion depth along the insertion axis in a range between 10 mm and 35 mm, preferably in a range between 15 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm.

[0475] Example 111 : The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 110, wherein the heating chamber is configured to have an insertion depth that is shorter than a length of the aerosol-forming article.

[0476] Example 112: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 111 , wherein the aerosol-forming substrate that is located inside the aerosol-forming article is placed such that upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article into the heating chamber, the aerosol-forming substrate is fully inserted into the heating volume, to be facing the two opposing heating elements.

[0477] Example 113: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 112, wherein the heating chamber has a width between the two inner small side faces between 7.2 mm and 15.2 mm, preferably between 9.2 mm and 13.2 mm, more preferably about 11.2 mm.

[0478] Example 114: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 113, wherein the heating chamber has a width between the two inner small side faces to provide for an interference fit, a press-fit, or a friction-fit with the small side surfaces of aerosol-forming article.

[0479] Example 115: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 114, wherein the heating chamber has a height between two inner large side faces of the heater casing between 2 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 8 mm, even more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0480] Example 116: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 115, wherein a heater gap is formed between at least one of the two opposing heating elements and a large inner side surface of the heating chamber. Example 117: The heater module of any one of examples 108 to 116, wherein one of the two opposing heating elements includes an electrically conducting heatable element, wherein the other one of the two opposing heating elements includes a non-conductive counter plate.

[0481] Example 118: The heater module of any one of examples 108 to 117, wherein both of two opposing heating elements are electrically conducting forming two opposing heatable elements.

[0482] Example 119: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 118, wherein the conductive heating elements are configured to act as dielectric heater electrodes of a load capacitor supplied with an RF voltage.

[0483] Example 120: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 119, wherein at least one of the opposing heating elements include one or more branches acting as resistive or Joule-type heater elements.

[0484] Example 121 : The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 120, wherein at least one of the branches are spring-like elements shaped to define the heating volume, arranged to be substantially parallel with the insertion axis.

[0485] Example 122: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 121 , further comprising: an inductor coil wound around the insertion axis, around, inside, or at least partially inside the heater casing, the induction coil configured to be powered by an AC voltage or current to induce currents inside at least one of the opposing heating elements to act as one or more susceptors of an inductive heater.

[0486] Example 123: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 122, further comprising: a convective air heater assembly arranged to fluidically interface with the upstream air inlet of the backplate, the airflow path defined by the upstream air inlet and the convective air inlet being substantially in a center extending along the insertion direction.

[0487] Example 124: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 123, wherein the small inner side faces of the heater casing include at least one channel extending in parallel to an insertion direction along the heating chamber and forming an upstream airflow path.

[0488] Example 125: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 124, further comprising: a puff sensing module arranged in fluidic connection with the upstream air inlet of the backplate.

[0489] Example 126: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 125, wherein the puff sensing module includes a sensing cavity located in a center of the device, arranged to fluidically connect to the upstream air inlet. Example 127: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 126, further comprising: a sensing device or reader module placed at the heater casing configured to read an indicium from a surface of the aerosol-forming article.

[0490] Example 128: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 127, wherein a least one of two opposing heating elements includes two electrical connection terminals, the at least one of the two opposing heating elements with the corresponding two electrical connection terminals formed from a single metal sheet.

[0491] Example 129: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 128, wherein the two electrical connection terminals are configured to protrude in a distal direction away from the heater casing, in parallel to the insertion direction.

[0492] Example 130: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 129, further comprising: attachment means for removably holding the heater module inside the aerosol-forming device, for example inside an insulating casing, the attachment means configured to release the heater module from the aerosol-forming device, permitting a removal of the heating module via a proximal end of the aerosol-forming device.

[0493] Example 130a: The heater module according to the previous example, wherein the attachment means comprise one or more mounting protrusions and one or more mounting guides, wherein the mounting protrusions and the mounting guides are complementary to each other and enable a sliding movement between the heating module and an insulating casing, in which the heating module is removably held.

[0494] Example 131 : The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 130a, wherein the branches are arranged to form a meandering shape, with the longer branches of the meandering shape arranged to be substantially in parallel with the insertion direction.

[0495] Example 132: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 131 , wherein the longer branches of the meandering shape are configured to contact a surface of the aerosolforming article when inserted into the heating chamber at a location where the substrate is placed, the longer branches having a higher resistance than the other elements of the opposing heating elements.

[0496] Example 133: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 132, further comprising: an insulation casing arranged around the heater casing.

[0497] Example 134: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 133, wherein an upstream airflow path is formed between an insulating casing and the heater casing, for example wherein the heater casing is arranged inside the insulating casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the heater module and insulating casing, and / or wherein an upstream airflow path is formed in the heater casing, for example in a sidewall of the heater casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the heater module, and / or wherein an upstream airflow path is formed in an insulating casing, for example in a sidewall of the insulating casing, arranged in parallel to the insertion direction, with an air inlet formed at the proximal end of the insulating casing.

[0498] Example 134a: The heater module according to the previous example, wherein the upstream airflow path is formed by an air channel and wherein the air channel comprises a flat or substantially flat hollow space, for example wherein a clearance of the air channel in the height direction is smaller than a clearance of the air channel in the width direction, wherein the height direction and the width direction of the air channel are both perpendicular and / or orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the heater module and / or the aerosol-forming device.

[0499] Example 135: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 134a, wherein the heating chamber has a height defined by the two opposing heating elements between the two inner large side faces to provide for an interference fit, a press-fit, or a friction-fit with the aerosolforming article.

[0500] Example 136: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 135, further comprising: two heater clamps for holding at least a portion of the opposing heating elements against the corresponding part of the heater casing.

[0501] Example 137: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 136, wherein the two heater clamps have a U-shape.

[0502] Example 138: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 137, wherein a smallest clearance distance of the heater volume is in a range between 1 mm to 6 mm, more preferably in a range between 2 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0503] Example 139: The heater module according to any one of examples 108 to 138, further comprising: a reader module configured to read information that is provided with the aerosol-forming article for at least one of authenticating or classifying the aerosol-forming article.

[0504] Example 140: An aerosol-forming system including an aerosol-forming article and an aerosol-forming device having a heating chamber for at least partially and removably receiving the aerosol-forming article, the aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, wherein the heating chamber includes: two opposing heater elements and / or heating elements forming a substantially rectangular parallelepiped heating volume therebetween for removably and at least partially receiving the aerosol-forming article, the heating volume defining an insertion axis; wherein the aerosol-forming article has a length as measured along the insertion axis in a range between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm, more preferably about 30 mm, having a width in a range between 7 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 13 mm, more preferably about 11 mm, and a thickness direction of between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 2 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 4 mm, more preferably about 3.1 mm.

[0505] Example 141 : The aerosol-forming system of example 141 , wherein at least one central section of the heater elements and / or heating elements is configured to elastically flex in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the insertion direction, such that upon insertion of the aerosol-forming article to the heating chamber, a contact force between the central section and one of the main faces of the rectangular parallelepiped aerosol-forming article is established.

[0506] Example 142: The aerosol-forming system of any one of examples 140 to 141 , wherein a flex distance established by the at least one central section between an inserted and removed aerosol-forming article is in a range between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably in a range between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, even more preferably in a range between 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0507] Example 143: The aerosol-forming system of any one of examples 140 to 142, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a substantially planar shape and is located between a top and bottom cover sheet inside the aerosol-forming article, the substrate having a length as measured in parallel to the insertion direction of about 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably about 12 mm, and having a width as measured perpendicularly to the insertion direction of about 6 mm to 13 mm, preferably about 8 mm.

[0508] Example 144: An aerosol-forming device, comprising: a first housing part including a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol-forming article; and a second housing part movably coupled to the first housing part, such that the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming device between an open position, in which the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article, and a use position for generating an aerosol based on heating of at least a part of the aerosol-forming article ; wherein the second housing part includes a fixation means configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is movable along the longitudinal direction based on movement of the second housing part along the longitudinal direction. Example 145: The aerosol-forming device according to example 144, wherein the fixation means is configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is insertable into the heating chamber of the first housing part based on movement of the second housing part from the open position to the use position; and / or wherein the fixation means is configured to clamp the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is at least partly pushed into the heating chamber of the first housing part by displacing the second housing part from the open position to the use position.

[0509] Example 146: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 145, wherein the fixation means is configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is removable from the heating chamber of the first housing part based on displacing the second housing part from the use position to the open position; and / or wherein the fixation means is configured to clamp the aerosol-forming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is pulled out of the heating chamber of the first housing part by displacing the second housing part from the use position to the open position.

[0510] Example 147: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 146, wherein the fixation means is configured to engage with an end portion of the aerosol-forming article.

[0511] Example 148: The aerosol-forming device according example 147, wherein the fixation means is configured to at least partly surround an end portion of the aerosol-forming article along a perimeter, such that the aerosol-forming article is fixed relative to the second housing part.

[0512] Example 149: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 148, wherein the fixation means includes a recess configured to receive an end portion of the aerosolforming article, such that the aerosol-forming article is fixed relative to the second housing part, preferably wherein the recess is formed to at least partly surround the end portion of the aerosolforming article.

[0513] Example 150: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 149, wherein the fixation means comprises one or more fixation brackets or spring loaded arms, hooks or pins configured to clamp hold the aerosol-forming article and / or an end portion thereof.

[0514] Example 150a: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 150, wherein the fixation means are configured to engage with the aerosol-forming article by penetration into side walls of the aerosol-forming article.

[0515] Example 150b: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 150a, wherein the fixation means are made of a single piece of bent sheet metal.

[0516] Example 151 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of the examples 150 to 150b, wherein the fixation means comprises at least two opposing fixation brackets, wherein the at least two fixation brackets are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, such that an end portion of the aerosol-forming article is receivable between the fixation brackets.

[0517] Example 152: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 151 , wherein each of the fixation brackets is spring-loaded towards a longitudinal axis of the aerosolforming device, such that receipt of the aerosol-forming article between the fixation brackets creates a clamping retention fixing the aerosol-forming article between the fixation brackets.

[0518] Example 153: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 150 to 152, wherein each of the one or more fixation brackets is curved towards a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming device.

[0519] Example 154: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 153, wherein, in the use position of the second housing part, the heating chamber is closed and / or covered by the second housing part.

[0520] Example 155: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 154, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive the aerosol-forming article along the longitudinal direction; and / or wherein the heating chamber is arranged such that the aerosol-forming article is insertable into the heating chamber along the longitudinal direction.

[0521] Example 156: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 155, wherein the second housing part is coupled to the first housing part in a sliding relationship; and / or wherein the second housing part is slidably coupled to the first housing part.

[0522] Example 157. The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 156, wherein a relative displacement of the first housing part and the second housing part between the open position and the use position is such that the aerosol-forming article is fully removable from the heating chamber when the first housing part is slid to the open position relative to the second housing part.

[0523] Example 158. The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the relative displacement of the first housing part and the second housing part between the open position and the use position is in a range between 20 mm and 50 mm.

[0524] Example 159: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 158, wherein the first housing part comprises one or more first slide means and the second housing part comprises one or more second slide means, wherein each of the one or more second slide means is configured to at least partly engage with a respective one of the one or more first slide means, such that the second housing part is slidably coupled to the first housing part.

[0525] Example 160: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 159, wherein the second housing part comprises a support element configured to support and / or hold the aerosol-forming article, wherein, in the open position of the second housing part, the support element protrudes from an end of the second housing part along the longitudinal axis towards the first housing part.

[0526] Example 161 : The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the support element is slidably arranged at the first housing part, preferably wherein the support element comprises one or more slide protrusions configured to slidably engage with one or more slide grooves of the first housing part.

[0527] Example 162: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 160 to 161 , wherein, in the use position of the second housing part, the support element forms a rear wall of a housing of the aerosol-forming device.

[0528] Example 163: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 162, wherein the support element is configured to support a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article, preferably wherein the support element comprises a substantially flat support area configured to support and / or hold the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article.

[0529] Example 164: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 163, wherein the support element includes a guide for supporting a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article.

[0530] Example 165: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the guide is configured to clamp hold the aerosol-forming article, preferably wherein the guide is configured to fix the aerosol-forming article on at least two opposing sides of the aerosol-forming article.

[0531] Example 166: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 164 to 165, wherein the guide comprises a depression for receiving the aerosol-forming article, preferably wherein the depression defines a substantially flat support area configured to support and / or hold a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article.

[0532] Example 167: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 166, wherein the second housing part includes a mouthpiece configured to deliver aerosol to the mouth of a user.

[0533] Example 168: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be replaceable and is removably fastened to the second housing part.

[0534] Example 169: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 167 to 168, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partly retractable into and / or extractable out of the second housing part, for example based on actuating a mouthpiece actuator movably arranged on the second housing part or the first housing part. Example 170: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein, in the open position of the second housing part, retraction of the mouthpiece into the second housing part disengages and / or releases the aerosol-forming article from the fixation means.

[0535] Example 171 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 167 to 170, wherein the second housing part or the first housing part includes a mouthpiece actuator actuatable by a user to slide the mouthpiece out of the second housing part and / or to retract the mouthpiece into the second housing part.

[0536] Example 172: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 171 , further comprising an aerosol-forming article receivable in the heating chamber to generate aerosol, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming article.

[0537] Example 173: An aerosol-forming system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 172 and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy.

[0538] Example 174: Use of an aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 144 to 172 or an aerosol-forming system according to example 173 for aerosol consumption, in particular for consumption of nicotine-containing aerosol.

[0539] Example 175: A method of loading an aerosol-forming article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-forming device, for example an aerosol-forming device according to any one of the examples given herein, wherein the aerosol-forming device comprises a first housing part, which includes the heating chamber, and a second housing part movably coupled to the first housing part, such that the second housing part is movable relative to the first housing part along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-forming, the method comprising: moving the second housing part from a use position, in which the heating chamber is covered by the second housing part, into a open position, in which the heating chamber is accessible to receive the aerosol-forming article, inserting the aerosol-forming article at least partly into the heating chamber; and moving the second housing part from the open position into the use position, thereby at least partly engaging the aerosol-forming article with a fixation means arranged at the second housing part, such that the aerosol-forming article is pushed by a relative movement of the first housing part and the second housing part completely into the heating chamber.

[0540] Example 176: The method according to the previous example, further comprising: moving the second housing part from the use position into the open position, thereby pulling the aerosol-forming article engaged with the fixation means of the second housing part out of the heating chamber. Example 177: An aerosol-forming device including a device housing and a mouthpiece, wherein the device housing includes a storage chamber for the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is movable between a storage position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly arranged inside the storage chamber, and a use position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly displaced from the storage position and at least partly protrudes from the device housing, wherein an actuator is movably arranged on the device housing, the actuator being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position is actuatable by the movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position, wherein a heating chamber is arranged in the device housing, the heating chamber being configured to heat an aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein an airflow channel is provided in the device housing, wherein the airflow channel is configured to conduct aerosol from the heating chamber through the mouthpiece for inhalation by a user, wherein downstream of the heating chamber, the airflow channel includes at least one air inlet channel in the device housing, the at least one air inlet channel being configured to provide a fluid coupling between the airflow channel and an outside environment and being configured to provide an air flow from the outside environment into the airflow channel, wherein the air inlet channel is blocked when the mouthpiece is in the storage position and open when the mouthpiece is in the use position.

[0541] Example 178: The aerosol-forming device according to example 177, wherein, in the storage position, the mouthpiece is arranged inside the storage chamber and flush with an outer contour of the device housing.

[0542] Example 179: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 178, wherein the air inlet channel is connected to a nucleation chamber, wherein the nucleation chamber is a part of the airflow channel downstream of the heating chamber having an increased inner diameter in comparison to parts of the airflow channel upstream and / or downstream of the nucleation chamber.

[0543] Example 180: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 179, wherein the mouthpiece includes a locking device configured to provide a resistance against a movement of the mouthpiece out of the storage position and / or out of the use position.

[0544] Example 181 : The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the locking device includes at least one magnet. Example 182: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 181 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a sealing device configured to provide an airtight sealing between a part of the airflow channel in the mouthpiece and a part of the airflow channel in the device housing.

[0545] Example 183: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 182, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing ring and the locking device includes at least one groove in the mouthpiece and / or the device housing, for example a part of the device housing forming the airflow channel, and wherein the movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position actuates a movement of the sealing ring and the groove relative to each other.

[0546] Example 184: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the sealing ring is arranged in a use position groove when the mouthpiece is in the use position and / or the sealing ring is arranged in a storage position groove when the mouthpiece is in the storage position.

[0547] Example 185: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 184, wherein the mouthpiece is removably attached to the device housing.

[0548] Example 186: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 185, wherein the movement of the mouthpiece between the storage position and the use position and / or the movement of the actuator between the first position and the second position is a linear sliding motion.

[0549] Example 187: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 186, wherein the heating chamber and the storage chamber are adjacent to each other and partly overlap, so that an aerosol-forming article or substrate received in the heating chamber at least partly protrudes into the storage chamber.

[0550] Example 188: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the mouthpiece is configured so that the movement of the mouthpiece from the use position to the storage position displaces the aerosol-forming article or substrate from the storage chamber.

[0551] Example 189: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 188, wherein the mouthpiece is configured so that the loading of the aerosol-forming article or substrate at least partly into the heating chamber displaces the mouthpiece from the storage position towards the use position.

[0552] Example 190: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 189, further comprising an aerosol-forming article or substrate, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate or article.

[0553] Example 191 : An aerosol-forming system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 190 and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy.

[0554] Example 192: The aerosol-forming system according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol-forming device and the companion device each include at least one energy storage, the companion device being configured to charge the energy storage of the aerosolforming device with electrical energy from the energy storage of the companion device, wherein a position sensor is provided on the aerosol-forming device or the companion device, the position sensor being configured to detect the position of the mouthpiece in the storage position and / or the use position, wherein a switch device is provided on the aerosol-forming device or the companion device, the switch device being configured to direct power from the energy storage of the companion device to a heating device of the aerosol-forming device when the mouthpiece is in the use position.

[0555] Example 193: The aerosol-forming system according to the previous example, wherein the switch device is configured to direct power from the energy storage of the companion device to the energy storage of the aerosol-forming device when the mouthpiece is displaced from the use position or is in the storage position.

[0556] Example 194: A method of controlling air flow through an air inlet channel of an airflow channel in an aerosol-forming device, for example an aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 177 to 190, the air inlet channel being arranged downstream of a heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device and providing a connection between the airflow channel and an outside environment, the method including: moving a mouthpiece of the aerosol-forming device between a storage position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly arranged inside the storage chamber, and a use position, in which the mouthpiece is at least partly displaced from the storage position and at least partly protrudes from the device housing, by moving an actuator between a first position and a second position, closing the air inlet channel when the mouthpiece is moved into the storage position, and opening the air inlet channel when the mouthpiece is moved into the use position.

[0557] Example 195: An aerosol-forming device comprising: a device housing with a first housing part and a second housing part; and an housing actuator movably arranged on the first housing part, the housing actuator being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first housing part includes a heating chamber, wherein the heating chamber is configured to heat a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped aerosol-forming article or substrate and includes a loading opening, the loading opening being configured to receive the aerosol-forming article or substrate, wherein the second housing part is fixed to the first housing part via a rotational joint and rotatably movable between a use position and an open position by movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position, and wherein the second housing part covers the loading opening of the heating chamber in the use position, and wherein the second housing part is removed from the loading opening of the heating chamber in the open position.

[0558] Example 196: The aerosol-forming device according to example 195, wherein the movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position is mechanically translated into the movement of the second housing part between the use position and the open position.

[0559] Example 197: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 196, wherein the movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position is a linear movement, in particular a linear sliding movement.

[0560] Example 198: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 197, wherein the housing actuator includes a linearly moveable worm or rack and the second housing part comprises a gear or pinion, the gear or pinion being rotatable about a rotational axis of the rotational joint, and wherein the worm or rack meshes with the gear or pinion during movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position.

[0561] Example 199: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 198, wherein the movement of the housing actuator between the first position and the second position is transverse to a rotational axis of the rotational joint.

[0562] Example 200: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 199, wherein the first housing part has an elongated shape, for example a substantially cylindrical shape, and the second housing part, in the use position, is arranged flush with the first housing part and extends the shape of the first housing part, for example in a tapered manner.

[0563] Example 201 : The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 200, wherein the second housing part includes a mouthpiece configured to deliver aerosol to the mouth of a user.

[0564] Example 202: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be replaceable and is removably fastened to the second housing part.

[0565] Example 203: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 202, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partly retractable into and / or extractable out of the second housing part, for example based on actuating a mouthpiece actuator movably arranged on the second housing part or the first housing part.

[0566] Example 204: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 203, wherein the second housing part includes at least a part of an airflow channel connected to the heating chamber.

[0567] Example 205: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the first housing part and / or the second housing part includes a sealing device, for example a sealing lip, configured to connect an airflow channel included in the second housing part to an airflow channel and / or the heating chamber in the first housing part.

[0568] Example 206: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 205, wherein the second housing part includes a piercing connector configured to be at least partly piercingly insertable into the aerosol-forming article or substrate.

[0569] Example 207: The aerosol-forming device according to the previous example, wherein the piercing connector comprises a circumferential insertion edge, preferably wherein the circumferential insertion edge is at least partly sharpened or the entire circumferential insertion edge is sharpened.

[0570] Example 208: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 207, wherein the device housing includes a locking means configured to lock the second housing part in the use position and / or in the open position. Example 209: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 208, wherein the device housing includes a spring-load, and the second housing part is spring-loaded by the spring-load to stay in the use position and / or in the open position.

[0571] Example 210: The aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 209, further comprising an aerosol-forming article or substrate, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming device is configured to generate aerosol based on heating at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate or article.

[0572] Example 211 : An aerosol-forming system, the system including at least one aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 210, examples 195 to 203, examples 177 to 190, examples 144 to 172, examples 88 to 98, examples 76 to 87C, examples 67 to 75, examples 56 to 66, examples 43 to 51 , examples 31 to 39 or examples 1 to 16C, and one or both an aerosolforming article and a companion device configured to charge the aerosol-forming device with electrical energy.

[0573] 212: Use of aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 210, examples 195 to 203, examples 177 to 190, examples 144 to 172, examples 88 to 98, examples 76 to 87C, examples 67 to 75, examples 56 to 66, examples 43 to 51 , examples 31 to 39 or examples 1 to 16C for aerosol consumption.

[0574] Example 213: A method of loading an aerosol-forming article or substrate into a heating chamber of an aerosol-forming device, for example an aerosol-forming device according to any one of examples 195 to 210, wherein the aerosol-forming device includes a device housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, the second housing part being fixed to the first housing part via a rotational joint, the method comprising: moving an housing actuator on the first housing part from a first position into a second position; translating the movement of the housing actuator between the first and second positions into a rotation of the second housing part from a use position, in which the second housing part covers a loading opening of the heating chamber, into a open position, in which the second housing part is removed from the loading opening of the heating chamber.

[0575] Example 214: The method according to the previous example, further comprising: inserting an aerosol-forming article or substrate into the heating chamber through the loading opening; moving the housing actuator on the first housing part from the second position into the first position; translating the movement of the housing actuator between the second and first positions into a rotation of the second housing part from the open position to the use position.

[0576] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0577] Figure 1 shows an aerosol-forming system comprising an aerosol-forming device;

[0578] Figure 2 shows an aerosol-forming article;

[0579] Figure 3 shows an schematic overview of a heater module;

[0580] Figure 4 shows an overview of the heating module and heating chamber;

[0581] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a heater module;

[0582] Figure 6 shows a heating element;

[0583] Figure 7 shows a heating element;

[0584] Figure 8 shows two heating elements;

[0585] Figure 9 shows a heating element;

[0586] Figure 10 shows an arrangement of an aerosol-forming article between a heating element and a supporting element;

[0587] Figure 11 shows a reader module reading information from the aerosol-forming article;

[0588] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a heater module and a convective heating assembly;

[0589] Figure 13 shows an aerosol-forming article in a heating chamber;

[0590] Figure 14 shows a force acting on a surface;

[0591] Figure 15 shows a heating element;

[0592] Figure 16 shows a heating element;

[0593] Figure 17 shows a heating element pressing against an aerosol-forming article;

[0594] Figure 18 shows a side view of different heating elements pressing against an aerosolforming article;

[0595] Figure 19 shows a front view of the entrance into a heating chamber with an aerosol-forming article inserted;

[0596] Figure 20 shows the assembly of a heating chamber;

[0597] Figure 21 shows two heating elements;

[0598] Figure 22 shows the insertion of an aerosol-forming article between two heating elements;

[0599] Figure 23 shows the insertion of an aerosol-forming article and a heating element;

[0600] Figure 24 shows more details of an aerosol-forming article;

[0601] Figure 24a shows an embodiment of a temperature sensor for the heating elements in the heating chamber; Figure 24b shows an embodiment of a non-contact temperature sensor for the heating elements in the heating chamber;

[0602] Figure 24c shows an embodiment of an integral temperature sensor for the heating elements in the heating chamber;

[0603] Figure 24d shows an embodiment of a magnetization temperature sensor for the heating elements in the heating chamber;

[0604] Figure 24e shows an embodiment of an non-contact substrate temperature sensor for the substrate in the aerosol-forming article;

[0605] Figure 24f shows an embodiment of an substrate temperature sensor for the substrate in the aerosol-forming article; Figure 25 shows a device air inlet;

[0606] Figure 26 shows another device air inlet;

[0607] Figure 27 shows an airflow path through the aerosol-forming device;

[0608] Figure 28 shows anther detail of the airflow path through the aerosol-forming device;

[0609] Figure 29 shows air passages at the insertion opening of the heating chamber;

[0610] Figure 30 shows another airflow path through the aerosol-forming device;

[0611] Figure 30a shows a modular heater casing comprising an air channel within an insulating casing and an outer casing;

[0612] Figure 30b shows a cross section through a heater casing comprising an air channel in an insulating casing;

[0613] Figure 30c shows a heater casing comprising an air channel in an insulating casing;

[0614] Figure 30d shows a heater casing comprising an air channel;

[0615] Figure 30e shows an insulating casing comprising an air channel;

[0616] Figure 31 shows a side view of an aerosol-forming article being penetrated by two fluidic interconnection elements;

[0617] Figure 32 shows an open heating chamber with a bottom fluidic interconnection element;

[0618] Figure 33 shows a cross-section in the area of a top fluidic interconnection element;

[0619] Figure 34 shows the closing of the aerosol-forming device and the penetration of the aerosol-forming article by a fluidic interconnection element in the case of a hinged rotatably connected mouthpiece portion;

[0620] Figure 34a shows an airflow path through the aerosol-forming device;

[0621] Figure 35 shows a top fluidic interconnection element;

[0622] Figure 36 shows a front view of a top fluidic interconnection element;

[0623] Figure 37 shows a back view of a top fluidic interconnection element;

[0624] Figure 38 shows a front view of a bottom fluidic interconnection element;

[0625] Figure 39 shows a back view of a bottom fluidic interconnection element; Figure 40 shows a cross section through the distal end of a heating chamber and convective heating assembly;

[0626] Figure 41 shows another cross section through the distal end of a heating chamber and convective heating assembly;

[0627] Figure 41a shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of the fluidic interconnection elements and blade structure;

[0628] Figure 41 b shows a cross-sectional view of another variation of the fluidic interconnection elements and blade structure;

[0629] Figure 42 shows an arrangement of the convective heating assembly and the heating chamber;

[0630] Figure 43 shows a cross section of a convective heating assembly;

[0631] Figure 44 shows a resistive heating element of a convective heating assembly;

[0632] Figure 45 shows six resistive heating elements of a convective heating assembly;

[0633] Figure 46 shows another resistive heating element of a convective heating assembly;

[0634] Figure 47 shows another perspective view of the resistive heating element of Figure 46;

[0635] Figure 48 shows another resistive heating element of a convective heating assembly;

[0636] Figure 49 shows the arrangement of a resistive heating element in a convective heating assembly;

[0637] Figure 49a shows a temperature gradient in a cross section of an airflow along a flat resistive heating element in a convective heating assembly;

[0638] Figure 49b shows a cross section of an airflow along a 3D resistive heating element in a convective heating assembly;

[0639] Figure 50 shows a possible surface structuring for the provision of a turbulent flow in the convective heating assembly;

[0640] Figure 51 shows another possible surface structuring for the provision of a...

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A fluidic interconnection element for an aerosol-forming device, the fluidic interconnection element configured to provide for a fluidic connection between the aerosol-forming device and a removable aerosol-forming article, the fluidic interconnection element comprising: a blade structure surrounding a flow path defining a central axis, the blade structure having a first end configured to face a fluidic opening of an aerosol-forming article, and a second end configured to provide a fluidic connection to another element of the aerosol-forming device, wherein an outer wall of the blade structure has a sloped or tapered shape thereby increasing a thickness of the blade structure in a direction from the first end to the second end, wherein an outer edge of the blade structure includes a wavy end edge.

2. The fluidic interconnection element according to claim 1 , further comprising: a backplate to which the blade structure is mounted to or is integrally formed with, the flow path of the blade structure traversing the backplate.

3. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the wavy end edge includes at least two crests, for example wherein the at least two crests are separated by a trough.

4. The fluidic interconnection element according to the previous claim, wherein the outer edge of the blade structure includes two long sides and two short sides around its circumference, and wherein the wavy end edge is arranged on at least one or both of the short sides.

5. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a first end edge of the blade structure has a flat first end surface having a width of about 0.01 mm to 0.3 mm, more preferably a width of about 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm.

6. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the sloped shape of the outer wall of the blade structure includes a concave shape.

7. The fluidic interconnection element according to the previous claim and claim 2, wherein the concave shape, at one end, is formed to be flush with the first end of the outer wall that is parallel to the central axis, and at the other end, is formed to be flush with a first surface of the back plate.

8. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an inner wall of the blade structure forming the flow path is parallel to the central axis.

9. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an inner wall of the blade structure forming the flow path has a length in a range between 2 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm.

10. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the blade structure is traversed laterally by two or more lateral flow paths, forming a nucleation chamber inside the flow path.

11. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of the flow path as seen in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis has an oblong shape.

12. The fluidic interconnection element according to the previous claim, wherein the cross- sectional area has one of a rectangularly-shape or an oval-shape.

13. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the cross-sectional area has a length along the longitudinal direction is in a range between 12 mm and 4 mm, and has a height or thickness in a range between 0.8 mm and 3 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

14. The fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the blade structure protrudes from the backplate parallel to the central axis in a range between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between 0.8 mm and 5 mm.

15. An aerosol-forming device configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming device comprising at least one fluidic interconnection element according to any one of the previous claims.

Images