Dielectric heater module, aerosol-forming device, and aerosol-forming system

Abstract

A dielectric heater module (110) for aerosol formation, comprises a heating chamber (18) configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article (200) having an aerosol-forming substrate (210); an electromagnetic shielding body (101) at least partially formed around the heating chamber, the electromagnetic shielding body having at least one opening (160); and an absorption structure (120) arranged at the at least one opening for at least partially absorbing electromagnetic radiation to reduce emissions of electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module.

Description

[0001] FTR4103

[0002] 1 / 50

[0003] DIELECTRIC HEATER MODULE, AEROSOL-FORMING DEVICE, AND AEROSOLFORMING SYSTEM

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of aerosol-forming devices and systems for generating aerosol, also referred to as aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a dielectric heater module, which can be used in an electronic aerosol-forming device, an electronic aerosol-forming device, an aerosolforming article, and an electronic aerosol-forming system configured to generate or form aerosol, for example aerosol inhalable by a user in one or more user inhalations.

[0005] 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 or one or more user puffs or inhalations, aerosol generated from an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-forming article. Therein, aerosol is typically generated by heating at least a part of the substrate to a certain temperature sufficient to release aerosol from the substate, also referred to as volatilization or vaporization temperature. The aerosol-forming devices the present disclosure pertains to are, in particular, directed to the field of e-vapor devices, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers as well as heated tobacco products (HTP), heat-not-burn (HNB) devices, tobacco and tobacco-substitute products. 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 or pharmaceutical applications.

[0006] 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.

[0007] The aerosol-forming article, also referred to as aerosol-generating article, can comprise an aerosol-generating or aerosol-forming substrate. Therein, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid material, a solid material, or both liquid and solid material. Exemplary aerosolforming substrates can comprise solid substrate material with one or more ingredients, such as tobacco material, tobacco cast leaves (TCL) material or cannabis-based material. The substrate material can, for example, be assembled, often with other elements or components, to form a substantially stick-shaped aerosol-forming article. However, other designs and configurations, such as rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming articles or substrates are possible.FTR4103

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[0009] Other exemplary aerosol-forming substrates include a liquid with one or more ingredients that can be vaporized.

[0010] The liquid, solid or a mixed-form of solid and liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more ingredients, active ingredients or active agents, which may be vaporized during a usage session and inhaled by the user in one or more user inhalations. A user inhalation is synonymously and interchangeably used herein with “puff” of the user. Exemplary ingredients of the aerosol-forming article or substrate include nicotine, nicotine-containing substances, water, aroma, sugar, moisturising agent, botanicals, preservative, flavouring, for example cocoa, liquorice, menthol and lactic acid or other additives or ingredients. Other exemplary ingredients of the aerosol-forming substrate include one or more pharmaceutical agents, one or more drugs, one or more adjuvants or other active agents. Accordingly, the aerosol formed from a corresponding substrate may contain one or more of these ingredients, active ingredients or active agents and / or may be inhalable by the user in one or more user inhalations.

[0011] 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 heating volume, heating cavity or heating chamber of the aerosol-forming device for aerosol consumption. 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 capsule, container, reservoir, or pod. Corresponding exemplary aerosol-forming articles can comprise any reservoir containing or being 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 article can be coupled to, attached to or at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming device. Alternatively, the cartridge or similar may be fixedly mounted to the aerosol-forming device and refilled by inserting liquid and / or solid into the cartridge or similar.

[0012] For generating the aerosol during use or consumption, heat can be supplied by a heating element, heater device, heater arrangement or heat source to heat at least a portion or part of the aerosol-forming substrate, for example by the use of a dielectric heating device. At least a part of the heater arrangement can be arranged in the handheld device or a handheld part of the aerosolforming device. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of or the entire heater arrangement can be fixedly associated with or arranged within an aerosol-forming article, for instance in the form of a stick, a rectangular parallelepiped shaped article, or cartridge, which can be attached to and / or powered by the handheld device or handheld part of the aerosol-forming device.

[0013] However, the present disclosure relates to dielectric or microwave heating achieved through an alternating electrical field 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-FTR4103

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[0015] 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 battery cells, one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, one or more accumulators or other types of energy storage.

[0016] The dielectric heater module and aerosol-forming device the present disclosure pertains to may, for example, refer to a handheld, battery-powered and / or portable device. Specifically, in the context of the present disclosure, the dielectric heater module, aerosol-forming device and / or the aerosol-forming system may be a portable device and / or system. It may be battery powered. Particularly, the dielectric heater module, aerosol-forming device and / or the aerosol-forming system may be pocket-size, hand-held, suitable for one-hand use and / or may weigh less than 300 g, preferably less than 200 g. It may be shaped and / or sized to fit snugly into a user’s hand. It may be carried in jacket and / or trouser pockets. Particularly, the dielectric heater module, aerosol-forming device and / or the aerosol-forming system may be configured to provide aerosol for human inhalation and / or human consumption, particularly inhalation and / or consumption through the mouth. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect, but can be implemented in various forms and designs of aerosol-forming devices and systems.

[0017] Dielectric heating in the present invention can involve generating an alternating electric field to generate heat within the aerosol-forming substrate by exploiting its dielectric properties. This method can provide uniform heating and improve the consistency of vapor production and consequently aerosol formation. One issue that comes with the generation of the alternating electric field are emissions of electromagnetic radiation. If the electric field or the electromagnetic radiation is not properly confined to the heating area or heating zone, it might affect other components of the aerosol-forming device or even pose health risks to users.

[0018] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide for an improved dielectric heater module, aerosolforming device, and aerosol-forming system, which at least partly mitigate or overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional modules, devices, and systems, in particular utilize dielectric heating in a manner that ensures the electromagnetic field is strictly localized to the aerosol-forming substrate or article, preventing any unintended effects. Specifically, the dielectric heater module, aerosol-forming device, and aerosol-forming system may enable or allow for an improved containment of the electromagnetic field to the heating zone or heating area of the aerosol-forming substrate or article.

[0019] These advantages may be achieved by the features described herein.

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a dielectric heater module, an aerosol-forming device, and an aerosol-forming system. It is noted that any disclosure presented herein with reference to an or one 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 anyFTR4103

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[0022] disclosure presented herein with respect to a dielectric heater module equally applies to an aerosol-forming device comprising such aerosol-forming device and, and an aerosol-forming system comprising the aerosol-forming device and an aerosol-forming article, and vice versa.

[0023] According to an aspect, there is provided a dielectric heater module for aerosol formation, comprising: a heating chamber configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming substrate, for example an aerosol-forming substrate that is included in an aerosol-forming article; an electromagnetic shielding body at least partially formed around the heating chamber, the electromagnetic shielding body having at least one opening; and an absorption structure arranged at the at least one opening for at least partially absorbing electromagnetic radiation to reduce emissions of electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module.

[0024] Accordingly, the present invention provides for a shielding from electromagnetic radiation and an absorption of electromagnetic radiation at an opening of a dielectric heater module, thereby restricting the electromagnetic field to the heating chamber and preventing it from leaving the at least one opening and avoiding unintended effects such as harm to a user of the dielectric heater module. Specifically, the present invention provides for suppression of the electromagnetic field from exiting the heating chamber by a combination of electromagnetic shielding and electromagnetic field or radiation absorption.

[0025] The dielectric heater module may for example be used by, comprised by, or integrated in an aerosol-forming device for aerosol formation. Any parts referred to herein as belonging or being of the dielectric heater module or the aerosol-forming device may alternatively belong to the aerosol-forming device or the dielectric heater module, respectively.

[0026] As used herein, the dielectric heater module refers to a device or configuration configured to heat at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate or article to generate aerosol through dielectric heating. Dielectric heating, generally, leverages electromagnetic or electric fields to induce rotation of polar molecules that result in the generation of heat of dielectric materials, which can be induced by the alternating electric field. This heating method exploits the ability of polar molecules within the substrate material to align with an alternating electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field. As the field alternates, these molecules continuously realign, causing molecular friction and dielectric loss, which generates heat. This process is highly efficient for materials containing polar molecules, as is the case with aerosol-forming substrates.

[0027] Generally, dielectric heater modules can operate according to different operation principles to dielectrically heat the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the dielectric heater module may comprise at least two electrode interconnections to electrically interconnect at least two electrodes, in particular of a load capacitor, respectively. For example, the dielectric heater module may be of a type or operation principle that uses a load capacitor with electrodes between which at least a part of the aerosol-forming substrate can be placed or arranged. The electrodesFTR4103

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[0029] can be operated by a control circuitry of the dielectric heater module or aerosol-forming device at a high-frequency or radio-frequency alternating voltage, such that a high-frequency or radiofrequency alternating electric or electromagnetic field can be generated between the electrodes to heat the substrate material by interaction with the alternating electric or electromagnetic field. A frequency range of the electric or electromagnetic field in the load capacitor may for example range from about 30 MHz to about 300 GHz. This frequency range may also be referred to as radiofrequency (RF) range. A sub-range of the RF range with frequencies of 3 MHz to about 30 MHz can be referred to herein as high-frequency (HF) range.

[0030] Other designs or operation principles of dielectric heater modules are also possible. An example of such alternative design is a resonant cavity, which may refer to a substantially closed structure or chamber designed to contain and sustain electromagnetic waves. The dielectric heater module may accordingly comprise a resonant cavity. The cavity may be shaped and configured to support electromagnetic waves confined within the cavity. The closed structure may provide inherent shielding. The aerosol-forming substrate or article may be placed within this resonant cavity and heated by the interaction of the electromagnetic waves with the substrate material. More specifically, the electromagnetic shielding body may form or comprise the resonant cavity. Further, the dielectric heater module may comprise a coupler arranged to feed an electromagnetic signal or wave into an interior of the resonant cavity.

[0031] The heating chamber may generally be configured in any shape or form. Specifically, the heating chamber may have any shape or form factor that allows to removably receive the aerosolforming article. For example, the heating chamber may be circular, square, or rectangular in cross-section, cylindrical or cuboid in volume, and / or longitudinal in extension. The heating chamber may also be configured for vaporizing liquid aerosol-forming substrates, and may include or partially include a liquid transfer element. The heating chamber may specifically but not only be formed, enclosed, and / or surrounded by the electromagnetic shielding body, specifically by one or more inner walls of the electromagnetic shielding body, which may be shielding walls in the sense that they are made from or comprise conductive materials providing electromagnetic shielding capabilities. In this regard, the electromagnetic shielding body may be seen as a body that provides the electromagnetic shielding from inside the heating chamber towards an outside or environment of the dielectric heater module outside of the body. For this purpose, the electromagnetic shielding body may generally comprise or be made from conductive materials with electromagnetic shielding capabilities as further specified herein. The electromagnetic shielding body may not fully enclose or close the heating chamber but only partially. Specifically, the electromagnetic shielding body may at least maintain the at least one opening. For example, at least one of the at least one opening may be an opening for removably receiving the aerosolforming article therein.P17600WG FTR4103 Q / 50

[0032] Generally, the at least one opening may be an opening extending from inside or an inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body, in particular from the heating chamber but not limited thereto, towards an outside, a wall, and / or a surrounding of the electromagnetic shielding body or aerosol-forming device. Further, the at least one opening may generally have a longitudinal extension, specifically along an axis of extension, in particular longitudinal axis or longitudinal extension, of the electromagnetic shielding body. In other words, the at least one opening may be a lengthy or longitudinal opening. More particularly, the at least one opening may be comprised by at least one opening channel or, in other words, there may be at least one opening channel in the electromagnetic shielding body, which may comprise the at least one opening, which may refer only to the opening such as an inlet or outlet of the opening at the wall of the electromagnetic shielding body or at the interface with the surrounding of the body. Generally, opening is herein to be understood broadly and includes at least the opening that is visible when looking at the electromagnetic shielding body from outside or the surrounding but can also generally include any extension of that at least one opening inside the electromagnetic shielding body, which can be lengthy and provided by the at least one opening channel. The at least one opening channel may have any cross-section such as but not limited to circular, oval, rectangular, square, trapezoid, and similar. Specifically, the at least one opening channel may be formed by at least one shielding wall of the electromagnetic shielding body. Generally, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise several walls, some or all of which may be shielding walls in the sense that they are made of or comprise conductive material capable of shielding electromagnetic radiation. For example, the electromagnetic shielding body may generally have a longitudinal extension and may be substantially symmetric around its axis of longitudinal extension. For example, the electromagnetic shielding body may be in the form of a cylinder, cuboid, or similar. In any case, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise one or more inner walls inside of the body or inside an inner volume surrounded by one or more outer walls. Also, there may be one or more face or front walls, and there may be one or more rear or back walls, which may be located on an opposite side of the one or more face or front walls.

[0033] Generally, any reference herein to at least one wall, a single wall or several walls also counts as a reference towards several walls, at least one wall and single walls and similarly towards sides, surfaces, and similar of the electromagnetic shielding body. Specifically, the term wall or walls as used herein is to be understood broadly in the sense of a side, surface or at least comprising a surface, and similar, formed by the electromagnetic shielding body, e.g. inside or outside thereof or of its inner volume. Whether there is a single wall, which comprises surfaces that are opposite one another, e.g. in the shielding wall, or multiple walls which are opposite of one another in the opening channel, can in this sense only be attributed to a linguistic preference and indicates no limitation whatsoever towards a provision of separate, multiple, single or similarFTR4103

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[0035] wall configurations. For example, in case the opening channel has a circular cross section, the linguistic preference would be to say that there is one circular shielding wall surrounding or encompassing that opening channel. Still, it may be said that opposite walls or portions of walls of that circular shielding wall can be opposite of one another, e.g. to define a diameter or width of the opening channel in between these. On the other hand, when the opening channel has a rectangular cross section, one could still say that there is a single rectangular shielding wall surrounding the opening channel, or one could say that there are four shielding walls connected to each other and with two pairs of respectively opposite shielding walls.

[0036] In case the dielectric heater module comprises at least two electrode interconnections for connection to electrodes, the at least two electrode interconnections may be configured to electrically interconnect with at least two electrodes of the load capacitor or be electrically interconnected with the electrodes of the load capacitor. Specifically, the electrode interconnections may be permanently or reversibly electrically interconnected with the two electrodes. For example, the electrodes may be part of the dielectric heater module or aerosolforming device, and the electrodes may be permanently or irreversibly electrically interconnected with the electrode interconnections. In another example, the electrodes could be located on the aerosol-forming article that is removably received inside the heating chamber, in which case the electrode interconnections may electrically interconnect with the electrodes on the aerosolforming article. Thus, the electrode interconnections only reversibly electrically interconnect with the electrodes on or of the aerosol-forming article until the user removes the aerosol-forming article.

[0037] The absorption structure may generally comprise one or more absorption elements, made from the same or different absorption materials. It is possible but not necessary that the absorption structure is a single piece or unitary structure. Instead, there may be several absorption elements, which may be located apart or at a distance from one another, and / or adjacent or attached to one another, and form the overall absorption structure. Further, the absorption structure may be located anywhere at the at least one opening, including at least inside the opening, outside the opening, and / or at an edge or periphery of the at least one opening. Specifically, the absorption structure may be located or arranged at, in particular directly located at or arranged at, the electromagnetic shielding body, e.g. an electromagnetic shielding material, wall or layer thereof. In other words, the absorption structure may be provided, in particularly directly, on the electromagnetic shielding material or a part or portion thereof, such as a shielding wall, shielding layer, or shielding sleeve thereof, as specified herein. Thereby, the absorption structure can effectively absorb electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module coming out of the heating chamber, that would otherwise exit the at least one opening.P17600WG FTR4103 8 / 50

[0038] The control circuitry, as used herein, may refer to a control means for controlling operation of the dielectric heater module, and optionally one or more other functions of the dielectric heater module or an aerosol-forming device. The control circuitry may include one or more processors, for example a microcontroller unit (MCU), and / or one or more other processors. The control circuitry may generally be configured to execute programmed instructions, for example stored in a data storage or memory of the aerosol-forming device, to manage the heating process of an aerosol-forming substrate or article based on controlling the dielectric heater module, controlling power supply to the dielectric heater module and / or controlling a power source or energy storage of the dielectric heater module. The control circuitry may be implemented partly in software and partly in hardware. At least a part of the control circuitry and / or at least a part of its functionalities may be implemented as Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), on a printed circuit board with one or more discrete components, as a microcontroller-based implementation, as Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or hybrid implementation using a combination thereof.

[0039] The dielectric heater module or aerosol-forming device may comprise one or more main air inlets or air inlets, through which a user can draw air into one or more air channels or airflow paths in the module or device. These one or more air inlets may be fluidically connected to one or more of the at least one opening, or, alternatively, one or more of the at least one opening may be the one or more air inlets. During user inhalation, the user may draw air from a surrounding or external environment of the aerosol-forming device via the at least one main air inlet into the device or module. The drawn air may then be conveyed or guided via the one or more air channels, airflow path structures or airflow paths towards the heating chamber. Therein, at least a part of the drawn air can flow past the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, at least a part of the drawn air may flow through at least a part of the aerosol-forming article. For example, the aerosol-forming article may comprise an air inlet that can be coupled to one or more air channels of the device or module, such that air can enter the aerosol-forming article.

[0040] Also, the dielectric heater module, the aerosol-forming device, and / or the aerosol-forming article may further optionally comprise an air, vapor and / or aerosol outlet, where for example the drawn air, enriched with aerosol, can leave the aerosol-forming article towards the user’s mouth for inhalation. Such outlet may be coupled to or formed as a mouthpiece, for example. Such mouthpiece may also be attached to, specifically removably attachable, to such outlet. Any coupling mechanism for attachment of the mouthpiece to such outlet may be used. For example, coupling mechanisms with a sliding or rotation motion for coupling the mouthpiece to the outlet may be used to enhance user experience.

[0041] In an example, the dielectric heater module may be part of a liquid capsule, cartridge, or pod, and the electromagnetic shielding body may have at least two openings for the electric interconnections for the electrodes that are arranged inside the electromagnetic shielding body,FTR4103

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[0043] and has an aerosol outlet forming another opening in the electromagnetic shielding body. The liquid reservoir could be also located inside the electromagnetic shielding body, configured to store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In this example, the heating chamber can include a liquid transfer element, for example a wicking element, that allows to provide liquid aerosolforming substrate from the reservoir to a dielectric heating zone where the alternating electric field will cause vaporization of the substrate. In a variant, another opening can be formed in the electromagnetic shielding body, for example a refill opening or valve can be provided in the electromagnetic shielding body that permits refilling of the reservoir with e-liquid. The liquid capsule, cartridge, or pod can be a removable or non-removable part of the aerosol forming device, e.g. a capsule holder. An absorption structure may be provided at one or both of the at least two openings of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0044] In an example, the dielectric heater module may be further comprising at least two electrodes electrically connected to the at least two interconnections, respectively, the at least electrodes configured to provide for an alternating electric field to the heating chamber for performing dielectric heating. As explained, by means of the alternating electric field inside the heating chamber, the dielectric heating of the therein contained aerosol-forming substrate for consequent formation of aerosol can be performed. Further, as explained above, in this variant, the electrodes may be part of the dielectric heater module rather than of the aerosol-forming article.

[0045] In another example, the at least two electrode interconnections may be configured to electrically interconnect with at least two electrodes of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received inside the heating chamber. Accordingly, as explained above, in this variant, the electrodes are part of the aerosol-forming article rather than of the dielectric heater module.

[0046] It is noted that also mixed variants are possible, where one or more electrodes are part of the aerosol-forming article, and one or more other electrodes are part of the dielectric heater module. Specifically, in case of one or more pairs of electrodes, the dielectric heater module and the aerosol-forming article may each have one electrode of the one or more pairs of electrodes. In this case, the dielectric heating function requires that the aerosol-forming article with the at least one electrode complimentary to the at least one electrode of the aerosol-forming article forming the at least one pair of electrodes is required. Additionally or alternatively, each one of the dielectric heater module and the aerosol-forming article may comprise at least one pair of electrodes.

[0047] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise an electromagnetic field absorber material for at least partially absorbing the electromagnetic radiation by converting electromagnetic energy into heat. Electromagnetic field absorber materials have the capability toFTR4103

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[0049] inhibit the reflection and / or transmission of electromagnetic radiation by absorbing it through conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat. Electromagnetic absorbers can be broadly categorized into two main types: resonant absorbers and broadband absorbers. Generally, the material or materials used may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at specific target frequencies due to their resonant properties, where the material or materials may be chosen for the present application of dielectric heating of aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the chosen material or materials may be configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation across a wide frequency range. In terms of their physical properties, the material or materials for the electromagnetic field absorption can be either dielectric loss absorber materials and / or magnetic loss absorber materials. Dielectric loss absorber materials, such as carbon-based composites and ceramic materials like barium titanate, absorb electromagnetic energy through dielectric losses, which may involve mechanisms like electronic and ionic polarization. Magnetic loss absorber materials, such as ferrites and iron powder, absorb electromagnetic energy through magnetic losses, which may involve hysteresis and eddy current losses.

[0050] In an example, the absorption structure may at least partially surround the at least one opening of the electromagnetic shielding body. In other words, the absorption structure may at least partially encompass or encircle the at least one opening, including the opening channel as described herein. Specifically, for example, if the opening channel is formed by at least one shielding wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, the absorption structure may be arranged on the shielding wall, specifically on a surface thereof, or integrated therewith. As explained, the at least one opening may for example have a round, circular, square or other types of opening surface and / or cross section. Such surface or cross section of the at least one opening may be surrounded at least partially by the absorption structure, thereby absorbing electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module, specifically coming from the heating chamber, at or near the at least one opening before it exits the at least one opening. At least partial surrounding may be provided by the absorption structure when it at least partially surrounds or encircles the at least one opening in circumference and / or length of the opening or opening channel, e.g. by one or more absorption elements separated or distanced from one another along the circumference of the at least one opening, or by one or more absorption elements separated or distanced from one another along the length of the opening or opening channel. For example, in case of partial surrounding or encirclement, the absorption structure may extend along at least 10%, 20% or more of a circumference and / or length of the at least one opening or opening channel. The encircling of the at least one opening can include the location of the absorption structure on an inner side, outer side, and / or an edge of the electromagnetic shielding body. The edge may be at a front wall, rear wall, outer wall, or any other wall of the electromagnetic shielding body and may be where the at least one opening is subjected directly to the surrounding of theFTR4103

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[0052] dielectric heater module. Generally, the absorption structure may be provided at the at least one opening, specifically directly thereat, or adjacent thereto, e.g. within a certain distance or distance range therefrom. More specifically, the absorption structure may be provided on the at least one shielding wall at least partially forming or surrounding the opening, lengthy opening, or opening channel as described herein.

[0053] In an example, the at least one opening may be connected to the heating chamber. In particular, the at least one opening may be connected by a connecting passage to the heating chamber. That connecting passage may be formed by the opening channel as described herein, which may longitudinally extend in between the opening at the surrounding or face, rear or outer wall of the electromagnetic shielding body and the heating chamber, the electrodes, and / or the electrode interconnections. The at least one opening, the connecting passage or opening channel, and the heating chamber may comprise a size (e.g. a cross-section, width, and / or diameter) and / or a form or shape such that the aerosol-forming article may be received inside the at least one opening, the connecting passage or opening channel, and the heating chamber. Accordingly, the absorption structure located at the at least one opening may prevent or reduce electromagnetic radiation from exiting the at least one opening coming from the heating chamber for dielectrically heating the aerosol-forming article therein.

[0054] For example, the at least one opening may include: an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber; an air inlet upstream of the heating chamber for supplying air, vapor, and / or aerosol to the heating chamber; an outlet downstream of the heating chamber for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber; a mouthpiece opening; an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the heater module; an opening allowing to accommodate a refill port or refill valve for filling a reservoir with liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an opening for allowing light or radiation pass for an optical reader and / or optical illumination; and / or an opening for accommodating an active or passive electronic component. Specifically, the at least one opening may comprise at least one or any arbitrary combination of two or more of the aforementioned list of openings. Also, there may be at least two openings, at least three openings or more openings, wherein the different openings may be any arbitrary ones of the aforementioned list of openings. As insertion opening, the at least one opening may serve the purpose to receive the aerosol-forming article therethrough and inside the heating chamber. As air inlet upstream of the heating chamber, the at least one opening may serve to supply air to the heating chamber for the mixing of vaporized substrate and consequent formation of user-inhalable aerosol, which may then for example exit the outlet downstream as another opening of the heating chamber towards the surrounding for releasing this aerosol from the heating chamber. Also, it may be possible to use the air inlet upstream for supplying vapor and / or aerosol to the heating chamber, which may be coming from another orFTR4103

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[0056] second aerosol-forming article, for example. For example, the other, second or additional aerosolforming article may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is vaporized or forms aerosol in addition to a solid aerosol-forming substrate from a first aerosol-forming article dielectrically heated by the dielectric heater module, wherein the vapor or aerosol from the liquid substrate can be supplied via the air inlet upstream to the heating chamber and released therewith through the outlet downstream. Similarly, the outlet downstream may be used to release air and vapor. Specifically, the outlet downstream may be releasing air and / or vapor only, which are consequently mixed with one another for aerosol formation. Another opening may be a mouthpiece opening for aerosol inhalation by the user of the dielectric heater module or aerosolforming substrate. The mouthpiece opening may be separate from or coincide with the outlet downstream and / or the insertion opening, for example. Also, the at least one opening or one opening of multiple openings may be an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the dielectric heater module. Such element may for example be from an oscillator circuitry, such as a feedback loop, or any part thereof or connected thereto or to the electrode interconnections or electrodes. Further, there may be an opening for accommodating one or more electronic components, specifically an active or passive electronic component. For example, a cable may be inserted as electronic component into the opening or may extend through the opening. Such cable or generally any connection may thereby be provided into the inner volume of the body, e.g. a power supply connection to a power supply of the aerosol-forming device. Generally, a space between the element external to the dielectric heater module or the active or passive electronic component and the respective opening may be sealed by a sealing material. The sealing material may be a low-dielectric polymer sealant. Such sealing material can avoid short-circuiting the electric interconnection or generally a connection to an active or passive electronic component.

[0057] In an example the absorption structure may be located at the least one opening or at a distance from the at least one opening, the distance being up to 50 mm, in particular up to 40 mm, further in particular up to 30 mm, and more particularly up to 20 mm. In other words, the at least one opening may be located at the at least one opening or at the specified distance from the at least one opening in the sense that the at least one opening means the intersection or interface of the respective wall of the body at which the opening is formed and which is in contact with the surrounding of the dielectric heater module. Still, the absorption structure is arranged at the at least one opening in this case, specifically it may be arranged inside or at the least one opening channel as specified herein, but it may be distanced from the end of that opening channel which is the opening at the respective wall of the body. Accordingly, the absorption structure may be located directly at the at least one opening or arranged thereat in close proximity or vicinityFTR4103

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[0059] thereto, thereby not interfering with the heating chamber and at the same time effectively preventing or reducing electromagnetic radiation from exiting the at least one opening.

[0060] In an example, the at least one opening, specifically the opening channel, may comprise a curved surface geometry. Specifically, the curved surface geometry may be of an inner surface of the at least one opening formed by the electromagnetic shielding body. For example, the at least one opening may be cylindrical, cuboid with round corners, or similar in extension as discussed herein. Or, in other words, the at least one opening may have an opening surface or cross section that is round, circular, or square with round corners. Depending on the geometry of the at least one opening, specifically its curved surface, the at least one opening may be configured to receive a tube- or stick-shaped, a disc- or plate-shaped, or a cuboid-shaped aerosolforming article, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the wall of the body at the opening may comprise a curved surface geometry.

[0061] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a curved surface geometry. Specifically, the curved surface geometry may be of an inner and / or an outer surface of the absorption structure, which may be corresponding in curvature to a curvature of the least one opening or electromagnetic shielding body, where it may be arranged at or to which it may be attached. For example, the curved surface of the inner and / or outer surface of the absorption structure may be at least partially round, circular, or similar.

[0062] In an example, the dielectric heater module may comprise two or more absorption structures. Each one of the absorption structures may be provided in a different one of two or more openings of the electromagnetic shielding body. Each one of the these openings may be connected to the heating chamber. Accordingly, an electromagnetic absorption may be provided at two or more openings of the dielectric heater module. For example, the two or more openings may be any from, specifically any different ones from: an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber; an air inlet upstream of the heating chamber for supplying air, vapor, and / or aerosol to the heating chamber; an outlet downstream of the heating chamber for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber; a mouthpiece opening; an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the heater module; and / or an opening for accommodating an active or passive electronic component.

[0063] In an example, the absorption structure may be provided at least partially on an inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body. The inner wall may in particular be the shielding wall of the opening channel as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the absorption structure may be provided at least partially on an outer wall of the electromagnetic shielding body. The outer wall may define the outer perimeter of the electromagnetic shielding body. Additionally or alternatively, the absorption structure may be at least partially provided on an edge, in particular rim, of the at least one opening or the electromagnetic shielding body. The edge may be at a wallFTR4103

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[0065] or face of the body, where the opening may intersect or form an interface with the surrounding of the body or dielectric heater module. Accordingly, the absorption structure may be distributed, specifically with one or more absorption elements, on the inner wall or surface or side, on the outer wall or surface or side, the edge or any two or all three of the aforementioned portions of the electromagnetic shielding body. The placement or arrangement on the inner wall and / or the edge may directly absorb the electromagnetic radiation from inside the opening. The placement or arrangement on the outer surface may save space inside the opening or opening channel to the heat chamber and absorb the electromagnetic radiation exiting the at least one opening.

[0066] In an example, the absorption structure may be configured as an absorption band surrounding the at least one opening. The absorption band is configured as a band, which may be extending circumferentially partially or entirely around the opening and / or an axis of extension of the opening, of the opening channel, and / or of the electromagnetic shielding body. The absorption band may for example be an absorption loop in case of a circular opening. The absorption band may be extending in width along a longitudinal extension of the opening or opening channel.

[0067] In an example, the absorption structure may extend circumferentially around an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body. In particular, the extension may be a longitudinal extension of the electromagnetic shielding body. Alternatively, the absorption structure may extend circumferentially around an axis of extension, in particular longitudinal axis of extension or axis of longitudinal extension, of the at least one opening. Specifically, the opening or opening channel may be extending in length along the axis of extension. Specifically, the opening may be extending in length as an opening portion, opening channel, or opening passage. This opening portion or channel may lead to the heating chamber. And, the axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body and the axis of extension of the at least one opening may be coinciding. Thereby, the absorption structure can effectively absorb electromagnetic radiation along an entire circumference of the opening, preventing or reducing electromagnetic radiation from exiting the opening significantly.

[0068] In an example, the absorption structure may be cylindrically shaped, or cuboid shaped. Accordingly, the absorption structure may have a round, circular or rectangular cross section, for example. Thereby, the absorption structure may conform to the opening and aerosol-forming article depending on the type, shape or form of the aerosol-forming article that is used, e.g. stickshaped or cuboid-shaped.

[0069] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a plurality of ring-shaped absorption elements. Each one of these ring-shaped absorption elements may comprise an electromagnetic field absorber material. And, the absorption elements may be spaced apart from one another. Specifically, the absorption elements may be spaced apart from one another along an axis ofFTR4103

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[0071] extension of the electromagnetic shielding body and / or the opening or opening portion. For example, two, three, four or more ring-shaped absorption elements may be provided as part of the absorption structure, each of these being distanced by the same or different distance from an adjacent ring-shaped absorption element. It has been found that the ring-shaped absorption elements can cause a ripple or wavy structure at the exterior-facing side, which can benefit the absorption of the electromagnetic radiation through the at least one opening.

[0072] In an example, the electrodes or electrode interconnections may be arranged or located in or inside the electromagnetic shielding body, particularly within or at one or more walls of the electromagnetic shielding body. In an example, the absorption structure and the electrode interconnections or electrodes may be provided at least partially on an inner wall or surface of the electromagnetic shielding body and at a distance from one another. Specifically, the absorption structure and the electrode interconnections or electrodes may be aligned or provided in or on the same plane. Generally, any reference herein to electrode interconnections may mean electrode interconnections as part of or inside the dielectric heater module. On the other hand, any reference herein to electrodes may mean either electrodes as part of, e.g. fixedly installed, arranged or attached inside, the dielectric heater module or, alternatively, electrodes as part of an article received by the dielectric heater module or aerosol-forming device, where the electrodes may be fixedly installed, arranged or attached at or to the article.

[0073] In an example, the absorption structure may be located at a distance from the electrode interconnections or electrodes, the distance being at least 1 mm, more preferably at least 2 mm, and further preferably at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm or at least 5 mm. Thereby, the influence of the absorption structure on the heating chamber may be minimized while enabling an effective electromagnetic radiation absorption, specifically closer to the at least one opening.

[0074] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a length along an axis of extension of the body, the length being in the range of 1 mm to 30 mm. The length may refer to a total length of the absorption structure with or without interruptions, e.g. in the case of separate absorption elements (e.g. ring-shaped) that are distanced from one another, or to an individual length of the absorption structure of absorption elements thereof. Specifically, the length may be in the range of 2 mm to 28 mm, more specifically in the range of 3 mm to 25 mm and further in particular in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm. For example, the length of individual or separate absorption elements in case there are several in the absorption structure, may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, more specifically in the range of 1.5 mm to 8 mm, and further specifically in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm. On the other hand, the total length of an absorption structure comprising multiple absorption elements may be in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm, more specifically in the range of 12 mm to 30 mm, and further specifically in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm. The specified lengths on the one hand allow for a compact design of the dielectric heater module given that theFTR4103

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[0076] absorption structure is not overly large in length and on the other hand allow for effective prevention or reduction of electromagnetic radiation exiting the at least one opening.

[0077] In an example, the length of the absorption structure may be greater than a distance between opposing electrode interconnections or electrodes. For example, the length of the absorption structure may be at least 150%, in particular at least 175% and further in particular at least 200% or at least 225% of the distance between the opposing electrodes or electrode interconnections. As upper limit, for example, the length of the absorption structure may be no more than 500%, in particular no more than 450%, further in particular no more than 400% and more particularly no more than 350% or no more than 300% of the of the distance between the opposing electrodes or electrode interconnections. The specified length to distance ratio on the one hand allows for a compact design of the dielectric heater module given that the absorption structure is not overly large in length, and on the other hand allows for effective prevention or reduction of electromagnetic radiation exiting the at least one opening.

[0078] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a thickness measured along an extension transverse, in particular perpendicular, to an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body, the thickness being in the range of 0.1 mm to 5 mm, in particular in the range of 0.3 mm to 3 mm, or in the range of 0.4 mm to 2 mm. Thereby, the absorption structure can be relatively thin, specifically in comparison to a dimension or size of the electromagnetic shielding body, which may comprise a significantly larger thickness, e.g. above 5 mm, specifically above 10 mm or above 15 mm or above 20 mm. For example, such thickness of the electromagnetic shielding body may be a minimum thickness. By having a thin absorption structure located inside the opening or on an inner surface of the opening, specifically when the at least one opening is in the form of an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber, the volume or space inside the at least one opening that is reduced by the absorption structure is minimal, not or only minorly influencing the insertion of the aerosol-forming article and generally the design of the dielectric heater module with the electrodes or electrode interconnections.

[0079] In an example, a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure may be equal to or smaller than a distance between opposing electrodes or electrode interconnections. For example, the absorption structure may have absorption surfaces located or arranged at an inner wall or surface of the opening or the electromagnetic shielding body in the vicinity or near the at least one opening, specifically at the opening channel as discussed herein. These absorption surfaces may be located opposite of one another such that in the case of an insertion opening for the aerosol-forming article, for example, the aerosol-forming article may be inserted through the opening and in between the opposite absorption surfaces. In case the absorption structure is or comprises an absorption element extending circumferentially around anFTR4103

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[0081] axis of the opening or along a circumference of the opening, such absorption structure may comprise a continuous absorption surface, which still has opposing absorption surfaces by virtue of its circumferential extension, meaning that the surfaces are oriented towards each other. In any case, the electromagnetic shielding body may have a continuous surface or plane extending between the at least one opening and the heating chamber. On that continuous surface or plane, both the absorption structure and the electrodes and / or electrode interconnections may be located. However, alternatively, there may be no continuous surface or plane or, in other words, equal distance or gap in the electromagnetic shielding body at the heating chamber and at the opening or opening channel. Instead, the heating chamber may for example have a larger distance, diameter or gap than the opening or opening channel. Thereby, the heating chamber may be designed larger in volume or space than the opening or opening channel connecting the surrounding with the heating chamber. Consequently, due to the larger distance or diameter inside the heating chamber, the distance between the opposing electrodes or electrode interconnections may be at least equal to or smaller than the distance between the opposing absorption surfaces.

[0082] In an example, a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure may be smaller than a length of the absorption structure, wherein the length may be measured along an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body, in particular a longitudinal axis or axis of longitudinal extension.

[0083] With the absorption structure, both electric and magnetic fields may be absorbed. The material used for such absorption structure preferably has a high magnetic loss to absorb magnetic field, moderate electric conductivity for penetration, high dielectric loss to absorb electric field, low surface reflection, and / or high thermal stability, preferably all of the aforementioned. One or more materials of the absorption structure can for example include ferrites, carbonyl iron, iron-particle composites, soft magnetic composites, ceramic absorbers.

[0084] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a magnetic material. Magnetic materials, such as ferrite materials, ferromagnetic materials, or iron-cobalt alloys rely on magnetic loss principles to absorb the electromagnetic radiation. Their capability of electromagnetic radiation absorption depends on their permeability, which can advantageously be matched to the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation to be matched. Additionally or alternatively, the absorption structure may comprise other electromagnetic radiation absorber materials such as but not limited to carbon-based materials, ceramic materials, or metamaterials. Different from magnetic materials, carbon-based materials absorb electromagnetic waves through conductive loss mechanisms. Ceramic materials on the other hand use a dielectric loss mechanism and can include barium titanate or SiC or Si3N4composites, for example. Metamaterials can be designed specifically for the purpose of electromagnetic radiation absorption with properties that are notFTR4103

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[0086] found in other materials. For example, broadband metamaterial absorbers incorporating layers of magnetic and dielectric components can be used. Also or alternatively, ceramic-based metamaterials could be used with alternating layers of different ceramics.

[0087] In an example, the magnetic material may have a permeability at a frequency corresponding to a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation or, in other words, the alternating electric field or electromagnetic field that the load capacitor is configured to generate through the electrodes. Accordingly, the magnetic material may by choice or design of its permeability be tuned to the frequency generated by the load capacitor. Thereby, an efficient absorption can be achieved by matching the magnetic material’s magnetic response to the field’s frequency.

[0088] In an example, the frequency may be in the range of 100 MHz to 3.000 MHz, in particular in the range of 150 MHz to 2.800 MHz, more particularly in the range of 200 MHz to 2.600 MHz. It has been found that this frequency range is particularly advantageous for the dielectric heating of aerosol-forming substrate as it may ensure fast and efficient heating as well as an optimal balance between a penetration depth and energy absorption of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0089] In an example, the absorption structure may comprise a ferrite material and / or a ferromagnetic material, in particular permalloy. Ferrite materials are ceramic-like compounds composed primarily of iron oxide combined with other metallic elements such as for example nickel, manganese, or cobalt, which exhibit ferrimagnetism, a form of magnetism where the magnetic moments of constituent atoms align in different directions. Ferrite materials have a high magnetic permeability, but lower saturation magnetization compared to ferromagnetic metals Ferromagnetic materials are materials capable of being magnetized and exhibiting strong magnetic properties, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt or alloys comprising these. Permalloy is a specific type of ferromagnetic material made from nickel and iron, which may typically comprise about 80% nickel and about 20% iron. Permalloy in particular has a high magnetic permeability and low coercivity.

[0090] In an example, the absorption structure may further comprise a polymer-based filler material with the ferrite material and / or ferromagnetic material embedded inside the filler material. Accordingly, it is not necessary to have the entire absorption structure made from a magnetic material, specifically a ferrite and / or ferromagnetic material. Instead, a lightweight and less costly polymer material can be used as a filler, into which the magnetic material may be embedded or incorporated as particles, chunks, or any other structures of any size, shape and form. The ferrite material may be mouldable ferrite material.

[0091] In an example, the polymer-based filler material may be disposed onto a body material of the electromagnetic shielding body. Specifically, the absorption structure with or without the filler material can be generally deposited or disposed onto or on the body material, which may be forming or surrounding at least partially the at least one opening. The body material may inFTR4103

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[0093] particular comprise the wall or walls forming the shielding wall. And the filler material may specifically be provided on an inner surface of the wall or walls.

[0094] In an example, the electromagnetic shielding body may be having at least one opening channel with the at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening channel is surrounded by at least one shielding wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, and wherein the at least one opening channel connects the heating chamber with the at least one opening. Accordingly, the opening channel is understood therein as the channel that connects the outlet at the interface with the surrounding on a wall or side of the electromagnetic shielding body with the heating chamber. Therefore, for example, when the at least one opening is an insertion opening, air inlet or aerosol outlet, the heating chamber may consequently be receiving the aerosol-forming article, air or emitting aerosol through the opening channel and opening. The opening may be at an end of the opening channel opposite of the heating chamber.

[0095] In an example, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise a first body portion for accommodating the heating chamber. Further, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise a second body portion having an outlet for releasing air, vapor and / or aerosol. The first and second body portion may be configured to be removably coupled to each other. The body portions may both extend, in particular in length, along the axis of extension of the body. The outlet, which may be downstream of the heating chamber, may for example be formed together with or coincide with the at least one opening, specifically but not limited to the form of an insertion opening. An outer diameter, outer width, or any outer dimension of each one of the body portions may be different from one another. For example, the outer diameter or width of the second body portion accommodating or encompassing the outlet may be smaller than the first body portion accommodating or encompassing the heating chamber. Generally, the two body portions may be separate parts of the electromagnetic shielding body, that can be attached to one another, specifically removably attached or coupled to one another. For example, one of the body portions with smaller outer dimensions may be at least partially insertable into the other body portion with the larger outer dimensions. Generally, any coupling mechanism is conceivable. For example, one of the body portions may have a plug section and the other body portion may have a receptacle section, both sections may be accordingly coupled with one another in the form of a plug and receptacle connector. Alternatively or additionally any fastening means or elements could be used to connect the body portions removably with one another thereby providing good electrical interconnection between the first and second body portion, for example by complementary threads, bayonet lock, press-fitted or interference fitted engagement. Alternatively, the two body portions may be made from one piece or integrally designed with one another.FTR4103

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[0097] In an example, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise a conductive material for at least partially reflecting and / or redirecting the electromagnetic radiation from the heating chamber back to the heating chamber. Specifically, any one or more of the walls such as the shielding wall surrounding the opening channel may be comprising or made of such conductive material. In particular, a dielectric heating zone or area may be formed within or inside the heating chamber in between the electrodes, in which the dielectric heating may occur by virtue of the alternating electric field that is generated. To avoid the electromagnetic shielding body from being penetrated by the electromagnetic radiation towards the surrounding or outside of the electromagnetic shielding body, the conductive material on one or more walls, specifically at least on the shielding wall of the opening channel, can reflect and / or redirect the radiation back towards the dielectric heating zone or area.

[0098] Generally, the conductive material may be relatively thin but thicker than the penetration depth of a given electromagnetic frequency of the dielectric heating described herein. Specifically, the conductive material may be provided as a layer of or on the electromagnetic shielding body, e.g. a carrier structure or material. Preferably the inner layer may be facing towards the electrodes. The layer of conductive material may be relatively thin or generally thin but thicker than the penetration depth. For example, the conductive material of the shielded sleeve or shielding wall or generally the shielded sleeve or shielding wall may have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.25 mm, or of 0.1 mm or less.

[0099] In an example, the at least one shielding wall may be configured as a shielded sleeve (or shielded opening sleeve) extending towards an interior of the electromagnetic shielding body. The sleeve structure of the shielded sleeve by virtue of the at least one or more shielding walls enables the separation of the opening from the heating chamber, specifically such that in between the heating chamber and the at least one opening, the electromagnetic radiation inside the shielded sleeve may be shielded away from the at least one opening and back or towards the heating chamber, reducing the radiation that can exit the at least one opening. The interior of the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise the heating chamber and / or opening channel as specified herein. Specifically, the shielded sleeve may be extending towards or in the direction of the heating chamber located or formed inside the electromagnetic shielding body. However, it is not necessary that the shielded sleeve extends all the way to the heating chamber, although this is optionally possible. Instead, the shielded sleeve may be located in between the opening and the heating chamber or at the opening and extend longitudinally towards the heating chamber but not necessarily all the way to the heating chamber. Specifically, the shielded sleeve may be extending between or in between the at least one opening and the heating chamber. Accordingly, there may be a gap between the heating chamber and the shielded sleeve. Alternatively, the shielded sleeve may extend all the way from the heating chamber to the opening, for example.FTR4103

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[0101] Optionally, the shielded sleeve may be connecting the heating chamber with the at least one opening. In particular, the shielded sleeve may be connecting the heating chamber with the at least one opening towards an outside or surrounding of the dielectric heater module, and further in particular by an opening channel of the at least one opening surrounded by the shielded sleeve. Thereby, effective shielding of electromagnetic radiation may be provided, which prevents or reduces the amount of electromagnetic radiation exiting the at least one opening with no or very little impact on the dielectric heating inside the heating chamber. Generally, the sleeve structure can be straight or substantially straight, or alternatively it may comprise one or more bends. Advantageously, with a straight sleeve structure or generally opening channel, the introduction of an aerosol-forming article e.g. in the form of a stick is facilitated. The shielded sleeve or shielded opening sleeve as well as generally the inner shielding wall may be surrounding an axis of extension of the at least one opening channel, which may be coinciding with an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0102] In an example, the at least one shielding wall or the shielded sleeve may be a reverse-oriented inner shielding structure extending from the at least one opening towards the heating chamber or dielectric heating zone. Specifically, the inner shielding structure may be the shielded sleeve as explained herein. By extending from the at least one opening in length towards the heating chamber, the shielding structure is oriented or extended reversely to the direction of electromagnetic radiation emission out of the shielding structure and the opening. Thereby, the shielding effect provided by the inner shielding structure is provided towards the heating chamber and opposite or reverse to the emission direction of electromagnetic radiation, effectively reflecting or returning back the electromagnetic radiation into the heating chamber, when it enters the inner shielding structure towards the at least one opening.

[0103] In an example, at least part of an oscillator circuitry configured for connection to the electrode interconnections may be located inside an inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body. And, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise one or more inner shielding walls shielding the inner volume and / or the at least part of the oscillator circuitry from electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, the one or more inner shielding walls, which may be specifically surrounding the heating chamber, may equally surround and / or shield from the inside the at least part of the oscillator circuitry in the inner volume. The inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body may be shielded from the inside by the one or more inner shielding walls, which may be provided with electromagnetically shielding material as described herein. Thereby, the electromagnetic shielding body may generally comprise a shielding structure provided by the one or more walls or shielding walls, which can shield any component inside the inner volume thereof, specifically as defined by the outer walls of the electromagnetic shielding body. Thereby, at least part or the entire oscillator circuitry may be shielded from electromagneticFTR4103

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[0105] radiation. For example, one or more transistors, inductors, and similar of the components of the oscillator circuitry may be located inside the inner volume and shielded. Generally, any part of the oscillator circuitry, inside the inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body or outside thereof, may be part of a dielectric heating arrangement of the aerosol-forming device.

[0106] In an example, at least part of a dielectric heating arrangement may be not shielded by the electromagnetic shielding body and surrounded by a separate shielding structure for electromagnetic shielding. The at least part of the dielectric heating arrangement may also or only include components of the oscillator circuitry, such as a transistor, for example. The shielding structure that shields this part outside the inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body may be separate from the electromagnetic shielding body. For example, the separate shielding structure may be provided as structure of the aerosol-forming device.

[0107] In an example, a distance between opposing shielding surfaces of the at least one shielding wall or shielded sleeve may be equal to or smaller than a distance between the opposing electrodes. Thereby, the opening channel or shielded sleeve may be relatively narrow so as to more effectively shield the opening from electromagnetic radiation. Still, the electrode distance may be relatively small compared to that as well such that the substrate inside the aerosol-forming article is relatively near to both electrodes so that as little as possible energy may be provided to dielectrically heat the substrate and generate aerosol.

[0108] In an example, the electromagnetic shielding body may have least one further opening channel or further shielded sleeve with at least one further opening, wherein the at least one further opening channel or shielded sleeve may be surrounded by at least one further shielding wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, and wherein the at least one further opening channel or shielded sleeve connects the heating chamber with the at least one further opening. The at least one further opening, further opening channel or further shielded sleeve and further shielding wall may be configured or comprise any feature as explained herein with reference to the at least one opening, at least one opening channel or shielded sleeve, and at least one shielding wall. Generally, the at least one opening or opening channel and the at least one further opening or opening channel or shielded sleeve may be including or be in the form of any arbitrary openings or outlets as described herein, such as but not limited to an insertion opening, air inlet upstream of the heating chamber, outlet downstream of the heating chamber, mouthpiece opening, interconnection opening, and opening for accommodating an electronic component.

[0109] In an example, the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise a heat insulation structure. Generally, such heat insulation structure may comprise any material that has the capability to insulate the outer walls of the electromagnetic shielding body from the heat that is generated inside the heating chamber, thereby preventing that a user feels uncomfortable heat or even gets burnt when coming into contact with the electromagnetic shielding body or aerosol-formingFTR4103

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[0111] device. The heat insulation structure may be arranged on an outer side or surface of the at least one shielding wall or shielded sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, heat insulation structure may be implemented by two layers or walls of shielding or conductive material, wherein a gap or space is formed between these layers or walls that may be filled by air or vacuum, for example.

[0112] In an example, the heat insulation structure may comprise a heat insulation layer. The heat insulation layer may be provided or disposed on an inner wall of the electromagnetic shielding body and / or an outer wall of the electromagnetic shielding body. Such an inner wall may include the shielding wall surrounding the at least one opening channel, forming the shielded sleeve and / or the inner shielding wall surrounding or encompassing the heating chamber.

[0113] In an example, the dielectric heater module may comprise an optical reader or an optical reader may be arranged at the dielectric heater module for reading a tagging on the aerosolforming article when received inside the heating chamber. For example, such optical reader may be arranged at or attached to the electromagnetic shielding body, in particular at a front or face wall thereof, which may also comprise the at least one opening in the form of an insertion opening for the aerosol-forming article. Hence, the at least one shielding wall or generally the electromagnetic shielding body may comprise an opening for the optical reader. Alternatively, the optical reader may be integrated into the electromagnetic shielding body. Also, the optical reader may be a part of the aerosol-forming device or external thereof. Accordingly, the optical reader may be provided with power from power supply of the aerosol-forming device or an external power source. Similarly, the optical reader may be connected to the control circuitry and / or communications arrangement of the aerosol-forming device or to an external control and / or communications arrangement. The optical reader may be configured to read a taggant on the aerosol-forming article. The taggant may for example be printed directly onto the aerosol-forming article or a substrate or layer that is attached or arranged at the aerosol-forming article, for example adhered thereto. The taggant may be any optically readable information such as a code, specifically a machine-readable code, e.g. a QR code. The taggant may contain relevant information regarding the aerosol-forming article or contain a link or reference towards such information. Such information may for example be relevant or used by the aerosol-forming device for authentication and / or tracking the aerosol-forming article, for identifying the aerosol-forming article or its substrate, for controlling the aerosol formation by the dielectric heater module, e.g. any one or more parameters for the dielectric heating such as heating duration, heating power, and similar.

[0114] According to a further aspect, there is provided an aerosol-forming device comprising a dielectric heater module as described herein and a dielectric heating arrangement coupled thereto.FTR4103

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[0116] In an example, the dielectric heating arrangement may comprise an oscillation circuit, which may be coupled to the dielectric heater module. In particular, the oscillation circuit may comprise a switching unit and a feedback loop connected to the switching unit, wherein the feedback loop may be connected to the electrode interconnections. For this purpose, the feedback loop may have its own connection portions (e.g., contacts, wires, or similar) for connection to the electrode interconnections.

[0117] According to another aspect, there is provided an aerosol-forming system, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate, and further comprising the dielectric heater module as described herein or the aerosol-generating device as described herein.

[0118] According to another aspect, there may be provided an aerosol-forming article. Specifically, that aerosol-forming article may be in the form of a pod, capsule or other type of container for storing liquid aerosol-forming substrate, such as e-liquid. The aerosol-forming article may include electrodes. Such electrodes may be connectable to electrode interconnections of an aerosolforming device or dielectric heater module, when the aerosol-forming device or dielectric heater module receives the article therein, for example to interconnect with a load capacitor. A heating chamber and / or dielectric heating zone may in this case be formed in between the electrodes of the article.

[0119] The article may generally comprise a body, in which a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosolforming substrate may be contained. That body may be formed as an electromagnetic shielding body as described herein with reference to the dielectric heater module, with any one or more of the features described herein with respect to the dielectric heater module or electromagnetic shielding body. Specifically, or alternatively, the body of the article may be an electromagnetic shielding body at least partially formed around the heating chamber or dielectric heating zone, including an area where the liquid can be vaporized by dielectric heating. The electromagnetic shielding body may be having at least one shielding wall and at least one opening. The at least one shielding wall may be extending between the at least one opening and the heating chamber and / or surrounding the opening and the heating chamber. The at least one shielding wall may be formed as a shielding sleeve extending inwardly relative to the electromagnetic shielding body, for example connecting the at least one opening with the heating chamber or dielectric heating zone, and / or the at least one shielding wall may be an outer shielding wall on the housing or outer perimeter of the article.

[0120] The opening may for example be an aerosol outlet for the aerosol that is formed inside an aerosolization chamber inside the article. Alternatively, or additionally the opening may be a refill port for refilling the article with liquid aerosol-forming substrate, wherein that opening may alternatively or additionally be shielded by the at least one shielding wall or a further shieldingFTR4103

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[0122] wall, specifically in the form of a shielded sleeve. For example, the shielding wall may be formed by a metallic coating or layer on or of the body of the article, for example on the outer surface or the inner surface, or both of the body.

[0123] Additionally, or alternatively, the article may comprise an absorption structure as described herein with reference to the dielectric heater module and with any one or more features described herein. Specifically, an absorption structure may be located in or at the at least one opening.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Example 1: A dielectric heater module for aerosol formation, comprising:

[0126] a heating chamber configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article having an aerosol-forming substrate;

[0127] an electromagnetic shielding body at least partially formed around the heating chamber, the electromagnetic shielding body having at least one opening; and

[0128] an absorption structure arranged at the at least one opening for at least partially absorbing electromagnetic radiation to reduce emissions of electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module.

[0129] Example 1A: The dielectric heater module of example 1, further comprising at least two electrode interconnections to electrically interconnect at least two electrodes of a load capacitor, respectively.

[0130] Example 1B: The dielectric heater module of example 1, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body forms a resonant cavity, and optionally wherein the dielectric heater module further comprises a coupler arranged to feed an electromagnetic signal or wave into an interior of the resonant cavity.

[0131] Example 2: The dielectric heater module of example 1 A, further comprising at least two electrodes electrically connected to the at least two interconnections, respectively, the at least electrodes configured to provide for an alternating electric field to the heating chamber for performing dielectric heating.

[0132] Example 3: The dielectric heater module of example 1A, wherein the at least two electrode interconnections are configured to electrically interconnect with at least two electrodes of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received inside the heating chamber.

[0133] Example 4: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises an electromagnetic field absorber material for at least partially absorbing the electromagnetic radiation by converting electromagnetic energy into heat.FTR4103

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[0135] Example 5: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure at least partially surrounds the at least one opening of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0136] Example 6: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the at least one opening includes:

[0137] an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber; an air inlet upstream of the heating chamber for supplying air, vapor, and / or aerosol to the heating chamber;

[0138] an outlet downstream of the heating chamber for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber;

[0139] a mouthpiece opening;

[0140] an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the dielectric heater module;

[0141] an opening allowing to accommodate a refill port or refill valve for filling a reservoir with liquid aerosol-forming substrate;

[0142] an opening for allowing light or radiation pass for an optical reader and / or optical illumination; and / or

[0143] an opening for accommodating an active or passive electronic component.

[0144] Example 7: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure is located at the least one opening or at a distance from the at least one opening, the distance being up to 50 mm.

[0145] Example 8: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the at least one opening comprises a curved surface geometry.

[0146] Example 9: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a curved surface geometry.

[0147] Example 10: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the dielectric heater module comprises two or more absorption structures, wherein each one of the absorption structures is provided in a different one of two or more openings of the electromagnetic shielding body, each one of the openings connected to the heating chamber.

[0148] Example 11: The dielectric heater module of example 10, wherein the openings are from:

[0149] an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber; an air inlet upstream of the heating chamber for supplying air, vapor, and / or aerosol to the heating chamber;

[0150] an outlet downstream of the heating chamber for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber;FTR4103

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[0152] a mouthpiece opening;

[0153] an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the heater module;

[0154] an opening allowing to accommodate a refill port or refill valve for filling a reservoir with liquid aerosol-forming substrate;

[0155] an opening for allowing light or radiation pass for an optical reader and / or optical illumination; and / or

[0156] an opening for accommodating an active or passive electronic component.

[0157] Example 12A: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure is provided at least partially on an inner surface of the electromagnetic shielding body and / or is provided at least partially on an outer surface of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0158] Example 12B: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure is configured as an absorption band surrounding the at least one opening.

[0159] Example 13: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure extends circumferentially around an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0160] Example 14: The dielectric heater module of example 13, wherein the extension is a longitudinal extension.

[0161] Example 15: The dielectric heater module of example 13 or 14, wherein the absorption structure is cylindrically shaped, or cuboid shaped.

[0162] Example 16: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a plurality of ring-shaped absorption elements comprising an electromagnetic field absorber material, the absorption elements being spaced apart from one another.

[0163] Example 17: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure and electrode interconnections or electrodes in the dielectric heater module are provided at least partially on an inner surface of the electromagnetic shielding body and at a distance from one another.

[0164] Example 18: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure is located at a distance from electrode interconnections or electrodes in the dielectric heater module, the distance being at least 1 mm.

[0165] Example 19: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein a distance between electrodes in the dielectric heater module and the absorption structure is equal to or greater than a distance between the electrodes or electrode interconnections in the dielectric heater module.FTR4103

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[0167] Example 20: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a length along an axis of extension of the body, the length being in the range of 1 to 30 mm.

[0168] Example 21: The dielectric heater module of example 20, wherein the length of the absorption structure is greater than a distance between opposing electrode interconnections or electrodes in the dielectric heater module.

[0169] Example 22: The dielectric heater module of example 21, wherein the length of the absorption structure is at least 150% of the distance between the opposing electrodes.

[0170] Example 23: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a thickness measured along an extension transverse to an axis of extension of the body, the thickness being in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0171] Example 24: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure is equal to or smaller than a distance between opposing electrodes or electrode interconnections in the dielectric heater module.

[0172] Example 25: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure is smaller than a length of the absorption structure, the length being measured along an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0173] Example 26: The dielectric heater module of example 25, wherein the length of the absorption structure is at least 150% of the distance between the opposing absorption surfaces.

[0174] Example 27: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a magnetic material.

[0175] Example 28: The dielectric heater module of example 27, wherein the magnetic material has a permeability at a frequency corresponding to a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0176] Example 29: The dielectric heater module of example 28, wherein the frequency is in the range of 100 MHz to 3.000 MHz.

[0177] Example 30: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the absorption structure comprises a ferrite material and / or a ferromagnetic material, in particular permalloy.

[0178] Example 31: The dielectric heater module of example 30, wherein the absorption structure further comprises a polymer-based filler material with the ferrite material and / or ferromagnetic material embedded inside the filler.

[0179] Example 32: The dielectric heater module of example 31, wherein the polymer-based filler material is disposed onto a body material of the electromagnetic shielding body.FTR4103

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[0181] Example 33: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body has at least one opening channel with the at least one opening, wherein the at least one opening channel is surrounded by at least one shielding wall of the electromagnetic shielding body, and wherein the at least one opening channel connects the heating chamber with the at least one opening.

[0182] Example 34: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body comprises a first body portion for accommodating the heating chamber, and a second body portion having an outlet for releasing air, vapor and / or aerosol, wherein the first and second body portion are configured to be removably coupled to each other.

[0183] Example 35: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body comprises a conductive material for at least partially reflecting and / or redirecting the electromagnetic radiation from the heating chamber back to the heating chamber.

[0184] Example 36: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the at least one shielding wall is configured as an opening sleeve extending towards an interior of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0185] Example 37: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the at least one shielding wall is a reverse-oriented inner shielding structure extending from the at least one opening towards the heating chamber.

[0186] Example 38: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein at least part of an oscillator circuitry configured for connection to electrode interconnections of the dielectric heater module is located inside an inner volume of the electromagnetic shielding body.

[0187] Example 39: The dielectric heater module of example 38, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body comprises one or more inner shielding walls shielding the inner volume and / or the at least part of the oscillator circuitry inside the inner volume from electromagnetic radiation.

[0188] Example 40: The dielectric heater module of example 38 or 39, wherein at least part of a dielectric heating arrangement is not shielded by the electromagnetic shielding body and surrounded by a separate shielding structure for electromagnetic shielding.

[0189] Example 41: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, a distance between opposing shielding surfaces of the at least one shielding wall may be equal to or smaller than a distance between the opposing electrodes

[0190] Example 42: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the electromagnetic shielding body comprises a heat insulation structure.

[0191] Example 43: The dielectric heater module of example 41, wherein the heat insulation structure comprises a heat insulation layer disposed on an inner surface of the electromagnetic shielding body and / or an outer wall of the electromagnetic shielding body.FTR4103

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[0193] Example 44: The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous examples, wherein the dielectric heater module comprises an optical reader or an optical reader is arranged at the dielectric heater module for reading a tagging on the aerosol-forming article when received inside the heating chamber.

[0194] Example 45: An aerosol-forming device comprising a dielectric heater module according to any one of the previous examples and a dielectric heating arrangement coupled thereto.

[0195] Example 46: The aerosol-forming device of example 45, wherein the dielectric heating arrangement comprises an oscillation circuit, wherein the oscillation circuit comprises a switching unit and a feedback loop connected to the switching unit, the feedback loop connected to electrode interconnections in the dielectric heater module.

[0196] Example 47: An aerosol-forming system, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate, and further comprising the dielectric heater module according to any one of examples 1 to 44 or the aerosol-generating device of example 45 or 46.

[0197] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0198] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary aerosol-forming system;

[0199] Figure 2 schematically illustrates an oscillator circuitry for an aerosol-forming system. Figure 3 schematically illustrates a resonant circuit for an aerosol-forming system;

[0200] Figures 4a and 4b schematically illustrate cross-sectional views on exemplary dielectric heater modules;

[0201] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on another exemplary dielectric heater module;

[0202] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on yet another exemplary dielectric heater module;

[0203] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a frontal view on a further exemplary dielectric heater module;

[0204] Figure 8 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on the dielectric heater module of Fig. 7;

[0205] Figure 9 schematically illustrates a frontal view on an alternative form factor of the dielectric heater module of Figs. 7 and 8;

[0206] Figure 10 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on a further exemplary dielectric heater module;

[0207] Figure 11 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on a further exemplary dielectric heater module with therein received aerosol-forming article;

[0208] Figure 12 schematically illustrates the dielectric heater module of Fig. 11 without the aerosol-forming article;FTR4103

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[0210] Figure 13 schematically illustrates an alternative portion of the dielectric heater module of Figs. 11, 12;

[0211] Figure 14 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on a further exemplary dielectric heater module coupled with or comprising an optical reader; and

[0212] Figure 15 schematically shows a longitudinal section view of an aerosol-forming article for holding and vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0213] The figures are schematic only and not to scale.

[0214] Figure 1 shows an exemplary and schematic aerosol-forming system 500 for forming or, in other words, generating aerosol, for example for consumption or inhalation by a user in one or more usage sessions. The system 500 comprises an aerosol-forming device 100 and optionally a companion device 300 for storing the aerosol-forming device 100. The companion device 300 may be a charging device or charger case for charging the aerosol-forming device 100 and / or an energy storage 190 or power supply 190 thereof.

[0215] The aerosol-forming device 100 may comprise an opening 160, which in this example is an insertion opening 160 for at least partially or completely inserting an aerosol-forming article 200. The aerosol-forming article 200 may include or be shaped as a stick, cartridge, container, capsule, pod or any other storage or container comprising aerosol-forming substrate 210 of any shape or form, including liquid and / or solid substrate 210. Specifically, the aerosol-forming substrate 210 may comprise tobacco-based or non-tobacco based materials having an aerosol forming material therein and optionally one or more active agents or ingredients, such as nicotine, pharmaceutical, botanicals, flavorants, liquid substrates with one or more active agents or ingredients, or a combination thereof.

[0216] Optionally, the aerosol-forming device 100 may comprise a mouthpiece (not shown), with optionally a mouthpiece filter, through which a user may inhale aerosol provided by the aerosolforming device 100 for consumption during one or more puffs during a usage session or one or more puffs in a puff-on-demand operation. The aerosol may be provided from the liquid aerosolforming substrate 210 provided inside or contained within the aerosol-forming device 100.

[0217] The exemplary aerosol-forming device 100 of Fig. 1 further includes a dielectric heater module 110 configured to dielectrically heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 with at least two electrodes 114, 116 generating an electric field. In the example of Fig. 1, the dielectric heater module 110 may comprise an electromagnetic shielding body 101 at least partially formed around or at least partially surrounding or encompassing a heating chamber 118. The electromagnetic shielding body 101 may comprise at least one opening. In the example of Fig. 1, the insertion opening 160 for at least partially or completely receiving the aerosol-forming article 200 therethrough and inside the heating chamber 118 is an example of such opening.FTR4103

[0218] 32 / 50

[0219] The dielectric heater module 110 further comprises at least two electrode interconnections 132, 134, which may for example be in the form of contacts, as shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, the dielectric heater module 110 may comprise one, two, three or more pairs of electrode interconnections 132, 134. These electrode interconnections 132, 134 are configured to electrically interconnect at least two electrodes 114, 116 as shown in Fig. 1. These electrodes 114, 116 are connected to a load capacitor 112 in Fig. 1 , which may also be part of the dielectric heater module 110, or the aerosol-forming device 100 or a dielectric heating arrangement, which may be comprising an oscillation circuit 130 and / or the dielectric heater module 110, and which may be part of the aerosol-forming device 100 as seen in Fig. 1. Any one of the two or optionally more, specifically pairs, of electrodes 114, 116 may be part of the dielectric heater module 110, the aerosol-forming device 100, the dielectric heating arrangement, and / or the aerosol-forming article 200.

[0220] The first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 are arranged opposite to each other and are spaced-apart from each other by a distance, in the example with the aerosol-forming article 200 in a direction orthogonal or transverse to an insertion direction or axis 102 for inserting the aerosol-forming article 200. The insertion direction or axis 102 may define or be parallel to a longitudinal direction or axis of the aerosol-forming device 100. The two opposing and spaced-apart electrodes 114, 116 form or define a heating chamber 118 configured to at least partly receive the aerosol-forming article 200 or liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 therebetween. As seen in Fig. 1, the electrodes 114, 116 may be generally formed or provided at the electromagnetic shielding body 101 or near or adjacent thereto. Specifically, the electrodes 114, 116 may be provided on an inner side, inner surface or wall or walls of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 surrounding or forming the heating chamber 118, specifically together with the electrodes 114, 116, which enable the dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 210 inside the heating chamber 118.

[0221] The heating chamber 118 and at least part of the aerosol-forming article 200 may be sized such that the aerosol-forming substrate 210 is in contact or in close proximity to both the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 of the load capacitor 112 when received within the heating chamber 118. Moreover, the load capacitor 112 with the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 can form part of a feedback loop 133 (see Figure 2) of an oscillator circuitry 130, also referred to herein as oscillation circuit 130, via a the electrode interconnections 132, 134. It should be noted that the load capacitor 112 can comprise more than one electrode pair, in particular, the load capacitor 112 can comprise two, three, four, or even more pairs of interdigitated electrodes 114, 116.

[0222] In other examples, the first electrode 114 and the second electrode 116 may form part of the aerosol-forming article 200 comprising the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210. In suchFTR4103

[0223] 33 / 50

[0224] embodiments, the heating chamber 118 or a corresponding cavity between the first and second electrode interconnections 132, 134 can be sized such that, when the aerosol-forming article 200 is placed or located within the heating chamber 118, an electrical connection is established between the first electrode 114 and the first electrode interconnection 132, and the second electrode 116 and the second electrode interconnection 134.

[0225] The aerosol-forming device 100 further comprises a power supply 190, power source 190 or energy source 190, and a control circuitry 140 electrically, communicatively and / or operatively coupled to the dielectric heating arrangement 110 and / or the oscillator circuit 130. In this embodiment, the power supply 190 can be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, for example with one or more lithium-ion battery cells. Hence, the aerosol-forming device 100 can be portable, battery-powered and handheld. Also, the aerosol-forming device 100 may comprise a DC-DC converter, voltage regulator, and / or on-off switch or other means that can be used to change the voltage or power supplied to the oscillation circuitry 130, to vary the power flow.

[0226] The control circuitry 140 can be configured to control the energy source 190 and / or the dielectric heating arrangement 110. In particular, the control circuitry 140 can be configured to control a supply of electrical power from the energy source 190 to the dielectric heating arrangement 110, thereby controlling the heating, a heating operation, activation and / or deactivation of the dielectric heating arrangement 110. The control circuitry 140 can include one or more controllers, microcontrollers, or processors 142 for data processing.

[0227] The energy source 190 may be charged based on connecting terminals of the device 100 with a main power supply, e.g., a USB charger. Alternatively, the energy storage 190 may be charged based on mechanically coupling the aerosol-forming device 100 with the companion device 300. In Figure 1, both the aerosol-forming device 100 and the companion device 300 comprise an energy storage 190, 310. In an example, energy storage 190 of the aerosol-forming device 100 may be charged based on coupling the device 100 to the companion device 300, for example based on at least partly inserting the device 100 into a compartment or recess of the companion device 300. Upon mechanically coupling the device 100, 300, an electrical connection between terminals or electrical connections of the aerosol-forming device 100 and the companion device 300 can be established to charge the energy storage 190 of the aerosol-forming device 100 via the energy storage 310 of the companion device 300. The energy storage 310 of the companion device 300 can, for example, be re-charged via connection to a main power supply, e.g., a USB charger. Alternatively, or additionally, one or both the energy storage 190 of the aerosol-forming device 100 and the energy storage 310 of the companion device 300 may be removable and / or replaceable. In other words, energy storages 190, 310 may be replaceable energy storages or batteries.P17600WG FTR4103 34 / 50

[0228] The aerosol-forming device 100 may further comprise a communications arrangement 150 or interface 150 for communicatively coupling the aerosol-forming device 100 with the companion device 300 or other devices, such as a smart phone or server, for example, via an Internet connection, a wireless LAN connection, a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, a mobile phone network, a mobile data connection for example but not limited to a 3G / 4G / 5G connection, an edge connection, an LTE connection, a BUS connection, a wireless connection, a wired connection, an optical data connection such as but not limited to IrDa, a radio connection, a near field connection, and / or an loT connection.

[0229] The aerosol-forming device 100 may further comprise a data storage 152 or memory for storing information, program code or data. Data storage 152 may also store collected values of sensors and / or one or more mathematical functions or formulas, software and / or computer instructions that can be executed by the control circuitry 140, particularly by the controller 142 and / or processor 142.

[0230] One or more sensors 154 may be arranged on, at or in the aerosol-forming device 100 to collect data. One or more of the sensors 154 may for example be a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an image sensor, a pyrometer, a presence sensor, a touch sensor, a temperature sensor, a strain sensor, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or any other suitable sensor.

[0231] The aerosol-forming device 100 may further comprise one or more user interface components 156 or user interfaces 156, for example comprising an input and / or output element, for example in the form of a pushbutton, a capacitive button, a touch display, one or more LEDs, an acoustic interface or the like. The one or more interface components 156 may be used or function as a power button to activate or deactivate the dielectric heating arrangement 110 thereby to activate or deactivate the aerosol-forming device 100. Upon activation of the aerosolforming device 100, the dielectric heater module 110 or dielectric heating arrangement may be activated and heat may be applied to at least a part of the aerosol-forming article 200 or liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210, such that aerosol can be generated for consumption or inhalation by the user, for example in a usage session. The one or more user interface components 156 can be arranged on an outer surface of the device 100 or can be integrated in a housing of the device 100.

[0232] In use, power or electrical energy can be provide from the energy storage 190 to the dielectric heater module 110 or dielectric heating arrangement, for example when a user activates the device 100. For example, the device 100 can be activated by one or more of a sensor signal of at least one sensor 154 of the aerosol-forming device, insertion of an aerosol-forming article 200 at least partly into the aerosol-forming device 100, coupling of an aerosol-forming article 200 to the aerosol-forming device 100, mechanical decoupling of the aerosol-forming device 100 fromFTR4103

[0233] 35 / 50

[0234] the companion device 300, and a control signal from the one or more user interfaces 156 triggered by the user of the aerosol-forming device 100. As noted above, sensor 154 can include one or more of a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an image sensor, a pyrometer, a presence sensor, and a touch sensor, such that the device 100 can be activated for example by moving it, by touching it or by the mere presence of the user in the vicinity of the device 100.

[0235] When a user initiates a user inhalation or puff, air at ambient temperature can be drawn from an external environment of the device 100 via an air inlet, air channel or airflow path 163 towards the dielectric heater module 110. That air inlet or airflow path 163 may be or comprise another opening of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 as seen in Fig. 1. The air drawn by the user has a lower temperature than the dielectric heater module 110 and liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 that may be pre-heated to the pre-heating temperature. Hence, the drawn air departs a cooling effect onto the dielectric heater module 110 and aerosol-forming substrate 210, which leads to a decrease in temperature and hence to an increase in relative permittivity of the aerosol-forming substate 210. As a consequence, the capacitance of the load capacitor 112 increases, and an oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuitry 130 decreases due to the increasing capacitance, and hence increasing LC constant of the oscillator circuitry 130. Since also resistive losses will increase with increasing relative permittivity, the power consumption of the dielectric heating arrangement 110 will increase. One or more of these effects, respectively one or more of these changes in the capacitance of the load capacitor 112, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuitry 130 and the power consumption can be determined or monitored by the control circuitry 140 in order to detect an onset, a start and / or occurrence of the user inhalation.

[0236] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an oscillator circuitry 130 for use in the aerosol-forming system 100 of Fig. 1, respectively in a dielectric heater module 110 or dielectric heating arrangement thereof. Oscillator circuitry 130 comprises a switching unit 131 or switching device 131 interconnected with a resonator feedback loop 133 or feedback loop 133 to provide for a selfoscillating signal to the switching device 131. The switching device 131 comprises a single transistor, such as a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a field effect transistor (FET). The oscillator circuitry 130 can further comprise a choke 135 that acts on an input to the feedback loop 133 to provide for a stimulation signal, for example a stimulation voltage.

[0237] The oscillator circuitry 130 also comprise a biasing unit 136 acting on the feedback loop 133 for providing a variable or controllable biasing signal, for example a biasing voltage for setting the operating conditions. In the variant shown, the feedback signal can be described as a voltage. The output voltage UOUT of the switching device 131 is coupled to the feedback loop 133 providing a feedback switching signal in the form of a voltage U|Nto the switching device 131. The configuration of the feedback loop 133 is such that the output signal, e.g. the voltage UOUT of theFTR4103

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[0239] switching device 131 can undergo a phase change and arrives inverted at the input U|Nof the switching device 131 for resonant oscillation. In other configurations, a current could be used as the feedback signal with a switching device 131 comprising a BJT.

[0240] Feedback loop 133 is configured to provide a 180° phase shift from the output UOUT to input UIN of switching device 131 for oscillation, and in addition, a transistor can be configured for inverting operation.

[0241] As shown in Figure 3, feedback loop 133 includes a resonant circuit 137 comprising the load capacitor 112 providing fora first 90 degrees phase shift or quarter wave shift to the feedback signal. Feedback loop 133 further includes a capacitive element 138 providing for a second 90 degrees phase shift or quarter wave shift to the feedback signal, such that the feedback signal reaching the input of the switching device 131 is inverted and phase-shifted by 180 degrees. Switching device 131 is itself configured for inverted switching operation to provide a 180 degree phase shift between the input U|Nand the output UOUT of the switching device 131.

[0242] Resonant circuit 137 comprises the first and second electrodes 114, 116 of the dielectric heating arrangement 110, together forming the load capacitor 112. When an aerosol-forming substrate 210 is arranged between the first and second electrodes 114, 116, it forms part of the load capacitor 112. Importantly, the load capacitor 112 is formed in the feedback loop 133, and not at a separate output or part of a separate circuitry that is connected to the switching device 131. This enables a high-frequency oscillating voltage to be created across the electrodes 114, 116 of load capacitor 112, which is needed for sufficient and efficient dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 210, without having an additional output or circuit to the already resonating feedback loop 133, which would create unnecessary losses and circuit complexity. The resonant circuit 137 may comprise a series resonator circuit or a parallel resonator circuit.

[0243] The feedback loop 133 is configured to be self-oscillating and will oscillate at or close to a given resonance or oscillation frequency determined by the values of the passive components of the feedback loop 133. Since oscillator circuitry 130 is operatively coupled to the control circuitry 140, the control circuitry 140 can determine the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuitry 130. This enables the control circuitry 140 to determine a change in the oscillation frequency which can be caused by the cooling effect of air drawn by the user in a user inhalation, thereby detecting the user inhalation. Hence, the dielectric heater module 110 or dielectric heating arrangement can act as puff sensor allowing to detect the user inhalation without requiring a dedicated or separate sensor.

[0244] Further, the switching device 131 can be coupled to one of the electrodes 114, 116 via a transistor 139, which can be configured for inverting operation, for example as an inverting common source Field Effect Transistor (FET), Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET), or a common emitter Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT). The oscillation circuit 130 described hereinFTR4103

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[0246] is exemplary only, and other types of oscillation circuits can be used, for example other types of resonant oscillator circuits where the load capacitor for causing the dielectric heating is part of the resonant feedback loop, or signal oscillators that are connected to an amplifier and an impedance matching circuit to apply an RF voltage to the electrodes for causing the alternating electric field for dielectric heating. Forced oscillators or forced oscillation circuits may also be used. The given embodiments of the oscillation circuits 130 are therefore merely exemplary and not intended as limitation. Also, alternatively a resonant cavity may be used or located inside the aerosol-forming device 100 or dielectric heater module 110 for dielectrically heating the substrate 210.

[0247] Figure 4a schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view on an exemplary dielectric heater module 110, which may be used or employed in the aerosol-forming device 100 of Fig. 1. Figures 5 to 14 show alternative dielectric heater modules 110, which can deviate from the dielectric heater module 110 in additional or alternative details such as design or form factors, dimensions, presence of certain features or properties, and similar, as will become apparent from the following description. However, it is explicitly noted that the details of any one of these Figures 4 to 14 can be arbitrary combined with any one of the dielectric heater modules 110 shown in the Figures and discussed herein.

[0248] Fig. 4a schematically illustrates an exemplary form factor of components or features of the electromagnetic shielding body 101, which may be configured as a shielding structure for at least partially electromagnetically shielding a surrounding or outer environment of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 from the electromagnetic radiation that is generated inside the heating chamber 118 generally formed in between the two opposing electrodes 114, 116. As explained, the aerosol-forming article 200 may be inserted along axis 102 through insertion opening 160 and into the heating chamber 118 with its aerosol-forming substrate 210 to be dielectrically heated and consequently form user-inhalable aerosol, which in this example can be inhaled through the insertion opening 101 or alternatively another opening or a mouthpiece may be provided to which the formed aerosol could be directed for user inhalation.

[0249] An opening channel 161 may be comprising the insertion opening 160 and extend from the insertion opening 160 at a front or face wall 106 of the electromagnetic shielding body to the heating chamber 118, in particular with an opening channel 161 surrounded or enclosed by an optional shielded sleeve 162 and including or being part of the insertion opening 160 as example of an opening 160. That opening channel 161 may be surrounded or formed by the optional shielded sleeve 162 surrounded or formed by at least one inner wall 104 or inner shielding wall 104 comprising or made from conductive material. Specifically, as seen in Fig. 4a, the optional shielded sleeve 162 formed by the inner wall 104 may be a reverse-oriented inner shielding structure extending towards the interior of the electromagnetic shielding body 101, in particular but not limited to from the insertion opening 160 towards the heating chamber 118.FTR4103

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[0251] As a non-limiting example, the electromagnetic shielding body 101, the electrodes 114, 116, and / or the shown absorption structure 120 may be, in particular substantially, symmetrically designed or arranged with respect to axis 102. In other words, the axis 102 may be a symmetry axis of the electromagnetic shielding body 101, the arrangement of electrodes 114, 116 and / or the absorption structure 120.

[0252] As seen in Fig. 4a, the electromagnetic shielding body 101 may be formed by multiple walls 104, 105, 106, 107, which are exemplary denominated herein. The entire electromagnetic shielding body 101 or at least some or all of these walls 104, 105, 106, 107 may comprise or be made from a conductive material, which may be at least partially reflecting and / or redirecting the electromagnetic radiation inside the heating chamber 118, thereby essentially preventing the electromagnetic radiation generated by the dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate 210 from penetrating through the electromagnetic shielding body 101 towards a surrounding thereof, or at least reducing the electromagnetic radiation that is able to penetrate the electromagnetic shielding body 101. For example, these conductive walls 104, 105, 106, 107 may be made from copper, aluminium, conductive metal alloys, or other highly conductive materials. Any one of the conductive walls 104, 105, 106, 107 may in particularly be highly conductive. And of the conductive walls 104, 105, 106, 107 may be very thing. For example, any of the conductive walls 104, 105, 106, 107 may have a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, in particular of less than 0.25 mm, and further in particular of less than 0.1 mm. The conductive walls 104, 105, 106, 107 or their layers of conductive material may be deposited by any method to a carrier material, for example, such as but noted limited to physical vapour deposition (PVD) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or other deposition or coating method.

[0253] Additionally, any wall 104, 105, 106, 107 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 may comprise a heat insulation layer or material. Such heat insulation layer or material may be provided on an inside of the body 101, specifically at the inner wall 104 or its inner surface, at the outside of the body 101, specifically at the outer wall 105 or its outer surface, or integrated inside the body 101. Also, any combination of the aforementioned is possible.

[0254] In the example of Fig. 4a, wall 104 is an inner wall 104 that may for example circumferentially surround or encompass the opening, which in this exemplary case is the insertion opening 160, or the opening channel 161. That inner wall 104 may have an inner surface, on which the absorption structure 120 may be arranged as seen in the cross-sectional view through the dielectric heater module 110. For example, the absorption structure 120 may be made of or comprise an electromagnetic field absorber material for at least partially absorbing the electromagnetic radiation by converting electromagnetic energy into heat. For example, the electromagnetic field absorber material may be a magnetic material such as a ferrite material and / or a ferromagnetic material, e.g. a permalloy. Similar to the inner wall 104, it may be possibleFTR4103

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[0256] that the absorption structure encircles or at least partially encircles or, in other words, surrounds or encompasses the opening 160 or opening channel 161 inside or formed by the electromagnetic shielding body 101. As seen in Fig. 4a, the opening 160 may be extended by the opening channel 161 from the front or face wall 106 to the heating chamber 118. Through opening 160 and opening channel 161 in this example, the aerosol-forming article 200 may be inserted to be received inside the heating chamber 118 with its aerosol-forming substrate 210.

[0257] As mentioned, wall 106 is a face wall or front wall 106 located at the side of the opening or to which the opening in the present example of an insertion opening 160 extends. Wall 105 is an outer wall 105 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101, specifically located at a perimeter thereof. Wall 107 is opposite of wall 106 and may be referred as a rear or back wall 107. In this example, merely for the sake of simplicity of the schematic illustration of Fig. 4a, no further openings are present. However, specifically but not only, at the other walls 105 and 107, one or more further openings may be present, such as the air inlet 162 of Fig. 1, for example, which may be fluidically connected to the heating chamber 118 by a further opening channel similar to opening channel 161 shown in Fig. 4a.

[0258] Figure 4b shows another example of a dielectric heater module 110 similar to Fig. 4a but with a difference in the absorption structure 120. Particularly, the absorption structure 120 in Fig.

[0259] 4a comprises a longer extension. In Fig. 4b the absorption structure 120 specifically covers the heating chamber dimensions or, in other words, surrounds the heating chamber 118. More particularly, the absorption structure 120 is configured cylindrical or as an absorption cylinder which may be covering or surrounding the entire heating chamber 118 as seen in Fig. 4b, particularly fully surrounding or covering the heating chamber 118. Additionally, or alternatively, the structure 120 may be configured as or comprising a shielding structure or shielded sleeve as further described herein, wherein the absorption structure 120 may be provided in a different configuration, e.g., as shown in Fig. 4a near or at the insertion opening 160.

[0260] Fig. 5 shows a dielectric heater module 110 with a different design of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 at the insertion opening 160 or face wall 106 compared to Fig. 4a. Specifically, in Fig. 5, the insertion opening 160 has a conical inner wall 104 or conical portion of the inner wall 104 or shielded sleeve. In other words, the inner wall 104 or portion thereof towards the face wall 106 is (outwardly) slanted with respect to axis 102 such that the insertion opening 160 or its portion or channel has a conical shape. The conical insertion opening 160 is larger in diameter at the face wall 106 or insertion opening 160 and becomes smaller in the direction closer to the heating chamber 118 along the opening channel 161. At some point, the conical portion of the opening 160 ends and the opening 160 or its opening channel 161 continues with a cylindrical shape towards the heating chamber 118. At that point, there is an edge, where the absorptionFTR4103

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[0262] structure 120 is arranged on the inner wall 104 as a thin plate or film of electromagnetic field absorber material, e.g. with a thickness in the range of 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0263] In this example, a diameter or width D2 of the opening 160 or opening channel 161 in between the inner wall 104 or, in other words, a distance D2 between opposite inner walls 104 or inner surfaces of the inner wall or walls 104 is smaller than a distance F2 between the opposing electrodes 114, 116, specifically between inner surfaces of the opposing electrodes 114, 116 facing each other. The difference F1 between the distance D2 and distance F2 is exemplary indicated in Fig. 5.

[0264] Fig. 6 shows a dielectric heater module 110 similar to the one of Fig. 4a but with a different design of the absorption structure 120. Specifically, the absorption structure 120 in Fig. 4a may be a single piece or block of magnetic material, that may be disposed on, attached to or otherwise arranged on the inner wall 104. In Fig. 6 however, the absorption structure 120 comprises several absorption elements 122, which are arranged at a distance from one another, the distance being measured along axis 102. Specifically, these absorption elements 122 may be shaped or formed as rings or cylinders of magnetic material, which may therefore represent a row of circumferential absorption elements 122 for absorbing the electromagnetic radiation.

[0265] Fig. 7 shows a frontal view on a dielectric heater module 110 showing the face or front wall 106. As may be seen from the shape or geometry of the insertion opening 160 and / or opening channel 161, which is rectangular with round corners, the insertion opening 160 or its channel may generally be cuboid in shape. Thus, a correspondingly cuboid or rectangular parallelepiped shaped aerosol-forming article 200 or aerosol-forming substrate 210 with a corresponding outer geometry or shape may be inserted into the dielectric heater module 110. Specifically, the distance D5 between opposite surfaces of the inner wall 104 or between opposite inner walls 104 is larger than the thereto perpendicular distance D4 between the other opposite surfaces of the inner wall 104 or between opposite inner walls 104 such that a rectangular insertion opening 160 is formed. The distance D4 is smaller than distance D2 due to the absorption structure 120 on the inner wall 104.

[0266] Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the dielectric heater module 110 of Fig. 7. In this example, in addition to the insertion opening 160, a further opening 164 is shown, which could be used or designed for different purposes, such as an additional air inlet for supplying air, vapor and / or aerosol to the heating chamber 118, or as an interconnection opening as described further below. Similar to the insertion opening 160, which in this example may also include or function as outlet downstream of the heating chamber 118, an absorption structure 120 is arranged at the further opening 164 to prevent or at least reduce the emission of electromagnetic radiation from the heating chamber 118 out of the further opening 164.P17600WG FTR4103 41 / 50

[0267] In Fig. 8, the length D1 of the inner wall 104 or the insertion opening 160 or its channel or portion formed thereby is longer than the distance D2 between the inner surfaces of the inner wall 104. Specifically, the length D1 may be at least 150% or more of the distance D2. Further, a distance D3 between the opposing electrodes 114, 116, specifically an extraction direction edge facing side thereof, and the absorption structure 120 at the insertion opening 160 (or the air inlet 163 or both), specifically an insertion direction facing edge thereof, may be more than 1mm, in particular more than 2mm, even more particular more than 3mm, or more than 4mm, and further it may be more than the distance F2 between the electrodes 114, 116.

[0268] Further, in Fig. 8, a distance or width G2 between opposing inner walls 104 or opposite inner surfaces of inner wall 104 is smaller than a length G1 of that inner wall 104 or the air inlet 162 or its respective opening channel or shielded sleeve.

[0269] Generally, the electrode interconnections 132, 134 are located inside an inner volume 103 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 as seen in Fig. 1. In case the electrodes 114, 116 are part of the dielectric heater module 110, the electrodes 114, 116 may also be located inside the inner volume 103. In particular, the electrodes 114, 116 may be arranged or attached therein at a fixed distance from one another, e.g. by means of their connection to the electrode interconnections 132, 134. Further, the oscillator circuitry 130 with any one of its components as discussed herein can be located within the inner volume 103 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101. For this purpose, there may be power supply connections for power supply leading into the electromagnetic shielding body 101. For this purpose, the electromagnetic shielding body 101 may comprise further openings, e.g. interconnection openings or openings for accommodating electronic components. The inner volume 103 and / or the components of the oscillator circuitry 130 located within the inner volume 103 may be generally shielded by any one of the walls 104, 105, 106, 107 or any further shielding walls of the electromagnetic shielding body 101 that are inside the body 101 and not shown explicitly in the Figures.

[0270] Alternatively, the oscillator circuitry 130 or any single or multiple components thereof, may be located outside of the inner volume 103 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101. In this case, the oscillator circuitry 130 or any of its components outside of the inner volume 103 may comprise a separate shielding. Here, the further opening 164 may serve as an interconnection opening through which the feedback loop 133 may be connected to the inductors of the oscillator circuitry 130, which in this case may be arranged in the inner volume 103 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101. Any potentially empty space that could remain in the further opening 164 may be filled with a sealant to avoid short-circuiting the electric interconnection with the sealing, for example a low-dielectric polymer sealant.

[0271] Fig. 9 shows an alternative form factor of the insertion opening 160 and opening channel 161 as compared to the dielectric heater module 110 of Fig. 7. Here, the insertion opening 160 isFTR4103

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[0273] circular. Accordingly, the inner wall 104 is a continuous inner wall 104 surrounding the insertion opening 160. Also, in this example, the absorption structure 120 is provided as one or more continuous ring-shaped or cylindrically shaped absorption elements 122 encircling the insertion opening 160.

[0274] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a variant of a dielectric heater module 110, where the air inlet 163 as opening is provided at the rear wall 107 and serves as an airflow path with walls 104 shielding from electromagnetic radiation and absorption portion 120 located at the air inlet 162 absorbing electromagnetic radiation. The air inlet 163 provides air to the heating chamber 118 that may for example be formed by a low dielectric material (e.g. Quartz glass, PEEK, PEI, or other low-dielectric high temperature material) of or inside the electromagnetic shielding body 101. In this example, the front wall or walls 106 are curved so that the insertion opening 160 and the wall or walls 104 comprise a curved surface geometry. Similarly, the absorption structure 120 on the wall or walls 104 comprises a curved surface geometry. The curved edges can serve to avoid antenna effects and electric field concentrations where they are not desired.

[0275] Fig. 11 shows a dielectric heater module 110 with an aerosol-forming article 200 inserted therein. As can be seen from Fig. 11, the electromagnetic shielding body 101 may comprise two body portions 101a, 101b. The body portions 101a, 101b may both extend, in particular in length, along the axis 101. Generally, the first body portion 101a may be accommodating or including the heating chamber 118 as seen in Figs. 11 and 12. The second body portion 101b may on the other hand accommodate or include one of the at least one openings, such as the insertion opening 160 but more specifically an outlet downstream of the heating chamber 118 for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber 118. In the present example of Figs. 11 to 13, that outlet downstream of the heating chamber 118 is exemplary formed together with or coincides with the insertion opening 160. However, of course it is possible to provide an outlet that is separate from the insertion opening 160. The interconnection between bodies 101a and 101b needs to provide for an electrical interconnection that can be done by a fitted engagement of the conductive surfaces of the two bodies 101a, 101b, but also with other elements that can further enhance the electrical interconnection, for example but not limited to spring elements, spring-loaded tabs or fingers, for example but not limited to beryllium cooper (BeCu) fingers, electrically conductive gaskets, conductive adhesives or tapes, threads, metal fasteners. In variant, the interconnection can be done by hinge element that is electrically conductive, electrical interconnection can be further supported by strips, straps, wires such as braided wire, cables.

[0276] As seen in Figs. 11 and 12, the outer diameter, outer width, or any outer dimension of each one of the body portions 101a, 101b may be different from one another. In this example, the outer diameter or width of the body portion 101b encompassing the insertion opening 160 and / or theFTR4103

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[0278] outlet is smaller than the body portion 101a encompassing the heating chamber 118. Generally, the two body portions 101a, 101b may be separate parts of the electromagnetic shielding body 101, that can be attached to one another. Alternatively, the two body portions 101a, 101b may be made from one piece or integrally designed with one another.

[0279] Further, as seen in Figs. 11 and 12, in this example, the air inlet 162 is positioned at the rear wall 107 of the electromagnetic shielding body 101.

[0280] In Fig. 13, the second body portion 101b is shown with an alternative design or configuration of the absorption structure 120, which is integrated in the second body portion 101b, specifically at an edge thereof and at the insertion opening 160, and with a shorter and thicker absorption structure 120 than the comparatively longer and thinner absorption structure 120 in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0281] Also, the absorption structure 120 is shown in Fig. 13 to be located on the same plane as the inner wall 104 and thus the shielded sleeve. Having the shielded sleeve or reverse-oriented shielding structure in plane with the electrodes 114, 116 can be advantageous from the perspective that the aerosol-forming article 200 with its substrate 210 may be brought into very close contact with the electrodes 114, 116 after insertion of the article 200 inside the heating chamber 118 and through opening channel 161 such that sufficient heat can be developed at the substrate for aerosolization of the substrate. However, for shielding, it is generally preferable that the distance between the reverse shielding surfaces or walls of the shielded sleeve in the opening channel 161 is narrower than the one between the electrodes 114, 116.

[0282] In Fig. 14, the dielectric heater module 110 is shown together with an optical reader 600, which may be part of the dielectric heater module 110, e.g. arranged at or attached to the electromagnetic shielding body 101, in particular at the front wall 106, as shown in Fig. 14. Alternatively, the optical reader 600 may be integrated into the electromagnetic shielding body 101. Also, the optical reader 600 may be a part of the aerosol-forming device 100 or external thereof. Accordingly, the optical reader 600 may be provided with power from power supply 190 of the aerosol-forming device 100 or an external power source. Similarly, the optical reader 600 may be connected to the control circuitry 140 and / or communications arrangement 150 of the aerosol-forming device 100 or to an external control and / or communications arrangement.

[0283] The optical reader 600 may be configured to read a taggant 220 on the aerosol-forming article 200, shown in Fig. 14 exemplary in the form of a stick. The taggant 220 may for example be printed directly onto the aerosol-forming article 200 or a substrate or layer that is attached or arranged at the aerosol-forming article 200, for example adhered thereto. The taggant 220 may be any optically readable information such as a code, specifically a machine-readable code, e.g. a QR code. The taggant 220 may contain relevant information regarding the aerosol-forming article 200 or contain a link or reference towards such information. Such information may forFTR4103

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[0285] example be relevant or used by the aerosol-forming device 100 for authentication and / or tracking the aerosol-forming article 200, for identifying the aerosol-forming article 200 or its substrate 210, for controlling the aerosol formation by the dielectric heater module 110, e.g. any one or more parameters for the dielectric heating such as heating duration, heating power, and similar.

[0286] Moreover, in Fig. 14, a limiting element 108 is shown inside the electromagnetic shielding body 101 for limiting the insertion of the aerosol-forming article 200 into the dielectric heater module 110. Specifically, the limiting element 108 may act as a limit stop for the aerosol-forming article 200.

[0287] Figure 15 shows a sectional view through an aerosol-forming article 200 that can be removably inserted into or connected to an aerosol-forming device 100 or dielectric heater module 110, also referred to as a cartridge holder. The section is in the longitudinal direction, for example parallel to the insertion direction of the aerosol-forming article 200 into the aerosol-forming device 100 or the dielectric heater module 110. The aerosol-forming article 200 may for example comprise an article housing 220 and an outer shell 230. The article housing 220 may form separation walls and compartments of the aerosol-forming article 200, for example for a liquid reservoir 211 and / or an aerosolization chamber 240. The liquid reservoir 211 may be containing liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210. The outer shell 230 may form the outer contour and the outer shape or form of the aerosol-forming article 200. For example, the outer shell 230 may form a mouthpiece 231, which may, for example, have a tapered shape, and which may protrude from the aerosol-forming device 100 when the lower part of the aerosol-forming article 200 has been inserted into the aerosol-forming device 100 or the dielectric heater module 110. The mouthpiece 231 may be directly used by a user to inhale aerosol provided by the aerosol-forming device 100 or the dielectric heater module 110. The part or all the mouthpiece that will be in contact with the user can be covered by an insulation layer, e.g, a thermal insulation layer, non-conductive layer, or both.

[0288] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 may be in contact with a liquid transfer element 212, which may comprise capillaries or a porous material, or a plurality of liquid transport channels, and which may therefore transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 from a liquid ingress surface 213 through a liquid transfer volume 214 of the liquid transfer element 212 into the dielectric heating zone or heating chamber 118 in between the electrodes 114, 116, which in this example are formed on the aerosol-forming article 200 but could alternatively be formed or be part of the aerosol-forming device 100 or the dielectric heater module 110. The heating chamber 118 comprises a volume in which the electric field is strong enough for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210. In the variant shown, the liquid transport may be achieved through capillary action by virtue of small flow pathways or porosity inside the liquid transfer element 212, or by gravity, or by a combination of both. The dielectric heating zone in the heatingFTR4103

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[0290] chamber 118 can be established in an area between a pair of electrodes 114, 116, at least one of which may lie above or below the plane of Figure 5 and which is therefore not shown. The dielectric heating zone or heating chamber 118 may be filled with the liquid transfer element 212 and / or may comprise an open space in fluidic connection with the aerosolization chamber 240. In the dielectric heating zone or heating chamber 118, for example during the transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 through the liquid transfer element 212, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 210 may be heated, for example pre-heated, and then vaporized. The vaporized substrate 210 may then exit the dielectric heating zone, heating chamber 118 and / or the liquid transfer element 212 through the vapor egress surface 215 of the liquid transfer element 212. The vapor egress surface 215 of the liquid transfer element 212 may be fluidically connected to, i.e. the liquid transfer element 212 may end in, the aerosolization chamber 240, which may be part of an opening channel 162, which may be connected to one or more air flow paths 163. Fresh air or outside air or environmental air drawn from the outside of the aerosol-forming device 100 may enter the aerosolization chamber 240 through the air inlet 163. The air may then mix with the vapor flowing from the vapor egress surface 215 and / or the dielectric heating zone, resulting in the formation of droplets and thereby the formation of an aerosol. By the draw or puff of the user, the aerosol may then flow through the opening channel 161 out of the opening 160 into the mouthpiece 231 to be inhaled by the user.

[0291] The opening channel 161 between the heating chamber 118 and the opening 160 is shown to be shielded by a conductive shielding wall, which in this case forms a shielded sleeve 162 extending inwardly towards an inner volume of the cartridge, for example between the heating chamber 118 and the opening 160. Specifically, the material of the article housing 220 may be a highly conductive material or comprise a highly conductive material layer, e.g. with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less, 0.25 mm or less, or 0.1 mm or less. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer shell may be a conductive shielding wall or comprise a highly conductive material or highly conductive material layer. Additionally, the opening 160 or opening channel 161 is shown here with an absorption structure 120 for absorbing electromagnetic radiation coming from the dielectric heating zone or heating chamber 118 towards the opening 160.

[0292] In more detail with regard to the shielded sleeve 162, in the example of Fig. 15, the shielded sleeve 162 is shown as a layer or wall of conductive material on the material of the article housing 220, e.g. a plastic or any other material that forms a carrier structure for the shielded sleeve 162. Further, the shielded sleeve 162 is shown to extend from the opening 160 towards the heating chamber 118 but not all the way until the heating chamber 118. Alternatively, the shielded sleeve 162 could be also extending all the way up to the heating chamber 118. Further exemplary, in Fig. 15, the shielding sleeve 162 or its conductive material is shown to extend on an outer surface faced away from the opening 160 or opening channel 161 on the absorption structure 120. TheFTR4103

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[0294] absorption structure 120 is directly arranged at the shielding sleeve 162. In this example, the absorption structure 120 is configured as an absorption band.

[0295] The electrodes 114, 116 of the aerosol-forming article 200 may be electrically connected to electrode connection terminals 115, which may be connected to the electrode interconnections 132, 134. For example, there may be provided two electrode connection terminals 115 (as with electrodes 114, 116, the two electrode connection terminals 115 are arranged one above the other in Figure 5, which is why only one can be seen), each electrode connection terminal 115 being connected to one or more electrodes 114, 116.

[0296] Further, the example of Fig. 15 shows two further shielded sleeves 162. One further shielded sleeve 162 is shown to surround the air inlet 163. Another shielded sleeve 162 is shown to surround the opening in the article 200 through which the electrode connection terminal 115 is inserted.

[0297] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

[0298] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0299] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

FTR410347 / 50CLAIMS1. A dielectric heater module for aerosol formation, comprising:a heating chamber configured to removably receive an aerosol-forming article having an aerosol-forming substrate;an electromagnetic shielding body at least partially formed around the heating chamber, the electromagnetic shielding body having at least one opening; andan absorption structure arranged at the at least one opening for at least partially absorbing electromagnetic radiation to reduce emissions of electromagnetic radiation from the dielectric heater module.

2. The dielectric heater module of claim 1 ,further comprising at least two electrode interconnections to electrically interconnect at least two electrodes of a load capacitor, respectively;and further:wherein the dielectric heater module further comprises at least two electrodes electrically connected to the at least two interconnections, respectively, the at least electrodes configured to provide for an alternating electric field to the heating chamber for performing dielectric heating; or wherein the at least two electrode interconnections are configured to electrically interconnect with at least two electrodes of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received inside the heating chamber.

3. The dielectric heater module of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic shielding body forms a resonant cavity, and wherein the dielectric heater module further comprises a coupler arranged to feed an electromagnetic signal or wave into an interior of the resonant cavity.

4. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorption structure comprises an electromagnetic field absorber material for at least partially absorbing the electromagnetic radiation by converting electromagnetic energy into heat.

5. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one opening is connected to the heating chamber.

6. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein the at least one opening includes:FTR410348 / 50an insertion opening for receiving an aerosol-forming article inside the heating chamber; an air inlet upstream of the heating chamber for supplying air, vapor, and / or aerosol to the heating chamber;an outlet downstream of the heating chamber for releasing air, vapor, and / or aerosol from the heating chamber;a mouthpiece opening;an interconnection opening for electric interconnection with an element external to the heater module;an opening allowing to accommodate a refill port or refill valve for filling a reservoir with liquid aerosol-forming substrate;an opening for allowing light or radiation pass for an optical reader and / or optical illumination; and / oran opening for accommodating an active or passive electronic component.

7. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein the dielectric heater module comprises two or more absorption structures, wherein each one of the absorption structures is provided in a different one of two or more openings of the electromagnetic shielding body, each one of the openings connected to the heating chamber.

8. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein the absorption structure is configured as an absorption band surrounding the at least one opening.

9. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein:the absorption structure extends circumferentially around an axis of extension of the electromagnetic shielding body; and / orthe absorption structure comprises a plurality of ring-shaped absorption elements comprising an electromagnetic field absorber material, the absorption elements being spaced apart from one another.

10. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein:the absorption structure is located at a distance from electrode interconnections or electrodes in the dielectric heater module, the distance being at least 1 mm; and / ora distance between electrodes in the dielectric heater module and the absorption structure is equal to or greater than a distance between electrodes in the dielectric heater module.

11. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein:FTR410349 / 50a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure is equal to or smaller than a distance between opposing electrodes in the dielectric heater module; and / or a distance between opposing absorption surfaces of the absorption structure is smaller than a length of the absorption structure, the length being measured along an axis of extension of the body.

12. The dielectric heater module of any one of the previous claims, wherein:the absorption structure comprises a magnetic material, wherein the magnetic material has a permeability at a frequency corresponding to a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation; and / orthe absorption structure comprises a ferrite material and / or a ferromagnetic material, in particular a permalloy.

13. An aerosol-forming device comprising a dielectric heater module according to any one of the previous claims and a dielectric heating arrangement coupled thereto.

14. The aerosol-forming device of claim 13, wherein the dielectric heating arrangement comprises an oscillation circuit, wherein the oscillation circuit comprises a switching unit and a feedback loop connected to the switching unit, the feedback loop connected to electrode interconnections or electrodes of the dielectric heater module.

15. An aerosol-forming system, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-generating substrate, and further comprising the dielectric heater module according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the aerosol-generating device of claim 13 or 14.

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