[EN] A handheld aerosol generating device for delivering an aerosol upon heating a liquid includes an outer casing having a receiving cavity arranged for receiving a cartomizer; an electrical power supply device; an electrical connector arrangement being connected to the electrical power supply device and extending at least in part into the receiving cavity for supplying electrical power to an inserted cartomizer; and a deformable and energy absorbing element arranged to hold the electrical power supply device relative to the outer casing, wherein the deformable and energy absorbing element is electrically insulated from the electrical connector arrangement. [EN] 1. A handheld aerosol generating device for delivering an aerosol upon heating a liquid, the device comprising: an outer casing comprising a receiving cavity arranged for receiving a cartomizer;an electrical power supply device;an electrical connector arrangement being connected to said electrical power supply device and extending at least in part into said receiving cavity for supplying electrical power to an inserted cartomizer; andat least one deformable and energy absorbing element arranged to hold the electrical power supply device relative to the outer casing, wherein said at least one deformable and energy absorbing element is electrically insulated from the electrical connector arrangement.2. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising an internal frame and/or a board, wherein the electrical power supply device is mounted relative to the outer casing through an intermediary of the internal frame and/or the board and said at least one deformable and energy absorbing element.3. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one deformable and energy absorbing element is spaced apart from said electrical connector arrangement.4. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power supply device has an elongated form and the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element comprises at least two deformable and energy absorbing elements at either longitudinal end of the elongated electrical power supply device.5. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the deformable and energy absorbing elements at the ends of the electrical power supply device allow in at least a longitudinal direction a floating movement s in a range of 0.5-4 mm.6. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the device has an elongated form and the receiving cavity is arranged at one end of the device.7. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein a first end of the device, the receiving cavity, a first bulkhead, a first of the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element, the electrical power supply device, a second of the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element, a second bulkhead, and a second end of the device are arranged in this order along a principal direction of the elongated handheld aerosol generating device.8. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power supply device is mounted by the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element to allow at least one degree of mechanical freedom of the electrical power supply device relative to the outer casing.9. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a guiding member arranged to prevent a mechanical freedom of the electrical power supply device in a first direction of the device.10. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 9, further comprising a stopper arranged to stop the movement of the electrical power supply device in a second direction of the device beyond a maximum displacement.11. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element comprises any one of a viscoelastic and/or a cellular material, a liquid absorbing material, a high-density foam, an elastomer, and/or silicone, and/or polyurethane.12. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element is a pad or a layer adhesively glued to the electrical power supply device.13. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one deformable and energy absorbing element is configured to be compressible between 1 and 3 mm.14. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical power supply device is a rechargeable battery or fuel cell.15. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector arrangement comprises a flexible conductor.16. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 15, wherein the flexible conductor comprises a deformable or expandable portion along a main direction of the handheld aerosol generating device.17. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 16, wherein the deformable portion is a meandering portion.18. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the deformable and energy absorbing elements at the ends of the electrical power supply device allow in at least a longitudinal direction a floating movement in a range of 2-3 mm.19. The handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the high-density foam is polyethylene or polyurethane foam.


[EN] A heater device for an electronic cigarette includes: a heater unit arranged to vaporise a liquid received from a liquid reservoir to generate a vapour; and a vapour flow path extending from the heater unit arranged to fluidly communicate with a mouthpiece of an electronic cigarette to allow the generated vapour to flow from the heater unit to the mouthpiece. The heater unit includes a first heating portion and a second heating portion, and the first and second heating portions are integrally formed such that the first and second heating portions form a single heater unit. [EN] 1. A heater device for an electronic cigarette comprising: a heater unit arranged to vaporise a liquid received from a liquid reservoir to generate a vapour; anda vapour flow path extending from the heater unit arranged to fluidly communicate with a mouthpiece of an electronic cigarette to allow the generated vapour to flow from the heater unit to the mouthpiece;wherein the heater unit comprises a first heating portion and a second heating portion;wherein the first and second heating portions are integrally formed such that the first and second heating portions form a single heater unit; andwherein the first heating portion comprises a plurality of through-channels and the second heating portion does not comprise a plurality of through-channels.2. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the first heating portion is arranged to heat the liquid received from the liquid reservoir to generate the vapour.3. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the second heating portion is arranged to heat the vapour generated by the first heating portion.4. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the heater unit comprises a filter arranged to filter the generated vapour as it flows from the heater unit to the vapour flow path.5. The heater device according to claim 4 wherein the filter comprises a plurality of through-channels passing through the heater unit.6. The heater device according to claim 5 wherein all of the through-channels of the plurality of through-channels have substantially the same diameter.7. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the second heating portion is arranged to prevent fluid communication between the liquid reservoir and the vapour flow path.8. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the second heating portion extends laterally alongside the first heating portion.9. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the second heating portion is arranged peripherically around the first heating portion.10. The heater device according to claim 1 wherein the vapour flow path comprises a first vapour flow path and a second vapour flow path, and wherein the generated vapour is arranged to flow away from the mouthpiece along the first vapour flow path and the generated vapour is arranged to flow towards the mouthpiece along the second vapour flow path.11. The heater device according to claim 12 wherein the second heating portion is located within the second vapour flow path.12. The heater device according to claim 1 further comprising an airflow path extending between an air inlet and the heater unit for allowing air to enter into the heater unit.13. The heater device according to claim 12 wherein the generated vapour is delivered to the second heating portion from the first heating portion under the action of air which has entered the air inlet and flowed along the airflow path.14. A capsule for an electronic cigarette, the capsule having a first end configured to engage with an electronic cigarette device and a second end arranged as a mouthpiece portion having a vapour outlet, the capsule further comprising: a reservoir arranged to store a liquid to be vaporised;a heater unit arranged to vaporise liquid received from the reservoir to generate a vapour; anda vapour flow path extending between the heater unit and the mouthpiece to allow the generated vapour to flow from the heater unit to the mouthpiece;wherein the heater unit comprises a first heating portion and a second heating portion;wherein the first and second heating portions are integrally formed such that the first and second heating portions form a single heater unit; andwherein the first heating portion comprises a plurality of through-channels and the second heating portion does not comprise a plurality of through-channels.15. An electronic cigarette comprising a main body and a capsule wherein the main body comprises a power supply unit, electrical circuitry, and a capsule seating configured to connect with the capsule, the capsule comprising: a first end configured to engage with the electronic cigarette device and a second end arranged as a mouthpiece portion having a vapour outlet, the capsule further comprising:a reservoir arranged to store a liquid to be vaporised;a heater unit arranged to vaporise liquid received from the reservoir to generate a vapour;a vapour flow path extending between the heater unit and the mouthpiece to allow the generated vapour to flow from the heater unit to the mouthpiece;wherein the heater unit comprises a first heating portion and a second heating portion;wherein the first and second heating portions are integrally formed such that the first and second heating portions form a single heater unit; andwherein the first heating portion comprises a plurality of through-channels and the second heating portion does not comprise a plurality of through-channels.


[EN] An aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating substrate, an inductor for generating a primary electromagnetic field, a primary susceptor configured to be inductively heated by the primary electromagnetic field and to solely heat the aerosol generating substrate, and a secondary susceptor configured to solely generate a secondary electromagnetic field. The secondary electromagnetic field is generated under the influence of the primary electromagnetic field and acts in opposition to the primary electromagnetic field. [EN] 1. An aerosol generating system, comprising: an aerosol generating substrate;an inductor for generating a primary electromagnetic field;a primary susceptor configured to be inductively heated by the primary electromagnetic field and to solely heat the aerosol generating substrate;a secondary susceptor configured to solely generate a secondary electromagnetic field acting in opposition to the primary electromagnetic field, wherein the secondary electromagnetic field is generated under the influence of the primary electromagnetic field.2. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a housing defining a device boundary and the secondary electromagnetic field is configured to attenuate the primary electromagnetic field to produce a net field boundary which lies at least partly within the device boundary.3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the secondary susceptor has a lower electrical resistivity than the primary susceptor.4. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, further comprising an electromagnetic shield positioned between the inductor and the secondary susceptor, the electromagnetic shield comprising a ferrimagnetic, non-electrically conductive material.5. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the inductor comprises a helical induction coil and the primary susceptor is arranged inside the helical induction coil.6. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the secondary susceptor comprises at least one susceptor disc positioned at an axial end of the helical induction coil.7. An aerosol generating system according to claim 5, wherein the secondary susceptor comprises a susceptor mesh which surrounds at least part of the helical induction coil.8. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the secondary susceptor at least partially encloses the inductor, the primary susceptor and the aerosol generating substrate, and wherein the secondary susceptor comprises a cup-shaped susceptor element or a pair of cup-shaped susceptor elements.9. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the primary susceptor and the aerosol generating substrate are integrated into a planar body having main surfaces, and wherein the inductor comprises a pair of coil plates arranged on opposite sides of the planar body and each having a first surface which faces a corresponding main surface of the planar body.10. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein each of the coil plates has a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the secondary susceptor comprises a pair of susceptor plates each of which is positioned adjacent to the second surface of a respective coil plate.11. An aerosol generating system according to claim 10, further comprising an electromagnetic shield positioned between the inductor and the secondary susceptor, the electromagnetic shield comprising a ferrimagnetic, non-electrically conductive material, wherein the electromagnetic shield comprises a pair of electromagnetic shield members, and wherein one of said electromagnetic shield members is positioned between each of the coil plates and the adjacent susceptor plate.12. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein each of the electromagnetic shield members comprises a ferrite slab.13. An aerosol generating system according to claim 11, further comprising an air-gap layer positioned between each of the coil plates and the adjacent electromagnetic shield member.14. An aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein each of the air-gap layers includes a thermally insulating material.15. An aerosol generating system according to claim 9, wherein the secondary susceptor acts as an electrical conductor, and wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a self-oscillating circuit formed by the inductor and the secondary susceptor.


[EN] The present invention concerns a charging unit (14) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (12); the aerosol generating device (12) comprising a device body (21) extending along a device axis (X) and defining at least one lateral wall (25); the charging unit (14) comprising a unit body (51) defining an external surface and a recess portion (54) formed in the external surface and configured to receive the aerosol generating device (12) so as the lateral wall (25) of the device body (21) extends continuously with the external surface of the unit body (51); wherein the charging unit (14) further comprises an ejecting mechanism (80) configured to eject one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (14) upon a trigger event. [EN] CLAIMS 1. A charging unit (14) configured to operate with an aerosol generating device (12); the aerosol generating device (12) comprising a device body (21) extending along a device axis (X) between two ends (22, 24), the device body (21) defining at least one lateral wall (25) of the aerosol generating device (12); the charging unit (14) comprising a unit body (51) defining an external surface (53) and a recess portion (54) formed in the external surface (53) and configured to receive the aerosol generating device (12) so as the lateral wall (25) of the device body (21) extends continuously with the external surface (53) of the unit body (51); wherein the charging unit (14) further comprises an ejecting mechanism (80) configured to eject one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (14) upon a trigger event.2. The charging unit (14) according to claim 1, wherein the trigger event comprises activation of a button (77) by a user.3. The charging unit (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trigger event further comprises a successful authentication of a user.4. The charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejecting mechanism (80) is configured to be powered upon the trigger event to eject said end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12); preferably, the ejecting mechanism (80) being configured to be powered during a predetermined time period to maintain said end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device in an ejected position.5. The charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining mechanism (90) configured to retain at least one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) or the whole device body (21) within the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (14).6. The charging unit (14) according to claim 5, wherein the retaining mechanism (90) comprises a ferromagnetic element (83) or magnetic element (91) arranged in the unit body (51) so as to create attraction with a magnetic element (82; 92) comprised in the device body (21).7. The charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejecting mechanism (80) comprises a first magnetic element (81) arranged in the unit body (51) to face a second magnetic element (82) arranged in the device body (21), the first magnetic element (81) being configured, when powered, to repel the second magnetic element (82); wherein the first magnetic element (81) is a coil configured to generate a magnetic field repelling the second magnetic element (82).8. The charging unit (14) according to claim 7 taken in combination with claim 6, wherein the ferromagnetic element (83) of the retaining mechanism (80) forms an electromagnetic core of said coil of the ejecting mechanism (80); preferably, the retaining mechanism (80) being configured to retain the whole device body (21) within the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (12) when the ejecting mechanism (80) is not powered.9. The charging unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ejecting mechanism (80) comprises a shape memory alloy spring (84) able to expand when powered and a plunger (85) mounted on said spring (84) and able to repel the end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) configured to be ejected by the ejecting mechanism (80).10. The charging unit (14) according to claim 9 taken in combination with claim 5 or 6, wherein the retaining mechanism (90) is configured to retain the non-ejected end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) within the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (14).1 1. The charging unit (14) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the ejecting mechanism (80) further comprises a biasing element (86) configured to bias the shape memory alloy spring (84) to its initial position after having been expanded.12. An aerosol generating assembly (10), comprising: - an aerosol generating device (12); - a charging unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to operate with the aerosol generating device (12).13. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 12, wherein the aerosol generating device (12) further comprises a user interface (39).14. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein the user interface (39) is adapted to display at least one of the following data elements: - an indicator indicating whether the aerosol generating device (12) is received within the charging unit (14) or not; - an indicator indicating a charging process of the aerosol generating device (12) by the charging unit (14); - an indicator indicating results of an authentication process; - an indicator indicating the progress of heating of a vaporizable material; - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of heating the vaporizable material without charging of a battery comprised in the aerosol generating device (12);- an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of the battery of the aerosol generating device (12); - an indicator indicating the remaining capacity of a battery of the charging unit (14);- an indicator indicating a charging process of the battery of the charging unit (14) by an external power source.15. An operation method of an aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising the following steps: - detect the trigger event; - power the ejecting mechanism (80) to eject one end (22, 24) of the aerosol generating device (12) from the recess portion (54) of the charging unit (14).


[EN] A method is provided for operating an electronic vapour inhaler (10) comprising an induction heating arrangement (34), the induction heating arrangement (34) comprising an induction coil (36) for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element (28) and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium (30). The method comprises intermittently energising the induction coil (36) to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element (28). [EN] 1. A method for operating an electronic vapour inhaler comprising an induction heating arrangement, the induction heating arrangement comprising an induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium, the method comprising intermittently energising the induction coil to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element.2. An operating method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises varying the pulse frequency of the power supplied to the induction coil.3. An operating method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises varying the pulse amplitude of the power supplied to the induction coil.4. An operating method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises varying the duty cycle of the power supplied to the induction coil.5. An operating method according to claim 1, wherein the pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element heats the non-liquid flavour-release medium to an operating temperature in an operating temperature range having a lower limit of between 150 degrees centigrade and 200 degrees centigrade and an upper limit of between 200 degrees centigrade and 250 degrees centigrade6. An operating method according to claim 5, wherein the operating temperature range is between 180 degrees centigrade and 240 degrees centigrade7. An operating method according to claim 5, wherein the method comprises a first operating phase in which the induction coil is intermittently energised to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element to heat the non-liquid flavour-release medium to a temperature in the operating temperature range.8. An operating method according to claim 7, wherein the first operating phase has a predetermined duration.9. An operating method according to claim 8, wherein the duration of the first operating phase does not exceed 10 seconds.10. An operating method according to claim 9, wherein the duration does not exceed 5 seconds.11. An operating method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises a second operating phase in which the induction coil is intermittently energised to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element to maintain the average temperature of the non-liquid flavour-release medium within the operating temperature range.12. An operating method according to claim 11, wherein the strength of the alternating electromagnetic field is lower during the second operating phase than during the first operating phase.13. An operating method according to claim 11, wherein, during the second operating phase, the induction coil is intermittently energised based on user demand.14. An operating method according to claim 1, wherein the induction coil is intermittently energised according to a predetermined heating profile.15. An operating method according to claim 14, wherein the predetermined heating profile is selectable by a user.16. An operating method according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined heating profile is selected automatically based on a detected characteristic which is related to the non-liquid flavour-release medium.17. An electronic vapour inhaler comprising: an induction heating arrangement, the induction heating arrangement comprising an induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium; anda control arrangement for controlling the operation of the induction heating arrangement to intermittently energise the induction coil to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element.18. (canceled)


[EN] An induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device includes an induction heating device and an electronic component having material able to act as a first susceptor, wherein the induction heating device is arranged to heat, in use, a second susceptor for a first period, and the electronic component is arranged to be activated for a second period, and wherein the first period and the second period are non-concurrent. This achieves reduced interference in the functionality of the electronic component. [EN] 1. An induction heating assembly for a vapour generating device, the heating assembly comprising: an induction heating device and an electronic component having material able to act as a first susceptor, wherein the induction heating device is arranged to heat, in use, a second susceptor for a first period, and the electronic component is arranged to be activated for a second period, and wherein the first period and the second period are non-concurrent.2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second periods are arranged to be sequential.3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first period is arranged to be repeated at least once and/or the second period is arranged to be repeated at least once.4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second periods is arranged to be repeated at least once and the first and second periods are arranged to alternate.5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein a time from a start of one of the first or second periods to an end of the other one of the first and second periods is arranged to be about 0.05 seconds to 0.15 seconds.6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being arranged to monitor, in use, a temperature related to heat generated from the second susceptor for the second period.7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the induction heating device is arranged to adjust an amount of heat provided to the second susceptor based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor.8. The assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a controller arranged in use to control the induction heating device and the temperature sensor.9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the controller is arranged in use to control the induction heating device based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor.10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the controller is arranged to control the induction heating device by being arranged in use to adjust an amount of power supplied to the induction heating device.11. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to average temperatures monitored by the temperature sensor over a third period so as to allow noise detection in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor.12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to detect noise in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the averaged temperatures monitored during the third period and apply a filter to temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the detected noise so as to reduce noise in monitored temperatures.13. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a power source arranged in use to provide power to the induction heating device and the electronic component.14. A vapour generating device comprising: the induction heating assembly according to claim 1;a heating compartment arranged to receive a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment; andan air outlet in communication with the heating compartment.15. A method of monitoring temperature in a vapour generating device, the method comprising: induction heating a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor using an induction heating device; andmonitoring a temperature of the body,wherein the steps of induction heating and monitoring are conducted non-concurrently.16. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the induction heating device is an induction coil.17. A vapour generating device comprising: a body comprising a vaporisable substance and an induction heatable susceptor;a heating compartment arranged to receive the body;an air inlet arranged to provide air to the heating compartment;an air outlet in communication with the heating compartment; andan induction heating assembly including an induction coil and a temperature sensor having material able to act as a first susceptor, wherein the induction heating device is arranged to heat, in use, the induction heatable susceptor for a first period, and the temperature sensor is arranged to be activated for a second period, and wherein the first period and the second period are non-concurrent.


[EN] An electronic cigarette device has an elongate main body including a power supply unit, electrical circuitry and a seating for a liquid reservoir. Front and back panels are slidably attached to the elongate main body and configured to move in the longitudinal direction between an extended position and a retracted position. The panels include connectors configured to slide on rail members in a longitudinal direction. The connectors include a movable portion that is movable relative to a fixed portion, and which allows movement of the panel in a direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the rail members. [EN] 1. An electronic cigarette device comprising: an elongate main body comprising a liquid store,at least one slideable panel connected to the elongate main body and movable in a longitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette device between an extended position and a retracted position, whereby the liquid store is exposed or more exposed when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted position, anda first light source provided on the elongate main body that is configured to be rendered operable when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted position, and that is configured to be rendered inoperable or invisible when the at least one slideable panel is in the extended position,wherein the at least one slideable panel comprises a translucent portion configured to be aligned with the first light source only when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted position so that light from the first light source is visible through the translucent portion when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted position,wherein the elongate main body further comprises a second light source, which is aligned with the translucent portion only when the at least one slideable panel is in the extended position so that light from the second light source is visible through the translucent portion when the at least one slideable panel is in the extended position.2. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 1, wherein the first light source comprises a plurality of light emitting elements and each of the plurality of light emitting elements is aligned with a respective portion of the translucent portion only when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted position.3. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 2, wherein the respective translucent portions are divided from one another by optically opaque partitions.4. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are electrically connected to a printed circuit board.5. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one light diffuser configured to receive and diffuse light from the first light source.6. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slideable panel comprises an actuator configured to activate a switch on the elongate main body to control a power supply between an operable state and an inoperable state when the at least one slideable panel is in the retracted and extended positions, respectively.7. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slideable panel comprises a press-button that can activate a switch on the elongate main body to enable a production of inhalable aerosol.8. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 7, wherein the press-button is movable from a first position towards a second position that is closer to the elongate main body, and wherein movement of the press-button from the first position towards the second position is inhibited when the at least one slideable panel is in the extended position.9. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 8, wherein the elongate main body comprises at least one abutment, configured to inhibit movement of the press-button from the first position toward the second position.10. The electronic cigarette device according to claim 9, wherein the abutment forms part of a light diffuser.


[EN] An aerosol generating device comprising: a body comprising a chamber for receiving an aerosol substrate consumable; an actuator mechanically coupled with the body; a first haptic output element mechanically coupled with the body and having a first resonant frequency; and a second haptic output element mechanically coupled with the body and having a second resonant frequency different to the first resonant frequency; wherein the actuator is selectively configured to vibrate to generate vibrations in the body at a frequency of: a first frequency to cause a substantially resonant response in the first haptic output element; and/or a second frequency to cause a substantially resonant response in the second haptic output element. [EN] Claims 1. An aerosol generating device (100) comprising: a body (102) comprising a chamber (104) for receiving an aerosol substrate consumable; an actuator (106) mechanically coupled with the body (102); a first haptic output element (108) mechanically coupled with the body (102) and having a first resonant frequency; and a second haptic output element (110) mechanically coupled with the body and having a second resonant frequency different to the first resonant frequency; wherein the actuator (106) is selectively configured to vibrate to generate vibrations in the body at a frequency of: a first frequency to cause a substantially resonant response in the first haptic output element (108); and/or a second frequency to cause a substantially resonant response in the second haptic output element (110).2. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first haptic output element (108) and the second haptic output element (110) are separated from each other on the body (102).3. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the first haptic output element (108) and the second haptic output element (110) comprises a rigid mass (116) coupled to an elastic element (118).4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the rigid mass (116) is restrained to vibrate in a first axis.5. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 3, wherein the rigid mass (116) is configured to vibrate omnidirectionally.6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the elastic element (118) comprises an elastic rubber element and the rigid mass (116) is embedded within the elastic rubber element.7. The aerosol generating device (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 3dB bandwidth B1 of the first haptic output element (108) is less than half of the difference between the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency.8. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first haptic output element (108) and the second haptic output element (110) is configured to operate as an input to the aerosol generating device (110).9. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (106) is configured to cause vibrations at the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency simultaneously.10. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (106) is a piezoelectric component, the piezoelectric component being configured to receive a time-varying electrical stimulus at a predetermined frequency and generate a vibration dependent on the predetermined frequency.11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (106) is separated from the first haptic output element (108) by a first predetermined distance and the second haptic output element (110) by a second predetermined distance.12. The aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vibration generated by the actuator (106) is configured to travel along a first vibration path in the body (102) between the actuator (106) and the first haptic output element (108) and a second vibration path in the body (102) between the actuator (106) and the second haptic output element (110).13. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third haptic output element mechanically coupled with the body (102) and having a third resonant frequency.14. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (106) is a single actuator and there is a plurality of haptic output elements (108, 110).15. A method of providing haptic feedback in an aerosol generating device (100), the method comprising: selectively actuating an actuator (106) to generate vibrations in the aerosol generating device (100) at a frequency of: a first frequency to cause a substantially resonant response in a first haptic output element (108) of the device (100); and/or a second frequency to cause a resonant response in a second haptic output element (110) of the device (100).


[EN] The present invention concerns an aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity (52) extending along a device axis (Z) and configured to receive an aerosol generating article. The assembly (10) comprises: - a heat conducting element configured to heat a tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article; and - a heater (62) configured to generate heat and transfer it to the heat conducting element; wherein the heat conducting element comprises a first longitudinal part (74A) arranged to form or to face at least partially a wall delimiting the cavity (52) along the device axis (Z); wherein the heater (62) is fixed transversally at a closed end of the cavity (52) or longitudinally substantially at the center of the first longitudinal part (74A) of the heat conducting element. [EN] CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generating assembly (10; 1 10) comprising a cavity (52) extending along a device axis (Z) between a closed end (53A) and an open end (53B), and configured to receive an aerosol generating article (12; 1 12), the aerosol generating article (12; 1 12) extending along an article axis (X) and comprising a tobacco portion (15) and a mouthpiece portion (16) arranged successively along the article axis (X); the assembly (10; 110) comprising: - a heat conducting element configured to heat the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12; 1 12); and - a heater (62; 162) configured to generate heat and transfer it to the heat conducting element; wherein the heat conducting element comprises a first longitudinal part (74A; 174A) arranged to form or to face at least partially a wall delimiting the cavity (52) along the device axis (Z); wherein the heater (62; 162) is fixed transversally at the closed end (53A) of the cavity (52).2. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein the heater (62; 162) comprises a heating surface arranged adjacent to the heat conducting element.3. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 1 10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first longitudinal part (74A; 174A) is the only longitudinal part of the heat conducting element.4. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat conducting element further comprises a second longitudinal part (74B; 174B) arranged facing the first longitudinal part (74A; 174A).5. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to claim 4, wherein the heat conducting element further comprises a transversal part (74C) arranged to form a transversal wall of the cavity (52) and connecting the first and the second longitudinal parts (74A, 74B; 174A, 174B); preferably the heater (62; 162) being adjacent to the transversal part (74C).6. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to claim 5, wherein the heater (62; 162) is the unique heater of the assembly (10; 1 10) and is arranged adjacent to the transversal part (74C) of the heat conducting element.7. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising at least two different heaters (62; 162) arranged adjacent to different parts (74A, 74B, 74C; 174A, 174B, 174C) of the heat conducting element.8. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to any one of claim 7, wherein one of said two heaters is fixed longitudinally substantially at the center of the first longitudinal part (74A; 174A) of the heat conducting element.9. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the or each longitudinal part of the heat conducting element is equal or greater to/than the length of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12; 1 12) when it is received in the cavity (52).10. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 1 10) according to claim 9, wherein, when the aerosol generating article (12; 112) is received in the cavity (52), the or each longitudinal part of the heat conducting element covers entirely the tobacco portion.11. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 1 10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the length of the or each longitudinal part of the heat conducting element is less than the length of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12; 1 12) when it is received in the cavity (52).12. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 1 10) according to claim 1 1, wherein, when the aerosol generating article (12; 112) is received in the cavity, an uncovered part of the tobacco portion (15) is formed at the open end (53B) of the cavity (52).13. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (62; 162) defines a center and forms a shape symmetric in respect to the center; preferably the heater (62; 162) forms a circular or a donut shape.14. The aerosol generating assembly (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat conducting element is made from graphene or aluminum.15. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the heat conducting element is integrated into an aerosol generating device (1 1) configured to operate with the aerosol generating article (12; 1 12).


[EN] A computer-implemented method for operating an aerosol generation device (AGD) as well as a corresponding computer program and a corresponding AGD is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving time-resolved sensor data of the AGD representing a state of the AGD, estimating a future starting point in time of a usage of the AGD based on the time-resolved sensor data of the AGD, estimating a first probability which is a likelihood of correctness of the estimated future starting point in time of the usage of the AGD and initiating a preheating of the AGD only if the estimated first probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold. [EN] Claims 1. A computer-implemented method (200) for operating an aerosol generation device, AGD, (110) the method comprising the steps of: receiving (210) time-resolved sensor data of the AGD representing a state of the AGD; estimating a future starting point in time of a usage of the AGD based on the time- resolved sensor data of the AGD; estimating (220) a first probability which is a likelihood of correctness of the estimated future starting point in time of the usage of the AGD; and initiating (240) a preheating of the AGD only if the estimated first probability is greater than or equal to a first threshold.2. The method of the claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: determining (230), based on an amount of liquid inside the AGD and/or a position of the AGD, a second probability indicating whether the preheating of the AGD can be initiated safely; wherein preheating of the AGD is initiated only if the second probability is equal to or greater than a second threshold and the estimated first probability is greater than or equal to the first threshold.3. The method of the claim 2, wherein the method comprises: providing a safety issue notification to a user of the AGD at a second point in time if the second probability is smaller than the second threshold.4. The method of any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the method further comprises: redetermining the second probability within a predefined third time interval starting from the second point in time.5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: determining a first time interval between a first point in time and the estimated future starting point in time; wherein the preheating of the AGD is initiated only if the first time interval is smaller than or equal to a second, predetermined time interval; wherein the first point in time is a point in time of the receiving of the time- resolved sensor data, a point in time of estimating the first probability, or a point in time between the point in time of the receiving and the point in time of the estimating; and wherein the second time interval corresponds to an amount of time necessary for preheating the AGD.6. The method of any one of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the future starting point in time and the first probability are estimated by an artificial intelligence model.7. The method of claim 6, wherein the artificial intelligence model has been trained according to a training method, the training method comprising the steps of: inputting training data to the artificial intelligence model to train the model, the training data including a plurality of data samples, each data sample comprising: time-resolved sensor data of a first AGD representing a state of the first AGD; and time-stamped usage data of the first AGD representing a starting point in time of the usage of the first AGD associated with the time-resolved data of the first AGD; and correlating the state of the first AGD and the starting point in time of the usage of the first AGD based on the plurality of data samples; wherein the model is configured to estimate the likelihood of correctness of the estimated future starting point in time of the usage of the AGD based on the correlation.8. The method of any one of the claims 6 to 7, wherein the trained artificial intelligence model is employed on the AGD.9. The method of any one of the claims 6 to 7, wherein the trained artificial intelligence model is employed on a location remote from the AGD, preferably a server or a cloud instance.10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time-resolved sensor data of an AGD includes at least one of: time-resolved data from a gyroscope comprised by the AGD; time-resolved data from a proximity sensor comprised by the AGD; time-resolved data from a draw sensor comprised by the AGD; time-resolved data from a lip contact sensor comprised by the AGD; time-resolved data from a sensor comprised by the AGD and detecting a fill level of the AGD; time-resolved data from one or more temperature sensors measuring the temperature of a heater comprised by the AGD, the environment of the AGD, a battery comprised by the AGD and/or electronics comprised by the AGD; time-resolved data from a draw pressure and/ or air flow sensor comprised by the AGD; and/or time-resolved data from at least one bio sensor comprised by the AGD and measuring the heart rate of a user of the AGD, a movement of the user of the AGD and/ or the blood pressure of the user of the AGD.11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the state of an AGD represents at least a motion of the AGD in space and/or a position of the AGD in space.12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the time-stamped usage data is data from a puff sensor, preferably a draw-activated puff sensor.13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the usage of an AGD is a puff of the AGD.14. An aerosol generation device, AGD, (110) comprising means for carrying out the method according to any one of preceding claims.15. A computer program having instructions which when executed cause a computing device or a system to perform a method according to any one of the claims 1 to 14.


[EN] An aerosol generation device (100; 800; 900) is provided with a heating cavity (45; 845; 945) comprising a heater component (47; 847; 947) and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate (12; 812; 912). The device further comprises an energy storage module (11, 51; 811, 851; 911) and a controller (43; 843; 943). The controller is configured to power the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature, and determine, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity. The controller is further configured to initiate monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity, and power the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate. [EN] CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generation device comprising a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, and wherein the aerosol generation device further comprises an energy storage module and a controller configured to: power the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determine, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiate monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and power the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate.2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the monitored parameter is a timer, and the predetermined requirement is met when a predetermined time has elapsed after initiating monitoring the parameter.3. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein the monitored parameter is a heater temperature and the predetermined requirement is met when the heater temperature is equal to or greater than a target temperature after initiating monitoring the parameter.4. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to control the aerosol generation device perform an action when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement.5. The aerosol generation device of claim 4, wherein the action comprises controlling a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at a predetermined temperature for a heating phase where an aerosol is generated for inhalation by an operator.6. The aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the action further comprises controlling an indicator of the aerosol generation device to provide an output indicating that the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the aerosol generation device is readied for the heating phase.7. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor and the controller is configured to monitor the temperature of the heater component using the temperature sensor and determine that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity in response to a decrease in the monitored temperature.8. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises a holding unit configured to receive and aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a charging unit that is connectable to the holding unit, and wherein the charge storage module comprises a first charge storage module and a second charge storage module; the holding unit comprising the heating cavity, and the first charge storage module; the charging unit comprising the second charge storage module; and wherein the controller is configured to: power the heater component by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and power the heater component by directing a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit.9. The aerosol generation device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.10. The aerosol generation device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the second energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is connected to the charging unit.11. The aerosol generation device of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the controller is configured to power the heater component by: directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature when the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit; and directing a power flow from the first energy storage module to the heater component to maintain the heater component at the predetermined temperature to aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate when the monitored parameter meets the predetermined requirement and the holding unit is not connected to the charging unit.12. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the heating cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is substantially planar in shape; and the heating cavity comprises two major internal faces, wherein the two major internal faces oppose one another, the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be received between the opposing major internal faces, and the major internal faces are each associated with a heating element of the heater component.13. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device of any preceding claim and the aerosol generating substrate.14. A method of operating an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, the aerosol generation device further comprising an energy storage module; wherein the method comprises: powering the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determining, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiating monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and powering the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate.15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a heating cavity configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the heating cavity comprises a heater component and a sensor configured to sense an aerosol generating substrate received in the heating cavity, the aerosol generation device further comprising an energy storage module; wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: powering the heater component by directing a power flow from the energy storage module to the heater component to pre-heat the heater component to a predetermined temperature; determining, using the sensor, that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; initiating monitoring a parameter in response to determining that an aerosol generating substrate has been received in the heating cavity; and powering the heater component until the monitored parameter meets a predetermined requirement, to re-heat the heater component to the predetermined temperature and compensate a reduction in the heater component temperature due to the received aerosol generating substrate.


[EN] An aerosol generation device in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to form an aerosol includes: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber including at least a heating element; an oblong housing; a cover which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber; and a tray configured to receive and hold the substrate, the tray being connected to the cover. [EN] 1. An aerosol generation device comprising: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element;an oblong housing;a cover which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber; anda tray configured to receive and hold the substrate, the tray being connected to the cover;wherein when the cover is in the open position, the tray is configured to receive the substrate, and the received substrate is located at least partly outside of the aerosol generation chamber, and when the cover is in the closed position, a received substrate is fully contained in the aerosol generation chamber and in contact with the heating element; andwherein the cover is configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by rotation, whereby the tray is translated in a longitudinal direction of the housing and towards the heating element and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing such that a substrate held by the tray is put in contact with the heating element.2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises means for fixing the substrate to the tray.3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the means for fixing are one or more protrusions which are configured to engage with respective recesses of the substrate.4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate having recesses, wherein the recesses of the substrate are configured to be formed by stamping the substrate with the one or more protrusions.5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein movement of the tray in the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing is caused by a slanted wall of the aerosol generation chamber.6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the tray has a generally L-shaped configuration, a long leg of the L-shaped configuration being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing, and a short leg of the L-shaped configuration extending from the long leg towards the heating element.7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is connected to the housing by a hinge which allows for the rotation of the cover.8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the cover is biased towards the closed position by a spring.9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the tray is connected to the cover such that the rotation of the cover around the hinge results in translation the tray.10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 9, wherein a connection between the tray and the cover is realized by a second hinge, the second hinge being distanced from the hinge which allows for the rotation of the cover.11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein the rotation of the cover is translated into translation of the tray by a lever.12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the tray is configured to moves towards a center of the housing along the longitudinal direction of the housing moves from the open position to the closed position, and in an opposite direction as the cover moves from the closed position to the open position.13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the substrate is moved away from a center of the housing along the longitudinal direction of the housing by the short leg when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position.14. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the substrate is moved away from a center of the housing along the longitudinal direction of the housing by the means for fixing the substrate to the tray.15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 14, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate having recesses, wherein a cross-section of the tray has a generally L-shaped configuration, a long leg of the L-shaped configuration being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing, and a short leg of the L-shaped configuration extending from the long leg towards the heating element, and wherein the substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface, and in the closed position of the cover the lower surface is in contact with the long leg of the tray, and the upper surface is in contact with the heating element.


[EN] A method of monitoring an aerosol generating article (1) is described. The article (1) comprises a capacitor (6). The capacitor (6) comprises an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user. The method comprises estimating or determining the amount of electrolyte. [EN] Claims 1. A method of monitoring an aerosol generating article (1) comprising a capacitor (6), the capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user, the method comprising estimating or determining the amount of electrolyte.2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising notifying the amount of electrolyte to the user.3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the amount of electrolyte is estimated or determined from one or both of: one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor (6), and a time taken to discharge or charge the capacitor (6) between predefined upper and lower limits.4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor (6) are estimated or determined using at least one of voltage and current measurements obtained when the capacitor (6) is being discharged or charged.5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one of voltage and current measurements are obtained when the capacitor (6) is being discharged or charged between predefined upper and lower limits.6. A method according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the predefined upper limit is where the capacitor (6) is substantially fully charged, and the predefined lower limit is where the capacitor (6) is substantially fully discharged.7. A method according to any of claims 3 to 5, further comprising heating the electrolyte to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user by at least one of discharging and charging the capacitor (6) in a narrower range than the range defined by the predefined upper and lower limits for estimating or determining the amount of electrolyte.8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein in an initial step an initial value of one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor (6) is estimated or determined, in one or more subsequent steps a subsequent value of one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor (6) is estimated or determined, and wherein for each subsequent step at least the respective subsequent value is used to estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor (6), and optionally both the initial value and the respective subsequent value are used to estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor (6).9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein in an initial step an initial time taken to discharge or charge the capacitor (6) between predefined values is estimated or determined, in one or more subsequent steps a subsequent time taken to discharge or charge the capacitor (6) between predefined values is estimated or determined, and wherein for each subsequent step at least the respective subsequent time is used to estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor (6), and optionally both the initial time and the respective subsequent time are used to estimate or determine the amount of electrolyte in the capacitor (6).10. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the initial step is carried out before a pre-heating phase.11. A method according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein each subsequent step is carried out during a heating or vaping phase.12. A method according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein each subsequent step is carried out in response to a puff detection.13. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein each subsequent step is carried out during a heating or vaping phase where the temperature of the capacitor (6) varies according to a temperature profile, and wherein each subsequent step is carried out when the temperature of the capacitor (6) is kept substantially constant according to the temperature profile.14. A method according to any of claims 8 to 13, wherein during the initial step and each subsequent step the capacitor (6) is discharged or charged at least twice.15. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article (1) comprising a capacitor (6), the capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user; and an aerosol generating device (34) in which the aerosol generating article is received, the aerosol generating device (34) further comprising a controller (48) adapted to implement the method according to any of claims 1 to 14.


[EN] An aerosol generating article (1) is described. The article (1) includes a capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user. [EN] Claims 1. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) comprising a capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86), the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user.2. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte comprises one or more of sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, glycerol, and any suitable equivalents thereof.3. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrolyte comprises a gelling agent.4. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to claim 3, wherein the gelling agent comprises one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, gellan gum, and xanthan gum.5. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrolyte comprises sodium chloride and glycerol, and optionally polyvinyl alcohol.6. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) further comprises a pair of electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72), each electrode comprising at least one carbon-based electrode layer (24, 28; 62, 66; 78, 82).7. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to claim 6, wherein each electrode (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72) further comprises a current collector (22, 26; 60, 64; 76, 80).8. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) further comprises a porous separator (20a, 20b; 58a; 74) between the electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72).9. An aerosol generating article (1) according to claim 8, wherein the separator (20a, 20b; 58a; 74) comprises a tobacco material.10. An aerosol generating article (84) according to claim 8, wherein the separator comprises a cellulose- or polypropylene-based material.11. An aerosol generating article (84) according to any preceding claim, further comprising tobacco material (88) downstream of the capacitor (86) in the aerosol flow path.12. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) has one of a spiral wound construction, a prismatic construction, a folded or serpentine construction, and a stacked construction.13. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mouthpiece through which the aerosol is inhaled by the user.14. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) is pre-charged in the packaged article.15. An aerosol generating device (34) adapted to receive, in use, the aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, the device (34) further comprising a switching circuit (42) electrically connected between a pair of electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72) of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) and configured to control the discharging of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86), and optionally the charging of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) from a power source (44) of the device (34).16. A method of controlling an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device (34), and an aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising discharging the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising charging the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.18. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the device (34) further comprises a heater (50), the method comprising using the heater (50) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.


[EN] A method of heating an aerosol generating article (1) is described. The article (1) comprises a capacitor (6) with an electrolyte. The method comprising at least one of discharging and charging the capacitor (6) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. [EN] Claims 1. A method of heating an aerosol generating article (1) comprising a capacitor (6), the capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte, the method comprising at least one of discharging and charging the capacitor (6) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the capacitor (6) is cycled between discharging and charging.3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the discharging and/or charging of the capacitor (6) is controlled based on an estimated or determined temperature.4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the temperature is a measured temperature or is estimated or determined from at least electrical parameter of the capacitor (6).5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the discharging and/or charging of the capacitor (6) is controlled based on a comparison between the estimated or determined temperature (ET) and a target temperature or temperature profile (TP).6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the capacitor (6) further comprises a pair of electrodes (16, 18), and wherein the discharging and/or charging of the capacitor (6) is controlled by varying the power at which the capacitor (6) is discharged and/or charged through a switching circuit (42) electrically connected between the pair of electrodes (16, 18).7. A method according to claim 6, wherein a switching device (44) of the switching circuit (42) is controlled by a closed loop controller (54) having one or more controller constants.8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the one or more controller constants are varied based on at least one of: - an estimated or determined value of an electrical parameter of the capacitor (6), and - an estimated or determined temperature of the capacitor (6).9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the capacitor (6) is discharged or is cycled between discharging and charging until a threshold temperature is reached, after which the capacitor (6) is heated by an external heater (50).10. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising an identification step where the capacitor (6) is at least one of discharged and charged for a period of time and a value of an electrical parameter of the capacitor (6) is estimated or determined, wherein the value of the electrical parameter is used to determine at least one of: - an operating parameter or status of the capacitor (6), and - the authenticity of the aerosol generating article (1).11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the identification step is carried out before a pre-heating phase (PHP) of the aerosol generating article (1).12. A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising a temperature estimation step where the capacitor (6) is at least one of discharged and charged for a period of time and a value of an electrical parameter of the capacitor (6) is estimated or determined, wherein the value of the electrical parameter is used to estimate a temperature of the capacitor (6).13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the temperature estimation step is carried out at regular or irregular intervals during at least one of a pre-heating phase (PHP) and a subsequent heating or vaping phase (VP).14. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article (1) comprising a capacitor (6), the capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user; and an aerosol generating device (34) in which the aerosol generating article (1) is received, the aerosol generating device (34) further comprising a controller (48) adapted to implement the method according to any of preceding claims.15. An aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the capacitor (6) further comprises a pair of electrodes (16, 18), and the device (34) further comprises a switching circuit (42) electrically connected between the pair of electrodes (16, 18), and optionally a heater (50).


[EN] An aerosol generating system includes a liquid substance storing container and an aerosol generating device. The liquid substance storing container has a porous body for storing a liquid substance and the aerosol generating device includes a heater having at least two heating sections configured to heat the porous body,The aerosol generating device comprises has a heating cavity for housing the porous body and the at least two heating sections of the heater are located on the bottom of the heating cavity.The aerosol generating device may be used as a e-cigarette. [EN] 1. An aerosol generating system comprising a liquid substance storing container and an aerosol generating device, said liquid substance storing container comprising a porous body for storing a liquid substance and said aerosol generating device comprising a heater comprising at least two heating sections configured to heat the porous body, wherein said aerosol generating device comprises a heating cavity for housing the porous body, said at least two heating sections of said heater being located on the bottom of the heating cavity, and wherein said porous body is disposed on the bottom of the heating cavity, in contact with the at least two heating sections of the heater.2. The aerosol generating system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least two heating sections of the heater are arranged in a same plane of said bottom of the heating cavity.3. The aerosol generating system, according to claim 1, wherein said porous body comprises at least two different portions and said at least two heating sections of the heater are in contact respectively with external surfaces of said at least two different portions of the porous body.4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 3, wherein each external surface of said at least two different portions of the porous body has a shape configured to match one of said at least two heating sections of the heater.5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein said at least two heating sections of the heater have a shape chosen from among at least two slice sections, dots or linear tracks, concentric rings.6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein said aerosol generating device further comprises control means in order to activate separately said at least two heating sections of the heater.7. A liquid substance storing container for an aerosol generating system according to claim 1, comprising a porous body for storing a liquid substance, wherein the porous body comprises at least two different portions configured to be heated separately by the at least two heating sections of said heater.8. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 7, wherein said at least two different portions of the porous body are substantially thermally insulated from each other.9. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 7, wherein the porous body comprises at least one slit extending between said at least two different portions of the porous body.10. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 9, wherein said porous body comprises at least one external flat surface, said at least one slit opening onto said at least one external flat surface of the porous body.11. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 9, wherein said porous body has a cylindrical or prismatic shape, said at least one slit extending along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical or prismatic shape.12. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 11, wherein said at least one slit opens onto two opposite external flat surfaces of said cylindrical or prismatic shape of the porous body.13. The liquid substance storing container according to claim 7, wherein said porous body has a cross-section chosen from among circular, triangular or rectangular.


[EN] An aerosol generation unit for use in an aerosol generation device or consumable includes a wicking element and a variable clamping element for controlling wicking of liquid by the wicking element. A The aerosol generation unit includes the wicking element in communication with a liquid reservoir, one or more clamping elements configured to thermally expand and contract to variably clamp at least a portion of the wicking element for controlling the amount of wicking, by the wicking element, of liquid contained in the reservoir, and a heating element or heat transfer element configured to apply heat to the wicking element and the one or more clamping elements. By variably clamping the wicking element, the capillary effect of the wicking element can be increased, reduced, or substantially suppressed. This allows the flow rate of liquid into the wicking element to be controlled based on the heat applied to the clamping element. [EN] 1. An aerosol generation unit for use in an aerosol generation device or consumable, the aerosol generation unit comprising: a wicking element in communication with a liquid reservoir;one or more clamping elements configured to thermally expand and contract to variably clamp at least a portion of the wicking element for controlling the amount of wicking, by the wicking element, of liquid contained in the reservoir; anda heating element or heat transfer element configured to apply heat to the wicking element and the one or more clamping elements.2. The aerosol generation unit according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the wicking element comprises a fibrous and/or spongy material.3. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the wicking element comprises a cotton material, ceramic fiber, or glass fiber.4. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the wicking element has an elongated shape, and/or wherein one or more ends of the wicking element are in communication with the liquid reservoir.5. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 4, wherein the one or more clamping elements are arranged proximate to one or more ends of the wicking element that are in communication with the liquid reservoir.6. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein a clamping element forms a loop, and/or wherein a clamping element forms a ring.7. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements comprise a material with a coefficient of linear thermal expansion a between 1E-5 1/K and 1E-3 1/K.8. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements comprise a material with a thermal conductance above[Embedded image] 150 W m · K.9. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements comprise polyamide, aluminum, copper, Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), or Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).10. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements comprise or substantially consist of polyamide 11.11. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements are configured to compress or decompress at least a part of the wicking element based on their temperature.12. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the one or more clamping elements are configured to at least locally compress the wicking element to substantially prevent wicking of liquid when they are not heated by the heating element or heat transfer element, and/or wherein the one or more clamping elements are configured to allow wicking of liquid when they are heated by the heating element or heat transfer element.13. The aerosol generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the heating element or heat transfer element is arranged on at least a portion of the surface of the wicking element.14. An aerosol generation device for use with a consumable, the device comprising an aerosol generation unit according to claim 1.16. A consumable for use with an aerosol generation device, the consumable comprising an aerosol generation unit according to claim 1.


[EN] There is provided an aerosol generation device (100; 800) comprising a holding unit (10; 810) configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate (12; 812), and a charging unit (50; 850) connectable to the holding unit. The holding unit comprises a heater component (47; 847) configured aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a first charge storage module (11; 811). The charging unit comprises a second charge storage module (51; 851). A controller (43; 843) is configured to pre-heat the heater component until a target parameter is reached by directing a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, and direct a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during pre-heating and before the target parameter is reached. [EN] CLAIMS 1. An aerosol generation device comprising a holding unit configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate, and a charging unit that is connectable to the holding unit; the holding unit comprising a heater component configured aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a first charge storage module configured to power the heater component; the charging unit comprising a second charge storage module configured to power the heater component; the aerosol generation device further comprising a controller configured to: when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, pre-heat the heater component until a target parameter is reached by directing a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component; and when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, direct a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1 wherein the first power flow corresponds to a lower current output from the first charge storage module than a current output from the second charge storage module for the second power flow.3. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the target parameter is a predetermined pre-heating time.4. The aerosol generation device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to direct the first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component for a modified pre-heating time when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during pre-heating and before the target parameter is reached, wherein the modified pre-heating time is longer than a remaining portion of the predetermined pre-heating time at a time point when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit.5. The aerosol generation device of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to determine the modified pre-heating time based upon an elapsed preheating time when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during the pre-heating phase.6. The aerosol generation device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to determine the elapsed pre-heating time between the beginning of the pre-heating phase and a time point when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during the pre-heating phase; and determine the modified pre-heating time based upon the elapsed preheating time by a predetermined relationship between the elapsed pre-heating time and the modified pre-heating time.7. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolisation temperature when the heater component has been pre-heated, and the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit, by directing a power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.8. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to maintain the heater component at a predetermined aerosolisation temperature when the heater component has been pre-heated, and the holding unit is not disconnected from the charging unit, by directing a power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component.9. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to, when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, direct a power flow from the second charge storage module to the first charge storage module to charge the first charge storage module.10. The aerosol generation device of any preceding claim, wherein the holding unit comprises a cavity into which the aerosol generating substrate is insertable for heating with the heater component to generate an aerosol, wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is substantially planar in shape; and the cavity comprises two major internal faces, wherein the two major internal faces oppose one another, the aerosol generating substrate is configured to be received between the opposing major internal faces, and the major internal faces are each associated with a heating element of the heater component.11. The aerosol generation device of claim 10, wherein the major internal faces comprise a ceramic material and the heating elements are arranged on or embedded in the ceramic material.12. The aerosol generation device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holding unit comprises a cavity into which the aerosol generating substrate is insertable for heating with the heater component to generate an aerosol, wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol generating substrate that is rod shaped.13. An aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation device of any preceding claim having an aerosol generating substrate received in the holding unit of the aerosol generation device.14. A method of operating an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a holding unit configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate and a charging unit that is connectable to the holding unit, the holding unit comprising a heater component configured aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a first charge storage module configured to power the heater component, the charging unit comprising a second charge storage module configured to power the heater component; wherein the method comprises: when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, pre-heating the heater component until a target parameter is reached by directing a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component; and when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, directing a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors of an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device comprising: a holding unit configured to receive and aerosolise an aerosol generating substrate and a charging unit that is connectable to the holding unit, the holding unit comprising a heater component configured aerosolise the aerosol generating substrate, and a first charge storage module configured to power the heater component, the charging unit comprising a second charge storage module configured to power the heater component; wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform steps comprising: when the holding unit is connected to the charging unit, pre-heating the heater component until a target parameter is reached by directing a second power flow from the second charge storage module to the heater component; and when the holding unit is disconnected from the charging unit during preheating and before the target parameter is reached, directing a first power flow from the first charge storage module to the heater component.