The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article, a method for generating aerosol and a use of an aerosol-generating device.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug.

WO 2020/070842 A1 discloses an electric lighter and a carbon heat source flavor suction tool. This carbon heat source type flavor suction tool comprises a flavor source, which may be tobacco, and a carbon heat source, which are both arranged in a paper tube. The electric lighter comprises a casing with an insertion port for inserting the carbon heat source type flavor suction tool and ventilation holes. An electric heater with an electric heating coil wire is arranged within the casing. The electric heater ignites the carbon heat source when inserted into the casing and into a cavity of the electric heater.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating space portion forming a heating space extending in a longitudinal direction. The heating space portion comprises an insert-opening for inserting an aerosol-generating article at a proximal end. The aerosol-generating device comprises a gas flow prevention portion at the distal end of the heating space portion. The heating space portion may be at least partially enclosed by a heating space wall. The heating space portion comprises an air inlet, the air inlet being adapted to enable a flow of ambient air into the aerosol-generating article. The gas flow prevention portion is adapted to engage the aerosol-generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol-generating article to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion.

The gas flow prevention portion engaging the aerosol-generating article may establish an airtight sealing or may at least reduce a gas flow between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion. Thus, undesired gases, for example combustion gases from a heat source may be prevented from entering the heating space and from getting into the flow of ambient air into the aerosol-generating article.

Engaging the aerosol-generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article may mean establishing a contact line or contact area between the aerosol generating article and the gas flow prevention portion. The contact line may be closed on a full path around the aerosol-generating article. Accordingly, the contact line may be a two dimensional (2D) geometric form, such as the outline of a circle, an ellipse, or a square. The contact line may extend in a plane perpendicular or inclined to the longitudinal direction. The contact line may be a three dimensional (3D) geometric form, such as a meandering line or zigzag line. The contact area may be defined by extending the contact line in the longitudinal area.

The longitudinal direction may correspond to the inserting direction of the aerosol generating article into the heating space portion. In particular, the heating space portion is adapted, such that the aerosol-generating article extends in the longitudinal direction, when it is arranged in the heating space portion. The longitudinal direction may be the main extension direction of the aerosol-generating device. The main extension direction of the aerosol-generating device is the direction in which the aerosol-generating device has its greatest length. A transversal direction of the aerosol-generating device may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may be an axial direction. Thus, a circumferential direction and radial direction may be defined with respect to the longitudinal direction. The proximal end of the heating space portion may be at the opposite side along the longitudinal axis from the distal end of the heating space portion.

An aerosol-generating article may be inserted in the heating space of the aerosol generating device in the longitudinal direction, such that the aerosol-generating article is at least partially arranged in the heating space.

The gas flow prevention portion may form an aperture, wherein a cross-sectional area of the aperture is smaller than a cross sectional area of the heating space. This may facilitate the insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating space with a comparatively low pushing force until when the aerosol-generating article reaches the aperture, where it fits tight, such that the required pushing force increases. A flow of ambient air may be allowed in the heating space between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion of the aerosol-generating device.

A cross-sectional area of the aperture of the gas flow prevention portion may be circular. This may allow an engagement providing an essentially airtight sealing with an aerosol-generating article having a circular cylinder shape or circular rod-like shape. When applying a differential pressure at the mouth-end of the aerosol-generating article, which corresponds to the resistance- to-draw of the aerosol-generating article, the side flow through the gas flow prevention portion is in particular less than 70 percent, preferably less than 90 percent, and more preferably less than 95 percent of the flow through the aerosol-generating article. A beneficial sealing fit may be obtained when the aerosol-generating article is elastic or has an increased elasticity at least in its radial direction in the region of the aerosol-generating article, which is adapted to be arranged in the gas flow prevention portion. The region of increased elasticity of the smoking article may beneficially adapt to the shape of the gas flow prevention portion. The aerosol-generating article may at least locally comprise a wrapper with increased elasticity or inner parts with increased elasticity, such as elastic segments, or both. In particular, a pliable wrapper with increased elasticity may be provided locally around the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The gas flow prevention portion may comprise a wall element, protruding at the inner side of the gas flow prevention portion and adapted to engage the aerosol-generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol-generating article. The wall element may delimit the heating space from the gas flow prevention portion. A flow of ambient air may be allowed in between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion up to the wall element. The wall element may be disc-shaped with the aperture provided as an opening in the disc-shape.

A heat source holder for holding a heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude in the longitudinal direction from the distal end of the gas flow prevention portion. The heat source holder may provide a longitudinally extending guide for the heat source portion, and may prevent lateral movement of the heat source portion. This may simplify the insertion of the aerosol-generating article. The heat source holder may be in surface contact at several sides with the heat source portion. This may stabilize the integrity of the heat source portion during combustion, and may prevent that the heat source portion falls apart.

The heat source holder may comprise an end stop at its distal end. The aerosol-generating article may abut the end stop with its heat source portion when being inserted into the aerosol generating device. This may facilitate that the aerosol-generating article is positioned at a predetermined end position. At this predetermined end position, the aerosol-generating article may be arranged such that a predetermined section of the aerosol-generating article is aligned with the gas flow prevention portion. This may facilitate the sealing engagement of the gas flow prevention portion with the outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article. Further, the end stop stabilizes the integrity of the heat source portion during combustion at its longitudinal end.

The heat source holder may be formed by at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one bar comprises an end portion inclined towards the inside to form the end stop. This may stabilize the heat source portion and may allow the heat source portion to be in sufficient contact with the surrounding air and oxygen, to ensure combustion at a predetermined rate. Preferably, the heat source holder comprises several bars extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least one or all of the bars comprises an end portion inclined towards the inside to form the end stop. The heat source holder may comprise 2, 3, 4 or 6 bars. The bars may be equidistally spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.

The end portion may be inclined at an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees regarding the longitudinal direction. This may facilitate a stable support for the aerosol-generating article and its heat source portion. The end portion may be inclined at an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 80 degrees, such that the end portion is inclined away from the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the end portion may provide a force in the lateral direction when the aerosol- generating article is inserted and abuts against same, such that the aerosol generating article is centered in the longitudinal direction.

The end portion may be inclined at an angle in the range of 110 degrees to 135 degrees such that the end portion is inclined towards the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the end portion may slightly pierce the longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article. This may increase the holding force in the lateral direction.

The end portion may be inclined at an angle in the range of 90 degrees to 100 degrees, in particular at an angle of 90 degrees. This enables a larger abutment surface in between the aerosol-generating article and the end portion of the heat source holder.

The heat source holder may comprise a mesh or grating, adapted to collect debris from the heat source portion. This may prevent that debris falls from the aerosol-generating device. Since the debris may be parts of the combustible material of the heat source portion which are still combusting or which are still hot, this improves the operational safety of the device.

The heat source holder may comprise an ignition means, adapted to igniting the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article. This may enable a compact design of the aerosol generating device and that no external ignition means are necessary.

The ignition means may be formed by an electrically conductive part of the heat source holder, adapted for being electrically heated. This may allow a compact design of the aerosol generating device and a quick and easy starting-up of the aerosol-generating article inside the device. The electrically conductive parts may comprise metal like steel, copper or aluminum.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a battery providing electric power for heating the electrically conductive parts by electrical resistance heating or induction heating. For electrical resistance heating, the electrically conductive parts may form an electrical resistance, which is electrically connected to the battery. For induction heating, the electrically conductive parts may form a susceptor, which is adapted to be heated by a magnetic field. The aerosol generating device may comprise an inductor for creating the magnetic field. A controller may be provided in between the battery and the electrical resistance or inductor.

An aerosol substrate holder for holding an aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol generating article may extend at the proximal end of the gas flow prevention portion in the longitudinal direction. This may stabilize the aerosol-generating article and guides the article during insertion. Further, the aerosol substrate holder may be adapted to position the aerosol generating article with a distance to the side walls of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol substrate holder may be formed as a sleeve, wherein the inner surface of the sleeve is in surface contact with the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article. The sleeve may be in surface contact with 5 percent to 95 percent, in particular 5 percent to 50 percent or 50 percent to 95 percent, and more in particular 25 percent to 75 percent of the outer surface of the aerosol substrate portion. At the lower end of the surface contact range, the surface contact may only be provided by relatively few contact areas in the form of protrusions at the heating space wall. At the higher end of the surface contact range, the surface contact may be with nearly the entire heating space wall, with only relatively few non-contact areas in the form of recesses in the heating space wall. The sleeve may comprise one or several radial openings to facilitate airflow into the heating space. The air in the heating space may then flow into the aerosol generating article. The sleeve may comprise one or several longitudinally extending channels or grooves to facilitate airflow into the aerosol-generating article. At least one channel or groove may be connected with one or several openings. The sleeve may have a length of in between 10 percent to 90 percent of the length of the aerosol-generating article without the combustible heat source. In particular, the sleeve may have a length of in between 50 percent to 90 percent, preferably 70 percent to 90 percent of the length of the aerosol-generating article without the combustible heat source. Thus, the aerosol-generating article may slightly protrude over the sleeve at its proximal end, allowing that the consumer may insert the proximal end of the aerosol generating article comfortably in his mouth. The surface contact of the sleeve with the aerosol generating article may extend along the entire length of the sleeve in the longitudinal direction. The sleeve may be adapted, such that ambient air flow is possible in the heating space along the entire length of the sleeve in the longitudinal direction.

The aerosol substrate holder may be at least partially made of heat insulating material. In particular, a radially outer region of the aerosol substrate holder may be made of heat insulating material. This may reduce a heat dissipation to the outside of the device and may improve the heating efficiency of aerosol substrate. The heat insulating material may be heat-resistant of up to at least 450 degrees Celsius.

The aerosol substrate holder may be at least partially made of thermally conductive material. In particular, a radially inner region of the aerosol substrate holder may be made of thermally conductive material. This may allow a better conduction of heat to the aerosol substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The thermally conductive material may be arranged at an inner side of aerosol substrate holder. Thus, heat may be conducted to the aerosol substrate. Dissipation of heat to the outside may be prevented by the heat insulating material.

A cross-sectional area of the heating space may be non-circular, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion laterally outside the aerosol-generating article. Thus, a spacing between a cylindrical aerosol-generating article and the heating space wall of the aerosol generating device may be present.

The heating space portion may comprise one or several air channels, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion to the aerosol-generating article. The channel may extend in the longitudinal direction or may extend along a path, which has at least a component extending in the longitudinal direction. The channel allows that air may enter the heating space at a different longitudinal position than where it enters the aerosol-generating article. Especially, the channel may enable the intake of air at the proximal end of the device and may be adapted to guide the airflow to an air inflow opening of the aerosol-generating article.

The channel may be formed by a notch, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion along the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the channel may extend as a closed channel in the heating space wall.

The heating space portion may comprise at least one lateral protrusion, extending along the longitudinal direction. The aerosol-generating article may abut at the lateral protrusion while a lateral distance may be provided in between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space wall next to the lateral protrusion. Thus, an air flow space may be formed next to the protrusion.

One or several air inlets may be provided in the heating space portion, wherein the one or several air inlets may be positioned closer to the proximal end of the heating space portion than to the distal end of the heating space portion. The air inlet enables that ambient air enters the heating space, then flows into the heated aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, such that aerosol is generated and delivered to a consumer at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, it may be prevented that combustion gases, originating from the distal end of the aerosol-generating device, enter the heating space through the air inlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a combustion space portion forming an at least partially enclosed combustion space, arranged at the distal end of the gas flow prevention portion. Accordingly, the combustion is effected at the distal side of the gas flow prevention portion with respect to the consumer. The consumer may therefore be protected from combustion gases and from contacting significantly heated parts of the aerosol-generating device or the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article, being subject to combustion.

The combustion space portion may be at least partially enclosed by a combustion space wall. The combustion space portion may comprise one or several combustion gas openings. The combustion gas opening may be a combustion exhaust outlet that may facilitate the exhaust of combustion gases from the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article. The combustion exhaust outlet may be provided as a lateral opening in the combustion space portion. The combustion exhaust outlet may be provided at the distal end of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, the combustion exhaust outlet may be arranged in a maximum distance from the air inlet of the heating space portion. The combustion gas opening may also serve as a combustion air inlet, providing ambient air required for the combustion in the heat source portion of the aerosol generating article. One or several combustion exhaust outlets may be provided. The combustion gas opening may be a combustion air inlet, which may be provided separately from the combustion exhaust outlet in the combustion space portion. The combustion air inlet may provide ambient air required for the combustion of the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article. The combustion air inlet may be provided as a lateral opening in the combustion space portion. The combustion air inlet may be provided at the distal end of the aerosol-generating device. One or several combustion air inlets may be provided.

The combustion space portion may comprise a movable cover, adapted to close the combustion gas opening in a first position and leave the combustion gas opening at least partially open in a second position. By closing the combustion gas opening, the combustion of the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article may be extinguished since no air exchange takes places anymore. Additionally, the combustion space may be protected from the outside when the device is not in use and the opening is closed.

The cover may be rotatable with respect to the combustion gas opening along the circumferential direction from the first position to the second position. This may be a convenient way for the consumer to partially or completely close the combustion gas opening. Further, no protruding or external parts are necessary.

The cover may be slidable with respect to the combustion gas opening along the longitudinal direction from the first position to the second position. This may enable another convenient way to partially or completely close the combustion gas opening.

The combustion space portion may provide an end stop for the aerosol-generating article. This end stop may be an element protruding from the combustion space wall, for example a bar or plate, extending in a transversal direction.

An ignition means may be at least partially arranged in the combustion space. The ignition means may be a gas lighter. Accordingly, no external gas lighter is required, for example for igniting the heat source.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect of the present invention in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. The aerosol generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is adapted such that it is engaged around its full outer perimeter by the gas flow prevention portion, to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion. The combustion gases from a heat source portion may be prevented from mixing with the airflow through the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating system is preferably a “heat not burn” system, in which aerosol generating material is heated to release aerosol but not burned.

The aperture of the aerosol-generating device may have a cross-sectional area, which corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article normal to its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may be the main extension direction of the aerosol-generating article. The longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article are preferably aligned, when the aerosol-generating article is arranged in the aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating article may fit tightly with the aerosol-generating device at when their respective cross-sectional areas are longitudinally aligned. One or both cross-sectional areas may vary along the longitudinal direction. For example, the aerosol generating article may be cone-shaped at its outer surface or the aperture of the aerosol generating device may be cone-shaped at its inner surface. A region of the aerosol-generating article and the aperture of the aerosol-generating device may be of complimentary shape.

The aperture of the aerosol-generating device may be adapted to engage the aerosol generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article to prevent flow in between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion. This may prevent combustion gases generated at a heat source portion from flowing into the heating space and thus potentially into the airflow through the aerosol-generating article.

The heating space portion may be adapted to be arranged at least locally in a distance to the aerosol-generating article, to allow the flow of ambient air in between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion. Accordingly, an air flow channel is arranged between the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device, the air flow channel having a depth according to the distance. The air flow channel may allow air to be sucked in through one or several air inlets of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the one or several air inlets can be positioned at a desired location in the heating space portion.

The air inlet may be formed by a distance between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion at the proximal end of the heating space portion. Thus, the lateral side wall of the aerosol-generating device, may be free of air inlets. Preferably, the intake of ambient air takes place at the most proximal end, and therefore most distanced position from a heat source portion. This may reduce the probability that a consumer is subjected to combustion gas.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol substrate portion comprising material configured to generate aerosol upon being heated.

The aerosol substrate portion may comprise a plug of tobacco. The tobacco plug may comprise one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets containing one or more of: tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. Optionally, the tobacco plug may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the tobacco plug. Optionally, the tobacco plug may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds. Such capsules may melt during heating of the tobacco plug. Alternatively, or in addition, such capsules may be crushed prior to, during, or after heating of the tobacco plug.

Where the tobacco plug comprises homogenised tobacco material, the homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenised tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol- former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenised tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise comminuting one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems; alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders, that is tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders, that is tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco. Alternatively, or in addition, sheets of homogenised tobacco material may comprise other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibres, aerosol-formers, humectants, plasticisers, flavourants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and combinations thereof. Sheets of homogenised tobacco material are preferably formed by a casting process of the type generally comprising casting a slurry comprising particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface, drying the cast slurry to form a sheet of homogenised tobacco material and removing the sheet of homogenised tobacco material from the support surface.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between approximately 30 millimetres and approximately 100 millimetres. The aerosol-generating article may have an external diameter of between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 13 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece positioned downstream of the tobacco plug. The mouthpiece may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. Preferably, the mouthpiece is approximately 7 millimetres in length, but can have a length of between approximately 5 millimetres to approximately 10 millimetres.

The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 10 millimetres. The tobacco plug may have a length of approximately 12 millimetres.

The diameter of the tobacco plug may be between approximately 5 millimetres and approximately 12 millimetres.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of between approximately 40 millimetres and approximately 50 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol- generating article has a total length of approximately 45 millimetres. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has an external diameter of approximately 7.2 millimetres.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a heat source portion with combustible material. The heat source portion may provide the heat that is being transferred to the aerosol substrate portion to produce aerosol.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a heat transfer component at least partially formed of heat-conductive material and being arranged between the aerosol substrate portion and the heat source portion. Thus, an efficient heat transfer may be ensured, without the risk to burn the substrate material. A direct contact between the heat source portion and the substrate material could lead to burning the substrate material. The heat-conductive material may be a metal.

The heat transfer component may be impermeable to gas flow. Thus, combustion gases from a heat source portion may be prevented from flowing into the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The heat source portion may comprise pressed carbon. This material may provide a sufficient energy density to provide heat for the duration of a consumption of the aerosol generating article.

The heat source portion may comprise pressed calcium peroxide. The pressed calcium peroxide may provide an oxygen source for the combustion.

The aerosol substrate portion may comprise tobacco or components present in the tobacco plant like for example, nicotine.

The heat transfer component may be disc-shaped. This may be expedient in case of a rod shaped aerosol-generating article, in order to transfer heat over the whole cross-section.

The heat transfer component may comprise aluminum. Aluminum comprises a good thermal conductivity.

The aerosol-generating article may be rod-shaped. This may allow a beneficial production process and an ergonomic design for the consumer.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an air inflow opening, wherein the air inflow opening is arranged inside the heating space of the aerosol-generating device and in communication with the air inlet of the heating space portion. The air inflow opening may facilitate the airflow through the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article, such that the consumer receives the aerosols during consumption.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an air inflow opening in communication with the air inlet of the heating space portion of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the air inflow opening is arranged in the aerosol substrate portion closer to the heat transfer component than to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, the air may flow through the whole aerosol substrate portion, so that the substrate material is used effectively.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter portion. This filter portion may filter undesired substances and may be arranged at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece. This mouthpiece may comprise the filter portion. The mouthpiece section may be liquid resistant, in particular water resistant. The mouthpiece may be a recessed mouthpiece, having a cavity opening towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

The length of the heat source holder in the longitudinal direction is 80 percent to 120 percent of the length of the heat source portion. The length of the heat source holder in the longitudinal direction may correspond to the length of the heat source portion.

The heat transfer component may be located within the gas flow prevention portion when the aerosol-generating article abuts the heat source holder. Thus, it may be facilitated for the consumer to position the article in the aerosol-generating device, such that combustion gases are prevented from flowing into the heating space of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a marking that indicates a correct positioning in the device. The marking may be adapted to be aligned with a marking on the aerosol-generating device or the insert-opening of the aerosol-generating device.

A length of the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may be longer than the length of the heat space in the longitudinal direction. Consequently, the aerosol generating article may protrude from the aerosol-generating device.

The combustion space portion may be made at least partially of heat insulating material. Thus, the aerosol-generating device may be handled by a consumer without uncomfortable heat sensations.

An elastic element may be arranged in the combustion space, wherein the elastic element may be configured to apply an elastic force to the heat source portion against the longitudinal direction to stabilize the heat source portion. The elastic element may comprise a spring. This may prevent that parts of the heat source portion dislodge during the combustion. Thus, the heat source portion may be kept integrally in place while generating heat for the aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an activation means, configured to activate an ignition of the heat source portion. The activation means may be an electrical switch.

The switch may be formed by a manually operable button at the outer side of the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, a consumer may ignite the heat source portion to provide the heating when needed. The activation means may be arranged within the aerosol-generating device, the activation means being configured to be activated by the aerosol-generating article when inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Thus, a consumer does not need to separately ignite the heat source portion, since it is ignited automatically upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article. The activation means may comprise a light sensor or light barrier. The activation means may comprise a mechanical contact sensor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating aerosol with an aerosol-generating device, comprising a heating space. The aerosol is generated by an aerosol-generating article, comprising an aerosol substrate portion and a heat source portion with a combustible material. The method comprises the steps of inserting the aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device, such that the aerosol substrate portion is at least partially received in the heating space and the heat source portion is at least partially arranged outside of the heating space; igniting the combustible heat source portion; transferring heat from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol generating article via a thermally conductive part of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the thermally conductive part is in contact with both the aerosol substrate portion and the heat source portion.

Thus, heat from a combustion of the heat source portion may be transferred to the aerosol substrate portion disposed in a heating space, wherein the combustion is effected outside of the heating space. This may prevent that combustion exhaust gases flow into the aerosol substrate portion.

The thermally conductive part may be arranged at the inside of a gas flow prevention portion of the aerosol-generating device, engaging the aerosol-generating article and preventing gas flow from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion within the aerosol-generating device.

The gas flow in the aerosol-generating article from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion may also be prevented by means of an air-impermeable heat transfer component in the aerosol-generating article. The heat transfer component may be arranged in between the heat source portion and the aerosol substrate portion. Thus, combustion gases may be prevented from reaching the aerosol substrate within the aerosol-generating article.

The igniting of the heat source portion may be carried out by means of a combustion heater. A flame may provide immediate heat, so that the aerosol-generating device is immediately useable.

The igniting of the heat source portion may be carried out by means of an electrical heater. The electrical heater may be configured to provide a predetermined heating power, such that the desired temperature for ignition may be met in a predetermined time range. A combustion of the heat source portion may be extinguished by closing the combustion gas openings. This may interrupt the oxygen supply. Interrupting the oxygen supply allows ending the consumer experience. Closing the gas openings further may close entirely the heat source portion and thus creating a safe storage of the aerosol-generating device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of a longitudinal extending aerosol-generating device that circumferentially surrounds an aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate portion and a combustible heat source portion separated by an air-impermeable heat transfer component, to prevent the bypass flow of combustion gases from the heat source portion to the aerosol-generating substrate portion around the heat transfer component.

The device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments or the system according to the second aspect of the invention may be used according to the method of the third aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments. The method according to the third aspect of the invention may be performed in any of its embodiments by using the device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments or the system according to the second aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments. The use of a longitudinal extending aerosol generating device according to a fourth aspect of the invention may be performed with the device according to the first aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments, the system according to the second aspect of the invention or by using method steps from the method according to the third aspect of the invention in any of its embodiments.

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

Example Ex1 : Aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises: a heating space portion forming a heating space extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein the heating space portion comprises an insert-opening for inserting an aerosol generating article at a proximal end; a gas flow prevention portion at the distal end of the heating space portion, wherein the heating space portion comprises an air inlet, the air inlet being adapted to enable a flow of ambient air into the aerosol-generating article; wherein the gas flow prevention portion is adapted to engage the aerosol-generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion. Example Ex2: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex1 , wherein the gas flow prevention portion forms an aperture, wherein a cross-sectional area of the aperture is smaller than a cross sectional area of the heating space.

Example Ex3: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex2, wherein a cross-sectional area of the aperture of the gas flow prevention portion is circular.

Example Ex4: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex3, wherein the gas flow prevention portion comprises a wall element, protruding at the inner side of the gas flow prevention portion and adapted to engage the aerosol-generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article.

Example Ex5: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein a heat source holder for holding a heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the distal end of the gas flow prevention portion.

Example Ex6: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex5, wherein the heat source holder comprises an end stop at its distal end.

Example Ex7: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex5 to Ex6, wherein the heat source holder is formed by at least one bar extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the at least one bar comprises an end portion inclined towards the inside to form the end stop.

Example Ex8: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex7, wherein the end portion inclined is inclined at an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees regarding the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex9: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex5 to Ex8, wherein the heat source holder comprises a mesh or grating, adapted to collect debris from the heat source portion.

Example Ex10: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex5 to Ex9, wherein the heat source holder comprises an ignition means, adapted to igniting the heat source portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex11: Aerosol-generating device according to Example 10, wherein the ignition means is formed by an electrically conductive part of the heat source holder, adapted for being electrically heated.

Example Ex12: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex11, further comprising a battery providing electric power for heating the electrically conductive part by electrical resistance heating or induction heating.

Example Ex13: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein an aerosol substrate holder for holding an aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol- generating article extends at the proximal end of the gas flow prevention portion in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex14: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex13, wherein the aerosol substrate holder is formed as a sleeve, wherein the inner surface of the sleeve is in surface contact with the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex15: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex14, wherein the aerosol substrate holder is at least partially made of heat insulating material.

Example Ex16: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex15, wherein the aerosol substrate holder is at least partially made of thermally conductive material.

Example Ex17. Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex13 to Ex16, wherein a thermally conductive material is arranged at an inner side of aerosol substrate holder.

Example Ex18: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein a cross-sectional area of the heating space is non-circular, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion laterally outside the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex19: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex18, wherein the heating space portion comprises one or several air channels, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion to the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex20: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex19, wherein the air channel may be formed by a notch, enabling the flow of ambient air in the heating space portion along the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex21 : Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex20, wherein the heating space portion comprises at least one lateral protrusion, extending along the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex22: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex21, wherein one or several air inlets are provided in the heating space portion, wherein the one or several air inlets are positioned closer to the proximal end of the heating space portion than to the distal end of the heating space portion.

Example Ex23: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a combustion space portion forming an at least partially enclosed combustion space, arranged at the distal end of the gas flow prevention portion.

Example Ex24: Aerosol-generating device according Example Ex23, wherein the combustion space portion comprises one or several combustion gas openings.

Example Ex25: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex24, wherein the combustion space portion comprises a movable cover, adapted to close the combustion gas opening in a first position and leave the combustion gas opening at least partially open in a second position. Example Ex26: Aerosol-generating device according to Example Ex25, wherein the cover is rotatable with respect to the combustion gas opening from the first position to the second position.

Example Ex27: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex26, wherein the cover is slidable with respect to the combustion gas opening from the first position to the second position.

Example Ex28: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex27, wherein the combustion space portion provides an end stop for the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex29: Aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex23 to Ex28, wherein an ignition means is at least partially arranged in the combustion space.

Example Ex30: Aerosol-generating system, comprising: the aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims; and an aerosol-generating article; wherein the aerosol-generating article is adapted such that it is engaged around its full outer perimeter by the gas flow prevention portion, to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol generating article and the gas flow prevention portion.

Example Ex31 : Aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex30, wherein the aperture of the aerosol-generating device has a cross-sectional area, which corresponds to the cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating article normal to its longitudinal direction.

Example Ex32: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex31 , wherein the aperture of the aerosol-generating device is adapted to engage the aerosol generating article around the full outer perimeter of the aerosol generating article to prevent flow in between the aerosol-generating article and the gas flow prevention portion.

Example Ex33: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex32, wherein the heating space portion is adapted to be arranged at least locally in a distance to the aerosol-generating article, to allow the flow of ambient air in between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion.

Example Ex34: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex33, wherein the air inlet is formed by a distance between the aerosol-generating article and the heating space portion.

Example Ex35: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex34, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol substrate portion comprising material configured to generate aerosol upon being heated.

Example Ex36: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex35, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a heat source portion with combustible material. Example Ex37: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex36, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a heat transfer component at least partially formed of heat-conductive material and being arranged between the aerosol substrate portion and the heat source portion.

Example Ex38: Aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex37, wherein the heat transfer component is impermeable to gas flow.

Example Ex39: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex38, wherein the heat source portion comprises pressed carbon.

Example Ex40: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex39, wherein the heat source portion comprises pressed calcium peroxide.

Example Ex41: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex40, wherein the aerosol substrate portion comprises tobacco.

Example Ex42: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex41, wherein the heat transfer component is disc-shaped.

Example Ex43: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex42, wherein the heat transfer component comprises aluminum.

Example Ex44: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex43, wherein the aerosol-generating article is rod-shaped.

Example Ex45: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex44, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an air inflow opening, wherein the air inflow opening is arranged inside the heating space of the aerosol-generating device and in communication with the air inlet of the heating space portion.

Example Ex46: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex45, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an air inflow opening in communication inflow opening is arranged in the aerosol substrate portion closer to the heat transfer component than to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

Example Ex47: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex46, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a filter portion.

Example Ex48: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex47, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a mouthpiece.

Example Ex49: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex36 to Ex48, wherein the length of the heat source holder in the longitudinal direction is 80 percent to 120 percent of the length of the heat source portion. Example Ex50: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex37 to Ex49, wherein the heat transfer component is located within the gas flow prevention portion when the aerosol-generating article abuts the heat source holder.

Example Ex51 : Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex35 to Ex50, wherein a length of the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article is longer than the length of the heat space in the longitudinal direction.

Example Ex52: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex51, wherein the combustion space portion is at least partially made of heat insulating material.

Example Ex53: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex52, wherein an elastic element is arranged in the combustion space, wherein the elastic element is configured to apply an elastic force to press the heat source portion against the longitudinal direction to stabilize the heat source portion.

Example Ex54: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex30 to Ex53, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an activation means, configured to activate an ignition of the heat source portion.

Example Ex55: Aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex54, wherein the activation means is arranged as a manually operable button at the outer side of the aerosol generating device.

Example Ex56: Aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex54 to Ex55, wherein the activation means is arranged within the aerosol-generating device, the activation means being configured to be activated by the aerosol-generating article when inserted into the device.

Example Ex57: Method for generating aerosol with an aerosol-generating device, comprising a heating space, wherein the aerosol is generated by an aerosol-generating article, comprising an aerosol substrate portion and a heat source portion with a combustible material, the method comprising the steps of:

- inserting the aerosol-generating article into an aerosol-generating device, such that the aerosol substrate portion is at least partially received in the heating space and the heat source portion is at least partially arranged outside of the heating space;

- igniting the combustible heat source portion;

- transferring heat from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article via a thermally conductive part of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the thermally conductive part is in contact with both the aerosol substrate portion and the heat source portion.

Example Ex58: Method according to example Ex57, comprising the further step of arranging the thermally conductive part at the inside of a gas flow prevention portion of the aerosol-generating device, preventing gas flow on the outside of the aerosol-generating article from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion.

Example Ex59: Method according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex58, wherein gas flow in the aerosol-generating article from the heat source portion to the aerosol substrate portion is prevented by means of an air-impermeable heat transfer component in the aerosol-generating article arranged in between the heat source portion and the aerosol substrate portion.

Example Ex60: Method according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex59, wherein the igniting of the heat source portion is carried out by means of a combustion heater.

Example Ex61: Method according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex60, wherein the igniting of the heat source portion is carried out by means of an electrical heater.

Example Ex62: Method according to any one of Examples Ex57 to Ex61, comprising the further step of extinguishing the heat source portion by closing the combustion gas openings.

Example Ex63: Use of a longitudinal extending aerosol-generating device that circumferentially surrounds an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate portion and a combustible heat source portion separated by an air-impermeable heat transfer component, to prevent the bypass flow of combustion gases from the heat source portion to the aerosol-generating substrate portion around the heat transfer component.

Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device comprising a heating space and a combustion space.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol generating device with an aerosol-generating article inserted.

Fig. 3 shows an aerosol-generating system, with the aerosol-generating device in cross- section and the integral aerosol-generating article.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device with an aerosol generating article inserted.

Fig 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 7 shows a transversal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 1 comprising a heating space portion 3 with a heating space wall 4 forming a heating space 5, a gas flow prevention portion 7 and a combustion space portion 9 with a combustion space wall 10 forming a combustion space 11. The term “portion” denotes parts of or entire structural elements of the aerosol-generating device 1, in particular wall elements or housing parts. The device has its biggest extent along a longitudinal direction 100. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 100 the device 1 extends into a transversal direction 200. A proximal end 13 refers to a side which is closer to the consumer, when consuming aerosol from the aerosol-generating device 1 and a distal end 15 refers to a side which is further away from the consumer. At the proximal end 13 of the aerosol-generating device 1 , which coincides with a proximal end of the heating space 5, an insert-opening 17 for inserting an aerosol-generating article 37 is formed. An air inlet 19 facilitates a flow of ambient air into the device 1 , in particular into the heating space 5. The gas flow prevention portion 7 is positioned at a distal end 21 of the heating space portion 3, and comprises a wall element 23 protruding at the inner side 24 of the gas flow prevention portion 7 and forming an aperture 25, which is adapted to receive a portion of an aerosol-generating article 37. A heat source holder 27 protrudes from a distal end 29 of the gas flow prevention portion 7 in the longitudinal direction 100. An end stop 33 is provided at a distal end 31 of the heat source holder 27. The aerosol-generating article may be pushed into the device 1 until the end stop 33. The heat source holder 27 comprises igniting means 28 adapted for igniting a heat source portion 41 of an aerosol generating article 37 by electrical resistance heating. The combustion space portion 9 comprises a combustion gas opening 35, which facilitates air exchange with the combustion space 11 in order to allow combustion therein.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 40 comprising an aerosol-generating device 1 with an aerosol-generating article 37 inserted. The aerosol generating article 37 comprises an aerosol substrate portion 39, a heat source portion 41 and a heat transfer component 43 arranged in between. The aerosol substrate portion 39 comprises material 45 configured to generate aerosol upon being heated, for example a material comprising tobacco, a cooling portion 47, providing a space for the airflow to cool, and a filter portion 49 at a proximal end 50. An air inflow opening 51 is arranged in the heat source portion 41 in the area where the aerosol generating material 45 is disposed and allows a flow of ambient air 53 to enter the aerosol-generating article 37 and to flow through the aerosol generating material 45. The size of the aerosol-generating article 37 is such that it protrudes through the insert-opening 17 against the longitudinal direction 100 when fully inserted and that a distance 12 is kept from the aerosol generating article 37 to the heating space wall 4. Due to this distance, the air inlet 19 is formed between the aerosol-generating article 37 and the heating space portion 3 as part of the insert opening 17 at the proximal end 13. Thus, an extra insert opening 19 as shown in figure 1, disposed in the side surface of the heating space portion 3 may be omitted. The wall element 23 of the gas flow prevention portion 7 engages the aerosol-generating article 37 around the full outer perimeter 20 of the aerosol generating article 37 to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol-generating article 37 and the gas flow prevention portion 7. Since the heat transfer component 43 is also gas-impermeable, gas flow from the combustion space 11 to the heating space 5 is prevented both along the outside and in the inside of the aerosol-generating article 37. A combustion heater in form of a gas lighter 55 is arranged in the combustion space 11 and is adapted to ignite combustible material 57 of the heat source portion 41 with a flame 59.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system 40 with an aerosol generating article 37 inserted, wherein the surface of the aerosol-generating article 37 is illustrated. The heating space portion 3 comprises lateral protrusions 61 extending in the longitudinal direction 100 to stabilize the aerosol-generating article 37 and guide the aerosol generating article 37 during insertion. The lateral protrusions 61 may be discrete fin-like structures or spirally extending protrusions on the inside of the heating space wall 4 as illustrated. The lateral protrusions 61 allow a flow of ambient air 53 to reach the air inflow openings 51 of the aerosol generating article 37. The heat source holder 27 comprises one or more bars 63 extending in the longitudinal direction 100 with an end portion 65 inclined towards the inside to form the end stop 33. In this example, the heat source holder 27 is formed as a grating. The combustion gas opening 35 is formed at the distal end of the combustion space portion 9.

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 37 arranged in an aerosol-generating device 1 with an aerosol substrate holder 67 extending at a proximal end 30 of the gas flow prevention portion 7. The aerosol-substrate holder 67 comprises a heat insulating part 69. The aerosol-generating article 37 comprises a thermally conductive part 71 extending in the longitudinal direction 100. The thermally conductive part 71 may be in the form of a hollow cylinder. The thermally conductive part 71 may be integral with or connected to the heat transfer component 43. The thermally conductive part 71 is in contact with the heat source portion 41 and the aerosol substrate portion 39 of the aerosol-generating article 37 in order to transfer heat additionally to the heat transfer component 43. The heat insulating part 69, and in particular a protrusion 70 of the heat insulating part 69 may be in contact with the thermally conductive part 71 around the full perimeter of the aerosol-generating article 37 to prevent gas flow.

In another embodiment, the thermally conductive part 71 may be part of the aerosol substrate holder 67 and engages the aerosol-generating article 37 around the full outer perimeter to prevent gas flow in between the aerosol-generating article 37 and the gas flow prevention portion 7. The thermally conductive part 71 may be locally embedded into the heat insulating part 69. A wall element 23 connects the aerosol substrate holder 67 to the walls 4, 10 of the heating space portion 3 and combustion space portion 9. An elastic element 72 in the form of a spring is arranged in the combustion space 11 and presses against the heat source portion 41 of the aerosol-generating article 37 in order to stabilize the heat source portion 41. An activation means 78 is arranged within the aerosol-generating device 1 and is configured to automatically activate an ignition of the heat source portion 41 , upon detecting insertion of the aerosol-generating article 37 in the combustion space 11. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system 40 with an aerosol generating article 37 inserted. The combustion space portion 9 comprises a movable cover 73, which can be rotated or slid in order to open and close the combustion gas openings 35. The movable cover 73 may be moveable with respect to an adjacent fixed cover 75. Openings 77 in the movable cover 73 may be of the same shape as the combustion gas openings 35 of the combustion space portion 9. An activation means 79 in the form of a button allows to manually activate the ignition of the heat source portion 41 by a consumer.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 40 with an aerosol-generating article 37 inserted in an aerosol-generating device 1. In this embodiment the aerosol-generating article 37 is engaged by the heating space portion 3 and the gas flow prevention portion 7. A longitudinal airflow channel 81 is formed by a longitudinal notch 83 in order to allow an ambient air flow 53 to the air inflow openings 51 of the aerosol-generating article 37. The longitudinal notch 83 enters into a circumferential notch 85, which supplies the ambient air flow 53 to the air inflow openings 51 arranged circumferentially around the aerosol generating article 37. The air inlet 19 is formed through the longitudinal notch 83 at the insert opening 17.

Fig. 7 shows a transversal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 1 comprising the longitudinal notch 83 as shown in Fig. 6. The longitudinal notch 83 provides the airflow channel 81 from the air inlet 19 to the air inflow openings 51 of the aerosol-generating article 37. The inner circular area represents a cross-sectional area 87 of the aperture 25 as shown in figure 6, since the inner side surfaces are straight in this embodiment. The inner circular area plus the cross-sectional area of the notch 83 represents the cross-sectional area 89 of the heating space 5. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area 87 of the aperture 25 is smaller than the cross-sectional area 89 of the heating space 5.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 40 with an aerosol-generating article 37 inserted in an aerosol-generating device 1. The heating space portion 3 comprises the transversal notch 85 surrounding the air inflow openings 51 circumferentially. The air inlet 19 is disposed laterally in the transversal notch 85 and provides the flow of ambient air 53 into the aerosol-generating article 37.

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