EP4337041A1

EP4337041A1 - Aerosol generating device comprising a pushing bar

Info

Publication number: EP4337041A1
Application number: EP22728451.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Takeshi Akiyama
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-09
Publication date: 2024-03-20
Also published as: US20240237735A1; KR20240006540A; JP2024517083A; TW202243603A; WO2022238336A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the heating chamber (45) configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate (12); - an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a pushing bar (81) formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejecting position; the pushing bar (81) comprising a pushing element (89) configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate (12) from the heating chamber (45) by pushing while the pushing bar (81) is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position.

Description

1

Aerosol generating device comprising a pushing bar

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device comprising a pushing bar.

The aerosol generating device according to the invention is configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate which presents for example a solid substrate able to form aerosol when being heated. Thus, such type of aerosol generating devices, also known as heat-not-burn devices, is adapted to heat, rather than burn, the substrate by conduction, convection and/or radiation, to generate aerosol for inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporisers) has grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm vaporizable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is the heated substrate aerosol generating device or heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 350°C. Heating an aerosol substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases aerosol that comprises the components sought by the user but not the toxic and carcinogenic by products of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco or other vaporizable material does not typically comprise the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant for the user and so the substrate does not therefore require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapour more palatable for the user.

The aerosol substrate, also known as aerosol generating substrate, presents a consumable part of the aerosol generating device. Thus, it has to be replaced by another one when it is not able anymore to produce aerosol or/and desired taste by the user. In 2 some aerosol generating devices, replacing an aerosol generating substrate by a new one can be laborious for the user. Additionally, some aerosol generating substrates may leave residues inside the device that can deteriorate the operation of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is to provide an aerosol generating device allowing the user to replace an aerosol generating substrate in a particularly simple way and without leaving residues inside the device.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate and comprising:

- a device body extending along a device axis and defining at least one side extending along the device axis;

- a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the heating chamber configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate through the open end;

- an ejection mechanism comprising a pushing bar formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber between a retracted position and an ejecting position; the pushing bar comprising a pushing element configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate from the heating chamber by pushing it from the closed end toward the open end while the pushing bar is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position.

The ejection mechanism can be actuated by the user to replace easily the aerosol generating substrate without leaving residues inside the device. This is achieved by using the pushing element which pushes the substrate to eject it outside the heating chamber. The pushing element is moved by the pushing bar which can be actuated directly or indirectly by the user. Additionally, the pushing bar is made from a flexible material like semi-soft silicone that makes it possible to arrange the bar within a restricted volume of the aerosol generating device without rendering it cumbersome and uncomfortable for use.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber comprises at least one heating wall configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate, the heating wall comprising an 3 inner surface, and the pushing element is configured to be in contact with the inner surface of the heating wall while pushing the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the pushing bar can eject from the heating chamber residues of the aerosol generating substrate which can remain on the inner surface of the heating wall.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber extends along the device axis and the device body further comprises a mouthpiece defining a through-hole extending along the device axis and facing the open end of the heating chamber, the mouthpiece being configured to receive a mouthpiece part of the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, it is possible to use a mouthpiece separated from the aerosol generating substrate. This mouthpiece can make a part of the aerosol generating device and be eventually replaceable.

According to some embodiments, the pushing element is further configured to cross the heating chamber and at least a part of the through-hole of the mouthpiece while pushing the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the ejection of the aerosol generating device may be more performant. Moreover, risks of blocking the substrate inside the heating chamber and/or mouthpiece are reduced. Additionally, by passing at least partially through the mouthpiece, the pushing element can eject from the mouthpiece residues formed by the aerosol generating substrate.

According to some embodiments, the pushing element further comprises cleaning means configured to clean the through-hole of the mouthpiece and/or the heating chamber, while pushing the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the pushing element may not only eject the residues remaining after using the aerosol generating substrate but also clean internal surfaces of the heating chamber and/or at least a part of the mouthpiece. This is particularly useful when residues, notably small residues, remain attached to the internal surface while for example being heated. 4

According to some embodiments, the pushing element is configured to seal impermeably the heating chamber at the closed end when the pushing bar is in the retracted position.

According to some embodiments, the open end of the heating chamber defines a unique air permeable opening of the heating chamber, when the pushing bar is in the retracted position.

Thanks to these features, the airflow can enter inside the heating chamber only through the open end of the chamber. This allows arranging an airflow path inside the device in a suitable manner. For example, before entering in the heating chamber, the airflow can flow outside the chamber and thus, cool down the external surface of the device while its operation. Thus, this makes it possible to decrease the temperature of the device’s housing and reduce the risk of burning the user.

According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism further comprises an actuator configured to move the pushing bar between the retracted position and the ejecting position; and the pushing bar extends between a proximal end receiving the pushing element and a distal end fixed to the actuator.

Thanks to these features, the user can manually activate the ejection of the aerosol generating substrate from the device.

According to some embodiments, the pushing bar is configured to slide between said positions following a winding pathway comprising two parallel straight sections, each of the proximal end and the distal end being slidable in a respective straight section of the winding pathway.

Thanks to these features, the pushing bar can be arranged inside the aerosol generating device in a compact way.

According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism further comprises guiding means causing the pushing bar to follow the winding pathway.

Thanks to these features, the pushing bare can be guided precisely by the guiding means that reduces the risks of blocking the bar. 5

According to some embodimentsthe actuator is configured to slide in a slot between a distal position causing the retracted position of the pushing bar and a proximal position causing the ejecting position of the pushing bar.

Thanks to these features, the actuator can be easily actuated by the user.

According to some embodiments, said slot is arranged on the side wall of the device body; preferably, the actuator is configured to fit closely the slot at least at the distal position to prevent air entering inside the device body.

Thanks to these features, it is possible to design accurately an airflow path inside the aerosol generating device since the airflow can enter inside the device only by predetermined air inlets.

According to some embodiments, comprising a heater adjacent to an outer surface of the heating wall.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating substrate can be heated by heat transfer through at least one wall of the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the cup-shaped heating chamber defines a rectangular cross-section.

Thanks to these features, it is possible to use an aerosol generating substrate having a flat shape.

According to some embodiments, the cup-shaped heating chamber is delimited by at least two opposite heating walls, each heating wall defining an inner surface, the pushing element being configured to be in contact with the inner surface of each heating wall, while pushing the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the pushing bar can eject from the heating chamber residues of the aerosol generating substrate which can remain on the inner surface of each heating wall. 6

The invention furthermore relates to an assembly comprising an aerosol generating device as described above and an aerosol generating substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting example and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating substrate usable with the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a perspective view of a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 , the heating chamber receiving the aerosol generating substrate of Figure 2;

- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3 according to plane IV;

- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 according to plane V, the aerosol generating substrate being inserted inside the aerosol generating device;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to the view of Figure 5 wherein the aerosol generating substrate is ejected from the aerosol generating device;

- Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pushing bar comprised in the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 8 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to the view of Figure 4 showing a preferred example of a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 7

Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that it is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” or “device” may include a vaping device to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, by means of a heater element explained in further detail below. The device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating the heater element for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to enable a variable amount of vapour to be provided (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.). The device may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and/or the heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol pre-cursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

As used herein, the term “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also 8 comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binding agent, a stabilizing agent, and a humectant.

FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The aerosol generating device 10 is intended to operate with an aerosol generating substrate 12 shown in more detail on Figure 2.

In reference to Figure 2, the aerosol generating substrate 12 is for example a flatshaped cuboid extending along a substrate axis X and having external dimensions LxWxD. In a typical example, the length L of the substrate according to the substrate axis X equals substantially to 33 mm while its width W and depth D are substantially equal respectively to 12 mm and 1 ,2 mm. According to different examples, the values L, W and D can be selected within a range of +/- 40%, for example. The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, called hereinafter substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, called hereinafter substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to other embodiments of the invention, the aerosol generating substrate 12 can have any other suitable shape and/or external dimensions. For example, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may form a circular tube shape.

The aerosol generating substrate 12 comprises a heater part 15 and a mouthpiece part 16 arranged along the substrate axis X. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may comprise only the heater part 15. The heater part 15 may for example be slightly longer than the mouthpiece part 16. For example, the length L2 of the heater part 15 according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 18 mm and the length L1 of the mouthpiece part 16 according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 15 mm. The heater part 15 defines an abutting end 18 of the substrate 12 and the mouthpiece part 16 defines a mouth end 20 of the substrate 12. The heater part 15 and the mouthpiece part 16 may be fixed one to the other by a unique wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. In other embodiments, the parts 15, 16 may be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed one to the other by any other suitable mean. The or each wrapper may, for example, comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium. The or each wrapper may be porous or air impermeable. The or each wrapper forms a plurality of airflow channels extending inside the substrate 12 between the abutting end 18 and the mouth end 20. 9

The heater part 14 is intended to be heated by a heater (using a heating chamber in the present example) and comprises vaporizable material as defined above. According to the first and the second embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece part 16 is intended to be received inside a mouthpiece as it will be explained in further detail below. According to other embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece part 16 forms itself a mouthpiece intended to be in contact with the user’s mouth and/or lips. The mouthpiece part 16 comprises a core 17 acting for example like a filter. The core 17 may for example be a foam, or packed strands or fibres. The core 17 may be formed through an extrusion and/or rolling process into a stable shape. The substrate may be shaped to provide one or more airflow channels. In the particular example of Figure 2, the mouthpiece part 16 defines a plurality of venting holes 22 arranged for example according to the whole perimeter of the mouthpiece part 16 along two axis perpendicular to the substrate axis X. In other words, according to this example, the venting holes 22 are arranged on each wall of the substrate among the substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to another example, the venting holes 22 are arranged only on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B or preferably, only on one of the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In both examples, the venting holes 22 may be aligned perpendicularly to the substrate axis on the or each corresponding wall of the substrate 12, and can be spaced by a same distance. The venting holes 22 allow fresh air entering inside the substrate 12 to achieve particular vaping/tasting effects.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a device body 30 extending along a device axis Y and forming at least one side wall 40 of the device 10. The device body 30 comprises a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 arranged successively according to the device axis Y. According to the example of Figure 1 , the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form one single piece. In this case, the side wall 140 has for example a smooth external surface and defines a smooth transition zone between the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34. According to other examples, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two different pieces. Particularly, according to these examples, the mouthpiece 32 is designed to be fixed on or be received in an insertion opening formed at one of the ends of the housing 34.

In each transversal cross section, the housing 34 may for example form a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges. In this case, the housing 34 with the mouthpiece 32 form at least four side walls 40. According to other embodiments, the housing 34 can have 10 a round cross-sectional shape. In this case, it can form with the mouthpiece 32 only one side wall 40. The housing 34 can be sealed at the end opposite to the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 and eventually the mouthpiece 32 can be made of any suitable material like aluminium or plastic. In some embodiments, this material can be a thermally conductive material. In some other embodiments, it can be a thermally insulating material.

In some embodiments, the housing 34 can form on the corresponding part of the device side wall 40 one or several openings suitable for arranging control and/or visual elements. For example, such element may comprise actuators, control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. Particularly, in the example of Figure 1 , the housing 34 forms a slot 42 receiving an actuator which will be explained in further detail below. According to some examples, the slot 42 or any other slot arranged on the side wall 40 may receive for example a LED indicating at least an ON state of the device 10. It can also indicate for example a battery law state, an error state, etc.

The housing 34 delimits an internal space of the device 10 receiving various elements designed to carry out different functionalities of the device 10. This internal space can for example receive a battery for powering the device 10, a control module for controlling the operation of the device 10, a heating chamber 45 for heating the aerosol generating substrate 12, at least one heating element 47 for heating the heating chamber 45 and an ejection mechanism 48 designed for ejection the aerosol forming substrate 12 from the heating chamber 45. Among these elements, only the heating chamber 45, the heating element 47 and the ejection mechanism 48 will be explained in further detail in reference to the following Figures.

As it is shown on Figures 5 and 6, the mouthpiece 32 is crossed by a through-hole 60 extending along the device axis Y between a distal portion 62 and a flow outlet 64. Particularly, the through-hole 60 is designed to receive the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 so as the substrate axis X coincides with the device axis Y. Thus, the through-hole 60 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12 and defines internal dimensions slightly greater than the external dimensions of the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. Particularly, in the example of the Figures, the through-hole 60 defines a rectangular cross-section to be able to receive the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 shown on Figure 2. In some embodiments, the through-hole 60 may have variable cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the through-hole 60 can have gradually decreasing cross- 11 sectional dimensions (notably the width) from the distal portion 62 to the flow outlet 64. Additionally, the through-hole 60 and the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 can have the same length measured respectfully according to the device axis Y and the substrate axis X. According to another embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be less than the length of the through- hole 60 so as the mouth end 20 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be flushed at the flow outlet 64.

The distal portion 62 opens to the heating chamber 45 and allows insertion of the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 inside the heating chamber 45. In the example of the Figures, the distal portion 62 forms an opening which is in fluid communication with a flow inlet 66 arranged on the side wall 40 of the device body 30. In this example, the flow inlet 66 is formed in the transition zone between the housing 34 and the mouthpiece 32. According to other examples, the flow inlet 66 may be formed at any other point of the device body 30. For example, it may be formed on the wall of the housing 34 opposite to the mouthpiece 32.

In the embodiment where the aerosol generating substrate 12 comprises the venting holes 22, at least some of these venting holes 22 are arranged to face the flow inlet 66.

In reference to Figures 3 and 4, the heating chamber 45 forms a cup-shaped heating chamber extending along the device axis Y between an open end 70 and a closed end 71. The heating chamber 45 is designed to receive the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. For this purpose, the heating chamber 45 defines substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12. Particularly, in the example of the figures, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. Each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B can be made from a thermally conductive material like a metal. Additionally, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B or all of these walls can form a single piece.

The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by the length L3 measured according the device axis Y, the width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, D3 are chosen 12 basing on the external dimensions L2, W, D of the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

Particularly, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 is chosen slightly greater than the depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12 or substantially equal to this depth D. In this case, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B can be in contact with the chamber contact walls 74 A, 74B when the heater part 15 of the of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B are in a tight contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 can be even slightly less than the normal depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and/or the mouthpiece 32 is(are) configured to compress the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 by exerting force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the tight contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12 and thus, to improve heat transfer between these walls.

The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is chosen so as at least one pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 forms an airflow channel between them. Advantageously, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is chosen so as each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 forms an airflow channel between them. In other words, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is chosen so as to form a distance d1 between each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B as it is shown on Figure 4. Particularly, in the example of this Figure, W3=W+2d1 . The distance d1 may for example be chosen substantially equal to the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45. In this case, when the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted in the heating chamber 45, an airflow channel of substantially square cross-section is formed along the device axis Y on either lateral side of the aerosol generating substrate 12. Of course, the distance d1 may be chosen equal to any other value depending on the flow rate required inside the aerosol generating substrate 12 while its heating.

As shown on Figures 3 and 4, the heating element 47 is arranged in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B outside of the heating chamber 45. Particularly, in the example of these Figures, the heating element 47 is arranged adjacent to an outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A. This chamber contact wall 74A may thus be called 13 heating wall with an internal surface in contact with aerosol generating substrate 12. The heating element 47 may comprise a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the total area of said outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A or only along a part of this surface. In this last case, said part may form a width substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The heating element 45 is powered by the battery and controlled by the control module of the aerosol generating device 10. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 10 may comprise two heating elements 47, each heating element 47 being attached on the outer surface of one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. In this case, the heating chamber 45 forms two heating walls 74A, 74B. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 10 further comprises an insulator arranged between the or each heating element 47 and an inner surface of the housing 34. The same insulator may also be arranged between an outer surface of each of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

The ejection mechanism 48 is shown in more detail on Figures 5 to 7. In reference to these Figures, the ejection mechanism 48 comprises a pushing bar 81 and actuator 82 fixed to the pushing bar 81 .

The pushing bar 81 is configured to slide within the heating chamber 45 and advantageously within at least a part of the mouthpiece 32, between a retracted position (shown on Figure 5) and an ejecting position (shown on Figure 6). Particularly, in the retracted position of the pushing bar 81 , the device 10 and notably the heating chamber 45 are designed to operate normally, i.e. to generate aerosol from the aerosol generating substrate 12 received partially in the heating chamber 45. In the ejecting position, the pushing bar 81 is ejecting the aerosol forming substrate 12 from the heating chamber 45, when for example the device and the heating chamber 45 are not operated to generate aerosol.

In the example of the Figures, the pushing bar 81 extends between a proximal end 85 and a distal end 87. The distal end 87 is fixed to the actuator 82. The proximal end 85 receives a pushing element 89 configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate 12 from the heating chamber 45 by pushing it from the closed end 71 toward the open end 70 of the heating chamber 45 while the pushing bar 81 is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position. 14

In the retracted position of the pushing bar 81 , the pushing element 89 forms a wall of the hearting chamber 45 which seals its closed end 71 . Advantageously, in this position, the pushing element 89 is configured to seal impermeably the heating chamber 45 so as the unique air permeable opening of the chamber 45 is formed on its open end 70 as shown on Figure 3. Additionally, in this case, the pushing element 89 may define a rib protruding axially into the heating chamber 45 and making it possible to keep the abutting end 18 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 with a distance from the pushing element 89 when the aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted partially into the heating chamber 45. This distance allows the airflow to make a “U”-turn inside the heating chamber 45. According to other embodiments, the pushing element 89 may form an inlet hole making it possible air entering in the chamber 45 through its closed end 71 . In this case, the pushing element 89 can be provided without ribs and the heating chamber 45 may be provided without airflow channel between at least one pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 73B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12.

While sliding the pushing bar 81 from the retracted position to the ejecting position, the pushing element 89 is able to slide through the heating chamber 45 and advantageously, through at least a part of the mouthpiece 32. For this purpose, the pushing element 89 may define the same cross-sectional shape as the heating chamber 45 and eventually, the mouthpiece 32. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the pushing element 89 allows this pushing element 89 to be in contact only with at least one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B and advantageously with each chamber contact wall 74A, 74B, while sliding the pushing bar 81. In another embodiment, this shape allows additionally the pushing element 89 to be in contact with at least one of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and advantageously, with each chamber lateral wall 73A. 73B. According to both embodiments, the pushing element may be at least partially in contact with an internal surface of the mouthpiece 32, i.e. with the surface delimiting the through-hole 60 of the mouthpiece 32. In some embodiments, the pushing element 89 may comprise cleaning means configured to clean each surface in contact with the pushing element 89. These cleansing means may comprise a brush.

The pushing bar 81 is made of a flexible material as for example semi-soft silicone. In some embodiments, the pushing bar 81 can be flexible axially and substantially solid transversally. In this case, the pushing bar 81 may comprise a flexible substrate and a plurality of transversal rigid elements fixed in the substrate. In a general case, as shown on the Figures, the pushing bar 81 is made flexible to follow a winding pathway inside the 15 device body 30. This pathway is for example formed by two parallel straight sections and a curvilinear section connecting the straight sections between them. Notably, a first straight section can be formed by the internal part of the heating chamber 45 and eventually by at least a part of the through-hole 60 of the mouthpiece 32. The proximal end 85 of the pushing bar 81 and notably the pushing element 89 follow thus this first straight section while sliding the pushing bar 81 from one position to the other. A second straight section may be formed by the slot 42 arranged on the side wall 40 of the device body 30. The distal end 85 of the pushing bar 81 and notably the actuator 82 follow thus this second straight section while sliding the pushing bar 81 from one position to the other. Advantageously, the straight sections can be parallel to the device axis Y and offset according to this axis Y and according to an axis perpendicular to the device axis Y. The curvilinear section thus ensures a smooth transition between said straight sections. According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism 48 may further comprise guiding means causing the pushing bar 81 to follow the winding pathway. Particularly, these guiding means may guide the pushing bar 81 in the curvilinear section of the winding pathway. For this purpose, the guiding means may present a pair of slots guiding laterally the pushing bar 81 or rollers arranged in a transition zone between each straight section and the curvilinear section.

As mentioned above, the actuator 82 is arranged in the slot 42 and can for example protrude from this slot 42 to be actuated by the user. Particularly, the actuator 82 can be slidable in the slot 42 between a distal position causing the retracted position of the pushing bar 81 and a proximal position causing the ejecting position of the pushing bar 81 . For example, the actuator 82 may be actuated by the user to slide between said positions. According to another example, the actuator 82 may be actuated by the user to slide from the distal position to the proximal position and by a suitable biasing mean to return from the distal position to the proximal position when it is not more actuated by the user. The biasing mean can for example be formed by a spring or any other elastic element. According to still another example, the actuator 82 can be actuated by an electric mechanism powered by the battery of the device. In some embodiments, the actuator 82 is configured to fit closely the slot at least at the distal position to prevent air entering inside the device body 30.

The operation of the aerosol generating device 10 will now be described. Initially, it is considered that the aerosol generating substrate 12 is extracted from the device 10 and the actuator 82 is situated in the distal position. To start a vaping session, the user inserts the aerosol generating substrate partially inside the heating chamber 45. Then, the device 10 and notably the heating chamber 45 can be operated to generate aerosol. During this 16 period, the actuator 82 can be blocked for example mechanically in the distal position. When the aerosol generating substrate 12 is needed to be changed, the user can deactivate the operation of the heating chamber 45 and slide the actuator 82 from the distal position to the proximal position along the slot 42. This causes sliding of the pushing bar 81 from the retracted position to the ejecting position. The aerosol generating substrate 12 is thus pushed out of the heating chamber 45 and the mouthpiece 32 and ejected from the device 10, as shown on Figure 6. By crossing the heating chamber 45 and eventually at least partially the through-hole 60, the pushing element 89 may remove residues remained from the substrate 12.

As visible in Figure 9, the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 may have for example a flat-plate shape with slotted grooves on both opposite surfaces.

SECOND EMBODIMENT OF INVENTION

Figure 8 shows an aerosol generating device 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This aerosol generating device 110 is similar to the aerosol generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention and notably, is configured to operate with the same aerosol generating substrate 12 shown on Figure 2.

The aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention also comprises a device body 130 defining at least one side wall 140 of the device 110. Contrary to the previous embodiment, the device body 130 according to the second embodiment of the invention does not define a mouthpiece. As it is shown on Figure 8, a mouthpiece is formed by at least a part of the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

Particularly, according to this embodiment, the device body 130 forms an insertion opening 136 extending perpendicularly to the device axis Y at one of the ends of the device body 130. As in the first embodiment of the invention, the opening 136 is suitable to receive at least the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. Particularly, as in the previous case, the opening 136 communicates with a heating chamber arranged inside the device body 130. This heating chamber is similar to the heating chamber explained above and notably, is adapted to receive the heater part 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. 17

Contrary to the previous case, at least a part of the mouthpiece part 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 protrudes from the opening 136 forming thus a mouthpiece. In other words, this protruding part of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is designed to be in contact with the user’s lips and mouth while using the device 110 and forms a flow outlet 164.

As in the previous case, a flow inlet 166 is formed on the side wall 140 of the device body 130. This flow inlet 166 is in a fluid communication with each of the airflow channels formed between the lateral walls of the heating chamber and the aerosol generating substrate 12. Additionally, as in the previous case, the flow is forced inside the chamber to follow a “U” turn to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate 12 until the flow outlet 164.

When the aerosol generating substrate 12 comprises venting holes 22, these venting holes 22 may be arranged on the protruding part of the mouthpiece part 16 of the substrate 12 as it is shown on Figure 8. According to another example, the venting holes 22 are arranged on the part of the mouthpiece part 16 of the substrate 12 which is received inside the device body 130, advantageously to face the flow inlet 166 as in the first embodiment of the invention.

As in the first embodiment of the invention, an ejection mechanism arranged inside the device body 130 including an actuator 182 arranged on the side wall 140 of the device 110 is provided to facilitate the extraction of the aerosol generating substrate 12. This ejection mechanism is similar to the ejection mechanism 48 explained above. The actuator 82 may be slidable in a slot 142 arranged on the side wall 140.

THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment of the invention has the same structure as the aerosol generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention, the only difference being in the nature of the substrate 12 that the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment is able to receive. Particularly, it can be adapted to receive aerosol generating substrates of different lengths. For example, the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment of the invention may be adapted to receive an aerosol generating substrate of a “normal” length, i.e. a substrate similar to the substrate of Figure 2. In this case, this aerosol generating device may operate 18 like the aerosol generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention, i.e. it may form a mouthpiece making a part of the device body. The aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment of the invention may also be adapted to receive an elongated aerosol generating substrate. In this case, the substrate can protrude from the device body and form a mouthpiece. In other words, in this case, the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment of the invention may operate as the aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Claims

19 CLAIMS

1. An aerosol generating device (10; 110) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising:

- a device body (30; 130) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40; 140) extending along the device axis (Y);

- a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and a closed end (71 ) opposite to the open end (70), the heating chamber (45) being configured to receive a heater part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) through the open end (70);

- an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a pushing bar (81) formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejecting position, the pushing bar (81) being flexible to follow a winding pathway inside the device body (30; 130); the pushing bar (81 ) comprising a pushing element (89) configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate (12) from the heating chamber (45) by pushing it from the closed end (71 ) toward the open end (70) while the pushing bar (81 ) is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position.

2. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 1 , wherein:

- the heating chamber (45) comprises at least one heating wall (74A) configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate (12), the heating wall (74A) comprising an inner surface;

- the pushing element (89) is configured to be in contact with the inner surface of the heating wall (74A) while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).

3. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

- the heating chamber (45) extends along the device axis (Y);

- the device body (30) further comprises a mouthpiece (32) defining a through-hole (60) extending along the device axis (Y) and facing the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45), the mouthpiece (32) being configured to receive a mouthpiece part (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).

4. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pushing element (89) is further configured to cross the heating chamber (45) and at least a part of the through-hole (60) of the mouthpiece (32) while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12). 20

5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pushing element (89) further comprises cleaning means configured to clean the through-hole (60) of the mouthpiece (32) and/or the heating chamber (45), while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).

6. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pushing element (89) is configured to seal impermeably the heating chamber (45) at the closed end (71) when the pushing bar (81) is in the retracted position.

7. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 6, wherein the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45) defines a unique air permeable opening of the heating chamber (45), when the pushing bar (81) is in the retracted position.

8. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:

- the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises an actuator (82; 182) configured to move the pushing bar (81) between the retracted position and the ejecting position;

- the pushing bar (81) extends between a proximal end (85) receiving the pushing element (89) and a distal end (87) fixed to the actuator (82; 182).

9. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 8, wherein the pushing bar (81) is configured to slide between said positions following the winding pathway comprising two parallel straight sections, each of the proximal end (85) and the distal end (87) being slidable in a respective straight section of the winding pathway.

10. The aerosol generation device (10; 110) according to claim 10, wherein the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises guiding means causing the pushing bar to follow the winding pathway.

11 . The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the actuator (82; 182) is configured to slide in a slot (42; 142) between a distal position causing the retracted position of the pushing bar (81) and a proximal position causing the ejecting position of the pushing bar (81). 21

12. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 11 , wherein said slot (42; 142) is arranged on the side wall (40; 140) of the device body (30; 130); preferably, the actuator (82; 182) is configured to fit closely the slot (42; 142) at least at the distal position to prevent air entering inside the device body (30; 130).

13. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater (47) adjacent to an outer surface of the heating wall (74A).

14. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defines a rectangular cross-section.

15. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) is delimited by at least two opposite heating walls (74A, 74B), each heating wall (74A, 74B) defining an inner surface, the pushing element (89) being configured to be in contact with the inner surface of each heating wall (74A, 74B), while pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12).