Aerosol generating device having a bridged stopper

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (10) comprising a cavity (14) for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article (16) comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises a heating element (20) disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity. The device further comprises a stopper (18). The stopper is disposed at or distal to a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is configured to stop the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article contacts the stopper. The stopper is disposed transversely bridging a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is disposed such that air can flow around the stopper, distal to the stopper, and into the cavity. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for producing an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. During insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article should be inserted into the heating chamber at a predefined distance. The reason is that the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article should be placed in an optimal position relative to the heating element of the aerosol-generating device. A further problem is that undesirable debris, such as residues of the aerosol-forming substrate, may accumulate in the heating chamber over time. This may affect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article as it may come into contact with undesirable debris during insertion, and the aerosol-generating article may then not be optimally positioned within the heating chamber.

[0003] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device in which the aerosol-generating article is optimally received in the heating chamber.It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device which has improved feedback to a user that the aerosol-generating article is optimally received in the heating chamber.It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device in which contamination of the heating chamber with undesirable residues is prevented. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device which may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate. The device may further comprise a stopper. The stopper may be disposed at or distal to a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper may be configured to stop the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article contacts the stopper. The stopper may be disposed transversely bridging a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper may be disposed such that air can flow around the stopper from distal to the stopper and into the cavity.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The device further comprises a stopper. The stopper is disposed at or distal to a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is configured to stop the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article contacts the stopper. The stopper is disposed transversely bridging a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is disposed such that air can flow around the stopper from distal to the stopper and into the cavity.

[0006] Providing a stopper that spans the distal portion of the cavity in a transverse direction may have several advantages. The stopper reliably stops the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity. The term "stop" refers to the stopper stopping the consumable at a position along the longitudinal axis of the cavity such that further insertion faces resistance. The stopper prevents the accumulation of undesirable debris in the distal portion of the cavity as the undesirable debris falls to the left and right of the bridging portion of the stopper. In particular, due to the airflow permitted around the stopper, undesirable debris may escape through this unobstructed space adjacent to the stopper. Due to the bridging arrangement of the stopper, the stopper automatically sheds and drops the undesirable debris from the stopper. The undesirable debris is pushed to the left and right of the bridging portion of the stopper during one or more of the insertion and removal of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article contacts the stopper, the undesirable debris is pushed and dropped from the bridging portion of the stopper by the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a base opposite the open end. The base may be disposed in a distal portion of the cavity. The base of the cavity may be disposed distal to the cavity. The base may comprise one or more air openings to allow air flow into the cavity. The base is preferably configured as a through hole. A stopper may be disposed at the base or immediately adjacent to the base within the cavity. The stopper may be disposed across the base.

[0008] The falling off of the undesired debris from the stopper may lead to the undesired debris being pushed off the stopper and into the open base. The undesired debris may be easily removed from the open base. Several options are possible for removing the undesired debris from the open base. The open base may extend completely through the aerosol generating device, so that the undesired debris can be removed through this passage. This passage may be an airflow channel. A cleaning tool may be inserted into this passage to remove the undesired debris. A further option is to provide a recess in the open base where the undesired debris can accumulate. At certain intervals, the user may have to clean the recess.

[0009] The open end may be disposed proximal to the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to or aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0011] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device through the airflow channel distal to the cavity and through the open base of the cavity, into the cavity and through the airflow channel towards the user. When entering the cavity, the air may flow around a stopper bridged to the distal part of the cavity. The stopper therefore has the functionality of allowing a reliable stopping action of the inserted aerosol generating device, while automatically shedding undesirable debris into the open base of the cavity, while allowing airflow into the cavity around the stopper. A mouthpiece may be disposed proximal to the cavity, or the user may inhale the aerosol generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0012] The stopper may have a circular cross-section. Providing a stopper with a circular cross-section has the advantage that unwanted debris can more easily slide out of the stopper.

[0013] Any cross-sectional shape of the stopper is defined as the shape of a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stopper.

[0014] The stopper may have an elliptical cross-section. Providing a stopper with an elliptical cross-section has the advantage that unwanted debris can more easily slide out of the stopper.

[0015] The stopper may be disposed across the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. In other words, the stopper may be disposed centrally across the cavity. Such symmetrical placement of the stopper may improve the stopping action of the stopper and may improve the shedding of undesirable debris.

[0016] The stopper may be disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0017] The stopper may be a pin. A pin-shaped stopper is easier to manufacture while improving the stopping action of the stopper and allowing unwanted debris to automatically fall off. The length of the pin may be longer than the inner diameter of the inner side wall of the cavity. This may facilitate a secure installation of the pin. The stopper may be one or more of a pin, a bar, a rod, a pole, a shaft, a beam, a rail, a post, a small pole, a spoke, a stem, a spoke, and a crossbar.

[0018] The stopper may have a curved surface, which may improve the shedding of unwanted debris from the stopper.

[0019] The stopper may be provided with a surface treatment to make the stopper more slippery. Providing a slippery stopper surface improves the ability of unwanted debris to automatically slough off and fall off the surface of the stopper.

[0020] The stopper may be elongated. The length of the stopper may be greater than the width of the stopper, and preferably may be significantly greater. As a result, the stopper provides a positive stop for the insertion of the aerosol-generating article and at the same time does not lead to unwanted accumulation of debris in the area of ​​the stopper.

[0021] The stopper may be straight. The stopper may be straight in the direction of extension of the longitudinal axis of the stopper. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the stopper may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Providing a straight stopper is simple to manufacture while creating a positive stop for insertion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The stopper may be cylindrical. A cylindrically shaped stopper may improve the ability of the stopper to fall out, thereby preventing undesirable accumulation of debris in the area of ​​the stopper.

[0023] The stopper may be configured in a cross shape. A cross-shaped stopper may further improve the stopping ability of the stopper. The cross-shaped stopper may be disposed in a plane. The plane may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Each member of the cross-shaped stopper may be shaped as described herein. Exemplarily, each member of the cross-shaped stopper may have a circular cross section, may have a curved surface, may be configured as a pin, or the like.

[0024] The stopper may be configured in a T-shape. A T-shaped stopper may improve the stopping ability of the stopper while maintaining a relatively large area between the members of the stopper for undesired debris to fall off and drop from the stopper. Compared to a single stopper element such as an elongated pin as described herein, a T-shaped stopper may have an improved stopping ability. At the same time, the area between the stopper elements is slightly reduced, so that a single elongated stopper element or a T-shaped stopper may be chosen depending on whether the stopping action or the undesired debris falling action is more important. The same is true for the cross-shaped stopper case. Compared to a T-shaped stopper, a cross-shaped stopper has a slightly reduced falling ability due to the reduction in surface area between the individual members of the stopper, while further improving the stopping action. Thus, when an improved stopping action is required, a cross-shaped stopper may be chosen rather than a T-shaped stopper or an elongated single stopper. Where improved shedding of unwanted debris is desired, a single elongated stopper may be preferred over a T-shaped stopper or a cross-shaped stopper.

[0025] The cavity may comprise an internal sidewall. The internal sidewall may comprise a first recess. The stopper may be mounted within the first recess. The first recess may therefore be configured as a mounting recess. The stopper may be plugged into the first recess. The stopper may be mounted within the first recess by a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. Alternatively, the stopper may be integrally formed with the internal sidewall.

[0026] The internal sidewall may include a second recess opposite the first recess. The stopper may be mounted within the second recess such that it is mounted between the first and second recesses. The second recess may therefore be configured as a mounting recess. The stopper may be plugged into the second recess. The stopper may be mounted within the second recess by a press-fit or snap-fit ​​connection. Alternatively, the stopper may be integrally formed with the internal sidewall. The stopper spans an interior volume of the cavity between the first and second recesses.

[0027] The stopper may be arranged such that air can flow around the stopper from the distal end of the stopper into the cavity. Air is preferably allowed to flow around the stopper, particularly due to the bridging arrangement of the stopper. This may advantageously establish a fluid connection between the cavity and an airflow channel arranged distal to the cavity through the stopper. The airflow channel may have the dual functionality of allowing airflow into the cavity and at the same time receiving undesirable debris that falls off the stopper. Hence, the airflow channel may further be configured as a cleaning channel.

[0028] The stopper may be disposed at the base of the cavity.

[0029] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity.

[0031] The heating element may be configured to heat the heating chamber to between 160°C and 300°C, preferably between 180°C and 270°C, more preferably between 200°C and 250°C.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may comprise an airflow channel distal to the cavity and the stopper. The airflow channel may be arranged to allow airflow past the stopper and into the cavity.

[0033] The stopper may be disposed within the airflow channel.

[0034] A stopper may be disposed between the cavity and the airflow channel.

[0035] The distal portion of the cavity may have an inner diameter of between 7.0mm and 7.6mm, preferably between 7.1mm and 7.5mm, more preferably between 7.2mm and 7.4mm, and most preferably approximately 7.3mm.

[0036] The stopper may be disposed closer to the proximal end of the aerosol generating device than to the distal end of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] The stopper may be made from PEEK.

[0038] The stopper may be configured to withstand temperatures up to approximately 340°C.

[0039] The stopper may be made of a thermally insulating material, preferably a ceramic or metallic material.

[0040] The stopper may be integrally formed with the interior sidewall of the cavity.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as after every puff. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0042] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0043] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0044] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0046] When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, in some embodiments, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco vein fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative location of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which the component of the device is oriented relative to the user during use of the device. The component oriented toward the user, specifically toward the user's mouth, is the proximal component, and the component at the opposite end of the device is the distal component. Similarly, the proximal direction is the direction toward the user during use of the device, and the distal direction refers to the direction away from the user. An aerosol generating device according to the present invention comprises a proximal end, through which the aerosol exits the device during use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the oral end or downstream end. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end.

[0048] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, e.g. part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0049] In any of the aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties.

[0050] As described, in any of the aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise an internal heating element, or an external heating element, or both an internal heating element and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" are with respect to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive portions or an electrically resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that pass through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be disposed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as glass. The heater thus formed may be used to both heat the heating element and monitor its temperature during operation.

[0051] As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, the susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically another effect that contributes to heating is commonly referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor. This is because their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating induced magnetic field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes that occur within the susceptor at nanoscale or below generate heat within the susceptor, and are therefore referred to as "hysteresis loss". Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat up when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, whereby the aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0052] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system, which may comprise an aerosol generating device as described herein, and which may comprise an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0053] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0054] Below 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 the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0055] Example A An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; A stopper, An aerosol generating device, wherein a stopper is disposed at or distal to the cavity, the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article contacts the stopper, the stopper is disposed transversely bridging the distal portion of the cavity, and the stopper is disposed such that air can flow from distal to the stopper, around the stopper and into the cavity. Example B An aerosol generating device according to embodiment A, wherein the stopper has a circular cross section. Example C An aerosol generating device according to embodiment A, wherein the stopper has an elliptical cross section. Example D An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is disposed across a central longitudinal axis of the cavity. Example E An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is a pin. Example F An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the stopper has a curved surface. Example G An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is elongated. Example H An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is straight. Example I An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is cylindrical. Example J An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured in a cross shape. Example K An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured in a T-shape. Example L An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the cavity comprises an internal sidewall, and the internal sidewall comprises a first recess, and the stopper is seated within the first recess. Example M An aerosol generating device according to embodiment L, wherein the inner sidewall has a second recess opposite the first recess, and the stopper is mounted within the second recess so as to be mounted between the first recess and the second recess. Example N An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; A stopper, An aerosol generating device, wherein a stopper is disposed at or distal to the cavity, the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article contacts the stopper, the stopper has a C-shape, and the stopper is disposed adjacent to an interior side wall of the cavity. Example O An aerosol generating device according to embodiment N, wherein the stopper is in direct contact with the side wall of the cavity. Example P The aerosol generating device according to embodiment N or O, wherein the stopper is ring-shaped. Example Q The aerosol generating device according to any of embodiments N-P, wherein the inner sidewall is provided with an at least partially annular groove, and the stopper is seated within the groove. [Example R] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is disposed at a base of the cavity. [Example S] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cavity is configured as a heating chamber. Example T An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity. Example U The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the heating chamber to between 160°C and 300°C, preferably between 180°C and 270°C, more preferably between 200°C and 250°C. Example V An aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol generation device comprises an airflow channel distal to the cavity and the stopper, and the airflow channel is arranged to enable airflow past the stopper and into the cavity. Example W An aerosol generating device according to embodiment V, wherein a stopper is disposed within the airflow channel. Example X An aerosol generating device according to embodiment V, wherein a stopper is disposed between the cavity and the airflow channel. [Example Y] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the distal portion of the cavity has an internal diameter of between 7.0mm and 7.6mm, preferably between 7.1mm and 7.5mm, more preferably between 7.2mm and 7.4mm, most preferably approximately 7.3mm. Example Z An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is disposed closer to the proximal end of the aerosol generating device than the distal end of the aerosol generating device. Example AA An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is made from PEEK. [Examples AB] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured to withstand temperatures up to approximately 340°C. Example AC An aerosol generating device according to any of the previous embodiments, wherein the stopper is made of a thermally insulating material, preferably a ceramic or metallic material. [Examples AD] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is integrally formed with an inner side wall of the cavity. Example AE 13. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0056] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0057] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1A-1B] 1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stopper disposed within a cavity of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the pin of the stopper of FIG. 2, which in this embodiment has a circular cross-section. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of one embodiment of the stopper where the stopper is integrally formed with the interior sidewall of the cavity. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a top view of one embodiment of the stopper where the stopper is cross-shaped. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective cutaway view of one embodiment of the stopper where the stopper is partially C-shaped. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a top view of one embodiment of a stopper where the stopper has a C-shape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device 10. Fig. 1 shows only a portion of the aerosol generating device 10, specifically a proximal portion. The aerosol generating device 10 may include further portions, specifically portions including a power source and electrical circuitry. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a housing 12. The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a cavity 14.

[0060] The cavity 14 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 16. The aerosol-generating article 16 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate configured to be heated to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0061] The cavity 14 has an open proximal end 30 at a proximal portion 32 through which the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted into the cavity 14. At a distal portion 34 of the cavity 14, a stopper 18 is provided. The stopper 18 functions to stop the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 at a predetermined point along the length of the cavity 14. In other words, the stopper 18 is disposed such that the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the cavity 14 until a predetermined portion of the aerosol-generating article 16 is received within the cavity 14.

[0062] Stopper 18 has the additional function of preventing the accumulation of undesirable residue within the area of ​​stopper 18. Different embodiments of stopper 18 designs are discussed below with reference to Figures 2-6 to achieve this effect.

[0063] The aerosol generating device 10 further comprises a heating element 20. The heating element 20 is configured as a resistive heating element or as an inductive heating element 20. The heating element 20 is disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity 14. When the aerosol-generating article 16 is received within the cavity 14, the heating element 20 is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 16 to create an inhalable aerosol.

[0064] Distal to cavity 14, an airflow channel 22 is provided. Airflow channel 22 allows air to enter cavity 14 from the base of cavity 14. Air flows around stopper 18 and out of airflow channel 22 into cavity 14. Thus, stopper 18 is shaped to allow airflow into cavity 14.

[0065] Unwanted debris, such as residue of the aerosol-forming substrate, can be pushed from the stopper 18 into the airflow channel 22, thereby preventing accumulation of debris in the area of ​​the stopper 18. The pushing action to remove any undesired residue is performed by the aerosol-generating article 16 itself during insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 into the recess 14.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1A, the aerosol-generating article 16 can be inserted into the cavity 14 from the proximal open end of the cavity 14. As shown in Figure 1B, the insertion action of the aerosol-generating article 16 is stopped when the aerosol-generating article 16 abuts the stopper 18 by the stopping action of the stopper 18. When the aerosol-generating article 16 contacts the stopper 18, undesirable residue within the area of ​​the stopper 18 will be scraped off the stopper 18 by contact with the aerosol-generating article 16.

[0067] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the device along line A-A' in FIG. 1B. Specifically shown in FIG. 2 is one embodiment of the stopper 18, where the stopper 18 is configured as a pin that spans the interior volume of the cavity 14. The stopper 18 is mounted within the interior sidewall 24 of the cavity 14. The stopper 18 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 14. As is evident from the design of the stopper 18 shown in FIG. 2, airflow around the stopper 18 is possible. Additionally, because the stopper 18 has a narrow design, it is possible that undesirable debris does not accumulate in the area of ​​the stopper 18.

[0068] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the pin of the stopper 18 of Figure 2. The stopper 18 has a circular cross-section. This cross-section allows unwanted debris to easily fall out of the stopper 18 or be easily pushed off of the stopper 18. The cross-sectional shape of the stopper 18 shown in Figure 3 can be employed, for example, in the stoppers 18 shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 2, with the difference that the stopper 18 is integrally formed with the interior side wall 24 of the cavity 14 .

[0070] Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the stopper 18 is configured in the shape of a cross. This means that instead of a single bridging element as shown for example in figure 2, two perpendicular bridging members are provided. The two bridging members intersect in the centre of the cavity 14. The two bridging members can be provided as separate elements or as a single integrally formed element.

[0071] 6 shows a further embodiment in which the stopper 18 is not configured as a bridging element spanning the cavity 14. Instead, the stopper 18 has a circular shape. The stopper 18 is disposed at least partially within the interior sidewall 24 of the cavity 14 and seated within a groove 28. The stopper 18 includes a rib 26 facing the cavity 14. The rib 26 functions to contact the aerosol-generating article 16 and to stop the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16.

[0072] Figure 7 shows a circular stopper 18 used in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. However, the stopper 18 has an open ring shape and is not completely closed. This allows for a snap-fit ​​installation in a groove 28 of the stopper 18. For simplicity, the ribs 26 are not shown in Figure 7, but the open ring shaped stopper 18 may of course be provided with ribs 26 as shown in the embodiment of Figure 6.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a heating element disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity; a stopper, the stopper having a circular cross section in a plane parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cavity and perpendicular to the stopper; An aerosol generating device, wherein the stopper is disposed at or distal to the cavity, the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article contacts the stopper, the stopper is disposed transversely bridging the distal portion of the cavity and the stopper is disposed such that air can flow from distal to the stopper, around the stopper and into the cavity, and the terms "proximal" and "distal" describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of the aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which the components of the device are oriented towards a user when the device is in use, with components oriented towards the user being proximal components and components at the opposite end of the device being distal components.

2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the stopper is disposed across the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the stopper is a pin, bar, rod, pole, shaft, beam, rail, post, spoke, stem, spoke, or crossbar.

4. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the stopper has a curved surface.

5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the stopper is configured in a cross shape.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the stopper is configured in a T-shape.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises an interior sidewall, the interior sidewall comprises a first recess, and the stopper is seated within the first recess.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the inner sidewall has a second recess opposite the first recess, and the stopper is mounted within the second recess so as to be mounted between the first recess and the second recess.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed at a base of the cavity, the base of the cavity being disposed at the distal portion of the cavity.

10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 , wherein the cavity is configured as a heating chamber.

11. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an airflow channel distal to the cavity and the stopper, and the airflow channel is arranged to permit airflow past the stopper and into the cavity.

12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11 , wherein the stopper is disposed within the airflow channel.

13. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed closer to a proximal end of the aerosol generating device than to a distal end of the aerosol generating device.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

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