Heated but non-fired aerosol-generating device that can have flavor on demand

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heated but non-fired aerosol-generating device (11) configured to operate with a tobacco article (12). The aerosol-generating device (11) comprises:-a receiving cavity (22) configured to receive the tobacco article (12); -an airflow path comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco article (12) is received in the receiving cavity (22); -a flavor chamber (26) configured to receive a flavor substance capable of releasing a flavor; -a closing element (27) arranged at the chamber inlet and configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In any position of the closing element (27), a downstream portion of the airflow path extends through the tobacco article (12) when the tobacco article is received in the receiving cavity (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a heating-but-not-burning aerosol generating device.

[0002] In particular, the heat-but-not-burn aerosol-generating device is configured to operate with a tobacco product comprising a tobacco substrate that is capable of forming an aerosol when heated. Thus, the heat-but-not-burn aerosol-generating device is adapted to heat, but not burn, the substrate by conduction, convection and / or radiation to produce an aerosol for inhalation. Background Art

[0003] Over the past few years, there has been a rapid growth in the popularity and use of reduced risk or modified risk devices, also known as vaporizers, to help habitual smokers who want to quit traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and roll-ups. Rather than burning the tobacco in traditional tobacco products, a variety of different devices and systems can be used to heat or increase the temperature of the vaporizable substance.

[0004] Commonly used, risk-reduced or risk-modified devices are heated substrate aerosol generating devices or heating but not burning devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically including moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable materials, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. Heating the aerosol substrate, but not burning or burning it, releases an aerosol that includes the ingredients desired by the user but does not include toxic and carcinogenic combustion and burning byproducts. In addition, the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other vaporizable materials typically does not include the burnt or bitter taste that may be uncomfortable to the user due to combustion and burning, and therefore, the substrate does not need sugar and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more suitable for the user's taste.

[0005] It is known to add some flavoring substances to tobacco products in order to give the generated aerosol a flavor that is pleasant to the user. The flavoring substance may be, for example, ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or the like.

[0006] However, the user's control over the flavor is very limited. In fact, the user cannot control whether he / she wants a flavor and when the flavor should be released if he / she wants it. Usually, if the user wants to inhale the aerosol without flavor, he / she has to change the product, which may be troublesome for the user. On the contrary, after the inhalation process without flavor, if the user wants to have a certain flavor, he / she has to change the product again.

[0007] Furthermore, during a particular puffing session in which the user has chosen a certain flavour, said flavour will remain until the product is completely consumed, without the possibility of ceasing to obtain this flavour. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol generating device capable of supplying flavours on demand, enabling the user to select the presence or absence of additional flavours during the inhalation process.

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating device configured to operate with a tobacco product; the aerosol-generating device comprising:

[0010] - a receiving cavity configured to receive a tobacco product and comprising a heater configured to heat the tobacco product;

[0011] - an airflow path comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco article is received in the receiving cavity;

[0012] - a flavor chamber defining a chamber inlet and configured to receive a flavoring substance capable of releasing flavor;

[0013] - a closing element arranged at the chamber inlet and configured to move between an open position, in which the chamber inlet is at least partially open and at least a portion of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the flavor chamber, and a closed position, in which the chamber inlet is closed and the upstream portion of the airflow path extends outside the chamber;

[0014] Therein, in any position of the closing element, the downstream portion of the airflow path extends through the tobacco article when the tobacco article is received in the receiving cavity.

[0015] Thanks to these features, the user is able to choose the consumer experience he / she wants to experience by choosing between a tobacco-only experience or an experience further including additional flavors. By selecting the position of the closing element, the user can easily control the presence or absence of flavors during the inhalation process without having to install or remove the flavoring substance into the generating device.

[0016] In addition, the flavor chamber is arranged upstream of the tobacco product to allow the flavored aerosol and tobacco vapor to be better mixed before reaching the user, thereby improving the user's sense of inhaling the aerosol. In addition, this arrangement reduces the footprint of the device by allowing the flavor chamber to be close to the receiving cavity.

[0017] Optional features will now be described. These features may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect.

[0018] According to some embodiments, in the open position of the closing element, the upstream portion further comprises a bypass portion extending outside the flavour chamber; advantageously, the bypass portion extends through the receiving cavity.

[0019] By these features, pressure losses are reduced and airflow inside the device and tobacco product can be better controlled and predicted. In addition, since the bypass portion can then be mixed with the flavored portion of the upstream portion, the flavor concentration in the resulting flow can be controlled by controlling the flow rate in the bypass portion.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the closure element further defines a fully open position in which the chamber inlet is fully open and the upstream portion of the airflow path extends completely through the flavor chamber.

[0021] Through these features, the airflow is not diverted, and the vaporizable material can form an aerosol around the entire airflow path, thereby providing a more concentrated flavor to the user. This configuration corresponds to a fully flavored configuration when the concentration of the flavor in the resulting flow is the greatest.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the upstream portion extends through the receiving cavity.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the upstream portion extends from a flow inlet formed in an opening of a receiving cavity designed to receive a tobacco product.

[0024] Due to these features, the manufacture of the device is easier without having to build in extra passages in the housing. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the footprint of the device. In addition, in some embodiments, the upstream portion of the flow through the receiving cavity can be preheated before entering the tobacco product. Therefore, the optimized heating of the matrix portion of the tobacco product can be achieved. The preheating of the upstream portion can be performed by a heater for heating the matrix portion of the tobacco product or by a separate heater.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the chamber inlet is formed in a wall defining the receiving cavity.

[0026] The receiving cavity and the flavor chamber are thus arranged adjacent to each other, thereby reducing the footprint of the device.Flavor delivery is also improved by better mixing of the flavoring aerosol and the vapor aerosol.

[0027] These features also avoid the problem of flavoring substances leaking out of the flavor chamber. Such leakage will evaporate when the receiving chamber is heated and will not be a problem for the device.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the flavour chamber further defines a chamber outlet separate from the chamber inlet; advantageously, the chamber outlet opens into the receiving chamber in each position of the closing element.

[0029] These features allow for improved air circulation, thus allowing the user to better perceive the sensation of inhaling the aerosol.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the closing element is configured to be acted upon directly or indirectly by a user.

[0031] Through these features, the user can control whether he / she wants a flavor and if he / she wants a flavor, when the flavor should be released. He / she does not have to wait for the end of the puffing process to start or stop getting a certain flavor.

[0032] For example, the user can first inhale the original tobacco flavor, and then open the closing member to release the flavor in the aerosol, so that the user can inhale the flavored aerosol without changing the product. Therefore, the present invention enables the user to release the flavor easily and conveniently.

[0033] For example, the closing member can be actuated by the user using mechanical mechanisms. These mechanical mechanisms may include a mechanical actuator that is linked to the closing member and accessible from the outside of the device. Thus, the user can actuate the closing member by manually moving the actuator. According to another embodiment, an electrical mechanism is used to actuate the closing member. In this case, the electrical mechanism may include an electric actuator that can be controlled, for example, by a controller of the device. Thus, the user can control the position of the closing member using appropriate commands to the controller.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the closing element is configured to control the area of ​​the chamber inlet.

[0035] These features allow the user to control the size of the opening of the chamber inlet, thereby controlling the strength (ie, concentration) of the additional flavor. Different amounts of air can be distributed to the flavor chamber that forms the flavored aerosol, thereby controlling the amount of flavor delivered to the user.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber further comprises a loading door adapted to open / close the access to the flavor chamber for recharging or replacing the flavoring substance.

[0037] This feature allows the user to easily replenish or replace the flavoring substance when necessary without having to disassemble the device or even remove the tobacco product.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber further comprises a heating element configured to heat or vaporize the flavoring substance.

[0039] Due to these features, the flavor chamber can be arranged away from the heating portion of the receiving cavity. In this way, the heating of the flavoring substance and the heating of the tobacco product can be controlled independently. Therefore, if necessary, the flavoring delivery can be disabled without affecting the heating system of the device. In addition, the heating of the flavoring substance can be performed according to a specific heating curve, which can be different from the heating curve of the tobacco product. Therefore, the heating curve of the flavoring substance can be adjusted according to the nature of the flavoring substance, user habits, wishes, etc.

[0040] These features prevent unnecessary heating in the flavor chamber if flavor is not desired.

[0041] In addition, some flavoring substances require additional heating to release flavor. For example, some solid flavoring substances can release flavor when heated. In the case of liquid flavoring substances, the flavor can be released when the liquid is evaporated by the heating element.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device further comprises a first sensor capable of detecting at least an open position of the closure element.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a controller configured to enable operation of the heating element when the first sensor detects the open position of the closure element.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a second sensor capable of detecting a user puff, the controller being capable of enabling operation of the heating element when the first sensor detects an open position of the closure element and the second sensor detects a user puff.

[0045] These features avoid unnecessary operation of the heating element when it is not needed because the user does not want the flavor at this time, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber is formed by a tobacco oil capsule.

[0047] In another embodiment, the flavoring substance is a capsule in which a filler (such as a liquid) containing the flavoring material is enclosed in an outer shell. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The capsule, in particular its outer shell, is designed to melt or soften in order to achieve the release of flavor. In a variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid material containing a volatile compound. In another variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid sponge, such as a ceramic sponge, with a liquid flavoring substance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] - Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating assembly comprising a tobacco product and a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device of , wherein the closure element is in a closed position;

[0051] - Figure 3 is with Figure 2 A similar view with the closing element in the open position;

[0052] - Figure 4 A to Figure 4 C is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to the second embodiment, with the closing member in the closed position ( Figure 4 A) Fully open position ( Figure 4 B) or in the middle open position ( Figure 4 C);

[0053] - Figure 5 is a partial schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to a third embodiment, with a closure element in a closed position;

[0054] - Figure 6 is with Figure 5 Similar view with the closing element in the open position.

[0055] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the construction details set forth in the following description. For those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, it is obvious that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of different ways.

[0056] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include an inhalation device that delivers an aerosol (including an aerosol for inhalation) to a user by a heater element explained in further detail below. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to that the device is used when held by a user. The device may be suitable for, for example, generating a variable amount of aerosol (different from a quantitative aerosol) by enabling a heater element for a variable period of time, which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-enabled, such as an inhalation button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration, so that a variable amount of vapor (thereby simulating the effect of inhaling a conventional combustible smoking article (such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.)) may be provided. The device may include a temperature regulating control member to drive the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol generating material (aerosol precursor) to reach a specified target temperature and thereafter maintain the temperature at a target temperature that can effectively generate an aerosol.

[0057] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material such as one or more of the following: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. The suspension may be in a gas (including air). Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include vapor. Aerosol may contain one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0058] As used herein, the term "vaporizable material" or "precursor" may refer to a smokeable material that may, for example, include nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. Tobacco may take the form of a variety of different materials, such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: polyols, such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol); non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols), acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerol or vegetable glycerin). In certain embodiments, the aerosol generator may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The matrix may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a wetting agent.

[0059] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to positions relative to the direction of flow in the article toward the mouth end.

[0060] Description of the First Embodiment of the Invention

[0061] Figure 1An aerosol generating assembly 10 is shown comprising a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device 11 according to a first embodiment, and a tobacco product 12 configured to operate with the aerosol generating device 11. The tobacco product 12 is preferably removable and can be inserted into and removed from the device 11, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device 11 extends along the device axis X and includes a housing 21, which defines a receiving cavity 22, which is configured to at least partially receive the tobacco product 12. The cavity 22 extends between an opening 23 and a bottom wall 24 perpendicular to the device axis X, for example according to the device axis X. The cavity 22 is defined by the bottom wall 24 and at least one side wall 25 extending along the device axis X. The cavity 22 forms a heating chamber of the device 11, which is designed to heat the tobacco product 12, as will be explained in further detail below. The cavity 22 can adopt any suitable shape designed to receive the tobacco product 12. For example, the cavity 22 can form a shape complementary to the shape of the tobacco product 12, such as a cylindrical shape. In addition, the length of the cavity 22 can be substantially equal to or less than the length of the tobacco product 12.

[0063] The aerosol-generating device 11 further comprises a flavour chamber 26 configured to receive a flavouring substance capable of releasing flavour, and a closing element 27 of the flavour chamber 26 .

[0064] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 11 may further include a mouthpiece (not shown), which is designed to be fixed on the housing 21 to close the cavity 22 and interact with the user's mouth during the inhalation process. The mouthpiece can be hinged or screwed to the end of the housing 21 and form an outlet hole extending perpendicular to the device axis X.

[0065] according to Figure 1 In the example of , the mouthpiece is formed by the end of the tobacco article 12 which protrudes from the cavity 22 in this example, as will be described in further detail below.

[0066] The housing 21 defines an interior space of the device 11 that receives a variety of different elements designed to perform different functions of the device 11. The interior space may, for example, receive a power block 31 for powering the device 11, a control module 32 for controlling the operation of the device 11, and a heating system 34 configured to heat the vaporizable material contained in the tobacco product 12. The interior space of the housing 21 may further include other internal components that perform different functions known per se to the device 12. These internal components will not be explained in detail below.

[0067] It should also be noted that Figure 1 Only a schematic representation of the different components of the aerosol-generating assembly 10 is presented, but does not necessarily show the actual physical arrangement and dimensions of said components. In particular, such an arrangement may be selected depending on the design of the aerosol-generating assembly 10 and the technical features of its components.

[0068] The power block 31 includes a battery and a battery charger (not shown). The battery is, for example, a known battery designed to be charged using a power supply provided by an external power source and to provide a DC current having a predetermined voltage. The battery charger is capable of connecting the battery to an external power source and includes a power connector (e.g., a mini USB or USB-C connector) or a wireless charging connector for this purpose.

[0069] The control module 32 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 11, in particular the operation of the heating system, to generate an aerosol by controlling the power supply of the heating system by the battery. For this purpose, the control module 32 is connected to the battery. The control performed by the control module is known per se and will not be described in detail below.

[0070] according to Figure 1 In an example, the heating system 34 includes a heater (not shown) designed to generate heat. For example, the heater may include a resistive element (such as a heating plate, blade, membrane, etc.), which may be arranged in the cavity 22, spaced apart from the tobacco product 12 to heat the tobacco product by convection, or in contact with the tobacco product 12 to heat the tobacco product by conduction, or penetrate the tobacco product 12 to heat the tobacco product internally. According to yet another embodiment, the heating system 34 includes a magnetic coil arranged around the product 12 and a plurality of susceptors arranged in the product 12 to heat the product by magnetic interaction with the coil.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In the example of the present invention, the tobacco product 12 is received in the cavity 22 while forming a gap with at least a portion of the side wall 25. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 22 is larger than the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco product 12. The gap is used to form an upstream portion of the airflow path 35, which extends through the device 11 and the tobacco product 12. The upstream portion can extend from the outside of the cavity 22 to the end of the tobacco product 12 near the bottom wall 24 of the cavity 22. The downstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends within the tobacco product 12. The downstream portion corresponds to the airflow path formed by the tobacco product 12, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the upstream portion extends from a flow inlet 39 formed in the opening 23 of the receiving cavity 22 designed to receive the tobacco product 12. The flow inlet 39 surrounds the tobacco product 12 at the opening 23.

[0073] As in Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the flavor chamber 26 is defined in the housing 21 and is separated from the receiving cavity 22. By "separate" is meant that the flavor chamber 26 and the receiving cavity 22 define non-connected internal volumes, which can be at least partially separated, in particular by a closing element 27. Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the flavor chamber 26 is adjacent to the receiving cavity 22, and an inner wall 40 is disposed between the flavor chamber 26 and the receiving cavity 22. In this embodiment, the inner wall 40 is at least partially formed by the side wall 25 of the receiving cavity 22 or one of the side walls 25.

[0074] The flavor chamber 26 is provided at least through a chamber inlet 42 formed in the inner wall 40 (at Figure 3 The flavor chamber 26 is connected to the receiving chamber 22 (as can be seen in FIG. 1 ). The chamber inlet 42 is formed, for example, in the side wall 25 or one of the side walls 25 defining the receiving chamber 22. Preferably, the flavor chamber 26 further defines a chamber outlet 44 that is separate from the chamber inlet 42. Figure 1 In the example of , the chamber outlet 44 is also formed in the inner wall 40 (here the side wall 25). The chamber outlet 42 is closer to the bottom wall 24 than the chamber inlet 42, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0075] For example, the opening defined by the chamber inlet 42 and the chamber outlet 44 produces a pressure drop comparable to the pressure drop of the bypass portion 54 to be defined later, typically between 10 mmH2O and 100 mmH2O (water gauge).

[0076] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of, the flavor chamber 26 receives a capsule 45 as a flavoring substance, in which a filler (such as a liquid) containing a flavoring material is enclosed in an outer shell. The capsule 45 can have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The capsule 45, in particular its outer shell, is designed to melt or soften in order to achieve the release of flavor. In a variant, the flavoring substance can be a solid material containing a volatile compound. In another variant, the flavoring substance can be a solid sponge with a liquid flavoring substance, such as a ceramic sponge. Other flavoring substances can be used. As will be explained below, the flavoring substance can provide the user with a flavor in an inhalation aerosol.

[0077] For example, capsule 45 may include an outer shell formed of a hydrocolloid selected from the following: gellan gum, agar, alginate, carrageenan, pectin, gum arabic, gum ghatti, pullulan gum, mannan gum or modified starch or a combination thereof. Capsule 45 may include a liquid or powder core containing a flavoring agent. The liquid core may contain an alcohol (e.g., ethanol) and / or a triglyceride (e.g., caprylic capric triglyceride (mygliol)) or a water-based solvent and a flavoring agent (such as menthol or spearmint).

[0078] The flavor chamber 26 further includes a charging door 46 adapted to open / close access to the flavor chamber 26 for recharging or replacing the flavoring substance. The charging door 46 is, for example, formed in the outer wall of the housing 21 and can be opened by a user.

[0079] The closing element 27 is arranged at the chamber inlet 42. For example, Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the closing element 27 comprises a cover sheet 50, which is configured to be in the closed position (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 visible in) and at least open position (in Figure 3 4 and 5. The chamber inlet 42 moves between a closed position in which the chamber inlet 42 is closed and an at least open position in which the chamber inlet 42 is at least partially open.

[0080] In the closed position, as in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, the cover sheet 50 is arranged opposite the chamber inlet 42 to completely close the inlet 42 so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are not fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends outside the flavor chamber 26. Preferably, no more than 1% of the airflow passing through the airflow path 35 can enter the flavor chamber through the chamber outlet 44.

[0081] In at least one open position, the flap 50 extends at least partially away from the chamber inlet 42 such that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. At least a portion of the upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends through the flavor chamber 26.

[0082] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the upstream portion includes a flavoring portion 52 extending within the flavor chamber 26 and a bypass portion 54 extending outside the flavor chamber 26 through the receiving cavity 22. In other words, only a portion of the airflow passing through the device 11 is deflected into the flavor chamber 26. Preferably, up to 20% of the airflow passing through the upstream portion enters the flavor chamber 26. In some embodiments (not shown), the opening of the bypass portion 54 of the upstream portion is controlled in a similar manner to the opening of the chamber inlet 42, such as using the same closing member 27 (i.e., the same flap 50). For example, the flap 50 can be arranged to close the bypass portion 54 while opening the chamber inlet 42. Therefore, in the fully open position of the closing member 27, the bypass portion 54 is fully closed, and vice versa.

[0083] Advantageously, the closing element 27 further defines a fully open position (at Figure 3 ), in the fully open position, the cover 50 is completely extended away from the chamber entrance 42 and the chamber entrance 42 is fully open. The cover 50 is configured here to control the opening area at the chamber entrance 42.

[0084] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of FIG. 2 , in each position of the closing element 27, the closing element 27 extends away from the outlet 44, so that the chamber outlet 44 opens into the receiving cavity 22 in each position of the closing element 27. In another embodiment (not shown), the closing element 27 can also close the chamber outlet 44.

[0085] The closing element 27 can be configured to be acted upon directly by the user. Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the generating device 10 comprises an actuator 60 suitable for controlling the displacement of the closing element 27 from the closed position to the or one of the open positions, and vice versa.

[0086] For example, the actuator 60 may be arranged on the outer wall of the housing 21 and may be manually actuated by a user. For example, the actuator is a push button switch configured to be pushed and released by a user to open or close the closing element 27. In another example, the actuator is a switch lever configured to be slid up and down by a user, or a cogwheel viewed as a scroll button that can be turned by a user.

[0087] In another embodiment, the closing element 27 is configured to be acted upon indirectly by a user via an external communication module configured to communicate with an external electronic system, such as a user communication device, eg a smartphone, via an antenna.

[0088] As in Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the tobacco article 12 is inserted into the receiving cavity 22. The article 12 presents, for example, a cylindrical shape extending along an article axis Y. In a variant, the tobacco article 12 may present a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0089] The tobacco product 12 comprises a support 71 extending along the product axis Y between a distal end 72 designed to contact or face the bottom wall 24 of the cavity 22 and a proximal end 73 opposite the distal end 72 and designed to protrude from the cavity 22. The proximal end 73 forms a mouthpiece as described above. When the tobacco product 12 is received in the cavity 22, the product axis Y is preferably parallel to the device axis X.

[0090] The support 71 forms, between the distal end 72 and the proximal end 33, an air flow path extending along the article axis Y. This air flow path thus forms the downstream portion of the air flow path described above.

[0091] Operation of the Invention

[0092] The operation of the aerosol generating assembly 10 will now be described.

[0093] Initially, the tobacco product 12 is inserted into the receiving cavity 22 of the device. The user does not inhale, and the control module 32 does not activate the heating module 34.

[0094] The user then begins the smoking process by activating the heating element 34 via the control module 32 , which then heats the tobacco article 12 .

[0095] During a user's puff, air from outside the aerosol-generating device 11 flows through the airflow path 35 to form an airflow (indicated by arrows). The user inhales through the proximal end 72 of the tobacco product 12 to draw air through the airflow path 35 in a direction from the flow inlet 39 to the proximal end 72, first through the upstream portion of the airflow path 35, and then through the downstream portion of the airflow path 35. Ambient air is drawn into the receiving cavity 22 through the flow inlet 39. The ambient air enters the cavity 22 and is heated as it flows between the sidewall 25 and the tobacco product 12.

[0096] When the closure element 27 is in its closed position, the heated airflow is maintained away from the flavor chamber 26 and passes through the tobacco article 12 to form a tobacco aerosol that is inhaled by the user through the proximal end 72 .

[0097] During the inhalation process, the user can move the closing element 27 to the open position, such as Figure 3 Visible in.

[0098] At least a portion of the airflow through the receiving cavity 22 is then drawn into the flavor cavity 26 through the cavity inlet 42. The flavored aerosol delivered by the flavoring substance is entrained in the airflow through the cavity outlet 44 and is carried through the tobacco article 12. The user inhales the flavored aerosol and the tobacco aerosol simultaneously.

[0099] The user can change the position of the closing element during the puffing process, in particular when he / she no longer wants the flavour.

[0100] Description of the Second Embodiment of the Invention

[0101] Figure 4 A to Figure 4 C shows an aerosol generating assembly 10 comprising an aerosol generating device 11 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0102] The aerosol-generating device 11 according to this second embodiment is similar to the aerosol-generating device 11 according to the first embodiment explained above, except for the features described below.

[0103] As in Figure 4 A to Figure 4As can be seen in FIG. 4C , the receiving cavity 22 of the aerosol-generating device 11 according to this second embodiment comprises a flow inlet 100 formed in a wall of the receiving cavity 22 .

[0104] In this example, the flow inlet 100 is formed in the bottom wall 24. In this case, the cross-section of the cavity 22 can be equal to or slightly smaller than the cross-section of the tobacco product 12 to compress and fix the tobacco product in the cavity 22 without any gap between the side wall 25 and the product 12. The tobacco product 12 is in contact with the wall of the cavity 22 and is heated by conduction.

[0105] In this second embodiment, the inner wall 40 is formed by the bottom wall 24 of the receiving cavity 22. The flavor cavity 26 opens into the receiving cavity 22 through a cavity inlet 42 formed in the bottom wall 24.

[0106] The flavor chamber 26 further defines a chamber outlet 44 that is separate from the chamber inlet 42. In this example, the chamber outlet 44 is not formed in the inner wall 40, but opens into a flow passage 110 that is connected to the exterior of the housing 21.

[0107] For example, the opening area defined by the chamber inlet 42 and the chamber outlet 44 produces a pressure drop comparable to the pressure drop of the bypass portion 54 to be defined later, typically between 10 mmH2O and 100 mmH2O (water gauge).

[0108] The flow channel 110 extends between an opening (not visible) on the surface of the housing 21 and the flow inlet 100. The flow channel 110 is separated from the flavor chamber 26 by a partition wall 112.

[0109] The closing element 27 is arranged at the chamber inlet 42 and at the flow inlet 100. For example, Figure 4 A to Figure 4 As can be seen in FIG. 2C , the closing element 27 comprises a cover plate 50 which is configured to be closed, for example, by sliding in a fully closed position (in Figure 4 A) and at least the open position (in Figure 4 B and Figure 4 C), in which the chamber entrance 42 is closed, and in which the chamber entrance 42 is at least partially open.

[0110] Advantageously, the closing member 27 defines a fully open position (in Figure 4 B) and the intermediate open position (visible in Figure 4 C).

[0111] In the closed position, the cover 50 is disposed opposite the chamber inlet 42 to completely close the chamber inlet 42 so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are not fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends outside the flavor chamber 26 so that no more than 1% of the airflow passing through the airflow path 35 can enter the flavor chamber through the chamber outlet 44.

[0112] In an alternative, the cover piece 50 has an L-shape and is configured to close both the chamber inlet 42 and the chamber outlet by sliding.

[0113] In the fully open position, the flap 50 extends away from the chamber inlet 42, such that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The flap 50 here blocks the flow inlet 100, such that the upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends through the flavor chamber 26. When the user draws, the airflow passes through the flow channel 110 and is completely deflected through the flavor chamber 26.

[0114] In the intermediate open position, the cover flap 50 extends at least partially away from the chamber inlet 42 and the flow inlet 100, so that the receiving chamber 22 is fluidly connected with the flavor chamber 26 and the flow channel 110. When the user draws, the airflow passes through the flow channel 110, and a portion of the airflow is deflected through the flavor chamber 26. The upstream portion includes a flavoring portion 52 extending within the flavor chamber 26 and a bypass portion 54 extending outside the flavor chamber 26 until the receiving chamber 22. In other words, only a portion of the airflow passing through the device 11 is deflected into the flavor chamber 26. Preferably, up to 20% of the airflow passing through the upstream portion enters the flavor chamber 26.

[0115] This intermediate position results in a less intense flavor intensity with less air passing through the flavor chamber 26 .

[0116] Optionally or alternatively, the cover sheet 50 is shaped so that linear movement of the cover sheet produces a logarithmic change in airflow through the flavor chamber 26. Since flavor perception is not non-linear but logarithmic, this enables linearly perceived flavor modulation, thereby improving the user experience.

[0117] Description of the Third Embodiment of the Invention

[0118] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An aerosol generating assembly 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0119] The aerosol-generating assembly 10 according to this third embodiment is similar to the aerosol-generating assembly 10 according to the first embodiment explained above, except for the features described below.

[0120] As in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the flavor chamber 26 of the aerosol generating device 11 according to the third embodiment is formed by the e-liquid capsule 200 .

[0121] The e-liquid capsule includes a tank 202 containing e-liquid 203 and a heating element 204 .

[0122] The e-liquid 203 includes a base liquid and a flavoring substance and is used as a flavoring substance. For example, the e-liquid 203 may contain polypropylene glycol and / or glycerol, preferably the weight ratio of polypropylene glycol / glycerol is between 10:90 and 90:10. The flavoring agent may be any artificial or natural flavoring substance, such as botanicals, plant extracts, licorice, menthol, spices, fruit or plant oils, cooling agents, etc.

[0123] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example of the embodiment, the heating element 204 is, for example, a resistive element (such as a coil) configured to heat the e-liquid 203 from the tank 202 to generate a flavored vapor that can be inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece. To this end, the heating element 204 can be arranged to contact a wick that is arranged to be in fluid communication with the tank 202.

[0124] The operation of the heating element 204 is controlled by a controller (not visible). The controller is configured to control the operation of the heating element by controlling the power supply to the heating element. For this purpose, the controller can, for example, apply a predetermined heating curve to control the operation of the heating element.

[0125] The control module 32 may function as a controller.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the heating element 204 is activated by powering the device 11. In other words, when the device 11 is powered on, the heating element 204 begins to heat the e-liquid 203.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the device 11 comprises a first sensor 210 configured to determine the position of the closing element 27 .

[0128] The first sensor 210 is, for example, a Hall sensor. Other types of sensors may be possible.

[0129] The first sensor 210 is configured to provide data to the controller so that if the closing element 27 is in its closed position, the operation of the heating element 204 is blocked. In other words, the heating element 204 is enabled and heats the e-liquid 203 only when the closing element 27 is in the open position. This prevents the e-liquid from being heated unnecessarily if the user does not intend to add flavor.

[0130] Advantageously, as in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure, the device 11 further includes a second sensor 212 (also referred to as a puff sensor 212) configured to detect when the user inhales. The puff sensor 212 can be operatively connected to the controller to be able to provide a signal indicating the puff state (i.e., puffing or not puffing) to the controller.

[0131] The suction sensor 202 is, for example, a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.

[0132] Advantageously, the controller is configured to enable operation of the heating element 204 when the first sensor 210 detects an open position of the closure element 27 and the second sensor 212 detects a user taking a puff.

[0133] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that further embodiments may be implemented in a variety of different ways, especially by combining previous embodiments.

[0134] For example, in an embodiment not shown, the device 11 comprises several flavor chambers 26 connected to the receiving cavity 22, each flavor chamber 26 being associated with a respective closing member 27 cooperating with said chamber 26. Thus, the user can operate each closing member 27 independently in order to obtain several flavors over time during a smoking process.

[0135] In addition, it is also clear that a heating element similar to the heating element 204 explained with respect to this embodiment can be used to trigger or enhance the release of flavor from the capsule 45, as explained with respect to the previous embodiment. For example, such a heating element can at least partially heat or melt the capsule 45 to release the flavor.

Claims

1. A heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) configured to operate with a tobacco product (12); The aerosol generating device (11) comprises: - a receiving cavity (22) configured to receive the tobacco product (12) and comprising a heater configured to heat the tobacco product (12); - an airflow path (35) comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco product (12) is received in the receiving cavity (22); - a flavor chamber (26) defining a chamber inlet (42) and configured to receive a flavoring substance capable of releasing flavor; - a closing element (27) arranged at the chamber inlet (42) and configured to move between an open position, in which the chamber inlet (42) is at least partially open and at least a portion of the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends through the flavor chamber (26), and a closed position, in which the chamber inlet (42) is closed and the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends outside the chamber (26); Wherein, in any position of the closing element (27), the downstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends through the tobacco product (12) when the tobacco product is received in the receiving cavity (22).

2. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 1, wherein: In the open position of the closure element (27), the upstream portion further comprises a bypass portion (54) extending outside the flavor chamber (26); Advantageously, the bypass portion (54) extends through the receiving cavity (22).

3. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The closure element (27) further defines a fully open position in which the chamber inlet (42) is fully open and the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends completely through the flavor chamber (26).

4. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The upstream portion extends through the receiving cavity (22).

5. The aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 4, wherein: The upstream portion extends from a flow inlet (39) formed in an opening (23) of the receiving cavity (22), the receiving cavity being designed to receive the tobacco product (12).

6. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The chamber inlet (42) is formed in the walls (24, 25) defining the receiving cavity (22).

7. An aerosol-generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flavour chamber (26) further defining a chamber outlet (44) separate from the chamber inlet (42); Advantageously, the chamber outlet (44) opens into the receiving chamber (22) in every position of the closing element (27).

8. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The closing element (27) is configured to be acted upon directly or indirectly by a user.

9. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The closing element (27) is configured to control the area of ​​the chamber inlet (42).

10. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The flavor chamber (26) further comprises a loading door (46) adapted to open / close the access to the flavor chamber (26) for recharging or replacing the flavoring substance.

11. An aerosol generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The flavor chamber (26) further includes a heating element (204) configured to heat or vaporize the flavoring substance.

12. An aerosol-generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first sensor (210) capable of detecting at least an open position of the closure element (27).

13. An aerosol generating device (11) according to claims 11 and 12, further comprising a controller capable of enabling operation of the heating element (204) when the first sensor (210) detects the open position of the closure element (27).

14. An aerosol generating device (11) according to claim 13, further comprising a second sensor (212) capable of detecting a user's puff, the controller being capable of enabling operation of the heating element (204) when the first sensor (210) detects an open position of the closure element (27) and the second sensor (212) detects a user's puff.

15. An aerosol-generating device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The flavor chamber (26) is formed by a tobacco oil capsule (200).

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