Aerosol-generating device and aerosol delivery system

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a housing and an electrical heating device. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis. The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are releasably coupled to each other to define a mixing chamber therein. The coupling is such that the first axial end of the first housing portion mates with the second axial end of the second housing portion at the interface. The first housing portion includes a receiving region configured to receive an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate. An electrical heating device is positioned within the housing in thermal communication with the receiving region. The first axial end and the second axial end are shaped and configured such that when the first housing portion is coupled with the second housing portion, the at least one airflow channel is defined at the interface by the mating first and second axial ends. At least one gas flow channel extends through the wall thickness of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct a gas flow into the mixing chamber across the receiving region in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first axial end includes at least one first groove. The second axial end includes at least one second groove. The first groove and the second groove are arranged to align with each other upon coupling of the first housing portion and the second housing portion to thereby define at least one airflow channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol delivery system. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are known in which a heating element is used to heat an aerosol-forming substrate in order to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device. The heating element may be an electric heating element. More specifically, the heating element sufficiently heats the aerosol-forming substrate to generate a vapor containing volatile compounds formed from the aerosol-forming substrate. In known aerosol generating devices, in response to inhalation by the user of the device, air is drawn through the substrate and combined with the vapor formed from the substrate. The vapor-laden airflow flows downstream to condense and form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. Such aerosol generating devices have a draw resistance, which is the pressure drop of air through the device to the user's mouth. In the case where the airflow passes through the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate is a significant contributor to the draw resistance of the aerosol generating device. Like a conventional cigarette containing a tobacco rod, draw resistance is an important factor affecting the user's satisfaction with the smoking experience. However, alternative aerosol-forming substrates are being developed in which the airflow is intended to flow over the substrate rather than through the substrate. In fact, some of these alternative aerosol-forming substrates have a configuration that makes it impracticable for the airflow to pass through the substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a desire to provide an aerosol generating device suitable for guiding an airflow through a channel above the surface of a heated aerosol-forming substrate.

[0004] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a housing and an electric heating device. The housing may extend along a longitudinal axis. The housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being releasably coupled to each other to define a mixing chamber therebetween. The coupling may be such that a first axial end of the first housing portion mates with a second axial end of the second housing portion at an interface. The first housing portion may include a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol generating article composed of or including an aerosol-forming substrate. The electric heating device may be positioned within the housing in thermal communication with the receiving area. The first axial end and the second axial end may be shaped and configured such that when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, at least one airflow channel is defined at the interface by the mating first axial end and second axial end. The at least one airflow channel extends through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an airflow across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber.

[0005] In this way, the first housing part and the second housing part are adapted to provide for the channel-guided and directed flow of air from outside the device above the receiving area. Thus, when the aerosol-generating article is positioned in the receiving area, the air flow will be directed, in whole or in part, above the surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be in the form of one or more capsules of aerosol-forming substrate.

[0007] Preferably, at least one air flow channel may be arranged to direct the air flow, in part, along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area into the mixing chamber. By directing the air flow in this way, a region of reduced pressure (suction region) can be created between the path taken by the air flow through the mixing chamber and the receiving area, thereby serving to draw the vapour emitted from the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate out of the receiving area to become entrained with the air flow. More specifically, at least one air flow channel may be configured to direct the air flow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a reduction in the static pressure between the receiving area and the air flow channel. In one embodiment, at least one air flow channel may be inclined at an angle between zero and 45 degrees to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis so as to direct the air flow, in part, along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0008] Preferably, at least one air flow channel may be arranged to direct the air flow, in part, along the longitudinal axis and towards the receiving area into the mixing chamber. By directing the air flow in this way, the air flow can impinge directly on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate and become entrained with the vapour emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate. Directing the air flow towards the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate can reduce the likelihood of overheating of the substrate. In one embodiment, at least one air flow channel may be inclined at an angle between zero and 45 degrees to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis so as to direct the air flow, in part, along the longitudinal axis and towards the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0009] At least one air flow channel may be a single air flow channel. Advantageously, however, at least one air flow channel may alternatively comprise a plurality of air flow channels. The plurality of air flow channels may be defined at the interface by mating first and second axial ends. Different air flow channels among the plurality of air flow channels may be arranged relative to each other so as to direct the respective air flows towards each other within the mixing chamber. The relative arrangement of the air flow channels facilitates the collision and interference of the different respective air flows with each other, thereby promoting turbulence and the mixing of the air flows both with each other and with the vapour emitted from the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. More specifically, the plurality of air flow channels may comprise one or more pairs of opposing air flow channels, each pair of opposing air flow channels being arranged relative to each other so as to direct the respective air flows towards each other within the mixing chamber.

[0010] The first axial end may include at least one first groove, and the second axial end includes at least one second groove. The first groove and the second groove may be arranged to be aligned with each other when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, thereby defining at least one air flow channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the at least one air flow channel may include a plurality of air flow channels. The first axial end may include a first set of grooves, and the second axial end includes a second set of grooves. The first set of grooves and the second set of grooves may be arranged such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, each groove in the first set of grooves is aligned with a corresponding groove in the second set of grooves to define a pair of aligned grooves, and each pair of aligned grooves defines a corresponding one of the plurality of air flow channels.

[0012] However, in another example, one of the first axial end and the second axial end may include at least one groove that defines at least one air flow channel when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, and the other of the first axial end and the second axial end is at least groove-free at a position aligned with the groove. The entirety of the other of the first axial end and the second axial end may be groove-free, such that the groove is defined in only one of the first axial end and the second axial end. The at least one air flow channel may be aligned parallel to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In this way, air can be effectively drawn across the receiving area and across the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] Conveniently, the interface may be an annular interface. Advantageously, the first axial end and the second axial end may be shaped and configured such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, a plurality of air flow channels are defined at the interface by the mating first and second ends, and the plurality of air flow channels are distributed around the annular interface. Preferably, the distribution of the plurality of air flow channels may be such that the spacing between adjacent air flow channels among the plurality of air flow channels is uniform around the annular interface. The uniform distribution of the air flow channels may facilitate the homogeneous mixing of the incoming air (received via the air flow channels) and the vapors formed from the aerosol-forming substrate in the mixing chamber. However, in an alternative embodiment, a non-uniform distribution may alternatively be employed with respect to the spacing between adjacent air flow channels among the plurality of air flow channels around the annular interface.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may further include a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer and the electrical heating device are sequentially aligned along the longitudinal axis within the housing. The shielding layer may be formed of either a copper alloy (such as copper alloy 770) or a silicon-based particulate-filled compound, the silicon-based particulate-filled compound including one or more of silver, silver-aluminum, silver-copper, silver-glass fiber, and nickel-graphite. The shielding layer may be formed of multiple layers of different foils.

[0015] In one example, the electric heating device may include a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may take various forms. Advantageously, the resistive heating element may include a planar surface that is arranged transversely across the receiving area and configured to support the aerosol-generating article in the receiving area. In this way, the heating element can both support the aerosol-generating article received in the receiving chamber and directly apply heat to the aerosol-generating article. The surface arranged transversely across the receiving area may be a planar surface. Preferably, the resistive heating element may be provided within a first housing portion. The aerosol-generating device may further include a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer and the resistive heating element are aligned in sequence along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the electric heating device may include an inductor and a susceptor. The inductor may be provided in the form of an inductor coil. The inductor coil may include a flat spiral inductor coil. The inductor coil may have a tubular shape or a spiral shape. Preferably, the inductor coil is both tubular and spiral. Preferably, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length direction of the coil, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic central axis of the coil, the tubular and spiral coils have a non-circular cross-section. The susceptor may include a planar surface that is arranged transversely across the receiving area and configured to support the aerosol-generating article in the receiving area. The surface arranged transversely across the receiving area may be a planar surface. The aerosol-generating device may further include a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer, the inductor and the susceptor are aligned in sequence along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0017] As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to an element that includes a material capable of converting the energy of a magnetic field into heat. When the susceptor is located in an alternating magnetic field, the susceptor is heated. The heating of the susceptor may be caused by at least one of hysteresis loss and Joule heating generated by induced eddy currents in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. Suitable materials for the susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and other conductive materials. Advantageously, the susceptor may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the susceptor may be formed of AISI 430 stainless steel.

[0018] When measured at a suitable frequency and temperature, for example, when measured at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius at a frequency of up to 10 kHz, the material of the susceptor may have a relative magnetic permeability between 1 and 40,000. When most of the heating is desired to rely on eddy currents, materials with a lower magnetic permeability may be used, while when hysteresis effects are required, materials with a higher magnetic permeability may be used. Preferably, the material has a relative magnetic permeability between 500 and 40,000. This can provide effective heating of the susceptor.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a power source and control electronics configured to control the energy supply from the power source to the electrical heating device. Advantageously, the coupling of the first housing part and the second housing part may define an electrical conduction path between the power source and the electrical heating device, wherein the separation of the first housing part and the second housing part disconnects the electrical conduction path. The electrical conduction path may define at least a part of the circuit that couples the electrical heating device to the power source.

[0020] Preferably, the first housing part and the second housing part may be tubular, wherein the inner wall of the tubular first housing part defines the perimeter of a receiving area configured to receive a disc-shaped aerosol generating article. Thus, the tubular configuration of the first housing part may facilitate holding the aerosol generating article. Conveniently, the planar surface of the electrical heating device may define the base of the receiving area. The planar surface may form part of one of the resistive heating elements or susceptors of the electrical heating device.

[0021] Preferably, the second housing part may comprise a mouthpiece in communication with the mixing chamber. The provision of such a mouthpiece facilitates the user to inhale the aerosol from the mixing chamber, wherein the aerosol is formed from vapors formed by heating an aerosol-forming substrate entrained with air received via at least one air flow channel. The mouthpiece is preferably provided at the end of the second housing part opposite the interface.

[0022] The first housing part and the second housing part may be coupled to each other by a mechanical interconnection. Preferably, the mechanical interconnection is configured such that the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled to each other with a predetermined relative alignment. The predetermined relative alignment may preferably be an alignment that facilitates the formation of at least one air flow channel; for example, wherein the air flow channel is defined by mating a groove on the first axial end of the first housing part with a corresponding groove on the second axial end of the second housing part. By way of example, the first housing part and the second housing part may be coupled to each other by one of a threaded connection and a bayonet connection.

[0023] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an ejector assembly configured to eject the aerosol generating article from the receiving area of the first housing part. The provision of such an ejector assembly may facilitate removing the aerosol generating article from the receiving area once the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted.

[0024] Advantageously, the ejector assembly may include a support element for supporting the aerosol-generating article in the receiving area. The support element may be movable within the first housing part away from the receiving area; for example, movable along a longitudinal axis. The support element may form part of an electrical heating device. For example, the support element may form part of either a resistive heating element or a susceptor of the electrical heating device. Preferably, the ejector assembly may include one or more biasing elements configured to eject the support element from the receiving area of the first housing part.

[0025] The ejector assembly may include an electromagnetic assembly having a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is an active state and the second state is an inactive state. The electromagnetic assembly may be configured such that in the active state, the electromagnetic assembly ejects the aerosol-generating article from the receiving area of the first housing part.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the variations described herein, and an aerosol-generating article composed of or including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be disposed in the receiving area, and at least one air flow channel extends through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an air flow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber.

[0027] As described in the foregoing paragraph, preferably, the aerosol-generating article is an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be in the form of one or more capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may include opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral surfaces, wherein the opposing planar surfaces define a major portion of the total outer surface area of the article relative to the one or more peripheral surfaces. The aerosol-generating article may be disposed in the receiving area such that the opposing planar surfaces extend across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0029] Preferably, the first housing part and the second housing part may be tubular, and the aerosol-generating article is disc-shaped, wherein the inner wall of the tubular first housing part defines the perimeter of the receiving area. The receiving area may be configured to receive the disc-shaped aerosol-generating article such that the peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the tubular first housing. In this way, lateral movement of the aerosol-generating article within the aerosol-generating device is prevented during use of the aerosol delivery system.

[0030] For example, the aerosol-generating article may include one or more capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate arranged in a stacked relationship in the receiving area.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user into the user's lungs through the mouth.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate composed of or including an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0033] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate can include both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate can be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0034] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate can include a tobacco-free aerosol-forming material.

[0035] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can include, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, flakes, filaments, strips or sheets, which contain one or more of herbaceous leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco.

[0036] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can contain tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released upon heating the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can also contain one or more capsules, which, for example, include additional tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules can melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0037] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate can be disposed on or embedded in a heat-stable carrier. The carrier can take the form of powders, granules, pellets, flakes, filaments, strips or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, sheets, foams, gels or slurries. The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, can be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate includes a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by coalescing particulate tobacco.

[0039] Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate comprises an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length that are significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "aggregated" is used to describe a sheet that is wound, folded, or compressed or tightened substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol - generating article. Preferably, the aerosol - forming substrate comprises an aerosol - forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol - forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, contributes to the formation of an aerosol and is substantially heat - resistant to degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol - generating article.

[0040] Suitable aerosol - forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono -, di - or tri - acetate; and aliphatic esters of mono -, di - or poly - carboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol - forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3 - butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0041] The aerosol - forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol - forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol - forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol - forming agents.

[0042] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non - exhaustive list of non - limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0043] Example Ex1: An aerosol - generating device comprising a housing and an electrical heating device;

[0044] The housing extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion being releasably coupled to each other to define a mixing chamber therebetween, wherein the coupling causes a first axial end of the first housing portion to mate with a second axial end of the second housing portion at an interface;

[0045] The first housing portion comprises a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol - generating article constituted of or comprising an aerosol - forming substrate;

[0046] The electrical heating device is positioned within the housing to be in thermal communication with the receiving area;

[0047] The first axial end and the second axial end are shaped and configured such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, at least one airflow channel is defined at the interface by the mating first and second axial ends, and the at least one airflow channel extends through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an airflow across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber.

[0048] Example Ex2. The aerosol generating device according to Ex1, wherein the at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct an airflow partially along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0049] Example Ex3: The aerosol generating device according to Ex2, wherein the at least one airflow channel is configured to direct an airflow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a reduction in static pressure between the receiving area and the airflow channel.

[0050] Example Ex4: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex2 or Ex3, wherein the at least one airflow channel is inclined at an angle between zero and 45 degrees with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis so as to direct an airflow partially along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0051] Example Ex5: The aerosol generating device according to Ex1, wherein the at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct an airflow partially along the longitudinal axis and towards the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0052] Example Ex6: The aerosol generating device according to Ex5, wherein the at least one airflow channel is inclined at an angle between zero and 45 degrees with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis so as to direct an airflow partially along the longitudinal axis and towards the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

[0053] Example Ex7: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex6, wherein the at least one airflow channel comprises a plurality of airflow channels defined at the interface by the mating first and second axial ends, and different airflow channels among the plurality of airflow channels are arranged relative to each other so as to direct corresponding airflows towards each other within the mixing chamber.

[0054] Example Ex8: The aerosol generating device according to Ex7, wherein the plurality of airflow channels comprises one or more pairs of opposing airflow channels, and each pair of opposing airflow channels is arranged relative to each other so as to direct corresponding airflows towards each other within the mixing chamber.

[0055] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the first axial end includes at least one first groove, and the second axial end includes at least one second groove, wherein the first groove and the second groove are arranged to be aligned with each other when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, thereby defining the at least one airflow channel.

[0056] Example Ex10: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex9, wherein the at least one airflow channel includes a plurality of airflow channels, wherein the first axial end includes a first set of grooves, and the second axial end includes a second set of grooves, wherein the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves are arranged such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, each groove in the first set of grooves is aligned with a corresponding groove in the second set of grooves to define a pair of aligned grooves, and each pair of aligned grooves defines a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow channels.

[0057] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex8, wherein one of the first axial end and the second axial end includes at least one groove that defines the at least one airflow channel when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, and the other of the first axial end and the second axial end is at least groove-free at a position aligned with the groove.

[0058] Example Ex11a: An aerosol generating device according to Ex11, wherein the whole of the other of the first axial end and the second axial end is groove-free.

[0059] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex11a, wherein the at least one airflow channel is aligned parallel to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0060] Example Ex13: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the interface is an annular interface.

[0061] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating device according to Ex13, wherein the first axial end and the second axial end are shaped and configured such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled, a plurality of the airflow channels are defined by mating first and second ends at the interface, and the plurality of airflow channels are distributed around the annular interface.

[0062] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating device according to Ex14, wherein the distribution of the plurality of airflow channels is such that the spacing between adjacent airflow channels among the plurality of airflow channels is consistent around the annular interface.

[0063] Example Ex15a: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex15 further comprises a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer and the electric heating device are sequentially aligned along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0064] Example Ex16: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex15a, wherein the electric heating device comprises a resistive heating element.

[0065] Example Ex17: The aerosol generating device according to Ex16, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a surface that is arranged transversely across the receiving area and is configured to support the aerosol generating article within the receiving area.

[0066] Example Ex17a: The aerosol generating device according to Ex17, wherein the surface arranged transversely across the receiving area is a planar surface.

[0067] Example Ex18: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex16 to Ex17a, wherein the resistive heating element is disposed within the first housing portion.

[0068] Example Ex19: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex16 to Ex18 further comprises a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer and the resistive heating element are sequentially aligned along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0069] Example Ex20: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex15a, wherein the electric heating device comprises an inductor and a susceptor.

[0070] Example Ex21: The aerosol generating device according to Ex20, wherein the susceptor comprises a surface that is arranged transversely across the receiving area and is configured to support the aerosol generating article within the receiving area.

[0071] Example Ex21a: The aerosol generating device according to Ex21, wherein the surface arranged transversely across the receiving area is a planar surface.

[0072] Example Ex22: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex20 to Ex21a further comprises a thermal and magnetic shielding layer, and the thermal and magnetic shielding layer, the inductor and the susceptor are sequentially aligned along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0073] Example Ex23: The aerosol generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex22 further comprises a power source and control electronics configured to control the energy supply from the power source to the electric heating device.

[0074] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex23, wherein the coupling of the first housing part and the second housing part defines an electrical conduction path between the power source and the electrically heated device, and wherein the separation of the first housing part and the second housing part breaks the electrical conduction path.

[0075] Example Ex24a: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex24, wherein the electrical conduction path defines at least a part of a circuit that couples the electrically heated device to the power source.

[0076] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex24a, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are tubular, and wherein the inner wall of the tubular first housing part defines the perimeter of the receiving area configured to receive a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article.

[0077] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex25, wherein a planar surface of the electrically heated device defines the base of the receiving area.

[0078] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex26, wherein the planar surface forms part of one of the resistive heating elements or sensors of the electrically heated device.

[0079] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex27, wherein the second housing part includes a mouthpiece in communication with the mixing chamber.

[0080] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex28, wherein the mouthpiece is provided at an end of the second housing part opposite the interface.

[0081] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex29, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled to each other by a mechanical interconnection.

[0082] Example Ex30a: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex30, wherein the mechanical interconnection is configured such that the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled to each other with a predetermined relative alignment.

[0083] Example Ex30b: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex30b, wherein the predetermined relative alignment is an alignment that facilitates the formation of the at least one airflow channel.

[0084] Example Ex30c: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex30 to Ex30b, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are coupled to each other by one of a screw connection and a bayonet connection.

[0085] Example Ex31: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex30c, further comprising an ejector assembly configured to eject the aerosol-generating article from a receiving area of the first housing part.

[0086] Example Ex32: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex31, wherein the ejector assembly includes a support element for supporting the aerosol-generating article in the receiving area, the support element being movable away from the receiving area within the first housing part.

[0087] Example Ex33: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex32, wherein the support element forms part of the electrical heating device.

[0088] Example Ex34: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex33, wherein the support element forms part of one of the resistive heating element or the susceptor of the electrical heating device.

[0089] Example Ex35: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex32 to Ex34, wherein the ejector assembly includes one or more biasing elements configured to eject the support element from the receiving area of the first housing part.

[0090] Example Ex36: The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex31 to Ex35, wherein the ejector assembly includes an electromagnetic assembly having a first state and a second state, wherein the first state is an active state and the second state is an inactive state.

[0091] Example Ex37: The aerosol-generating device according to Ex36, wherein the electromagnetic assembly is configured such that in the active state, the electromagnetic assembly ejects the aerosol-generating article from the receiving area of the first housing part.

[0092] Example Ex38: An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex1 to Ex37, and an aerosol-generating article composed of or including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article being disposed in the receiving area, and at least one airflow channel extending through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an airflow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber.

[0093] Example Ex39: The aerosol delivery system according to Ex38, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral surfaces, and wherein the opposing planar surfaces define a major portion of the total outer surface area of the article relative to the one or more peripheral surfaces.

[0094] Example Ex40: The aerosol delivery system according to Ex39, wherein the aerosol-generating article is arranged in the receiving area such that the opposing planar surfaces extend across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0095] Example Ex41: The aerosol delivery system according to any one of Ex38 to Ex40, wherein the first housing part and the second housing part are tubular and the aerosol-generating article is disc-shaped, and wherein the inner wall of the tubular first housing part defines the perimeter of the receiving area.

[0096] Example Ex42: The aerosol delivery system according to Ex41, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive the disc-shaped aerosol-generating article such that the peripheral surface of the aerosol-generating article is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the tubular first housing.

[0097] Example Ex43: The aerosol delivery system according to any one of Ex38 to Ex42, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0098] Example Ex44: The aerosol delivery system according to Ex43, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of capsules of the aerosol-forming substrate, the plurality of capsules being arranged in a stacked relationship in the receiving area. Description of the Drawings

[0099] Several examples will now be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0100] Figure 1A A schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0101] Figure 1B Shown by Figure 1A A schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system formed by a combination of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article being composed of capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate positioned in a receiving area of the aerosol-generating device.

[0102] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A A schematic perspective view of the first housing part and the second housing part of the aerosol-generating device of

[0103] Figure 3AShows a schematic perspective view of a first housing part and a second housing part of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device.

[0104] Figure 3B Shows a schematic perspective view of a first housing part and a second housing part of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device.

[0105] Figure 4A And 4B Shows Figure 1A And 1B Two schematic cross-sectional views of a first housing part and a second housing part of an aerosol generating device, and show the alignment of a pair of airflow channels defined by the first housing part and the second housing part being coupled to each other with a predetermined relative alignment.

[0106] Figure 5A And 5B Shows Figure 1A And 1B Two schematic cross-sectional views of a variant of a first housing part and a second housing part of an aerosol generating device, and show an alternative alignment of a pair of airflow channels defined by the first housing part and the second housing part being coupled to each other with a predetermined relative alignment.

[0107] Figure 6A And Figure 6B Shows Figure 1A And Figure 1B Side elevation views of a first housing part and a second housing part of an aerosol generating device, showing the use of a threaded connection to couple the first housing part and the second housing part together to form an airflow channel at the interface of the first housing part and the second housing part.

[0108] Figure 7 Shows a schematic cross-section of a first housing part of an embodiment of an aerosol generating device provided with an ejector assembly. Detailed Description

[0109] Figure 1A Shows an aerosol generating device 10. The device 10 has an elongated housing 11 extending along a longitudinal axis LA. The housing 11 has a first housing part 110 and a second housing part 120, which can be releasably coupled to each other at an annular interface 12 to define a mixing chamber 13 therein. The first housing part defines the body of the aerosol generating device 10 and houses a power supply 14, a controller 15 and an electrical heating device 16. A cup-shaped blind cavity 111 is located at one end of the first housing part 110; more specifically, the cup-shaped blind cavity 111 is located adjacent to the interface 12 between the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120. As Figure 1BAs shown in, the blind cavity 111 defines a receiving area for accommodating the aerosol-generating article 20. For Figure 1B In the embodiment of, the aerosol-generating article 20 is in the form of a cylindrical capsule of an aerosol-forming substrate. The capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate has two opposite planar surfaces 21, 22 joined by an annular peripheral surface 23. The area of each of the opposite planar surfaces 21, 22 is greater in magnitude than the area of the annular peripheral surface 23. The capsule 20 is located on the base 112 of the receiving area 111, wherein both of the opposite planar surfaces 21, 22 of the capsule 20 are aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs, in another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may alternatively take the form of a stack of capsules of the aerosol-forming substrate. The different capsules of the stack of the aerosol-forming substrate may have different compositions, such as different flavors or other additives.

[0110] The electric heating device 16 is thermally coupled to the base 112 of the receiving area 111. As will be described in subsequent paragraphs, in another exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the electric heating device 16 may define the base 112 of the receiving area 111 and be used to support the aerosol-generating article 20 within the receiving area.

[0111] When extending from the interface 12 to the opening 121 defined at the mouthpiece end 122 of the second housing portion, the diameter of the second housing portion 120 narrows. The mouthpiece end 122 is sized to allow insertion into a user's mouth.

[0112] As Figure 1A and 1B shown in, two air flow channels 31a, 31b extend through the housing 11 at the interface 12 between the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 120. For Figure 1A and 1B the embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in the cross-sectional view of, the two air flow channels 31a, 31b are diametrically opposite each other. The two air flow channels 31a, 31b are aligned to direct the air flow into the mixing chamber 13 in a direction generally extending across the exposed planar surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. However, for Figure 1A and 1B the embodiments in, the air flow channels 31a, 31b are each inclined at an angle α of approximately 5 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that the air flow through the air flow channels is also slightly directed towards the exposed planar surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. Similar embodiments are also referred to below in Figure 4A and 4B described. It should be understood that it can be located at Figure 1A and Figure 1BAn additional airflow passage is defined circumferentially between the two airflow passages 31a, 31b visible in about the interface 12 between the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120. It should also be understood that the airflow passages 31a, 31b may alternatively be inclined to direct the airflow in a direction extending slightly away from the exposed planar surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate 20; reference Figure 5A and 5B describe this embodiment.

[0113] The power source 14 is a battery. The battery may be rechargeable. For example, the battery may be a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium-ion battery, which may be recharged via an electrical connector (not shown) incorporated into the first housing part of the device. The power source 14 is coupled to the controller 15, which in turn is coupled to the electrical heating device 16. The controller 15 includes or is coupled to a memory module 15A. The memory module 15A contains instructions and data that define a thermal profile for the electrical heating device 16 during use. The controller 15 may be activated by the user pressing a button (not shown) provided on the housing 11, which is electrically coupled to the controller 15.

[0114] When the controller 15 is activated, the controller controls the power supply from the power source 14 to the electrical heating device 16 in accordance with the instructions and data on the memory module 15A. More specifically, the controller 15 controls the energy supply to the electrical heating device 16 according to the thermal profile to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 20. The heat applied by the electrical heating device 16 to the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate is sufficient to cause vapor to form from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20. Inhalation by the user at the mouthpiece end 122 will cause air to flow from outside the housing 11 through the airflow passages 31a, 31b into the mixing chamber 13. For Figure 1B the embodiment shown in , the diametrically opposed airflow passages 31a, 31b are aligned to direct the respective airflow towards each other through the mixing chamber 13 and slightly towards the exposed planar surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. In Figure 1B the airflow path taken by the air inflow through the two opposed airflow passages 31a, 31b is shown by solid arrows. The airflow will collide with each other and mix with the heated vapor formed from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an entrained airflow. The collision between the airflows caused by the alignment of the airflow passages 31a, 31b relative to each other promotes turbulent airflow within the mixing chamber 13, thereby facilitating thorough mixing of the airflow with the vapor formed from the exposed surface 22 of the heated capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. The suction applied by the user at the mouthpiece end 122 will draw the entrained airflow downstream through the mixing chamber 13 towards the mouthpiece end, where the entrained airflow cools and condenses to form an aerosol before reaching the opening 121. The user will inhale the aerosol via the opening 121 in the mouthpiece end 122.

[0115] Figure 2 Shows a schematic perspective view of the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 when separated from each other. A first set of four grooves 113a-d are defined in the first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110. A second set of four grooves 123a-d are similarly defined in the second axial end 124 of the second housing part 120. The first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 are shown as planar. The first set of grooves 113a-d and the second set of grooves 123a-d are defined in the respective first axial end 114 and second axial end 124 such that when the first axial end and the second axial end are mated with each other in a predetermined relative alignment, each groove in the first set of grooves is aligned with a corresponding groove in the second set of grooves to form a corresponding air flow passage in the air flow passages 31a-d. For Figure 2 the embodiment shown in, the first set of grooves 113a-d and the second set of grooves 123a-d are uniformly spaced around the respective first axial end 114 and second axial end 124. A pair of electrical contacts 201a, 201b are provided on the first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110. Wires 202 extend from each of the electrical contacts 201a, 201b within the first housing part 110 to the controller 15 and the electrical heating device 16. A pair of electrical contacts 203a, 203b are also provided on the second axial end 124 of the second housing part 120. Wires 204 extend within the second housing part 120 to be coupled to each of the electrical contacts 203a, 203b. When the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 are mated with each other, wherein the first set of grooves 113a-d are aligned with the corresponding grooves in the second set of grooves 213a-d, the electrical contacts 201a, 203a are engaged with each other, and the electrical contacts 201b, 203b are similarly engaged with each other. When the contacts 201a:203a, 201b:203b are engaged in this way, the wires 202, 204 together define an electrical conduction path between the controller 15 and the electrical heating device 16, thereby allowing current and / or control signals to be transmitted from the controller 15 to the electrical heating device 16. When the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 are separated from each other, the electrical conduction path is interrupted, wherein current and / or control signals can then not be transmitted between the controller 15 and the electrical heating device 16.

[0116] Figure 3A and 3B shows Figure 2 two alternative embodiments of the embodiment of Figure 3AIn the embodiment, the first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110 does not have any grooves. In this embodiment, the grooves 123a-d are only defined on the second axial end 124 of the second housing part. Therefore, when the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 cooperate with each other, each of the air flow channels 31a-d in the air flow channels is defined by a combination of one of the grooves on the second axial end of the second housing part and the part of the first axial end of the first housing part that is aligned with the corresponding groove. Figure 3B The embodiment of shows a situation opposite to that of FIG. 3. More specifically, in Figure 3B In the embodiment, the second axial end 124 of the second housing part 120 does not have any grooves, and the grooves 113a-d are only defined on the first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110. Therefore, when the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 cooperate with each other, each of the air flow channels 31a-d in the air flow channels is defined by a combination of one of the grooves on the first axial end of the second housing part and the part of the second axial end of the second housing part that is aligned with the corresponding groove.

[0117] Although Figure 2 , 3A and 3B show embodiments in which a plurality of air flow channels 31a-d are uniformly distributed around the annular interface 12 formed by the cooperation of the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124, in other embodiments, the intervals between adjacent air flow channels among the plurality of air flow channels may be inconsistent. In addition, although Figure 2 , 3A and 3B show embodiments in which each of the grooves 113a-d, 123a-d is defined by two angled surfaces that coincide at the vertex, it should be understood that the grooves defining the inner surface of the air flow channel can take any other form. For example, the grooves 113a-d, 123a-d can be formed by a continuous curved surface. It should be further understood that although Figure 2 , 3A and 3B show examples including a plurality of air flow channels 31a-d formed by the cooperation of the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124, in other embodiments, only a single air flow channel 31 may be defined.

[0118] Figure 4A and 4B show two schematic cross-sectional views of the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 of the aerosol generating device 10. Figure 4A shows the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 separated from each other. Figure 4BShows a first housing part 110 and a second housing part 120, the first housing part and the second housing part being coupled to each other with a predetermined relative alignment to define a pair of diametrically opposed air flow channels 31a, 31b at an interface 12 between a first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110 and a second axial end 124 of the second housing part 120. It should be understood that additional air flow channels may exist at positions around the interface 12 between the pair of opposed air flow channels 31a, 31b shown in Figure 4B The corresponding grooves 113a-b, 123a-b defined in the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 are formed such that the air flow channels 31a, 31b resulting from the alignment of the grooves in the first axial end with the grooves in the second axial end generally span the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, but also direct the air flow into the mixing chamber 13 in a direction slightly extending towards the exposed surface of the capsule. This causes each air flow to impinge on the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20; each of the two air flows is shown by the solid arrows in Figure 4B . The impingement of the air flow on the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 can help to inhibit overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate. As discussed for the embodiment of Figure 1B , the air flows can also collide with each other. The air flows also mix with the vapor formed from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 (the vapor is indicated by the dashed arrows in Figure 4B ) to form the entrained air flow described previously. Similar to Figure 1B , the inclination of the air flow channels 31a, 31b is represented by an acute angle α between the path defined by the air flow channels and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Although Figure 4B shows a relatively small angle α of about 5 degrees, the air flow channels 31a, 31b can be inclined at a greater angle to provide a greater amount of impingement of the air flow on the surface of the capsule of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the angle α can be up to 45 degrees. Alternatively, the air flow channels 31a, 31b can be inclined at an angle less than 5 degrees, or even aligned parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. It should also be understood that the inclination angle α can be different between different air flow channels.

[0119] For Figure 4A , 4BIn the embodiment shown, the electric heating device 16 is an induction heating device. The induction heating device has an inductor 161 and a susceptor 162. The susceptor 162 is in the form of a stainless steel disc; however, it should be understood that the susceptor 162 may be formed of other suitable materials capable of being heated via induction eddy currents and / or hysteresis. The surface of the susceptor 162 defines a base 112 of the receiving area 111. The inductor 161 is in the form of a conductive coil positioned below the susceptor 162. The inductor 161 is supported on a thermal and magnetic shielding layer 163. Opposite ends 1611, 1612 of the inductor coil 161 pass through holes 1631, 1632 defined in the thermal and magnetic shielding layer 163 to be coupled to the controller 15, thereby facilitating the supply of energy to the inductor coil. The capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned on the surface of the susceptor 162. When activated, the controller 15 controls the supply of alternating current from the power supply 14 to the inductor coil 161 such that an alternating magnetic field is generated by the inductor coil. In the case where the power supply 14 provides DC current, the controller 15 includes a DC / AC converter (not shown) for converting the DC current supplied from the power supply into alternating current. The susceptor 162 is positioned within the alternating magnetic field and is subjected to heating by one or both of eddy current heating (where the susceptor is conductive) and hysteresis (where the susceptor is magnetic). Heat is mainly transferred to the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction between the contact surface of the susceptor 162 and the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. As Figure 4B indicated by the dashed arrows in, heating of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate causes vapor to form from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule.

[0120] Figure 5A and 5B shows Figure 4A and 4B a variant of the embodiment, in which corresponding grooves defined at the first axial end and the second axial end are formed such that the air flow channels 31a, 31b produced by the alignment of the groove in the first axial end 114 and the groove in the second axial end 124 direct the air flow generally across the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, but also in a direction extending slightly away from the exposed surface of the capsule of the aerosol-forming substrate into the mixing chamber 13. The flow of incoming air in a direction slightly away from the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate causes suction to be generated in region A between the path (represented by the solid line in Figure 5B ) taken by the air flow through the mixing chamber 13 and the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate located in the receiving area 111. The suction or decompression in region A has the effect of inhaling the vapor (represented by the dashed arrows in Figure 5B ) formed from the exposed surface 22 of the heated capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, where the air flow and the vapor are mixed to form the entrained air flow described previously. As with Figure 4BSimilarly, the inclination of the air flow channels 31a, 31b is represented by the acute angle α between the path defined by the air flow channels and the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Although Figure 5B a smaller angle α of about 5 degrees is shown in

[0121] it should be understood that the air flow channels 31a, 31b may be inclined at a greater angle. Alternatively, the air flow channels 31a, 31b may be inclined at an angle less than 5 degrees, or even aligned parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Again, it should be understood that the inclination angle α may vary between different air flow channels. Figure 4A -B and Figure 5A in an alternative embodiment of the -B embodiment, the electric heating device may be a resistive heating device rather than an inductive heating device.

[0122] Figure 6A and 6B shows a side elevation view of the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 of an embodiment of the aerosol generating device 10, where a threaded interface is used to provide a secure connection of the first housing part to the second housing part in a predetermined relative alignment. More specifically, the second housing part 120 is provided with an external threaded section 126 that engages with a corresponding internal threaded section 116 of the first housing part 110. The external threaded section 126 and the internal threaded section 116 are formed such that when the first axial end 114 of the first housing part 110 mates with the second axial end 124 of the second housing part 120, the grooves 113a, b defined in the first axial end are aligned with the corresponding grooves 123a, b defined in the second axial end to form a respective one of the air flow channels 31a, 31b. Figure 6B The curved arrow in

[0123] Figure 7 shows the direction of rotation of the second housing part 120 relative to the first housing part 110 in order to screw the two housing parts together. It should be understood that in another embodiment (not shown), a bayonet or other form of mechanical connection may be used to securely connect the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 to each other. Figure 4A-B and in a manner similar to that of 5A-B). The ejector 41 is positioned within the cup-shaped member 43. The inductor coil 161 is positioned between the base 431 of the cup-shaped member 43 and the planar surface of the ejector 41. The spring 42 is positioned within the cup-shaped member 43, where opposite ends of the spring act on the lower side of the ejector 41 and the inner surface of the first housing portion 110. The ejector 41 is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 7 in the direction of the arrow towards the first axial end 114. In the first position, the spring 42 is compressed, where the receptor 162 is positioned within the receiving area 111 for supporting the capsule of the aerosol-forming substrate within the receiving area. In the second position, the compressive force in the spring 42 is released, and the ejector 41 and the receptor 162 are translated outwardly from the receiving area 111 in the direction of the arrow. Once the ejector 41 is in the second position, the user can easily remove the (used) capsule from the surface of the receptor 162. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a mechanical interlock to hold the ejector 41 in the first position until the interlock is released, for example, by a button or lever on the user-actuated device. In another embodiment, one or more magnets (e.g., an electromagnetic assembly) may be used in place of the spring to shift the ejector 41 between the first position and the second position. Although Figure 7 the embodiment employs an induction heating assembly (formed by the inductor coil 161 and the receptor 162), it should be understood that in other embodiments, a resistive heating device may be employed.

[0124] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise specified, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc. should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about". Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Thus, herein, the number "A" is understood to be "A" ± 10% of "A". Herein, the number "A" may be considered to include values within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number "A". In certain instances used in the appended claims, the number "A" may deviate from the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel features of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therebetween, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising a housing and an electric heating device; The housing extends along a longitudinal axis, the housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion are releasably coupled to each other to define a mixing chamber therebetween, wherein the coupling causes a first axial end of the first housing portion to mate with a second axial end of the second housing portion at an interface; The first housing portion includes a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol generating article constituted by or including an aerosol forming substrate; The electric heating device is positioned within the housing to be in thermal communication with the receiving area; The first axial end and the second axial end are shaped and configured such that when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, at least one air flow channel is defined at the interface by the mating first axial end and second axial end, the at least one air flow channel extending through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an air flow across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber; Wherein the first axial end includes at least one first groove, and the second axial end includes at least one second groove, wherein the first groove and the second groove are arranged to align with each other when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, thereby defining the at least one air flow channel.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air flow channel is arranged to direct an air flow partially along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one air flow channel is configured to direct an air flow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a reduction in static pressure between the receiving area and the air flow channel.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air flow channel is arranged to direct an air flow partially along the longitudinal axis and towards the receiving area into the mixing chamber.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one air flow channel includes a plurality of air flow channels, the plurality of air flow channels being defined at the interface by the mating first axial end and second axial end, different air flow channels of the plurality of air flow channels being arranged relative to each other so as to direct corresponding air flows towards each other within the mixing chamber.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one air flow channel includes a plurality of air flow channels, wherein the first axial end includes a first set of grooves, and the second axial end includes a second set of grooves, wherein the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves are arranged such that when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, each groove in the first set of grooves aligns with a corresponding groove in the second set of grooves to define a pair of aligned grooves, each pair of aligned grooves defining a corresponding one of the plurality of air flow channels.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the first axial end and the second axial end includes at least one groove, the at least one groove defining the at least one airflow passage when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, and the other of the first axial end and the second axial end is groove-free at least at a position aligned with the groove, wherein optionally, the at least one airflow passage is aligned parallel to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the interface is an annular interface, and the first axial end and the second axial end are shaped and configured such that when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled, the plurality of airflow passages are defined at the interface by mating first and second ends, and the plurality of airflow passages are distributed around the annular interface.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a power source and control electronics configured to control the energy supply from the power source to the electrical heating device, wherein the coupling of the first housing portion and the second housing portion defines an electrical conduction path between the power source and the electrical heating device, and the separation of the first housing portion and the second housing portion disconnects the electrical conduction path.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first housing portion and the second housing portion are tubular, and the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion defines the perimeter of the receiving area configured to receive a disc-shaped aerosol-generating article.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the planar surface of the electrical heating device defines the base of the receiving area.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, wherein the planar surface forms part of one of the resistive heating element or the susceptor of the electrical heating device.

13. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an ejector assembly configured to eject the aerosol-generating article from the receiving area of the first housing portion.

14. An aerosol delivery system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and an aerosol-generating article composed of or including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article being disposed in the receiving area, and the at least one airflow passage extending through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct airflow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis into the mixing chamber.

15. The aerosol delivery system according to claim 14, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral surfaces, and the opposing planar surfaces define a major portion of the total outer surface area of the article relative to the one or more peripheral surfaces.

Images