Aerosol-generating device for flat, thin consumable

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (10) comprising a body (30) and a mouthpiece (20) configured to be attached to the body (30). The mouthpiece (20) has a proximal end defining an outlet opening (24) for discharging the generated aerosol and a distal end (44) defining a receptacle (22) configured for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising such an aerosol-generating device.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating system.

[0002] An aerosol generating apparatus for generating inhalable vapors is known. Such an apparatus can heat an aerosol forming matrix to a temperature that causes one or more components of the aerosol forming matrix to volatilize without burning the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix can be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article can have a strip shape for inserting the aerosol generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol generating apparatus. Heating elements can be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol forming matrix once the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0003] Some aerosol generation devices are configured for use with flat, thin consumables heated by planar heating elements. Such devices can achieve more uniform heating of the aerosol-forming matrix contained in the aerosol-generating article, as well as higher overall performance in heat transfer and related aerosolization properties. However, these devices typically require the aerosol-forming matrix to be tightly enclosed within the heating chamber, which can affect gas flow distribution. Furthermore, the handling of the device, particularly the replacement of used consumables, can be cumbersome.

[0004] A desired aerosol generating device is one that improves the airflow distribution through consumables. A desired aerosol generating device is one that improves the heating of the aerosol forming matrix. A desired aerosol generating device is one that can be easily assembled and disassembled. A desired aerosol generating device is one with a simplified design that facilitates the insertion and removal of consumables. A desired aerosol generating device is one that provides an optimized user experience.

[0005] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a body and a mouthpiece configured to be attached to the body. The mouthpiece may have a proximal end defining an outlet opening for discharging the generated aerosol. The mouthpiece may further have a distal end defining a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol forming matrix.

[0006] According to the present invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a main body and a mouthpiece configured to be attached to the main body. The mouthpiece has a proximal end defining an outlet opening for discharging the generated aerosol. The mouthpiece has a distal end defining a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol forming matrix.

[0007] By providing a mouthpiece with an integrated housing to contain the aerosol-forming matrix, the handling of the aerosol generation device is simplified. This simplified handling can provide an enhanced user experience.

[0008] The mouthpiece's housing can be connected to the outlet opening via an airflow channel. Aerosols generated by heating the aerosol-forming matrix can be conveyed from the housing through the airflow channel toward the mouthpiece's outlet opening. A portion of the generated aerosol can be discharged through the mouthpiece's outlet opening.

[0009] The mouthpiece can be made of a suitable polymer material. Such polymer materials can be selected from low thermal conductivity polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), and modified LCPs (such as LCPs with graphite or glass fibers).

[0010] The receiving portion at the distal end of the mouthpiece can be formed of a material different from the rest of the mouthpiece. The receiving portion can be formed of a material that allows for induction heating. The receiving portion can be formed of an induction-heatable material. The induction-heatable material of the receiving portion can be formed of a ferromagnetic material, a ferromagnetic alloy, or an aluminum-containing material. Induction-heatable ferromagnetic materials may include ferritic iron. Induction-heatable ferromagnetic alloys may include ferromagnetic steel, stainless steel, and ferritic iron.

[0011] The receiving portion, formed from a heat-sensitive material, can be used as a sensor for an induction heating device. When connected to the main body of an aerosol generating device, the induction coil of the induction heating device, arranged within the main body, can be configured to inductively heat the receiving portion and the aerosol forming matrix received therein. In this way, an aerosol can be generated, which can be inhaled by the user through the outlet opening of the mouthpiece.

[0012] The consumable to be received in the receiving part can be a flat consumable. The consumable can be a sheet-like consumable. The consumable can be a bag-like consumable. The consumable can be formed into a block. The consumable may include a solid aerosol forming matrix.

[0013] As used herein, the term "plane" refers to an element having a length and width significantly greater than its thickness. The length and width directions are orthogonal to each other and define a first plane. The thickness extends orthogonally to the first plane. A planar element may have two opposing principal surfaces extending in a plane parallel to the first plane. One or both principal surfaces are advantageously flat.

[0014] Consumables can have a length between 5 mm and 50 mm. Consumables can have a length between 10 mm and 40 mm. Consumables can have a length between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0015] Consumables can have a width between 5 mm and 50 mm. Consumables can have a width between 10 mm and 40 mm. Consumables can have a width between 10 mm and 30 mm.

[0016] Consumables can have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 10 mm. Consumables can have a thickness between 0.2 mm and 6 mm. Consumables can have a thickness between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0017] The receiving portion may have a rectangular cross-section. The rectangular cross-section of the receiving portion may correspond to the dimensions of the flat consumable to be received therein. The receiving portion may have a width corresponding to the width of the flat consumable. The receiving portion may have a height corresponding to the thickness of the flat consumable. The receiving portion may have a depth corresponding to the length of the flat consumable.

[0018] The receiving portion may have an open distal end. The open distal end of the receiving portion may be configured to allow the introduction of a consumable comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The receiving portion may be formed such that the consumable can be tightly fitted into the receiving portion. The consumable can be held within the receiving portion solely by friction. In such a configuration, no additional holding device is required to hold the consumable within the receiving portion.

[0019] The depth of the receiving section can be less than the length of the consumable. When the consumable is fully inserted into the receiving section, a portion of the consumable can extend out of the receiving section. During the removal of the used consumable, the user can grasp the portion of the consumable that extends outside the receiving cavity. This facilitates the removal of the used consumable.

[0020] The depth of the receiving portion can largely correspond to the length of the consumable. In this case, the fully inserted consumable can be flush with the open distal end at the edge portion of the receiving portion. One edge of the edge portion of the receiving portion can be configured to include a notch. One or both edges of the main side surface of the receiving portion can include a notch. One or more notches can be formed such that each exposes a portion of the lateral surface of the inserted consumable. During removal of the used consumable, the user can grasp a portion of the consumable at such exposed portions. In this way, the notches facilitate the removal of the used consumable.

[0021] The mouthpiece can be configured to provide thermal insulation between the receiving portion and the outer wall of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be configured to include embedded thermal insulation material extending between the receiving portion and the outer wall of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be formed by co-extrusion of a thermally insulating plastic and an induction-heatable metal.

[0022] The mouthpiece can have a rectangular cross-section. The mouthpiece can have a length between 10 mm and 50 mm. The mouthpiece can have a length between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0023] The mouthpiece can have a width between 10 mm and 50 mm. The mouthpiece can also have a width between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0024] Cigarette mouthpieces can have a thickness between 10 mm and 50 mm. Cigarette mouthpieces can have a thickness between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0025] The main body of the aerosol generating device may include a cavity at its proximal end. The cavity may be configured as a receiving portion for a mouthpiece. The cavity may have a cross-section and depth corresponding to the size of the receiving portion of the mouthpiece to be received within the cavity.

[0026] The body and the mouthpiece may include corresponding engaging elements. The engaging elements allow for mechanical engagement between the body and the mouthpiece. The engaging elements may be configured to allow for releasable engagement between the body and the mouthpiece.

[0027] The engaging element may include corresponding threaded portions, snap-fit ​​portions, or press-fit portions. The engaging element may be formed by specific shapes and dimensions of the mouthpiece's receiving portion and the body's cavity. The outer cross-section of the mouthpiece's receiving portion may be formed to correspond to the inner cross-section of the body's cavity. A frictional fit between the receiving portion and the cavity may be sufficient to hold the mouthpiece and body in the connected configuration. Such a frictional fit between the receiving portion and the cavity may be particularly advantageous because it allows for a simple design that does not require any additional formed or shaped mechanical parts.

[0028] An airtight seal can be provided between the connecting elements of the mouthpiece and the body. The airtight seal may include sealing members extending around the entire periphery of both the mouthpiece and the body. Such sealing members can be obtained from a molding material covering the edge of the receiving portion. In another configuration, the sealing member may include a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket can be advantageously used with a connecting element including a threaded portion between the receiving portion and the cavity. By using the sealing member, the aerosol generating device can be sealed to prevent air and aerosol leakage. The sealing member can at least reduce the possibility of leakage from the aerosol generating device.

[0029] The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating device. The heating device may be an induction heating device. An induction heating device may include a sensor and one or more induction coils.

[0030] As described above, the sensor of the heating device is formed by a accommodating portion that holds the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0031] One or more induction coils may be disposed adjacent to the cavity of the body. One or more induction coils may be disposed around the cavity of the body.

[0032] The heating device may include one or more flat induction coils. The heating device may include a flat induction coil disposed on either side of the cavity. The heating device may include a flat induction coil disposed on either main side of the cavity. The flat heating coil may be disposed directly adjacent to the surface of the cavity forming the mouthpiece. Therefore, the flat heating coil allows for a compact design and an efficient heating configuration.

[0033] One or more induction coils can even be arranged within one or more sidewalls forming the receiving cavity of the mouthpiece. By including the induction coils within the sidewalls of the cavity, a particularly compact design can be achieved. Furthermore, the sidewalls can protect the induction coils from accidental damage during the assembly and use of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] When using an aerosol generating device, the cavity may be directly adjacent to the heated containment and therefore subject to increased temperatures. Therefore, it may be advantageous to arrange a thermal insulation element around the cavity. The thermal insulation element can be configured as one or more layers of material surrounding the cavity. The cavity wall may also be formed entirely of thermal insulation material. In such a configuration, it may be particularly advantageous to arrange one or more induction coils embedded in the cavity wall. By using a thermal insulation element, the heat generated within the containment can be more effectively retained, and heat loss through thermal conduction can be limited. Simultaneously, the thermal insulation element can help prevent overheating of any outer surface of the body of the aerosol generating device or the mouthpiece.

[0035] The main body of the aerosol generating device can define an airflow path extending from an air inlet at the outer periphery of the main body to a cavity at a proximal end of the main body. A distribution chamber, located within the main body and upstream of the cavity, can fluidly communicate the cavity with the airflow path. The airflow path can be configured to include the air distribution chamber. The air distribution chamber can be located upstream of the cavity. The air distribution chamber can be directly located upstream of the cavity. The air distribution chamber can be configured such that incoming ambient air is more evenly distributed across the entire cross-section of the cavity and onto the aerosol forming matrix located within the containment.

[0036] More uniform air distribution facilitates effective cooling of the aerosol-forming matrix. This more uniform air distribution can help maximize the release of active ingredients from the aerosol-forming matrix. Consequently, aerosols can be generated, leading to increased user satisfaction.

[0037] In a simplified configuration, the air distribution chamber can be defined as a portion of the cavity located at its upstream end. The air distribution chamber can also be defined as a void portion of the cavity at its upstream end, which is not occupied by the receiving portion and the aerosol-forming matrix when the mouthpiece is connected to the body. Alternatively, the air distribution chamber can be a portion between the cavity and the upstream airflow path, the cross-section of which expands along this portion to the cross-section of the cavity. During use of the aerosol generation device, the air distribution chamber serves to uniformly distribute air along the cross-section of the matrix, so that substantially the same airflow conditions can be obtained across the entire cross-section of the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with consumables to generate aerosols.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generation device and consumables. In this system, the aerosol generation device and consumables work together to generate inhalable aerosols.

[0040] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device can be of a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device can be an electrically operated smoking device. The device can be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can have an overall length between 30 mm and 150 mm. The aerosol generating device can have an overall length between 86 mm and 130 mm.

[0041] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and not easily broken.

[0042] The shell can be slender. The shell can have a rectangular cross-section.

[0043] The aerosol generating device can have a cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating device can have an outer diameter between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0044] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include more than one air inlet.

[0045] The operation of the heating device can be triggered by a suction detection system. Alternatively, the heating device can be triggered by pressing a switch button held during user suction. The suction detection system can be provided as a sensor, which can be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air drawn by the user each time through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of suction can be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Start can also be detected when the user activates the button. The sensor can also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0046] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for starting heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol forming matrix.

[0047] Aerosol generating apparatus may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging the onboard power supply in an electrically operated or electrosol generating apparatus.

[0048] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or port end of the aerosol generating device or system or a portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to the heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the region closest to the open end of the chamber, and the term "distal" refers to the region closest to the closed end.

[0049] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws air onto it during use of the aerosol generating device.

[0050] As used herein, the term "airflow path" refers to a channel suitable for conveying a gaseous medium. An airflow path can be used to convey ambient air. An airflow path can be used to convey aerosols. An airflow path can be used to convey mixtures of air and aerosols.

[0051] As used herein, a "receptor" or "receptor element" refers to an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be due to induced eddy currents, hysteresis losses, or both in the receptor element. During use, the receptor element is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with the aerosol-forming matrix received in the aerosol-generating apparatus. In this manner, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​heated by the receptor to form an aerosol.

[0052] The receptor material can be any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming matrix. Suitable materials for the receptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred receptor materials include metals or carbon. Advantageously, the receptor material can include ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials (e.g., ferritic iron), ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite), or materials composed of them. Suitable receptor materials can be aluminum or include aluminum. The receptor material can include more than 5%, preferably more than 20%, more preferably more than 50%, or more than 90% ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic materials. Preferred receptor materials can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0053] The receptor material can be formed from a single material layer. The single material layer can be a steel layer.

[0054] The sensor material may include a non-metallic core, wherein a metallic layer is disposed on the non-metallic core. For example, the sensor material may include a metallic rail formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or matrix.

[0055] The receptor material can be formed of an austenitic steel layer. One or more layers of stainless steel can be disposed on the austenitic steel layer. For example, the receptor material can be formed of an austenitic steel layer having a stainless steel layer on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The receptor element can comprise a single receptor material. The receptor element can comprise a first receptor material and a second receptor material. The first receptor material can be configured to be in close physical contact with the second receptor material. The first receptor material and the second receptor material can be in close contact to form an integral receptor. In some embodiments, the first receptor material is stainless steel and the second receptor material is nickel. The receptor element can have a two-layer construction. The receptor element can be formed of a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0056] Close contact between the first and second receptor materials can be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second receptor material can be plated, deposited, coated, encapsulated, or welded to the first receptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, flow electroplating, and encapsulation.

[0057] The aerosol generating device may include a power source for powering a heating device. The power source may include a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more uses; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosols for periods of approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of intermittent starts of the suction or heating device.

[0058] The power supply can be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously include a DC-to-AC (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into AC current. The DC / AC converter may include a Class D, Class C, or Class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

[0059] The power supply can be adapted to power the inductor coil and can be configured to operate at high frequencies. Class E power amplifiers are preferably used for high-frequency operation. As used herein, the term "high-frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current with a frequency between 500 kHz and 30 MHz. The frequency of the high-frequency oscillating current can be from 1 MHz to 30 MHz, preferably from 1 MHz to 10 MHz, and more preferably from 5 MHz to 8 MHz.

[0060] In another embodiment, the switching frequency of the power amplifier can be in a lower kilohertz range, for example, between 100 kilohertz and 400 kilohertz. In embodiments using Class D or Class C power amplifiers, a switching frequency in the lower kilohertz range is particularly advantageous.

[0061] The aerosol generating device may include a control unit. The control unit may be electrically connected to one or more induction coils. The control unit may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coils, and thus control the strength of the magnetic field generated by the induction coils.

[0062] The power supply and control unit can be connected to the sensor coil.

[0063] The control unit can be configured to cut off the current supply to the input side of the DC / AC converter. This allows for control of the power supplied to the inductor coil using conventional duty cycle management methods.

[0064] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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.

[0065] Example Ex1: An aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a body and a mouthpiece configured to be attached to the body, wherein the mouthpiece has a proximal end defining an outlet opening for discharging generated aerosols, and wherein the mouthpiece has a distal end defining a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol forming matrix.

[0066] Example Ex2: According to the aerosol generating apparatus of Example 1, wherein the receiving portion of the mouthpiece is connected to the outlet opening via an airflow channel.

[0067] Example Ex3: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the mouthpiece is made of any of the following: low thermal conductivity polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, vinyl resin, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and modified LCP (such as LCP having graphite or glass fiber).

[0068] Example Ex4: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the containment is formed of a material that can be inductively heated.

[0069] Example Ex5: The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 4, wherein the containment is formed of any of the following: ferromagnetic materials (e.g., ferritic iron), ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferritic), and aluminum-containing materials.

[0070] Example Ex6: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein a thermal insulation element is provided between the receiving portion and the outer wall of the mouthpiece.

[0071] Example Ex7: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the accommodating portion has a rectangular cross-section.

[0072] Example Ex8: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the edge portion of the receiving portion includes a notch.

[0073] Example Ex9: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece has a rectangular cross-section.

[0074] Example Ex10: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the mouthpiece has a length, width, and thickness between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0075] Example Ex11: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the body and the mouthpiece include corresponding engaging elements.

[0076] Example Ex12: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 11, wherein the engaging element includes a threaded portion, a snap-fit ​​portion, or a press-fit portion.

[0077] Example Ex13: An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example 11, wherein the body includes a receiving cavity at the proximal end, the receiving cavity being configured to receive the accommodating portion of the mouthpiece.

[0078] Example Ex14: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein an airtight seal is provided between the mouthpiece and the connecting element of the body.

[0079] Example Ex15: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the airtight seal comprises a molding material or a sealing gasket.

[0080] Example Ex16: The aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example further includes a heating device for heating the aerosol forming matrix.

[0081] Example Ex17: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the heating device is configured to inductively heat the aerosol forming matrix.

[0082] Example Ex18: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the heating device includes a flat induction coil.

[0083] Example Ex19: According to the aerosol generating apparatus of the previous example, wherein the induction coil is arranged in the side wall of the receiving cavity.

[0084] Example Ex20: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the induction coil surrounds the receiving cavity.

[0085] Example Ex21: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the induction coil is arranged on each side of the cavity.

[0086] Example Ex22: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein a thermally insulating layer is arranged to surround the cavity.

[0087] Example Ex23: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein an air distribution chamber is disposed upstream of the cavity.

[0088] Example Ex24: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein an air distribution chamber is connected to an air inlet on the outer periphery of the body.

[0089] Example Ex25: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the air distribution chamber is configured to uniformly distribute air along the cross section of the matrix.

[0090] Example Ex26: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the main body includes a housing, and wherein the housing is made of metal, metal alloy, ceramic, polymer, composite material or a combination thereof.

[0091] Example Ex27: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the housing has a length between 50 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 86 mm and 130 mm.

[0092] Example Ex28: An aerosol generating apparatus according to the previous example, wherein the main body includes a power supply and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the heating device.

[0093] Example Ex29: An aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix.

[0094] Example Ex30: According to the aerosol generation system of the previous example, the mouthpiece receiving portion and the aerosol generation article have corresponding cross sections, preferably corresponding rectangular cross sections.

[0095] Example Ex31: An aerosol generation system according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol generation article includes an aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol forming matrix including solid tobacco material (e.g., shredded tobacco or homogenized tobacco material having a porous structure).

[0096] Example Ex32: An aerosol generation system according to the previous example, wherein the aerosol generation article has a length between 10 mm and 30 mm, a width between 10 mm and 30 mm, and a thickness between 0.2 mm and 6 mm, preferably 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0097] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0098] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0099] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device including a mouthpiece and a main body is shown;

[0100] Figure 2 A mouthpiece configured to receive an aerosol-forming matrix is ​​shown;

[0101] Figure 3 The details of the airflow path through the main part of the aerosol generating device are shown; and

[0102] Figure 4 The fully assembled aerosol generating apparatus is shown.

[0103] Figure 1 The aerosol generating device 10, including a mouthpiece 20 and a main body 30, is shown in a disassembled configuration.

[0104] The mouthpiece 20 has a distal end defining a receiving portion 22 configured to receive a consumable comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The receiving portion 22 is formed of ferromagnetic steel. The receiving portion 22 forms a first part of the induction heating device of the aerosol generating apparatus 10. More specifically, the receiving portion 22 acts as a sensor that can be inductively heated. The mouthpiece 20 has a proximal end defining an outlet opening 24 for discharging the generated aerosol. The outlet opening 24 is in fluid communication with the receiving portion 22 via an airflow passage 26.

[0105] The mouthpiece 20 is releasably attached to the body 30. Arrow 32 indicates the direction in which the mouthpiece 20 is attached to the body 30. The body 30 has an elongated housing 34, wherein a cavity 40 is formed at the proximal end of the elongated housing. The cavity is configured to receive and accommodate the mouthpiece 20 when it is attached to the body 30.

[0106] The housing of the main body 30 includes a power supply 35 and a control unit 36, which is configured to control the power supply from the power supply 35 to the induction coil 38. The induction coil 38 is positioned adjacent to the cavity 40 and forms the second part of the heating device of the aerosol generating apparatus 10.

[0107] When the mouthpiece 20 is attached to the body 30, the induction coil 38 is positioned adjacent to the receiving portion 22. The control unit 36 ​​can control the induction coil 38 to generate an alternating magnetic field that heats the sensor material of the receiving portion 22. In this way, the aerosol-forming matrix included in the receiving portion 22 can be heated to release its volatile components.

[0108] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 The image shows a cigarette holder and its intended use with a flat consumable 28. The consumable 28 is a rectangular block of aerosol-generating matrix. The consumable 28 has a width of 30 mm, a length of 25 mm, and a thickness of 1 mm. As indicated by arrow 42, the consumable 28 is inserted into the open distal end 44 of the rectangular receiving portion 22. The cross-section of the receiving portion 22 corresponds to the cross-section of the consumable 28. The form fit between the receiving portion 22 and the consumable 28 is sufficient to hold the inserted consumable 28 within the receiving portion 22.

[0109] Two notches 29 are formed at the edge of the distal end 44 of the receiving portion 22. The notches 29 are formed at the opposite main edges of the receiving portion 22. The notches 29 expose a portion of the inserted consumable 28. The exposed portion can be grasped by the user, thereby facilitating the removal of the consumable 28.

[0110] Figure 3 More details of the aerosol generating device 10 are shown. The mouthpiece 20 has a receiving portion 22 at its distal end. Figure 3 In the depicted embodiment, the consumable 28 has been inserted into the receiving portion 22. The distal end of the consumable 28 is flush with the edge portion of the receiving portion 22.

[0111] Before use, the mouthpiece 20, with the inserted consumable 28, is attached to the body 30. For this purpose, the mouthpiece 20 is mechanically engaged with the body 30. The distal end of the mouthpiece 20 and the proximal end of the body 30 have corresponding engaging elements. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the engaging element is formed by the specific shape and size of the receiving portion 22 of the mouthpiece 20 and the cavity 40 of the body 30. More specifically, the receiving portion 22 has an outer cross-section corresponding to the inner cross-section of the cavity 40, and both components form a friction-fit connection. Such a friction-fit connection allows for a particularly simple design of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0112] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, two flat induction coils 46 are integrated into the wall portion of the cavity 40 forming the body 30. At the distal end of the cavity 40, a hollow space is provided to form an air distribution chamber 48. The air distribution chamber 48 communicates with the air inlet 50 via an air inlet passage 52. The air distribution chamber 48 facilitates uniform airflow distribution across the entire cross-section of the aerosol forming matrix of the consumable 28.

[0113] Figure 4 The assembled aerosol generating device 10 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4 This indicates the airflow within the aerosol generating device 10 in use. When a user inhales, an airflow is formed through the aerosol generating device. This airflow can be sensed by an airflow sensor (not shown) that activates the heating device.

[0114] Figure 4The arrows schematically depict the airflow through the aerosol generating device 10. Fresh ambient air enters the airflow channel 52 at the air inlet 50. The airflow is directed to the air distribution chamber 48. In the air distribution chamber 48, the cross-section of the airflow expands to the size of the cross-section of the inserted consumable 28. In the air distribution chamber 48, the airflow is uniformly distributed before traveling upward through the aerosol forming matrix of the consumable 28. The airflow travels through the aerosol forming matrix and entrains volatile particles released from the heated aerosol forming matrix. Thus, an aerosol is formed. The aerosol exits the receiving portion 22 via the airflow channel 26 within the mouthpiece 10 toward the outlet opening 24.

[0115] After the active ingredients of the aerosol forming matrix are consumed, the consumable 28 can be replaced. To do this, the mouthpiece 20 can be pulled to remove it from the main body 30 of the aerosol generating device 10. The used consumable 28 can be removed from the receiving part 22 and then replaced by a new consumable 28.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising, A body and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being configured to be attached to the body. The mouthpiece has a proximal end that defines an outlet opening for discharging the generated aerosol, and The mouthpiece has a distal end that defines a receiving portion configured to receive an aerosol-forming matrix.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the containment portion is formed of a heat-sensitive material.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a thermal insulation element is provided between the receiving portion and the outer wall of the mouthpiece.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the accommodating portion has a rectangular cross-section.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the edge portion of the receiving portion includes a notch.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body and the mouthpiece include corresponding engaging elements.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a receiving cavity at the proximal end, the receiving cavity being configured to receive the receiving portion of the mouthpiece.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an airtight seal is provided between the mouthpiece and the connecting element of the body.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim further includes a heating device for heating the aerosol forming matrix.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the heating device is configured to inductively heat the aerosol forming matrix.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein a thermally insulating layer is arranged to surround the cavity.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein an air distribution chamber is disposed upstream of the cavity.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the air distribution chamber is configured to uniformly distribute air along the cross-section of the matrix.

14. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming matrix.

15. The aerosol generation system according to the preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece receiving portion and the aerosol generation article have corresponding cross sections, preferably corresponding rectangular cross sections.

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