Aerosol generating device having a retractable mouthpiece and a sterilizable radiation source - Patents.com
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024512195
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-08-25
- Filing Date
- 2022-08-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-26
AI Technical Summary
Aerosol generating devices with mouthpieces face issues of contamination, hygiene, and bulkiness, leading to unpleasant flavors and difficult handling.
A retractable mouthpiece design with a sterilizing radiation source within a compact aerosol generator, allowing for easy storage and hygienic operation by retracting the mouthpiece into a cavity for sterilization.
Ensures hygienic conditions and compact handling by enabling easy storage and sterilization of the mouthpiece, improving user experience and hygiene.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a mouthpiece. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The present invention also relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]
[0002] Aerosol generating devices that include a mouthpiece are well known in the art. After use, residual saliva from the user and particles from the aerosol or from the environment can lead to contamination of the used mouthpiece. This can also result in unpleasant tastes and poor hygiene associated with the aerosol generating device.
[0003] Aerosol generating devices with mouthpieces tend to have a large size, making the device more difficult for the user to handle.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having a mouthpiece that ensures hygienic conditions of use of the mouthpiece. Further, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having a mouthpiece that is compact. In addition, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having a mouthpiece that allows for easy storage of the device after use. Summary of the Invention
[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity. The cavity may comprise an upstream portion having an upstream opening. The cavity may further comprise a downstream portion having a downstream opening. The aerosol generating device may comprise a mouthpiece configured to be retractable within the downstream portion of the cavity. The aerosol generating device may comprise a sterilizing radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the downstream portion of the cavity to sterilize the mouthpiece. The cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article into the upstream portion through the upstream opening.
[0006] According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a cavity, the cavity comprising an upstream portion having an upstream opening and a downstream portion having a downstream opening, the aerosol generation device further comprising a mouthpiece configured to be retractable within the downstream portion of the cavity.
[0007] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein are used to describe the relative location of components, or portions of components, of an aerosol generating device having a mouthpiece with respect to the direction in which air flows along an airflow path through the aerosol generating device and its mouthpiece during use of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device according to the invention comprises a proximal end where, in use, aerosol exits the aerosol generating device through the mouthpiece. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the oral end or the downstream end. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative location with respect to the airflow path through the aerosol generating device and its mouthpiece.
[0008] The aerosol generating device may allow for the insertion and heating of an aerosol-generating article in the upstream portion of the cavity. Furthermore, the downstream portion of the cavity may serve as a space for receiving a stored mouthpiece. A sterilizing radiation source may sterilize the mouthpiece while stored in the downstream portion of the cavity. Such an aerosol generating device may be very compact. The aerosol generating device may be hygienic due to the sterilizing radiation source. This may allow for sterilization of the mouthpiece and at least some or all of the cavity located in the aerosol generating device.
[0009] The mouthpiece may be movably connected to the aerosol generating device, which may enable the construction of a compact mouthpiece, which may avoid any cumbersome disassembly and assembly of the aerosol generating device having the mouthpiece.
[0010] The mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device may be configured to be positionable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is extended relative to the cavity. The mouthpiece may be configured to be positionable in a second position in which the mouthpiece is retracted within the cavity. This may simplify handling of the mouthpiece in the aerosol generating device. This may also simplify storage of the mouthpiece within the cavity of the device.
[0011] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a connection element. The connection element may be slidably mounted within the cavity. The mouthpiece may be connected to the connection element. Preferably, the mouthpiece may be removably connectable to the connection element. The mouthpiece may be removably connectable to the connection element by a plug-in connection.
[0012] This may allow for easy, slidable mounting of the mouthpiece in the aerosol generating device. It may also allow for a removable, slidable connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating device.
[0013] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may further be provided with a connecting element, which may be slidably mounted within the cavity. The mouthpiece may be connected to the connecting element.
[0014] The connecting element may be configured to be slidably disposable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is withdrawn relative to the cavity. In the first position, the connecting element may be located in a downstream portion of the cavity.
[0015] This may free the upstream portion of the cavity from the connecting element, which may allow the upstream portion of the cavity to receive the aerosol-generating article.
[0016] The connecting element may be configured to be slidably disposable in a second position in which the mouthpiece is stored within the cavity. In the second position, the connecting element may be at least partially located in an upstream portion of the cavity.
[0017] At least partially moving the connecting element from the downstream portion (first position) to the upstream portion (second position) may allow the downstream portion of the cavity to receive the mouthpiece.
[0018] The connecting element may have a tubular shape. The connecting element may include an upstream portion configured to urge an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity at a second position of the connecting element.
[0019] This may allow the mouthpiece to be retracted into the cavity while simultaneously pushing the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity.
[0020] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a slider. The slider may be connected to the connecting element. Preferably, the slider may be configured for handling by a user. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a casing. Preferably, the slider may be slidably mounted within the casing of the aerosol generating device.
[0021] This may allow a user to slidably move the connecting element located within the cavity between a first position and a second position of the connecting element.
[0022] The casing may partially enclose the cavity. The casing may enclose an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the cavity. The casing may also enclose a sterilizing radiation source. The sterilizing radiation source may be located inside the casing adjacent the cavity. The slider may be located outside the casing. This may simplify handling of the slider by a user.
[0023] The casing may comprise an opening. The connecting bar may reside within the opening. The connecting bar may connect the connecting element and the slider. The opening may comprise a slit. The slit may be configured to allow movement of the connecting bar and the slider between the first position and the second position of the connecting element.
[0024] The casing may comprise or be made of a polymeric compound, for example a plastic such as a polyolefin such as PE, LDPE, or PP.
[0025] The connecting element, the connecting bar and the slider may be formed as a one-piece element, which may provide additional stability to the slider and the connecting element.
[0026] The connecting element with the connecting bar and the slider may be made of a polymer compound, for example a plastic, such as PEEK (Polyetheretherketone). Alternatively, the connecting element with the slider and the connecting bar can be made of glass or a metal alloy.
[0027] The cavity may further comprise a wall. At least a portion of the wall of the downstream portion of the cavity may be transparent to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
[0028] This may allow sterilization of the mouthpiece housed in the downstream portion of the cavity through the transparent wall of the cavity.
[0029] At least a portion of the connecting element may be made of a material that is transparent to the radiation of the sterilizing radiation source, in particular the portion of the connecting element that is adjacent to the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is mounted on the connecting element may be made transparent.
[0030] This may aid in sterilization of the mouthpiece and may allow for sterilization of the portion of the mouthpiece that is configured to be removably connectable to the connecting element.
[0031] The mouthpiece may be at least partially transparent to radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source. Preferably, the mouthpiece may comprise prismatic elements. The prismatic elements may be configured to transmit radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source within the mouthpiece.
[0032] This may simplify the propagation of radiation from the sterilizing radiation source within the mouthpiece, which may allow most, or even the complete mouthpiece to be easily sterilized.
[0033] The mouthpiece may include or be made of a transparent polymeric material, which may aid in the transmission of radiation from the sterilizing radiation force. The material of the mouthpiece may be a polymer, such as polycarbonate (PC).
[0034] The mouthpiece may include a venturi element. The venturi element may be located at an upstream end of the mouthpiece.
[0035] The Venturi element may allow for cooling of the aerosol formed from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating device. The aerosol may be cooled before being consumed by a user.
[0036] The venturi element may comprise an airflow channel. The airflow channel may comprise an inlet portion, a central portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to taper towards the central portion. The outlet portion may be configured to diverge from the central portion. The inlet portion may be located upstream of the outlet portion.
[0037] This may allow for efficient cooling of the aerosol. This may allow for efficient mixing of the air with the aerosol formed from the aerosol-generating article.
[0038] The extension of the outlet portion within the mouthpiece may be greater than the extension of the inlet portion within the mouthpiece, which may allow for efficient mixing and cooling of the aerosol.
[0039] The cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the mouthpiece may be smaller than the cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, which may allow for efficient mixing and cooling of the aerosol.
[0040] The aerosol generating device may include an airflow path. The airflow path may lead from an upstream opening of the cavity through the connecting element to the mouthpiece. The airflow path may further lead from an inlet portion of the mouthpiece through a central portion to an outlet portion of the mouthpiece.
[0041] This allows for an efficient airflow path through the aerosol generating device and its mouthpiece.
[0042] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a downstream cover configured to cover the downstream opening of the cavity when the mouthpiece is stored in the cavity. The downstream cover may comprise a material that is opaque to radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
[0043] The downstream cover may prevent contamination of the cavity and the mouthpiece stored downstream of the cavity. The downstream cover may prevent transmission of radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source outside of the cavity and the mouthpiece during a sterilization procedure.
[0044] The material of the downstream cover may include plastic, metal, or ceramic.
[0045] The downstream cover may be configured to be slidable over a downstream end face of the aerosol-generating article. The downstream end face may include a downstream opening.
[0046] The aerosol generating device may further comprise an upstream cover, which may be configured to close an upstream opening of the upstream part of the cavity, which may avoid any contamination of the upstream part of the cavity.
[0047] The upstream cover may be configured to close an upstream opening of the upstream portion of the cavity when the aerosol-generating article is received in the upstream portion of the cavity, and thus the aerosol-generating article may have a length that corresponds to or is smaller than the length of the upstream portion of the cavity.
[0048] The upstream cover may be configured to be either slidable or rotatable over the upstream end face of the aerosol-generating article.
[0049] The upstream cover may be made of a polymer such as PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene).
[0050] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured for controlling the sterilizing radiation source. The control unit may be configured for activating the sterilizing radiation source when the mouthpiece is retracted into the cavity.
[0051] This may allow for efficient control of the sterilizing radiation source, which may ensure that the sterilizing radiation source is not accidentally activated when the aerosol generating device is used by a user to inhale the aerosol.
[0052] The control unit may be configured to activate the sterilization radiation source for a specified time range, which may be between 0.5 seconds and 1 minute, preferably between 11 seconds and 17 seconds, and most preferably between 11 seconds and 13 seconds.
[0053] Such a time range may allow for efficient sterilization of the mouthpiece. Such a time range may also allow for efficient sterilization of at least a portion of the cavity. This time range may further avoid the sterilizing radiation source being activated for an extended period of time when the mouthpiece is stored in the downstream portion of the cavity. This may save energy. Furthermore, this may avoid exposing the material of the casing of the aerosol-generating device, and, if present, the material of the downstream cover, to the radiation of the sterilizing radiation source for an extended period of time. This may avoid or reduce any degradation of the material of the casing of the aerosol-generating device and / or the material of the downstream cover due to the radiation of the sterilizing radiation source.
[0054] The control unit may also be configured to control the heating elements, as described in more detail below.
[0055] The sterilizing radiation source may be configured to emit UV radiation. Preferably, the UV radiation may be in the range of 100 to 280 nanometers. This may allow for efficient sterilization of the stored mouthpiece. This may also allow for efficient sterilization of the cavity.
[0056] The sterilizing radiation source may include an array of either or both UV-emitting light emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or UV-emitting organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), which may allow the mouthpiece and a majority of the cavity to be exposed to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
[0057] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heating element. The heating element may be located at least partially around the cavity for heating the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0058] The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to a temperature in the range of 220 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, preferably 250 degrees Celsius to 290 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, an aerosol may be generated from an aerosol-forming substrate contained within the aerosol-generating article.
[0059] The heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit around the cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid(s), flexible printed circuit board, molded circuit components (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or may be formed using a coating technique such as plasma deposition on a substrate of suitable shape. The heating element may also be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable insulating material. A heating element formed in this manner may be used both to heat the heating element and to monitor its temperature during operation. The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element. The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating coil that at least partially surrounds the cavity, particularly the upstream portion of the cavity that receives the aerosol-generating article.
[0060] The sterilizing radiation source of the aerosol generating device may be disposed adjacent to the downstream portion of the cavity. The sterilizing radiation source may at least partially surround the downstream portion of the cavity.
[0061] This may ensure efficient sterilization of the mouthpiece received in the downstream portion of the cavity.
[0062] The upstream and downstream portions of the cavity may be fluidly connected. The aerosol generation device may have a common central longitudinal axis through the aerosol generation device. The upstream and downstream portions of the cavity may be disposed along the common central longitudinal axis. Preferably, the upstream and downstream portions may form one continuous central cavity of the aerosol generation device.
[0063] This may simplify operating the aerosol generating device. This may allow for easy and efficient cleaning of one continuous central cavity of the aerosol generating device. This may allow for a direct flow path between an upstream portion of the cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article and a downstream portion of the cavity that has a mouthpiece.
[0064] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the casing of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for about 6 minutes, or a multiple of 6 minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.
[0065] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the control unit. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element, in particular to the resistive heating coil. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device or may be supplied intermittently (e.g. after each puff). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.
[0066] The control unit may also be configured to control activation of the sterilizing radiation source. The control unit may be configured to activate the sterilizing radiation source while the aerosol generating device is operated by the user. This may avoid any harm to the user from radiation of the sterilizing radiation source. The control unit may be configured to activate the sterilizing radiation source upon storing the mouthpiece in the cavity and / or closing the downstream cover.
[0067] Another embodiment provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device as described herein. The aerosol generating system may additionally comprise an aerosol generating article.
[0068] A further embodiment provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein, further comprising an aerosol generating article.
[0069] Such an aerosol generation system may allow a user to easily operate an aerosol generation device having a mouthpiece, which may also allow a user to store the aerosol generation device in a compact form.
[0070] In the aerosol generating system, the upstream portion of the connecting element may be configured to be positioned adjacent to an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity.
[0071] This may allow a user to simply expel a used aerosol-generating article from the cavity by actuating the connecting element and pushing it from its first position to its second position.
[0072] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid material.
[0073] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0074] The aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid component. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco extract. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol former may be a polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.). The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.
[0075] Another embodiment provides a method of operating an aerosol generating system as described herein. The method may include withdrawing the mouthpiece from the downstream portion of the cavity through the downstream opening. The method may further include inserting an aerosol-generating article into the upstream portion of the cavity through the upstream opening. The method may further include consuming the aerosol-generating article.
[0076] A further embodiment provides a method of operating an aerosol generating system as described herein, the method comprising the step of withdrawing the mouthpiece from the downstream portion of the cavity through the downstream opening, the method further comprising the method step of inserting an aerosol generating article into the upstream portion of the cavity through the upstream opening, the method further comprising consuming the aerosol generating article.
[0077] The method may further include the additional method step of storing the mouthpiece in the cavity after consumption of the aerosol-generating article, which may activate a sterilizing radiation source to sterilize the stored mouthpiece.
[0078] In a method of operating the aerosol generating system, retracting the mouthpiece into the cavity may slidably move the upstream portion of the connecting element into the downstream portion of the cavity, which may push the aerosol generating article out of the cavity.
[0079] Such a method may facilitate automatic evacuation of used aerosol-generating articles from the cavity, without the user having to manually remove the aerosol-generating article from the cavity.
[0080] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.
[0081] Example A: An aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity having an upstream portion with an upstream opening and a downstream portion with a downstream opening; a mouthpiece configured to be retractable within the downstream portion of the cavity; a sterilizing radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the downstream portion of the cavity to sterilize the mouthpiece; An aerosol generating device, the cavity being configured to receive an aerosol-generating article into the upstream portion through the upstream opening.
[0082] Example B: A mouthpiece is movably connected to the aerosol generating device, preferably configured to be positionable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is extended relative to the cavity; An aerosol generating device as described in embodiment A, configured to be disposable in a second position in which the mouthpiece is stored within the cavity.
[0083] Example C: An aerosol generating device as described in Example B, further comprising a connecting element, the connecting element being slidably mounted within the cavity, the mouthpiece being connected to the connecting element, preferably the mouthpiece being removably connected to the connecting element.
[0084] Example D: The connecting element is configured to be slidably positionable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is extended relative to the cavity, and in the first position the connecting element is located in a downstream portion of the cavity; An aerosol generating device as described in Example C, wherein the connection element is configured to be slidably disposed in a second position in which the mouthpiece is stored within the cavity, and in the second position the connection element is at least partially located in an upstream portion of the cavity.
[0085] Example E: An aerosol generating device as described in Example D, wherein the connecting element has a tubular shape, the connecting element has an upstream portion, the upstream portion being configured to push an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity at a second position.
[0086] Example F: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples C to E, further comprising a slider, the slider being connected to the connecting element, preferably the slider being configured for handling by a user, more preferably the slider being slidably mounted within the casing of the aerosol generating device.
[0087] Example G: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A to F, wherein the cavity further comprises a wall, and at least a portion of the wall in the downstream portion of the cavity is transparent to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
[0088] Example H: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to G, wherein the mouthpiece is at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source, and preferably the mouthpiece comprises a prism element configured to transmit the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source within the mouthpiece.
[0089] Example I: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A-H, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a Venturi element, preferably the Venturi element is located at the upstream end of the mouthpiece.
[0090] Example J: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A to I, wherein the cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece at its upstream end is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the mouthpiece at its downstream end.
[0091] Example K: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples A to J, comprising an airflow path leading from the upstream opening through the connecting element to the mouthpiece.
[0092] Example L: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to K, further comprising a downstream cover, the downstream cover configured to cover the downstream opening of the cavity when the mouthpiece is stored in the cavity, preferably the downstream cover comprising a material that is opaque to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
[0093] Example M: An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to L, further comprising a control unit configured to control the sterilizing radiation source, preferably the control unit configured to activate the sterilizing radiation source when the mouthpiece is stored within the cavity.
[0094] Example N: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A to M, wherein the sterilizing radiation source is configured to emit UV radiation, preferably UV radiation in the range of 100 to 280 nm.
[0095] Example O: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A to N, wherein the sterilizing radiation source includes an array of one or both of LEDs emitting UV radiation and OLEDs emitting UV radiation.
[0096] Example P: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A to O, further comprising a heating element positioned at least partially around the cavity for heating an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity, preferably the heating element being configured to heat the aerosol-generating article at a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0097] Example Q: An aerosol generating device according to any of Examples A-P, wherein the sterilizing radiation source is disposed adjacent to the downstream portion of the cavity, preferably wherein the sterilizing radiation source at least partially surrounds the downstream portion of the cavity.
[0098] Example R: An aerosol generating device as described in any of Examples A to Q, wherein the upstream and downstream portions of the cavity are fluidly connected, preferably the upstream and downstream portions are arranged along a common central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device, more preferably the upstream and downstream portions form one continuous central cavity of the aerosol generating device.
[0099] Example S: An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to R, and an aerosol-generating article.
[0100] Example T: An aerosol generating system as described in claim S, and further described in claim E, wherein the upstream portion of the connecting element is configured to be positioned adjacent to an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity.
[0101] Example U: An aerosol-generating system according to either Example S or Example T, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid material.
[0102] Example V: A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples S to U, comprising: withdrawing the mouthpiece from the downstream portion of the cavity through the downstream opening; inserting an aerosol-generating article into the upstream portion of the cavity through the upstream opening; and consuming the aerosol-generating article.
[0103] Example W: A method of operating the aerosol generating system of Example V, comprising: storing the mouthpiece within the cavity after consumption of the aerosol-generating article; The method further includes activating a sterilizing radiation source to sterilize the stored mouthpiece.
[0104] Example X: A method of operating the aerosol generating system described in Example W, wherein storing the mouthpiece within the cavity slidably moves the upstream portion of the connecting element into the upstream portion of the cavity, thereby pushing the aerosol generating article out of the cavity. Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention. The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0105] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device including a mouthpiece. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of an aerosol generating device with the mouthpiece extended, and a cross-sectional view of the same aerosol generating device, respectively. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of an aerosol generating device with the mouthpiece extended, and a cross-sectional view of the same aerosol generating device, respectively. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates a method for retracting the mouthpiece into the cavity, closing the downstream cover, and expelling the aerosol-generating article from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates a method of retracting the mouthpiece into the cavity and closing the downstream cover to expel the aerosol-generating article from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. [Figure 3C]FIG. 3C illustrates a method of retracting the mouthpiece into the cavity and closing the downstream cover to expel the aerosol-generating article from the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0106] In the following, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the figures.
[0107] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device 10 according to the present invention, in which the mouthpiece 12 is removed from the connecting element 20 inside the cavity 16. The casing 14 of the aerosol generating device includes a cavity 16 having an upstream cavity portion 16A and a downstream cavity portion 16B. The upstream cavity portion 16A and the downstream cavity portion 16B form one continuous cavity along a common central longitudinal axis 15 of the aerosol generating device, indicated by a dashed line. The downstream cavity portion 16B houses a connecting element 20 to which the mouthpiece 12 can be removably connected. The connecting element 20 is connected to a slider 22 via a connecting bar 22A. The slider 22 can be moved manually to move the connecting element 20 inside the cavity 16 of the aerosol generating device. A sterilizing radiation source 18 is present inside the casing 14, which is configured to irradiate the mouthpiece 12 when stored in the downstream cavity portion 16B. The arrow indicates the direction in which the mouthpiece 12 is removed from the connecting element 20 .
[0108] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating system additionally including an aerosol-generating article 24. The mouthpiece 12 is withdrawn relative to the cavity and the casing 14 and can be used by a user to inhale the aerosol generated from the aerosol-generating article. The movable downstream cover 26 is open to allow withdrawal of the mouthpiece 12. The slider 22 is in an upper position, whereby the connecting element 20 is located in the downstream part of the cavity (the cavity and the connecting element are not shown in FIG. 2A). The double arrow 23 indicates the two directions of movement of the slider. The aerosol-generating article 24 can be inserted into the upstream part of the cavity through the upstream opening 16C of the cavity, as shown by the arrow 21. The aerosol-generating device additionally includes a display 28.
[0109] FIG. 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating system after the aerosol-generating article 24 has been inserted into the upstream portion of the cavity. The upstream portion of the cavity contains a heating element in the form of a heater coil 30. The heater coil 30 is configured to heat the substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the substrate. This generates an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. The aerosol-generating device includes a sterilizing radiation source 18 that is configured to irradiate the mouthpiece 12 through a transparent window 34 in the inner wall of the cavity when the mouthpiece is stored in the cavity. The aerosol-generating device additionally includes a power source 32. The aerosol-generating system of FIG. 2B is ready for operation, allowing the user to inhale an aerosol by sucking on the mouthpiece 12.
[0110] 3A depicts a perspective view of the aerosol generating device after the mouthpiece 12 has been retracted into the downstream portion of the cavity indicated by arrow 36. The downstream cover 26 is still open, thereby revealing the retracted mouthpiece 12. The mouthpiece is retracted into the cavity by moving the slider 22 in the upstream direction, as indicated by arrow 38.
[0111] FIG. 3B shows the apparatus of FIG. 3A with the downstream cover 26 closed.
[0112] Figure 3C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system, where an aerosol-generating article 24 is pushed out of the aerosol generating cavity by moving the slider 22 in an upstream direction, as shown in Figure 3A. Thus, by moving the slider 22 in an upstream direction, the mouthpiece 12 can be retracted into the downstream portion of the aerosol generating cavity, while at the same time pushing the aerosol-generating article out of the upstream portion of the cavity.
Claims
1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity having an upstream portion with an upstream opening and a downstream portion with a downstream opening; a mouthpiece configured to be retractable within the downstream portion of the cavity; and a sterilizing radiation source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the downstream portion of the cavity to sterilize the mouthpiece; An aerosol generating device, wherein the cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article into the upstream portion through the upstream opening, and the cavity is further provided with a connecting element slidably mounted within the cavity for storing the mouthpiece within the cavity and for pushing the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity.
2. the mouthpiece is movably connected to the aerosol generating device, preferably configured to be disposable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is extended relative to the cavity; 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be disposable in a second position in which the mouthpiece is retracted within the cavity.
3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 , wherein the mouthpiece is removably connected to the connecting element.
4. the connecting element is configured to be slidably positionable in a first position in which the mouthpiece is extended relative to the cavity, the connecting element being located in the downstream portion of the cavity in the first position; The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured to be slidably positionable in a second position in which the mouthpiece is stored within the cavity, and in the second position the connection element is at least partially located in the upstream portion of the cavity.
5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the connecting element has a tubular shape and includes an upstream portion configured to push the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity at the second position.
6. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a venturi element, preferably the venturi element being located at the upstream end of the mouthpiece.
7. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a downstream cover configured to cover the downstream opening of the cavity when the mouthpiece is stored in the cavity, and preferably the downstream cover comprises a material that is opaque to the radiation emitted by the sterilizing radiation source.
8. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sterilizing radiation source is configured to emit UV radiation, preferably UV radiation in the range of 100 to 280 nm.
9. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the sterilizing radiation source comprises an array of one or both of LEDs emitting UV radiation and OLEDs emitting UV radiation.
10. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 and an aerosol-generating article.
11. 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, further defined in claim 5, wherein the upstream portion of the connecting element is configured to be positioned adjacent to the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity.
12. 12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a substrate section comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, preferably wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid material.
13. 12. A method of operating an aerosol generating system according to claim 10 or 11, comprising the steps of: withdrawing the mouthpiece from the downstream portion of the cavity through the downstream opening; inserting the aerosol-generating article through the upstream opening into the upstream portion of the cavity; and consuming the aerosol-generating article.
14. 14. A method of operating the aerosol generating system of claim 13, comprising: storing the mouthpiece within the cavity after consumption of the aerosol-generating article; activating the sterilizing radiation source to sterilize the stored mouthpiece.
15. 15. A method of operating an aerosol generating system as described in claim 14, wherein storing the mouthpiece in the cavity slidably moves the upstream portion of the connecting element into the upstream portion of the cavity, thereby pushing the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity.