Inductively heated aerosol generator with consumable removal - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises an induction heater. The induction heater comprises a first planar susceptor and a second planar susceptor. The aerosol generating device comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece comprises an extension and storage element. The first susceptor and the second susceptor are disposed in the mouthpiece. The first susceptor is disposed at a distance from and parallel to the second susceptor to hold the planar consumable between the first susceptor and the second susceptor. The extension and storage element is configured to at least partially store the first susceptor and the second susceptor into a storage position and into the mouthpiece to remove the consumable. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The present invention further relates to a method for removing the planar consumable from the aerosol generating system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The present disclosure further relates to a method for removing a planar consumable from an aerosol generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for producing an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge or aerosol-generating article without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or part of the article or the cartridge or the mouthpiece.

[0003] Upon heating to the target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid or liquid form. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. Removing the used aerosol-forming substrate after use may lead to the user coming into contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. This may be undesirable due to hygiene considerations or may be uncomfortable for the user. Furthermore, undesirable residues of the used aerosol-forming substrate may remain in the aerosol generating device, leading to undesirable contamination of the device.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved hygiene. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved handling of used aerosol-forming substrates for the user. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device with improved cleaning of the device. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating device which prevents unwanted contamination of the device, especially by used aerosol-forming substrates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device may include an induction heater. The induction heater may include a first planar susceptor. The induction heater may include a second planar susceptor. The aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include an extension / storage element. The first susceptor and the second susceptor may be disposed within the mouthpiece. The first susceptor may be disposed at a distance from and parallel to the second susceptor to hold the planar consumable between the first susceptor and the second susceptor. The extension / storage element may be configured to at least partially store the first susceptor and the second susceptor into a storage position and into the mouthpiece for removal of the consumable.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises an induction heater. The induction heater comprises a first planar susceptor and a second planar susceptor. The aerosol generating device comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece comprises an extension and storage element. The first susceptor and the second susceptor are disposed within the mouthpiece. The first susceptor is disposed at a distance from and parallel to the second susceptor to hold a planar consumable between the first susceptor and the second susceptor. The extension and storage element is configured to at least partially store the first susceptor and the second susceptor into a storage position and into the mouthpiece for removal of the consumable.

[0007] An aerosol generating device comprising an extension and storage element may provide an aerosol generating device with improved hygiene. An aerosol generating device comprising an extension and storage element may provide an aerosol generating device with improved handling of used aerosol-forming substrates for a user. An aerosol generating device comprising an extension and storage element may provide an aerosol generating device with improved cleaning of the device. An aerosol generating device comprising an extension and storage element may provide an aerosol generating device which prevents undesired contamination of the device, in particular by used aerosol-forming substrates.

[0008] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a cavity for receiving a planar consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may have a rectangular cross-section. The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber.

[0009] The extension and storage element may be configured to at least partially extend the first susceptor and the second susceptor from the mouthpiece to an extended position for insertion of the first susceptor and the second susceptor into a cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The extension-retraction element may comprise a biasing means for biasing the first susceptor and the second susceptor towards the extended position.

[0011] The extension-retraction element may comprise a sliding element that may be at least partially disposed on an exterior surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device and configured to be operated by a user, the user may operate the sliding element to repeatedly move the extension-retraction element between the retracted position and the extended position and vice versa.

[0012] The aerosol generating device may comprise a body. The mouthpiece may comprise means for releasably attaching it to the body.

[0013] A cavity may be provided within the body.

[0014] The first susceptor may be configured to be disposed adjacent a first lateral sidewall of the cavity. The second susceptor may be configured to be disposed adjacent an opposing second lateral sidewall of the cavity. One or both of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may include a detent at a distal end thereof. The detent may be disposed to face toward an interior space between the first susceptor and the second susceptor. The detent may be configured to cut into the consumable when the first susceptor and the second susceptor are moved into the recess that holds the consumable. The detent may assist in securely holding the consumable by the first susceptor and the second susceptor.

[0015] The mouthpiece may include an air outlet. The mouthpiece may include a closure element. The closure element may be configured to close the air outlet when the extension-storage element is disposed in the retracted position.

[0016] The mouthpiece may include a retaining element disposed between the first and second susceptors and configured to block insertion of a consumable held between the first and second susceptors into the mouthpiece during retraction of the first and second susceptors via the extension and retraction element.

[0017] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and a consumable product as described herein.

[0018] The consumable may be planar. The consumable may be a sheet-like consumable. The consumable may be a pouch-like consumable. The consumable may comprise a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The consumable may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a gel. The consumable may be a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a method for removing a planar consumable from an aerosol generating system as described herein, the method comprising at least partially retracting an extension-retraction element into a mouthpiece, thereby removing a consumable held between a first susceptor and a second susceptor.

[0020] As used herein, the term "planar" refers to an element having a length and width substantially greater than a thickness. The length and width directions are perpendicular to each other and define a first plane. The thickness extends perpendicular to the first plane. A planar element may have two opposing major surfaces extending in a plane parallel to the first plane. One or both of the major surfaces are advantageously flat.

[0021] The first susceptor and the second susceptor may together form a susceptor assembly. The first planar susceptor and the second planar susceptor may extend parallel to a first plane. The aerosol generating device may comprise a first inductor coil and a second inductor coil, the first inductor coil being positioned on a first side of the first planar susceptor and extending parallel to the first plane, and the second inductor coil being positioned on a second side of the second planar susceptor opposite the first side and extending parallel to the first plane. The first susceptor and the second susceptor may be positioned between the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil. The aerosol generating device may comprise a control circuit connected to the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil and configured to provide an alternating current to the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil. Advantageously, the first susceptor and the second susceptor may be substantially equidistant from the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil, respectively.

[0022] This arrangement may provide efficient heating of the first susceptor and the second susceptor and allow for a balance of the forces applied to the first susceptor and the second susceptor by the magnetic fields generated by the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil.

[0023] In this context, a planar susceptor is a susceptor element having a length and width substantially greater than the thickness. The length and width directions are perpendicular to each other and define a first plane. The thickness extends perpendicular to the first plane. A planar susceptor element may have two opposing major surfaces extending in a plane parallel to the first plane. One or both of the major surfaces are advantageously flat.

[0024] In this context, a susceptor assembly in substantially equidistant configuration with the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil means that the shortest distance between the first inductor coil and the first susceptor is 0.8 to 1.2 times the shortest distance between the second inductor coil and the second susceptor. Even more preferably, the shortest distance between the first inductor coil and the first susceptor is substantially the same as the shortest distance between the second inductor coil and the second susceptor.

[0025] Advantageously, the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil are planar inductor coils. In this context, a planar inductor coil means a coil that lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the windings of the coil. The planar inductor coils may be compact. The planar inductor coils may each lie in a plane parallel to the first plane.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may be configured such that at least one inductor coil provides a magnetic field at the susceptor assembly perpendicular to the first plane. The system may be configured such that the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil provide a magnetic field at the susceptor assembly perpendicular to the first plane. This allows for efficient heating of the susceptor elements. The inventors have also found that such an arrangement promotes efficient heating of the first and second susceptor elements such that a lower frequency alternating current can be used. For example, an alternating current having a frequency of 100 kHz to 1 MHz may be used. The lower frequency may allow for the use of simpler electronics to supply the alternating current.

[0027] The first planar inductor coil and the second planar inductor coil may have any shape, but in one advantageous embodiment, each of the planar inductor coils is rectangular. The planar inductor coils may advantageously have a size and shape corresponding to a heating area of ​​the susceptor element. The first inductor coil may have the same number of turns as the second inductor coil. The first inductor coil may have the same size and shape as the second inductor coil. The first inductor coil may be substantially identical to the second inductor coil. The first inductor coil may have the same electrical resistance as the second inductor coil. The first inductor coil may have the same inductance as the second inductor coil.

[0028] In one embodiment, the inductor coils are electrically connected to form a single conductive path, and the first inductor coil is wound in an opposite sense to the second inductor coil, and the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil may then be provided with the same alternating current.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first inductor coil is wound in the same sense as the second inductor coil, and the control circuit may be configured to provide a current to the first inductor coil that is oppositely out of phase with the current provided to the second inductor coil.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may include one or more flux concentrators configured to contain the magnetic field generated by the inductor coil. The one or more flux concentrators may be configured to concentrate the magnetic field on the susceptor assembly, preferably perpendicular to the first plane.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0032] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a consumable product. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid storage portion of the consumable product. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0033] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0034] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0035] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. 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, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably has an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

[0036] As used herein, the term "consumable" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the consumable may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the aerosol generating device. The consumable may be disposable. The consumable may be insertable into a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] As used herein, the term "liquid storage" refers to a storage that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid storage may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0038] The liquid reservoir may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid reservoir may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid reservoir may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the liquid reservoir may be, for example, substantially circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular.

[0039] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with a consumable to generate an aerosol.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generation device with a consumable, in which the aerosol generation device and the consumable work together to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0041] The aerosol generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of between 30 mm and 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0042] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably lightweight and not brittle.

[0043] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include two or more air inlets.

[0044] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element, which may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the one or more susceptors.

[0045] Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button and held for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predefined threshold. The start may also be detected upon the user activating a button. The sensor may 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 to initiate heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, an electrically operated or charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply within an electric aerosol generating device.

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

[0049] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is in use.

[0050] As used herein, the term "airflow path" means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0051] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. In use, the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or in thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in an aerosol generation device. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol.

[0052] The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material may include or consist of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, ferrites, etc. Suitable susceptor materials may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may include more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent, of ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures of more than 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0053] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a layer of steel.

[0054] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon. For example, the susceptor material may comprise a ceramic core or a metallic track formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

[0055] The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in intimate contact to form a single susceptor that cannot be disassembled. In one particular embodiment, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a bi-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0056] The intimate contact between the first and second susceptor materials may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanizing, and cladding.

[0057] The aerosol generating device may be powered to power the heating element. The power source may comprise 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 (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0058] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source 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 amp to 10 amps (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). Advantageously, the aerosol generating device may comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power source into an alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is provided to the induction coil.

[0059] The power source may be adapted to supply power to the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequencies. For operation at high frequencies, a class E power amplifier is preferred. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, and more preferably between 5 megahertz and 8 megahertz.

[0060] In alternative embodiments, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example 100 kHz to 400 KHz. In embodiments where class D or class C power amplifiers are used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.

[0061] The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coils and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

[0062] A power source and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0063] The controller may be configured to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, thus controlling the power supplied to the inductor coil by conventional methods of duty cycle management.

[0064] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0065] 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]

[0066] [Figure 1] Figures 1a-1d show the insertion of a consumable into an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] 2a to 2d show the removal of consumables from the aerosol generating device. [Diagram 3] 3a-c show the insertion of a consumable into an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 4a-b show the removal of consumables from an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0067] 1a-1d show, in perspective views, the stepwise insertion of unused consumables into an aerosol generating device.

[0068] 1a shows an aerosol generating device mouthpiece 10 in a detached configuration and aerosol generating device body 30. The mouthpiece 10 is releasably attachable to the body 30. The arrow indicates the direction of attachment of the mouthpiece 10 from the body 12. In the attached configuration, a secure attachment may be achieved by a form fit between a protruding structure 32 of the body 30 and a corresponding recess (not shown) in the mouthpiece 10.

[0069] Mouthpiece 10 includes an air outlet 12 through which the aerosol exits the device. Mouthpiece 10 includes a sliding element 14 disposed on an outer surface of mouthpiece 10 and configured to be operated by a user. Sliding element 14 is part of an extension and retraction element, which is described further below.

[0070] FIG. 1b shows the process of inserting an unused planar consumable into the heating chamber 34 of the body 30. The heating chamber 34 has a rectangular cross section. The slits 36 allow the inserted planar consumable to be held in the heating chamber 34 at a central position. This may ensure that there is an empty space in the heating chamber 34 above and below the central consumable, allowing for smooth insertion of the planar susceptor into said empty space. The planar consumable may be a sheet-like consumable 50 or a pouch-like consumable 52. The arrows indicate the direction of insertion of the consumable, e.g., the sheet-like consumable 50, into the heating chamber 34.

[0071] 1c shows the step of attaching the mouthpiece 10 to the body 30 after a consumable, for example a sheet-like consumable 50, has been inserted. The arrow indicates the direction of attachment of the mouthpiece 10 to the body 30.

[0072] FIG. 1d shows the aerosol generating device in a ready-to-use configuration with the mouthpiece 10 attached to the body 30.

[0073] 2a to 2d show, in perspective views, the stepwise removal of used consumables from an aerosol generating device.

[0074] FIG. 2 a shows the aerosol generating device after use, with the mouthpiece 10 still attached to the body 30 .

[0075] 2b shows the aerosol generating device after use, with the mouthpiece 10 removed from the body 30. The arrow indicates the direction of removing the mouthpiece 10 from the body 30. A planar consumable, e.g., a sheet-like consumable 50, is sandwiched between the first planar susceptor 16 of the mouthpiece 10 and a second planar susceptor (not shown) of the mouthpiece 10. Thereby, the consumable is automatically withdrawn from the heating chamber 34 when the mouthpiece 10 is removed from the body 30.

[0076] Figure 2c shows the mouthpiece 10 in the configuration of Figure 2b, rotated by 180 degrees. Here, it can be seen that the sheet-like consumable 50 is held between a first planar susceptor 16 and a second planar susceptor 18 disposed parallel to and at a distance from the first susceptor 16. The arrows indicate the direction in which a user may move the sliding element 14 to retract the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 into the mouthpiece 10 and into a retracted position for removal of the consumable.

[0077] The mouthpiece 10 in the storage position is shown in Fig. 2d, i.e. after moving the sliding element 14 to the storage position as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2c. The sliding element 14 is part of the extension / storage element of the mouthpiece 10. By storing the sliding element 14, the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 are at least partially stored in the mouthpiece 10 to the storage position, as shown in Fig. 2d, for ejecting the consumables. Thereby, the consumables, e.g., the sheet-like consumables 50, are ejected. Thereby, the consumables are released from the mouthpiece 10 without any direct manipulation by the user.

[0078] Also visible in Fig. 2d is an optional retaining element 29 of the mouthpiece 10. The retaining element 29 is configured as a protrusion disposed between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 and configured to block insertion of a consumable held between the first susceptor and the second susceptor into the mouthpiece 10 during retraction of the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 via the extension and retraction element.

[0079] 3a-3c show, in cross-sectional views, the stepwise insertion of unused consumables into an aerosol generating device.

[0080] 3a illustrates in cross-section the mouthpiece 10, the sheet-like consumable 50, and the proximal portion of the body 30 in a detached configuration. The illustrated proximal portion of the body 30 includes not only the heating chamber 34, but also a pair of inductor coils 38 that sandwich the heating chamber 34. A distal portion of the body (not shown), including electronic components such as a battery and controller, may be configured as a separate element releasably attachable via a connecting portion 44. Alternatively, the body 30 may be provided as an integral unit, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0081] The mouthpiece 10 comprises an extension-storage element that is repeatedly movable from an extended position to a retracted position and vice versa relative to the mouthpiece housing 11. In FIG. 3a, the extension-storage element is shown in its retracted position. The extension-storage element comprises a sliding element 14 for a user to move the extension-storage element horizontally. Proximal and distal ends of sliding recesses 15 limit the extension of the horizontal movement possibilities of the extension-storage element. The extension-storage element further comprises a first susceptor 16 and a second susceptor 18.

[0082] The first susceptor 16 is configured to be disposed adjacent a first lateral sidewall of the heating chamber 34. The second susceptor is configured to be disposed adjacent an opposing second lateral sidewall of the heating chamber 34. The first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 may each include a detent 19 provided at a distal end thereof and facing toward an interior space between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18. The detent 19 may be cut into the consumable when the extension-storage element is moved to the extended position, as shown in FIG. 3c. The detent 19 may aid in retention of the consumable.

[0083] The extension-storage element further comprises a hollow conducting member 20 horizontally movable within the mouthpiece housing 11. The first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 are fixed to the hollow conducting member 20. A hollow inner core of the conducting member 20 forms a part of the airflow path downstream of the consumable 50. The conducting member 20 merges at its proximal end into a hollow chamber member 22. The chamber member 22 surrounds a first aerosol management chamber 24 located downstream of the conducting member 20. The chamber member 22 comprises an opening 26 for the airflow to exit the first aerosol management chamber 24. The chamber member 22 merges at its proximal end into a closure element 28. In the storage position shown in FIG. 3a, the air outlet 12 is closed by the closure element 28. Thereby, the mouthpiece 10 can be in a self-locking position when not in use. Thereby, the internal parts of the mouthpiece 10 can be protected from, for example, saliva or dust.

[0084] Figure 3b shows the next step where the sheet-like consumable 50 is inserted into the heating chamber 34 and the mouthpiece 10 is attached to the body 30. In Figure 3a, the extension-storage element of the mouthpiece 10 is still in the retracted position. The arrows indicate the direction of movement of the extension-storage element from the retracted position to the extended position shown in Figure 3c. This may be accomplished by the user moving the sliding element 14.

[0085] FIG. 3c shows the extension-storage element in the extended position after it has been moved from the retracted position to the extended position. FIG. 3c shows the ready-to-use configuration. The first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 are moved into the heating chamber 43 such that the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 hold the planar consumable 50 between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18. The chamber member 22 is moved such that the second aerosol management chamber 25 is formed. The closure element 28 is moved away from the air outlet 12 such that the air outlet 12 is no longer closed by the closure element 28.

[0086] The airflow path extends from an air inlet (not shown) in the body through a heating chamber 43 housing the consumables. In use, an alternating current is applied to the inductor coil 38, which creates an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field in turn induces currents in the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18, which cause the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 to heat up. The consumables located in the heating chamber 43 are heated by thermal transfer from the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 to the consumables. Vaporized compounds generated from the heated aerosol-forming substrate of the heated consumables may be taken up by the airflow. The airflow passes further into the first aerosol management chamber 24 through the hollow inner core of the conductive member 20, and then into the second aerosol management chamber 25 through the opening 26. The first and second aerosol management chambers may be designed as condensation and / or cooling chambers, for example, so that an aerosol of a desired composition, temperature, etc. Finally, the aerosol exits air outlet 12, where it may be inhaled by a user.

[0087] 4a-4d show, in cross-sectional views, the stepwise extraction of used consumables from an aerosol generating device.

[0088] In the configuration shown in Fig. 4a, the mouthpiece 10 has already been removed from the main body 30. In particular, the extension-retraction elements still remain in the extended position. Thereby, a planar consumable, e.g., a sheet-like consumable 50, is held between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18, and thereby extracted from the heating chamber 43 when the mouthpiece 10 is removed from the main body 30. Hence, the consumable may be extracted from the heating chamber 43 without the user having to directly contact the consumable.

[0089] The arrows in Fig. 4a indicate the direction of movement of the extension-retraction element from the extended position to the retracted position shown in Fig. 4b, which may be accomplished by the user moving the sliding element 14.

[0090] FIG. 4b shows the final step, where the extension and storage element of the mouthpiece 10 has been moved to the storage position. Hence, the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 have been moved back into the mouthpiece 10. As a result, the sheet-like consumable 50 is no longer sandwiched and is held between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 and is discarded by gravity. The user may, for example, after positioning the mouthpiece 10 above a suitable waste bin, operate the sliding element 14 to move the extension and storage element to the storage position. Thereby, the user may conveniently discard the used consumable in a hygienic manner.

[0091] Also shown in FIG. 4b is an optional retention element 29 of the mouthpiece 10. The retention element 29 may be configured, for example, as a pin or protrusion mounted on the inside of the mouthpiece housing surrounding the extension and storage element. The retention element 29 is disposed between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 and configured to block insertion of a consumable held between the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 into the mouthpiece 10 during storage of the first susceptor 16 and the second susceptor 18 via the extension and storage element. The retention element 29 is further configured in a size and shape so as not to block an airflow path and not to impede movement of the extension and storage element between the extended and stored positions.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an induction heater comprising a first planar susceptor and a second planar susceptor; a mouthpiece comprising an extension and retraction element; The aerosol generating device, wherein the first susceptor and the second susceptor are disposed within the mouthpiece, the first susceptor is disposed at a distance from and parallel to the second susceptor to hold a planar consumable between the first susceptor and the second susceptor, and the extension / storage element is configured to at least partially store the first susceptor and the second susceptor into a storage position within the mouthpiece to remove the consumable.

2. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, further comprising a cavity for receiving the planar consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity preferably configured as a heating chamber.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the cavity has a rectangular cross section.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the extension and storage element is configured to at least partially extend the first susceptor and the second susceptor from the mouthpiece to an extended position for insertion of the first susceptor and the second susceptor into the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 4, wherein the extension and retraction element comprises biasing means for biasing the first and second susceptors toward the extended position.

6. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension / storage element comprises a sliding element, the sliding element being at least partially disposed on an outer surface of the housing of the aerosol generating device and configured to be operated by a user.

7. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a body, and the mouthpiece comprises means for releasably attaching to the body.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the cavity is provided within the body.

9. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first susceptor is configured to be disposed adjacent to a first lateral side wall of the cavity, and the second susceptor is configured to be disposed adjacent to a second lateral side wall on the opposite side of the cavity.

10. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an air outlet and a closing element, and the air outlet is closed when the extension / retraction element is disposed in the retracted position.

11. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a retaining element disposed between the first susceptor and the second susceptor and configured to block insertion of the consumable held between the first susceptor and the second susceptor into the mouthpiece during storage of the first susceptor and the second susceptor via the extension / storage element.

12. An aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2 and a consumable item including an aerosol-forming substrate.

13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12 , wherein the consumable is planar.

14. 13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the consumable is a pouch-like consumable.

15. 13. A method for removing a planar consumable from the aerosol generation system of claim 12, the method comprising at least partially retracting the extension / retraction element into the mouthpiece, thereby removing the consumable held between the first susceptor and the second susceptor.

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