Aerosol Generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (1) for use with an aerosol-generating article (7). The aerosol generating device (1) comprises a housing (2), a heating assembly (3), and an ejector (4). The housing comprises a cavity (24) and an aerosol outlet (231). The cavity is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating device further comprises an airflow path (41) extending within the device downstream from the cavity to the aerosol outlet for conveying the aerosol-entrained airflow. The ejector is coupled to the housing and configured to urge the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity. The ejector defines at least a portion of the airflow path (41) and is configured to modify the entrained airflow along the airflow path.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol generating article. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol delivery system formed from the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are known that are adapted to receive a disposable aerosol-generating article and operable to generate an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate of the article. In response to a user's inhalation applied to the device or the article, air is drawn through the device and / or the article and mixes with volatile compounds emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate in response to heating of the substrate. The mixture of air and volatile compounds cools to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. The quality of the user experience is affected by the degree to which the air and volatile compounds are mixed together. Incomplete mixing of the air and volatile compounds can adversely affect the user experience. Upon completion of a usage session, removal of the used aerosol-generating article from the device can cause residue from the depleted aerosol-forming substrate to contaminate the user's fingers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the provision of an improved aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing, a heating assembly, and an ejector. The housing comprises a cavity and an aerosol outlet. The cavity is configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The heating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device further comprises an airflow path extending downstream within the device from the cavity to the aerosol outlet for conveying the aerosol-entrained airflow. The ejector is coupled to the housing and configured to urge the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity. The ejector defines at least a portion of the airflow path and is configured to modify the entrained airflow along the airflow path.

[0005] The ejector may facilitate providing improved airflow management along the airflow path and may also assist in the removal of used aerosol-generating articles from the aerosol-generating device.

[0006] The ejector may comprise an enclosed channel, the enclosed channel forming at least a portion of the airflow path.

[0007] The ejector may preferably be configured to promote mixing of the entrained airflow along the airflow path. Enhanced mixing may promote an improved user experience of the device, as it increases the likelihood that the user will inhale an aerosol containing a homogenous mixture of air and volatile compounds emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate. The ejector may be configured to change at least one of the speed and direction of the entrained airflow along the airflow path. Changing the speed and direction may help promote mixing of the entrained airflow.

[0008] A portion of the airflow path defined by the ejector may include a geometric shape or surface features that promote mixing of the entrained airflow. The ejector may include one or more ribs that protrude into the airflow path. The ribs may promote mixing of the entrained airflow.

[0009] The ejector may comprise a venturi, preferably positioned to form a portion of the airflow path. The venturi defines a constriction in the airflow path where the entrained airflow becomes funnel-shaped, and the change in cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage in the venturi imparts a change in the velocity of the entrained airflow as it flows therethrough. The change in velocity imparted by the venturi may help promote mixing of the entrained airflow, thereby improving mixing such that the user inhales an aerosol in which the components of the aerosol are thoroughly mixed. The improved mixing may thereby enhance the user experience.

[0010] When the ejector includes a venturi, the upstream homogenization chamber may be located upstream of the venturi in the airflow path. Additionally or alternatively, the downstream homogenization chamber may be located downstream of the venturi in the airflow path. Providing one or both of the upstream and downstream homogenization chambers provides a volume or space for the components of the entrained airflow to mix. Furthermore, the volume or space provided by the homogenization chamber may also facilitate improved cooling of the entrained airflow, thereby reducing the likelihood that a user will receive an aerosol with an excessively high temperature. Advantageously, one or both of the upstream and downstream homogenization chambers form part of the ejector. By way of example, the ejector may be formed as a single homogenous component. Alternatively, the ejector may be formed of two or more component parts connected together.

[0011] The aerosol generating device may also include a mouthpiece that includes an aerosol outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the housing may be an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis. The cavity, ejector, and aerosol outlet may be disposed continuously along the longitudinal axis of the elongated housing between a distal end and an oral end of the elongated housing. The oral end may function as a mouthpiece for a user. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be attached to the elongated housing at the oral end. Conveniently, the aerosol outlet is located at the oral end. The oral end defines a downstream end of the airflow path.

[0013] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a cover coupled to the housing to cover the access opening to the cavity. The cover may be movable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position. The coupling of the cover to the housing may be configured to bias the cover to the closed position. Biasing the cover to the closed position may reduce the likelihood of foreign objects entering the cavity of the aerosol generating device when an aerosol-generating article is not present in the cavity. Furthermore, when the aerosol-generating article is fully received within the cavity, biasing the cover to the closed position may also help reduce the likelihood of the article inadvertently escaping the cavity during use of the aerosol generating device. The biasing may be achieved by using a spring or other conventional means in coupling the cover to the housing. The access opening may be provided at a distal end of the housing, and the coupling of the cover to the housing is preferably a rotatable coupling, with the cover being rotatably movable relative to the housing to move between the closed and open positions. However, alternatively, the access opening may instead be provided in a side wall of the housing between the distal end and the mouth end.

[0014] The ejector may preferably be slidably moveable relative to the housing for urging the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity when received within the cavity. Conveniently, the ejector is slidably moveable relative to the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing, and thus slidable movement of the ejector relative to the housing may be movement along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a slidable interface accessible from outside the housing and slidable over a surface of the housing. The slidable interface may be coupled to the ejector such that movement of the interface over a surface of the housing provides a corresponding sliding movement of the ejector relative to the housing to urge the aerosol generating article out of the cavity when received within the cavity. The slidable interface and the ejector are preferably slidably moveable along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0016] The slidable interface and the ejector may preferably be integrally formed as a single body. However, the connection of the slidable interface and the ejector may instead be provided by the slidable interface and the ejector and may be formed as separate structural entities connected to each other. The connection of the slidable interface and the ejector may be indirect (i.e., there is one or more intermediate parts between the slidable interface and the ejector) or direct (i.e., there is no such intermediate part between the slidable interface and the ejector).

[0017] The heating assembly may be disposed along or about a longitudinal axis of the cavity. Further, the heating assembly may define a surface that faces the interior of the cavity.

[0018] The heating assembly may comprise a plurality of heating segments, each of the plurality of heating segments being disposed consecutively along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The aerosol generating device may further comprise control electronics configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of heating segments to heat one or more corresponding regions of the aerosol generating article when received within the cavity. When the device is used with an aerosol generating article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate segmented in the same manner as the heating assembly, the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device may be dimensioned such that each heating segment of the heating assembly is positioned adjacent to a corresponding segment of the aerosol-forming substrate when the article is received within the cavity. In this manner, the heating process may be controlled to selectively deplete specific portions (i.e., segments) of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article.

[0019] The multiple heating segments may preferably be axially spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0020] The heating assembly may be configured to be air permeable so as to define an airflow path that traverses across the heating assembly and inwardly into the cavity.

[0021] The heating assembly may be an inductive heating assembly. Each of the plurality of heating segments may comprise a circumferential arrangement around the cavity of the one or more inductors.

[0022] Each of the plurality of heating segments may further comprise a circumferential arrangement of one or more susceptor elements about the cavity. The circumferential arrangement of the one or more susceptor elements may be disposed inwardly from a corresponding circumferential arrangement of the one or more inductors.

[0023] Each circumferential arrangement of the one or more susceptor elements may be radially spaced from a corresponding circumferential arrangement of the one or more inductors to define an axial airflow path therebetween.

[0024] Instead of having one or more susceptor elements feature of an aerosol-generating device, one or more susceptor elements may be integrated into the aerosol-generating article. By way of example, one or more susceptor elements may be positioned within an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

[0025] The heating assembly may be a resistive heating assembly, with each of the plurality of heating segments comprising a circumferential arrangement about the cavity of one or more resistive heating elements.

[0026] The control electronics may preferably be configured to sequentially activate different ones or groups of the plurality of heating segments over a predetermined period of time to progress along the length of the cavity.

[0027] The control electronics may be configured to selectively activate the plurality of heating segments for a predetermined period of time, whereby only a single one of the plurality of heating segments is activated at any one time over the predetermined period of time. Conveniently, the predetermined period of time is a use session.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding possible components, and an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is configured to be received within a cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0029] Preferably, the heating assembly may comprise a plurality of heating segments. Each of the plurality of heating segments may be disposed consecutively along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The aerosol generating device may further comprise control electronics configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of heating segments. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plurality of substrate segments, each of the substrate segments disposed such that each of the substrate segments is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the heating segments when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. Such an arrangement of corresponding heating segments and substrate segments facilitates controlling the heating process to selectively deplete specific portions (i.e. segments) of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0030] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device is preferably a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that is inhalable directly through the user's mouth into the user's lungs.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0032] The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. However, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0033] Preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises nicotine. More preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. Alternatively, or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing aerosol-forming material.

[0034] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0035] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, e.g., containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0036] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, threads, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, in a pattern to provide a non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0037] In one preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0038] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an assembly of a sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "assembled" is used to describe a sheet that is rolled, folded, or otherwise compressed or clamped substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol former" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of an aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0039] Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, triacetate, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols (e.g., propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably, glycerin) or mixtures thereof.

[0040] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers.

[0041] As used herein, the term "use session" refers to a period of time during which a user applies a series of puffs to extract an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate.

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

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an end view of the cover of the aerosol generating device in the direction indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol generating device of FIG. [Figure 4A-C] Figures 4A-C are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of an aerosol delivery system formed by the combination of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 and the aerosol generating article of Figure 3. Figure 4A shows the aerosol generating article prior to insertion into the aerosol generating device, Figure 4B shows the aerosol generating article fully received within the aerosol generating device, and Figure 4C shows the aerosol generating article after it has been expelled from the aerosol generating device. [Figure 5A-C] 5A-C are perspective schematic diagrams of aerosol delivery systems corresponding to each of FIGS. 4A-C. [Figure 6A-B] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of an aerosol delivery system in use at different stages of a use session. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Example 1: An aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a housing, a heating assembly, and an ejector; a housing having a cavity and an aerosol outlet, the cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article; a heating assembly configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity to generate an aerosol; the aerosol generating device further comprising an airflow path extending within the device downstream from the cavity to an aerosol outlet for conveying the aerosol-entrained airflow; an ejector coupled to the housing and configured to urge an aerosol-generating article received within the cavity out of the cavity; An aerosol generating device, wherein the ejector defines at least a portion of an airflow path and is configured to modify the entrained airflow along the airflow path. Example 2: 2. The aerosol generating device of example 1, wherein the ejector comprises an enclosed channel, the enclosed channel forming at least a portion of the airflow path. Example 3: 3. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the ejector is configured to promote mixing of the entrained airflow along the airflow path. Example 4: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 3, wherein a portion of the airflow path defined by the ejector has a geometric shape or surface features that promote mixing of the entrained airflow. Example 5: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ejector is configured to modify at least one of the speed and direction of the entrained airflow along the airflow path. Example 6: 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejector comprises a venturi, the venturi being positioned so as to form part of the airflow path. Example 7: 7. The aerosol generating device of Example 6, wherein the upstream homogenization chamber is positioned upstream of the venturi in the airflow path. Example 8: 8. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the downstream homogenization chamber is positioned downstream of the venturi in the airflow path. Example 9: 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 7 or 8, wherein one or both of the upstream and downstream homogenization chambers form part of the ejector. Example 10: 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet. Example 11: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the housing is an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis, and the cavity, ejector, and aerosol outlet are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the housing between the distal end and the oral end of the housing. Example 12: 12. The aerosol generating device of example 11, wherein the aerosol outlet is located at the mouth end. Example 13: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 11 or 12, further comprising a cover connected to the housing to cover an access opening to the cavity, the cover being movable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, and the connection of the cover to the housing being configured to bias the cover to the closed position. Example 14: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the access opening is provided at a distal end of the housing, and the connection of the cover to the housing is such that the cover is rotatably coupled to the housing and is rotatably movable relative to the housing so that the cover moves between a closed position and an open position. Example 15: 14. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein an access opening is provided in a side wall of the housing between the distal end and the oral end. Example 16: 16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the ejector is slidably movable relative to the housing so as to urge the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity when received within the cavity. Example 17: 17. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 16, wherein the ejector is slidably movable relative to the housing along the longitudinal axis of the housing. Example 18: An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 16 or 17, further comprising a slidable interface accessible from outside the housing and slidable on a surface of the housing, the slidable interface being coupled to the ejector such that movement of the interface on the surface of the housing provides corresponding sliding movement of the ejector relative to the housing to urge the aerosol generating article out of the cavity when received within the cavity. Example 19: 19. The aerosol generating device of Example 18, wherein the slidable interface and the ejector are slidably movable along the longitudinal axis of the housing. Example 20: 20. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of Examples 18 or 19, wherein the slidable interface and the ejector are integrally formed as a single body. Example 21: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the heating assembly is disposed along and around the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Example 22: 22. The aerosol generating device of example 21, wherein the heating assembly defines a surface facing the interior of the cavity. Example 23: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 21 or 22, wherein the heating assembly is configured to be air permeable so as to define an airflow path traversing inwardly across the heating assembly and into the cavity. Example 24: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating segments, each of the plurality of heating segments being arranged consecutively along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, and further comprising a control electronic circuit configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of heating segments so as to heat one or more corresponding regions of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity. Example 25: 25. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 24, wherein the multiple heating segments are axially spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Example 26: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 24 or 25, wherein the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly and each of the multiple heating segments has a circumferential arrangement around the cavity of one or more inductors. Example 27: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein each of the multiple heating segments further comprises a circumferential arrangement around the cavity of one or more susceptor elements, the circumferential arrangement of the one or more susceptor elements being positioned inward from the corresponding circumferential arrangement of the one or more inductors. Example 28: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 27, wherein each of the circumferential arrangements of one or more susceptor elements is radially spaced from a corresponding circumferential arrangement of one or more inductors to define an axial airflow path therebetween. Example 29: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 24 or 25, wherein the heating assembly is a resistive heating assembly and each of the multiple heating segments includes a circumferential arrangement around the cavity of one or more resistive heating elements. Example 30: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 24 to 29, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to sequentially activate different ones or groups of the multiple heating segments over a predetermined period of time to progress along the length of the cavity. Example 31: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 24 to 30, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to selectively activate multiple heating segments over a predetermined period of time, such that only a single one of the multiple heating segments is activated at any time over the predetermined period of time. Example 32: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 30 or 31, wherein the specified period is a usage session. Example 33: 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article configured to be received within a cavity of an aerosol generating device. Example 34: the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating segments, each of the plurality of heating segments being disposed successively along a longitudinal axis of the cavity, and the aerosol generation device further comprises control electronics configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of heating segments; An aerosol delivery system as described in Example 33, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a plurality of substrate segments, each of the substrate segments being arranged such that when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity, each of the substrate segments is axially aligned with a corresponding one of the heating segments.

[0045] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the following figures:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 1. The device 1 has an elongated housing 2. In the example shown and described, the elongated housing 2 is generally cylindrical in cross section and formed from a polymeric material. The housing 2 contains a power source 21 and control electronics 22. The power source 21 is in the form of a rechargeable battery that serves as a power source for the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 has a distal end 11 and an oral end 12. The housing 2 terminates at the oral end 12 in a mouthpiece 23, the mouthpiece 23 having an opening 231. In use, the opening 231 in the mouthpiece 23 serves as an aerosol outlet. A cylindrical cavity 24 is defined inside the housing 2. The cavity 24 extends along the longitudinal axis LA of the device 1 from the distal end 11 for a portion of the length of the device. An access opening 241 to the cavity 24 is provided at the distal end 11.

[0047] The heating assembly 3 is disposed circumferentially around the cavity 24. The heating assembly 3 extends along the length of the cavity 24 and is formed of five individual heating segments 31a-e. The heating segments 31a-e are disposed axially along the longitudinal axis LA. Each of the heating segments 31a-e has a corresponding inductor coil 311a-e and a corresponding susceptor 312a-e. Each of the inductor coils 311a-e and their respective susceptors 312a-e extend circumferentially around the cavity 24. Each of the inductor coils 311a-e is disposed radially outward of their respective susceptors 312a-e by a radial gap r31. The heating segments 31a-e are separated by an axial gap a 31 Although not shown in the figure, there is a radial and axial gap r 31 , a 31 may direct airflow therethrough into cavity 24.

[0048] The power supply 21, the control electronics 22, and the heating assembly 3 are electrically coupled to each other by wiring 25. Figure 1 illustrates how the control electronics 22 is independently electrically coupled to each of the inductor coils 311a-e of the heating segments 31a-e of the heating assembly 3 by separate sections of wiring 25.

[0049] The aerosol generating device 1 also has an ejector 4. The ejector 4 is assembled into the aerosol generating device 1 so as to be slidably movable along the longitudinal axis LA within the housing 2. The ejector 4 has an enclosed channel 41 (represented by a double-headed dashed arrow in FIG. 1 ) extending axially along the longitudinal axis LA from the downstream cavity 24 at the oral end 12 towards the mouthpiece 23. The enclosed channel 41 defines an upstream chamber 42, a venturi section 43 and a downstream chamber 44. The upstream chamber 42, the venturi section 43 and the downstream chamber 44 are successively arranged along the longitudinal axis LA. The venturi section 43 defines a throat 431 corresponding to a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the enclosed channel 41. The cross-sectional area of ​​the enclosed channel 41 increases upstream and downstream of the throat 431. The upstream end of the ejector 40 is provided with a circumferential lip 45. A circumferential lip 45 is immediately adjacent the upstream chamber 42 and defines a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the upstream chamber.

[0050] A slidable interface 5 is provided on the aerosol generating device 1. The slidable interface 5 is accessible from the outside of the housing 2. The slidable interface 5 has the form of a curved panel that follows the curvature of the cylindrical housing 2 and partially surrounds the housing (see Figs. 5A-C). The slidable interface 5 is slidable on the outer surface of the housing 2 along the longitudinal axis LA. The slidable interface 5 and the ejector 4 are integrally formed as a single part (see Figs. 1, 4A-C). Movement of the slidable interface 5 over the surface of the housing 2 along the longitudinal axis LA results in a corresponding movement of the ejector 4 along the longitudinal axis. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the slidable interface 5 and the ejector 4 may instead be formed as separate structural entities directly or indirectly connected to each other such that a sliding movement of the slidable interface 5 still results in a corresponding sliding movement of the ejector 4 along the longitudinal axis LA.

[0051] The cover 6 is connected to the housing 2 at the distal end 11. The cover 6 is connected to the housing 2 by a spring-loaded hinge connection 61 (see Figures 1, 2, 4A-C). The cover 6 is pivotally rotatable about the spring-loaded hinge connection 61 between a closed position and an open position. For the open position, the cover 6 is shown in dashed lines in Figure 1. In the closed position, the cover 6 covers an opening 241 to the cavity 24. In the open position, the cover 6 pivots about the spring-loaded hinge connection 61 to expose the opening 241 in the cavity 24. As shown in Figures 4A-C and 5A-C, when the cover 6 is in the open position, the aerosol-generating article 7 can be inserted into or removed from the cavity 24. The spring-loaded hinge connection 61 is arranged to bias the cover 6 to the closed position. An air hole 62 is formed in the central region of the cover 6 (see Figures 2, 5A and 5C).

[0052] The aerosol generating device 1 is for use with an aerosol-generating article 7. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary aerosol-generating article 7. The aerosol-generating article 7 has the form of an elongated rod. The aerosol-generating article 7 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 71. The aerosol-forming substrate 71 is composed of five segments 71a-e. Each of the segments 71a-e of the aerosol-forming substrate 71 contains tobacco and glycerin. The segments 71a-e are disposed consecutively along the length of the aerosol-generating article 7. Each of the segments 71a-e has an axial length that generally corresponds to the axial length of each of the heating segments 31a-e of the heating assembly 3 of the aerosol generating device 1. The segments 71a-e of the aerosol-forming substrate are enclosed within a wrapper 72 formed of cigarette paper.

[0053] Aerosol-generating article 1 and aerosol-generating article 7 collectively form an aerosol delivery system 100 (see Figures 4A-C, 5A-C).

[0054] Before starting a usage session, the user first moves the cover 6 to the open position by applying sufficient force to the edge of the cover to overcome the biasing action of the spring hinge connection 61, thereby exposing the access opening 241 of the cavity 24. The user then inserts the aerosol-generating article 7 into the cavity 24 until one end of the cavity abuts the circumferential lip 45 of the ejector 4. The cavity 24 has a length sufficient to receive the entire aerosol-generating article 7. Figures 4A and 5A show the aerosol-generating article 7 immediately prior to insertion into the cavity 24 of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 4B shows the aerosol-generating article 7 after it has been inserted into the cavity 24 of the aerosol generating device 1. When the aerosol-generating article 7 is received in the cavity 24, each segment 71a-e of the aerosol-forming substrate 71 is positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the heating segments 31a-e of the heating assembly 3. When the aerosol-generating article 7 is fully received within the cavity 24 of the aerosol generating device 1, the cover 6 will automatically pivot about the spring hinge connection 61 to a closed position as a result of the biasing action of the spring hinge connection, as shown in Figures 1, 4B and 5B. The cover 6 will help to ensure that the aerosol-generating article 7 is retained inside the cavity 24 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0055] The user then initiates a usage session by pressing an activation button or similar means (not shown) located on the housing 2 of the device 1. At the start of the usage session, the control electronics 22 begins to control the supply of power from the power source 21 to the heating assembly 3 according to instructions stored in the memory module of the control electronics 22. More specifically, the control electronics 22 independently controls the supply of power from the power source 21 to particular ones of the inductor coils 311a-e according to instructions stored in the memory module. The supply of electricity to particular ones of the inductor coils 311a-e results in the generation of a magnetic field by each inductor coil. The generated magnetic field induces eddy currents in corresponding segments of the susceptors 312a-e, causing heating, and heat is radiated from the susceptors to heat adjacent corresponding segments 71a-e of the aerosol-forming substrate 71. Heating the different segments 71a-e of the aerosol-forming substrate 71 causes volatile compounds to be released as vapor from the respective segments.

[0056] Figures 6A and 6B show how different ones of the heating segments 31a-e are activated in different parts of a use session. Figure 6A illustrates the heating regime in a first part of a use session. In this first part of the use session, the control electronics 22 limits the power supply to the inductor coil 311a, thereby restricting heating to the susceptor 312a and the segment 71a of the aerosol-forming substrate 71. Figure 6B illustrates the heating regime in a second part of the use session, the second part immediately following the first part. In this second part of the use session, the control electronics 22 limits the power supply to the inductor coil 311b, thereby restricting heating to the susceptor 312b and the segment 71b of the aerosol-forming substrate 71. In subsequent parts of the use session, the control electronics 22 gradually limits the power supply to the inductor coil 311c, then to the inductor coil 311d, and finally to the inductor coil 311e, resulting in heating of the corresponding susceptors 312c, 312d, 312e, and thereby the corresponding segments 71c, 71d, 71e. Thus, at the beginning of the use session, the segment 71a of the aerosol-forming substrate 71 closest to the distal end 11 of the device 1 is heated and gradually depleted. With progression through different parts of the use session, the heating action of the heating assembly 3 proceeds downstream to heat and deplete the segment 71b, then the segment 71c, then the segment 71d, and finally the segment 71e, as represented by the arrow B in FIG. 6B.

[0057] During a usage session, the user sucks on the mouthpiece 23. The user's pulling action draws air through the air holes 62 in the cover 6 into the cavity 24 and into the end of the aerosol-generating article 7. As it flows downstream through the aerosol-generating article 7, the air mixes with vaporized volatile compounds generated by heating of the segments of the aerosol-forming substrate 71. The combination of the vaporized volatile compounds and the air forms an entrained airflow, which flows downstream through the aerosol-generating article 7 and then through the enclosed channel 41 of the ejector 4 toward the opening 231 of the mouthpiece 23. Figures 6A-B show the flow path taken by the entrained airflow through the article 7 and the device 1. The upstream chamber 42 defines an enclosed space that allows for cooling and condensation of the volatile compounds to form aerosol droplets, as well as mixing of the aerosol droplets with the air of the entrained airflow. As the entrained air flows downstream into the venturi section 43, the entrained airflow accelerates as the cross-sectional area of ​​the enclosed channel 41 gradually decreases toward the throat 431. The narrowing of the enclosed channel 41 in the venturi section 43 and the acceleration through the throat 431 serve to promote mixing of the aerosol droplets with the air of the entrained airflow. The downstream chamber 44 defines an enclosed space that allows for further cooling of the entrained airflow and mixing of the aerosol droplets with the air of the entrained airflow. The entrained airflow of aerosol droplets then flows downstream from the enclosed channel 41 of the ejector 4 to exit the aerosol generating device 1 through the opening 231 of the mouthpiece 23 and be inhaled by the user.

[0058] Progressing through the use session, the control electronics 22 heats different ones of the segments 71 a-e of the aerosol-generating article 7 in different parts of the use session to gradually deplete the aerosol-forming substrate 71, as described above. The transition between different parts of the use session and activation of different parts of the heating segments 31 a-e may be a function of one or more of the time, cumulative number of puffs and rate of puffs applied over the use session, and the memory module contains instructions that enable the control electronics 22 to control the heating assembly 3 accordingly.

[0059] Upon completion of the use session, the control electronics 22 terminates the supply of electricity to the inductor coils 311a-e of the heating segments 31a-e of the heating assembly 3. To remove the used aerosol-generating article 7 from the cavity 24 of the aerosol generating device 1, the user engages one or more of his or her fingers with the slidable interface 5 and slides the interface 5C over the housing 2 toward the distal end 11, as shown by arrow C in Figures 4C and 5C. This sliding action of the slidable interface 5 results in a corresponding sliding movement of the ejector 4 within the housing 2 toward the distal end 11. As described above, the aerosol-generating article 7 abuts against the circumferential lip 45 of the ejector 4. Thus, movement of the ejector 4 relative to the housing 2 toward the distal end 11 causes the ejector to push the aerosol-generating article 7 against the cover 6. The force applied by the user to the slidable interface 5 and ejector 4 is sufficient to overcome the biasing action of the spring hinge connection 61, thereby allowing the ejector 4 to push the aerosol-generating article 7 against the cover 6 and open the cover. Figures 4C and 5C show the positions of the ejector 4 and slidable interface 5 when the used aerosol-generating article 7 has been pushed out of the cavity 24.

[0060] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like, should be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number "A" is understood as "A" ± 10%. Within this context, the number "A" may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number "A" modifies. The number "A" may, in some cases as used in the appended claims, deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the invention as claimed. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol generating device comprising a housing, a heating assembly, and an ejector; the housing includes a cavity and an aerosol outlet, the cavity configured to receive the aerosol-generating article; the heating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol; the aerosol generating device further comprising an airflow path extending within the device downstream from the cavity to the aerosol outlet for conveying an aerosol-entrained airflow; the ejector is coupled to the housing and configured to urge the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity out of the cavity; The aerosol generating device, wherein the ejector defines at least a portion of the airflow path and is configured to modify the entrained airflow along the airflow path.

2. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ejector is configured to promote mixing of the entrained airflow along the airflow path.

3. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ejector is configured to change at least one of the velocity and direction of the entrained airflow along the airflow path.

4. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ejector includes a venturi, the venturi being positioned to form part of the airflow path.

5. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the housing is an elongated housing having a longitudinal axis, and the cavity, ejector, and aerosol outlet are arranged continuously along the longitudinal axis of the housing between the distal end and the mouth end of the housing.

6. 6. The aerosol generating device of claim 5, further comprising a cover connected to the housing to cover an access opening to the cavity, the cover being movable relative to the housing between a closed position and an open position, and the connection of the cover to the housing being configured to bias the cover toward the closed position.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the ejector is slidably movable relative to the housing so as to urge the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity when received within the cavity.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, further comprising a slidable interface accessible from outside the housing and slidable on a surface of the housing, the slidable interface being coupled to the ejector such that movement of the interface on the surface of the housing provides a corresponding sliding movement of the ejector relative to the housing such that the aerosol-generating article is urged out of the cavity when received within the cavity.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly is disposed along and around the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the heating assembly is configured to be air permeable so as to define an airflow path that traverses across the heating assembly and inwardly into the cavity.

11. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the heating assembly comprises a plurality of heating segments, each of the plurality of heating segments arranged consecutively along the longitudinal axis of the cavity, and the aerosol generating device further comprises a control electronic circuit configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of heating segments so as to heat one or more corresponding regions of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating device is received within the cavity.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the heating assembly is an induction heating assembly, and each of the plurality of heating segments comprises one or more inductors arranged circumferentially around the cavity.

13. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of heating segments further comprises a circumferential arrangement of one or more susceptor elements around the cavity, the circumferential arrangement of one or more susceptor elements being positioned inward from the corresponding circumferential arrangement of one or more inductors.

14. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to sequentially activate different ones or groups of the plurality of heating segments over a predetermined period of time, progressing along the length of the cavity.

15. 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; 1. An aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating article being configured to be received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

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