Aerosol generating device and assembly, and packaging material allowing easy gripping of consumables - Patents.com

Abstract

1. An aerosol generating device (2) configured to operate with a consumable (1), the aerosol generating device (2) comprising: a first part (20) defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable (1) and heat the consumable (1) during a steam inhalation session, the consumable (1) generating an aerosol upon heating; and a second part (40) separable from the first part (20), the second part (40) including a gripper (41) deformable between an open configuration, for the gripper (41) to grip the consumable (1) when the second part (40) is separated from the first part (20), and a holding configuration, for the gripper (41) to hold the consumable (1) such that the consumable (1) is inserted into the cavity (22) when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly including an aerosol generating device, and to a packaging material for a plurality of consumable products. [Background technology]

[0003] The popularity and use of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and rolling cigarettes. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm a vaporizable material, as opposed to burning tobacco in traditional tobacco products.

[0004] Commonly available risk reduction or modification devices are substrate heated aerosol generating devices or heated non-combustion devices. This type of device generates aerosol or vapor not by burning a substrate, but by heating an aerosol substrate, typically including moist tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, to temperatures typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. Handling of the consumables can be problematic, as they are small in volume and therefore may be difficult to load / unload from the aerosol generating device. Some of the consumables may be sticky or moist, which may stain the user's hands. Immediately after heating, the consumables may become too hot for safe or acceptable contact with the skin. Moreover, the consumables may be mispositioned in the device upon insertion due to mishandling of the consumables. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that allows for easy and safe handling of consumables and / or ensures more reliable insertion of the consumables into the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to operate with a consumable, the aerosol generating device comprising a first part defining a cavity configured to receive the consumable and heat the consumable during a steam inhalation session, the consumable generating an aerosol by heating. The aerosol generating device further comprises a second part separable from the first part, the second part comprising a gripper. The gripper is movable, preferably deformable, between an open configuration for the gripper to grip the consumable and a holding configuration for the gripper to hold the consumable when the second part is separated from the first part, such that the consumable is inserted into the cavity when the first part and the second part are assembled.

[0007] These features allow the second part itself to be used as a tool to grip the consumable, allowing for convenient handling of the consumable, even if the consumable is small, wet or sticky, or still hot from a steam inhalation session. The user does not need to touch the consumable directly or use an external tool or device to handle the consumable. The first part itself is also used to precisely position the consumable in the cavity of the first part, once the consumable is held by the grip of the first part, since assembling the first part and the second part automatically positions the consumable in the cavity so that it is heated by the heating element when held by the grip. Preferably, the consumable is held in place in the cavity by the grip during the steam inhalation session while being heated. Preferably, when the grip is in the holding configuration and holding the consumable, the consumable is released by moving, preferably deforming, the grip to the open configuration. All these features and advantages allow the aerosol generating device to be particularly suitable for single-session and / or small consumables.

[0008] In other words, the gripping tool in the open configuration allows for gripping the consumable, in particular when said consumable is positioned outside the device, in particular when the consumable is not yet received in the cavity of the first part, in particular when the consumable is held by a holder of a packaging material that is separate from the aerosol generating device. The gripping tool in the holding configuration allows for holding the consumable, in particular when the first part and the second part are assembled, but also when the first part and the second part are separate.

[0009] Instead of being deformable, the gripper may be configured with moveable parts to move between the open and holding configurations, instead of actually being deformable between said open and holding configurations.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the consumable is inserted into the gripper so as to be gripped by the gripper when the gripper is in the open configuration, and an insertion opening of the gripper is positioned toward the cavity when the first and second parts are assembled.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the second portion includes a mouthpiece configured to deliver the aerosol to a user.

[0012] Due to these features, when assembled with the first part, the second part conveniently serves both the purpose of handling consumables and forming a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can therefore be very compact with a small number of parts. Since the gripper and the mouthpiece are formed by the same second part that is separable from the first part, the mouthpiece and the gripper can be easily washed separately from the first part. Preferably, the second part is free of electronics.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the gripper includes an outer surface and is configured to be moved, preferably deformed, to the open configuration by pinching the outer surface.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the outer surface defines two opposing pinching areas adapted to be pinched by a user's fingers to move, preferably deform, the gripper into the open configuration.

[0015] These features allow a user to easily grasp the consumable with the second portion and, preferably, release the consumable from the second portion by simply pressing the second portion between the user's fingers.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the gripper forms a fastener for gripping the consumable when in the open configuration and for holding the consumable when in the holding configuration, the fastener including axial legs extending along either side of the consumable for holding the consumable when the gripper is in the holding configuration.

[0017] These features allow the consumable to be securely gripped and held by the gripper between the legs of the fastener.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the fastener and the exterior surface are made in a single piece.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the legs are moved radially away from each other when the gripper is moved, preferably deformed, from the holding configuration to the open configuration to enable gripping of the consumable within the gripper.

[0020] Preferably, the same gripper also enables the release of the consumable from the gripper.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the gripper is configured to resiliently return to the holding configuration when in the open configuration.

[0022] With this feature, the consumable remains automatically secured to the gripper when the user is not activating the second portion.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device comprises an abutment means that prevents the gripper from moving to the open configuration when the first and second parts are assembled.

[0024] These features prevent a user from releasing the consumable from the gripper once the first and second parts are assembled, so that the consumable cannot be released into the cavity of the first part and always remains held by the gripper, thereby preventing misuse of the aerosol generating device.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the first portion includes a heating element configured to heat the consumable when the consumable is received within the cavity.

[0026] With these features, the first part comprises all the features necessary to generate an aerosol from the consumable during a vapor inhalation session. Optionally, the first part also includes a power source, such as a battery, for powering the heating element and an optional control module for controlling the heating element.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the heating element is configured to at least partially surround and / or penetrate the consumable when the consumable is received within the cavity.

[0028] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device as defined above and a consumable, the consumable comprising a porous element storing a liquid capable of generating an aerosol when heated within a cavity thereof.

[0029] These features make the consumable environmentally friendly as it requires less materials, features, or packaging compared to disposable liquid cartridges that incorporate a heating element and a solid container for holding the liquid.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the consumable is a single-session consumable, where a session refers to a predetermined period of time and / or a predetermined number of puffs during which the consumable within the device delivers aerosol.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the consumable is a 1000 mm 3 Less than 500mm, preferably 3 Less than 200mm, preferably 3 Less than 50-190mm, preferably 50-190mm 3 It has a volume of.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a packaging material for a plurality of consumables, the packaging material including a holder defining a plurality of sockets or seats, each socket or seat being configured to receive one of the consumables, the consumables protruding from the holder when received within the socket or seat such that a gripping tool of an aerosol generating device as defined above can grasp the consumables.

[0033] These features allow the consumable to be easily positioned within the packaging in a manner that allows for convenient grasping of the consumable with a grasping device. Preferably, upon completion of a vaping session, the user may release the consumable with the grasping device in a manner that positions the consumable in the same socket or seat where the depleted consumable was originally positioned, or in another available socket or seat.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the holder is flat and the sockets or seats are arranged in rows and / or columns along the holder.

[0035] According to some embodiments, instead of moving the gripper to the open configuration to grip the consumable, the consumable is inwardly deformable to be gripped by the gripper when the gripper is in the holding configuration, and the gripper may be deformed to the open configuration to release the consumable when it is held in the gripper.

[0036] According to an embodiment independent of the invention disclosed above, the gripper is in a holding configuration that is not movable or deformable to the open configuration. In this case, the consumable is deformable inwardly to be gripped by the gripper when the gripper is in the holding configuration, and is released from the gripper by pulling the consumable from the gripper. This independent embodiment may optionally include all or part of the other features defined for the invention, if technically compatible with the independent embodiment.

[0037] The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating assembly according to the present invention, comprising an aerosol generating device having a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part being separated and a gripper of the second part being in a holding configuration and holding a consumable item. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second portion and consumable of FIG. 1, with the gripper in an open configuration; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the first and second parts separated and the gripper holding the consumable in a holding configuration; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, with the first and second parts assembled; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the aerosol generating assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and a packaging material according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description, as it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0040] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" or "device" may include a vapor inhalation device for delivering an aerosol, including an aerosol for vapor inhalation, to a user by an aerosol generating unit (e.g., an aerosol generating element that generates vapor that condenses into an aerosol before being delivered to an outlet of the device, e.g., at a mouthpiece, for the user to inhale). The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol) (e.g., by activating a heater system for a variable length of time), the generation of which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vapor inhalation button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity and inhalation duration to allow for providing a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The device may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol generating material (aerosol precursor) to a particular target temperature and then maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of the aerosol.

[0041] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursors as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "aerosol-forming precursor" or "precursor" or "aerosol-forming substance" or "substance" or "vaporizable material" are used to refer to any material that can be vaporized into air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is generally obtained by raising the temperature to the boiling point of the vaporizing material, for example at temperatures up to 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. The vaporizable material may include or consist of an aerosol-generating solid, which may be in the form of a rod, such as, for example, an aerosol-generating liquid, gel, or wax, or including processed tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof. The vaporizable material may include one or more of nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredients may be carried by a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may include propylene glycol or glycerin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION 1 shows an aerosol generation assembly comprising a consumable 1 and an aerosol generation device 2. The aerosol generation device 2 is configured to operate together with the consumable 1 to achieve a vapor inhalation session. When the consumable 1 is used up, it needs to be replaced with a new consumable operated by the same aerosol generation device 2.

[0043] Preferably, the consumable 1 is intersected by a longitudinal axis X10. The consumable 1 is preferably cylindrical or tubular and centred on the axis X10. The consumable 1 comprises a porous element 11 for storing a liquid capable of forming an aerosol when heated in an appropriate manner. The porous element 11 is for example made of a solid foam, the pores of which are impregnated with the liquid. The porous element may also be formed of a fibre layer (such as a nonwoven or tobacco layer) on a rigid support such as a tubular element (for example a paper tube). The consumable 1 preferably defines a flow path 12 passing through the porous element 11 along the axis X10 for the circulation of the aerosol.

[0044] The consumable 1 optionally has an outer tubular housing, centered on an axis X10, that surrounds the porous element 11. The outer tubular housing holds the porous element 11 and is made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic.

[0045] Preferably, the consumable 1 is a single-session consumable, i.e. a consumable dimensioned for a single steam inhalation session. For this purpose, for example, the consumable 1 contains a liquid volume to ensure about 5-40 puffs, preferably about 10-20 puffs. The size of the consumable 1 is preferably 1000 mm 3 Less than 500 mm, more preferably 3 Less than or even 200 mm 3 is less than.

[0046] The aerosol generating device 2 comprises a first part 20 and a second part 40. In Figure 1, the parts 20 and 40 are separate, i.e. disassembled, as also shown in Figure 3. The parts 20 and 40 can also be assembled as shown in Figure 4.

[0047] The first portion 20 is centered about a longitudinal axis X20 and the second portion 40 is centered about a longitudinal axis X40 and are coaxial when assembled. For example, the device 2 has an elongated shape along the axes X20 and X40, such as a cylindrical shape centered about the axes X20 and X40, when the portions 20 and 40 are assembled.

[0048] The second part 40 includes a gripper 41, a mouthpiece 44 and a connecting end 43. The mouthpiece 44 and the gripper 41 are arranged in sequence along an axis X40, and the mouthpiece 44 and the gripper 41 are each intersected by the axis X40. The connecting end 43 is preferably arranged around the gripper 41. The mouthpiece 44 forms one longitudinal end of the part 40 and the device 2 when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. The gripper 41 and / or the connecting end 43 form the opposite longitudinal end of the part 40 and constitute an interface for assembling the parts 20 and 40.

[0049] The mouthpiece 44 is configured to be brought to a user's mouth during a vapor inhalation session so that the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device 2 with each puff. The mouthpiece 44 preferably defines an aerosol flow path 45 for directing the aerosol from the grip 41 to the user's mouth. The flow path 45 extends through the mouthpiece 44, for example centered about an axis X40. The mouthpiece 44 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

[0050] The connecting end 43 of the second part 40 is complementary to the connecting end 23 of the first part 20 to allow the parts 20 and 40 to be connected to each other and to be disconnected from each other parallel to the axes X20 and X40. The connecting end 43 is preferably centered on the axis X40, while the connecting end 23 is centered on the axis X20. For example, the connecting ends 23 and 43 can be connected in a male-female manner as shown in FIG. 4. When the connecting ends 43 and 23 are connected as shown in FIG. 4, the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. To separate the parts 20 and 40 from each other, the connecting ends are disconnected as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the connecting end 43 and the grip 41 are made of a single piece, which is assembled with the mouthpiece 44 to form another single piece.

[0051] The gripper 41 is movable between an open configuration, shown in Figure 2, and a holding configuration, shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4. Preferably, the gripper 41 is moved between the open configuration and the holding configuration by deformation of the gripper 41, as shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0052] Preferably, in use, the gripper 41 is transformed into the open configuration only when the parts 20 and 40 are separated. In the open configuration, the gripper 41 allows the gripping of the consumable 1 in the gripper 41, i.e. the insertion of the consumable 1 into the gripper 41, if the gripper 41 does not hold a consumable, and allows the release of the consumable 41, if said consumable 1 is held by the gripper 41. In the open configuration, the insertion of the article 1 into the gripper 41 is achieved by the insertion of the article 1 into an insertion opening of the gripper 41, which is formed at the end of the second part 40.

[0053] In the retaining configuration, the article 1 is secured within the gripper 41, i.e., to the portion 40. Preferably, in the retaining configuration, the article 1 is positioned at the end of the portion 40 that is the same end at which the article 1 is gripped. In other words, the article 1 preferably does not have to be threaded across the second portion 40 from the end opposite the gripper 41 in order to be received within the gripper 41.

[0054] Preferably, the gripper 41 is configured to elastically return to the holding configuration when in the deformed configuration. In other words, the gripper 41 must be elastically deformed away from the rest configuration to reach the open configuration. The rest configuration may be the holding configuration or another configuration in which the gripper elastically returns when the gripper 41 is not holding a consumable.

[0055] More precisely, the gripping tool 41 preferably forms a catch 42 for gripping the item 1. The catch 42 is advantageously centered on the axis X40 and surrounds the item 1 when in the holding configuration. The catch 42 allows the gripping tool 41 to grip and hold the consumable 1. Deforming the gripping tool 41 causes at least the catch 42 to be deformed or moved. For example, the catch 42 comprises axial legs 46, for example four axial legs 46, as best visible in FIG. 1. In the holding configuration, the axial legs 46 are close to the axis X40, preferably parallel to the axis X40, and extend along both sides of the consumable 1 to hold the consumable 1. Preferably, the legs 46 are arranged all around the item 1. In the open configuration, the legs 46 are radially moved away from each other, i.e. away from the axis X40, to allow holding and releasing the consumable 1, as best shown in FIG. 2. For example, in the open configuration, the legs 46 are conically disposed relative to the axis X40 to allow for the insertion and release of the article 1.

[0056] Thus, when the consumable is not held by the gripper 41, the portion 40 is separate from the portion 20 and can be carried by the user to the desired article 1. The user can transform the gripper 41 into an open configuration, allowing the gripper 41 to grasp the article 1. Once the article 1 is received in the gripper 41, the user transforms the gripper 41 into a holding configuration such that the gripper is held, i.e., fixed to the gripper 41. The user can then assemble the portions 20 and 40 together to begin a steam inhalation session, or release the article 1 by transforming the gripper 41 back into the open configuration. After steam inhalation is finished, the user can separate the portion 20 from the portion 40 and release the exhausted article 1 by transforming the gripper 41 back into the open configuration.

[0057] Preferably, the second portion 40 comprises an outer surface 47, which may advantageously form a single piece with the grip 41 and / or the connecting end 43. Preferably, the outer surface 47 is tubular and is centered on the axis X40. The outer surface 47 preferably surrounds the grip 41. The outer surface 47 preferably connects the connecting end 43 to the mouthpiece 44.

[0058] The gripping tool 41 is configured to be transformed from the holding configuration to the open configuration by pinching the outer surface 47, i.e., by applying opposing forces to the outer surface 47 radially directed toward the axis X40. As best shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 47 advantageously defines two diametrically opposed pinching regions 48 adapted to be pinched by the fingers of a user to transform the gripping tool 41 to the open configuration. For example, to actuate the deformation of the gripping tool 41, the outer surface 47 is connected to the gripping tool 41 by radial spokes 49 that provide a leverage to the fastener 42, such that the pin opens when the surface 47 is pinched by the user.

[0059] Preferably, in order to prevent the gripping tool 41 from being deformed into the open configuration when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled, the aerosol generating device 2 includes an abutment surface 28 that maintains the gripping tool 41 in the holding configuration when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. For example, the abutment surface 28 is formed by the connecting end 23 of the part 20, which firmly resists pinching the outer surface 47 when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. More precisely, as shown in FIG. 4, the connecting end 23 including the surface 28 is preferably inserted into the connecting end 43 so as to be radially interposed between the axis X20 and the outer surface 47 when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. In this situation, the outer surface 47 abuts against the surface 28 radially inwardly, so that the user cannot pinch the outer surface 47.

[0060] Preferably, the gripper 41 also defines a flow passage 50 connecting the flow passage 45 to the article 1 when said article 1 is held by the gripper 41 in the holding configuration. The flow passage 50 is preferably centered on an axis X40. Thus, aerosol generated by the article 1 can reach the user's mouth through the continuous flow passages 50 and 45.

[0061] Preferably, in the holding configuration, the article 1 is positioned such that the axis X10 is coaxial with the axis X40. Preferably, when the article 1 is held by the gripper 41, the flow passage 12 is centered about the axis X40, such that the flow passage 12 is connected to the flow passage 50.

[0062] Preferably, when article 1 is held by gripper 1 in the holding configuration, one longitudinal end of article 1 is connected to mouthpiece 44 via flow path 50, while the other longitudinal end of article 1 remains free to interact with part 20 when parts 20 and 40 are assembled, as defined below.

[0063] The first part 20 includes the connecting end 23 mentioned above, but also includes a cavity 22, preferably a housing 21 and a heating element 24. Preferably, the connecting end 23 and the cavity 22 are formed at one longitudinal end of the part 20 along an axis X20, which is oriented towards the part 40 when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. For example, the connecting end 23 is formed around the cavity 22. Preferably, the connecting end 23 and the cavity 22 are centered on and intersected by the axis X20.

[0064] The cavity 22 opens towards the second part 40. As best shown in Fig. 4, when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled, the consumable 1 held by the gripper 41 is received in the cavity 22. In other words, when the gripper 41 is in the holding configuration, it holds the consumable 1, and when the parts 20 and 40 are assembled, the consumable 1 is inserted into the cavity 22 while it remains held by the gripper 41. Advantageously, in this configuration, the article 1 is already inserted into the gripper 41, with the insertion opening of the gripper 41 positioned towards the cavity 22, or even received in the cavity 22.

[0065] During assembly of parts 20 and 40, gripper 41 holds article 1 in a position to carry and insert it into cavity 22. Preferably, during a steam inhalation session gripper 41 holds article 1 in place in cavity 22 and remains in a holding configuration. Cavity 22 itself may optionally contribute to holding consumable 1 during a steam inhalation session when parts 20 and 40 are assembled. Upon separation of parts 20 and 40, gripper 41 holds article 1 for removal of said article 1 from cavity 22.

[0066] The heating element 24 is configured to heat the consumable 1 when said consumable 1 is received in the cavity 22 while said consumable 1 is held by the gripper 41 in the holding configuration and while the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the heating element 24 may protrude into the cavity 22, for example along the axis X20. In this case, the heating element 24 penetrates the consumable 1 when it is received in the cavity 22. For example, the heating element 24 is inserted into the flow passage 12 of the article 1. In this case, the heating element 24 may be a blade heater or a pin heater. The heating element therefore heats the article 1 from inside the article 1. Alternatively, the heating element 24 may surround the cavity 22, form a sidewall of the cavity 22, or be in contact with a sidewall of the cavity 22. In this case, the heating element 24 may be a thin film heater or an induction coil. In this last case, the induction coil may cooperate by magnetic induction with one or more susceptors arranged inside or designed to penetrate the consumable 1. Preferably, the article 1 does not have to be hollow, and in particular does not have to have channels 12, if the article 1 does not have to be penetrated, for example by a heating element or a susceptor, while in the cavity 22.

[0067] To generate aerosol during a vapor inhalation session, the heating element 24 heats the article 1 without burning the article 1, vaporizing the liquid contained in the article 1 and forming an aerosol. The generated aerosol flows through the channels 50 and 45 to the user's mouth to be inhaled by the user.

[0068] The housing 21 of the first portion 20 forms the longitudinal end of the portion 20 opposite the connecting end 23. The connecting end 23, the cavity 22 and the heating element 24 are fixed relative to the housing 21.

[0069] Preferably, the first part 20 further comprises an embedded power source 25 and a control module 26 received in the housing 21. The power source 25 may be formed by a battery or the like and supplies power to the heating element 24 so that the heating element 24 can heat the item 1. The part 20 preferably comprises a charging port 27 for recharging the embedded power source 25. The control module 26 is an electronic module that controls how and when the heating element 24 heats the item 1. The electronic module 26 may comprise a memory containing a program code and a processor for executing the program code and thereby controlling the heating element 24. To appropriately control the heating element 24, the electronic module 26 may be coupled to a sensor, preferably located in the part 20, for determining whether the heating element 24 is operating and / or a sensor for measuring the current temperature of the heating element 24 for determining whether the parts 20 and 40 are assembled. To be controlled by a user, the heating element 24 may be coupled to an interface element, such as a button, a screen, a touch screen, etc., preferably located in the part 20.

[0070] The aerosol generating device 2 may also be used in association with a packaging material 70 shown in FIG.

[0071] The packaging 70 is configured to accommodate a plurality of consumables 1 to be operated with the device 2. The packaging 70 includes a holder 71, which is preferably planar, i.e., flat. The packaging 70 also includes sockets 72 formed by the holder 71. Each socket 72 preferably forms a blind hole drilled in the holder 71. Each socket 72 opens from the same side of the holder 71. All sockets 72 are preferably arranged in the same plane. All sockets 72 are preferably arranged facing the same direction. The sockets 72 are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another and aligned in a plurality of rows 73 and columns 74 to form a grid of sockets 72. The rows 73 are perpendicular to the columns 74. The rows 73 and / or columns 74 are preferably arranged at equal intervals.

[0072] Each socket 72 is configured to receive and hold one consumable 1. Thus, each socket 72 has a shape complementary to the shape of the consumable 1 received in that socket. Thus, the packaging material 70 can receive the same number of consumables 1 as the sockets 72. When the consumable 1 is received in one of the sockets 72, the axis X10 is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the flat holder 71. When the consumable 1 is received in one of the sockets 72, one longitudinal end of the consumable 1 protrudes outside the socket 72, and another longitudinal end of the article 1 is received in the socket 72 such that the article 1 is held by the socket 72.

[0073] The article 1 partially protrudes from the socket 72 so that it can be easily grasped by the gripping tool 41, as shown in Fig. 5. For that purpose, the user positions the second part 40 over the desired article 1 held by the holder 71 and transforms the gripping tool 41 into an open configuration for grasping said article 1 by its protruding longitudinal end. Once the article 1 to be grasped is received in the gripping tool 41, the user transforms the gripping tool 41 into a holding configuration such that the article 1 is held by the gripping tool 41. The user may then move the part 40 away from the holder 71 so that the article 1 held by the gripping tool 41 is removed from the socket 72.

[0074] If one socket 72 is free, the user may release the consumable 1, e.g. the used up consumable 1, into said socket 72 after a steam inhalation session. For that purpose, the user positions the part 40 holding the article 1 such that the article 1 is inserted into the available socket 72. Once the article 1 is positioned in the socket 72, the user transforms the gripper 41 into an open configuration such that the gripper 41 releases the article 1 into the socket 72. The user may then move the part 40 away from the socket 72 and finally allow the gripper 41 to be transformed back into the rest configuration.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (2) configured to operate with a consumable (1), comprising: a first portion (20) defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable (1) and heat the consumable (1) during a steam inhalation session, the consumable (1) generating an aerosol upon said heating; A second part (40) separable from the first part (20), an open configuration for the gripper (41) to grip the consumable (1) when the second part (40) is separated from the first part (20); a holding arrangement for the gripper (41) to hold the consumable (1) so that the consumable (1) is inserted into the cavity (22) when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled; a second portion (40) including a gripping tool (41) movable between An aerosol generating device (2).

2. The aerosol generating device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping tool is transformable between the open configuration and the holding configuration.

3. The aerosol generating device (2) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second part (40) comprises a mouthpiece (44) configured to deliver the aerosol to a user.

4. The aerosol generating device (2) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second part (40) includes an outer surface (47) and the gripping tool (41) is configured to be moved to the open configuration by clamping the outer surface (47).

5. The aerosol generating device (2) of claim 4, wherein the outer surface (47) defines two opposing clamping areas (48) adapted to be clamped by a user's fingers to move the gripping tool (41) to the open configuration.

6. The aerosol generating device (2) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gripping tool (41) forms a fastener (42) for gripping the consumable (1) when in the open configuration and for holding the consumable (1) when in the holding configuration, the fastener (42) including axial legs (46) extending along both sides of the consumable (1) for holding the consumable (1) when the gripping tool (41) is in the holding configuration.

7. The aerosol generating device (2) of claim 6, wherein the axial legs (46) are moved radially away from each other when the gripping tool (41) is moved from the holding configuration to the open configuration to enable gripping of the consumable (1) within the gripping tool (41).

8. The aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the gripping tool (41) is configured to resiliently return to the holding configuration when in the open configuration.

9. The aerosol generating device (2) of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an abutment surface (28) that prevents the gripper (41) from being moved to the open configuration when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled.

10. The aerosol generating device (2) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first part (20) includes a heating element (24) configured to heat the consumable (1) when the consumable (1) is received within the cavity (22).

11. The aerosol generating device (2) of claim 10, wherein the heating element (24) is configured to surround and / or penetrate the consumable (1) when the consumable (1) is received within the cavity (22).

12. An aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device (2) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11 and the consumable (1), wherein the consumable (1) comprises a porous element (11) for storing a liquid capable of generating the aerosol when heated in the cavity (22).

13. 13. An aerosol generation assembly according to claim 12, wherein the consumable (1) is a single-session consumable (1).

14. A packaging material (70) for a plurality of consumables (1), the packaging material (70) including a holder (71) defining a plurality of sockets (72) formed in the holder (71), each socket (72) being configured to receive one of the consumables (1), the consumables (1) protruding from the holder (71) when received within the socket (72) such that the gripping tool (41) of the aerosol generating device (2) described in any one of claims 1 to 10 can grip the consumables (1).

15. 15. Packaging (70) according to claim 14, wherein the holders (71) are flat and the sockets (72) are arranged in rows (73) and / or columns (74).

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