Aerosol Generator and Aerosol Delivery System

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided that includes a housing and an electric heating arrangement. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis. The housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion that are removably connectable to each other and define a mixing chamber therein. The connection is such that a first axial end of the first housing portion mates with a second axial end of the second housing portion at an interface. The first housing portion includes a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate. The electric heating arrangement is positioned within the housing in thermal communication with the receiving area. The first and second axial ends are shaped and configured such that, upon connection of the first and second housing portions, at least one airflow channel is defined at the interface by the mated first and second axial ends. The at least one airflow channel extends through the wall thickness of the housing into the mixing chamber and directs airflow across the receiving area and into the mixing chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The first axial end includes at least one first groove. The second axial end includes at least one second groove, the first and second grooves being arranged to align with one another upon coupling of the first and second housing portions, thereby defining at least one airflow channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices and aerosol delivery systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol-generating devices are known that use a heating element to heat an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device. The heating element may be an electrically powered heating element. More specifically, the heating element heats the aerosol-forming substrate sufficiently to generate a vapor containing a volatile compound, which is released from the aerosol-forming substrate. In known aerosol-generating devices, in response to inhalation by a user of the device, air is drawn through the substrate and combined with the vapor released from the substrate. The entrained airflow flows downstream and condenses to form an aerosol, which is inhaled by the user. Such aerosol-generating devices have a draw resistance, which is the pressure drop of the air passing through the device and into the user's mouth. Because the airflow flows through the aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate significantly contributes to the draw resistance of the aerosol-generating device. As with traditional cigarettes containing tobacco rods, draw resistance is an important factor contributing to a user's satisfaction with the smoking experience. However, alternative aerosol-forming substrates have been developed in which the airflow is intended to flow over the substrate rather than through it. Indeed, some of these alternative aerosol-forming substrates have structures that may make it impractical for airflow through the substrate.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device adapted to direct an airflow over the surface of a heated aerosol-forming substrate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a housing and an electric heating arrangement. The housing may extend along a longitudinal axis. The housing may include a first housing portion and a second housing portion removably connectable to each other and defining a mixing chamber therein. The connection may be such that a first axial end of the first housing portion mates with a second axial end of the second housing portion at an interface. The first housing portion may include a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate. The electric heating arrangement may be positioned within the housing so as to be in thermal communication with the receiving area. The first and second axial ends may be shaped and configured such that, upon connection of the first and second housing portions, at least one airflow channel is defined at the interface by the mated first and second axial ends. The at least one airflow channel extends through a wall of the housing into the mixing chamber and directs airflow across the receiving area and into the mixing chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0005] In this manner, the first and second housing portions are adapted to channel and direct airflow from outside the device over the receiving area, so that when an aerosol-generating article is positioned within the receiving area, the airflow is directed wholly or partially over the surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is an aerosol-forming substrate, for example, the aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a capsule of one or more aerosol-forming substrates.

[0007] Preferably, at least one airflow channel may be arranged to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber, away from the receiving region, partially along the longitudinal axis. Directing the airflow in this manner creates a reduced pressure region (suction region) between the path taken by the airflow through the mixing chamber and the receiving region, thereby acting to draw vapor emanating from the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate away from the receiving region and become entrained in the airflow. More specifically, at least one airflow channel may be configured to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a reduction in static pressure between the receiving region and the airflow channel. In one embodiment, at least one airflow channel may be inclined at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, so as to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber, away from the receiving region, partially along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] Preferably, at least one airflow channel may be arranged to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber partially along the longitudinal axis toward the receiving region. By directing the airflow in this manner, the airflow may impinge directly on the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate and become entrained in the vapor emanating from the aerosol-forming substrate. Directing the airflow toward the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may reduce the possibility of overheating of the substrate. In one embodiment, at least one airflow channel may be inclined at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber partially along the longitudinal axis toward the receiving region.

[0009] The at least one airflow channel may be a single airflow channel. However, advantageously, the at least one airflow channel may instead include multiple airflow channels. The multiple airflow channels may be bounded by mated first and second axial ends. Different ones of the multiple airflow channels may be arranged opposite each other to direct their respective airflows toward each other within the mixing chamber. Arranging the airflow channels opposite each other facilitates collision and interference between the different respective airflows, thereby promoting turbulence and mixing of the airflows with each other and with the vapor emanating from the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. More specifically, the multiple airflow channels may include one or more opposing pairs of airflow channels, the airflow channels of each opposing pair being arranged opposite each other to direct their respective airflows toward each other within the mixing chamber.

[0010] The first axial end may include at least one first groove and the second axial end may include at least one second groove, and the first and second grooves may be arranged to align with one another upon coupling of the first and second housing portions, thereby defining at least one airflow channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the at least one airflow channel may include a plurality of airflow channels. The first axial end may include a first group of grooves and the second axial end may include a second group of grooves. The first and second groups of grooves may be arranged such that, upon coupling of the first and second housing portions, each groove in the first group of grooves aligns with a corresponding groove in the second group of grooves to define aligned pairs of grooves, each pair of aligned grooves defining a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow channels.

[0012] However, in another embodiment, one of the first axial end and the second axial end may include at least one groove, which defines at least one airflow channel when the first and second housing portions are coupled together, and the other of the first and second axial ends may not include a groove at least in a position aligned with the groove. The entire other of the first and second axial ends may be free of grooves, with grooves defined only in one of the first and second axial ends. The at least one airflow channel may be aligned parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In this manner, airflow can be efficiently drawn across the receiving area and across the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] Conveniently, the interface may be an annular interface. Advantageously, the first and second axial ends may be shaped and configured such that, upon coupling of the first and second housing parts, the mated first and second ends define a plurality of airflow channels at the interface, the plurality of airflow channels being distributed around the annular interface. The distribution of the plurality of airflow channels may preferably be such that the spacing between adjacent airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels is uniform around the annular interface. A uniform distribution of the airflow channels may facilitate promoting homogeneous mixing of the incoming airflow (received through the airflow channels) and the vapor emitted from the aerosol-forming substrate within the mixing chamber. However, in alternative embodiments, a non-uniform distribution of the spacing between adjacent airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels around the annular interface may instead be employed.

[0014] The aerosol generating device may further include a thermal and magnetic shield, and the thermal and magnetic shield and the electric heating arrangement may be aligned continuously along the longitudinal direction within the housing. The shield may be formed from a copper alloy (e.g., copper alloy 770) or any one of a silicon-based particle-filled compound incorporating one or more of silver, silver-aluminum, silver-copper, silver-glass fiber, and nickel-graphite. The shield may be formed from multiple layers of different foils.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electric heating arrangement may comprise a resistive heating element. The resistive heating element may take a variety of forms. Advantageously, the resistive heating element may include a planar surface disposed transversely across the receiving area and configured to support the aerosol-generating article within the receiving area. In this manner, the heating element may both directly support and provide heat to the aerosol-generating article received within the receiving chamber. The surface disposed transversely across the receiving area may be planar. The resistive heating element may preferably be disposed within the first housing portion. The aerosol generating device may comprise thermal and magnetic shielding, wherein the thermal and magnetic shielding and the resistive heating element are aligned consecutively along the longitudinal axis within the housing.

[0016] In another embodiment, the electric heating arrangement may include an inductor and a susceptor. The inductor may be provided in the form of an inductor coil. The inductor coil may include a planar spiral inductor coil. The inductor coil may have a tubular or helical shape. Preferably, the inductor coil is both tubular and helical. Tubular and helical coils preferably have a non-circular cross section when viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the coil, i.e., perpendicular to the magnetic central axis of the coil. The susceptor may include a planar surface disposed transversely across the receiving area and configured to support the aerosol-generating article within the receiving area. The surface disposed transversely across the receiving area may be planar. The aerosol-generating device may further include thermal and magnetic shields, wherein the thermal and magnetic shields, the inductor, and the susceptor are aligned consecutively within the housing along the longitudinal axis.

[0017] As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to an element comprising a material capable of converting magnetic field energy into heat. When a susceptor is positioned within an alternating magnetic field, the susceptor heats up. Heating of the susceptor can be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and Joule heating due to the induction of eddy currents within the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. Suitable materials for the susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and other conductive materials. Advantageously, the susceptor may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. Preferably, the susceptor may be formed of AISI 430 stainless steel.

[0018] The susceptor material may have a relative permeability of 1 to 40,000 when measured at a suitable frequency and temperature, for example, at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a frequency of up to 10 kHz. Materials with lower permeability may be used when it is desired to rely mostly on eddy currents for heating, and materials with higher permeability may be used when a hysteresis effect is desired. Preferably, the material has a relative permeability of 500 to 40,000. This will provide efficient heating of the susceptor.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a power source and control electronics configured to control the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating arrangement. Advantageously, coupling the first housing part to the second housing part may define an electrically conductive path between the power source and the electric heating arrangement, and decoupling the first housing part from the second housing part may cut the electrically conductive path. The electrically conductive path may define at least a portion of a circuit coupling the electric heating arrangement to the power source.

[0020] The first and second housing portions may be tubular, with the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion defining a periphery of a receiving area configured to receive a disk-shaped aerosol-generating article. The tubular structure of the first housing portion may thus facilitate retention of the aerosol-generating article. Conveniently, a flat surface of the electric heating arrangement may define a base of the receiving area. The flat surface may form part of one of the resistance heating elements or susceptors of the electric heating arrangement.

[0021] The second housing portion may preferably include a mouthpiece communicating with the mixing chamber. The provision of such a mouthpiece facilitates a user's inhalation of the aerosol from the mixing chamber, where the aerosol is formed from vapor released from heating the aerosol-forming substrate entrained in air received via at least one airflow channel. The mouthpiece is preferably located at an opposite end of the second housing portion relative to the boundary surface.

[0022] The first and second housing portions may be coupled to one another by a mechanical interconnection. The mechanical interconnection is preferably configured such that the first and second housing portions are coupled to one another in a predetermined relative alignment. The predetermined relative alignment may preferably be an alignment that facilitates the formation of at least one airflow channel, for example, an airflow channel defined by mating a groove on a first axial end of the first housing portion with a corresponding groove on a second axial end of the second housing portion. Illustratively, the first and second housing portions may be coupled to one another by one of a threaded connection and a bayonet connection.

[0023] The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an ejector assembly configured to urge the aerosol-generating article out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing part. The provision of such an ejector assembly may facilitate removal of the aerosol-generating article from the receiving area after the aerosol-forming substrate has been depleted.

[0024] Advantageously, the ejector assembly may include a support element for supporting the aerosol-generating article within the receiving area. The support element may be movable within the first housing part, for example along the longitudinal axis, away from the receiving area. The support element may form part of the electric heating arrangement. Illustratively, the support element may form part of one of the resistance heating elements or susceptors of the electric heating arrangement. The ejector assembly may preferably comprise one or more biasing elements configured to bias the support element out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing part.

[0025] The ejector assembly may include an electromagnet assembly having a first state and a second state, the first state being an active state and the second state being an inactive state, and the electromagnet assembly may be configured such that in the active state the electromagnet assembly urges the aerosol-generating article out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing portion.

[0026] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the variations described herein and an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may be disposed within the receiving area, with at least one airflow channel extending through the wall of the housing and into the mixing chamber to direct an airflow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and into the mixing chamber.

[0027] As explained in the previous paragraph, the aerosol-generating article is preferably an aerosol-forming substrate, for example, the aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a capsule of one or more aerosol-forming substrates.

[0028] The aerosol-generating article may comprise opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral edge surfaces, the opposing planar surfaces defining a majority of the total external surface area of ​​the article relative to the one or more peripheral edge surfaces. The aerosol-generating article may be disposed within the receiving area such that the opposing planar surfaces extend transverse to the longitudinal axis across the receiving area.

[0029] Preferably, the first and second housing portions may be tubular, the aerosol-generating article may be disk-shaped, and the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion may define a periphery of a receiving area. The receiving area may be configured to receive the disk-shaped aerosol-generating article such that a peripheral edge surface of the aerosol-generating article is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the tubular first housing. In this way, the aerosol-generating article is prevented from moving laterally from side to side within the aerosol generating device during use of the aerosol delivery system.

[0030] By way of example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more capsules of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a plurality of capsules of aerosol-forming substrate, the plurality of capsules being disposed in a stacked relationship within the receiving area.

[0031] 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.

[0032] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate made of or including an aerosol-forming material that has the ability to release volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Where the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, threads, strips, or sheets containing one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stems, expanded tobacco, and homogenized tobacco.

[0036] Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which are released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain one or more capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0037] 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 a sheet. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

[0038] In a 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.

[0039] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate 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 fastened substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate 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 during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0040] 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, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin).

[0041] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a single aerosol former, or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol formers. [Example]

[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 described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0043] Example 1: 1. An aerosol generating device comprising a housing and an electric heating arrangement, a housing extending along a longitudinal axis, the housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion removably connectable to one another and defining a mixing chamber therein, the connection being such that a first axial end of the first housing portion interfits with a second axial end of the second housing portion; the first housing portion includes a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate; an electrical heating arrangement positioned within the housing in thermal communication with the receiving area; An aerosol generating device, wherein the first and second axial ends are shaped and configured such that when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are coupled together, the mated first and second axial ends define at their interface at least one airflow channel, the at least one airflow channel extending through the housing wall into the mixing chamber and directing an airflow across the receiving area in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and into the mixing chamber. Example 2: 2. The aerosol generating device of Example 1, wherein at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct airflow partially along the longitudinal axis away from the receiving region and into the mixing chamber. Example 3: The aerosol generating device of Example 2, wherein at least one airflow channel is configured to direct airflow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a static pressure reduction between the receiving area and the airflow channel. Example 4: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 2 or 3, wherein at least one airflow channel is inclined at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to direct the airflow partially along the longitudinal axis away from the receiving area and into the mixing chamber. Example 5: 2. The aerosol generating device of Example 1, wherein at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct airflow partially along the longitudinal axis toward the receiving region and into the mixing chamber. Example 6: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 5, wherein at least one airflow channel is inclined at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis so as to direct the airflow into the mixing chamber so as to direct the airflow partially along the longitudinal axis toward the receiving area. Example 7: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein at least one airflow channel includes a plurality of airflow channels, the plurality of airflow channels being defined at an interface by mating first and second axial ends, and different airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels being arranged opposite each other so as to direct their respective airflows toward each other within the mixing chamber. Example 8: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 7, wherein the multiple airflow channels include one or more opposing pairs of airflow channels, the airflow channels of each opposing pair being arranged opposite each other so as to direct their respective airflows toward each other within the mixing chamber. Example 9: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first axial end includes at least one first groove and the second axial end includes at least one second groove, and the first and second grooves are arranged to align with each other when the first housing part and the second housing part are connected, thereby defining at least one airflow channel. Example 10: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein at least one airflow channel includes a plurality of airflow channels, a first axial end includes a first group of grooves, and a second axial end includes a second group of grooves, and the first and second groups of grooves are arranged such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are connected, each groove of the first group of grooves aligns with a corresponding groove of the second group of grooves to define a pair of aligned grooves, and each pair of aligned grooves defines a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow channels. Example 11: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein one of the first axial end and the second axial end includes at least one groove, which at least one groove defines at least one airflow channel when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are connected, and the other of the first and second axial ends does not include a groove at least in an aligned position with the groove. Example 11a: 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the other of the first and second axial ends is entirely free of grooves. Example 12: An aerosol generation device according to any one of Examples 1 to 11a, wherein at least one airflow channel is aligned parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Example 13: 13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the boundary surface is an annular boundary surface. Example 14: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 13, wherein the first and second axial ends are shaped and configured such that, when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are connected, the mated first and second ends define a plurality of airflow channels at the interface, and the plurality of airflow channels are distributed around the annular interface. Example 15: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 14, wherein the distribution of the plurality of airflow channels is such that the spacing between adjacent airflow channels among the plurality of airflow channels is uniform around the annular boundary surface. Example 15a: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, further comprising a thermal and magnetic shield, wherein the thermal and magnetic shield and the electrical heating arrangement are aligned continuously along the longitudinal axis within the housing. Example 16: An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples 1 to 15a, wherein the electrical heating arrangement comprises a resistive heating element. Example 17: 17. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 16, wherein the resistive heating element comprises a surface disposed transversely across the receiving area and configured to support an aerosol-generating article within the receiving area. Example 17a: 18. The aerosol generating device of Example 17, wherein the surface disposed transversely across the receiving area is flat. Example 18: 18. An aerosol generating device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the resistive heating element is disposed within the first housing portion. Example 19: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, further comprising a thermal and magnetic shield, wherein the thermal and magnetic shield and the resistive heating element are aligned continuously along the longitudinal axis within the housing. Example 20: The aerosol generating apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 15a, wherein the electrical heating arrangement comprises an inductor and a susceptor. Example 21: 21. The aerosol generating device of Example 20, wherein the susceptor comprises a surface disposed transversely across the receiving area and configured to support an aerosol-generating article within the receiving area. Example 21a: 22. The aerosol generating device of Example 21, wherein the surface disposed transversely across the receiving area is flat. Example 22: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 20-21a, further comprising a thermal and magnetic shield, wherein the thermal and magnetic shield, the inductor, and the susceptor are aligned consecutively along the longitudinal axis within the housing. Example 23: 23. An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, further comprising a power supply and control electronics, the control electronics being configured to control the supply of energy from the power supply to the electrical heating arrangement. Example 24: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 23, wherein a conductive path is defined between the power source and the electrical heating arrangement by connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the conductive path is severed by disconnecting the first housing portion from the second housing portion. Example 24a: 25. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 24, wherein the conductive pathway defines at least a portion of a circuit connecting the electrical heating arrangement to a power source. Example 25: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 1 to 24a, wherein the first and second housing portions are tubular, the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion defines the periphery of a receiving area, and the receiving area is configured to receive a disk-shaped aerosol-generating article. Example 26: 26. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 25, wherein the plane of the electric heating arrangement defines the base of the receiving area. Example 27: 27. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 26, wherein the flat surface forms part of one of the resistive heating elements or susceptors of the electrical heating arrangement. Example 28: 28. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 27, wherein the second housing portion comprises a mouthpiece in communication with the mixing chamber. Example 29: 29. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 28, wherein the mouthpiece is positioned at an opposite end of the second housing portion relative to the boundary surface. Example 30: 30. The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the first and second housing parts are coupled to one another by a mechanical interconnection. Example 30a: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 30, wherein the mechanical interconnection is configured to couple the first and second housing portions to one another in a predetermined relative alignment. Example 30b: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 30b, wherein the predetermined relative alignment is an alignment that facilitates the formation of at least one airflow channel. Example 30c: An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples 30 to 30b, wherein the first and second housing parts are connected to one another by one of a threaded connection and a bayonet connection. Example 31: The aerosol generating device of any one of Examples 1 to 30c, further comprising an ejector assembly configured to urge the aerosol-generating article out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing portion. Example 32: An aerosol generating device as described in Example 31, wherein the ejector assembly includes a support element for supporting the aerosol-generating article within the receiving area, and the support element is movable within the first housing away from the receiving area. Example 33: 33. The aerosol generating device of example 32, wherein the support element forms part of an electrical heating arrangement. Example 34: 34. The aerosol generating device of example 33, wherein the support element forms part of one of the susceptors of a resistive heating element or an electrical heating arrangement. Example 35: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the ejector assembly comprises one or more biasing elements configured to bias the support element out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing portion. Example 36: An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples 31 to 35, wherein the ejector assembly comprises an electromagnet assembly having a first state and a second state, the first state being an active state and the second state being an inactive state. Example 37: 37. An aerosol generating device as described in Example 36, wherein the electromagnet assembly is configured such that, in an active state, the electromagnet assembly urges the aerosol-generating article out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing portion. Example 38: An aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples 1 to 37 and an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is disposed within the receiving area, and at least one airflow channel extends through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber to direct an airflow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and into the mixing chamber. Example 39: An aerosol delivery system as described in Example 38, wherein the aerosol-generating article has opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral edge surfaces, the opposing planar surfaces defining a majority of the article's total external surface area relative to the one or more peripheral edge surfaces. Example 40: 40. The aerosol delivery system of Example 39, wherein the aerosol-generating article is disposed within the receiving area such that the opposing planar surfaces extend transverse to the longitudinal axis across the receiving area. Example 41: An aerosol delivery system described in any one of Examples 38 to 40, wherein the first and second housing portions are tubular, the aerosol-generating article is disc-shaped, and the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion defines the periphery of the receiving area. Example 42: An aerosol delivery system as described in Example 41, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a disk-shaped aerosol-generating article so that the peripheral edge surface of the aerosol-generating article is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the tubular first housing. Example 43: 43. The aerosol delivery system of any one of Examples 38-42, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises one or more capsules of an aerosol-forming substrate. Example 44: 44. The aerosol delivery system of Example 43, wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of capsules of the aerosol-forming substrate, the plurality of capsules being disposed within the receiving area in a stacked relationship. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0044] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures.

[0045] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system formed by combining the aerosol-generating device of FIG. 1A with an aerosol-generating article consisting of a capsule of an aerosol-forming substrate positioned within a receiving area of ​​the aerosol-generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the first and second housing parts of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a schematic perspective view of the first and second housing parts of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic perspective view of the first and second housing parts of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4A] Figures 4A and 4B show two schematic cross-sectional views of the first and second housing portions of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating the alignment of pairs of airflow channels defined by connecting the first and second housing portions to each other in a predetermined relative alignment. [Figure 4B] Figures 4A and 4B show two schematic cross-sectional views of the first and second housing portions of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating the alignment of pairs of airflow channels defined by connecting the first and second housing portions to each other in a predetermined relative alignment. [Figure 5A]Figures 5A and 5B show two schematic cross-sectional views of modifications to the first and second housing portions of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating alternative alignments of pairs of airflow channels defined by connecting the first and second housing portions to each other in a predetermined relative alignment. [Figure 5B] Figures 5A and 5B show two schematic cross-sectional views of modifications to the first and second housing portions of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating alternative alignments of pairs of airflow channels defined by connecting the first and second housing portions to each other in a predetermined relative alignment. [Figure 6A] Figures 6A and 6B show side views of the first and second housing parts of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating the use of a threaded connection to connect the first and second housing parts together to form an airflow channel at the interface of the first and second housing parts. [Figure 6B] Figures 6A and 6B show side views of the first and second housing parts of the aerosol generating device of Figures 1A and 1B, illustrating the use of a threaded connection to connect the first and second housing parts together to form an airflow channel at the interface of the first and second housing parts. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first housing portion of one embodiment of an aerosol generating device provided with an ejector assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] FIG. 1A illustrates an aerosol generating device 10. The device 10 has an elongated housing 11 extending along a longitudinal axis LA. The housing 11 has a first housing portion 110 and a second housing portion 120 that are removably connectable to each other at an annular interface 12 and define a mixing chamber 13 therein. The first housing portion defines the main body of the aerosol generating device 10 and includes a power supply 14, a controller 15, and an electrical heating arrangement 16. A cup-shaped blind cavity 111 is located at one end of the first housing portion 110. More specifically, the cup-shaped blind cavity 111 is located adjacent the interface 12 between the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 120. As shown in FIG. 1B, the blind cavity 111 defines a receiving area for containing an aerosol-generating article 20. For the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the aerosol-generating article 20 is in the form of a cylindrical capsule of an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 has two opposing planar surfaces 21, 22 joined by an annular peripheral surface 23. The area of ​​each of the opposing planar surfaces 21, 22 is greater than the area of ​​the annular peripheral surface 23. The capsule 20 rests on the base 112 of the receiving area 111, with both opposing planar surfaces 21, 22 of the capsule 20 aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. As will be described in a later paragraph, in another exemplary embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may instead take the form of a stack of aerosol-forming substrate capsules. Different capsules of the aerosol-forming substrate stack may have different compositions, such as different flavors or other additives.

[0047] The electric heating arrangement 16 is thermally coupled to the base 112 of the receiving area 111. As will be described in a later paragraph, in another exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the electric heating arrangement 16 may define the base 112 of the receiving area 111 and function to support the aerosol-generating article 20 within the receiving area.

[0048] Second housing portion 120 narrows in diameter as it extends from interface 12 to an opening 121 defined in a mouthpiece end 122 of the second housing portion. Mouthpiece end 122 is sized to allow insertion into a user's mouth.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, two airflow channels 31 a, 31 b extend through the housing 11 at the interface 12 between the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 120. For the embodiment of the aerosol-generating device 10 shown in cross section in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the two airflow channels 31 a, 31 b are diametrically opposed to one another. The two airflow channels 31 a, 31 b are aligned to direct airflow into the mixing chamber 13 in a direction generally extending across the exposed flat surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20. However, for the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b are each inclined at an angle α of approximately 5 degrees relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that the airflow through the airflow channels is also directed slightly toward the exposed flat surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20. A similar embodiment is also described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B below. It will be appreciated that additional airflow channels may be defined around the interface 12 between the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 at circumferential positions located between the two airflow channels 31 a and 31 b visible in Figures 1A and 1B. It will also be understood that the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b may alternatively be angled to direct the airflow in a direction extending slightly away from the exposed flat surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate 20, and that such an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B.

[0050] The power source 14 is a battery. The battery may be rechargeable. For example, the battery may be a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable via an electrical connector (not shown) integrated into the first housing portion of the device. The power source 14 is coupled to a controller 15, which in turn is coupled to the electric heating arrangement 16. The controller 15 includes or is coupled to a memory module 15A. The memory module 15A contains instructions and data that define the thermal profile of the electric heating arrangement 16 over a usage session. The controller 15 may be activated by a user pressing a button (not shown) provided on the housing 11, the button being electrically coupled to the controller 15.

[0051] When the controller 15 is activated, it controls the supply of electricity from the power source 14 to the electric heating arrangement 16 according to instructions and data on the memory module 15A. More specifically, the controller 15 controls the supply of energy to the electric heating arrangement 16 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 20 according to a thermal profile. The heat imparted to the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 by the electric heating arrangement 16 is sufficient to cause vapor to escape from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20. A user inhaling on the mouthpiece end 122 can encourage air to flow from outside the housing 11 through the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b into the mixing chamber 13. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the diametrically opposed airflow channels 31 a, 31 b are aligned to slightly direct the airflows therethrough toward each other within the mixing chamber 13 and toward the exposed flat surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20. The airflow paths taken by the air entering through the two opposing airflow channels 31a, 31b are indicated by solid arrows in FIG. 1B. The airflows collide with each other and mix with the heated vapor emitted from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, forming an entrained airflow. The collision between the airflows, resulting from the opposing alignment of the airflow channels 31a, 31b, promotes turbulence within the mixing chamber 13, thereby helping to facilitate thorough mixing of the airflow with the vapor emitted from the exposed surface 22 of the heated capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate. Inhalation by a user on the mouthpiece end 122 draws the entrained airflow downstream through the mixing chamber 13 toward the mouthpiece end, where it cools and condenses to form an aerosol before reaching the opening 121. The user can inhale the aerosol through the opening 121 of the mouthpiece end 122.

[0052] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the first and second housing portions 110, 120 when separated from one another. A first set of four grooves 113a-113d is defined in the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110. A second set of four grooves 123a-123d is similarly defined in the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion 120. The first and second axial ends 114, 124 are shown as planar views. The first and second groove sets 113a-113d and 123a-123d are defined in each of the first and second axial ends 114, 124 such that when the first and second axial ends are mated with one another in a predetermined relative alignment, each one of the first groove set aligns with a corresponding one of the second groove set to form a corresponding one of the airflow channels 31a-31d. 2, the first and second groove sets 113a-113d, 123a-123d are uniformly spaced about the respective first and second axial ends 114, 124. Pairs of conductive contacts 201a, 201b are provided on the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110. Electrical wiring 202 extends from each of the conductive contacts 201a, 201b within the first housing portion 110 to the controller 15 and the electrical heating arrangement 16. Additionally, pair of conductive contacts 203a, 203b are provided on the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion 120. Electrical wiring 204 extends into the second housing portion 120 to couple to each of the conductive contacts 203a, 203b. When first axial end 114 and second axial end 124 are mated with one another, with first sets of grooves 113a-113d aligned with respective ones of second sets of grooves 213a-213d, conductive contacts 201a, 203a engage with one another, and conductive contacts 201b, 203b similarly engage with one another. When contacts 201a and 203a, and 201b and 203b are so engaged, electrical wiring 202, 204 together define an electrically conductive path between controller 15 and electrical heating arrangement 16, enabling the transmission of electrical current and / or control signals from controller 15 to electrical heating arrangement 16.When the first housing part 110 and the second housing part 120 are disconnected from each other, the conductive path is interrupted and thereafter current and / or control signals cannot be transmitted between the controller 15 and the electric heating arrangement 16.

[0053] 3A and 3B illustrate two alternative embodiments to the embodiment of FIG. 2. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110 does not include grooves. In this embodiment, grooves 123a-123d are defined only on the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion. Therefore, when the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 are mated with each other, each of the airflow channels 31a-31d is defined by one of the grooves on the second axial end of the second housing portion in combination with that portion of the first axial end of the first housing portion aligning with the respective groove. The embodiment of FIG. 3B represents the opposite scenario to that of FIG. 3. More specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion 120 does not include grooves, and grooves 113a-113d are defined only on the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110. Thus, when the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 are mated with each other, each of the airflow channels 31a-31d is defined by one of the grooves on the first axial end of the second housing part in combination with that portion of the second axial end of the second housing part that aligns with the respective groove.

[0054] While Figures 2, 3A, and 3B illustrate an embodiment in which the plurality of airflow channels 31a-31d are uniformly distributed around the annular boundary surface 12 formed by the mating of the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124, in other embodiments, the spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of airflow channels may be uneven. Furthermore, although Figures 2, 3A, and 3B illustrate an embodiment in which each groove 113a-113d, 123a-123d is defined by two angled surfaces that meet at an apex, it should be understood that the grooves defining the interior surfaces of the airflow channels may take any other form. By way of example, grooves 113a-113d, 123a-123d may be formed by a continuously curved surface. Furthermore, while Figures 2, 3A, and 3B show examples incorporating multiple airflow channels 31a-31d formed by mating of first axial end 114 and second axial end 124, it will be understood that in other embodiments, only a single airflow channel 31 may be defined.

[0055] 4A and 4B show two schematic cross-sectional views of the first and second housing portions 110, 120 of the aerosol generating device 10. FIG. 4A shows the first and second housing portions 110, 120 separated from each other. FIG. 4B shows the first and second housing portions 110, 120 coupled to each other in a predetermined relative alignment to define a pair of diametrically opposed airflow channels 31 a, 31 b at the interface 12 between the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110 and the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion 120. Of course, additional airflow channels may be present at positions around the interface 12 between the pair of opposed airflow channels 31 a, 31 b shown in FIG. 4B. The grooves 113a-113b, 123a-123b defined in the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124, respectively, direct airflow channels 31a, 31b resulting from the alignment of the grooves at the first axial end and the second axial end into the mixing chamber 13 generally across the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, but also in a direction extending slightly toward the exposed surface of the capsule. This causes each airflow to impinge on the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20, each of these two airflows being indicated by solid arrows in FIG. 4B . The impingement of the airflows on the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 can help prevent overheating of the aerosol-forming substrate. The airflows may also impinge on each other, as described above for the embodiment of FIG. 1B . The airflows also mix with vapor emitted from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule 20 (indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 4B ) to form the entrained airflow described above. As in FIG. 1B, the inclination of the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b is represented by an acute angle α between the path defined by the airflow channel and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. While a narrow angle α of approximately 5 degrees is shown in FIG. 4B, the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b may be inclined at a larger angle to provide greater impingement of the airflow with the surface of the capsule of the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the angle α may be as large as 45 degrees. Alternatively, the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b may be inclined at an angle of 5 degrees or less, or may be aligned parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA.It should also be appreciated that the tilt angle α may vary between different airflow channels.

[0056] For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electric heating arrangement 16 is an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement includes an inductor 161 and a susceptor 162. The susceptor 162 is in the form of a stainless steel disk, although it should be understood that the susceptor 162 may be formed of other suitable materials capable of heating via induced eddy currents and / or magnetic hysteresis. The surface of the susceptor 162 defines the base 112 of the receiving area 111. The inductor 161 is in the form of a conductive coil positioned below the susceptor 162. The inductor 161 is supported on a thermal and magnetic shield 163. Opposite ends 1611, 1612 of the inductor coil 161 pass through holes 1631, 1632 defined in the thermal and magnetic shield 163 to couple to the controller 15, thereby facilitating the supply of energy to the inductor coil. The aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 is positioned on the surface of the susceptor 162. When activated, the controller 15 controls the supply of alternating current from the power supply 14 to the inductor coil 161, which generates an alternating magnetic field. If the power supply 14 provides a DC current, the controller 15 includes a DC / AC converter (not shown) for converting the DC current supplied by the power supply to an alternating current. The susceptor 162 is positioned within the alternating magnetic field and experiences heating due to one or both of eddy current heating (if the susceptor is conductive) and magnetic hysteresis (if the susceptor is magnetic). Heat is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 primarily by conduction between the contact surface of the susceptor 162 and the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20. Heating of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 results in the release of vapor from the exposed surface 22 of the capsule, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 4B.

[0057] 5A and 5B show a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B in which the grooves defined in the first and second axial ends are formed such that the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b resulting from the alignment of the grooves in the first axial end 114 and the second axial end 124 direct the airflow generally across the exposed surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 and into the mixing chamber 13, but also in a direction extending slightly away from the exposed surface of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20. The flow of incoming air directed slightly away from the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 causes suction to develop in region A between the path taken by the airflow through the mixing chamber 13 (represented by the solid line in FIG. 5B ) and the exposed surface 22 of the aerosol-forming substrate capsule 20 placed in the receiving area 111. The suction or vacuum in region A has the effect of drawing in vapor (represented by the dashed arrow in FIG. 5B) emitted from the exposed surface 22 of the heated capsule 20 of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the airflow and vapor mix to form the entrained airflow described above. As in FIG. 4B, the inclination of the airflow channels 31a, 31b is represented by the acute angle α between the path defined by the airflow channel and a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. While a narrow angle α of approximately 5 degrees is shown in FIG. 5B, the airflow channels 31a, 31b may be inclined at a larger angle. Alternatively, the airflow channels 31a, 31b may be inclined at an angle less than 5 degrees or may be aligned parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA. Again, it will be appreciated that the inclination angle α may vary between different airflow channels.

[0058] Of course, in an alternative embodiment to the embodiment of Figures 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the electrical heating arrangement may be a resistive heating arrangement instead of an inductive heating arrangement.

[0059] 6A and 6B show side views of the first and second housing portions 110, 120 of one embodiment of the aerosol generation device 10 that uses a threaded interface to provide a secure connection between the first and second housing portions in a predetermined relative alignment. More specifically, the second housing portion 120 is provided with an externally threaded section 126 that engages with a corresponding internally threaded section 116 of the first housing portion 110. The externally threaded section 126 and the internally threaded section 116 are formed on the first axial end 114 of the first housing portion 110, which mates with the second axial end 124 of the second housing portion 120, such that grooves 113 a, 113 b defined in the first axial end align with corresponding grooves 123 a, 123 b defined in the second axial end to form respective ones of the airflow channels 31 a, 31 b. The curved arrow in Figure 6B indicates the direction in which the second housing portion 120 is rotated relative to the first housing portion 110 in order to screw the two housing portions together. Of course, in another embodiment (not shown), a bayonet or other form of mechanical connection may be used to securely couple the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 120 to one another.

[0060] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment in which the first housing portion 110 includes an ejector assembly. The ejector assembly has an ejector 41, a spring 42, and a cup-shaped member 43. The ejector 41 and spring 42 are mounted inside the cup-shaped member 43. The cup-shaped member 43 is mounted within the first housing portion 110 such that a base 431 of the cup-shaped member supports a susceptor 162. The susceptor 162 defines the base 112 of the receiving area 111 and provides a surface for supporting a capsule of aerosol-forming substrate (in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5B). The ejector 41 is positioned inside the cup-shaped member 43. An inductor coil 161 is positioned between the base 431 of the cup-shaped member 43 and the plane of the ejector 41. The spring 42 is positioned inside the cup-shaped member 43, and both ends of the spring act against the underside of the ejector 41 and the inner surface of the first housing portion 110. The ejector 41 is movable in the direction of the arrow toward the first axial end 114 while in a first position (shown in FIG. 7 ). In the first position, the spring 42 is compressed, and the susceptor 162 is positioned within the receiving area 111 to support a capsule of aerosol-forming substrate within the receiving area. In the second position, the compressive force within the spring 42 is released, and the ejector 41 and susceptor 162 translate outward from the receiving area 111 in the direction of the arrow. With the ejector 41 in the second position, a user can easily remove a (used) capsule from the surface of the susceptor 162. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a mechanical interlock to hold the ejector 41 in the first position until the interlock is released, for example, by the user activating a button or lever on the device. In another embodiment, one or more magnets (e.g., an electromagnet assembly) may be used in place of a spring to displace the ejector 41 between the first and second positions. While the embodiment of Figure 7 employs an induction heating assembly (formed by an inductor coil 161 and a susceptor 162), it will be appreciated that other embodiments may employ resistive heating arrangements.

[0061] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are to be understood in all instances as modified by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number "A" is to be understood as "A" ± 10% of "A." Within this context, the number "A" may be considered to include numerical values ​​that are within the typical standard error of measurement for the property that the number "A" modifies. The number "A," in some cases as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which "A" deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device comprising a housing and an electric heating arrangement, the housing extends along a longitudinal axis, the housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion removably connectable to one another and defining a mixing chamber therein, the connection being such that a first axial end of the first housing portion interfaces with a second axial end of the second housing portion; the first housing portion includes a receiving area configured to receive an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate; the electrical heating arrangement is positioned within the housing in thermal communication with the receiving area; the first and second axial ends are shaped and configured such that, upon coupling of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the mated first and second axial ends define at least one airflow channel at the interface, the at least one airflow channel extending through the housing wall and into the mixing chamber and directing an airflow across the receiving area and into the mixing chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis; An aerosol generating device, wherein the first axial end includes at least one first groove and the second axial end includes at least one second groove, the first and second grooves being arranged to align with each other when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are connected, thereby defining the at least one airflow channel.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct airflow partially along the longitudinal axis and away from the receiving area and into the mixing chamber.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the at least one airflow channel is configured to direct airflow into the mixing chamber so as to provide a static pressure reduction between the receiving area and the airflow channel.

4. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the at least one airflow channel is arranged to direct airflow partially along the longitudinal axis toward the receiving area and into the mixing chamber.

5. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one airflow channel includes a plurality of airflow channels, the plurality of airflow channels being defined at the boundary surface by the mating first and second axial ends, and different airflow channels of the plurality of airflow channels being arranged opposite each other so as to direct their respective airflows towards each other within the mixing chamber.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one airflow channel comprises a plurality of airflow channels, the first axial end comprises a first group of grooves, and the second axial end comprises a second group of grooves, and the first and second groups of grooves are arranged such that when the first housing part and the second housing part are connected, each groove in the first group of grooves aligns with a corresponding groove in the second group of grooves to define an aligned pair of grooves, and each pair of aligned grooves defines a corresponding one of the plurality of airflow channels.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one of the first axial end and the second axial end includes at least one groove, which defines the at least one airflow channel when the first housing part and the second housing part are connected, and the other of the first and second axial ends does not include a groove at least in a position aligned with the groove, and optionally, the at least one airflow channel is aligned parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the boundary surface is an annular boundary surface, and the first and second axial ends are shaped and configured so that when the first housing part and the second housing part are connected, the mated first and second ends define a plurality of airflow channels at the boundary surface, and the plurality of airflow channels are distributed around the annular boundary surface.

9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a power source and a control electronic circuit, wherein the control electronic circuit is configured to control the supply of energy from the power source to the electric heating arrangement, wherein a conductive path is defined between the power source and the electric heating arrangement by connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, and wherein the conductive path is cut off by disconnecting the first housing part from the second housing part.

10. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and second housing portions are tubular, the inner wall of the tubular first housing portion defines the periphery of the receiving area, and the receiving area is configured to receive a disk-shaped aerosol-generating article.

11. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plane of the electric heating arrangement defines the base of the receiving area.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, wherein the flat surface forms part of one of a resistive heating element or a susceptor of the electrical heating arrangement.

13. 13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising an ejector assembly configured to urge the aerosol-generating article out of the receiving area of ​​the first housing portion.

14. 14. An aerosol delivery system comprising: an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and an aerosol-generating article consisting of or including an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is disposed within the receiving area, and the at least one airflow channel extends through the wall of the housing into the mixing chamber and directs an airflow across the surface of the aerosol-generating article into the mixing chamber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

15. 15. The aerosol delivery system of claim 14, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes opposing planar surfaces connected by one or more peripheral edge surfaces, the opposing planar surfaces defining a majority of the article's total external surface area relative to the one or more peripheral edge surfaces.

Images