Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (100) comprising a chamber (200) having a proximal end (202) and a distal end (204), the proximal end (202) configured to receive a consumable article (300) containing an aerosol precursor material, and a protrusion (400) disposed to extend into the chamber (200), the protrusion (400) configured to penetrate the consumable article (300) when the consumable article (300) is received in the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200). The protrusion (400) is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article (300) and toward the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) for delivery to a user during use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices, such as heat-non-combustion devices. The present disclosure also relates to aerosol generating systems, including the aerosol generating devices and consumable items. [Background technology]

[0002] Rather than relying on burning the aerosol precursor material, various devices and systems are available that heat the aerosol precursor material in a consumable article to release an aerosol (i.e., vapor) for inhalation. For example, a solid consumable article can be heated to release an inhalable vapor.

[0003] A challenge with heating, rather than burning, the aerosol precursor material is that the aerosol may become too hot during the aerosol generation process and be uncomfortable for the user if inhaled. To help overcome this problem, heating non-combustion consumable articles typically include a cooling section located between the aerosol substrate containing portion of the article and the mouthpiece portion of the article. The cooling section allows the aerosol generated upon heating of the aerosol substrate to cool and condense before reaching the mouthpiece. A common challenge encountered is allowing cool air to reach the cooling section, as the cooling section is generally located within the aerosol generation device during use.

[0004] The consumable article may further include perforations, preferably located on the exterior of the aerosol-generating device in use, to provide an accessible air inlet on the exterior of the aerosol-generating device to the consumable article, which helps to allow air circulation through the consumable article.

[0005] One problem caused by these perforations is that when a user inhales on the consumable article, the user's lips may accidentally cover the perforations, thereby reducing the flow of cool air within the consumable article. Additionally, the location of the perforations on the article is limited to the area of ​​the consumable article that protrudes from the aerosol generating device during use, which may not be optimal for maximizing the cooling effect of the aerosol before inhalation by the user. Finally, the presence of perforations can result in ash and sticky adhesive deposits on the production line, which requires regular shutdowns to clean the machinery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the problems mentioned above, or to provide an alternative approach. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system including the features defined in the claims.

[0008] According to one aspect, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a chamber having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to receive a consumable article containing an aerosol precursor material. The aerosol generating device further comprises a protrusion disposed to extend into the chamber and configured to penetrate the consumable article when the consumable article is received in the proximal end of the chamber. The protrusion is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article and toward the proximal end of the chamber for delivery to a user during use.

[0009] By providing protrusions configured to penetrate the consumable article, ventilation air is delivered directly into the consumable article during use, where it may more easily mix with generated aerosol and ventilate through the consumable article, thereby enhancing the cooling effect provided by the ventilation air.

[0010] More generally, consumable items within the chamber may be cooled more efficiently, reducing the temperature of the generated aerosol and therefore providing a better user experience.

[0011] Furthermore, by providing the protrusions, the consumable article does not need to include perforations. By eliminating the need for perforations, ash and sticky adhesive deposits generated during the manufacturing process are reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing line may be stopped less frequently, increasing manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the manufacturing process of the consumable article is simplified.

[0012] The protrusion may include an air inlet in fluid communication with air outside the chamber and one or more air outlets in fluid communication with the air inlet. The protrusion may be configured such that the one or more air outlets are positioned such that, in use, ventilation air flows from the air inlet to the one or more air outlets and into the consumable article.

[0013] The air delivered to the consumable item is cooler than if the air were supplied from within the chamber, i.e., more effective cooling of the consumable item may be achieved.

[0014] The one or more air outlets of the protrusion may comprise holes or slits.

[0015] The ventilation air is provided directly to the cooling section of the consumable article, and therefore the cooling effect on the generated aerosols may be improved.

[0016] The protrusion may be substantially hollow.

[0017] As ventilation air flows through the protrusions, the consumable article may be provided with a source of fresh (ventilation) air that was not originating within the chamber.

[0018] The protrusion may include a temperature sensor configured to measure the internal temperature of the consumable article during use.

[0019] By providing a temperature sensor on the protrusion, the internal temperature of the consumable article can be measured. This leads to more accurate temperature measurement of the aerosol precursor material within the consumable article and improved control of its heating and aerosol generation in general. The device can therefore be more accurately tuned to provide a better user experience.

[0020] The protrusion may be substantially elongate, having a length of between 10 mm and 40 mm extending along the longitudinal axis.

[0021] The length may ensure that the protrusions protrude into the cooling section of the consumable article, thus enabling the protrusions to provide ventilation air to the consumable article downstream of the aerosol precursor material, and therefore more effective cooling of the consumable article may be achieved.

[0022] The distal end of the chamber may include a distal wall including a set of one or more distal wall openings for receiving the protrusions.

[0023] An opening in the distal wall of the chamber allows ventilation air to enter the chamber from within the aerosol generating device but from outside the chamber, via the protrusion. Thus, the air entering the chamber may be cooler than the air already circulating within the chamber itself.

[0024] The protrusion may be attached to a stopper plate, which may be configured to abut a distal wall of the chamber.

[0025] Protrusions attached to the stopper plate offer the advantage that the protrusions and stopper plate can be manufactured separately from the aerosol generating device and / or chamber. The protrusions and stopper plate can be retrofitted to the device and / or replaced as needed. Depending on the capacity of the chamber of the aerosol generating device, protrusions with different diameters and different numbers of air outlets can be provided.

[0026] A sealing joint may be provided between the protrusion and the distal wall of the chamber.

[0027] The sealing joint ensures an airtight fit between the projection and stop plate and the opening in the chamber, thereby ensuring that as much of the ventilation air as possible is provided directly to the consumable article.

[0028] The aerosol generating device may include a plurality of protrusions.

[0029] Providing multiple lobes may reduce the risk of deformation or breakage compared to a single lobe. Multiple lobes may also reduce the number of air outlets required for each lobe, which may also reduce the risk of clogging or related damage.

[0030] Multiple protrusions are also advantageous to avoid flexing and deformation of a single protrusion upon insertion of the consumable article. Multiple protrusions more easily penetrate the aerosol precursor material (or plug) of the consumable article, allowing for more efficient venting into the article.

[0031] The protrusion may be integrally formed with the distal wall.

[0032] The advantage of this is that sealing joints may be omitted, thus simplifying the design and manufacturing process.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may define a first air flow path and a second air flow path, the first air flow path extending from an opening at the proximal end of the chamber, within the chamber but outside the consumable article, along a wall extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the chamber, and extending into the distal end of the consumable article, and the second air flow path extending into the aerosol generating device and outside the chamber, through the protrusion, and into the consumable article.

[0034] Multiple air paths means that a first air path may be provided to draw air through the aerosol precursor material of the consumable item to assist in aerosol generation, while a second air path may provide fresh, cooler ventilation air downstream of the aerosol precursor material, thus providing an increased cooling effect.

[0035] An advantage of providing an air flow path that provides air downstream of the aerosol precursor material is that the delivered air is cooler than if the air traveled through the chamber and consumable aerosol precursor material, thus providing more effective cooling of the generated aerosol and thus improving the user experience.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may include a collar at the proximal end of the chamber. One or more collar openings may be formed in the collar. The second air flow path may extend from the opening at the proximal end of the chamber through the one or more collar openings to the outside of the chamber.

[0037] A user can more easily insert the consumable article into the chamber of the aerosol generating device. The collar also allows more air to enter the chamber around the consumable article. The openings in the collar also allow air to enter the aerosol generating device outside the chamber.

[0038] The aerosol generating device may include a mouthpiece configured to allow a user to inhale into the aerosol generating device during use. The mouthpiece may be releasable or removable from the aerosol generating device during use. The mouthpiece may include a filter.

[0039] Providing a mouthpiece within the aerosol generating device allows the device to be used with consumable items that do not have filters.

[0040] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a consumable article comprising an aerosol precursor material and an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

[0041] The system may provide more ventilation downstream of the aerosol precursor material in the consumable article. Ventilation air may be provided through the protrusions into the consumable article downstream of the aerosol precursor material. Thus, the cooling effect provided by the ventilation technology is enhanced.

[0042] More generally, consumable items within the chamber can be cooled more efficiently, and the air delivered to the consumable items is cooler than if the air were supplied from within the chamber, thus reducing the temperature of the aerosol generated and providing a better user experience.

[0043] The consumable article may also be provided without perforations. By eliminating the need for perforations, ash and sticky adhesive deposits generated during the manufacturing process are reduced. Therefore, production line shutdowns may be reduced, increasing manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for the consumable article is simplified.

[0044] The consumable article may include at least one cooling section disposed between the aerosol precursor material section and the mouthpiece section, and the aerosol generating device may be configured such that, in use, the protrusions allow ventilation air to flow into the cooling section of the consumable article.

[0045] Advantageously, ventilation air can be provided directly to the cooling section of the consumable article. Thus, the ventilation air is provided to the consumable without first traveling through the aerosol precursor material. Thus, the air provided to the consumable is cooler, resulting in an increased cooling effect.

[0046] The temperature sensor may be located in or on the protrusion such that, in use, the temperature sensor is located within the aerosol precursor material section of the consumable article.

[0047] By providing a temperature sensor on the protrusion, the internal temperature of the consumable article, particularly the aerosol precursor material section of the consumable article, can be measured, which can lead to more accurate temperature measurements of the aerosol precursor material, which in turn can allow for more accurate tuning of the device to provide a better user experience.

[0048] Further advantages, objects and features of the present invention will be explained, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures in which similar components in different embodiments may be designated with the same reference numerals.

[0049] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] 1 shows a front view of a first example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 1 shows a front view of a second example of an aerosol generating device. [Figure 5a] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable item. [Figure 5b] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another example of a consumable article. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example of an air flow path within an aerosol generating device with a consumable item inserted. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flow diagram of a method of using an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] As used herein, the terms "aerosol precursor material," "vapor precursor material," or "vaporizable material" may refer to a material and / or composition, which may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and a vaporizer. The aerosol precursor material is configured to emit an aerosol when heated or otherwise mechanically stimulated (e.g., by vibration). The tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as cut tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf, and / or reconstituted tobacco. The nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable vaporizers include polyols (sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols (e.g., propylene glycol or triethylene glycol)), non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols), acids (e.g., lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (e.g., triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is a substantially liquid that retains or includes one or more solid particles, such as tobacco.

[0052] The aerosol generating device is configured to aerosolize the aerosol precursor material without combustion to facilitate delivery of the aerosol to a user. Further, as is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol," as well as related terms such as "vaporize," "volatilize," and "aerosolize," may generally be used interchangeably.

[0053] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" is synonymous with "aerosol-generating device," or "device" may include a device configured to heat aerosol precursor materials and deliver an aerosol to a user without burning the aerosol precursor materials. That is, the aerosol-generating device generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol precursor materials without burning / combusting the aerosol precursor materials. The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that is used while held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0054] As used herein, the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be present in a gas, including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0055] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol generating device 100. The aerosol generating device 100 is suitable for receiving a consumable article 300 (shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 6) therein. For example, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a chamber 200 in which the consumable article 300 can be received.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the particular aerosol generating device 100 or consumable article 300 described herein. That is, the descriptions of the aerosol generating device 100 and consumable article 300 are provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative constructions of aerosol generating devices and consumable articles are compatible with the present invention.

[0057] The chamber 200 includes a proximal end 202 and a distal end 204. The chamber 200 includes an opening 206 at the proximal end 202 for receiving the consumable article 300. The chamber 200 may include one or more side walls 210 disposed between the proximal end 202 and the distal end 204. The chamber 200 may include a distal wall 208 at the distal end 204 for abutting the consumable article 300 when received in the chamber 200. The distal wall 208 may include an opening 214. The distal wall opening 214 may be a set of one or more distal wall openings 214. That is, there may be one or more distal wall openings 214. FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device 100 with a single distal wall opening 214. The one or more distal wall openings 214 may be for receiving a protrusion 400, as described in more detail below.

[0058] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery 400. The protrusion 400 is positioned to extend into the chamber 200 and to penetrate the consumable article 300 when the consumable article 300 is received in the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. The protrusion 400 may protrude through the distal wall opening 214, but in other examples, the protrusion 400 is integral with the distal wall 208 and does not protrude through the distal wall opening 214. The protrusion 400 is configured to allow vent air (e.g., air from outside the chamber 200) to flow into the consumable article 300 and toward the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. Here, vent air refers to air from outside the consumable article 300 (i.e., not the generated aerosol). During use, the air from the protrusion 400 mixes with the aerosol generated from the consumable article 300 within the consumable article 300 before being delivered to a user.

[0059] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a plurality of protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c, as described below and shown in FIGS.

[0060] The protrusion 400 may include a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. The protrusion proximal end 402 may extend into the chamber 200. The protrusion 400 may include a protrusion body 414.

[0061] The protrusion 400 may be attached to or extend from a stopper plate 406. The stopper plate 406 may be configured to abut the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. That is, the protrusion 400 may extend through the distal wall opening 214 into the chamber 200, and the stopper plate 406 may abut the outside of the distal wall 208.

[0062] Alternatively, the protrusion 400 may be integrally formed with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In this example, the stop plate 406 may be omitted.

[0063] The protrusion 400 may be removable and / or replaceable. The protrusion 400 may be inserted into the chamber 200 by inserting the proximal end 402 of the protrusion 400 through the distal wall opening 214. The protrusion 400 may be pushed through the distal wall opening 214 until the proximal end 402 of the protrusion 400 is located toward the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 and the stop plate 406 abuts the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In other words, the protrusion 400 extends from the distal end 204 of the chamber 200 (i.e., the non-user end) toward the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 (i.e., the user end). In this way, air can flow along the protrusion 400 from the distal end 204 of the chamber 200 (i.e., the distal end of the aerosol generating device 100) to the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 (i.e., the proximal end of the aerosol generating device 100). The air can flow out of the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 to be delivered to the user.

[0064] The protrusion 400 may include an air inlet 408. The air inlet 408 may be an inlet at the distal end 404 of the protrusion 400. The air inlet 408 may be an inlet in the stopper plate 406. In examples where the protrusion 400 is integral with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200, the air inlet 408 and the distal wall opening 214 are the same feature. The air inlet 408 may be configured to allow air to flow into the protrusion 400. The air inlet 408 may be configured to allow air from within the aerosol generating device 100 but outside the chamber 200 to flow into the protrusion 400. In other words, the air inlet 408 may be in fluid communication with air outside the chamber 200. In examples where the protrusion 400 is integrally formed with the distal wall 208, the air inlet 408 may be formed in the distal wall 208 itself.

[0065] The protrusion 400 may further include one or more air outlets 410. The one or more air outlets 410 may include one or more holes or slits. The one or more air outlets 410 may be positioned towards the proximal end 402 of the protrusion 400. The one or more air outlets 410 may be present in the protrusion body 414.

[0066] The protrusion 400 may be configured such that the one or more air outlets 410 are positioned such that, in use, ventilation air flows from the air inlet 408 to the one or more air outlets 410 and into the consumable article 300. That is, the one or more air outlets 410 may be in fluid communication with ventilation air from outside the chamber 200.

[0067] The protrusion 400 may be substantially hollow. The protrusion 400 may be substantially elongated. That is, the protrusion body 414 may be substantially elongated. The protrusion 400 may have a longitudinal axis L. C The protrusion 400 may extend parallel to the chamber 200. The protrusion 400 may have a length between 15 mm and 50 mm. Preferably, the length is between 20 mm and 40 mm. Most preferably, the length is 30 mm. The length of the protrusion 400 may be configured such that the protrusion 400 extends approximately three-quarters of the way into the chamber 200.

[0068] The protrusion 400 may have a generally cylindrical cross-section. Alternatively, the protrusion 400 may have a square, rectangular, triangular, or elliptical cross-section. That is, the protrusion 400 may be tubular. The protrusion 400 may have a cross-section of any other suitable shape. The protrusion 400 may have an average width of 1 mm to 4 mm. Preferably, the width is 1.3 mm to 3 mm. More preferably, the width is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Most preferably, the width is 2 mm. As used herein, the term width refers to the widest measurable distance perpendicular to the length of the protrusion 400. For example, if the protrusion 400 is cylindrical, the width is the diameter.

[0069] The protrusion 400 may be a pin or a spike. The protrusion 400 may have a tip 412. The tip 412 may be a sharp tip. The tip 412 may be a rounded tip. The tip 412 may be configured to penetrate the consumable article 300 during use.

[0070] The protrusion 400 may be formed from metal, ceramic, glass, and / or a heat-resistant plastic material (eg, polyetheretherketone (PEEK)).

[0071] The protrusion 400 may include a sealing joint 416 configured to seal the protrusion 400 within the distal wall opening 214. The sealing joint 416 may be provided at the distal end 404 of the protrusion 400. The sealing joint 416 may be provided at the joint between the protrusion 400 and the stopper plate 406. The sealing joint 416 may be a ring. The sealing joint 416 may be made of rubber or other suitable material.

[0072] The chamber 200 has a longitudinal axis L C The consumable article 300 may define a longitudinal axis L C In one example, the chamber 200 has an oval (or non-circular) cross section. The shape of the chamber 200 may allow air to flow into the chamber 200 along the consumable article 300.

[0073] The chamber 200 may be removably inserted or installed within the aerosol generating device 100. Thus, the chamber 200 may be removed over time for repair and / or replacement. The chamber 200 may be manufactured separately from the aerosol generating device 100.

[0074] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a collar 102 at the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200. The collar 102 may be part of the chamber 200. That is, the collar 102 may be an extension of one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200.

[0075] The collar 102 may be configured to guide the insertion of an article into the chamber 200 along the longitudinal axis LC during use. The collar 102 may be part of the chamber 200 or may be the most proximal point of the chamber 200. The collar 102 may include one or more collar openings 216. That is, the aerosol generating device 100 may include one or more collar openings 216. In some examples, the one or more collar openings 216 may allow vent air outside the chamber 200 to enter the aerosol generating device 100. The protrusion 400 may be in fluid communication with the one or more collar openings 216 to allow air to vent from outside the chamber 200 into the consumable article 300 during use.

[0076] When inserted, the consumable article 300 may protrude from the chamber 200 and the collar 102. A user may inhale the generated aerosol by sucking on the mouth end of the consumable article 300 (which may typically include a mouthpiece section, such as a filter or tubing segment). Alternatively, the consumable article 300 may be entirely contained within the chamber 200 when inserted. In such embodiments where the consumable article 300 may be fully received in the chamber 200, the collar 102 may also form a mouthpiece to enable inhalation by the user. A user may inhale the generated aerosol by sucking on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device 100. In this example, the mouthpiece may include a filter. In this example, the chamber 200 may include an ejection mechanism for ejecting the consumable article 300 from the chamber 200. The mouthpiece may, in some examples, be removable / openable during use.

[0077] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a heater 110 configured to provide heat to the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300 during use. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device 100 includes multiple heaters 110. The heaters 110 are positioned to be in thermal contact with and heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300 during use. The heaters 110 may be coils, induction coils, susceptors, ceramic heaters, resistive heaters (such as flat resistive heaters), thin film heaters, thick film heaters (e.g., formed on the outer wall of the chamber by additive manufacturing techniques), etc. configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article 300. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the heaters 110 are in substantial contact with the walls of the chamber 200.

[0078] In embodiments in which the heater 110 is an induction coil, the chamber 200 may be or include a susceptor, for example, as a specific metal layer inside the chamber. The susceptor may be disposed within the chamber 200 and configured to protrude into the chamber 200.

[0079] The heater 110 may be disposed about one of the one or more sidewalls 210 of the chamber 200. Alternatively, the heater 110 may be formed as part of the one or more sidewalls 210 of the chamber 200. In use, the heater 110 may substantially overlap the aerosol precursor material section 304 of the consumable article 300.

[0080] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a thermal insulator 104. The thermal insulator 104 may be disposed around the chamber 200 and configured to insulate heat dissipation from the chamber 200 toward the outer body 116 of the aerosol generating device 100. The thermal insulator 104 may be configured to overlap the heater 110. The thermal insulator 104 may extend beyond the area of ​​the chamber 200 covered by the heater 110.

[0081] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a first example of an aerosol generating device 100. In Figure 2, the protrusion 400 can be seen as being generally centrally located within the chamber 200, although other configurations are envisioned.

[0082] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a control unit 108 (or control circuitry) for electronic management of the device 100. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or the like (not shown).

[0083] The control unit 108 is configured to control the heater 110. The control unit 108 is configured to receive data from various sensors / inputs and to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data.

[0084] The aerosol generating device 100 may include an activation input sensor 118. The activation input sensor 118 may be a button, a touchpad, or the like for sensing a user input, such as a tap or a swipe. In another example, the activation input sensor 118 includes an article sensor configured to detect whether a consumable article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the activation input sensor 118 may include an authenticity detector configured to detect whether an authentic article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol generating device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the user input may also include an inhalation action by the user.

[0085] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a puff sensor 120 (otherwise known as an inhalation sensor). The puff sensor 120 is configured to detect an inhalation (i.e., a puff) by a user on the aerosol generating device 100. In one example, the puff sensor 120 includes a microphone or flow sensor configured to detect airflow within the chamber 200 and / or the opening 206, where the airflow is associated with the user's inhalation. In another example, the puff sensor 120 is configured to detect a change in pressure indicating the start of an inhalation by a user on the aerosol generating device 100. In this case, the puff sensor 120 may be located anywhere on the aerosol device 100 where a change in pressure occurs due to the user's inhalation. In one example, the puff sensor 120 is located on the distal end 204 of the chamber 200. The puff sensor 120 may also detect the end of an inhalation by a user. For example, the puff sensor 120 may be configured to detect a further change in pressure due to the end of the user's inhalation.

[0086] The protrusion 400 may include one or more temperature sensors 122 configured to directly or indirectly measure the temperature of the consumable article 300 in the aerosol generating device 100. The one or more temperature sensors 122 may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple or thermistor, configured to be located within or adjacent to the consumable article 300 when the consumable article 300 is received in the aerosol generating device 100. For example, the temperature sensor 122 may be located on or within the protrusion 400. The temperature sensor 122 may be integrally formed with the protrusion 400. The temperature sensor 122 may be located on the stopper plate 406. That is, the temperature sensor 122 may be configured to measure the internal temperature of the consumable article 300 during use. In this case, the temperature sensor 122 is disposed within the protrusion 400 such that the temperature sensor 122 is located within the aerosol precursor material section 304 during use.

[0087] Alternatively, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may not form part of the protrusion 400. In this case, the one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located outside one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200. The one or more temperature sensors 122 may be located within the chamber 200 of the aerosol generating device 100. In other examples, the temperature of the consumable item 300 may be measured indirectly through the use of a thermal imaging sensor. In other examples, the temperature sensor 122 may measure the temperature of the heater 110 and may be in contact with the heater 110.

[0088] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a power source (not shown), such as a battery. The power source may provide electrical energy to the aerosol generating device 100, providing a voltage in the range of 3 V to 5 V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source is a lithium-ion secondary battery providing a voltage value of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generating devices in terms of rechargeability, high energy density, and large capacity.

[0089] The aerosol generating device 100 may include a controller 130. The controller 130 is connected to the control unit 108. The controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108. In particular, the controller 130 is configured to receive data from the control unit 108 regarding various sensors / inputs of the aerosol generating device 100 (such as the activation input sensor 118, the puff sensor 120, and / or the temperature sensor 122).

[0090] The controller 130 and the control unit 108 may be integrated with one another. In one example, a single component performs the functions of the control unit 108 and the controller 130. In another example, the control unit 108 and the controller 130 are separate components.

[0091] The outer body 116 may be configured to connect to the consumable article 300. Alternatively, the outer body 116 may be configured to receive or engage the consumable article 300. The outer body 116 may include one or more air inlets (not shown) to allow the flow of ventilation air into the aerosol generating device 100.

[0092] 3 and 4 show a second example of an aerosol generating device 100 with multiple protrusions 400. This example of an aerosol generating device 100 includes the same features as the first example of an aerosol generating device 100, unless otherwise noted. Some of the reference numbers of identical features have been omitted from FIGS. 3 and 4 to help highlight the differences between the two examples. Reference numbers in FIGS. 3 and 4 labeled "a," "b," or "c" correspond to multiple examples of features in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0093] The second example of the aerosol generating device 100 includes a plurality of protrusions 400. In particular, this example includes three protrusions 400a, 400b, and 400c. Each of the plurality of protrusions 400a, 400b, and 400c is substantially similar to the single protrusion 400 in the first example of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0094] Each of the multiple protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may be configured to simultaneously penetrate the consumable article 300 upon insertion of the consumable article 300. That is, each of the multiple protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c has the same length. Alternatively, each of the multiple protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may have a different length from one another.

[0095] In this example, the distal wall opening 214 is a set of one or more distal wall openings 214. In particular, as shown in Figure 3, the set of one or more distal wall openings 214 includes three distal wall openings 214a, 214b, 214c. Each one of the plurality of protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c is configured to extend through a corresponding one of the distal wall openings 214a, 214b, 214c.

[0096] Each one of the plurality of protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c includes a corresponding sealing joint 416a, 416b, 416c.

[0097] Each of the protrusions 400 a , 400 b , 400 c may be configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article 300 toward the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200 .

[0098] Each one of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may include a proximal end 402a, 402b, 402c and a distal end 404a, 404b, 404c. The proximal ends 402a, 402b, 402c may extend into the chamber 200. Each one of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may include a protrusion body 414a, 414b, 414c.

[0099] Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may be attached to a stopper plate 406. In some examples, each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c is attached to a separate stopper plate 406. Alternatively, each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may be integrally formed with the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200. In this example, the stopper plate 406 or multiple stopper plates 406 may be omitted.

[0100] Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may include an air inlet 408a, 408b, 408c. Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may further include one or more air outlets 410a, 410b, 410c.

[0101] Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, and 400c may be a pin. Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, and 400c may have a tip 412a, 412b, and 412c. The tips 412a, 412b, and 412c may be sharp tips. The tips 412a, 412b, and 412c may be rounded tips. Each of the tips 412a, 412b, and 412c may be rounded or sharp, resulting in a combination of rounded and sharp tips. For example, one of the tips, tip 412b, may be sharp, and the other two tips 412a and 412c may be rounded. At least one of the tips 412a, 412b, and 412c may be configured to penetrate the consumable article 300 during use.

[0102] Each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may include a sealing joint 416a, 416b, 416c configured to seal each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c at each of the respective distal wall openings 214a, 214b, 214c.

[0103] The temperature sensor 122 may be present on any one of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c. Alternatively, each of the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c may include its own temperature sensor 122. As shown in Figure 3, the temperature sensor may be present on the protrusion 400b.

[0104] Figure 4 shows a schematic front view of a second example of the aerosol generating device 100. In Figure 2, the protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c can be seen as being arranged in an equilateral triangular pattern within the chamber 200. The protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c can be arranged in any other triangular, linear, or random pattern.

[0105] The second example of the aerosol generating device 100 shows three protrusions 400a, 400b, and 400c. However, the number of protrusions 400 can be two, four, five, or more. In these cases, the protrusions 400 can be arranged in any suitable pattern, such as linear, circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or random.

[0106] 5a shows a first schematic cross-sectional view of a consumable article 300. The consumable article 300 may include an article body 302. The article body 302 may be formed of a single paper wrapper or multiple paper wrappers, as is known in the art. The consumable article 300 may be generally cylindrical.

[0107] The consumable article 300 may include an aerosol precursor material section 304 and a cooling section 306. The consumable article 300 may include a filter section 308 and, potentially, a further cooling section (not shown). The filter section 308 may function as a mouthpiece section. The aerosol precursor material section 304 may advantageously be configured to allow the protruding member 400, or each of the protruding members 400a, 400b, 400c, to puncture the aerosol precursor material section 304 upon insertion of the consumable article into the chamber 200. The aerosol precursor material section 304 may, in particular, exhibit porosity or through-openings disposed in the aerosol precursor material section 304 to allow easy insertion of the protruding member 400 or each of the protruding members 400a, 400b, 400c.

[0108] The aerosol precursor material section 304, the cooling section 306, and the filter section 308 may be disposed along a longitudinal axis LA. In use, the longitudinal axis LA is aligned with the longitudinal axis LC. These components may be sequentially disposed adjacent to one another by being individually and / or collectively wrapped by a plug wrapper and an outer wrapper that form the article body 302.

[0109] FIG. 5b shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the consumable article 300. Compared to the embodiment of FIG. 5a, this second embodiment further includes a front member or plug 313 at the distal end 312. This front member 313 may be formed of a filtering material, such as cellulose acetate or paper, and is breathable. The front member 313 provides a means for retaining the aerosol substrate material 304 within the consumable article 300 during use, thereby preventing the aerosol substrate material from falling out of the consumable article 300 and contaminating the chamber 200 of the aerosol generating device 100. The front member 313 may advantageously be configured to allow the protruding member 400, or each of the protruding members 400a, 400b, 400c, to puncture the front member 313 upon insertion of the consumable article into the chamber 200. The front member 313 may in particular be porous or present through openings arranged in the front member 313 to allow easy insertion of the protruding member 400 or the protruding members 400a, 400b, 400c.

[0110] In another embodiment, the consumable article 300 may not have a filter section 308. In this embodiment, the collar 102 may include a filter and function as a mouthpiece.

[0111] The cooling section 306 may be formed of at least a paper tube segment and may be located between the aerosol precursor material section 304 and the filter section 308. The filter section 308 may form the proximal end 310 of the consumable article 300. The filter section 308 may include one or more adjacent segments comprising a filtration material, such as cellulose acetate or paper. The filter section 308 may include additives, such as activated carbon, flavoring materials, and / or frangible capsules, inserted into the filtration material or disposed within cavities between the filter material segments. The filter section 308 may include one or more tubular segments of filtration material and / or paper. In embodiments without the filter section 308, the cooling section 306 may form the proximal end 310 of the consumable article 300. Alternatively, a second stop member similar to stopper 313 of FIG. 5b may be provided at the proximal end of the cooling section to close the cooling section and provide improved mechanical strength at its proximal end during use, particularly upon lateral compression.

[0112] The aerosol precursor material section 304 may include an aerosol precursor material. The term aerosol substrate is a label used to mean a medium that generates an aerosol or vapor when heated. For example, the aerosol precursor material may be tobacco, such as tobacco cut filler, including or consisting of reconstituted tobacco in cut, shred, creped, or crimped form.

[0113] Cooling section 306 may be substantially free of material therein. Alternatively, cooling section 306 may be filled with a filler material, such as fibers, preferably made from natural materials, such as cellulose fibers, plant fibers, etc. Cooling section 306 may be configured to allow the aerosol generated from aerosol precursor material section 304 to mix with air that has entered cooling section 306 through one or more protrusions 300.

[0114] The length of the consumable article 300 may be defined by the lengths of the aerosol precursor material section 304, the cooling section 306, and, if present, the filter section 308.

[0115] When inserted into the chamber 200 of the aerosol-generating article 100, an end of the consumable article 300 (i.e., the end of the aerosol precursor material section 304 or the end of the stopper 313) may be punctured by the protrusion 400 or protrusions 400a, 400b, 400c. The consumable article 300 may abut against the distal wall 208 of the chamber 200.

[0116] 6 shows an example of an air flow path within an aerosol generating device 100 with a consumable item 300 inserted. Although the term "air flow path" is used, this term is used to encompass the flow of aerosol along a path.

[0117] The aerosol generating device 100 may define a first air flow path 140. The first air flow path 140 may extend from the opening 206 of the chamber 200 to the inside of the chamber 200 (but outside the consumable article 300), along one or more side walls 210 of the chamber 200, and into the distal end 312 of the consumable article 300. That is, air from outside the aerosol generating device 100 may flow along the inside of the chamber 200 into the opening 206 and into the distal end 312 of the consumable article 300 (e.g., into the aerosol precursor material section 304 or the front member 313).

[0118] In other words, the first air flow path 140 may extend from an opening 206 at the proximal end 202 of the chamber 200, within the chamber 200 but outside the consumable article 300, along a wall 210 extending from the proximal end 202 to the distal end 204 of the chamber 200, and into the distal end 312 of the consumable article 300.

[0119] The shape of the chamber 200 allows air to enter the chamber 200 along a first air flow path, i.e., air can flow along the gap between the consumable article 300 and the chamber 200 due to the different cross sections of the chamber 200 and the consumable article 300.

[0120] The aerosol generating device 100 may define a second air flow path 150. The second air flow path 150 may extend from outside the aerosol generating device 100 through one or more collar openings 216, inside the aerosol generating device 100 but outside the chamber 200, and through the protrusion 400 into the consumable article 300. Here, through the protrusion 400 may mean entering the protrusion 400 through the air inlet 408, traveling along the length of the protrusion 400 (i.e., through the body 414 of the protrusion 400), and exiting the protrusion 400 through one or more air outlets 410.

[0121] That is, air from the second air flow passage 150 (i.e., ventilation air) may flow into the aerosol precursor material section 304 and thus into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material. The air from the second air flow passage 150 may not flow through the aerosol precursor material (i.e., aerosol precursor material section 304). Instead, the air from the second air flow passage 150 may be delivered into the consumable article 300 at the cooling section 306.

[0122] The air in the first air flow passage 140 and the air in the second air flow passage 150 may combine to form a single air flow passage downstream of the aerosol precursor material, as will be explained in more detail below. In other words, the aerosol generated by heating the aerosol precursor material may mix with the ventilation air downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

[0123] The first air flow path 140 and the second air flow path 150 may be activated upon a user inhaling on the aerosol generating device 100 or the consumable article 300 .

[0124] The components of the aerosol generating device 100, the chamber 200 and the consumable article 300 may be further defined in terms of their relative "upstream" and "downstream" locations.

[0125] For example, as described above and shown in FIG. 6 , the first air flow path 140 may extend from the opening 206 of the chamber 200, inside the chamber 200 (but outside the consumable article 300), along one or more sidewalls 210 of the chamber 200, and into the distal end 312 of the consumable article 300. The air in the first air flow path 140 may then travel through the aerosol precursor material section 304, the cooling section 306, and the filter section 308 (if present) of the consumable article 300 to the user's mouth. Although the term "air flow" is used herein, this term may actually include air and generated aerosol and refers to a fluid flow.

[0126] That is, air flows from an upstream location to a downstream location. For example, in consumable article 300, air from first air flow path 140 may flow through aerosol precursor material section 304, then through cooling section 306, and, if present, through filter section 308, before entering the user's mouth. Thus, aerosol precursor material section 304 may be considered upstream of cooling section 306, which may be considered upstream of filter section 308 (if present).

[0127] As explained above, the second air flow path 150 may extend from outside the aerosol generating device 100 through one or more collar openings 216 to inside the aerosol generating device 100 but outside the chamber 200, and through the protrusion 400 into the cooling section 300 of the consumable article 300 to mix with the generated aerosol from the first air flow path. The air may then flow to the user's mouth.

[0128] The first air flow path 140 and the second air flow path 150 can be a single air (e.g., a mixture of generated aerosol and ventilation air) flow path within the cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300 that is delivered to the user's mouth. That is, the air from the second air flow path 150 (i.e., ventilation air) flows into the aerosol precursor material section 304 and thus into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material. The air from the second air flow path 150 does not flow through the aerosol precursor material.

[0129] In other words, the delivery of air from the second air flow path 150 to the consumable article 300 may occur downstream compared to the delivery of air from the first air flow path 140 .

[0130] The aerosol generating system 500 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) includes the consumable article 300 and the aerosol generating device 100. The protrusion 400 is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article 300 downstream of the aerosol precursor material. In other words, ventilation air (i.e., air from outside the consumable article 300) can flow into the cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300. That is, the protrusion 400 is configured to deliver ventilation air into the consumable article 300 between the aerosol precursor material section 304 (i.e., the aerosol precursor material) and the user's mouth.

[0131] 7 , a method 700 of using an aerosol generating device 100 may include a first step 710 of inserting a consumable article 300 including an aerosol precursor material into the chamber 200 of the aerosol generating device 100, the consumable article 300 including one or more protrusions 400. Upon insertion of the consumable article 300 into the chamber 200 of the aerosol generating device 100, the consumable article 300 is penetrated by the protrusions 400. When the consumable article 300 is fully inserted into the chamber 200, one or more air outlets 410 of the protrusions 400 are at least partially aligned with the cooling section 306 of the consumable article 300.

[0132] The method 700 of using the aerosol generating device 100 may include a second step 720 of removing the consumable item 300 from the chamber 200 of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0133] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100), comprising: a chamber (200) including a proximal end (202) and a distal end (204), the proximal end (202) configured to receive a consumable article (300) including an aerosol precursor material; a protrusion (400) disposed to extend into the chamber (200), the protrusion (400) configured to penetrate the consumable article (300) when the consumable article (300) is received in the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200); The aerosol generating device (100) is configured such that the protrusion (400) allows ventilation air to flow into the consumable item (300) and toward the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) to be delivered to a user during use.

2. 2. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 1, wherein the protrusion (400) includes an air inlet (408) fluidly connected to air outside the chamber (200) and one or more air outlets (410) fluidly connected to the air inlet (408), and the protrusion (400) is configured such that the one or more air outlets (410) are positioned such that, during use, ventilation air flows from the air inlet (408) to the one or more air outlets (410) and into the consumable item (300).

3. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 2, wherein the one or more air outlets (410) of the protrusion (400) comprise holes or slits.

4. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the protrusion (400) is substantially hollow.

5. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion (400) includes a temperature sensor (122) configured to measure the internal temperature of the consumable item (300) during use.

6. The aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the protrusion (400) is substantially elongated and extends along the longitudinal axis with a length of between 10 mm and 40 mm.

7. An aerosol generating device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distal end (204) of the chamber (200) includes a distal wall (208) including a set of one or more distal wall openings (214) for receiving the protrusion (400).

8. 8. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 7, wherein the protrusion (400) is attached to a stopper plate (406), and the stopper plate (406) is configured to abut against the distal wall (208) of the chamber (200).

9. 9. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 8, wherein a sealing joint (416) is provided between the protrusion (400) and the distal wall (208) of the chamber (200).

10. An aerosol generating device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device comprises a plurality of protrusions (400).

11. 11. The aerosol generating device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device (100) defines a first air flow path (140) and a second air flow path (150), the first air flow path (140) extending from an opening at a proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) within the chamber (200) but outside the consumable article (300) along a wall (210) extending from the proximal end (202) to the distal end (204) of the chamber (200) and into the distal end (312) of the consumable article (300), and the second air flow path (150) extending within the aerosol generating device (100) and outside the chamber (200), through the protrusion (400) and into the consumable article (300).

12. 12. The aerosol generating device (100) of claim 11, comprising a collar (102) at the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200), one or more collar openings (216) formed in the collar, and the second air flow path extending from the opening (206) at the proximal end (202) of the chamber (200) through the one or more collar openings to the outside of the chamber (200).

13. 13. An aerosol generation system (500) comprising a consumable article (300) containing an aerosol precursor material and the aerosol generating device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the protrusion (400) is configured to allow ventilation air to flow into the consumable article (300) downstream of the aerosol precursor material.

14. 14. The aerosol generating system (500) of claim 13, wherein the consumable article (300) includes at least one cooling section (306) disposed between the aerosol precursor material section (304) and the mouthpiece section, and the aerosol generating device (100) is configured such that, during use, the protrusion (400) allows ventilation air to flow into the cooling section of the consumable article (300).

15. 15. An aerosol generating system (500) as described in claim 13 or 14, dependent on claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor (122) is positioned within or on the protrusion (400) so that, during use, the temperature sensor (122) is located within the aerosol precursor material section (304) of the consumable item (300).

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