Aerosol generator with upstream pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator further comprises an airflow channel upstream of the cavity. The airflow channel is fluidly connected to the cavity. The airflow channel is configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the device and into the cavity. The aerosol generator further comprises a pump. The pump is disposed within or adjacent to the airflow channel. The pump is configured to generate an airflow within the airflow channel, thereby generating an airflow within the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (e.g., a heating chamber, etc.) of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol forming substrate. In a humid environment, due to the high water content in the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article, undesired warm smoking may be generated initially.

[0003] In a humid environment, it is desirable to have an aerosol generating device that prevents undesired warm smoking initially.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device that may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may further include an air flow channel upstream of the cavity. The air flow channel may be in fluid connection with the cavity. The air flow channel may be configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the device and into the cavity. The aerosol generating device may further include a pump. The pump may be disposed within or adjacent to the air flow channel. The pump may be configured to generate an air flow within the air flow channel and thereby generate an air flow within the cavity.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generator is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator further comprises an airflow channel upstream of the cavity. The airflow channel is fluidly connected to the cavity. The airflow channel is configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the device and into the cavity. The aerosol generator further comprises a pump. The pump is disposed within or adjacent to the airflow channel. The pump is configured to generate an airflow within the airflow channel, thereby generating an airflow within the cavity.

[0006] The pump enables the generation of airflow within the cavity. This airflow within the cavity can create a pumping action. This airflow within the cavity can be used to remove unwanted moist air or aerosols from the cavity. Particularly in humid environments, the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article may have higher humidity than usual. This can be particularly problematic if the pack of the aerosol-generating article has been open for several hours before being used in the aerosol-generating device. As an example, a user may insert an unused aerosol-generating article into the cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate of this aerosol-generating article may have humidity, and since it is necessary to remove this increased humidity from the aerosol-forming substrate, this can cause undesirable high-temperature initial fumes. The present invention enables the creation of a draw-out or pumping effect within the cavity, and thus within the aerosol-generating article, via the pump during the preheating period. The draw-out or pumping effect can create airflow through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, and therefore can remove moist air / aerosols from within the aerosol-generating article. After removing the moist air / aerosol, the user can optimally use the aerosol-generating article without experiencing the undesirable high-temperature fumes during the initial inhalation.

[0007] The preheating phase of the aerosol generator may be signaled to the user. For example, the aerosol generator may provide an acoustic, tactile, or optical signal to indicate the end of the preheating phase. The user may want to remove excess moisture from the cavity when the aerosol generator indicates the end of the preheating phase. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generator may be configured to generate an excess moisture removal signal during the preheating phase to indicate to the user when it is time to pump.

[0008] The aerosol generator may include a humidity sensor located inside or adjacent to the cavity to determine the moisture content of the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-generating article. The controller of the aerosol generator may control signal generation based on the output of the moisture detector. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to perform an automatic excess moisture removal process in response to the output of the moisture detector.

[0009] The pump may be configured to pump ambient air drawn into the airflow channel downstream, thereby creating a pumping action within the cavity. Alternatively, the pump may be configured to pump ambient air drawn into the airflow channel upstream, thereby creating a suction action within the cavity. Pump activation may result in a suction action following the pumping action, or vice versa.

[0010] The pump may be disposed within the side wall of the airflow channel. The pump may form the side wall of the airflow channel. The pump may form the flexible side wall of the airflow channel.

[0011] The pump may be configured as one or more of the following: a mechanical pump, an electronic pump, a micropump, and a unidirectional pump. The pump may be a mechanical pump. A mechanical pump does not need to have an electric motor. A mechanical pump does not need to be electrically driven. A mechanical pump may be operated by mechanical means only. A mechanical pump may be operated manually by the user.

[0012] The pump may be configured to stop during the normal operation of the aerosol generator. In other words, the pump may be configured to stop when the aerosol generator is operating, except when removing excess moisture during the preheating stage described herein.

[0013] The aerosol generator may further include a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be located in an airflow channel upstream of the pump. The one-way valve may allow a downstream airflow toward the pump and prevent an upstream airflow away from the pump.

[0014] A one-way valve may be used to force air through the cavity when the pump is operating. A one-way valve may also be used to increase the airflow through the cavity when the pump is operating.

[0015] A one-way valve may include a ball valve. A one-way valve may consist of a ball valve.

[0016] The one-way valve may be located adjacent to the air intake of the aerosol generator. The one-way valve may be located in the distal part of the aerosol generator. The one-way valve may be located at the distal end of the aerosol generator. The one-way valve may be located within the airflow channel.

[0017] The pump may include a compressible chamber fluidly connected to an airflow channel. The compressible chamber may be located between the cavity and the air intake. The compressible chamber may be located upstream of the cavity. The compressible chamber may be located downstream of the air intake. The compressible chamber may be part of the airflow channel. The compressible chamber may be fluidly connected to the airflow chamber. Alternatively, the compressible chamber may be separate from the airflow channel but fluidly connectable to the airflow chamber.

[0018] The pump may have a pump volume of 1 ml to 10 ml, preferably 2 ml to 5 ml, and more preferably 3 ml to 4 ml.

[0019] The pump may be configured to operate multiple times. The pump may be configured to operate repeatedly. This allows the total volume of air flowing through the cavity to be increased by the operation of the pump.

[0020] The compressible chamber may be at least partially elastic. The elastic portion of the compressible chamber may be located around the aerosol generator so that it is accessible to the user.

[0021] The pump may include a section of elastic silicone. The compressible chamber may be made of elastic silicone. The compressible chamber may be tubular in shape. The compressible chamber may be an elastic silicone tube.

[0022] The elastic portion may be covered with a push button configured to allow the user to compress a compressible chamber via a push-button press action. Alternatively, the elastic portion may be configured as a push button.

[0023] The push button may be attached to a locking element which can be configured to lock the airflow channel upstream of the pump when the push button is pressed.

[0024] The locking element may include a protruding element. The protruding element may be attached to a push button. The protruding element may be elongated. The protruding element may be configured to penetrate into the airflow channel when the push button is pressed. The protruding element may be configured to block the airflow channel when it penetrates into the airflow channel. The protruding element may have a tapered end to facilitate insertion of the protruding element into the airflow channel.

[0025] One or both of the compressible chamber and / or push button may form at least partially the side wall of the aerosol generator. Thus, a user can operate the pump by holding the aerosol generator and compressing the compressible wall. The push button may be elastic or rigid. If the push button is rigid, it is preferable that it is arranged to compress the compressible chamber during operation. The push button may be arranged to be radially pressable. Additionally or alternatively, a button holder may be provided to hold the push button in the pressed position. This may be advantageous when a suction action within the cavity is desired. In this case, the user can first press the button, and the button is then held by the button holder. When the removal of excess moisture is desired, the button holder may release the push button so that the push button returns to its initial position by the biasing action of a biasing element. This creates a vacuum within the compressible chamber, drawing air out of the cavity. The button holder may be operated by the user or by the controller of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, pressing the push button may cause the controller to initiate a preheating phase of the aerosol generator. This may be combined with an article sensor that detects the presence of an aerosol-generating article within the cavity. Preheating may be initiated only when it is detected that an aerosol-generating article has been received into the cavity.

[0026] A biasing element may be provided. The biasing element may be arranged to bias the push button toward its initial position. In other words, the biasing element may bias the push button radially outward. This biasing action may counteract the user's pressing action of the push button and return the push button to its initial position after activation. The biasing element may be a spring.

[0027] The locking element may be arranged as an alternative to the one-way valve. Therefore, the locking element may be arranged adjacent to the air intake. The locking element may be arranged within the airflow channel. The locking element may be arranged at the distal portion of the aerosol generator or at the distal end of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the air intake and the locking element may be arranged within the side wall of the aerosol generator. Similarly, the one-way valve and the air intake may be arranged within the side wall of the aerosol generator. As a further alternative, the locking element may be arranged in addition to the one-way valve.

[0028] When the locking element is arranged at the distal portion of the aerosol generator or at the distal end of the aerosol generator, the locking element preferably has a lateral extension. Thereby, when the user presses the side wall of the aerosol generator laterally, the locking element will move laterally into the airflow channel. When the locking element is arranged within the side wall of the aerosol generator, the locking element preferably has an axial extension. Thereby, when the user presses the side wall of the aerosol generator laterally, the locking element will move axially into the airflow channel.

[0029] As an alternative to providing a locking element, the air intake may be arranged on one or more of the side wall, the elastic portion, and the push button of the aerosol generator. In this way, the air intake may be arranged to be blocked by the user's finger during operation of the pump by the user.

[0030] The pump may comprise a sliding piston. The sliding piston may be configured to be slidable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator and may be configured to move the air within the airflow channel during the sliding movement.

[0031] The sliding piston may be arranged to be slidable with the airflow channel. The sliding piston may have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the airflow channel.

[0032] The aerosol generator may include a motor, preferably an electric motor, for moving a sliding piston. The motor may be mechanically connected to the sliding piston. The motor may be configured as a linear motor. The motor may be configured as a worm screw drive.

[0033] The motor may be combined with a biasing element such as a spring. The motor may be configured to bias the biasing element against its natural biasing force. If a pumping action is required, the biasing element may be released, thereby rapidly moving the sliding piston. This rapidly pushes air into the cavity, thereby removing excess moisture as described herein. The biasing force may be held by a retaining element such as a pin. The biasing element may be held by a retaining element after being biased by the motor. In the case of a spring, the motor may compress the spring. As an alternative to providing a motor, the user may manually bias the biasing element. The retaining element may be electrically controlled. The retaining element may be a controller in conjunction with the motor control. The retaining element may engage when the motor has moved the biasing element a predetermined distance. Alternatively, the retaining element may be manually controlled after the motor or the user has moved the biasing element. Similarly, an electrical means such as a separate motor may be provided to disengage the retaining element. Alternatively, the user may manually disengage the retaining element.

[0034] A controller may be provided to control one or more of the following: operation of the pump, operation of a one-way valve (preferably passively operated), operation of a retaining element, operation of a motor, operation of a button holder, release of a button holder, release of a retaining element, and operation of an aerosol generator.

[0035] The aerosol generator may include a secondary pump configured to hydraulically move a sliding piston.

[0036] The secondary pump may be hydraulically connected to the sliding piston. The secondary pump may be a hydraulic pump. The secondary pump may be a manual pump. The secondary pump may be an electric pump. The operation of the secondary pump may be by hydraulically acting the sliding piston so that the sliding piston slides within the airflow channel. The secondary pump may be a piezoelectric pump. A one-way valve may be provided between the secondary pump and the sliding piston to prevent backflow of hydraulic fluid towards the secondary pump. The secondary pump may include an elastic tank for holding hydraulic fluid. Upstream of the sliding piston, a chamber, preferably an elastic chamber, for holding hydraulic fluid may be provided. The elastic tank and elastic chamber may be fluidically mounted. The one-way valve may be configured to open in both directions. This may allow for a reset of the hydraulic system after operation. The opening operation of the one-way valve may be controlled by a controller or manually by the user.

[0037] The aerosol generator may further include an airflow channel and a fluid-connected air intake to allow ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol generator.

[0038] The air intake may have a dual function. The air intake may allow ambient air to be drawn into or flow into the airflow channel. During pump operation, this air may be pushed toward the cavity, creating an airflow within the cavity. Alternatively, the air intake may act as an air outlet, allowing air to be drawn out of the cavity and further drawn out through the air intake by the operation of the pump. This may create a suction effect within the cavity. As a further function, the air intake may be configured to allow air to be drawn into the airflow channel and further into the cavity during the normal operation of the aerosol generator. This may be facilitated by the user inhaling the aerosol generating item, and consequently creating a vacuum within the airflow channel.

[0039] Similarly, the airflow channel may have a dual function. The function of the airflow channel may be to allow air to be pushed into the cavity or drawn out of the cavity via pump action. Furthermore, the airflow channel may allow ambient air to be drawn into the device and into the cavity during the normal operation of the aerosol generator.

[0040] The housing portion of the aerosol generator, which is positioned adjacent to the air intake, may be configured to be elastic, and the compressible chamber may be positioned adjacent to the elastic housing portion.

[0041] The pump may be equipped with a locking element. The locking element may be configured to stop the pump while the aerosol generator is in operation.

[0042] The pump may include an induction coil and a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be configured to be movable within the airflow channel to move air through the airflow channel. The susceptor element may be configured to be movable by the action of the induction coil. The induction coil and the susceptor element may form a magnetic valve.

[0043] The susceptor element of the magnetic valve may comprise, and preferably comprises, a magnetic occlusion element, which is preferably spherical or piston-shaped. The magnetic occlusion element may be disposed within the airflow channel. The airflow channel may comprise a downstream section having an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the magnetic occlusion element, or having a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the magnetic occlusion element. The airflow channel may comprise an upstream section having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic occlusion element. The magnetic valve may further comprise an induction coil at least partially wound around the airflow channel. The magnetic valve may be configured to hold the magnetic occlusion element in the downstream section of the airflow channel by appropriately acting the induction coil. As a result, the airflow channel may be blocked. At an appropriate time during or after the preheating stage of the aerosol generator, a magnetic pump may be activated so that the output of the moisture detector moves the magnetic occlusion element into the upstream section of the airflow channel. This allows the airflow to pass through the magnetic occlusion element. At the same time, a vacuum is created in the cavity, and excess moisture is drawn out of the cavity. The induction coil may, if desired, be controlled to return the magnetic blockage element to its downstream position.

[0044] As an alternative to magnetic valves, mechanical valves may be disposed within the airflow channel. The mechanical valve may comprise a valve actuator and a shut-off element. The shut-off element may be spherical or piston-shaped. The shut-off element may be configured to shut off the airflow channel at a downstream position and allow airflow through the airflow channel at an upstream position, similar to the description of magnetic shut-off elements herein. The valve actuator may be configured to move the shut-off element from the upstream position to the downstream position, and vice versa.

[0045] The pump may include a movable element within the airflow channel. The movable element may be configured to be manually moved by the user, accessible through an air intake, or it may be configured to be movable by the movement of the aerosol generator.

[0046] The movable element may have through holes that allow air to flow through it.

[0047] The movable element may include a corrugated tube.

[0048] The pump may include a flexible, compressible portion of the airflow channel. The flexible, compressible portion of the airflow channel may be positioned adjacent to the periphery of the aerosol generator so that it can be compressed by the user, and a push button may be positioned adjacent to the flexible, compressible portion of the airflow channel so that it can be compressed by the user. The flexible, compressible portion is preferably a substitute for the compressible chamber described herein. In particular, the flexible, compressible portion includes one side of the airflow channel, which can be compressed. The push button may include a biasing element for biasing the push button to an initial position and / or a button holder for holding the push button in the pressed position, as described herein.

[0049] The pump may include a fan. The fan may be configured to be driven by a permanent magnet motor. The fan may be positioned within an airflow channel. The fan may be configured to blow air into and / or draw air out of the cavity.

[0050] As used herein, the terms “proximal,” “distal,” “downstream,” and “upstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which the user inhales the aerosol generator during use.

[0051] The aerosol generator may have an oral end through which, during use, aerosols exit the aerosol generator and are delivered to the user. The oral end may be referred to as the proximal end. During use, the user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator by inhaling the proximal end, i.e., the oral end, of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the user may directly inhale an aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol generator. The opening at the proximal end may be a cavity opening. The cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator has a distal end opposite to the proximal or oral end. The proximal or oral end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of an aerosol generator may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal end, downstream end, or mouth end of the aerosol generator and the distal end or upstream end of the aerosol generator.

[0052] As used herein, “aerosol generator” refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. The aerosol generator may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generator may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generator may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0053] As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term “smoking” in relation to apparatus, articles, systems, substrates, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol-generating apparatus of the present invention is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released, in order to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0054] The aerosol generator may include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to a heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following the startup of the aerosol generator, or intermittently, such as with each smoke extraction. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element in accordance with the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0055] The aerosol generator may have a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosols for a period of approximately 6 minutes, or for periods that are multiples of 6 minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous operation of the heating element.

[0056] The cavity of the aerosol generator may have an open end into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air opening located within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be located upstream of the cavity. The open end may be located downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0057] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article received inside the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] The airflow channel may extend through the aerosol generator into the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generator, into the cavity, and toward the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be provided, or the user may inhale the aerosol generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0059] In any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an electrical resistive material. Suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. An example of a suitable doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metallic alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the electrical resistive material may be embedded in, sealed in, or coated with an insulating material, depending on the required energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties, or vice versa.

[0060] As described, in any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may comprise an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both an internal and an external heating element, where “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any preferred form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive parts or electrically resistive metal tubes. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be placed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material such as ceramic, and then sandwiched between other insulating materials such as glass. The heater thus formed can be used during operation to both heat a heating element and to monitor its temperature.

[0061] The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit around a substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate of a suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable insulating material. The external heating element thus formed may be used both for heating the external heating element and for monitoring its temperature during operation.

[0062] As an alternative to electrically resistive heat sources, heat sources can be configured as inductive heat sources. Inductive heat sources may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within an alternating magnetic field, if the susceptor is conductive, typically, eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically, another effect that contributes to heating is generally called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss arises mainly from the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientations of these domains align with the alternating inductive magnetic fields. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes occurring at or below the nanoscale within the susceptor are called "hysteresis loss" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means by which the susceptor will be heated when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor can be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer may be mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0063] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user’s mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0064] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Conveniently, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0065] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing materials that contain volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain aerosol-forming bodies that facilitate the formation of high-density and stable aerosols. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming bodies include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0066] The aerosol generating substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol forming body, and water. By providing homogenized tobacco material, aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol generating article may be improved. Specifically, the process of producing homogenized tobacco involves a process of crushing tobacco leaves, which enables more effective release of nicotine and flavor during heating.

[0067] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a conventional aerosol generator. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows one embodiment of an aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] Figure 1 shows a conventional aerosol generator 10. The aerosol generator 10 includes a cavity 12 for receiving an aerosol generating article 14 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity 12 is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generator 10. An airflow channel 16 extends upstream of the cavity 12 and toward the distal end of the aerosol generator 10. An air intake 18 is located at the distal end of the aerosol generator 10. The air intake 18 allows ambient air to be drawn into the airflow channel 16 and further into the cavity 12. When a user inhales the proximal end of the aerosol generating article 14, air is drawn through the aerosol generating article 14 received in the cavity 12 and inhaled by the user. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a heating element 20 positioned around the cavity 12 for heating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 14 when the aerosol generator 14 is received in the cavity 12.

[0071] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the aerosol generator 10 according to the present invention. As a modification from the aerosol generator 10 of Figure 1, Figure 2 shows the arrangement of a pump 22 in the airflow channel 16. The pump 22 is arranged in the airflow channel 16 between the air intake 18 and the cavity 12. The pump 22 pumps air into the cavity 12, thereby enabling a pumping action to occur within the cavity 12. The pump 22 may also be used to draw air out of the cavity 12 to create a suction action within the cavity 12.

[0072] Pump 22 is equipped with an actuator 24 in the form of a slider to allow the user to move pump 22. Pump 22 is equipped with a piston-like body disposed within the airflow channel 16, which allows air to be moved toward the cavity 12 by moving pump 22 toward the cavity 12 within the airflow channel 16. In other words, pump 22 can slide within the airflow channel 16 by the operation of actuator 24. The sliding movement of pump 22 moves air within the airflow channel 16. The moved air is pushed into the airflow channel 16. Alternatively, pump 22 can be moved away from the airflow channel 16, and as a result, air is drawn out of the cavity 12 by a vacuum 80 created in the airflow channel 16 upstream of the cavity 12. Movement of pump 22 toward the cavity 12 is proximal or downstream movement. Movement of pump 22 toward the air intake 18 is distal or upstream movement.

[0073] The pump 22 is used to pump air into the cavity 12 or to draw air out of the cavity 12, thereby removing unwanted excess moisture 76 from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 14. This function of the pump 22 is common to all embodiments.

[0074] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the aerosol generator 10 with a different pump structure 22. In this embodiment, the pump 22 includes a compressible chamber 26. The compressible chamber 26 is positioned so that a user can push the side walls of the compressible chamber 26, thereby expelling air from the compressible chamber 26. The compressible chamber 26 is fluidly connected to the airflow channel 16. The air pushed out of the compressible chamber 26 then creates a pumping action within the cavity 12. The compressible chamber 26 is flexible so that it returns to its initial position after being compressed by the user. The subsequent expansion draws air into the compressible chamber 26. As air is drawn into the compressible chamber 26, a suction action occurs within the cavity 12.

[0075] Figure 4 shows one embodiment in which the pump 22 is equipped with an elastic side wall 28. In this embodiment, a portion of the airflow channel 16 is configured as a larger space, as indicated by reference numeral 22 in Figure 4A. Furthermore, a one-way valve 30, such as a ball 32 valve, is disposed at, adjacent to, or in place of the air intake 18. During suction, as shown in Figure 4B, airflow is enabled into the pump 22 and the airflow channel 16. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 4C, the user can compress the elastic side wall 28. The ball 32 of the one-way valve 30 closes the air intake 18, preventing backflow of air from the air intake 18. Thus, the air is pushed downstream into the cavity 12.

[0076] Figure 5 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, in which the pump 22 has a larger space. In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 4, the air intake 18 does not have a ball valve 32. Instead, the pump 22 has a locking element 34. The locking element 34 is configured to allow airflow through the air intake 18 into the larger space of the pump 22 when the elastic side wall 28 of the pump 22 is not pressed, as shown in Figure 5A. When the elastic side wall 28 is pressed by the user, as shown in Figure 5B, the locking element 34 penetrates into the air intake 18, thereby preventing air from being pushed out of the air intake 18. As a result, the side wall press pushes air out of the larger space and into the cavity 12 of the aerosol generator 10. The locking element 34 has an elongated extension. The locking element 34 has a tapered tip. The locking element 34 has a lateral orientation.

[0077] Figure 6 shows one embodiment in which the air intake port 18 is located on the side wall of the pump 22 rather than at the distal end of the aerosol generator 10. Furthermore, the air intake port 18 is located on an elastic side wall 28. The elastic side wall 28 of the pump 22 may also be the side wall of the aerosol generator 10. By compressing the elastic side wall 28, the user can push air out of the pump 22 and into the cavity 12 while blocking the air intake port 18 with their finger. As a result, backflow from the air intake port 18 is prevented while the pump 22 is operating due to the user pushing down the elastic side wall 28. Figure 6A shows the pump 22 in normal operation of the aerosol generator 10, with ambient air being drawn in through the air intake port 18 towards the cavity 12. Figure 6B shows the pumping action of the pump 22, with the user compressing the elastic side wall 28 and blocking the air intake port 18 with their finger.

[0078] Figure 7 shows a modified embodiment of Figure 6, in which the air intake 18 is still located on the elastic side wall 28 of the pump 22. Furthermore, another locking element 34 is provided. The locking element 34 is positioned to penetrate a portion of the air intake 18 to prevent backflow of air while the elastic side wall 28 is compressed. The function of the locking element 34 is similar to that of the locking element 34 shown in Figure 5. In contrast to the locking element 34 shown in Figure 5, the locking element 34 has an axial orientation because it is located on the side wall of the pump 22.

[0079] Figure 8 shows one embodiment in which the pump 22 is equipped with a movable element 36. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the movable element 36 is configured as a corrugated tube. The movable element 36 can be reached by the user's hand through the air intake port 18. The movable element 36 can be moved by the user reaching into the air intake port 18 and pushing the movable element 36, thereby compressing it. The movement or compression of the movable element 36 causes air to be discharged from the pump 22, and a pumping action is generated within the cavity 12. The movable element 36 is configured to be elastic, so that it returns to its initial position after the user releases their fingers from the air intake port 18 and the pump 22. As a result, when air is drawn into the pump 22 by the expansion movement of the movable element 36, a suction action is generated within the cavity 12. Figure 8A shows the corrugated tube in an expanded state, and Figure 8B shows the corrugated tube in a compressed state.

[0080] Figure 9 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, in which a movable element 36 is provided. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the movable element 36 is not configured as a corrugated tube. Rather, the movable element 36 is configured as a solid element that can move within the pump 22. The movement of the solid element moves air toward or from the cavity 12. This movement is facilitated by the movement of the aerosol generator 10, such as shaking the aerosol generator 10. As a result, the air intake 18 has a smaller diameter, which is more common compared to the larger air intake 18 in Figure 8, and allows the user to push their finger into the pump 22. The movable element 36 is confined within the pump 22. The movable element 36 further has a through hole 38. The through hole 38 allows air to be drawn in through the movable element 36. This feature is important during the normal operation of the aerosol generator 10. In this case, the user can inhale the aerosol generating article 14, drawing ambient air through the air intake 18 and further into the cavity 12 through the through-hole 38 of the movable element 36. Nevertheless, the rapid movement of the movable element 36 generates the pumping action of the pump 22. The rapid movement of the movable element 36 is particularly preferably caused by the shaking of the aerosol generating device 10. Figure 9A shows the arrangement of the movable element 36 in a first position, and Figure 9B shows the arrangement of the movable element 36 in a second, further downstream position, where the movable element 36 has moved air toward the cavity 12.

[0081] Figure 10 shows one embodiment combining the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9. The pump 22 is provided with two movable elements 36, one of which is configured as a corrugated tube as shown in the embodiment of Figure 8, and the other movable element 36 is configured as a solid element as shown in the embodiment of Figure 9. The solid movable element 36 is positioned upstream of the corrugated tube so that the corrugated tube is compressed when the aerosol generating element is rapidly moved for the solid movable element 36 that constitutes the corrugated tube. Figure 10A shows a first arrangement of the solid movable element 36 in the upstream position, and Figure 10B shows a second arrangement of the solid movable element 36 in the downstream position where the corrugated tube is compressed.

[0082] Figure 11 shows a further version of the pump 22 having a movable element 36. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the movable element 36 is configured as a piston movably disposed within the pump 22 to move air. The movement of air is facilitated by the sliding motion of the movable element 36. The movable element 36 is connected to and driven by a motor 40. The motor 40 is connected to the movable element 36 by a gear 42. The motor 40 is powered by a power supply 44 of the aerosol generator 10. The motor 40 can be actuated by a switch 46. This switch 46 may be disposed on the outer periphery of the aerosol generator 10 so that a user can actuate the switch 46. A biasing element 48 in the form of a spring is provided at the base of the pump 22 adjacent to the piston to bias the piston downstream. The motor 40 is configured to move the piston upstream against the biasing force of the biasing element 48. When the piston reaches the upstream position, the pump 22 becomes operational. This movement of the movable element 36 can be actuated by a switch 46 or is an automatic function of the aerosol generator 10. Actuating the switch 46 may allow the movable element 36 to move freely. In other words, acting the switch 46 may disconnect the motor 40 from the movable element 36. As a result, the spring rapidly moves the movable element 36 downstream, creating a pumping action that sends air from the pump 22 into the cavity 12. The movable element 36 may include a through hole 38 to allow airflow through the movable element 36 during the normal operation of the aerosol generator 10. The through hole 38 has a sufficiently small diameter so that the movable element 36 can still reach the pumping action even when the movable element 36 is moving rapidly.

[0083] Figure 12 shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 11 in which a locking element 34 is provided for fixing the movable element 36 in an upstream position. The locking element 34 may include a lateral projection 50 that can engage with a recess 52 of the movable element 36 to hold the movable element 36 in place when the movable element 36 is in the upstream position. The locking element 34 may be actuated by a magnet 54. The magnet 54 may be connected to the control unit of the aerosol generator 10. The controller 56 may control the motor 40 as well as the magnet 54. The controller 56 may be configured to control the motor 40 so that the motor 40 moves the movable element 36 to the upstream position against the biasing force of the biasing element 48. When the movable element 36 reaches the upstream position, the locking element 34 may lock the movable element 36 in place. If pumping action of the pump 22 is desired, the controller 56 may disengage the locking element 34 so that the movable element 36 can move freely. Next, as explained with reference to Figure 11, the biasing element 48 biases the movable element 36 downstream, thereby causing the movable element 36 to move rapidly and thereby generating the pumping action of the pump 22. Subsequently, the motor 40 can move the movable element 36 again toward the upstream position.

[0084] Figure 13 shows a modified example of the movable element 36. This modification is also applicable to the embodiments shown in at least Figures 11 and 12. Instead of providing a through-hole 38 in the movable element 36, the air intake 18 is located on the side wall of the pump 22, so that when the movable element 36 is in the upstream position, air can flow into and pass through the pump 22 without obstruction during the normal operation of the aerosol generator 10. When pumping action of the pump 22 is desired, the rapid movement of the movable element 36 downstream generates the pumping action. In particular, if the movable element 36 is part of the air intake 18, it is impossible for air to flow back from the air intake 18.

[0085] Figure 14 shows one different configuration of the pump 22. The pump 22 includes a movable element 36. However, the movable element 36 is moved by a hydraulic system. In this embodiment, the pump 22 includes a secondary pump 58 configured as a piezoelectric pump. The pump 22 includes a first hydraulic chamber 60 and a second hydraulic chamber 62. The movable element 36 is at least partially located within the first hydraulic chamber 60. The secondary pump 58 fluidly connects the first hydraulic chamber 60 to the second hydraulic chamber 62. The secondary pump 58 can pump hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic chamber 60 to the second hydraulic chamber 62. The second hydraulic chamber 62 may include a biasing element 48 that biases the fluid contained in the second hydraulic chamber 62 toward the first hydraulic chamber 60. The first hydraulic chamber 60 may be fluidly connected to the second hydraulic chamber 62 independently of the fluid connection established by the secondary pump 58. A valve 64 may be provided between the first hydraulic chamber 60 and the second hydraulic chamber 62 to prevent backflow of hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic chamber to the second hydraulic chamber 62 during pumping. During pumping of the pump 22, the valve can be opened so that hydraulic fluid flows from the second hydraulic chamber 62 to the first hydraulic chamber 60 by a biasing element 48 pushing the hydraulic fluid out of the second hydraulic chamber 62. The movable element 36 may cooperate with the hydraulic fluid in the first hydraulic chamber 60 to pump air towards the cavity 12 as the hydraulic fluid is pumped from the second hydraulic chamber 62 into the first hydraulic chamber 60.

[0086] Figure 15 shows a modified example of the embodiment of Figure 14. In the embodiment of Figure 15, the hydraulic chambers 60 and 62 are configured as elastic hydraulic chambers so as to be compressible / expandable. During the pumping action of the pump 22, the second hydraulic chamber 62 is elastically compressed to force air into the first hydraulic chamber 60. Thus the first hydraulic chamber 60 expands, pushing the movable element 36 toward the cavity 12. Figure 15A shows both the first hydraulic chamber 60 and the second hydraulic chamber 62 containing hydraulic fluid. Figures 15B and 15C show one configuration in which the second hydraulic chamber 62 is compressed, and hydraulic fluid is forced into the first hydraulic chamber 60, thereby moving the movable element 36 toward the cavity 12 of the aerosol generator 10.

[0087] Figure 16 shows one embodiment of a pump 22 disposed on the side wall of an aerosol generator 10. The pump 22 is in fluid communication with the airflow channel 16. During pump operation, air flows both towards the cavity 12 and towards the air intake 18. As a result, air is sent both into the cavity 12 and out of the air intake 18, which may lead to a reduction in efficiency. However, this configuration may be more advantageous when simplification of the pump 22's arrangement is desired.

[0088] Figure 17 shows a modified example of the embodiment shown in Figure 16. In the embodiment of Figure 17, the pump 22 is located at the air intake 18 and is fluidly connected to the airflow channel 16. During pumping, the pump 22 pumps air into the airflow channel 16, creating a pumping action within the cavity 12. Because the pump 22 is located at the air intake 18, backflow of air from the air intake 18 is prevented. During normal operation of the aerosol generator 10, the pump 22 is configured to allow airflow to pass through the pump 22.

[0089] Figure 18 shows one embodiment in which the pump 22 comprises a push button 68 disposed on the side wall of the aerosol generator 66. As will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 19, the push button 68 can be compressed to prepare the pump 22 for suction, thereby expelling air from the cavity 12. The pump 22 includes an elastic silicone tube 70 that can be compressed by the operation of the push button 68. The push button 68 is connected to the elastic silicone tube 70. Preferably, the push button 68 is attached to the side wall of the elastic silicone tube 70. Figure 18A shows the initial arrangement of the push button 68. Figure 18B shows the arrangement in which the push button 68 is compressed to compress the elastic silicone tube 70.

[0090] Figure 19A shows the push button 68 in its initial state before compression. A biasing element 48 is provided to bias the push button 68 to this initial state. In this way, the elastic silicone tube 70 expands, allowing airflow through the elastic silicone tube 70. This enables the normal operation of the aerosol generator 10. Furthermore, complementary locking elements 72 and 74 are shown, which enable the push button 68 to be held in the compressed state. In Figure 19A, the complementary locking elements 72 and 74 are disengaged.

[0091] Figure 19B shows the compressed state of the push button 68. The push button 68 is held in this compressed state by the locking action of complementary locking elements 72, 74. The elastic silicone tube 70 is compressed. This state is preferred during the preheating mode of the aerosol generator 10, as indicated by the heating of excess moisture 76 within the cavity 12. The closure 78 prevents air from being drawn into the elastic silicone tube 70 when the push button 68 is compressed.

[0092] Figure 19C shows the suction action of the pump 22. To facilitate the suction action, complementary locking elements 72 and 74 are released, and the biasing element 48 biases the push button 68 to return it to its initial state. As a result, a vacuum 80 is formed inside the elastic silicone tube 70, and air is drawn out from the cavity 12.

[0093] Figure 20 shows one embodiment in which the pump 22 is implemented by an induction-actuated ball valve 32. The ball 32 is made of susceptor material. An induction coil 82 is arranged to surround the susceptor ball 32. The induction coil 82 is arranged to surround the airflow channel 16. The operation of the induction coil 82 causes the susceptor ball 32 to move downstream and upstream, respectively. In this modified pump 22, the downstream portion of the airflow channel 16 in which the susceptor ball 32 is located has a smaller diameter so that it is blocked by the susceptor ball 32 when it is in the downstream position. Figure 20A shows the downstream position of the susceptor ball 32. The operation of the induction coil 82 allows the susceptor ball 32 to move upstream. As shown in Figure 20B, at the upstream position of the susceptor ball 32, a vacuum 80 is formed in the airflow channel 16 due to the movement of the ball 32, and air is drawn out from the cavity 12. Furthermore, because the outer diameter of the ball 32 is smaller than the inner diameter of the upstream portion of the airflow channel 16, airflow through the airflow channel 16 is possible during the normal operation of the aerosol generator 10.

[0094] Figure 21 shows one embodiment of the pump 22, in which the pump 22 is equipped with a movable element 36. The movable element 36 is disposed within the airflow channel 16. The movable element 36 can be positioned downstream so as to prevent air from flowing through the airflow channel 16 when the movable element 36 is positioned downstream. The outer diameter of the movable element 36 may correspond to the inner diameter of the airflow channel 16 in this downstream portion. This position of the movable element 36 is shown in Figure 21A. The movable element 36 is movable by a motor 40 and a worm screw 84. Figure 21B shows the movement of the movable element 36 upstream to an upstream position. As a result, a vacuum 80 is formed within the airflow channel 16, and air is drawn out of the cavity 12. The inner diameter of the airflow channel 16 is increased in this upstream portion so that air can flow through the movable element 36. In this embodiment, the movable element 36 has the shape of a piston.

[0095] Figure 22 shows one embodiment in which the pump 22 is equipped with a fan 86. The fan 86 is located in the airflow channel 16 upstream of the cavity 12. The fan 86 allows air to be drawn out of the cavity 12. By drawing air out of the cavity 12, as shown in Figure 22B, any excess moisture 76 that may be present in the cavity 12 can be removed, as shown in Figure 22A.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate, An airflow channel located upstream of the cavity, wherein the airflow channel is fluidly connected to the cavity, and the airflow channel is configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the device and into the cavity; A pump, which is disposed within or adjacent to the airflow channel, comprises: An aerosol generator in which the pump is configured to generate an airflow in the airflow channel, thereby generating an airflow in the cavity.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pump is configured as one or more of a mechanical pump, a micropump, and a unidirectional pump.

3. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol generator further comprises a one-way valve, preferably the one-way valve is disposed in the airflow channel upstream of the pump, and more preferably the one-way valve enables a downstream airflow toward the pump and prevents an upstream airflow away from the pump.

4. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pump comprises a compressible chamber fluidly connected to the airflow channel.

5. The aerosol generator according to claim 4, wherein the compressible chamber is at least partially elastic, and preferably the elastic portion of the compressible chamber is arranged around the aerosol generator so that it is accessible to the user.

6. The aerosol generator according to claim 5, wherein the elastic portion is covered by a push button, the push button is configured to allow the user to compress the compressible chamber via a pressing action of the push button, and preferably the push button is attached to a locking element configured to lock the airflow channel upstream of the pump when the push button is pressed.

7. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pump comprises a sliding piston, preferably configured to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator and to move air in the airflow channel during sliding movement, and more preferably the aerosol generator comprises an electric motor for moving the sliding piston, or the aerosol generator comprises a secondary pump configured to hydraulically move the sliding piston.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 7, further comprising an air intake port fluidly connected to the airflow channel for enabling ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol generator.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the housing portion of the aerosol generator disposed adjacent to the air intake port is configured to be elastic, and the compressible chamber according to claim 4 is disposed adjacent to the elastic housing portion.

10. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pump is equipped with a locking element, and the locking element is configured to stop the pump while the aerosol generator is in operation.

11. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pump comprises a movable element in the airflow channel, preferably the movable element is arranged so that the user can access it through an air intake and move it manually by the user, or the movable element is configured to be movable by the movement of the aerosol generator.

12. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the movable element is provided with a through hole for allowing air to flow through the movable element.

13. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pump includes a flexible compressible portion of the airflow channel, preferably disposed adjacent to the periphery of the aerosol generator so that the flexible compressible portion of the airflow channel can be compressed by a user, and more preferably, a push button is disposed adjacent to the flexible compressible portion of the airflow channel so that the user can compress the flexible compressible portion of the airflow channel.

14. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pump comprises an induction coil and a susceptor element, the susceptor element is configured to be movable within the airflow channel to move air through the airflow channel, and the susceptor element is configured to be movable by the operation of the induction coil.

15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the pump is equipped with a fan, and preferably the fan is driven by a permanent magnet motor.

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