Aerosol generator

Abstract

An aerosol generating device is provided for receiving an aerosol generating consumable and supplying power to the aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating device including a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating consumable, at least one electrode configured to electrically couple with the aerosol generating consumable during use to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable, and a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol generating consumable received by the aerosol generating device and bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device, an aerosol generating consumable for use with the aerosol generating device, a system including the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating consumable, and a method of generating an aerosol.

Background Art

[0002] A variety of devices and systems are available that heat an aerosol precursor to emit an inhalable aerosol / vapor without relying on burning the substance. However, in such devices, a heater needs to be part of the device, and thus the device requires a suitable insulating material to prevent the user from being exposed to high heater temperatures, thereby increasing the complexity and cost of the device.

[0003] The problems associated with heating rather than burning an aerosol precursor are that the time to generate an aerosol from the aerosol precursor is long. Another problem is that once the aerosol precursor is heated to its vaporization temperature, aerosol can be continuously generated even when the user is not inhaling, thereby wasting energy and the aerosol precursor.

[0004] In some conventional aerosol generating devices, a resistive heater is used to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating consumable. However, a resistive heater requires good thermal contact between the heater and the aerosol generating consumable to be heated in order to generate a sufficient amount of aerosol. Therefore, a relatively large resistive heater with a relatively large contact area between the resistive heater and the aerosol generating consumable is required. Furthermore, frequent cleaning of the resistive heater is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above problems or to provide an alternative solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for receiving an aerosol generating consumable and supplying power to the aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating apparatus including a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating consumable, at least one electrode configured to be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating consumable during use and to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable, and a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol generating consumable received by the aerosol generating apparatus and bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode.

[0007] In this case, supplying power to a "conductive" aerosol-generating consumable means that a sufficient amount of aerosol for the user can be generated using a relatively small aerosol-generating consumable. Therefore, the aerosol-generating consumable can be stored in a resting position within the chamber of the aerosol generator and then moved to an operating position for aerosolization within the device. In the operating position, the aerosol-generating consumable is in contact with at least one electrode. In other words, the movement mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating consumable from a first position to a second position within the chamber. The aerosol generator can store multiple aerosol-generating consumables, and the movement mechanism may be configured to move individual consumables within the device to contact one or more electrodes. Thus, the user can perform many sessions without having to replenish the chamber with additional aerosol-generating consumables each time.

[0008] In one example, at least one of the electrodes is movable. By moving one or more electrodes, the aerosol generating consumable can be efficiently electrically coupled to one or more electrodes.

[0009] In one example, the chamber can be adjusted between a first configuration in which the chamber is closed and a second configuration in which a user can load aerosol-generating consumables into the chamber, and at least one electrode is configured to retract from the chamber when the chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the aerosol-generating consumables are not powered. The fact that one or more electrodes are retracted from the chamber in the second configuration in which a user can load / remove consumables into the chamber means that the safety of the device is improved. It prevents the user from accidentally coming into contact with the electrodes during the loading / removal procedure. Additionally or alternatively, this retraction (i.e., movement) may provide more space for the aerosol-generating consumables or make it easier to load or remove the consumables.

[0010] In one example, the aerosol generator includes a mouthpiece, and the chamber can be adjusted to a second position when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the chamber to allow access to the chamber. Making the chamber accessible via the mouthpiece is an efficient way to both close and access the chamber.

[0011] In one example, a chamber is configured to receive multiple aerosol-generating consumables, and a transfer mechanism is configured to move at least one of the aerosol-generating consumables during use to bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode. In this example, the chamber is sized to receive multiple consumables, and individual consumables can be moved to predetermined positions as needed.

[0012] In one example, the chamber includes a door through which a moving mechanism is configured to discharge used aerosol-generating consumables. The door allows the user to efficiently dispose of used aerosol-generating consumables after use.

[0013] In one example, the moving mechanism includes a linear actuator configured to position the aerosol-generating consumables such that at least one of the aerosol-generating consumables makes electrical contact with at least one electrode. By providing the linear actuator, a mechanism is obtained for efficiently moving the aerosol-generating consumables to a predetermined position.

[0014] In one example, the moving mechanism includes a rotary actuator configured to position the aerosol-generating consumables such that at least one of the aerosol-generating consumables makes electrical contact with at least one electrode. In this arrangement, the aerosol-generating consumables may be arranged in a circular configuration. The user has greater control over which of the aerosol-generating consumables are selected to be electrically coupled with the electrode.

[0015] In one example, the electrodes are configured to disengage during movement of the moving mechanism in order to position the aerosol generating consumables within the aerosol generating device. Disengaging the electrodes improves the safety of the device.

[0016] In one example, the moving mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the chamber to an exposed position, allowing the user to remove a used aerosol generator and insert a new one. By providing the moving mechanism in this way, the user can easily and safely insert and remove aerosol generator consumables.

[0017] The moving mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the chamber in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. By moving at least a portion of the chamber vertically, the user can easily access the chamber.

[0018] At least one electrode may include an electrode pair. In other words, there may be a first electrode and a second electrode in the form of a pair. The first and second electrodes may be subjected to different voltages so as to form a potential between the two electrodes. In some examples, one of the electrodes is held to ground or 0 volts.

[0019] In one example, a plurality of aerosol generating consumables for an aerosol generator are provided, each aerosol generating consumable comprising an aerosol precursor and one or more conductors in the aerosol precursor, and at least one of the plurality of aerosol generating consumables is movable within the aerosol generator. Providing the plurality of aerosol generating consumables in such an arrangement means that aerosols can be generated in a practically efficient manner. Since the aerosol generating consumables are conductive, aerosols are generated more efficiently, and thus consumables of a relatively small overall size can be provided. Therefore, the plurality of aerosol generating consumables can be stacked in the chamber or storage section of the aerosol generator.

[0020] In one example, the weight of each aerosol-generating consumable exceeds 100 mg. Providing aerosol-generating consumables of this weight means that the consumable generates enough aerosol for multiple puffs by the user. In several examples, the weight of each aerosol-generating consumable is between 200 mg and 300 mg.

[0021] In one example, a system is provided that includes an aerosol generator and an aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generating consumable comprising an aerosol precursor and one or more conductors in the aerosol precursor.

[0022] Since the aerosol generating consumables are conductive, a resistance heater within the device is unnecessary. This means that only the electrodes need to be electrically connected to the aerosol generating consumables themselves, thus saving space within the aerosol generating device. The above-described combination of aerosol generating device and aerosol generating consumables is effective because the moving mechanism can move the aerosol generating consumables within the device to a position where they can contact the electrodes as needed.

[0023] In one example, a method of using an aerosol generator is provided, which includes the steps of: receiving an aerosol generating consumable into the chamber of the aerosol generator; using a moving mechanism to move the aerosol generating consumable received in the aerosol generator to bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode of the aerosol generator; and supplying power to the aerosol generating consumable using at least one electrode.

[0024] Providing power to a "conductive" aerosol-generating consumable, as in this case, means that a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated for the user using a relatively small aerosol-generating consumable. Therefore, the aerosol-generating consumable can be stored in a stationary position within the chamber of the aerosol generator and then moved to an operating position for aerosolization within the device. In the operating position, the aerosol-generating consumable comes into contact with electrodes. In other words, the moving mechanism is configured to move the aerosol-generating consumable from a first position to a second position within the chamber.

[0025] In one example, an aerosol generator is provided for receiving an aerosol generating consumable and supplying power to the aerosol generating consumable, the aerosol generator comprising a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating consumable and at least one electrode configured to be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating consumable during use and to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable, wherein the at least one electrode is movable between a first position in which they are electrically engaged with the aerosol generating consumable in the chamber and a second position in which they are not electrically engaged with the aerosol generating consumable in the chamber. For example, the at least one electrode may be configured to be retractable. In this example, a moving mechanism configured to move the aerosol generating consumable from the first position to the second position in the chamber may not be necessary. The movable electrode may be advantageous in itself. Moving the electrode means that the safety of the device is improved. It prevents the user from accidentally touching the electrode during loading / unloading procedures. Additionally or alternatively, this movement may provide more space for the aerosol generating consumable or make it easier to load or unload the consumable.

[0026] In this example where the electrode is movable, the chamber can be adjusted between a first configuration in which the chamber is closed and a second configuration in which the user can load the aerosol-generating consumable into the chamber, and at least one electrode is configured to be retracted from the chamber when the chamber is in the second configuration. In the second configuration, power is not supplied to the aerosol-generating consumable. Retracting the electrode from the chamber in the second configuration where the user can load / remove the consumable into / from the chamber means that the safety of the device is improved. The user is prevented from accidentally contacting the electrode during the loading / removal procedure. Additionally or alternatively, this retraction (i.e., movement) can ensure a larger space for the aerosol-generating consumable or make it easier to load or remove the consumable. The aerosol-generating device may include a mouthpiece, and the chamber can be adjusted to the second position when the mouthpiece is moved with respect to the chamber so as to provide access to the chamber. Making the chamber accessible using the mouthpiece is an efficient way to close the chamber and also access the chamber. In this example, a movement mechanism including features as described above may also be present, but this movement mechanism is not essential for the operation of the device.

[0027] The different combinations described above can be combined together in various combinations.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1A] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol-generating device in a first configuration. [Figure 1B] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol-generating device in a second configuration. [Figure 1C] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol-generating device having a schematic opening. [Figure 1D] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of an aerosol-generating device. [Figure 1E]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first example of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 2A] This is an example of a carousel for use in an aerosol generation device. [Figure 2B] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 2C] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of an aerosol generating apparatus. [Figure 3A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generator in the first configuration is shown. [Figure 3B] A schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of an aerosol generator in the second configuration is shown. [Figure 3C] A schematic cross-sectional view of the third example of an aerosol generator in the third configuration is shown. [Figure 4A] A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation consumable is shown. [Figure 4B] A schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generation consumable is shown. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing a method for generating aerosols. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] As used herein, the terms “aerosol precursor,” “vapor precursor,” or “vaporizing substance” are used synonymously and refer to solid or semi-solid substances that release an aerosol when heated. An aerosol precursor is a solid or semi-solid substance and may include nicotine and / or tobacco and a volatilizer. The aerosol precursor is configured to release an aerosol when heated or mechanically stimulated in other ways (such as by vibration). Tobacco can take various forms, such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of a nicotine salt. Suitable volatilizers include polyols (sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols (such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol)), non-polyols (such as monohydric alcohols), acids (such as lactic acid), glycerol derivatives, esters (such as triacetin), triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin, or vegetable glycerin.

[0031] The aerosol generator is configured to aerosolize aerosol precursors without combustion in order to facilitate the delivery of aerosols to the user. Furthermore, as is common in this art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “vaporize,” “volatilize,” and “aerosolize,” can generally be used interchangeably.

[0032] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device.” The device may be portable. “Portable” means a device that is held in the hand for use by a user. The device may be configured to generate a variable amount of aerosol that can be controlled by user input.

[0033] The aerosol generator is configured to work in conjunction with an aerosol generation consumable containing one or more conductors. The presence of one or more conductors in the aerosol generation consumable means that aerosols can be generated more efficiently and at a faster speed compared to conventional external heaters.

[0034] Surprisingly, providing a "conductive" aerosol-generating consumable containing one or more conductors within the aerosol precursor means that the overall size of the consumable can be reduced, and the consumable itself can be stored within the device. In this regard, individual aerosol consumables can be moved so as to be positioned in contact with one or more electrodes of the aerosol generator.

[0035] Figure 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first example of aerosol generator 100 in the first configuration.

[0036] The aerosol generator 100 includes a chamber 102 that can receive one or more aerosol generating consumables 150. For example, as shown in Figure 1A, the chamber 102 may be configured to receive multiple aerosol generating consumables 150.

[0037] The aerosol generator 100 includes at least one electrode 104 that is electrically connected to the aerosol generating consumable 150 and configured to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable 150.

[0038] The aerosol generating device 100 includes a moving mechanism 106 configured to move at least a portion of the aerosol generating consumables 150 and bring them into electrical contact with one or more electrodes 104 of the aerosol generating device 100.

[0039] As described above, the aerosol generator 100 includes at least one electrode 104 configured to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable 150 during use. In one example, at least one electrode 104 is integral with the inner wall of the chamber 102. In this example, the aerosol generating consumable 150 may contact the inner wall of the chamber 102 during use to establish electrical contact with one or more electrodes 104.

[0040] In other examples, at least one electrode 104 extends into the chamber 102. At least one electrode 104 is configured to be in direct contact with the aerosol generating consumable 100 during use. In one example, the moving mechanism is configured to move the aerosol generating consumable 100 (or a portion of the aerosol generating consumable 100) so that at least a portion of the aerosol generating consumable 100 is pressed between at least two electrodes 104 (or between one electrode and a grounding element) during use. In one example, at least one electrode 104 includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. In other examples, at least one electrode 104 includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group. The first electrode group is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the second electrode group. Preferably, the predetermined distance is substantially equal to the thickness of the aerosol generating consumable 150.

[0041] One or more electrodes 104 may be coupled to a control unit 108 (also known as a control circuit). The control unit 108 and other aspects of the aerosol generator 100 may be powered by a battery (not shown). The aerosol generator 100 may also include a control unit 108 (or control circuit) for the electronic management of the aerosol generator 100. The control unit 108 may include a PCB or other components (not shown). The control unit 108 is configured to control the amount of power supplied to one or more electrodes 104, and consequently to the aerosol generating consumables 150, for example, by controlling the amount of power supplied to one or more electrodes 104. In some examples, one side of the aerosol generating consumables can be easily connected to a grounding element, so only one electrode is needed to complete the circuit and supply current through the aerosol generating consumables. In other examples, the aforementioned grounding element is considered to be an electrode, and therefore the aerosol generator includes an electrode pair. Each of the two electrodes 104 is positioned to provide (e.g., different) electrode potentials to control the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating consumable 150. One electrode potential can be zero or ground potential. The control unit 108 may be configured to receive data from various sensors / inputs and to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 100 based on the received data.

[0042] The aerosol generator 100 may include a mouthpiece 110 through which the user inhales from the aerosol generator 100 and inhales the generated aerosol. The mouthpiece may include a vent or channel connected to an area close to the aerosol generator consumable 150 for any aerosol generated from the aerosol generator consumable 100 during use to pass through. For example, this channel may extend between the opening of the mouthpiece 110 and a chamber 102 in which the aerosol generator consumable 100 can be received. The mouthpiece 110 is positioned so that it can be received in the user's mouth during use.

[0043] In one example, the chamber 102 is closed in the first configuration, and in the second configuration, the user can access it to insert or possibly remove one or more aerosol substrate consumables 150. In other words, the user cannot access the chamber 102 in the first configuration, but can access it in the second configuration.

[0044] Chamber 102 can be considered to be in the first configuration when the mouthpiece 110 is closing the chamber 102, as shown in Figure 1A. In other words, if the position of the mouthpiece 110 prevents access to the chamber 102, the chamber 102 is considered to be in the first configuration.

[0045] In one example, when the mouthpiece 110 is moved to a position that provides an opening to the chamber 102, the chamber 102 may be considered to be in a second configuration. The mouthpiece 110 may be movable between an open position and a closed position by pivoting around a hinge 112. The hinge 112 may effectively connect the mouthpiece 110 to the rest of the aerosol generator 100 and allow the mouthpiece 110 to rotate around the hinge 112. The mouthpiece 110 may include a fastener (or similar) for detachably holding the mouthpiece 110 in the closed position (chamber 102 in the first configuration), and the user may release the fastener and pivot the mouthpiece 110 around the hinge 112 to move the mouthpiece 110 to an open position (chamber 102 in the second configuration). Alternatively, the mouthpiece 110 may be configured to slide to move the chamber 102 between the first and second configurations. As mentioned above, providing a movable mouthpiece means that the user can easily clean the mouthpiece.

[0046] Figure 1B shows an example of the chamber 102 in a second configuration in which the chamber 102 is accessible to the user and the user can insert or remove one or more aerosol generating consumables 150 into or from the chamber 102.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 1B, when the chamber 102 is in the second configuration, one or more electrodes 104 can be retracted from the chamber 102. That is, when the user can load the aerosol generating consumable 150 into the chamber 102, one or more electrodes are retracted from the chamber 102. By retracting one or more electrodes 102 in this way, the safety of using the device is improved because one or more electrodes are not in a position where the user can come into contact with them. For example, in the second configuration, the user can put their fingers into the chamber 102 and insert the aerosol generating consumable 150 into it, so removing one or more electrodes 104 from the chamber 102 is important to prevent the user from touching the electrodes 104.

[0048] More generally, one or more of the electrodes 104 may be movable. That is, one or more electrodes may be movable to positions where they are in electrical contact with the aerosol generating consumable 150, and to positions where they are not in electrical contact with the aerosol generating consumable 150. Considering the properties of the conductive consumable, this movement of one or more electrodes may provide an efficient method for electrically coupling the aerosol generating consumable to one or more electrodes.

[0049] In one example, the aerosol generator 100 includes an activation input sensor (not shown). The activation input sensor may be a button, touchpad, or other for sensing user input such as a tap or swipe. In another example, the activation input sensor includes an aerosol generation consumable sensor configured to detect whether an aerosol generation consumable 150 has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100. For example, the input sensor may include a reliability detector configured to detect whether an aerosol generation consumable 150 containing one or more conductors has been inserted into the aerosol generator 100. The input sensor may detect whether the presence of the aerosol generation consumable 100 containing one or more conductors completes a circuit between at least one electrode 104. User input may also include inhalation by the user.

[0050] The aerosol generator 100 may include a power source (not shown), such as a battery. The power source may provide electrical energy to the aerosol generator 100, providing a voltage in the range of 1V to 8V. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage source is a lithium-ion battery delivering a value of 3.7V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for modern aerosol generators in terms of rechargeability.

[0051] Figure 1C shows an example of an aerosol generator 100, in which the door 114 to the chamber 102 is shown open. The door 114 provides an opening from which used aerosol generating consumables 100 can be discharged after use. The door 114 is separate from the opening from which the aerosol generating consumables 100 are inserted into the chamber 102. That is, in the example, there are separate inlets and outlets from which the aerosol generating consumables 100 are inserted into the chamber 102. The door 114 may be opened in response to user input (e.g., pressing a button). In some examples, one or more electrodes 104 are configured to retract from the chamber 102 when the door 114 is opened. This improves safety as it reduces the opportunity for the user to come into contact with the electrodes 104. Figure 1D shows an example of an aerosol generator 100 in which aerosol generating consumables 150 are discharged from the chamber 102 through the door 114. As described above, the moving mechanism 106 may be configured to discharge aerosol-generating consumables through the door 114.

[0052] Figure 1E shows an example of an aerosol generator 100 after an aerosol generating consumable 150 has been discharged from the chamber 102. A new aerosol generating consumable 150 is moved by the transfer mechanism 106 so that it makes electrical contact with one or more electrodes 104. In other words, the transfer mechanism 106 moved the new aerosol generating consumable 150 in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1E. In this example, all of the remaining aerosol generating consumables 150 in the chamber 150 are moved by the transfer mechanism 106, whereas in other examples, only one aerosol generating consumable 150 is moved at a time.

[0053] In Figure 1E, the transfer mechanism 106 moves the remaining aerosol-generating consumables in the chamber 102 to a new position, thereby bringing the new aerosol-generating consumables 102 into contact with one or more electrodes 104 of the aerosol generator 100.

[0054] In the examples shown in Figures 1A to 1E, the moving mechanism 106 includes a linear actuator configured to move the aerosol generating consumable 150 substantially in a linear direction. For example, the moving mechanism 106 moves the aerosol generating consumable 150 in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the chamber 102 (and / or aerosol generating device 100). In one example, the moving mechanism 106 is coupled within the inner wall of the chamber 102. For example, the moving mechanism 106 may be mounted at the base of the chamber 102. In one example, the moving mechanism includes a compression spring for biasing the aerosol generating consumable to a predetermined position within the chamber.

[0055] The moving mechanism 106 may be configured to isolate one aerosol generating consumable 150 and move it independently of other aerosol generating consumables 150 in the chamber 102. For example, the moving mechanism 106 may be positioned on one side of the aerosol generating consumables 150 to move only the aerosol generating consumables 150 closest to one or more electrodes 104 in the chamber 102.

[0056] In one example, the aerosol generating consumables 150 may be arranged in a stacked configuration, as shown in Figure 1A, for example. In this example, the stacked consumables can be inserted into the chamber 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. Such a design of the aerosol generating consumables 150 allows for easy stacking of multiple consumables 150 within the device 100, which helps to avoid the user having to carry separate packages of consumables 150, for example, by allowing all of the consumables 150 to be placed inside the device in certain configurations.

[0057] However, other arrangements of the moving mechanism 106 are also conceivable, such as the examples shown in Figures 2A to 2C. In the examples in Figures 2A to 2C, elements similar to those shown in Figures 1A to 1E are included, but with reference numerals increased by 100. The only difference from the examples described above is the arrangement of the moving mechanism 206 and the aerosol generating consumable 250.

[0058] Figure 2A shows a schematic cross-section of the aerosol generating apparatus 200 of the second example. In this example, the moving mechanism 208 is configured to rotate the aerosol generating consumable 250. That is, the moving mechanism 206 can rotate the aerosol generating consumable 250 to make electrical contact with one or more electrodes 204. After the aerosol generating consumable 250 has been used, the moving mechanism can move another aerosol generating consumable 250 to make electrical contact with one or more electrodes 204. Since the aerosol generating consumable 250 is conductive (as will be described in more detail below), the electrical contact required between the aerosol generating consumable and the electrodes 204 can be small compared to the much larger contact area required for resistance heating or other methods. In the example shown in Figure 2A, one or more electrodes 204 are configured to contact one side of the aerosol generating consumable 250.

[0059] The moving mechanism 206 may take the form of a rotary actuator configured to rotate a carousel holding one or more aerosol-generating consumables 250. Figure 2B shows an example of actuator 206A coupled to a carousel 206B holding aerosol-generating consumables 250. In the example shown in Figure 2B, there are eight aerosol-generating consumables 250 held by the carousel 206B, but other numbers are also conceivable. Actuator 206A is configured to rotate the carousel 206B. In other examples, actuator 206A is configured to rotate the carousel around the longitudinal axis of the chamber 202. In this example, the user can select specific aerosol-generating consumables electrically connected to one or more electrodes 204, and the rotary actuator can move the carousel 206B accordingly. In one example, the carousel 206B is made from a pulp injection molded part. In other words, one or more aerosol-generating consumables 250 may be electrically isolated from each other.

[0060] Figure 2C shows a schematic example of an aerosol generator 200 according to a second example, in which one or more electrodes 204 are moved to contact the end of an aerosol generating consumable 250.

[0061] In these examples, one or more electrodes 104, 204 are configured to be disengaged from the aerosol-generating consumables during the operation of the mobile mechanism. In some examples, one or more electrodes 104, 204 are configured to be retracted from the chambers 102, 202 during the operation of the mobile mechanism.

[0062] Figure 3A shows a schematic cross-section of a third example of the aerosol generator 300. In the examples of Figures 3A-3C, elements similar to those shown in Figures 2A-2C are included, but with reference numerals increased by 100. The examples of Figures 3A-3C have a different arrangement of the moving mechanism 306 compared to the moving mechanism 106 shown in Figures 1A-1E and the moving mechanism 206 shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0063] In this example, the mouthpiece 310 can be completely separated from the rest of the aerosol generator 300 during use (as shown in Figure 3B). However, as described in other examples, the aerosol generator 300 may instead rotate around a hinge (not shown).

[0064] The chamber 302 may be formed by a recess in the mouthpiece 310 and / or the rest of the aerosol generator, and a movable part such as a movable tray. The first electrode 304 may be located in the mouthpiece 310, and the second electrode 304 may be located in the rest of the device 300. The first electrode 304 and the second electrode 304 may be located on opposite sides of the chamber 304.

[0065] In this example, the moving mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber 302 or at least a portion of the chamber 302 so that the user can easily insert or remove the aerosol generating consumable 350 into or out of the chamber 302. In other words, the moving mechanism 306 can move the chamber 302 to a position where the aerosol generating consumable 350 can be received, and then the moving mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber containing the aerosol generating consumable 350 to a position where the aerosol generating consumable 350 is in contact with one or more electrodes 304 (as shown in Figure 3A).

[0066] When the aerosol generating consumable 350 is depleted, the user may detach the mouthpiece 310 from the rest of the device (as shown in Figure 3B), and then move the chamber 302 to an accessible position via the moving mechanism 306 so that the user can replace the used aerosol generating consumable 350 with a new one. The user may then operate the moving mechanism 306 to bring the new aerosol generating consumable into electrical contact with one or more electrodes 304. In one example, the moving mechanism 306 is configured to move the chamber 302 (or at least a portion of the chamber 302) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 300.

[0067] Figure 4A shows a schematic example of an aerosol generating consumable 150. The aerosol generating consumable 150 comprises an aerosol precursor 152 and one or more conductors 154. The aerosol precursor may be a solid aerosol precursor or a semi-solid aerosol precursor. That is, the aerosol precursor is not configured to flow in an unheated state. The aerosol precursor 152 is configured to release an aerosol when heated.

[0068] One or more conductors 154 are configured to conduct electricity received from the aerosol generators 100, 200, and 300, as described above. The size and arrangement of the one or more conductors 154 are set so that electricity passes through them and the temperature of the conductors 154 rises, heating the aerosol precursor. In other words, the aerosol precursor 152 includes one or more conductors 154 that are at least partially embedded therein and conduct electricity. The one or more conductors 154 may include a plurality of individual conductors dispersed throughout the aerosol precursor 152. The aerosol generation consumable 150 can be considered a conductive aerosol generation consumable. By providing one or more conductors 154 in the aerosol precursor 152, the time required to generate aerosol for the user during use is significantly reduced.

[0069] One or more conductors 154 may be present within one or more dedicated heating layers, as shown in Figure 4A. Depending on the properties or number of conductors 154, one or more dedicated heating layers may be regions with a high level of conductivity or a relatively high level of conductivity.

[0070] In another example, as shown in Figure 4B, the conductor 154 is dispersed throughout the aerosol precursor 152.

[0071] One or more conductors 154 may be present in the aerosol precursor 152 in the form of fine particles (note that Figures 4A and 4B are schematic examples and are not shown to precise scale). One or more conductors 154 may take the form of graphite or charcoal particles. The material may take the form of powder, free, or aggregated particles. It is also possible to use other conductive materials that are approved, particularly in the tobacco or food industry.

[0072] Figure 4C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating consumable 150 between two electrodes 104, 204, and 304. The aerosol generating consumable 150 is configured to electrically connect the electrodes 104, 204, and 304 that sandwich them. As described above, the electrodes 104, 204, and 304 are part of the aerosol generating devices 100, 200, and 300. Powering at least one electrode 104, 204, and 304 is used interchangeably with powering the aerosol generating consumable 150.

[0073] In one example, at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced a predetermined distance apart, and can receive an aerosol generating consumable. In another example, at least one electrode 104, 204, 304 includes a first electrode group and a second electrode group. The first electrode group is spaced a certain distance from the second electrode group, which is preferably substantially the same as the thickness of the aerosol generating consumable 100.

[0074] The aerosol generating consumable 150 may include one or more electrical contacts (not shown) configured to electrically couple to one or more electrodes 104, 204, 304 of the aerosol generating devices 100, 200, 300. In other examples, the consumable 150 does not include electrical contacts separate from the one or more conductors 154 (for example, one or more conductors may be directly electrically coupled to the electrodes themselves).

[0075] In the example, the thickness of the aerosol generating consumable 150 is relatively small with respect to its width. The aerosol generating consumable 150 may be substantially disk-shaped and / or have a rounded periphery. One or more electrodes of the aerosol generator may be configured to abut the opposite side of the aerosol generating consumable and be separated by the thickness of the consumable. In one example, multiple aerosol generating consumables may be provided in a stacked configuration. Multiple aerosol generating consumables may be electrically isolated from each other, for example, through the use of an electrical insulator located between adjacent aerosol generating consumables.

[0076] The weight of the aerosol generating consumable 150 may exceed 100 mg to allow the user to generate enough aerosol for multiple puffs (i.e., inhalation actions). In some cases, the weight of the aerosol generating consumable 150 is between 200 mg and 300 mg.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the steps for generating aerosols. In step 400, the method includes receiving aerosol generating consumables 150, 250, and 350 into chambers 102, 202, and 302 of aerosol generating devices 100, 200, and 300. In step 402, using the moving mechanism 106, 206, and 306, the aerosol generating consumables 150, 250, and 350 received in the aerosol generating devices 100, 200, and 300 are moved to make electrical contact with at least one electrode 104, 204, and 304 of the aerosol generating devices 100, 200, and 300, and power is supplied to the aerosol generating consumables 150, 250, and 350 using at least one electrode 104, 204, and 304.

[0078] While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims and described above.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300) that receives aerosol generating consumables (150, 250, 350) and supplies power to said aerosol generating consumables, Chambers (102, 202, 302) for receiving the aerosol generating consumables, During use, at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) is configured to be electrically coupled to the aerosol generating consumable and to supply power to the aerosol generating consumable, A moving mechanism (106, 206, 306) is configured to move the aerosol generating consumable received by the aerosol generating device and bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode, Aerosol generators (100, 200, 300) including [the specified component].

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the electrodes are movable.

3. The aforementioned chambers (102, 202, 302) are A first configuration in which the chamber is closed, A second arrangement in which the user can load the aerosol generating consumable into the chamber It can be adjusted between these two points. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) is configured to be retracted from the chamber in the second arrangement.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a mouthpiece (110, 210, 310), wherein the chamber can be adjusted to the second arrangement when the mouthpiece is moved relative to the chamber to allow access to the chamber.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of aerosol generating consumables are configured to be received in the chamber, and the moving mechanism (106, 206, 306) is configured to move at least one of the aerosol generating consumables during use to bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode (104, 204, 304).

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the chamber includes a door (114) through which the moving mechanism is configured to discharge used aerosol generating consumables.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the moving mechanism includes a linear actuator configured to position the plurality of aerosol generating consumables such that at least one of the aerosol generating consumables is in electrical contact with at least one electrode.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the moving mechanism includes a rotary actuator configured to position the aerosol generating consumables such that at least one of the aerosol generating consumables is in electrical contact with at least one electrode.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) is configured to be disengaged during movement of the moving mechanism for positioning the aerosol generating consumable within the aerosol generating apparatus.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the chambers (102, 202, 302) to an exposed position so that the user can remove a used aerosol generating unit and insert a new aerosol generating unit.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the moving mechanism is configured to move at least a portion of the chambers (102, 202, 302) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus.

12. A plurality of aerosol generating consumables for use with the aerosol generating apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein each aerosol generating consumable is Aerosol precursor (152), One or more conductors (154) in the aerosol precursor and Includes, At least one of the plurality of aerosol generating consumables is a plurality of aerosol generating consumables that are movable within the aerosol generating device.

13. A plurality of aerosol generating consumables according to claim 12, wherein the weight of each aerosol generating consumable exceeds approximately 100 mg.

14. an aerosol generating apparatus (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Aerosol generating consumables (150, 250, 350), Aerosol precursors (152), and One or more conductors (154) in the aerosol precursor This includes aerosol generating consumables (150, 250, 350) and A system that includes this.

15. A method for using an aerosol generator (100, 200, 300), The steps include receiving aerosol generation consumables (150, 250, 350) into the chambers (102, 202, 302) of the aerosol generation apparatus, The steps include using a moving mechanism (106, 206, 306) to move the aerosol generating consumable received by the aerosol generating device and bring it into electrical contact with at least one electrode (104, 204, 304) of the aerosol generating device, The steps of supplying power to the aerosol generating consumable using at least one of the electrodes, Methods that include...

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