Aerosol generating device

Abstract

The aerosol-generating device (10) includes a heating chamber (18) for receiving an aerosol-generating substrate (42), a heater (32) for heating the aerosol-generating substrate (42) disposed in the heating chamber (18), and a debris collection section (60). The debris collection section (60) is movable between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to collect debris generated within the heating chamber (18) during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate (42) by the heater (32), and in the second position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to allow removal or discharge of the collected debris.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to aerosol-generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol-generating devices for heating an aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to portable (handheld) aerosol-generating devices that may be self-contained and cryogenic. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers) has grown rapidly as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm an aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0003] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol-generating devices, or so-called heated non-combustion devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol-generating substrate, typically to a temperature in the range of 150°C to 300°C. The aerosol-generating substrate is heated without combustion, and the vapor is generated by heating the aerosol-generating substrate to a temperature in the upper range, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user of the device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even when the aerosol-generating substrate is heated to a relatively low temperature, for example within the temperature ranges mentioned above, debris can be generated as a result of heating. Allowing debris to accumulate within the aerosol-generating device can impair the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an aerosol generating device that alleviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a heated chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating substrate; a heater for heating the aerosol-generating substrate disposed in the heating chamber; a debris collection portion movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the debris collection portion is configured to collect debris generated within the heating chamber during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate by the heater, and in the second position the debris collection portion is configured to allow removal or discharge of the collected debris; An aerosol generating device is provided, comprising:

[0007] The aerosol-generating device is adapted to heat, without burning, the aerosol-generating substrate to evaporate at least one component of the aerosol-generating substrate, thereby generating a vapor that cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device is a handheld, portable device.

[0008] Generally speaking, a vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase below its critical temperature, meaning that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing the pressure without decreasing the temperature. An aerosol, on the other hand, is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" may be used interchangeably herein, particularly with respect to the form of inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

[0009] The debris collection section facilitates the collection of debris (e.g., dust and / or dirt) that may occur inside the heating chamber due to heating of the aerosol-generating substrate during use of the aerosol-generating device. The debris is reliably collected when the debris collection section is in the first position, and the collected debris can be easily removed or discharged by simply moving the debris collection section from the first position to the second position. By simply collecting and removing debris from the heating chamber using the debris collection section, the accumulation of debris and deposits inside the heating chamber is minimized. Because debris and deposits remaining inside the heating chamber may tend to cause overheating during use of the device, removing the debris and deposits extends the operating life of components of the aerosol-generating device, such as the heater and power source (e.g., battery). Furthermore, cleaning of the aerosol-generating device can be easily and conveniently accomplished without the need for additional cleaning tools or accessories.

[0010] The heating chamber may include one or more sidewalls. The heating chamber may include a first end having an opening for receiving the aerosol-generating substrate. The heating chamber may include a second end opposite the first end. The heater may be disposed between the first and second ends of the heating chamber. The aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber through the opening in the first end. The aerosol-generating substrate may form part of an aerosol-generating article. At least a portion of the aerosol-generating article may protrude from the opening in the first end when the aerosol-generating substrate is fully inserted into the heating chamber.

[0011] When the debris collection portion is in the first position, the debris collection portion may form part of one or more side walls of the heating chamber and / or may form part of a closure at the second end of the heating chamber, such that the debris collection portion forms part of the heating chamber and ensures debris collection at the second end.

[0012] The debris collection unit may be disposed at the second end of the heating chamber. The debris collection unit may be disposed at the second end of the heating chamber when the debris collection unit is in the first position. The debris collection unit may be configured to close the second end of the heating chamber when the debris collection unit is in the first position. During use of the aerosol generating device, a user typically orients the device so that the second end of the heating chamber faces downward and / or is distal to the user's mouth and the first end faces upward and / or is proximal to the user's mouth. As such, the second end of the heating chamber is typically disposed at a lower position than the first end during use of the aerosol generating device. As such, debris generated during use of the aerosol generating device is likely to fall into the second end of the heating chamber due to the action of gravity, thereby ensuring that the debris is collected by the debris collection unit disposed at the second end of the heating chamber.

[0013] The debris collection portion may be removably attached to the heating chamber such that the debris collection portion may be separated from the heating chamber when the debris collection portion is moved from the first position to the second position. Such a configuration facilitates easy removal of debris from the debris collection portion when the debris collection portion is in the second position and separated from the heating chamber.

[0014] The debris collection portion may be attached to the heating chamber when the debris collection portion is in both the first position and the second position. In this manner, the debris collection portion may be permanently attached to the heating chamber. This configuration ensures that the heating chamber cannot be accidentally detached from the aerosol generating device and lost by a user when removing or ejecting debris from the debris collection portion.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may have a longitudinal axis.

[0016] In one embodiment, the debris collection portion may be movable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position. The debris collection portion may be slidable in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position, for example, along a linear guide track. In this manner, movement of the debris collection portion between the first position and the second position may be easily accomplished by a user, and debris collected when the debris collection portion is in the second position may be easily removed or ejected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the debris collection portion may be movable between a first position and a second position by one or both of translational and rotational movement relative to the longitudinal axis. The debris collection portion may be attached to the heating chamber by one or both of a guide track and a pivot mount to enable the one or both of the translational and rotational movement. In this manner, movement of the debris collection portion between the first position and the second position may be easily accomplished by a user, and debris collected when the debris collection portion is in the second position may be easily removed or ejected.

[0018] The debris collection portion may be configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state, where the locked state prevents movement of the debris collection portion from the first position to the second position, and the unlocked state allows movement of the debris collection portion from the first position to the second position. For example, it may be advantageous for the debris collection portion to be in a locked state during use of the aerosol generating device to ensure that debris is reliably collected and that the debris collection portion cannot inadvertently move from the first position to the second position, thereby impairing its functionality.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The aerosol generating device may be provided with a user interface for controlling operation of the aerosol generating device via the controller.

[0020] The controller may be configured to switch the debris collection unit between a locked state and an unlocked state. The controller may be configured to switch the debris collection unit from the unlocked state to the locked state when use of the aerosol generating device is initiated. The controller may be configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device in response to a user input, such as pressing a button to activate the device, or in response to detected airflow through the aerosol generating device. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, airflow through the device indicates an inhalation or "puff" by the user. The aerosol generating device may include a puff detector, such as an airflow sensor, to detect airflow through the device. These configurations advantageously ensure that the debris collection unit is locked when use of the aerosol generating device is initiated, and the locking is performed automatically, in the sense that the locking is performed by the controller without the user having to perform a separate locking step that may be inadvertently missed or forgotten. This makes the aerosol generating device easier to use.

[0021] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to switch the debris collection unit from a locked state to an unlocked state after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the start of the predetermined time may be determined by the controller as the time when use of the aerosol generating device begins. Thus, the start of the predetermined time may be initiated in response to a user input, such as a button press to activate the device or an input via a user interface, or in response to a detected airflow through the aerosol generating device, such as the first puff by the user. The predetermined time may be periodic, i.e., repeatable at regular time intervals. These configurations advantageously ensure that the debris collection unit is automatically unlocked without user intervention, in the sense that the unlocking is performed by the controller without the user having to perform a separate unlocking step. This further facilitates use of the aerosol generating device.

[0022] The aerosol generating device may include a mechanical lock that may be configured to switch the debris collection portion from a locked state to an unlocked state by user manipulation, such that locking and unlocking the debris collection portion may be performed simply and conveniently by a user of the device through manual manipulation.

[0023] The debris collection portion may be configured to remain in a locked state when the temperature near the debris collection portion is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature. The debris collection portion may be configured to switch from a locked state to an unlocked state when the temperature near the debris collection portion is less than a predetermined temperature. This configuration ensures that the debris collection portion is unlocked, and therefore movable from the first position to the second position, only when the debris collection portion is sufficiently cool. In this way, a user cannot access the debris collection portion to remove or eject collected debris immediately after use of the device, when the temperature is typically too high. In this way, the safety of the aerosol-generating device may be improved.

[0024] The aerosol-generating device may include a temperature sensor located proximate the debris collection section and operably connected to a controller, and the controller may be configured to maintain the debris collection section in a locked state when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature. By way of purely non-limiting example, the predetermined temperature may be 45°C. The term "temperature sensor" is used to describe an element capable of determining the absolute or relative temperature of a portion of the aerosol-generating device near the debris collection section. The term "temperature sensor" may include thermocouples, thermopiles, thermistors, etc. The temperature sensor may be provided as part of another component or may be a separate component.

[0025] The debris collection portion may comprise a heat-sensitive material having dimensions that change depending on the temperature of the material. The heat-sensitive material may cooperate with the heating chamber and / or device housing to maintain the debris collection portion in the locked state when the temperature near the debris collection portion is at or above a predetermined temperature. The heat-sensitive material may optionally be a shape-memory material, such as a shape-memory alloy. When the temperature of the heat-sensitive material is at or above a predetermined temperature (such as experienced during operation of the heater), the heat-sensitive material expands a sufficient amount, for example, to form an interference fit between the debris collection portion and the heating chamber and / or device housing, thereby maintaining the debris collection portion in the locked state. As a result, the debris collection portion is maintained in the locked state when the temperature of the debris collection portion is at or above the predetermined temperature. The use of a heat-sensitive material, preferably a shape-memory heat-sensitive material, advantageously ensures that the debris collection portion can be switched between the locked and unlocked states automatically and without user intervention, in the sense that locking and unlocking occur without the user having to perform a separate locking and / or unlocking step. This makes the aerosol generating device easier to use without requiring a separate locking mechanism or additional control logic to perform the locking / unlocking. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, when the heater is turned off, the aerosol generating device cools down and, once it has cooled down a sufficient amount so that the temperature at the second end of the heating chamber is below a predetermined temperature, thermal contraction of the debris collection portion will be sufficient to allow the debris collection portion to be removed from the heating chamber, for example, because there is no longer an interference fit between the debris collection portion and the heating chamber and / or device housing.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may include a detector that may be configured to detect the position of the debris collection portion, for example, to detect whether the debris collection portion is in a first position or another position, such as a second position. The detector may be configured to provide a first position signal to the controller when the debris collection portion is in the first position. The detector may be configured to provide a second position signal to the controller when the debris collection portion is in any position other than the first position, such as the second position. The controller may be adapted to enable operation of the heater in response to the first position signal and to prevent operation of the heater in response to the second position signal. This configuration operates the heater only when the debris collection portion is in the first position and prevents operation of the heater when the debris collection portion is in any other position, such as the second position. This ensures that debris is reliably collected by the debris collection portion at all times during use of the aerosol generating device.

[0027] The term "heater" should be understood to mean any device for outputting sufficient thermal energy to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and thereby form an aerosol. The heater may be electrically powered and may include a resistive track element (optionally including insulating packaging), an induction heating system (including, for example, an electromagnet and a high-frequency oscillator), etc. The heater may be positioned around the outside of the heating chamber and thus the aerosol-forming substrate, may thereby penetrate partway or completely into the heating chamber and thus the aerosol-forming substrate, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The heater may comprise a resistive heater. The resistive heater may comprise a resistive heating element or may comprise a sidewall of the heating chamber. The resistive heating element or the sidewall of the heating chamber may comprise an electrically resistive material. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, metals, metal alloys, conductive ceramics such as tungsten and their alloys, and composite materials including metallic and ceramic materials.

[0029] The heater may include an induction coil configured to generate an alternating current electromagnetic field for inductively heating the inductively heatable susceptor. The induction coil may include Litz wire or Litz cable, although it should be understood that other materials may be used. The induction coil may extend around the heating chamber.

[0030] The induction coil may be generally helical in shape. The circular cross-section of a helical induction coil may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating substrate, or an aerosol-generating article, for example including the aerosol-generating substrate, and optionally one or more inductively heatable susceptors, into the heating chamber and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol-generating substrate.

[0031] Inductively heatable susceptors may include, but are not limited to, one or more of aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and alloys thereof (e.g., nickel-chromium or nickel-copper). Application of an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the susceptor can cause the susceptor to generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in electromagnetic-to-thermal energy conversion.

[0032] The induction coil may be configured, in use, to operate with a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between about 20 mT and about 2.0 T at its highest density point.

[0033] The controller may include electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device may include a power source, such as a battery. The power source and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies. The power source and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at frequencies of about 80 kHz to 500 kHz, optionally about 150 kHz to 250 kHz, and optionally about 200 kHz. The power source and electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at higher frequencies, such as in the MHz range, depending on the type of inductively heatable susceptor used.

[0034] The aerosol-generating substrate can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Exemplary types of aerosol-generating solids include powders, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gels, strips, loose-leaf, cut-leaf, cut-filler, porous materials, foam materials, or sheets. The aerosol-generating substrate can include plant-derived materials, particularly tobacco. Plant-based aerosol-generating materials can advantageously include reconstituted tobacco.

[0035] Thus, an aerosol-generating device may equally be referred to as a "heated tobacco device," a "heated-non-combustible tobacco device," a "device for vaporizing tobacco products," etc., and is to be interpreted as any device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices designed to vaporize any aerosol-generating substrate.

[0036] The aerosol-generating substrate may be surrounded by a paper wrapper and thus embodied as an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick, and the substrate carrier may generally resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region with the aerosol-generating substrate arranged in a suitable configuration. The aerosol-generating article may also include a filter, for example, comprising cellulose acetate fibers. The filter may be coaxially aligned and abutting the aerosol-generating substrate. Some designs may also include one or more vapor-collection regions, cooling regions, and other structures.

[0037] The aerosol-forming base may contain an aerosol former. Examples of aerosol formers include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the aerosol-forming base may contain about 5% to about 50% aerosol former by dry weight. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming base may contain about 10% to about 20% aerosol former by dry weight, and in some cases about 15% aerosol former by dry weight.

[0038] Upon heating, the aerosol-forming substrate may release volatile compounds, which may include flavor compounds such as nicotine or tobacco flavorings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system including an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1, showing an aerosol article disposed in the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3a] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of a debris collection portion in a first position; [Figure 3b] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of a debris collection section in a second position; FIG. [Figure 4a] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of a debris collection portion in a first position. FIG. [Figure 4b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second example of a debris collector in a second position. FIG. [Figure 5a] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of a debris collection portion in a first position. FIG. [Figure 5b] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third example of a debris collection section in a second position. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] 1 and 2, an example aerosol generation system 1 is shown schematically. The aerosol generation system 1 includes an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol-generating article 40 for use in the device. The aerosol generating device 10 has a first (or proximal) end 12 and a second (or distal) end 14, and includes a device housing 16. The aerosol generating device 10 further includes a heating chamber 18 having a generally cylindrical cross-section, a power source 20, such as one or more batteries, and a controller 22, all of which are disposed within the device housing 16. The aerosol generating device is a handheld, portable device, meaning that a user can hold and support the device in one hand unaided.

[0042] The heating chamber 18 has a first end 24 and a second end 26, with an opening 28 at the first end 24 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating chamber 18 includes a generally cylindrical sidewall 30, i.e., a sidewall 30 having a generally circular cross-section.

[0043] The heating chamber 18 is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 40 having a correspondingly shaped, generally cylindrical or rod-shaped aerosol-generating substrate 42. The aerosol-generating article 40 is disposable and replaceable, and may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol-generating substrate 42. The aerosol-generating article 40 has a first end 44 (or mouth end) and a second end 46, and includes a filter 48 at the first end 44 that abuts and is coaxially aligned with the aerosol-generating substrate 42. The filter 48 functions as a mouthpiece and includes a breathable plug, for example, a breathable plug comprising cellulose acetate fibers. Both the aerosol-generating substrate 42 and the filter 48 are surrounded by a paper wrapper 50.

[0044] To use the aerosol generating system 1, the user inserts the aerosol generating article 40 into the heating chamber 18 through the opening 28 so that the second end 46 of the aerosol generating article 40 is positioned at the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 and the filter 48 at the first end 44 of the aerosol generating article 40 protrudes from the first end 24 of the heating chamber 18 so that the user can hold it between their lips.

[0045] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes a heater 32 for heating the aerosol-generating substrate 42 without burning the aerosol-generating substrate 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 32 is a resistive heater that coexists with the sidewalls of the heating chamber 18 and is positioned between the first end 24 and the second end 26. Of course, other types and configurations of heaters 32, such as those discussed earlier herein, may also be used.

[0046] During operation of the aerosol-generating system 1, an electric current is supplied to the resistive heater 32, heating the heater. Heat from the resistive heater 32 is transferred, for example by conduction, radiation, and convection, to the adjacent aerosol-generating substrate 42 of the aerosol-generating article 40 disposed in the heating chamber 18, heating the aerosol-generating substrate 42 to generate vapor, which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation through a filter 48 by a user of the aerosol-generating system 1. Vaporization of the aerosol-generating substrate 42 is facilitated by adding air from the ambient environment through one or more air inlets (not shown) and / or through the openings 28.

[0047] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes a debris collection section 60 movable between a first position (e.g., as shown schematically in FIG. 3 a) and a second position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 b). In the first position, the debris collection section 60 is configured to collect debris generated within the heating chamber 18 during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 42 by the heater 32. In the second position, the debris collection section 60 is configured to allow removal or discharge of collected debris from the debris collection section 60 and / or from the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18. The debris collection section 60 is disposed at the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 and closes the second end 26 when the debris collection section 60 is in the first position, ensuring that debris cannot escape from the heating chamber 18. Debris contemplated for collection by the debris collection section 60 includes, but is not limited to, dust, dirt, and other deposits generated during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate 42.

[0048] In a first example shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the debris collection portion 60 is pivotally mounted to the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 by a pivot mount 66 for movement in the direction of arrow A from a first position shown in Figure 3a to a second position shown in Figure 3b, or conversely for movement in the direction of arrow B from the second position shown in Figure 3b to the first position shown in Figure 3a. When the debris collection portion 60 is in the first position shown in Figure 3a, the debris collection portion 60 forms a closure at the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 and also forms a portion of the sidewall 30 of the heating chamber 18 at the second end 26.

[0049] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, prior to using the aerosol generating device 10 to heat an aerosol-generating article 40, the debris collector 60 is placed by a user in the first position shown in FIG. 3 a to close the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18. Then, when the heater 32 is operated to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 42 of the aerosol-generating article 40 placed in the heating chamber 18, dust or debris that may be generated during use of the aerosol generating device 10 is collected by the debris collector 60. During use, a user typically orients the aerosol generating device 10 with the second end 14 facing downward and / or distal to the user's mouth and the first end 12 facing upward and / or proximal to the user's mouth. This allows dust or debris generated during use of the aerosol generating device 10 to fall or move toward the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 under the action of gravity.

[0050] In some embodiments, the debris collection portion 60 may be configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state, where the locked state prevents the debris collection portion 60 from moving from a first position (see FIG. 3a) to a second position (see FIG. 3b), and the unlocked state allows the debris collection portion 60 to move from the first position (see FIG. 3a) to the second position (see FIG. 3b). Ensuring that the debris collection portion 60 is in the locked state during use of the aerosol generating device 10 can ensure that debris is reliably collected and that the debris collection portion 60 cannot be inadvertently moved from the first position to the second position. In this way, the collected debris is prevented from being inadvertently discharged.

[0051] In one embodiment, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a mechanical lock 62, as shown schematically in Figures 3a and 3b. The mechanical lock 62 may comprise, for example, a latch (not shown) having an associated release button, which can be operated by a user to switch the debris collection portion 60 from a locked state to an unlocked state. The latch may be biased into the locked position, for example, by a suitable biasing means.

[0052] In another embodiment, the controller 22 may be configured to switch the debris collection unit 60 between an unlocked state and a locked state depending on the operational state of the aerosol generating device 10. In particular, the controller 22 may be configured to switch the debris collection unit 60 to the locked state when use of the aerosol generating device 10 begins. In one example, the controller 22 may be configured to detect the start of use of the aerosol generating device 10 in response to a user input, such as a button press to activate the device 10 using the button 34, or in response to detection of airflow through the aerosol generating device 10 by a puff detector, such as an airflow sensor, indicating that the user of the device 10 has taken the first puff. This allows the debris collection unit 60 to be automatically locked by the controller 22 when use of the aerosol generating device 10 begins, without the user having to perform a separate locking step or operation. The controller 22 may be configured to operate a locking mechanism, for example, a locking mechanism including a latch, to switch the debris collection unit 60 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0053] The controller 22 may further be configured to switch the debris collection unit 60 from the locked state to the unlocked state after a predetermined time has elapsed. In one example, the start of the predetermined time may be determined by the controller 22 as the time when use of the aerosol generating device 10 begins. In other words, the start of the predetermined time may be initiated in response to a user input, such as a button press to activate the device 10 using the button 34, or in response to detected airflow through the aerosol generating device 10, indicating the user's first puff. The predetermined time may be periodic, i.e., repeatable at regular time intervals. This allows the debris collection unit 60 to be automatically unlocked by the controller 22 when use of the aerosol generating device 10 has ended, for example, at the end of a smoking session, without the user having to perform a separate unlocking step or operation. The controller 22 may be configured to operate the locking mechanism described above to switch the debris collection unit 60 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0054] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the debris collection portion 60 from switching from the locked state to the unlocked state when the temperature near the debris collection portion 60 is at or above a predetermined temperature, such as 45° C. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a temperature sensor 36 positioned near the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18, near the debris collection portion 60. The temperature sensor 36 is operably connected to the controller 22 so that the controller 22 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 36 and so that the controller 22 can maintain the debris collection portion 60 in the locked state when the detected temperature is at or above the predetermined temperature.

[0055] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to prevent the heater 32 of the aerosol generating device 10 from operating unless the debris collection portion 60 is in the first position. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a detector 38 positioned near the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18, near the debris collection portion 60. The detector 38 is operably connected to the controller 22 and configured to detect the position of the debris collection portion 60, in particular, whether the debris collection portion 60 is in the first position shown in FIG. 3 a or another position, such as the second position shown in FIG. 3 b. The detector 38 may be configured to provide a first position signal to the controller 22 when the debris collection portion 60 is in the first position, and to provide a second position signal to the controller 22 when the debris collection portion 60 is in any position other than the first position, for example, the second position. The controller 22 is adapted to enable operation of the heater 32 in response to the first position signal, for example by controlling the power supply 20 to supply current to the heater 32, and to prevent operation of the heater 32 in response to the second position signal, for example by controlling the power supply 20 to prevent current from being supplied to the heater 32.

[0056] 4a and 4b, in a second example, the debris collection portion 60 is removably attached to the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 as a separate component, for movement in the direction of arrow C from the first position shown in FIG. 4a and removal from the heating chamber 18. In this example, the debris collection portion 60 can be separated from the heating chamber 18 by moving it from the first position in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 10. Conversely, the debris collection portion 60 can be reattached to the heating chamber 18, for example, by moving it in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 4b to the first position.

[0057] 5a and 5b, in a third example, the debris collection portion 60 comprises a heat-sensitive material, for example a shape-memory material such as a shape-memory alloy. The heat-sensitive material is selected so that when the temperature near the debris collection portion 60 is at or above a predetermined temperature, such as 45°C, the debris collection portion 60 undergoes thermal expansion such that at least a portion of the debris collection portion 60, for example the circular rim 64, cooperates with the heating chamber 18 to form an interference fit. As such, when the heater 32 of the aerosol generating device 10 operates during use of the device 10, the thermal expansion undergone by the debris collection portion 60 ensures that the debris collection portion 60 remains locked and cannot move from the first position shown in FIG. 5a. After use of the aerosol generating device 10 has ceased and the temperature at the second end 26 of the heating chamber 18 has dropped by a sufficient amount to fall below a predetermined temperature, the thermal expansion of the debris collection portion 60 returns to a sufficient amount so that the circular rim 64 moves away from the heating chamber 18, thereby breaking the interference fit and allowing the debris collection portion 60 to be moved from the first position shown in Figure 5a in the direction of arrow C in Figure 5b to a position where the collected debris can be removed or discharged.

[0058] While exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0059] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0060] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout this specification and the claims, the words "comprises," "including," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device (10) having a heated chamber (18) for receiving an aerosol-generating substrate (42), a heater (32) for heating an aerosol-generating substrate (42) disposed in the heating chamber (18); a debris collection section (60) that forms part of one or more side walls (30) of the heating chamber (18) and that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to collect debris generated within the heating chamber (18) during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate (42) by the heater (32), and in the second position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to allow removal or discharge of the collected debris; The aerosol generating device (10), wherein the debris collection section (60) is attached to the heating chamber (18) when the debris collection section (60) is in the first position and when the debris collection section (60) is in the second position.

2. The heating chamber (18) a first end (24) having an opening (28) for receiving the aerosol-generating substrate (42); a second end (26) opposite said first end (24); Including, 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein when the debris collection portion (60) is in the first position, the debris collection portion (60) forms part of the one or more side walls (30), forms part of a closure at the second end (26), or forms part of the one or more side walls (30) and a closure at the second end (26).

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 2, wherein the debris collection portion (60) is disposed at the second end (26) of the heating chamber (18) when the debris collection portion (60) is in the first position.

4. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the debris collection portion (60) is configured to close the second end (26) of the heating chamber (18) when the debris collection portion (60) is in the first position.

5. 5. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the debris collection portion (60) is removably attached to the heating chamber (18) such that the debris collection portion (60) is separated from the heating chamber (18) when the debris collection portion (60) is moved from the first position to the second position.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) has a longitudinal axis and the debris collection section (60) is movable in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis between the first position and the second position.

7. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) has a longitudinal axis, and the debris collection section (60) is movable between the first position and the second position by one or both of translational and rotational movement relative to the longitudinal axis.

8. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the debris collection section (60) is attached to the heating chamber (18) by one or both of a guide track and a pivot mount to enable one or both of the translational and rotational movements.

9. 9. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the debris collection section (60) is configured to be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state, and in the locked state, movement of the debris collection section (60) from the first position to the second position is prevented, and in the unlocked state, movement of the debris collection section (60) from the first position to the second position is permitted.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) includes a controller (22) configured to switch the debris collection section (60) from the locked state to the unlocked state after a predetermined time has elapsed.

11. The aerosol generating device of claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating device (10) includes a mechanical lock (62) configured to switch the debris collection section (60) from the locked state to the unlocked state by user operation.

12. 12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the debris collection section (60) is configured to be maintained in the locked state when the temperature near the debris collection section (60) is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and the debris collection section (60) is configured to be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state when the temperature near the debris collection section (60) is lower than the predetermined temperature.

13. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, wherein the debris collection portion (60) comprises a heat-sensitive material having dimensions that change depending on the temperature of the material, and the heat-sensitive material cooperates with the heating chamber (18) to maintain the debris collection portion (60) in the locked state when the temperature near the debris collection portion (60) is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, and preferably the heat-sensitive material is a shape-memory material.

14. An aerosol-generating device (10) having a heating chamber (18) for receiving an aerosol-generating substrate (42), comprising: a heater (32) for heating an aerosol-generating substrate (42) disposed in the heating chamber (18); a debris collection section (60) forming a portion of one or more side walls (30) of the heating chamber (18) and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to collect debris generated within the heating chamber (18) during heating of the aerosol-generating substrate (42) by the heater (32), and in the second position, the debris collection section (60) is configured to allow removal or discharge of the collected debris; a controller (22); a detector (38) configured to detect a position of the debris collection portion (60) and provide a first position signal or a second position signal to the controller (22) corresponding to the first position or another position of the debris collection portion (60), respectively; The aerosol generating device, wherein the controller (22) is adapted to enable operation of the heater (32) in response to a signal of the first position and to prevent operation of the heater (32) in response to a signal of the second position.

15. The one or more side walls (30) are generally cylindrical. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The one or more side walls (30) have a generally circular cross section. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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