Aerosol generator including a cup-shaped heating chamber that defines an open end and a sealed end.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate, the aerosol-generating device (10) comprising: a device body (30) extending along a device axis (Y), the device body (30) defining at least one sidewall (40) extending along the device axis (Y); a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end opposite the open end, the sealed end being air impermeable, the heating chamber configured to receive a heater portion of the aerosol-generating substrate through the open end; and an air flow passage extending through the open end of the heating chamber between an inlet and an outlet (64), the inlet being disposed in the sidewall (40) of the device body (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device including a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a sealed end.

[0002] The aerosol generating device according to the present invention is configured to operate, for example, with an aerosol generating substrate that provides a solid substrate capable of forming an aerosol upon heating. Thus, such a type of aerosol generating device, also known as a heat-not-burn device, is adapted to heat the substrate by conduction, convection, and / or radiation, rather than burning it, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.

Background Art

[0003] (Also known as a vaporizer) The popularity and use of risk reduction devices or risk modification devices have grown rapidly in recent years as an aid to help habitual smokers who wish to quit smoking conventional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and roll-your-own tobacco. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems for heating or warming vaporizable substances are available.

[0004] [[ID=1十九]] Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are substrate-heated aerosol generators or heating-non-combustion devices. These types of devices typically generate aerosols or vapors by heating an aerosol substrate, typically containing damp tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate rather than burning or incinerating it, an aerosol is released that contains the components desired by the user but is free from toxic and carcinogenic by-products resulting from combustion and burning. Furthermore, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other vaporizable materials typically do not contain the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning, which can be unpleasant for the user. Therefore, the substrate does not require sugars and other additives typically added to such materials to make the smoke and / or vapor more palatable to the user.

[0005] To enable the formation of an aerosol while heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming apparatus generally defines an airflow path extending between an inlet and an outlet. The outlet may be located in the mouthpiece of the apparatus, which is intended to come into contact with the lips and / or mouth of a user inhaling the aerosol.

[0006] During operation, the surface temperature of the aerosol generating device can reach dangerously high levels, potentially causing burns to the user holding the device. Furthermore, in some cases, the user may accidentally blow air into the outlet instead of inhaling the vapor. In this case, the flow direction may be reversed, and the vapor will flow out through the inlet, potentially causing burns to the user. Finally, in some cases, the inflow of fresh air from the inlet may be blocked, which can reduce aerosol generation performance. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generator that minimizes the risk of injury to the user while also demonstrating improved aerosol generation performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, the present invention provides an aerosol generator configured to operate together with an aerosol generating substrate, A device body extending along the axis of the device, comprising a device body defining at least one side wall extending along the axis of the device, A cup-shaped heating chamber having an open end and a sealed end opposite the open end, wherein the sealed end is air-impermeable, and the heating chamber is configured to receive the heater portion of an aerosol generating substrate through the open end, An air passage extending between the inlet and outlet through the open end of the heating chamber, the inlet being located on the side wall of the apparatus body, and This relates to aerosol generators, including those mentioned above.

[0009] By positioning the inlet on the side wall of the device, it is possible to prevent users from being burned if hot steam accidentally escapes. In addition, it becomes possible to position the airflow channel along at least a portion of the side wall of the device. This lowers the surface temperature of this wall. Therefore, users can hold the device without the risk of burns. Finally, the positioning of the inlet avoids the risk of the inlet being covered, for example, by the user's hand or fingers. Therefore, fresh air can easily flow into the airflow channel, thereby increasing the substrate heating effect as convection heating by obtaining energy.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the inlet is formed in the transition region between the mouthpiece and the housing.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the inlet is formed in the transition region between the mouthpiece and the housing.

[0012] These features allow the inlet to be positioned in a side wall area of ​​the device, where there is very little risk of it being obscured by the user's hand or fingers while the device is being held. In addition, this arrangement directs backflow caused by, for example, the user blowing into the device, in the opposite direction from the user.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece and housing form a single part, and the transition region is formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece to the housing.

[0014] These features allow the aerosol-generating substrate to be directly loaded through the opening formed in the mouthpiece.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the housing defines an insertion opening that extends perpendicular to the axis of the device and is configured to receive a mouthpiece.

[0016] These features allow the mouthpiece to be removable and, consequently, replaceable. In addition, this configuration allows the aerosol generating substrate to be loaded into the heating chamber when the mouthpiece is removed from the device. Subsequently, the substrate can be fixed inside the heating chamber by securing the mouthpiece to the housing.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece defines a recess that forms an inlet when the mouthpiece is inserted into the insertion opening of the housing.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the through-hole of the mouthpiece opens into a recessed portion.

[0019] These features allow for the easy formation of an inlet through the space created between the mouthpiece and the device body.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the device body defines an insertion opening suitable for receiving a part of the aerosol generating substrate at one end of the device body. When the aerosol generating substrate is received in the insertion opening, a protruding portion is formed from the device body, and the protruding portion forms a mouthpiece.

[0021] With these features, a part of the aerosol generating substrate can be used as a mouthpiece.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the inlet is arranged to face the ventilation holes of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0023] With these features, when the aerosol generating substrate is provided with ventilation holes, these ventilation holes face the inlet, so there is a possibility of being exposed to fresh air.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the air flow path includes an upstream portion extending from the inlet to the abutting end of the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber, and a downstream portion extending from the abutting end through the aerosol generating substrate to the outlet. Preferably, the upstream portion of the air flow path extends through the open end of the heating chamber.

[0025] With these features, the air flow path can enter and exit through the same open end of the heating chamber. Therefore, the heating chamber provides an air-impermeable cup having only one open end in particular.

[0026] According to some embodiments, at least a part of the upstream portion of the air flow path extends through the heating chamber outside the aerosol generating substrate.

[0027] With these features, the said part of the upstream portion can guide fresh air from the outside of the device, thus reducing the surface temperature of the side wall.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the heating chamber defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a pair of chamber side walls that extend along the axis of the apparatus and are opposite to each other, and a pair of chamber contact walls that are opposite to each other and are intended to be in contact with the substrate contact wall of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0029] These features allow the aerosol-generating substrate to be heated uniformly within the heating chamber.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the portion of the upstream airflow channel extends between at least one chamber sidewall and the aerosol generating substrate.

[0031] These features allow fresh air to be directed to the contact end of the aerosol-generating substrate without passing through the substrate itself into the heating chamber, and then directed from the contact end into the interior of the substrate. Therefore, at the inlet of the aerosol-generating substrate, the air is already preheated, and the inside and outside of the substrate can be uniformly filled with hot air.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the sealing end of the heating chamber forms a transition portion between the upstream and downstream portions of the airflow channel.

[0033] According to several embodiments, the sealing end defines a stopping means at the sealing end to prevent contact between the contact end of the aerosol generating substrate and the distal wall of the heating chamber that seals the heating chamber, preferably the stopping means being formed by a rounded shape of the distal wall or a rib extending from the distal wall.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the sealing end defines a stopping means adapted to form a space between the sealing end and the surface of the aerosol generating substrate facing the sealing end when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the airflow channel includes a transition portion that extends into the space between the surface of the aerosol-generating substrate facing the sealing end when the aerosol-generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber and the sealing end. The transition portion may fluidly connect the upstream portion of the airflow channel to the downstream portion. For example, the transition portion forms a flow direction change point between the upstream and downstream portions, with an angle substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the transition portion of the airflow channel has a cross-section including the device axis that is substantially U-shaped.

[0037] One or more of these features allow the flow direction to be reversed inside the heating chamber at the sealing end. Thus, the flow can be forced to flow through the "U" turn and into the inside of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the only ventilated opening of the heating chamber is formed at the open end.

[0039] The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising the aerosol generating device described above and an aerosol generating substrate.

[0040] According to some embodiments of the assembly, the aerosol generator is configured to operate together with the aerosol generating substrate of the assembly.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the assembly, the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0042] The present invention and its advantages are given only as non-limiting examples and will be better understood by reading the following description, which is based on reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating substrate that can be used with the aerosol generating device. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece of the aerosol generator. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece attached to the housing of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the heating chamber of the aerosol generator shown in Figure 1, where the heating chamber receives the aerosol generating substrate shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This figure is similar to the one in Figure 5, showing the heating chamber and aerosol generating substrate without a housing. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6 along plane VII. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6 along plane VIII. [Figure 9] This figure, similar to the one in Figure 8, shows another possible example of a heating chamber. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of an aerosol generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view similar to that in Figure 7, showing a preferred example of the heater section of an aerosol generating substrate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Before describing the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the structural details described below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure that other embodiments are possible and that the invention can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “aerosol generator” or “device” may include a vaping device for delivering aerosols to a user, including aerosols for vaping, using a heater element, which is described in more detail below. The device may be portable. “Portable” may mean a device held and used by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol) by activating a heater element over a variable amount of time, and the generation may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be highly sensitive to inhalation intensity and duration, and may enable the delivery of a variable amount of vapor (to mimic the smoking effect of conventional flammable smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, or pipes). The device may include a temperature control unit for driving the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a specific target temperature, and then maintaining that temperature at a target temperature that enables efficient aerosol generation.

[0046] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include suspended matter of vaporizable material as one or more solid particles, droplets, or gases. Such suspended matter may be in a gaseous state, including air. As used herein, aerosols may generally refer to / include vapors. Aerosols may include one or more components of vaporizable material.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokeable material that may, for example, contain nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granular tobacco, tobacco leaves and / or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols (e.g., sorbitol, glycerol and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol) and non-polyols (e.g., monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, triacetin, esters such as triethylene glycol diacetate and triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin). In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may contain at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a humectant.

[0048] First Embodiment of the Present Invention Figure 1 shows an aerosol generator 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generator 10 is intended to operate together with an aerosol generating substrate 12, which is shown in more detail in Figure 2.

[0049] The assembly includes an aerosol generator 10 and an aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol generator 10. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol generating substrate 12 inserted into the heating chamber 45 of the aerosol generator 10. Embodiments of the heating chamber 45 are described below.

[0050] Referring to Figure 2, the aerosol generating substrate 12 is, for example, a flattened rectangular parallelepiped extending along the substrate axis X and having external dimensions L × W × D. In a typical example, the length L of the substrate along the substrate axis X is substantially equal to 33 mm, while the width W and depth D of the substrate are substantially equal to 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. In another example, the values ​​L, W, and D can be selected within, for example, a range of ±40%. The depth D of the substrate 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, hereafter referred to as substrate side walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, hereafter referred to as substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating substrate 12 can have any other suitable shape and / or external dimensions. For example, the aerosol generating substrate 12 can form a cylindrical shape.

[0051] The aerosol generating substrate 12 includes a heater portion 15 and a mouthpiece portion 16 arranged along the substrate axis X. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate 12 may include only the heater portion 15. The heater portion 15 may be slightly longer than, for example, the mouthpiece portion 16. For example, the length L2 of the heater portion 15 along the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 18 mm, and the length L1 of the mouthpiece portion 16 along the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 15 mm. The heater portion 15 defines the contact end 18 of the substrate 12, and the mouthpiece portion 16 defines the mouth end 20 of the substrate 12. The heater portion 15 and the mouthpiece portion 16 may be secured to each other by a distinctive wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. In other embodiments, portions 15 and 16 may be wrapped in different wrappers, with one secured to the other by any other suitable means. The wrappers, or each wrapper, may include, for example, paper, and / or nonwoven fabric, and / or aluminum. The wrapper or each wrapper may be porous or air-impermeable. The wrapper or each wrapper forms a plurality of air passages extending inward into the substrate 12 between the contact end 18 and the mouth end 20.

[0052] The heater section 14 is intended to be heated by a heater (using a heating chamber in this example) and contains a vaporizable material as defined above. According to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the mouthpiece section 16 is intended to be received inside a mouthpiece, as will be described in more detail below. According to other embodiments of the present invention, the mouthpiece section 16 itself forms a mouthpiece intended to come into contact with the user's mouth and / or lips. The mouthpiece section 16 includes, for example, a core 17 that functions like a filter. The core 17 may be, for example, a foam or packed strands or fibers. The core 17 may be formed into a stable shape by an extrusion and / or rolling process. The base material may be shaped to provide one or more air passages. In a particular example of Figure 2, the mouthpiece section 16 defines a plurality of vents 22 arranged around the entire circumference of the mouthpiece section 16 along two axes perpendicular to the base material axis X. In other words, according to this example, the vents 22 are located on each of the substrate walls among the substrate side walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to another example, the vents 22 are located only on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B, or preferably only on one of the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In both examples, the vents 22 may be aligned perpendicular to the substrate axis and on the corresponding walls of the substrate 12 or on each wall, and may be spaced at the same distance apart. The vents 22 allow fresh air to flow into the inside of the substrate 12 in order to achieve a specific vaping / flavoring effect.

[0053] Referring again to Figure 1, the aerosol generator 10 includes a device body 30 extending along the device axis Y and forming at least one side wall 40 of the device 10. The device body 30 includes a mouthpiece 32 and a housing 34 arranged in a continuous manner along the device axis Y. According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34 form two distinct parts. In particular, according to this embodiment, the mouthpiece 32 is designed to be fixed to or received within an insertion opening 36 formed in one end of the housing 34. This opening 36 extends perpendicular to the device axis Y, as shown in Figure 5 when the mouthpiece 32 is removed from the housing 34.

[0054] In each cross-section, the housing 34 may form a substantially rectangular shape, for example, with rounded edges. In this case, the housing 34 with the mouthpiece 32 forms at least four side walls 40. According to other embodiments, the housing 34 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. In this case, the housing 34 may form only one side wall 40 together with the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 can be sealed at the end opposite to the insertion opening 36 that receives the mouthpiece 32. The housing 34 may be formed from a single piece or several assembled pieces made of any suitable material such as aluminum or plastic. In some embodiments, the material of the housing 34 may be a thermally conductive material. In some other embodiments, the material of the housing 34 may be a thermally insulating material. In some embodiments, the housing 34 may have one or more openings in corresponding portions of the device side walls 40 that are suitable for arranging control elements and / or visual elements. For example, such elements may be control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. In particular, in the example shown in Figure 1, the housing 34 forms a slot opening 42 for receiving an LED that indicates, for example, the ON state of the device 10. The LED can also indicate, for example, a low battery state, an error state, etc.

[0055] The housing 34 defines the boundaries of the internal space of the device 10, which accommodates various elements designed to perform different functions of the device 10. This internal space can accommodate, for example, a battery for supplying power to the device 10, a control module for controlling the operation of the device 10, a heating chamber 45 for heating the aerosol generating substrate 12, and at least one heating element 47 for heating the heating chamber 45. Of these elements, only the heating chamber 45 and the heating element 47 will be described in further detail with reference to Figures 5 to 9.

[0056] Figure 3 shows the mouthpiece 32 in more detail. Referring to Figure 3, the mouthpiece 32 is bounded by an inner surface 56 intended to face the insertion opening 36 when the mouthpiece 32 is assembled into the housing 34, and an outer surface 57 intended to form at least one side wall 40 of the device 10 together with the housing 34. The outer boundary 59 of the inner surface 56 is designed to fit tightly against a portion of the inner boundary of the insertion opening 36, securing the mouthpiece 32 inside the insertion opening 36. The outer surface 57 has a shape suitable for contact with the user's mouth and / or lips. Each side of the outer surface 57 can be formed as an extension of the corresponding side of the housing to form a substantially continuous side wall 40 of the device 10. In particular, in this case, a discontinuity can be formed in the transition area between the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34.

[0057] The mouthpiece 32 is traversed by a through-hole 60 extending along the device axis Y between the recess 62 and the outlet 64. In particular, the through-hole 60 is designed to receive the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the device axis Y. Thus, the through-hole 60 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12 and defines an internal dimension that is slightly larger than the external dimension of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In particular, in the example shown in the figure, the through-hole 60 defines a rectangular cross-section so as to be able to receive the same mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the through-hole 60 may have variable cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the through-hole 60 may have cross-sectional dimensions (particularly width) that gradually decrease from the recess 62 toward the outlet 64. In addition, the through-hole 60 and the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 may have the same length measured along the device axis Y and the substrate axis X, respectively. According to another embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be less than the length of the through hole 60 so that the mouth end 20 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 can be at the same height as the outlet 64.

[0058] The recessed portion 62 corresponds to a cavity formed on both the inner surface 56 and the outer surface 57 of the mouthpiece 32. This cavity can be formed by a first opening extending from the boundary 59 to the through hole 60 on the inner surface 56 on one side of the through hole 60, and a second opening extending from the boundary to the outer surface 57, following the length of d% of the mouthpiece 32 measured along the device axis Y. The value d can be less than 25, preferably less than 10, and even more preferably less than 5. Thus, when the mouthpiece 32 is inserted into the insertion opening 36, the recessed portion 62 forms an opening 66 that forms an inlet 66, as shown in Figure 4. In other words, the inlet 66 is formed in the side wall 40 of the device 10 in the transition region between the mouthpiece 32 and the housing 34.

[0059] In embodiments in which the aerosol generating substrate 12 includes ventilation holes 22, at least some of these ventilation holes 22 are arranged to face the inlet 66.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 to 9, the heating chamber 45 forms a cup-shaped heating chamber extending along the apparatus axis Y between the open end 70 and the sealed end 71. The heating chamber 45 is designed to receive the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. For this purpose, the heating chamber 45 defines substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate 12. In particular, in the example shown in the figures, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber side walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The heating chamber 45 also defines a distal wall 75 positioned perpendicular to the apparatus axis Y and sealing the sealed end 71. In particular, the distal wall 75 is adjacent to each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B in order to seal the chamber at the sealed end 71 and thereby form the cup shape of the chamber opening at the open end 70. In particular, in this case, the only ventilated opening of the chamber 45 is formed at the open end 70. Each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, and 75 can be made from a heat-conducting material such as metal. In addition, at least some or all of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, and 75 can form a single piece.

[0061] The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by a length L3 measured along the apparatus axis Y, a width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber side walls 73A and 73B, and a depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A and 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, and D3 are selected based on the external dimensions L2, W, and D of the heater section 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0062] In particular, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected to be slightly greater than or substantially equal to the depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In this case, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B can contact the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B are in close contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 can be slightly less than the normal depth D of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In this case, the heating chamber 45 and / or mouthpiece 32 are configured to compress the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 by applying force to the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This improves the contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber 45 and the substrate 12, and consequently improves heat transfer between these walls.

[0063] The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that at least one pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 form an air passage between them. Advantageously, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that each pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12 form an air passage between them. In other words, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that a distance d1 is formed between each pair of opposing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B, as shown in Figure 7. In particular, in the example in this figure, W3 = W + 2d1. The distance d1 may be selected to be substantially equal to, for example, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45. In this case, when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted into the heating chamber 45, an air passage with a substantially square cross-section is formed along the apparatus axis Y on one of the sides of the aerosol generating substrate 12. Naturally, the distance d1 can be selected to be equal to any other value depending on the required flow rate inside the aerosol generating substrate 12 during heating of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0064] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the length L3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected to fully accommodate the heating portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 and to form a stopping means 80 at the sealing end 71 of the heating chamber 45. In other words, the length L3 is selected to be strictly greater than the length L2 of the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The stopping means 80 is configured to prevent contact between the abutment end 18 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 and the distal wall 75 of the heating chamber 45. In other words, the stopping means 80 is configured to create an air passage that connects to each of the air passages formed between the chamber side walls 73A, 73B and the aerosol generating substrate 12, each air passage being formed inside the aerosol generating substrate 12. In the example of Figure 8, the stopping means 80 is formed by the rounded shape of the distal wall 75. In the example of Figure 9, the stopping means 80 is formed by at least one rib projecting axially from the distal wall 75.

[0065] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the heating element 47 is positioned in contact with one of the outer chamber contact walls 74A, 74B of the heating chamber 45. In particular, in the examples shown in these figures, the heating element 47 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A. The heating element 47 may include a polyimide film heater extending substantially over the entire area of ​​the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A or along only a portion of this surface. In this last case, the portion may form a width substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol generating substrate 12. The heating element 45 is powered by a battery and controlled by a control module of the aerosol generator 10. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator 10 may include two heating elements 47, each heating element 47 mounted on the outer surface of one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. In addition, according to some embodiments, the aerosol generator 10 further includes an insulator positioned between the heating element 47 or between each heating element 47 and the inner surface of the housing 34. The same insulator may also be placed between the outer surfaces of each chamber sidewall 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34.

[0066] The operation of the aerosol generator 10 is described below. First, the aerosol generating substrate 12 is removed from the device 10. To insert the aerosol generating substrate 12, the user first removes the mouthpiece 32 from the housing 34. Next, the user inserts the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 into the heating chamber 45 until the contact end 18 of the substrate 12 contacts the stopping means 80 of the heating chamber 45. Then, the user fixes the mouthpiece 32 to the housing 34 by sliding the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 into the through hole 60 of the mouthpiece 32 and inserting the mouthpiece 32 into the insertion opening 36 of the housing 34.

[0067] Next, the user can activate the aerosol generator 10, for example, by pressing the ON button or by puffing. This generates an airflow in the air channel formed inside the device between the inlet 66 and the outlet 64, as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] The internal airflow path of the aerosol generator 10 includes an upstream portion extending from the inlet 66 to the contact end 18 of the aerosol generating substrate 12, a transition portion at the sealing end 71 of the heating chamber 45, and a downstream portion extending from the contact end 18 through the aerosol generating substrate 12 to the outlet 64. In particular, the upstream portion, as shown in Figure 6, passes through the open end 70 of the heating chamber 45 and then extends between the pair of side walls 73A, 13A and 73B, 13B of the heating chamber 45 and the aerosol generating substrate 12. The transition portion then forms a "U" turn inside the heating chamber 45, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, forcing the flow to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate 12. Finally, the downstream portion advantageously extends only inside the aerosol generating substrate 12. If the aerosol generating substrate includes vents 22, the flow through the downstream portion may further include fresh air flowing in through these vents 22.

[0069] As can be seen in Figure 12, the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 may have, for example, a flattened shape with elongated grooves on both opposing sides. The elongated grooves may form at least a portion of the downstream side.

[0070] Second Embodiment of the Present Invention Figure 10 shows an aerosol generator 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This aerosol generator 110 is similar to the aerosol generator 10 and, in particular, is configured to operate with the same aerosol generating substrate 12 as shown in Figure 2.

[0071] The assembly includes an aerosol generator 110 and an aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol generator 110 in particular. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol generating substrate 12 that is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator 110.

[0072] The aerosol generating device 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention also includes a device body 130 defining at least one side wall 140 of the device 110, and includes a mouthpiece 132 and a housing 134 having similar external shapes to the mouthpiece 32 and housing 34 already described in relation to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece 132 and housing 134 form a single component. In this case, for example, the aerosol generating substrate can be directly loaded through an opening 164 in the mouthpiece 132. This opening 164 also forms an outlet 164 similar to the outlet 64 described earlier. The aerosol generating substrate 12 can be removed through the same opening 164 using an internal removal mechanism that can be operated, for example, by an actuator 142 located on the side wall 140.

[0073] The side walls 140, or each side wall 140, have, for example, a smooth outer surface and define a transition region between the mouthpiece 132 and the housing 134. Furthermore, as in the previous case, the transition region defines an opening 166 that forms an inlet 166.

[0074] The interior of the aerosol generator 110 is the same as that of the aerosol generator 10 described above. In particular, the aerosol generator 110 includes the same heating chamber as the heating chamber 45 described earlier. As in the above case, the inlet 166 is in fluid communication with each of the air passages formed between the side wall of the heating chamber and the aerosol generating substrate. In addition, as in the above embodiment, the flow is forced to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate, following the "U" turn to the outlet 164.

[0075] The operation of the aerosol generator 110 is also the same as that of the aerosol generator 10 described above. The only difference is the method of loading / unloading the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0076] Third Embodiment of the Present Invention Figure 11 shows an aerosol generator 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. This aerosol generator 210 is similar to the aerosol generator 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is configured to operate in conjunction with the same aerosol generating substrate 12 as shown in Figure 2.

[0077] The assembly includes an aerosol generator 210 and an aerosol generating substrate 12. The aerosol generating substrate 12 is inserted into the aerosol generator 210 in particular. For example, the assembly includes an aerosol generating substrate 12 that is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generator 210.

[0078] The aerosol generator 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention also includes a device body 230 defining at least one side wall 240 of the device 210. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the device body 230 according to the third embodiment of the present invention does not define a mouthpiece. As shown in Figure 11, the mouthpiece is formed by at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0079] In particular, according to this embodiment, the apparatus body 230 has an insertion opening 236 formed at one end of the apparatus body 230, which extends perpendicular to the apparatus axis Y. Similar to the second embodiment of the present invention, the opening 236 is suitable for receiving at least the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In particular, as in the above-described case, the opening 236 communicates with a heating chamber located inside the apparatus body 230. This heating chamber is similar to the heating chamber described above and is particularly adapted to receive the heater portion 15 of the aerosol generating substrate 12.

[0080] In contrast to the case described above, at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 protrudes from the opening 236 and thus forms a mouthpiece. In other words, this protrusion of the aerosol generating substrate 12 is designed to come into contact with the user's lips and mouth during use of the device 210 and forms an outlet 264.

[0081] As in the case described above, an inlet 266 is formed in the side wall 240 of the main body 230 of the apparatus. This inlet 266 is in fluid communication with each of the air passages formed between the side wall of the heating chamber and the aerosol generating substrate 12. In addition, as in the case described above, the flow is forced to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate 12, following a U-turn inside the chamber, to the outlet 264.

[0082] If the aerosol generating substrate 12 includes vents 22, these vents 22 may be located on the protruding portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the substrate 12, as shown in Figure 11. In another example, the vents 22 are located on the portion of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the substrate 12 that is received inside the apparatus body 230, advantageously facing the inlet 266, similar to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Similar to the second embodiment of the present invention, the actuator 242 may be positioned on the side wall 240 of the apparatus 210 to facilitate the removal of the aerosol generating substrate 12. In another example, the actuator is not provided on the side wall, and the substrate 12 is removed by pulling on the protruding portion of the substrate 12.

[0084] Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention The aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the aerosol generator 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the only difference being the properties of the substrate 12 that the aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment can accept.

[0085] The assembly includes an aerosol generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and an aerosol generating substrate.

[0086] In particular, the aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be adapted to accept aerosol generating substrates of different lengths. For example, the aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be adapted to accept aerosol generating substrates of "normal" length, i.e., substrates similar to the substrate in Figure 2. In this case, the aerosol generator can operate in the same way as the aerosol generator 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, i.e., it can form a mouthpiece that forms part of the body of the device. The aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can also be adapted to accept elongated aerosol generating substrates. In this case, the substrate can protrude from the body of the device to form a mouthpiece. In other words, in this case, the aerosol generator according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can operate as the aerosol generator 210 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. an aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) configured to operate together with an aerosol generating substrate (12), A device body (30; 130; 230) extending along the device axis (Y), the device body (30; 130; 230) defining at least one side wall (40; 140; 240) extending along the device axis (Y), A cup-shaped heating chamber (45) having an open end (70) and a sealed end (71) opposite to the open end (70), wherein the sealed end (71) is air impermeable, and the heating chamber (45) is configured to receive the portion (15) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) to be heated through the open end (70), An air passage extending between an inlet (66;166;266) and an outlet (64;164;264) through the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45), wherein the inlet (66;166) is located on the side wall (40;140;240) of the apparatus body (30;130;230), includes the air passage, Aerosol generator (10;110;210), wherein the air passage includes an upstream portion extending from the inlet (66;166;266) to the contact end (18) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) when the aerosol generating substrate (12) is inserted into the heating chamber (45), and a downstream portion extending from the contact end (18) through the aerosol generating substrate (12) to the outlet (64;164;264).

2. The aerosol generating apparatus (10;110) according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus body (30;130) includes a mouthpiece (32;132) and a housing (34;134) that extend continuously along the apparatus body (30;130), and the mouthpiece (32;132) defines a through hole (60) configured to receive the mouthpiece portion (16) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).

3. The aerosol generator (10;110) according to claim 2, wherein the inlet (66;166) is formed in a transition region between the mouthpiece (32;132) and the housing (34;134).

4. The aerosol generator (110) according to claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece (132) and the housing (134) form a single component, and the transition region is formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece (132) to the housing (134).

5. The aerosol generator (10) according to claim 3, wherein the housing (34) defines an insertion opening (36) that extends perpendicular to the axis (Y) of the device and is configured to receive the mouthpiece (32).

6. The aerosol generator (10) according to claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece (32) defines a recess (62) that forms the inlet (66) when the mouthpiece (32) is inserted into the insertion opening (36) of the housing (34).

7. The aerosol generator (10) according to claim 6, wherein the through hole (60) of the mouthpiece opens into the recess (62).

8. The apparatus body (230) has an insertion opening (236) at one end of the apparatus body (230) that is suitable for receiving a portion of the aerosol generating substrate (12), The aerosol generating device (210) according to claim 1, wherein when the aerosol generating substrate (12) is received into the insertion opening (236), it forms a protrusion from the device body (230), and the protrusion forms a mouthpiece.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inlets (66; 166; 266) are arranged to face the ventilation holes (22) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).

10. The aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a portion of the upstream portion of the air passage extends through the heating chamber (45) outside the aerosol generating substrate (12).

11. The aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heating chamber (45) extends along the axis (Y) of the apparatus and defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a pair of opposing chamber side walls (73A, 73B) and a pair of opposing chamber contact walls (74A, 74B) the pair of chamber contact walls (74A, 74B) intended to contact the substrate contact walls (14A, 14B) of the aerosol generating substrate (12).

12. The aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the upstream portion of the air passage extends between at least one chamber side wall (73A, 73B) and the aerosol generating substrate (12).

13. The aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) according to claim 12, wherein the sealing end (71) of the heating chamber (45) forms a transition portion between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the air passage.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus (10; 110; 210) according to claim 13, wherein the sealing end (71) defines a stopping means (80) for preventing contact between the contact end (18) of the aerosol generating substrate (12) and the distal wall (75) of the heating chamber (45) that seals the heating chamber (45) at the sealing end (71).

15. An assembly comprising an aerosol generator (10; 110; 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an aerosol generating substrate (12).

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