Aerosol generator with bridged stopper

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (10) comprising a cavity (14) for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article (16) comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises a heating element (20) disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity. The device further comprises a stopper (18). The stopper is disposed at or distal to a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is configured to stop the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article contacts the stopper. The stopper is disposed transversely bridging a distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is disposed such that air can flow around the stopper, distal to the stopper, and into the cavity. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device, and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. The heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. During insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber, the aerosol-generating article should be inserted into the heating chamber at a predetermined distance. The reason is that the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article should be positioned optimally relative to the heating element of the aerosol-generating device. A further problem is that unwanted debris, such as residues of the aerosol-forming substrate, may accumulate in the heating chamber over time. This may affect the insertion of the aerosol-generating article because the aerosol-generating article may contact the unwanted debris during insertion. Subsequently, the aerosol-generating article may not be optimally positioned within the heating chamber.

[0003] It is desirable to have an aerosol generating device in which the aerosol generating article is optimally received within the heating chamber. It is desirable to have an aerosol generating device that provides improved feedback to the user that the aerosol generating article is optimally received within the heating chamber. It is desirable to have an aerosol generating device that prevents contamination by unwanted residues in the heating chamber.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided which may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may include an aerosol forming substrate. The device may further include a stopper. The stopper may be disposed in or distal to the cavity. The stopper may be configured to stop the aerosol generating article when it comes into contact with the stopper. The stopper may be arranged to bridge transversely across the distal portion of the cavity. The stopper may be arranged so that air can flow around the stopper from distal to the stopper into the cavity.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol forming substrate. The device further comprises a stopper. The stopper is disposed in or distal to the cavity. The stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when it comes into contact with the stopper. The stopper is disposed to bridge transversely across the distal portion of the cavity. The stopper is disposed so that air can flow around the stopper from distal to the stopper into the cavity.

[0006] Providing a stopper that spans the distal portion of the cavity transversely may offer several advantages. The stopper reliably stops an aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity. The term "stop" refers to a stopper that prevents the consumable from adhering to a position along the longitudinal axis of the cavity so that further insertion faces resistance. The stopper prevents the accumulation of undesirable debris in the distal portion of the cavity, as undesirable debris falls to the left and right of the bridging portion of the stopper. In particular, due to the ability of airflow around the stopper, undesirable debris may escape through this unobstructed space adjacent to the stopper. The stopper automatically dislodges and drops undesirable debris due to its bridging configuration. Undesirable debris is pushed to the left and right of the bridging portion of the stopper during one or more insertions and removals of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol-generating article comes into contact with the stopper, the undesirable debris is pushed and dropped from the bridging portion of the stopper by the aerosol-generating article.

[0007] The cavity of the aerosol generator may have an open end into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The cavity may have a base on the opposite side of the open end. The base may be located in the distal portion of the cavity. The base of the cavity may be located distal to the cavity. The base may have one or more air openings that allow airflow into the cavity. The base is preferably configured as a through hole. The stopper may be located at the base or immediately adjacent to the base in the cavity. The stopper may be located across the base.

[0008] The detachment of unwanted debris from the stopper may result in the debris being pushed out of the stopper and into the open base. Unwanted debris may be easily removed from the open base. Several options are possible for removing unwanted debris from the open base. The open base may extend entirely through the aerosol generator, thereby allowing unwanted debris to be removed through this passage. This passage may be an airflow channel. A cleaning tool may be inserted into this passage to remove unwanted debris. A further option is to provide a recess within the open base where unwanted debris can accumulate. At certain intervals, the user may need to clean the recess.

[0009] The open end may be located proximal to the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a central axis in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the central axis in the longitudinal direction. The central axis in the longitudinal direction of the cavity may be parallel to or aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0010] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article received inside the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0011] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generator through the distal airflow channel of the cavity and the open base of the cavity, and through the airflow channel towards the user. When entering the cavity, the air may flow around a stopper bridged across the distal portion of the cavity. Thus, the stopper has the function of ensuring a reliable stopping action of the inserted aerosol generator, while automatically dislodging unwanted debris into the open base of the cavity, and at the same time allowing airflow into the cavity around the stopper. A mouthpiece may be positioned proximal to the cavity, or the user may inhale the aerosol generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0012] The stopper may have a circular cross-section. Providing a stopper with a circular cross-section has the advantage that undesirable fragments slide off the stopper more easily.

[0013] The arbitrary cross-sectional shape of the stopper is defined as the shape of a plane that is parallel to the long axis of the cavity and perpendicular to the long axis of the stopper.

[0014] The stopper may have an elliptical cross-section. Providing a stopper with an elliptical cross-section has the advantage that undesirable fragments slide off the stopper more easily.

[0015] The stopper may be positioned to intersect the central axis of the long axis of the cavity. In other words, the stopper may be positioned to intersect the cavity in the center. Such a symmetrical arrangement of the stopper may improve the stopping action of the stopper and may also improve the detachment of undesirable fragments.

[0016] The stopper may be positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0017] The stopper may be a pin. Pin-shaped stoppers are easy to manufacture, while improving the stopping action of the stopper and automatically dislodging unwanted fragments. The length of the pin may be longer than the inner diameter of the inner side wall of the cavity. This may facilitate the secure installation of the pin. The stopper may be one or more of the following: pin, bar, rod, pole, shaft, beam, rail, post, small pole, spoke, stem, spoke and crossbar.

[0018] The stopper may have a curved surface. A curved surface may improve the stopper's ability to dislodge unwanted debris.

[0019] The stopper may have a surface treatment to make it more slippery. Providing a slippery stopper surface improves the automatic release and removal of unwanted debris from the stopper surface.

[0020] The stopper may be elongated. The length of the stopper may be longer than its width, and preferably considerably longer. As a result, the stopper provides a secure stop for the insertion of the aerosol-generating article and, at the same time, does not lead to the accumulation of undesirable debris in the area of ​​the stopper.

[0021] The stopper may be straight. The stopper may be straight in the direction of extension of its longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the stopper may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Providing a straight stopper is simple in manufacture while creating a secure stop for the insertion of an aerosol-generating article.

[0022] The stopper may be cylindrical. A cylindrical stopper may improve the stopper's ability to detach, thereby preventing the undesirable accumulation of debris in the stopper's area.

[0023] The stopper may be configured in a cross shape. A cross-shaped stopper may further improve the stopping ability of the stopper. The cross-shaped stopper may be arranged in a plane. This plane may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Each member of the cross-shaped stopper may be shaped as described herein. Exemplarily, each member of the cross-shaped stopper may have a circular cross-section, a curved surface, or be configured as a pin or the like.

[0024] The stopper may be configured in a T-shape. A T-shaped stopper may maintain a relatively large area between its components to allow unwanted debris to detach and fall off the stopper, while improving the stopper's stopping ability. Compared to a single stopper element such as an elongated pin as described herein, a T-shaped stopper may have improved stopping ability. At the same time, the area between the stopper elements is slightly reduced, so a single elongated stopper element or a T-shaped stopper may be chosen depending on whether the stopping action or the detangling action of unwanted debris is of greater importance. The same applies to the case of a cross-shaped stopper. Compared to a T-shaped stopper, a cross-shaped stopper further improves the stopping action while having a slightly reduced detangling ability due to the reduced surface area between the individual components of the stopper. Therefore, when improved stopping action is required, a cross-shaped stopper may be chosen over a T-shaped stopper or an elongated single stopper. If improved detachment of undesirable fragments is desired, a single elongated stopper may be chosen over a T-shaped or cross-shaped stopper.

[0025] The cavity may include an inner sidewall. The inner sidewall may include a first recess. The stopper may be installed within the first recess. Therefore, the first recess may be configured as a mounting recess. The stopper may be inserted into the first recess. The stopper may be installed within the first recess by press-fitting connection or snap-fitting connection. Alternatively, the stopper may be integrally formed with the inner sidewall.

[0026] The inner sidewall may include a second recess on the opposite side of the first recess. The stopper may be installed within the second recess so as to be installed between the first recess and the second recess. Therefore, the second recess may be configured as a mounting recess. The stopper may be inserted into the second recess. The stopper may be installed within the second recess by press-fitting connection or snap-fitting connection. Alternatively, the stopper may be integrally formed with the inner sidewall. The stopper is passed across the internal volume of the cavity between the first recess and the second recess.

[0027] The stopper may be arranged such that air can flow from the distal side of the stopper around the stopper into the cavity. Preferably, the air can flow around the stopper. Due to the bridging arrangement of the stopper in particular, the air can flow around the stopper. This may advantageously establish a fluid connection between the cavity and an air flow channel arranged distally of the cavity via the stopper. The air flow channel may have a dual functionality of enabling air flow into the cavity and simultaneously receiving unwanted debris that falls off from the stopper. Therefore, the air flow channel may be further configured as a cleaning channel.

[0028] The stopper may be arranged at the base of the cavity.

[0029] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber.

[0030] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element disposed so as to at least partially surround the cavity.

[0031] The heating element may be configured to heat the heating chamber to 160°C to 300°C, preferably 180°C to 270°C, more preferably 200°C to 250°C.

[0032] The aerosol generating device may include an air flow channel distal to the cavity and the stopper. The air flow channel may be disposed so as to allow air flow into the cavity past the stopper.

[0033] The stopper may be disposed within the air flow channel.

[0034] The stopper may be disposed between the cavity and the air flow channel.

[0035] The distal portion of the cavity may have an inner diameter of 7.0 mm to 7.6 mm, preferably 7.1 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 7.2 mm to 7.4 mm, and most preferably approximately 7.3 mm.

[0036] The stopper may be disposed closer to the proximal end of the aerosol generating device than the distal end of the aerosol generating device.

[0037] The stopper may be made of PEEK.

[0038] The stopper may be configured to withstand temperatures up to approximately 340°C.

[0039] The stopper may be made of a heat-insulating material, preferably a ceramic material or a metal material.

[0040] The stopper may be integrally formed with the inner side wall of the cavity.

[0041] The aerosol generator may include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to a heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following the startup of the aerosol generator, or intermittently, such as with each smoke extraction. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and, preferably, control the supply of power to the heating element in accordance with the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0042] The aerosol generator may have a power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for a period of approximately 6 minutes, or a period of a multiple of 6 minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous activation of a heating element.

[0043] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user’s mouth. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0044] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Conveniently, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0045] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0046] When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, in some embodiments the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, slivers, or sheets containing one or more of the following: herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco vein fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and puffed tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain, for example, capsules containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which the component of the device is oriented toward the user during use of the device. A component oriented toward the user, specifically toward the user’s mouth, is a proximal component, and a component at the opposite end of the device is a distal component. Similarly, the proximal direction is the direction toward the user during use of the device, and the distal direction is the direction toward the user. The aerosol generator according to the present invention has a proximal end through which aerosols exit the device during use. The proximal end of the aerosol generator may also be called the mouth end or downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of an aerosol generating article may also be called the upstream end.

[0048] As used herein, “aerosol generator” refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. The aerosol generator may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generator may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generator may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0049] In any aspect of this disclosure, the heating element may include an electrical resistive material. Suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. An example of a suitable doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metallic alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the electrical resistive material may be embedded in, sealed in, or coated with an insulating material, depending on the required energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties, or vice versa.

[0050] As described, in any aspect of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may comprise an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both an internal and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive or electrically resistive metal tubes. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be placed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material such as ceramic, and then sandwiched between other insulating materials such as glass. The heater thus formed may be used for both heating the heating element in operation and monitoring its temperature.

[0051] As an alternative to electrically resistive heating elements, heating elements may be configured as inductive heating elements. Inductive heating elements may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within an alternating magnetic field, if the susceptor is conductive, typically, eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically, another effect that contributes to heating is generally called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss arises primarily from the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because their magnetic orientations align with the alternating induced magnetic fields. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes occurring at or below the nanoscale within the susceptor are called "hysteresis loss" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means by which the susceptor will be heated when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby forming an aerosol. Heat transfer may be mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0052] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system which may include an aerosol generating device as described herein and may also include an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0053] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article as described herein.

[0054] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0055] [Example A] Aerosol generator, A cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, Equipped with a stopper, An aerosol generator in which a stopper is disposed in or distal to the distal portion of a cavity, and the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article comes into contact with the stopper, and the stopper is disposed to bridge transversely across the distal portion of the cavity, and the stopper is disposed so that air can flow from distal to the stopper, around the stopper, into the cavity. [Example B] An aerosol generator according to Example A, in which the stopper has a circular cross-section. [Example C] An aerosol generator according to Example A, in which the stopper has an elliptical cross-section. [Example D] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is positioned to intersect the central axis of the long axis of the cavity. [Example E] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is a pin. [Example F] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper has a curved surface. [Example G] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, with a long, slender stopper. [Example H] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is straight. [Example I] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is cylindrical. [Example J] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured in a cross shape. [Example K] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured in a T-shape. [Example L] An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cavity has an internal side wall, the internal side wall has a first recess, and a stopper is installed in the first recess. [Example M] An aerosol generator according to Embodiment L, wherein the inner side wall has a second recess opposite to the first recess, and a stopper is installed in the second recess so as to be installed between the first recess and the second recess. [Example N] Aerosol generator, A cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, Equipped with a stopper, An aerosol generator in which a stopper is disposed in the distal portion or distal part of a cavity, and the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper is C-shaped, and the stopper is disposed adjacent to the inner side wall of the cavity. [Example O] An aerosol generator according to Example N, in which the stopper is in direct contact with the side wall of the cavity. [Example P] An aerosol generator according to Example N or O, wherein the stopper is ring-shaped. [Example Q] An aerosol generator according to any of Examples N to P, wherein the internal side wall is provided with at least a partially annular groove, and a stopper is installed in the groove. [Example R] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a stopper is disposed at the base of the cavity. [Example S] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the cavity is configured as a heating chamber. [Example T] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a heating element disposed to at least partially enclose a cavity. [Example U] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the heating element is configured to heat the heating chamber to 160°C to 300°C, preferably 180°C to 270°C, more preferably 200°C to 250°C. [Example V] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an airflow channel distal to a cavity and a stopper, and the airflow channel is arranged to allow air to flow through the stopper into the cavity. [Example W] An aerosol generator according to Example V, in which a stopper is disposed within the airflow channel. [Example X] An aerosol generator according to Example V, in which a stopper is disposed between the cavity and the airflow channel. [Example Y] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the distal portion of the cavity has an inner diameter of 7.0 mm to 7.6 mm, preferably 7.1 mm to 7.5 mm, more preferably 7.2 mm to 7.4 mm, and most preferably approximately 7.3 mm. [Example Z] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is positioned closer to the proximal end of the aerosol generator than to the distal end of the aerosol generator. [Example AA] An aerosol generator according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is made from PEEK. [Examples AB] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is configured to withstand temperatures up to approximately 340°C. [Example AC] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is made of an insulating material, preferably a ceramic material or a metal material. [Example AD] An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the stopper is integrally formed with the inner side wall of the cavity. [Example AE] An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate.

[0056] Features described in relation to one embodiment may also apply equally to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] The present invention will be further described with reference to the attached drawings, for illustrative purposes only. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] [Figure 1A-1B] Figures 1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of the aerosol generator according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stopper installed inside the cavity of an aerosol generator. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the stopper pin in Figure 2, the pin having a circular cross-section in this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a top view of one embodiment of a stopper in which the stopper is integrally formed with the inner side wall of the recess. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a top view of one embodiment of a stopper in which the stopper is cross-shaped. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a stopper in which the stopper is partially C-shaped. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a top view of one embodiment of a stopper having a C-shape. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generator 10. Figure 1 shows only a portion of the aerosol generator 10, specifically the proximal portion. The aerosol generator 10 may further comprise a portion including a power supply and electrical circuits. The aerosol generator 10 comprises a housing 12. The aerosol generator 10 further comprises a cavity 14.

[0060] The cavity 14 is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 16. The aerosol generating article 16 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate configured to generate an inhalable aerosol when heated.

[0061] The cavity 14 has an open proximal end 30 in its proximal portion 32 through which the aerosol-generating article 16 is inserted into the cavity 14. A stopper 18 is provided in the distal portion 34 of the cavity 14. The stopper 18 has the function of stopping the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 at a predetermined point along the length of the cavity 14. In other words, the stopper 18 is positioned so that the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the cavity 14 until a predetermined portion of the aerosol-generating article 16 is received into the cavity 14.

[0062] The stopper 18 has the additional function of preventing the accumulation of undesirable residues within the area of ​​the stopper 18. Different embodiments of the design of the stopper 18 are discussed below with reference to Figures 2 to 6 in order to achieve this effect.

[0063] The aerosol generator 10 further comprises a heating element 20. The heating element 20 is configured as either a resistance heating element or an induction heating element 20. The heating element 20 is arranged to at least partially surround the cavity 14. When an aerosol generating article 16 is received into the cavity 14, the heating element 20 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 16 to produce an inhalable aerosol.

[0064] An airflow channel 22 is provided distal to the cavity 14. The airflow channel 22 allows air to enter the cavity 14 from the base of the cavity 14. The air flows around the stopper 18 and then flows from the airflow channel 22 into the cavity 14. Thus, the stopper 18 is shaped to allow airflow into the cavity 14.

[0065] Undesirable fragments, such as residues from the aerosol-forming substrate, can be pushed from the stopper 18 into the airflow channel 22, thereby preventing the accumulation of fragments within the area of ​​the stopper 18. The pushing action to remove any undesirable residues is performed by the aerosol-generating article 16 itself during its insertion into the recess 14.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1A, the aerosol-generating article 16 can be inserted into the cavity 14 from the proximal open end of the cavity 14. As shown in Figure 1B, the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16 is stopped when the aerosol-generating article 16 comes into contact with the stopper 18 due to the stopping action of the stopper 18. When the aerosol-generating article 16 comes into contact with the stopper 18, any undesirable residue within the area of ​​the stopper 18 will be scraped off the stopper 18 by contact with the aerosol-generating article 16.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus along the line A-A' in Figure 1B. Specifically shown in Figure 2 is one embodiment of the stopper 18, which is configured as a pin bridging the internal volume of the cavity 14. The stopper 18 is installed within the internal side wall 24 of the cavity 14. The stopper 18 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 14. As is evident from the design of the stopper 18 shown in Figure 2, airflow around the stopper 18 is possible. Furthermore, because the stopper 18 has a narrow design, it is possible to prevent unwanted debris from accumulating in the area of ​​the stopper 18.

[0068] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the stopper 18 through the pin in Figure 2. The stopper 18 has a circular cross-section. This cross-section allows unwanted fragments to easily fall out of or be easily pushed out of the stopper 18. The cross-sectional shape of the stopper 18 shown in Figure 3 can be adopted, for example, in the stopper 18 shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5.

[0069] Figure 4 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, with the difference that the stopper 18 is integrally formed with the inner side wall 24 of the cavity 14.

[0070] Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the stopper 18 is configured in a cross shape. This means that instead of a single bridging element as shown in Figure 2, for example, two vertical bridging members are provided. The two bridging members intersect at the center of the cavity 14. The two bridging members can be provided as separate elements or as a single, integrally formed element.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment in which the stopper 18 is not configured as a bridging element spanning the cavity 14. Instead, the stopper 18 has a circular shape. The stopper 18 is at least partially disposed within the inner side wall 24 of the cavity 14 and is installed within the groove 28. The stopper 18 includes a rib 26 facing the cavity 14. The rib 26 has the function of contacting the aerosol-generating article 16 and preventing the insertion of the aerosol-generating article 16.

[0072] Figure 7 shows a circular stopper 18 used in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. However, the stopper 18 has an open ring shape and is not completely closed. This allows for the installation of a snap-fit ​​in the groove 28 of the stopper 18. For simplicity, the rib 26 is not shown in Figure 7, but the open ring-shaped stopper 18 may, of course, be equipped with a rib 26 as in the embodiment of Figure 6.

Claims

1. Aerosol generator, A cavity extending along a first longitudinal axis for receiving an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating article is received through a proximal portion provided at one end of the cavity in the direction along the first longitudinal axis, A heating element is arranged to at least partially enclose the aforementioned cavity, A stopper extending along a second longitudinal axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis, wherein the stopper has a circular cross-section in a plane parallel to the first longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis, Aerosol generating device in which the stopper is disposed in a distal portion provided on the other end side of the cavity in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, the stopper is configured to stop the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article comes into contact with the stopper, the stopper is disposed to bridge the distal portion of the cavity transversely, and the stopper is disposed so that air can flow from the distal side of the stopper in a direction along the first longitudinal axis, around the stopper, into the cavity, and the term "proximal" describes a relative position located in a direction toward the user when the device is in use, while the term "distal" describes a relative position located in a direction away from the user when the device is in use.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed to intersect the central axis of the cavity in the longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper includes an elongated member.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper has a curved surface.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is configured in a cross shape.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is configured in a T-shape.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has an internal side wall, the internal side wall has a first recess, and the stopper is installed in the first recess.

8. The aerosol generator according to claim 7, wherein the inner side wall has a second recess opposite to the first recess, and the stopper is installed in the second recess so as to be installed between the first recess and the second recess.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed at the base of the cavity, and the base of the cavity is disposed at the distal portion of the cavity.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is configured as a heating chamber.

11. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generator comprises an airflow channel distal to the cavity and the stopper, and the airflow channel is arranged to allow air to pass through the stopper and into the cavity.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the stopper is disposed within the airflow channel.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the stopper is disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the aerosol generator, and the distance between the stopper and the proximal end is smaller than the distance between the stopper and the distal end.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol forming substrate.

Images