Aerosol generation system, device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device comprises: an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a consumable comprising a portion of an aerosol generating substrate; and a loading channel extending through the aerosol generating device and intersecting the aerosol generating chamber, wherein the loading channel comprises a loading port at one end into which a consumable can be pressed into the loading channel, and the loading channel is configured to receive a plurality of consumables pressed along the loading channel toward the aerosol generating chamber by adding additional consumables to the loading port. An aerosol generating system comprises: an aerosol generating device comprising an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a consumable comprising a portion of an aerosol generating substrate; an aerosol generating device comprising a loading channel intersecting the aerosol generating chamber and having a loading port at one end; a plurality of consumables within the loading channel, wherein each consumable is configured to press adjacent consumables along the loading channel toward the aerosol generating chamber as a successive consumable is pressed into the loading port; and a heating element configured to heat a portion of the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating chamber.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to form an aerosol. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol generating device that may be self-contained and low temperature. Such a device may heat tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate material by conduction, convection, and / or radiation without burning it in order to generate an aerosol for inhalation. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the use and popularity of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers), aid devices to assist habitual smokers who wish to quit traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolled tobacco, have grown rapidly over the past few years. In contrast to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products, various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolizable materials.

[0003] A commonly available risk reduction or risk modification device is a heated substrate aerosol generator or a heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising wet leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolizable material, to a temperature typically ranging from 150°C to 350°C. By heating the aerosol substrate without igniting or burning it, an aerosol is released that contains the desired components of the user but does not contain toxic and carcinogenic ignition and combustion byproducts. Additionally, since the aerosol generated by heating tobacco or other aerosolizable material does not typically contain a burnt or bitter taste resulting from ignition and combustion, which may be unpleasant to the user, 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.

[0004] In such a device, the aerosol material is heated by a heating element, for example, within a heating chamber. The aerosol material is consumed through the generation of aerosol and must be replaced periodically. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a convenient method for replacing the aerosol material within the heating chamber.

[0005] According to a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises: an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a consumable comprising a portion of an aerosol generating substrate, and an aerosol generating chamber comprising a loading port at one end and a loading channel intersecting the aerosol generating chamber; a plurality of consumables within the loading channel, wherein each consumable is configured to press adjacent consumables along the loading channel as a successive consumable is pressed into the loading port; and a heating element configured to heat a portion of the aerosol generating substrate within the aerosol generating chamber.

[0006] By providing a push-loading mechanism for adding consumables and a loading channel capable of storing multiple consumables, the aerosol generator can be loaded at a reduced frequency. Additionally, since the loading mechanism of the aerosol generator is rigid without requiring moving parts, the lifespan of the aerosol generator is increased.

[0007] Optionally, the length of the loading channel is equal to the length of multiple consumables. Consequently, when the loading channel accommodates the maximum number of consumables, the loading channel is filled, and the consumables are precisely aligned within the aerosol generation chamber.

[0008] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a consumable for use in an aerosol generating device, wherein the consumable comprises a support frame configured to accommodate a portion of an aerosol generating material, the support frame being substantially rigid or elastic along a loading axis, and the consumable is configured to pass through a loading channel of the aerosol generating device along a loading axis.

[0009] By providing a support structure for continuous insertion of consumables, the consumables operate more reliably when inserted through the insertion-loading mechanism, and the need to unblock and clean the insertion-loading mechanism is reduced.

[0010] Optionally, the consumable further includes a sealing member to restrict airflow along the loading channel.

[0011] Aerosol extraction can be performed more efficiently by suppressing airflow along the loading channel and injecting air through or past the substrate.

[0012] Optionally, the consumable further includes an air intake and an air exhaust to allow air to pass through a portion of the aerosol generating material.

[0013] By providing an air intake and an air exhaust, air can flow through the substrate, and aerosol extraction from the substrate is increased.

[0014] Optionally, the consumable further includes a cleaning member for wiping the inner surface of the loading channel.

[0015] By providing a cleaning element on the consumable, the accumulation of residues resulting from aerosol generation is reduced, and the lifespan of the aerosol generating device is improved. The residues may take the form of, for example, adhesive, oily, or combustible materials released during the heating of the aerosol substrate.

[0016] Optionally, the consumable includes a cover for accessing a portion of the aerosol generating substrate and covering a portion of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0017] By providing a cover, the accumulation of residues caused by aerosol generation is reduced, and the lifespan of the aerosol generator is improved.

[0018] Optionally, the consumable includes a heating element.

[0019] By providing a heating element in the consumable, the heating element can be easily replaced, and the lifespan of the aerosol generator is improved.

[0020] Optionally, the support frame includes a thermally conductive plate configured to conduct heat from a heating element of an aerosol generator to an aerosol generating substrate.

[0021] By providing a thermally conductive plate, heat can be transferred to the substrate more efficiently.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises: an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a consumable comprising a portion of an aerosol generating substrate; and a loading channel extending through the aerosol generating device and intersecting the aerosol generating chamber, wherein the loading channel comprises a loading port at one end into which a consumable can be pressed into the loading channel, and the loading channel is configured to receive a plurality of consumables pressed along the loading channel by adding additional consumables to the loading port.

[0023] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further includes a sealing member positioned to suppress airflow along a loading channel when a consumable is accommodated within the aerosol generating chamber.

[0024] Aerosol extraction can be performed more efficiently by suppressing airflow along the loading channel and injecting air through or past the consumable.

[0025] Optionally, the loading channel includes an unloading port at the end of the loading channel opposite the loading port, and by pressing additional consumables into the loading port, the previous consumables are pressed out of the unloading port.

[0026] By providing a press-in-unloading mechanism, operating the device becomes additionally easier.

[0027] Optionally, the loading port and the unloading port are similar so that consumables can be pressed into the loading channel through the loading port or the unloading port.

[0028] By providing a reversible loading / unloading system, operating the device becomes additionally easier.

[0029] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further comprises an elongated body and a mouthpiece disposed at one end of the elongated body, and a loading channel disposed along the elongated body.

[0030] The aerosol generator is known to have an elongated shape to facilitate easy portability. By orienting the loading channel along the elongation direction, the number of consumables that can be stored in the loading channel is increased.

[0031] Optionally, the aerosol generating device further includes an actuator for pressing a plurality of consumables into a loading channel. For example, the actuator may be configured to move the next consumable into the aerosol generating chamber after the aerosol generating session is completed for the current consumable accommodated in the aerosol generating chamber.

[0032] By providing an actuator, a user can use multiple consumables while performing loading or unloading operations. Additionally, the actuator may provide a mechanism for emptying the loading channel. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate an aerosol generator having a loading channel for accommodating a plurality of consumables; FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate consumables for an aerosol generating device; FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically illustrate a first embodiment of a consumable having a support frame; FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate optional features of a consumable having a support frame; FIGS. 5a through 5c schematically illustrate additional optional features of a consumable having a support frame; FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate additional optional features of a consumable having a support frame; FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative configuration of an aerosol generator having a loading channel for accommodating a plurality of consumables; FIG. 8 illustrates an additional alternative configuration of an aerosol generator having a loading channel with only one loading / unloading port. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] FIGS. 1A and FIGS. 1B schematically illustrate a first embodiment of an aerosol generating device (1) in different cross-sectional views. FIGS. 1A is a cross-sectional view from the "top" perspective, FIGS. 1B is a cross-sectional view from the "side" perspective, the dashed line X1 represents the plane of FIGS. 1B, and the dashed line X2 represents the plane of FIGS. 1A.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1a, the aerosol generating device (1) includes a housing (11) surrounding an aerosol generating chamber (12). The aerosol generating chamber (12) is configured to generate an aerosol by receiving a consumable (2) and heating the consumable (2).

[0036] The loading channel (13) is configured to receive a plurality of consumables (2) through a loading port (131) and to transfer the consumables (2) to an aerosol generating chamber (12). The loading channel (13) extends through the aerosol generating device (1) inside the housing (11) and intersects with the aerosol generating chamber (12).

[0037] In this embodiment, the loading channel (13) is further configured to transfer a consumable (2) onto an unloading port (132) at the end of the loading channel opposite to the loading port (131). However, in another embodiment, the aerosol generating device (1) may be configured to unload the consumable (2) again through the loading port (131).

[0038] Preferably, the length of the loading channel (13) is equal to the length of a predetermined plurality of consumables (2), in this case equal to the length of three consumables as shown in FIG. 1a. However, this is not necessary in some embodiments.

[0039] An air flow channel (14) is connected through an aerosol generating chamber (12). By pumping air along the air flow channel (14), the aerosol generated within the aerosol generating chamber (12) is extracted from the aerosol generating device (1). For example, one end of the aerosol generating device (1) may be configured as a mouthpiece (15) including the end of the air flow channel (14).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1b, the loading channel (13) intersects the aerosol generating chamber (12). Consequently, as the consumable (2) is transported along the loading channel (13), the consumable (2) is positioned for heating within the heating chamber (12). Specifically, in FIG. 1b, the consumable (2-C) is positioned for heating.

[0041] In this embodiment, the loading channel (13) and the air flow channel (14) each intersect the aerosol generating chamber (12) in a common plane, and the air flow channel (14) extends through the plane of FIG. 1B. Consequently, air flows along the air flow channel (14) through the consumable (2) within the aerosol generating chamber (12). However, this is not required in all embodiments, and the loading channel (13) and the air flow channel (14) may each intersect the aerosol generating chamber (12) without intersecting each other, so that air flows only through the consumable (2). The heating chamber (12) has a heating element (121) that supplies heat to the consumable (2) to generate an aerosol. Specifically, the heating element (121) is configured to heat a portion of the aerosol generating material contained in the consumable within the aerosol generating chamber (12). The aerosol is delivered by air flowing along the air flow channel (14) to the mouthpiece (15). The heating element (121) is preferably an electric heating element such as a resistive heating element, but any type of heating element suitable for supplying heat to the heating chamber (12) may be used.

[0042] FIG. 1b illustrates four consumables (2-A to 2-D) each inserted into a loading port (131) and in contact with each other within a loading channel (13), so that when the last consumable (2-D) is pressed in from the end of the loading port (131) of the loading channel (13), each consumable (2-A, 2-B and 2-C) located forward within the loading channel (13) is pressed in along the loading channel (13) toward the aerosol generating chamber (12), through the aerosol generating chamber (12), and then out of the aerosol generating chamber (12). Specifically, when additional consumables are added to the loading port (131), the last consumable (2-D) may be pressed in from the loading port (131). Thus, the aerosol generating device (1) has a press-loading operation for loading consumables (2).

[0043] Additionally, when the last consumable (2-D) is pressed in from the loading port (131), the first consumable (2-A) is pressed out of the unloading port (132) (in an embodiment where the unloading port (132) exists).

[0044] The loading port (131) and the unloading port (132) are similar so that the consumable (2) can be pressed into the loading channel (13) through the loading port (131) or the unloading port (132). For example, this can help support both left-handed and right-handed operation of the aerosol generator (1). However, to prevent confusion regarding which end of the loading channel (13) is the loading port (131), the unloading port (132) may be alternatively configured so that it is not possible to press the consumable (2) into the unloading port (132).

[0045] The housing (11), aerosol generating chamber (12), loading channel (13), and air flow channel (14) may be manufactured from any rigid material such as a thermoplastic resin or metal (e.g., aluminum). The device (1) may be substantially manufactured from a heat-resistant material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide (PA) to prevent thermal deformation or melting, for example. The heat-resistant material may be a super engineering plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 1b, the aerosol generating device (1) further comprises a sealing member (133) disposed to suppress airflow along the loading channel (13) when a consumable (2) is received within the aerosol generating chamber (12). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1b, the sealing member (133) takes the form of a protrusion from the surface of the loading channel (13). When the consumable (2) is placed within the heating chamber (12) (in FIG. 1b, the consumable (2-C) is placed within the heating chamber (12)), the sealing member (133) extends across the gap between the wall of the loading channel (13) and the surface of the consumable (2). To suppress airflow between either the loading port (131) and the unloading port (132) and the aerosol generating chamber (12), one sealing member (133) is disposed within the loading channel (13) on both sides of the aerosol generating chamber (12). In another embodiment, either of the two sealing members (133) may be omitted.

[0047] The sealing member (133) may be manufactured from a material different from the rest of the loading channel. For example, the sealing member (133) may be manufactured from a flexible material such as an elastomer (e.g., rubber) so that the sealing member (133) can be bent as the consumable (2) is pressed along the loading channel (13) and wear on the sealing member (133) is reduced. Alternatively, the sealing member (133) may be a rigid protrusion positioned to provide a press fit for the consumable (2) within the loading channel (13).

[0048] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are schematic perspective views of a basic type of consumable (2) that can be used in an aerosol generating device (1) as described above.

[0049] In the embodiments of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, the consumable (2) comprises a part (21) of a simple aerosol generating substrate that releases an aerosol when heated.

[0050] In FIG. 2a, a portion (21) is a simple cubic shape having a length (L), width (W), and depth (D). For example, the substrate may be about 18 x 12 x 1.2 mm.

[0051] The substrate may comprise, for example, nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. The tobacco may take the form of various materials, such as sliced ​​tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaves, and / or recycled tobacco. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include polyols, for example, sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols, for example, monohydric alcohols; acids, for example, lactic acid; glycerol derivatives; esters, for example, triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, 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 further comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a wetting agent.

[0052] The substrate is porous so that air can flow through it and, in doing so, collect aerosols. The substrate may be, for example, foam, or compressed strands or fibers. The substrate may be formed into a stable shape through extrusion and / or rolling processes.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2b, a portion (21) of the aerosol generating substrate may be formed to have one or more protrusions and recesses in addition to being porous. To increase the gripping force of the consumable (2) within the loading channel (13) and to reduce the possibility of misalignment or sticking as the consumable is pressed along the loading channel (13), the loading channel (13) may similarly be adapted to have protrusions and recesses.

[0054] In each of FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b, a portion (21) has an exposed outer surface to which the aerosol generating substrate is exposed. Alternatively, the portion (21) may include a breathable wrapping paper that covers at least a portion of the surface of the aerosol generating substrate. The wrapping paper may include, for example, paper and / or nonwoven fabric.

[0055] Although the exemplary consumable (2) of FIGS. 2a and 2b is simple to manufacture, it is preferable to use a reinforced consumable to reduce the likelihood of the consumable getting stuck within the loading channel (13) and to make cleaning the device (1) easier. FIGS. 3a through 6b illustrate different embodiments of the consumable (2) having a support frame (22) configured to accommodate a portion (21) of the aerosol generating substrate. If the portion (21) is sufficiently rigid to support itself during loading / unloading operations, the support frame may be omitted (as in FIGS. 2a and 2b).

[0056] Referring first to the exemplary consumable (2) of FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b, FIGS. 3a is a schematic perspective view, and FIGS. 3b is a drawing of the upper surface (222) shown in FIGS. 3a. As shown in FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b, the support frame (22) may be a cubic structure including a recess for receiving a portion (21) of the aerosol generating material.

[0057] The support frame (22) is substantially rigid or elastic along the loading axis, that is, along the direction in which the consumable (2) is configured to move along the loading channel (13). As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the support frame (22) includes an end (23) configured to press adjacent consumables (2) along the loading channel (13). By providing such a support frame (22), the aerosol substrate (which may be a softer material that tends to deform or crumple) does not directly receive the pressing force for pressing the consumable (2) along the loading channel (13).

[0058] The support frame (22) may be manufactured from a material similar to that used for the structural features (housing (11), aerosol generating chamber (12), etc.) of the aerosol generating device (1), such as a thermoplastic resin or metal. For example, the support frame (22) may be substantially hollow and may be formed by bending a sheet material.

[0059] As additionally shown in FIG. 3a, the surface (221) of the support frame (22) may include a gap to allow the heating element (121) of the aerosol generating device (1) to come into direct contact with the part (21) of the aerosol substrate in order to heat the part (21) of the aerosol substrate. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the surface (221) is the lower surface of the support frame (22) facing the upper surface (222).

[0060] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the support frame (22) may include an air intake (24) and an air outlet (25) configured to allow air to flow through a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate to extract the generated aerosol. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the air intake (24) and the air outlet (25) are located on opposite side walls of the support frame (22). The size of the air intake (24) and the air outlet (25) is preferably as large as possible up to the size of the portion (21) of the aerosol substrate, but the intake and outlet may be slightly smaller so that the portion (21) cannot move out of the support frame (22). In some embodiments, the air intake (24) may be omitted, and the air may be directed to flow past the consumable (2) rather than through the consumable, and the consumable (2) may rely on diffusion to extract the aerosol from a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate.

[0061] FIGS. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate a second embodiment of a consumable (2) including a support frame (22). The second embodiment may be identical to the first embodiment, except as otherwise described below.

[0062] The main difference from the first embodiment is that the consumable includes one or more sealing elements (26). These may be provided additionally or alternatively to the sealing element (133) of the aerosol generating device (1), and have a structure similar to the aforementioned sealing element (133), except that when the consumable (2) is placed within the aerosol generating chamber (12), the sealing element (26) protrudes from the surface of the consumable (2) to seal the loading channel (13). As shown in FIG. 4b, in addition to optionally providing a plurality of sealing elements (26) to seal the loading channel (13) on both sides of the aerosol generating chamber (12) (like the sealing element (133)), sealing elements (26) may also be provided on a plurality of surfaces of the support frame (22). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, two sealing elements (26) are placed on both sides of a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the consumable (2).

[0063] Additionally, and apart from the sealing element (26), FIG. 4a illustrates an optional feature of a hollow buffer area within the support frame (22) between a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate and the end (23) of the support frame (22). In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4a, the upper surface (222) is omitted. This space further protects the portion (21) from any creasing caused by the press-loading of the consumable (2).

[0064] FIGS. 5a to 5c are schematic perspective and cross-sectional views of additional optional structural features of the consumable (2).

[0065] In each of FIGS. 5a to 5c, the consumable (2) includes a base (27). The base (27) may be a thicker part of the support frame (22) and may be configured to increase the strength of the support frame (22) or simply assist the user in orienting the consumable (2) to be inserted into the aerosol generating device (1).

[0066] Additionally, in each of FIGS. 5a to 5c, the consumable (2) includes a cover (28) for accessing and covering a portion of the aerosol generating substrate. The cover (28) may be completely detachable from the support frame (22) or may be movably attached, for example, via a hinge.

[0067] In each embodiment of FIGS. 3a through 6b, a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate can be replaced after the consumable (2) is used, whereas the support frame (22) can be reused. The cover (28) has the advantage of ensuring that such replacement of the portion (21) of the aerosol substrate is still possible while the aerosol substrate remains within the loading channel (13) or aerosol generating chamber (12) without moving out of the consumable (2).

[0068] Specifically, referring to FIG. 5b, the consumable (2) of the present embodiment has an alternative configuration of a heating element. Specifically, the base (27) includes a heating element (271), and the buffer area of ​​the support frame (22) also includes a heating element (222). Any combination of such heating elements mounted on the consumable (2) can be used additionally or alternatively to the heating element (121) of the aerosol generating device (1).

[0069] Additionally, to supply power to a heating element mounted on the consumable (2), the consumable (2) may include an electric contact (272). Similarly, the loading channel (13) may include an electric contact or an electric rail specifically located within the aerosol generating chamber (12) to supply power to the electric contact (272).

[0070] Additionally, or alternatively, referring to FIG. 5c, the base (27) may include a thermally conductive plate (273) configured to conduct heat from the heating element (121) of the aerosol generating device (1) to the aerosol generating substrate. The thermally conductive plate (273) may, for example, be a thin portion of the support frame (22) or a portion comprising a material different from the rest of the support frame (22). Alternatively, the entire base (27) or the entire support frame (22) may be thermally conductive. This embodiment of FIG. 5c implies that heat conduction from the external heating element (121) to a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate within the consumable (2) is improved without the consumable (2) needing to be in direct contact with the external heating element (121) or without the need for a heating element (271 or 222) within the consumable (2). By preventing direct contact between the part (21) and the external heating element (121), the aerosol substrate is less likely to leave residue due to aerosol generation.

[0071] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a schematic and cross-sectional view of a consumable (2) having a cleaning member (29) for cleaning the inner surface of a loading channel (13). The cleaning member (29) can remove any residue left by the aerosol substrate as the consumable (2) moves along the loading channel (13). The cleaning member (29) is positioned on the outer surface of the consumable (2), similar to a sealing element (26), and is configured to slide along the surface of the loading channel (13) as the consumable (2) moves along the loading channel to remove or absorb any residue generated from the aerosol substrate and deposited on the surface of the loading channel (13). The cleaning member (29) may include, for example, a heat-resistant fabric capable of withstanding the temperature used within the aerosol generating chamber (12) to generate the aerosol.

[0072] The consumable (2) may have a plurality of cleaning members (29). As illustrated in FIG. 6a, for example, when the consumable (2) is in the loading channel (13), they may be positioned such that one cleaning member (29) is in front of a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate along the loading direction, and another cleaning member (29) is in the rear of a portion (21) of the aerosol substrate along the loading direction. Additionally or alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 6b, a plurality of cleaning members (29) may be positioned to clean different surfaces of the loading channel (13).

[0073] With reference to FIGS. 3a through 6b, any one of the features described above may be combined together to provide different functions as described above.

[0074] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of an aerosol generating device (1) that can be used with any one of the aforementioned consumables. The second embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) has a number of features common to the first embodiment of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, and similar reference numerals indicate similar features.

[0075] A second embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) differs mainly from the first embodiment in that a loading channel (13) is arranged along the extension axis of the housing (11), and the housing (11) forms an extensional body having a mouthpiece (15) at one end.

[0076] The elongated body is known to be used in the aerosol generator (1) to make it easier to grip by hand. By aligning the loading channel (13) parallel to the elongation direction of the aerosol generator (1), this configuration means that the length of the loading channel (13) available for accommodating the consumable (2) is increased.

[0077] Additionally, as the loading channel (13) extends along the extension axis of the housing (11), the user can press the consumable (2) into the loading channel (13) located at the end of the housing (11) opposite the mouthpiece (15) or adjacent to the mouthpiece (15). Any one of these loading port configurations can be operated by extending the hand around the extension axis so that the user can conveniently and intuitively grasp the aerosol generator (1).

[0078] An additional optional feature illustrated in the second embodiment of FIG. 7 is that the aerosol generating chamber (12) and the loading channel (13) are arranged so that the consumable (2) pressed out of the aerosol generating chamber (12) is not immediately pressed out of the aerosol generating device (1). Accordingly, the consumable (2) has the advantage of having time to cool after being used inside the aerosol generating chamber (12) before a user potentially touches it.

[0079] Additionally, in the second embodiment of FIG. 7, an exemplary air flow channel (14) is shown that is partially parallel to the loading channel (13) but also has a curved portion to direct airflow through the loading channel (13), thereby allowing air to flow through the consumable (2) in a manner similar to the arrow shown in FIG. 3b.

[0080] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a third embodiment of an aerosol generating device (1) that can be used with any one of the aforementioned consumables. The third embodiment of the aerosol generating device (1) has a number of features common to the first embodiment of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b, and similar reference numerals indicate similar features.

[0081] A third embodiment of the aerosol generator (1) differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the loading port (131) is also used as an unloading port. With this configuration, the user can press-load multiple consumables (2) one at a time and use each consumable (2) during each aerosol generation session. However, the aerosol generator (1) does not need to be emptied after every aerosol generation session; instead, additional consumables (2) can be added until the loading channel (13) is full.

[0082] The aerosol generating device (1) may further include a driver (134) for pressing a plurality of consumables into a loading channel (13).

[0083] In a third embodiment, the actuator (134) is configured to re-press consumables (2-A, 2-B, 2-C) out of the loading channel (13) to empty the loading channel. The actuator (134) may be an electronic actuator controlled by a user using a button or automatically controlled by a control circuit. Alternatively, the actuator (134) may be an entirely mechanical system, such as a telescopic element configured to retract when pressed until the loading channel (13) is full and to fully extend when pressed while the loading channel is full.

[0084] The actuator (134) may be additionally or alternatively configured to move the next consumable into the aerosol generation chamber (12) after the aerosol generation session is completed for the current consumable (2) housed in the aerosol generation chamber.

[0085] The aerosol generating device (1) according to the first or second embodiment may similarly include an actuator (134) to empty the loading channel through the loading port (131) or unloading port (132) or to move the next consumable (2) into the aerosol generating chamber (12).

Claims

Claim 1 An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation chamber configured to accommodate a consumable including a portion of an aerosol generation substrate; an aerosol generation device comprising a loading port at one end and a loading channel intersecting the aerosol generation chamber; a plurality of consumables within the loading channel, wherein each consumable is configured to press adjacent consumables along the loading channel toward the aerosol generation chamber as a continuous consumable is pressed into the loading port; and a heating element configured to heat a portion of the aerosol generation substrate within the aerosol generation chamber. Claim 2 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the length of the loading channel is the same as the length of the plurality of consumables. Claim 3 An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of consumables comprises a support frame configured to accommodate a portion of an aerosol generating material, said support frame being substantially rigid or elastic along a loading axis, and said consumables configured to pass through a loading channel along the loading axis. Claim 4 An aerosol generating system according to paragraph 3, further comprising a sealing member for suppressing airflow along the loading channel. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, an aerosol generating system further comprising an air intake and an air exhaust to allow air to pass through a part of the aerosol generating material. Claim 6 In paragraph 3, an aerosol generating system further comprising a cleaning member for wiping the inner surface of the loading channel. Claim 7 In paragraph 3, an aerosol generating system comprising a cover for accessing a part of an aerosol generating substrate and covering a part of an aerosol generating substrate. Claim 8 In paragraph 3, an aerosol generating system further comprising a heating element. Claim 9 In paragraph 3, the support frame comprises a heat-conducting plate configured to conduct heat from a heating element of the aerosol generating device to an aerosol generating substrate, in an aerosol generating system. Claim 10 An aerosol generating device comprising: an aerosol generating chamber configured to receive a consumable including a part of an aerosol generating material; and a loading channel extending through the aerosol generating device and intersecting the aerosol generating chamber, wherein the loading channel includes a loading port at one end and a consumable can be pressed into the loading channel toward the aerosol generating chamber through the loading port, and wherein the loading channel is configured to receive a plurality of consumables pressed along the loading channel by adding additional consumables to the loading port. Claim 11 An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, further comprising a sealing member disposed to suppress airflow along the loading channel when a consumable is accommodated within the aerosol generating chamber. Claim 12 An aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the loading channel comprises an unloading port at the end of the loading channel opposite to the loading port, and the previous consumable is pressed out of the unloading port by pressing an additional consumable into the loading port. Claim 13 In claim 12, the loading port and the unloading port are similar, so that the consumable can be pressed into the loading channel through the loading port or the unloading port, in an aerosol generating device. Claim 14 The aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11 further comprises an elongated body and a mouthpiece disposed at one end of the elongated body, wherein the loading channel is disposed along the elongated body. Claim 15 An aerosol generating device according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a driver for pressing a plurality of consumables into the loading channel.

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