TW202243603A - Aerosol generating device comprising a pushing bar - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end, the heating chamber (45) configured to receive a heater part of the aerosol generating substrate (12); - an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a pushing bar (81) formed from a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejecting position; the pushing bar (81) comprising a pushing element (89) configured to eject the aerosol generating substrate (12) from the heating chamber (45) by pushing while the pushing bar (81) is sliding from the retracted position to the ejecting position.

Description

Aerosol generating device including a push rod

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising a push rod.

The aerosol-generating device according to the invention is configured to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate, which is in the form of, for example, a solid substrate capable of forming an aerosol when heated. Accordingly, this type of aerosol-generating device (also known as a heat-but-not-burn device) is adapted to generate an aerosol for inhalation by heating, rather than burning, a substrate by conduction, convection, and/or radiation.

Over the past few years, there has been rapid growth in the popularity and use of risk-reducing or risk-modifying devices (also known as vaporizers), which help habitual smokers who want to quit smoking such as cigarettes, cigars, Traditional tobacco products such as cigars and cigarettes. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm vaporizable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

Commonly used, risk-reduced or risk-modified devices are heated matrix aerosol-generating devices or heat-no-burn devices. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising moist tobacco leaves or other suitable vaporizable Material. Heating without burning or burning the aerosol substrate will release an aerosol that includes the components sought by the user but excludes the toxic and carcinogenic by-products of combustion and burning. In addition, aerosols produced by heating tobacco or other vaporizable materials typically do not include burnt or bitter flavors that may be unpleasant to the user due to combustion and burning, and thus, the matrix does not require sugar and other additives, which Such sugars and additives are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapor more palatable to the user.

Aerosol substrates (also called aerosol-generating substrates) appear as consumable parts of aerosol-generating devices. Therefore, when it is no longer capable of producing an aerosol or/and the taste desired by the user, it must be replaced by another one. In some aerosol-generating devices, exchanging the aerosol-generating substrate for a new one can be laborious for the user. In addition, some aerosol-generating substrates may leave residues inside the device that may impair the operation of the device.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an aerosol-generating device which allows the user to exchange the aerosol-generating substrate in a particularly simple manner without leaving residues inside the device.

To this end, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device configured to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate and comprising: - a device body extending along the device axis and defining at least one side extending along the device axis; - a cup-shaped heating chamber defining an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, the heating chamber being configured to receive the heater portion of the aerosol-generating substrate via the open end; - an ejection mechanism comprising a push rod formed of a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber between a retracted position and an ejection position; The push rod includes a pusher element configured to push the aerosol-generating substrate out of the heating chamber by pushing the aerosol-generating substrate from the closed end toward the open end when the push rod slides from the retracted position to the ejected position room eviction.

The ejection mechanism can be actuated by the user to easily replace the aerosol-generating substrate without leaving residue inside the device. This is achieved by using a pusher element that pushes the substrate to expel it from the heating chamber. The push element is moved by a push rod which can be directly or indirectly actuated by the user. In addition, the push rod is made of a flexible material such as semi-soft silicone, which enables placement of the push rod within the limited volume of the aerosol generating device without making it bulky and uncomfortable to use.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber includes at least one heating wall configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate, the heating wall includes an inner surface, and the pushing element is configured to interact with the heated aerosol-generating substrate when pushing the aerosol-generating substrate. The inner surface of the wall is in contact.

Thanks to these features, the push rod can dislodge residues of the aerosol-generating substrate that may remain on the inner surface of the heating wall from the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber extends along the device axis, and the device body further comprises a suction nozzle defining a through hole extending along the device axis and facing the open end of the heating chamber, the suction nozzle being configured to receive The mouthpiece portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Due to these features, it is possible to use a mouthpiece separate from the aerosol-generating substrate. This mouthpiece may form part of the aerosol generating device and is eventually replaceable.

According to some embodiments, the pushing element is further configured to pass through the heating chamber and at least a portion of the through-hole of the mouthpiece when pushing the aerosol-generating substrate.

Due to these features, expulsion of the aerosol-generating device can be performed more efficiently. Furthermore, the risk of substrate clogging inside the heating chamber and/or the suction nozzle is reduced. Furthermore, by passing at least partially through the mouthpiece, the pusher element can dislodge residues formed by the aerosol-generating substrate from the mouthpiece.

According to some embodiments, the pushing element further comprises cleaning means configured to clean the through-hole and/or the heating chamber of the nozzle when pushing the aerosol-generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the pushing element can not only dislodge residues left behind after using the aerosol-generating substrate, but also clean the inner surface of the heating chamber and/or at least a part of the suction nozzle. This is particularly useful when residues, especially small residues, remain attached to internal surfaces, eg when heated.

According to some embodiments, the push element is configured to impermeably seal the heating chamber at the closed end when the push rod is in the retracted position.

According to some embodiments, when the push rod is in the retracted position, the open end of the heating chamber defines an exclusive venting opening of the heating chamber.

Due to these features, the gas flow can only enter the interior of the heating chamber through the open end of the heating chamber. This allows to arrange the gas flow path inside the device in a suitable manner. For example, the gas flow may flow outside the heated chamber before entering the chamber and thus cool the external surfaces of the device when the device is in operation. This thus makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the housing of the device and reduce the risk of burning the user.

According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism further includes an actuator configured to move the push rod between the retracted position and the ejection position; to the distal end of the actuator.

Due to these features, the expulsion of the aerosol-generating substrate from the device can be manually initiated by the user.

According to some embodiments, the push rod is configured to slide between said positions along a coiling path comprising two parallel straight sections, each of the proximal end and the distal end being coilable. Swipe within the corresponding straight segment of the path.

Due to these features, the push rod can be arranged in a compact manner inside the aerosol generating device.

According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism further comprises guide means for causing the push rod to follow the winding path.

Thanks to these features, the push rod can be guided precisely by the guide means, which reduces the risk of jamming the rod.

According to some embodiments, the actuator is configured to slide in the slot between a distal position resulting in a retracted position of the push rod and a proximal position resulting in an ejected position of the push rod.

Due to these features, the actuator can be easily actuated by the user.

According to some embodiments, said slot is arranged on a side wall of the device body; preferably, the actuator is configured to closely fit the slot, at least at a distal position, to prevent air from entering the interior of the device body.

Due to these features, the air flow path inside the aerosol generating device can be precisely designed because the air flow can enter the interior of the device only through predetermined air inlets.

According to some embodiments, a heater is included adjacent to the outer surface of the heated wall.

Due to these features, the aerosol-generating substrate can be heated by heat transfer through at least one wall of the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the cup-shaped heating chamber defines a rectangular cross-section.

Due to these features, it is possible to use aerosol-generating substrates having a flat shape.

According to some embodiments, the cup-shaped heating chamber is defined by at least two opposing heating walls, each heating wall defining an inner surface, and the pushing element is configured to contact the inner surface of each heating wall when pushing the aerosol-generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the push rod makes it possible to dislodge residues of the aerosol-generating substrate that may remain on the inner surface of each heating wall from the heating chamber.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an aerosol-generating substrate and an aerosol-generating device as described above.

Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As used herein, the term " aerosol - generating device " or " device " may include inhalation devices, including aerosols for inhalation, that deliver aerosols to a user via a heater element explained in further detail below. The device may be portable. "Portable" may mean that the device is intended for use while held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, for example by activating a heater element for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a suction button and/or a suction sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to inhalation intensity as well as inhalation duration to enable delivery of variable amounts of vapor (thus analogous to the effect of smoking conventional combustible smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars or pipes, etc.). The device may contain a temperature regulation controller to drive the temperature of the heater and/or heated aerosol-generating substance (aerosol precursor) to a specified target temperature and then maintain the temperature at a target temperature effective for aerosol generation .

As used herein, the term " aerosol " may include a suspension of vaporizable material, such as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gases. The suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosols herein may generally refer to/comprise vapors. Aerosols may contain one or more components of vaporizable materials.

As used herein, the term " vaporizable material " or " precursor " may refer to an aerosol-generating material, which may include, for example, nicotine or tobacco and aerosol-forming agents. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as cut tobacco, pelleted tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: polyols such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols such as propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; non-polyols such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives such as Esters of triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating agent can be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The matrix may also include at least one of a gelling agent, a binder, a stabilizer, and a wetting agent. First Embodiment of the Invention

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device 10 is intended to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in more detail in FIG. 2 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is, for example, a flattened cuboid extending along the substrate axis X and having outer dimensions L×W×D. In a typical example, the length L of the matrix according to the axis X of the matrix is substantially equal to 33 mm, while its width W and depth D are substantially equal to 12 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. According to different examples, for example, the values of L, W and D may be chosen within a range of +/- 40%. The depth D of the substrate 12 is defined by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B (hereinafter referred to as substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B), and the width W of the substrate is defined by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B (hereinafter referred to as substrate contact walls 14A). , 14B) formation. According to other embodiments of the invention, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have any other suitable shape and/or external dimensions. For example, aerosol-generating substrate 12 may be formed in the shape of a circular tube.

The aerosol-generating substrate 12 comprises a heater portion 15 and a nozzle portion 16 arranged along a substrate axis X. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may only include the heater portion 15 . The heater part 15 may eg be slightly longer than the nozzle part 16 . For example, the length L2 of the heater portion 15 according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 18 mm, and the length L1 of the nozzle portion 16 according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to 15 mm. The heater portion 15 defines an abutment end 18 of the substrate 12 and the nozzle portion 16 defines a mouth end 20 of the substrate 12 . The heater part 15 and the nozzle part 16 may be fixed to each other by a unique wrap extending around the axis X of the substrate. In other embodiments, the parts 15, 16 may be wrapped by different wraps and secured to each other by any other suitable means. The or each wrapping may eg comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium. The or each wrap may be porous or air impermeable. The or each wrapping forms a plurality of gas flow channels extending inside the matrix 12 between the abutment end 18 and the mouth end 20 .

The heater portion 14 is intended to be heated by a heater (in this example using a heating chamber) and comprises a vaporizable material as defined above. According to the first and second embodiments of the invention, the nozzle part 16 is intended to be received inside the nozzle, as will be explained in further detail below. According to other embodiments of the invention, the mouthpiece part 16 itself forms a mouthpiece intended to come into contact with the user's mouth and/or lips. The mouthpiece part 16 includes, for example, a core 17 acting as a filter. The core 17 may be, for example, foam, or packed strands or fibres. The core 17 may be formed into a stable shape by extrusion and/or rolling processes. The matrix can be shaped to provide one or more gas flow channels. In the particular example of FIG. 2 , the nozzle part 16 defines a plurality of ventilation holes 22 arranged according to the entire circumference of the nozzle part 16 , for example along two axes perpendicular to the substrate axis X. In other words, according to this example, the vent holes 22 are arranged on each of the matrix-lateral walls 13A, 13B and the matrix-contacting walls 14A, 14B of the matrix. According to another example, the vent holes 22 are arranged only on the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B, or preferably only on one of the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B. In both examples, the vent holes 22 may be aligned perpendicular to the matrix axis on the or each corresponding wall of the matrix 12 and may be spaced the same distance apart. The vent holes 22 allow fresh air to enter the interior of the matrix 12 to achieve a specific smoking/tasting effect.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating device 10 includes a device body 30 extending along a device axis Y and forming at least one side wall 40 of the device 10 . The device body 30 includes a suction nozzle 32 and a housing 34 arranged continuously according to the device axis Y. According to the example of FIG. 1 , the suction nozzle 32 and the housing 34 form a single piece. In this case, the side wall 140 has, for example, a smooth outer surface and defines a smooth transition between the suction nozzle 32 and the housing 34 . According to other examples, the nozzle 32 and the housing 34 form two distinct parts. In particular, according to the examples, the suction nozzle 32 is designed to be fixed on or to be received in an insertion opening formed at one of the ends of the housing 34 .

In each cross-section, the housing 34 may, for example, form a generally rectangular shape with rounded edges. In this case, the housing 34 forms at least four side walls 40 with the suction nozzle 32 . According to other embodiments, the housing 34 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. In this case it can form only one side wall 40 with the suction nozzle 32 . The housing 34 may be sealed at the end opposite the suction nozzle 32 . The housing 34 and ultimately the nozzle 32 may be made of any suitable material, such as aluminum or plastic. In some embodiments, this material can be a thermally conductive material. In some other embodiments, it may be an insulating material.

In some embodiments, the housing 34 may form one or several openings on corresponding portions of the device side walls 40, the one or several openings being suitable for arranging control and/or visual elements. For example, such elements may include actuators, control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, and the like. In particular, in the example of FIG. 1 , the housing 34 forms a slot 42 that receives the actuator, as will be explained in further detail below. According to some examples, the slot 42 or any other slot arranged on the side wall 40 may receive, for example, an LED indicating at least the on state of the device 10 . It can also indicate eg battery legal status, error status, etc.

Housing 34 defines an interior space of device 10 that houses various elements designed to perform the different functions of device 10 . This interior space may, for example, house a battery for powering 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, a heating chamber 45 for heating the At least one heating element 47, and an ejection mechanism 48 designed to eject the aerosol-forming substrate 12 from the heating chamber 45. Of these elements, only the heating chamber 45, the heating element 47 and the ejection mechanism 48 are explained in further detail with reference to the following figures.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the nozzle 32 is pierced by a through hole 60 extending along the device axis Y between a distal portion 62 and an outflow opening 64 . In particular, the through hole 60 is designed to receive the nozzle portion 16 of the aerosol generating substrate 12 such that the substrate axis X coincides with the device axis Y. Accordingly, the through-hole 60 has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol-generating substrate 12 and defines an inner dimension that is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In particular, in the example of the figures, the through-hole 60 defines a rectangular cross-section so as to be able to receive the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the vias 60 may have variable cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the through hole 60 may have a gradually decreasing cross-sectional dimension (in particular width) from the distal portion 62 to the outflow port 64 . Furthermore, the through-hole 60 and the nozzle portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have the same length as measured with respect to the device axis Y and the substrate axis X, respectively. According to another embodiment, the length of the nozzle portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may be shorter than the length of the through hole 60 such that the mouth end 20 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may be flush at the outlet 64 .

The distal portion 62 is open to the heating chamber 45 and allows insertion of the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 inside the heating chamber 45 . In the example of the figures, the distal portion 62 forms an opening in fluid communication with an inflow port 66 arranged on the side wall 40 of the device body 30 . In this example, the inflow opening 66 is formed in the transition region between the housing 34 and the suction nozzle 32 . According to other examples, the inflow port 66 may be formed at any other point of the device body 30 . For example, it may be formed on the wall of the housing 34 opposite to the suction nozzle 32 .

In embodiments where the aerosol-generating substrate 12 includes vent holes 22 , at least some of the vent holes 22 are arranged to face the inflow opening 66 .

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the heating chamber 45 forms a cup-shaped heating chamber extending along the device axis Y between an open end 70 and a closed 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 of the figures, the heating chamber 45 defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. Each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B may be made of a thermally conductive material such as metal. Furthermore, at least some or all of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B may be formed as a single piece.

The internal dimensions of the heating chamber 45 are defined by the length L3 measured with respect to the device axis Y, the width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B, and the width W3 as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The measured depth D3 is defined. The inner dimensions L3 , W3 , D3 are selected based on the outer dimensions L2 , W, D of the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 .

In particular, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 is chosen to be slightly greater than or substantially equal to the depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In this case, when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is received inside the heating chamber 45, the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B may be in contact with the chamber contacting walls 74A, 74B. Advantageously, in this case the chamber contacting walls 74A, 74B are in intimate contact with the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 may even be slightly smaller than the normal depth D of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In this case, the heating chamber 45 and/or the nozzle 32 are configured to compress the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 by exerting a force on the substrate contacting walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the intimate contact between the heating chamber 45 and the corresponding contact walls of the substrate 12 and thus improve the heat transfer between these walls.

The width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that a gas flow channel is formed between the heating chamber 45 and at least one pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . Advantageously, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected such that a gas flow channel is formed between the heating chamber 45 and each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In other words, the width W3 of the heating chamber 45 is selected to form a distance d1 between each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B, as shown in FIG. 4 . In particular, in the example of this figure, W3 = W + 2d1. The distance d1 may eg be chosen to be substantially equal to the depth D3 of the heating chamber 45 . In this case, when the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is inserted in the heating chamber 45, a substantially square cross-section is formed along the device axis Y on either lateral side of the aerosol-generating substrate 12. airflow channel. Of course, the distance d1 can be chosen to be equal to any other value, depending on the desired flow rate inside the aerosol-generating substrate 12 when it is heated.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the heating element 47 is arranged outside the heating chamber 45 in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. In particular, in the example of the figures, the heating element 47 is arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A. This chamber contact wall 74A may thus be referred to as a heated wall, the inner surface of which is in contact with the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . The heating element 47 may comprise a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the entire area of said outer surface of the chamber contacting wall 74A or along only a portion of this surface. In the latter case, the portion may form a width substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . The heating element 45 is battery powered and controlled by the control module of the aerosol generating device 10 . In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device 10 may include two heating elements 47, each attached to an outer surface of one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. In this case, the heating chamber 45 forms two heating walls 74A, 74B. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a thermal insulator disposed between the or each heating element 47 and the inner surface of the housing 34 . This same insulation may also be disposed between the outer surface of each of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing 34 .

The ejection mechanism 48 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5-7 . Referring to these figures, the ejection mechanism 48 includes a push rod 81 and an actuator 82 fixed to the push rod 81 .

The push rod 81 is arranged within the heating chamber 45 and advantageously within at least a portion of the suction nozzle 32, between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 5 ) and an ejection position (shown in FIG. 6 ). slide. In particular, in the retracted position of the push rod 81 , the device 10 and in particular the heating chamber 45 is designed for normal operation, ie generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate 12 partially received in the heating chamber 45 . In the ejection position, the push rod 81 ejects the aerosol-forming substrate 12 from the heating chamber 45, eg, when the device and heating chamber 45 are not operating to generate an aerosol.

In the example of the figures, the push rod 81 extends between a proximal end 85 and a distal end 87 . The distal end 87 is fixed to the actuator 82 . The proximal end 85 receives a push member 89 configured to move the aerosol-generating substrate 12 from the closed end 71 of the heating chamber 45 toward the open end when the push rod 81 is slid from the retracted position to the ejected position. End 70 pushes to dislodge the aerosol-generating substrate from heating chamber 45 .

In the retracted position of the push rod 81 , the push element 89 forms a wall of the heating chamber 45 which seals its closed end 71 . Advantageously, in this position, the pusher element 89 is configured to seal the heating chamber 45 imperviously, so that, as shown in FIG. 3 , an exclusive vent opening of the chamber 45 is formed on its open end 70 . Furthermore, in this case, the pusher element 89 may define a rib which protrudes axially into the heating chamber 45 and makes it possible to retain the aerosol when the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is partially inserted into the heating chamber 45 . The abutment end 18 of the production matrix 12 is at a distance from the pusher element 89 . This distance allows the airflow to make a “U” turn inside the heating chamber 45 . According to other embodiments, the pusher element 89 may form an inlet hole so that air can enter the chamber through the closed end 71 of the chamber 45 . In this case, the pushing element 89 may be arranged without ribs, and the heating chamber 45 may be arranged so that the heating chamber 45 and at least one pair of facing side walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 73B of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 There is no airflow channel in between.

When sliding the push rod 81 from the retracted position to the ejected position, the push element 89 is able to slide through the heating chamber 45 and, advantageously, at least a part of the suction nozzle 32 . For this purpose, the pusher element 89 may define the same cross-sectional shape as the heating chamber 45 and ultimately the suction nozzle 32 . In one embodiment, when sliding the push rod 81, the cross-sectional shape of the push member 89 allows this push member 89 to only contact at least one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B, and advantageously each chamber contact wall. 74A, 74B are in contact. In another embodiment, this shape also allows the pusher element 89 to come into contact with at least one of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B, and advantageously, each of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B. According to both embodiments, the pushing element can be at least partially in contact with the inner surface of the suction nozzle 32 , ie with the surface delimiting the through hole 60 of the suction nozzle 32 . In some embodiments, the pushing element 89 may include a cleaning device configured to clean each surface in contact with the pushing element 89 . The cleaning means may comprise brushes.

The push rod 81 is made of a flexible material such as semi-soft silicone. In some embodiments, the push rod 81 may be flexible in the axial direction and substantially rigid in the lateral direction. In this case, the push rod 81 may comprise a flexible base and a plurality of transversely rigid elements fixed in the base. In general, the push rod 81 is made flexible to follow a winding path inside the device body 30 as shown in the figures. This path is formed, for example, by two parallel straight sections and a curved section connecting between the straight sections. It is worth noting that the first straight section may be formed by the inner part of the heating chamber 45 and ultimately by at least a part of the through-hole 60 of the suction nozzle 32 . The proximal end 85 of the push rod 81 and in particular the push element 89 thus follows this first straight section when sliding the push rod 81 from one position to another. The second straight section may be formed by a slot 42 arranged on the side wall 40 of the device body 30 . The distal end 85 of the push rod 81 and in particular the actuator 82 thus follow this second straight section when sliding the push rod 81 from one position to another. Advantageously, the straight sections may be parallel to the axis Y of the device and offset according to this axis Y and according to an axis perpendicular to the axis Y of the device. Thus, the curved sections ensure a smooth transition between the straight sections. According to some embodiments, the ejection mechanism 48 may further comprise guide means that cause the push rod 81 to follow the winding path. In particular, the guiding means can guide the push rod 81 in the curved section of the winding path. For this purpose, the guide means can present a pair of slots which guide laterally the push rod 81 or the rollers arranged in the transition zone between each straight section and this curved section.

As noted above, the actuator 82 is disposed within the slot 42 and may, for example, protrude therefrom for actuation by a user. In particular, the actuator 82 is slidable in the slot 42 between a distal position resulting in a retracted position of the push rod 81 and a proximal position resulting in an ejected position of the push rod 81 . For example, actuator 82 may be actuated by a user to slide between the positions. According to another example, the actuator 82 may be actuated by the user to slide from the distal position to the proximal position, and when no longer actuated by the user, return from the distal position to the proximal position by suitable biasing means. . The biasing means may eg be formed by a spring or any other elastic element. According to yet another example, the actuator 82 may be actuated by an electric mechanism powered by the battery of the device. In some embodiments, the actuator 82 is configured to snugly fit the slot, at least at the distal location, to prevent air from entering the interior of the device body 30 .

The operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 will now be described. Initially, it is considered that the aerosol-generating substrate 12 has been withdrawn from the device 10 and the actuator 82 is in the distal position. To initiate the inhalation session, the user partially inserts the aerosol-generating substrate inside the heating chamber 45 . Next, the device 10 and in particular the heating chamber 45 may be operated to generate an aerosol. During this period, the actuator 82 may be locked, for example mechanically, in the distal position. When the aerosol-generating substrate 12 needs to be replaced, the user can stop the operation of the heating chamber 45 and slide the actuator 82 along the slot 42 from the distal position to the proximal position. This causes the push rod 81 to slide from the retracted position to the ejected position. The aerosol-generating substrate 12 is thus pushed out of the heating chamber 45 and suction nozzle 32 and expelled from the device 10 as shown in FIG. 6 . By passing through the heating chamber 45 and eventually at least partially through the through hole 60 , the pushing element 89 can remove residues left by the substrate 12 .

As can be seen in Figure 9, the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 may have, for example, the shape of a flat plate having grooves with slots on two opposing surfaces. Second embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 8 shows an aerosol generating device 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This aerosol-generating device 110 is similar to the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention and, notably, is configured to operate with the same aerosol-generating substrate 12 shown in FIG. 2 .

The aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention further comprises a device body 130 defining at least one side wall 140 of the device 110 . Contrary to the previous embodiments, the device body 130 according to the second embodiment of the present invention does not define a suction nozzle. As shown in FIG. 8 , the nozzle is formed from at least a portion of the nozzle portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 .

In particular, according to this embodiment, the device body 130 forms an insertion opening 136 extending perpendicularly to the device axis Y at one of the ends of the device body 130 . As in the first embodiment of the invention, the opening 136 is adapted to receive at least the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . In particular, as in the previous case, the opening 136 communicates with a heating chamber arranged inside the device body 130 . This heating chamber is similar to the heating chamber described above and, notably, is adapted to receive the heater portion 15 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 .

Contrary to the previous situation, at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 16 of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 protrudes from the opening 136, thereby forming a mouthpiece. In other words, this raised portion of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 is designed to contact the user's lips and mouth when the device 110 is in use, and form the outflow opening 164 .

As in the previous case, the inflow port 166 is formed on the side wall 140 of the device body 130 . This inflow port 166 is in fluid communication with each gas flow channel formed between the heating chamber and the lateral walls of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . Furthermore, as in the previous case, the flow is forced to follow a “U” turn within the chamber to flow inside the aerosol-generating substrate 12 up to the outflow opening 164 .

When the aerosol-generating substrate 12 includes vent holes 22, the vent holes 22 may be disposed on a raised portion of the nozzle portion 16 of the substrate 12, as shown in FIG. According to another example, the vent hole 22 is arranged on the part of the substrate 12 received inside the device body 130 in the nozzle part 16, advantageously facing the inflow opening 166, as in the first embodiment of the invention.

As in the first embodiment of the invention, an ejection mechanism disposed inside the device body 130 , including the actuator 182 disposed on the side wall 140 of the device 110 , is arranged to facilitate extraction of the aerosol-generating substrate 12 . This ejection mechanism is similar to the ejection mechanism 48 described above. The actuator 82 can slide in a slot 142 disposed on the side wall 140 . Third embodiment of the present invention

The aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the aerosol generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the only difference is that the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment can receive Properties of matrix 12. In particular, it may be adapted to receive aerosol-generating substrates of different lengths. For example, an aerosol-generating device according to the third embodiment of the invention may be adapted to receive an aerosol-generating substrate of "normal" length, ie a substrate similar to that of FIG. 2 . In this case, the aerosol-generating device may operate like the aerosol-generating device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention, ie it may form a suction nozzle forming part of the body of the device. The aerosol-generating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may also be adapted to receive an elongated aerosol-generating substrate. In this case, the substrate may protrude from the body of the device and form the mouthpiece. In other words, in this case, the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention can operate as the aerosol generating device 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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The invention and its advantages will be better understood after reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- [FIG. 1] is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

- [Figure 2] is a perspective view of an aerosol generating substrate usable with the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

- [FIG. 3] is a perspective view of the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 1, the heating chamber receiving the aerosol generating substrate of FIG. 2;

- [Figure 4] is a sectional view of Figure 3 according to plane IV;

- [Figure 5] is a cross-sectional view of Figure 1 according to plane V, with the aerosol-generating substrate inserted inside the aerosol-generating device;

- [FIG. 6] is a view similar to that of FIG. 5, wherein the aerosol-generating substrate is expelled from the aerosol-generating device;

- [Figure 7] is a perspective view of the push rod included in the aerosol generating device of Figure 1;

- [FIG. 8] is a perspective view of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

- [ FIG. 9 ] is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 4 , showing a preferred example of the heater portion of the aerosol-generating substrate.

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Claims (15)

An aerosol-generating device (10; 110) configured to operate with an aerosol-generating substrate (12) and comprising: - a device body (30; 130) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (40; 140) extending along the device axis (Y); - a cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defining an open end (70) and a closed end (71) opposite the open end (70), the heating chamber (45) being configured to pass through The open end (70) receives the heater portion (15) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12); - an ejection mechanism (48) comprising a push rod (81) formed of a flexible material and configured to slide within the heating chamber (45) between a retracted position and an ejection position, The push rod (81) is flexible to follow a winding path inside the device body (30; 130); The push rod (81) includes a push member (89) configured to, when the push rod (81) slides from the retracted position to the ejected position, push the aerosol-generating substrate (12) Pushing from the closed end (71) towards the open end (70) expels the aerosol-generating substrate from the heating chamber (45). The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 1, wherein: - the heating chamber (45) comprises at least one heating wall (74A) configured to heat the aerosol-generating substrate (12), the heating wall (74A) comprising an inner surface; - the pushing element (89) is configured to contact the inner surface of the heating wall (74A) when pushing the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the heating chamber (45) extends along the device axis (Y), - the device body (30) further comprises a suction nozzle (32) defining a through hole (60) extending along the device axis (Y) and facing the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45) , the nozzle (32) is configured to receive the nozzle portion (15) of the aerosol-generating substrate (12). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pushing element (89) is further configured to pass through the heating chamber (45) and the heating chamber (45) when pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12) At least a portion of the through hole (60) of the suction nozzle (32). The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pushing element (89) further comprises a cleaning device configured to clean the absorbent when pushing the aerosol generating substrate (12). The through hole (60) of the nozzle (32) and/or the heating chamber (45). The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the push member (89) is configured to push at the closed end when the push rod (81) is in the retracted position The heating chamber (45) is impermeably sealed at (71). The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 6, wherein when the push rod (81) is in the retracted position, the open end (70) of the heating chamber (45) defines the heating Exclusive vent opening of chamber (45). An aerosol-generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises an actuator (82; 182) configured to move the push rod (81) between the retracted position and the ejection position; - The push rod ( 81 ) extends between a proximal end ( 85 ) receiving the push element ( 89 ) and a distal end ( 87 ) fixed to the actuator ( 82 ; 182 ). The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) of claim 8, wherein the push rod (81) is configured to slide between said positions along a winding path comprising two parallel straight sections, Each of the proximal end (85) and the distal end (87) is slidable in a respective straight section of the winding path. The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) according to claim 10, wherein the ejection mechanism (48) further comprises guiding means for making the push rod follow the winding path. The aerosol generating device (10; 110) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the actuator (82; 182) is configured to cause the push Sliding between the distal position of the retracted position of the rod ( 81 ) and the proximal position results in an ejected position of the push rod ( 81 ). The aerosol generating device (10; 110) according to claim 11, wherein the slot (42; 142) is arranged on the side wall (40; 140) of the device body (30; 130); Preferably, the actuator (82; 182) is configured to closely fit the slot (42; 142) at least at the distal location to prevent air from entering the interior of the device body (30; 130). The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater (47) adjacent to the outer surface of the heated wall (74A). The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) defines a rectangular cross-section. The aerosol-generating device (10; 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cup-shaped heating chamber (45) is bounded by at least two opposing heating walls (74A, 74B), each heating The walls (74A, 74B) define inner surfaces, and the pusher element (89) is configured to contact the inner surface of each heated wall (74A, 74B) when the aerosol-generating substrate (12) is pushed.

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