WO2024165460A1

WO2024165460A1 - Aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article

Info

Publication number: WO2024165460A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/052693
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaako MCEVOY; Tilen CEGLAR
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-02-06
Filing date: 2024-02-05
Publication date: 2024-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-06
Also published as: KR20250131835A

Abstract

Aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising a cavity (11) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (12), the aerosol generating article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (15); the aerosol generating assembly (10) defining an airflow path comprising: - an inlet part (30) arranged upstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11); - a heated part (32) extending through the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11); - an outlet part (34) arranged downstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11); wherein the aerosol generating assembly (10) comprises a mouthpiece (43), wherein the aerosol generating assembly (10) further comprises a first valve (50).

Description

Aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating article comprises for example a solid substrate able to form aerosol when being heated. Thus, such type of aerosol generating assembly, also known as heat-not-burn assembly or heat-not-burn device, is adapted to heat, rather than burn, the substrate by conduction, convection and/or radiation, to generate aerosol for inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk assemblies (also known as vaporisers) has grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolling tobacco. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm vaporizable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk assembly is the heated substrate aerosol generation assembly or heat-not-burn device. Assemblies of this type generate aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 350°C. Heating an aerosol substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases aerosol that comprises the components sought by the user but not the toxic and carcinogenic byproducts of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco or other vaporizable material does not typically comprise the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant for the user and so the substrate does not therefore require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/or vapour more palatable for the user.

Such aerosol generating assemblies generate aerosol during heating by a heater. However, a user may draw only during some moments and pause between puffs. During such pauses between puffs, in some cases, some aerosol may be generated without being inhaled by the user, and leak for example to the outside of the assembly, or aggregate as a condensate of aerosol in peripheral cavities of the assembly. Such condensate may require additional cleaning of the assembly in some cases. Furthermore, in some examples, dirt may enter the assembly from outside and may lead to a reduced quality of aerosol generation, thus downgrading user experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is to provide an aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, which allows improving user experience. In particular, one of the aims of the invention is to reduce leakage of aerosol from the cavity.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a tobacco portion; the aerosol generating assembly defining an airflow path comprising:

- an inlet part arranged upstream of the tobacco portion of the aerosol generating article when it is received in the cavity;

- a heated part extending through the tobacco portion of the aerosol generating article when it is received in the cavity;

- an outlet part arranged downstream of the tobacco portion of the aerosol generating article when it is received in the cavity; wherein the aerosol generating assembly comprises a mouthpiece designed to be in contact with the user’s mouth and defining at least partially the outlet part of the airflow path, wherein the aerosol generating assembly further comprises a first valve at least partially arranged in said mouthpiece and configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating assembly provides a high quantity of aerosol to a user while increasing the user experience. In particular, leakage of aerosol from the cavity in the absence of puffs of the user is at least reduced or avoided. For example, such leakage into parts of the mouthpiece downstream of the first valve is reduced or avoided. By “downstream”, it may be understood any part of the mouthpiece between the first valve and an outside of the aerosol generating assembly, along an airflow direction when the user takes a puff. Thus, thanks to these features, a quantity of vapor, aerosol and/or humidity evacuating from the cavity is at least reduced or its leakage is avoided in the absence of user puffs.

As the first valve is closed in absence of user puffs, it thus prevents vapor or aerosol leaking into peripheral cavities downstream of the first valve. This is particularly relevant in cases according to which heating of the aerosol generating assembly occurs constantly during a vaping session for example, i.e. also in pauses between two user puffs. In this case, during such pauses, the aerosol is being generated, but thanks to the first valve, this aerosol is kept in the cavity in the pauses. As a consequence, a high amount of aerosol can be provided to the user when it is required. For example, once the vapor/aerosol is generated, it can only exit via two paths, from the rear of the heated part towards the inlet part, or from an opposite end of the heated part towards the mouthpiece. Thanks to the first valve at least partially arranged in the mouthpiece, such vapor/aerosol escape is at least retarded.

Also, occurrence of humidity for example of condensed vapor or aerosol in the aerosol generating assembly outside the cavity is reduced, because the arrangement of the first valve allows reducing leakage of such vapor or aerosol. Depending on a location of condensation, such as a peripheral cavity downstream of the first valve, the condensate may not be heated again, and would require additional cleaning of the assembly in the absence of the first valve. Thus, the first valve allows reducing cleaning intervals of the aerosol generating assembly.

Furthermore, the aerosol generating assembly prevents dirt from entering the cavity via an opening of the cavity to the mouthpiece. In particular, the first valve may close such opening in the outlet part of the airflow path in the absence of user puffs, in particular may close the outlet part tightly against dirt, such as dust for example.

By “first valve at least partially arranged in said mouthpiece”, it is understood in particular that at least one part of the first valve is arranged at a position, along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating assembly, comprising at least a part of the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may define a mouthpiece zone along the longitudinal axis. The mouthpiece zone may be delimited by opposite ends of the mouthpiece along the longitudinal axis. In this case, the first valve may be arranged at least partially inside the mouthpiece zone.

The longitudinal axis may extend in particular in parallel to a direction of an airflow in the heated part of the airflow path. In particular, the longitudinal axis extends along a maximum physical dimension of the aerosol generating assembly. For example, the aerosol generating assembly may define the longitudinal axis, a transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a third axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the transversal axis. In this case, a length of the assembly along longitudinal axis may be strictly higher than a width along the transversal axis and than a height along the third axis.

The mouthpiece, or at least one part of the mouthpiece, is in particular configured for being in contact with the user’s lips and/or mouth when the user takes a puff. Preferably, the mouthpiece may be one single piece. In particular, the mouthpiece may present a homogenous material structure in any part of the mouthpiece.

According to some embodiments, the first valve comprises at least one moveable portion configured to open the first valve in response to a force applied on said moveable portion by a fluid flowing in the airflow path during user puffs.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating assembly is particularly simple and/or its operation, and especially the operation of the first valve, is particularly reliable. In particular, thanks to these features, the first valve may operate mechanically in direct response to the fluid flowing in the airflow path during user puffs. For example, the first valve may operate without requiring any additional control mechanism or sensor.

According to some embodiments, the at least one moveable portion is configured to close the first valve in absence of the force applied on the moveable portion.

Thanks to these features, the operation of the aerosol generating assembly is very efficient and reliable, because the first valve prevents any humidity and/or aerosol from leaving the cavity if no force is applied on the moveable portion, i.e. in particular in the absence of user puffs. In particular, the aerosol generating assembly may close very fast in the absence of user puffs, improving thus efficiency of the aerosol generating assembly. According to some embodiments, the tobacco portion of the aerosol generating article comprises at least one groove forming the heated part of the airflow path when the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity, preferably wherein each cross section of the at least one groove presents a substantially same width and/or depth.

Thanks to these features, extraction of aerosol inside the cavity is improved. In particular, an airflow inside the at least one groove may extract a high amount of aerosol thanks to a great contact surface with the tobacco portion.

The features according to which each cross section of the at least one groove presents a substantially same width and/or depth allows obtaining laminar or mostly laminar flow of the airflow inside the cavity, i. e. in particular no or only little turbulences of the airflow. This improves in particular aerosol extraction.

According to some embodiments, the outlet part of the airflow path extends at least partially through the cavity, and the first valve is partially arranged in the cavity.

Thanks to these features, condensation of aerosol is further reduced. In particular, aerosol may be kept, when the first valve is closed, upstream of the first valve, i.e. in particular in an upstream part of the cavity.

According to some examples, the first valve is designed to be arranged at least partially in the aerosol generating article or to protrude into the aerosol generating article.

For example, a part of the first valve is configured to be pressed against or enter in contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol generating article, such as a wrapper, upon opening of the first valve. Said part of the first valve may be for example an outer part of the moveable portion of the first valve.

Thanks to these features, sealing is further improved. In particular, if the first valve is at least partly in the mouthpiece and furthermore a part protrudes into the aerosol generating article, a very efficient sealing is obtained. In particular, upon opening of the first valve, a sealing between the wrapper and the first valve is improved.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating assembly is flat-shaped and/or the cavity is flat-shaped. Thanks to these features, the user experience is improved. Thanks to a combined flat shape of the aerosol generating assembly and the cavity, the assembly is mechanically simple and/or is made out a relatively small amount of material. Additionally, the flat shape enables a very fast pre-heating phase of the aerosol generating substrate while ensuring an efficient aerosol generation during a vaping phase.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating assembly further comprises at least one secondary valve arranged in the outlet part of the airflow path in series with the first valve.

Thanks to these features, leakage of aerosol out of the cavity is further reduced. In particular, sealing is increased between the cavity and a part of the mouthpiece downstream of the first valve and the secondary valve.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article further comprises a first non-tobacco portion arranged in extension of the tobacco portion, the outlet part of the airflow path extending at least partially through the first non-tobacco portion; the secondary valve being designed to be arranged in the first non-tobacco portion or penetrate the first non-tobacco portion.

Thanks to these features, leakage of aerosol is further reduced. In particular, the secondary valve is adapted to keep the aerosol inside the aerosol generating article, increasing thus extraction aerosol of the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments according to which the secondary valve is designed to penetrate the first non-tobacco portion, the sealing between the heated part of the airflow path and the outlet part is further improved.

For example, the secondary valve may be arranged so that a moveable portion of the secondary valve may be pressed against or enter in contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol generating article, such as a wrapper, upon opening of the secondary valve. This further improves sealing. According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article further comprises an inlet valve arranged in the inlet part of the airflow path and configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs.

Thanks to these features, leakage of aerosol from the cavity to a part of the airflow path upstream of the inlet valve is at least reduced or prevented. In particular, these features allow keeping or trapping the aerosol in a part of the airflow path between the inlet valve and the first valve in the absence of user puffs, as both valves are closed. This reduces for example condensation of aerosol.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating article further comprises a second non-tobacco portion arranged in extension of the tobacco portion opposite to the first non-tobacco portion, the inlet part of the airflow path extending at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion; the inlet valve being designed to be arranged in the second non-tobacco portion or penetrate the second non-tobacco portion or penetrate partially the tobacco portion.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol is held inside the aerosol generating article in the absence of user puffs, in particular between the inlet valve and the secondary valve arranged in the first non-tobacco portion or penetrating the first non-tobacco portion. In particular, condensation of the aerosol is reduced and/or an amount of aerosol provided to the user is increased upon a puff.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating assembly further comprises at least one secondary inlet valve arranged in the inlet part of the airflow path in series with the inlet valve.

Thanks to these features, sealing is further improved in the inlet part of the airflow path.

According to some embodiments, the airflow path in the inlet part, in which is arranged the inlet valve, extends according to an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outlet extension direction of the airflow path in the outlet part. Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating assembly is particularly simple and provides a great user experience, thanks to the inlet extension direction allowing for example receiving air from a peripheral side of the aerosol generating assembly.

According to some embodiments, the or at least one valve is configured to control a resistance to draw in the airflow path.

Thanks to these features, the user experience is improved. For example, if a user draws violently air at the mouthpiece in order to take a puff, such a resistance may limit or reduce an amount of air comprising the aerosol provided to the user, ensuring for example an optimal amount of aerosol contained the air provided to the user.

According to some embodiments, the or at least one valve is impermeable to liquids.

Thanks to these features, sealing is further improved. In particular, the valve allows preventing leakage of condensed aerosol.

The least one valve may be one or several, preferably all, of the following valves: the first valve, the secondary valve, the inlet valve and the secondary inlet valve.

According to some embodiments, the or at least one valve is chosen in the group comprising:

- circular cross-section valve;

- duckbill valve;

- umbrella valve;

- flat-shaped valve.

According to some embodiments, the or at least one valve is a Rudolph valve.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating assembly is very simple and provides a good sealing of a part of the airflow path in the absence of user puffs.

The least one valve may be one or several, preferably all, of the following valves: the first valve, the secondary valve, the inlet valve and the secondary inlet valve. According to some embodiments, the inlet part and/or the outlet part comprise(s) one single fluidic connection to the heated part.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating assembly presents a simple design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating assembly according to a first embodiment, wherein the cross-sectional view comprises a cross-section according to a first plane l-l comprising a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating assembly, the aerosol generating assembly comprising a cavity configured to receive an aerosol generating article;

- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the aerosol generating assembly of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating assembly of Figure 1 according to a second plane Ill-Ill perpendicular to the first plane l-l and comprising the longitudinal axis;

- Figure 4 is a perspective view of the aerosol generating article of Figure 1 ;

- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view analogous to the view of Figure 3, of an aerosol generating assembly according to a second embodiment;

- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view analogous to the view of Figure 3, of an aerosol generating assembly according to a third embodiment;

- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view analogous to the view of Figure 3, of an aerosol generating assembly according to a fourth embodiment; - Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view analogous to the view of Figure 3, of an aerosol generating assembly according to a fifth embodiment, and

- Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view analogous to the view of Figure 3, of an aerosol generating assembly according to a sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the invention, it is to be understood that it 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 the present disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

The expression “substantially equal to” is understood hereinafter as an equality at plus or minus 10% and preferably at plus or minus 5%, and even more preferably at plus or minus 1 %. According to some examples, this expression may designate exact equality.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating assembly” or “assembly” may include a vaping device to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for vaping, by means of a heater element explained in further detail below. The assembly may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the assembly being for use when held by a user. The assembly may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, e.g. by activating the heater element for a variable amount of time (as opposed to a metered dose of aerosol), which can be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user activated, such as a vaping button and/or inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the strength of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to enable a variable amount of vapour to be provided (so as to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or pipe, etc.). The assembly may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and/or the heated aerosol generating substance (aerosol pre-cursor) to a specified target temperature and thereafter to maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of aerosol.

In the context of the present disclosure, according to some examples, the aerosol generating assembly may comprise an aerosol generating article arranged in a cavity. According to other examples of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating assembly may be an entity distinct and/or separate of the aerosol generating article. In other words, for example, the aerosol generating assembly may only comprise the vaping device, without the aerosol generating article. Preferably, in all examples, the cavity of the aerosol generating assembly is configured for receiving the aerosol generating article.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

As used herein, the term “vaporizable material” or “precursor” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and an aerosol former. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as 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 also comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binding agent, a stabilizing agent, and a humectant.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, an aerosol generating assembly 10 according to a first embodiment comprises a cavity 11 configured to receive an aerosol generating article 12. The aerosol generating article 12 is omitted from the views of Figure 2 and 3 for better visibility of the cavity 1 1 .

With reference to Figures 1 and 4, the aerosol generating article 12 presents for example a flat-shaped cuboid extending along an article axis X1 and having external dimensions LxWxD. In a typical example, the length L of the article 12 according to the article axis X1 equals substantially to 33 mm while its width W and depth D are substantially equal respectively to 12 mm and 1 ,2 mm. According to different examples, the values L, W and D can be selected within a range of +/- 40%, for example. The depth D of the aerosol generating article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, called hereinafter narrow walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the aerosol generating article 12 is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, called hereinafter wide walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the edges between the wide and narrow walls 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B can be rounded. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating article 12 can have any other suitable flat shape and/or external dimensions.

The aerosol generating article 12 comprises for example a tobacco portion 15 and at least one non-tobacco portion, called first non-tobacco portion 16, arranged along the article axis X1 , and in particular arranged in extension of the tobacco portion 15. The tobacco portion 15 may for example be slightly longer than the first non-tobacco portion 16. For example, the length L2 of the tobacco portion 15 according to the article axis X1 may be substantially equal to 18 mm. The width W2 of the tobacco portion 15 is substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol generating article 12. The length L3 of the first non-tobacco portion 16 according to the article axis X1 may be substantially equal to 15 mm. As in the previous case, the values L2 and L3 can be selected within a range of +/- 40%, for example. The tobacco portion 15 defines an abutting end 18 of the article 12 and the first non-tobacco portion 16 defines a proximal end 20 of the article 12. The tobacco portion 15 and the first non-tobacco portion 16 may be fixed one to the other by a lateral barrier of the aerosol generating article 12, such as a wrapper 21 , extending around the article axis X1. The wrapper is not shown in Figure 1 for better visibility of the tobacco portion 15. With reference to Figure 4, the wrapper 21 forms the narrow and wide walls 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B of the aerosol generating article 12. In some embodiments, the wrapper 21 is formed from a same wrapping sheet. In some other embodiments, the wrapper 21 is formed by separate wrapping sheets wrapping separately the portions 15, 16 and fixed one to the other by any other suitable mean. The wrapper 21 may, for example, comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium foil. The wrapper 21 may be porous or air impermeable and forms a plurality of airflow channels extending inside the article 12 between the abutting end 18 and the proximal end 20.

The first non-tobacco portion 16 may comprise a core 27 intended to act for example as a cooler to cool slightly the vapour before it is inhaled by the user. The core 27 may comprise for this purpose for example corrugated paper. The core 27 may be formed through an extrusion and/or rolling process into a stable shape. Advantageously, the core 27 is arranged inside the first non-tobacco portion 16 to be entirely in contact with the internal surface of the wrapper 21 delimiting the first non-tobacco portion 16. Additionally or alternatively, the core 27 acts as a filter. The tobacco portion 15 comprises a vaporizable material and is intended to be heated by a heating chamber, as it will be explained in further detail below.

According to examples, with reference to Figure 1 , the tobacco portion 15 may comprise one or several grooves 29 or embossed air channels extending parallel to the article axis X1 . The grooves 29 may for example be formed on opposite faces of the tobacco portion, and have for example a constant width and/or depth along the article axis X1 . Each groove 29 may present in particular a width and/or depth being one or several dimensions larger than an average diameter of a tobacco item of the tobacco portion 15, wherein each tobacco item is for example formed by shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. The or each groove may for example form a heated part of an airflow channel when the aerosol generating article 12 is received in the cavity 1 1 , as further described below.

Referring again to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating assembly 10 defines an airflow path comprising an inlet part 30, a heated part 32 and an outlet part 34. The inlet part 30 is arranged upstream of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12 when it is received in the cavity 1 1 . The heated part 32 may extend through the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12 when it is received in the cavity 1 1 , and the outlet part 34 is in particular arranged downstream of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12 when it is received in the cavity 1 1 . According to an example, the inlet part 30 and/or the outlet part 34 comprise(s) respectively one single fluidic connection to the heated part 32, or more than one single fluidic connection respectively.

An example of the airflow in the airflow path, generated for example upon a puff by the user, is illustrated in Figure 1 by arrows 36. For example, the airflow may flow in a part of the inlet part 30 towards the abutting end 18 when the article 12 received in the cavity 11 . In the heated part 32, the cavity 1 1 and in particular the aerosol generating 12 may be designed guide the airflow in parallel to the longitudinal axis X2. Finally, the airflow may traverse the outlet part 34 downstream of the heated part 32.

With reference to Figure 1 , the aerosol generating assembly 10 may comprise a device body 40 extending along a longitudinal axis X2 between a front end 41 and a rear end, non-illustrated in the Figures, opposite to the front end 41 . An example of the device body 40 is in particular visible in Figure 1 , whereas the device body 40 is omitted from the views of Figure 2 and 3. The device body 40 and/or the aerosol generating assembly 10 itself may be at least partially flat-shaped.

The device body 40 delimits an internal space of the assembly 10 receiving various elements designed to carry out different functionalities of the assembly 10. This internal space can for example receive a battery for powering the assembly 10, a controller for controlling the operation of the assembly 10, a heating chamber for heating the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12, etc.

The aerosol generating assembly 10 further comprises a mouthpiece 43 designed to be in contact with the user’s mouth and/or lips and defining at least partially the outlet part 34 of the airflow path.

The mouthpiece 43 is in particular mounted on the front end 41 of the device body 40. The mouthpiece 43 and the device body 40 may in particular form two different pieces. For example, the aerosol generating assembly 10 may comprise a support 44 forming the cavity 11 and further configured for receiving partially the mouthpiece 43 and/or for supporting the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the mouthpiece 43 is designed to be fixed on the support 44, as illustrated for example in Figure 1. The support 44 defines for example in its centre an opening for receiving the mouthpiece 43. The support 44 may particularly extend inwardly from lateral walls forming the device body 40. According to an example, the support 44 may comprise, one or several air inlet(s) 45, in particular adjacent to the front end 41 . According to another example, or in addition, the device body 40 and/or the support 44 may comprise one or several air inlet(s) on the rear end or on lateral sides.

The mouthpiece 43 is preferably one single piece. This is in particular illustrated in Figure 1 having a homogenous hatching for the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the mouthpiece may present a homogenous material structure in any part of the mouthpiece 43.

The mouthpiece 43 may define a mouthpiece zone 46 along the longitudinal axis X2. The mouthpiece zone 46 is delimited by opposite ends of the mouthpiece along 43 the longitudinal axis X2. In other words, for example, the mouthpiece zone 46 defines a length and a position of the mouthpiece 46 along the longitudinal axis X2. The support 44 forms in particular the cavity 1 1 . Preferably, the cavity 1 1 is flatshaped. The cavity 1 1 forms in particular a heating chamber, also designated as the heated part 32 of the airflow path. In particular, the cavity 1 1 presents one or several upstream openings opening towards the inlet part 30 of the airflow path, and comprises one or several downstream openings opening towards the outlet part 34 of the airflow path. Particularly, the cavity 1 1 is designed to receive the tobacco portion 15, for example through the mouthpiece 43. For this purpose, the cross-section of the cavity 11 is complementary to the external shape of the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12. Particularly, as the aerosol generating article 12 is flat-shaped, the cavity 1 1 may also have a flat shape, advantageously a rectangular flat shape. Particularly, as the aerosol generating article 12, the cavity 1 1 may also form a cuboid shape extending along the longitudinal axis X2 and comprising a pair of parallel narrow walls extending along the longitudinal axis X2, a pair of parallel wide walls extending also along the longitudinal axis X2. In particular, when the aerosol generating article 12 is received in the cavity, the corresponding wide walls 14A, 14B of the aerosol generating article 12 face the corresponding wide walls of the cavity 1 1 and the corresponding narrow walls 13A, 13B of the aerosol generating article 12 face the corresponding narrow walls of the cavity 1 1 .

For example, the support 44 may be provided with at least one heating element, preferably two heating elements, configured for heating the heated part 32 of the airflow path, and in particular configured for heating the tobacco portion 15 when the aerosol generating article 12 is received in the cavity 1 1 , so as to generate aerosol. For example, each heating element may comprise a heating plate 48, illustrated for example in Figures 5 to 9. Each heating plate 48 may form for example at least partially one of the wide walls of the cavity 1 1. Particularly, each heating plate 48 is designed to be in contact with or face the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12.

The aerosol generating assembly 10 further comprises a first valve 50 arranged in the mouthpiece 43. In particular, the first valve 50 is arranged in an inner volume of the mouthpiece 43, corresponding to an outlet part 34 of the airflow path. In particular, the first valve 50 may be arranged at least partially inside the mouthpiece zone 46, defining in particular a position of the first valve 50 along the longitudinal axis X2.

The first valve 50 is configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs. For example, in case of a pressure difference between a part of the airflow path downstream of the first valve 50 and a part of the airflow path upstream of the first valve 50, in particular a lower pressure in the airflow path downstream of the first valve 50, the first valve 50 is configured to open. In particular, such pressure difference may be generated by the user taking a puff. In the absence of such pressure difference, or at a higher pressure in the airflow path downstream of the first valve 50 compared with the airflow path upstream of the first valve 50, the first valve 50 is in particular configured to close.

For example, the first valve 50 may be a circular cross-section valve, a duckbill valve, an umbrella valve or flat-shaped valve, or may comprise combined features of these valves. According to an example, the first valve 50 may be a valve forming, when being opened, a slit extending along a transversal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X2, such as for example a flat-shaped valve.

Preferable, with reference to Figure 3, the first valve 50 may comprise at least one moveable portion 52, preferably two moveable portions 52 facing each other, configured to open the first valve 50 in response to a force applied on the moveable portion 52 by a fluid flowing in the airflow path during user puffs. Each moveable portion 52 is configured to close the first valve 50 in absence of the force applied on the moveable portion. With reference to Figure 3, one of the moveable portions 52, called upper moveable portion, is in particular configured to move upwards and another of the moveable portions 52, called lower moveable portion, is configured to move downwards upon opening of the first valve 50. In particular, upon opening of the first valve 50, the upper and lower moveable portions are configured to separate from each other. Upon closing of the first valve 50, the two moveable portions 52 are configured to contact each other.

According to an example, still referring to Figure 3, the first valve 50 may be designed to be arranged to protrude into the aerosol generating article 12. A part of the first valve 50, in particular an outer part of each moveable portion 52, is configured to be pressed against or enter in contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol generating article 12, such as a wrapper 21 , upon opening of the first valve 50. For example, the outer part of the upper moveable portion 52 may be configured to be pressed upwards against the wrapper 21 , and the lower moveable portion 52 may be configured to be pressed downwards against the wrapper 21.

According to examples, the first valve 50 may be configured to control a resistance to draw in the airflow path. According to examples, the first valve 50 may be impermeable to liquids. For example, the first valve 50 may comprise, or consists of, polymer material and/or elastic material configured to provide the resistance to draw in the airflow path and/or impermeability when being closed. According to examples, the first valve 50 may comprise, or consist of, a silicone, such as a food grade silicone. Preferably, a material of the first valve 50 may present a Shore A hardness of between 20 and 70, and more preferably between 30 and 60.

SECOND TO SIXTH EMBODIMENTS

A second embodiment of the aerosol generating assembly 10 is described with reference to Figure 5. A third embodiment of the aerosol generating assembly 10 is described with reference to Figure 6. A fourth embodiment of the aerosol generating assembly 10 is described with reference to Figure 7. A fifth embodiment of the aerosol generating assembly 10 is described with reference to Figure 8. A sixth embodiment of the aerosol generating assembly 10 is described with reference to Figure 9.

The aerosol generating assembly 10 of each embodiment comprises one, several or all features of the assembly 10 of the first embodiment or of any of the other embodiments respectively. Only differences and/or additional features are described hereafter. The same reference signs are used for the same or similar elements.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 5, the aerosol generating assembly 10 may further comprise an inlet valve 54 arranged in the inlet part 30 of the airflow path and configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs. The inlet valve 54 may comprise one or several, or all, features of the first valve 50.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 6, the airflow path in the inlet part 30, or at least of a fraction of the inlet part 30, of the aerosol generating assembly 10 according to the third embodiment may extend according to an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outlet extension direction of the airflow path in the outlet part 34. For example, the outlet extension direction may extend along the longitudinal axis X2, and the inlet extension direction may extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X2. The aerosol generating assembly 10 may further comprise the inlet valve 54 arranged in the inlet part 30 extending according to the inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to the outlet extension direction. The inlet valve 54 is for example the inlet valve 54 as described in the second embodiment.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 7, the first valve 50 may protrude into the first non-tobacco portion 16 of the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the first valve 50 may be arranged only partially in the mouthpiece zone 46, and for example a remaining part of the first valve 50 may protrude into the first non-tobacco portion 16.

Referring to Figure 7, according to an example, the inlet valve 54 may protrude into the tobacco portion 15 of the aerosol generating article 12. For example, the inlet valve 54 may be arranged only partially in the inlet portion 30 of the airflow path, and for example a remaining part of the inlet valve 54 may protrude into tobacco portion 15.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 8, the aerosol generating assembly 10 according to the fifth embodiment may further comprise at least one secondary valve 56 arranged in the outlet part 34 of the airflow path in series with the first valve 50. The secondary valve 56 may be arranged upstream or downstream of the first valve 50. The secondary valve 56 may comprise one or several, or all, features of the first valve 50 and/or the inlet valve 54. For example, the secondary valve 56 may be identical to the first valve 50 and/or the inlet valve 54.

The aerosol generating assembly 10 may further comprise for example at least one secondary inlet valve 58 arranged in the inlet part 30 of the airflow path in series with the inlet valve 54. The secondary inlet valve 58 may be arranged upstream or downstream of the inlet valve 54. The secondary inlet valve 58 may comprise one or several, or all, features of the first valve 50 and/or the inlet valve 54. For example, the secondary inlet valve 58 may be identical to the first valve 50, to the inlet valve 54 and/or to the secondary valve 56. SIXTH EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 9, the aerosol generating article 12 may comprise furthermore a second non-tobacco portion 60 arranged in extension of the tobacco portion 15 opposite to the first non-tobacco portion 16. For example, the inlet part 30 of the airflow path may extend at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion 60. The second non-tobacco portion 60 may for example comprise the features of the first non-tobacco portion 16.

The inlet valve 54 may be arranged for example in the second non-tobacco portion 60. According to examples, the inlet valve 54 may penetrate the second non-tobacco portion 60 or penetrate partially the tobacco portion 15. According to examples, the secondary valve 56 may be arranged in the first non-tobacco portion 16 or penetrate the first non-tobacco portion 16. With reference to Figure 9, the aerosol generating article 12 may for example comprise, arranged in series along the airflow path, the secondary inlet valve 58, the inlet valve 54, the secondary valve 56 and the first valve 50.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

According to other embodiments, any features of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments may be combined in any technical feasible combination providing the first valve 50 at least partially arranged in the mouthpiece 43. In particular, features of the inlet valve 54, the secondary valve 56 and the secondary inlet valve 58 and their arrangement along the airflow path may be combined in any technical feasible combination. According to examples, the aerosol generating assembly may comprise more than one of the first valve 50, the inlet valve 54, the secondary valve 56 and/or the secondary inlet valve 58.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generating assembly (10) comprising a cavity (1 1 ) configured to receive an aerosol generating article (12), the aerosol generating article (12) comprising a tobacco portion (15); the aerosol generating assembly (10) defining an airflow path comprising:

- an inlet part (30) arranged upstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11 );

- a heated part (32) extending through the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11 );

- an outlet part (34) arranged downstream of the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) when it is received in the cavity (11 ); wherein the aerosol generating assembly (10) comprises a mouthpiece (43) designed to be in contact with the user’s mouth and defining at least partially the outlet part (34) of the airflow path, wherein the aerosol generating assembly (10) further comprises a first valve (50) at least partially arranged in said mouthpiece (43) and configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs.

2. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the first valve (50) comprises at least one moveable portion (52) configured to open the first valve (50) in response to a force applied on said moveable portion (52) by a fluid flowing in the airflow path during user puffs.

3. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one moveable portion (52) is configured to close the first valve (50) in absence of the force applied on the moveable portion (52).

4. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an aerosol generating article and wherein the tobacco portion (15) of the aerosol generating article (12) comprises at least one groove (29) forming the heated part (32) of the airflow path when the aerosol generating article (12) is received in the cavity (1 1 ), preferably wherein each cross section of the at least one groove (29) presents a substantially same width and/or depth.

5. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first valve (50) is designed to be arranged at least partially in the aerosol generating article (12) or to protrude into the aerosol generating article (12), wherein a part of the first valve (50) is configured to be pressed against or enter in contact with a lateral barrier of the aerosol generating article, such as a wrapper (21 ), upon opening of the first valve (50).

6. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating assembly (10) is flat-shaped and/or the cavity (1 1 ) is flat-shaped.

7. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one secondary valve (56) arranged in the outlet part (34) of the airflow path in series with the first valve (50).

8. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 7, further comprising an aerosol generating article and wherein the aerosol generating article (12) further comprises a first non-tobacco portion (16) arranged in extension of the tobacco portion (15), the outlet part (34) of the airflow path extending at least partially through the first non-tobacco portion (16); the secondary valve (56) being designed to be arranged in the first non-tobacco portion (16) or penetrate the first non-tobacco portion (16).

9. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inlet valve (54) arranged in the inlet part (30) of the airflow path and configured to be opened while user puffs and closed in absence of user puffs.

10. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 8 and 9, further comprising an aerosol generating article and wherein the aerosol generating article (12) further comprises a second non-tobacco portion (60) arranged in extension of the tobacco portion (15) opposite to the first non-tobacco portion (16), the inlet part (30) of the airflow path extending at least partially through the second non-tobacco portion (60); the inlet valve (54) being designed to be arranged in the second non-tobacco portion (60) or penetrate the second non-tobacco portion (60) or penetrate partially the tobacco portion (15).

11. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising at least one secondary inlet valve (58) arranged in the inlet part (30) of the airflow path in series with the inlet valve (54).

12. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the airflow path in the inlet part (30), in which is arranged the inlet valve (54), extends according to an inlet extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outlet extension direction of the airflow path in the outlet part (34).

13. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one valve is configured to control a resistance to draw in the airflow path and/or wherein the or at least one valve is impermeable to liquids.

14. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or at least one valve is chosen in the group comprising:

- circular cross-section valve;

- duckbill valve;

- umbrella valve;

- flat-shaped valve.

15. The aerosol generating assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet part (30) and/or the outlet part (34) comprise(s) one single fluidic connection to the heated part (32).