WO2025099177A1

WO2025099177A1 - An aerosol generating device comprising a clamping mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2025099177A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/081552
Authority: WO
Inventors: Herman HIJMA; Erik SNIJDER
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-11-07
Filing date: 2024-11-07
Publication date: 2025-05-15
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-07

Abstract

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating article (12) and comprising: - a heating chamber (25) extending along a device axis and configured to receive at least partially the aerosol generating article (12) and comprising a contact part (32A, 32B) configured to be in contact with the aerosol generating article (12); - a clamping mechanism (28) comprising a clamping element (40) deformable between two positions: an open position and a closed position; in the open position, the aerosol generating article (12) being moveable in the heating chamber (25), and in the closed position the contact part (32A, 32B) is clamped to a surface of the aerosol generating article (12); wherein the clamping element (40) is deformable at least from the closed position to the open position by applying an external mechanical force.

Description

An aerosol generating device comprising a clamping mechanism

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device comprising a clamping mechanism.

The aerosol generating device according to the invention is configured to operate with a consumable article comprising for example a solid substrate, also known as aerosol generating article or substrate, able to form aerosol when being heated. Thus, such type of aerosol generating devices, also known as heat-not-burn devices, 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 devices (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 device is the heated substrate aerosol generation device or heat-not-burn device. Devices 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. In order to be able to form aerosol while heating an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol forming devices define generally a heating chamber designed to receive and heat the aerosol forming substrate using for example resistive heaters. The difficulty while using such way of heating consists in a limited contact area of the heaters with the substrate. Therefore, it is desirable to fit the internal dimensions of the heating chamber to the external dimensions of the substrate in order to maximize the contact area between both.

However, it is not always possible due to production tolerances of the heating chamber and/or the aerosol generating article. Additionally, the dimensions of both elements can vary differently upon heating. Thus, even if a good fitting is achieved upon insertion the article inside the heating chamber, this fitting can change during operation of the device.

Insufficient contact area of the heating chamber with the aerosol generating article results in long preheating time and low energy efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the invention is to provide an aerosol generating device presenting a good energy efficiency in heating an aerosol generating article and a faster preheating time.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an aerosol generating device configured to operate with an aerosol generating article, the device comprising:

- a heating chamber extending along a device axis and configured to receive at least partially the aerosol generating article and comprising a contact part configured to be in contact with the aerosol generating article while its heating;

- a clamping mechanism comprising a clamping element deformable between two positions: an open position and a closed position; in the open position, the aerosol generating article being moveable in the heating chamber, and in the closed position the contact part is clamped to a surface of the aerosol generating article; wherein the clamping element is deformable at least from the closed position to the open position by applying an external mechanical force. Provided with these features, the clamping mechanism clamps the contact part of the heating chamber to the aerosol generating article. Additionally, this clamping is ensured using a mechanical force that provides an efficient and secured clamping. The contact part of the heating chamber presents advantageously a heating part of the heating chamber. In this way, the heat generated by the heating part can be transferred by conduction to the aerosol generating article with minimal losses. According to other embodiments, the contact part does not form directly a heating part of the heating chamber but allows accurate positioning of the aerosol generating article inside the heating chamber and ensure thus an efficient heat transfer from a heater. In this case, the heater can be formed for example by a heating blade designed to be inserted inside the aerosol generating article. Additionally, clamping the aerosol generating article inside the heating chamber may at least slightly compress the aerosol generating article and notably the aerosol forming substrate, also called substrate portion. This improves heat transfer inside the aerosol forming substrate increasing thus the overall heat efficiency of the device.

The mechanical force exerted to bring the clamping element into the open position can be exerted using any appropriate actuator. This actuator can be mechanical so as the user can actuate it using a mechanical force. Alternatively, the actuator can be at least partially electrical so as there is no need for the user to apply a mechanical force. Instead, the user can for example actuate a button triggering the operation of the actuator. According to some other examples, the operation of the actuator is triggered automatically by the device, for example upon starting the heating of the aerosol generating article.

Advantageously, the closed position of the clamping element is a stable position. This means that no external force is applied to maintain the clamping element in this position. For example, in this position, the clamping element can abut the contact part against the aerosol generating article so as the article is clamped to the contact part of the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber comprises at least two contact parts; in the closed position of the clamping element, the aerosol generating article being clamped between said contact parts.

As previously explained, each contact part of the heating chamber may present a heating part or any other part of this chamber. It is particularly advantageous to clamp the aerosol generating article between two contact parts to increase the contact area of the heating chamber with the aerosol generating article. Additionally, in this case, the contact parts can be arranged to face one the other so as the article can be at least slightly compressed between these parts. As previously explained, a slight compression of the aerosol generating article can increase heat transfer inside the article and the overall heating efficiency of the device.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism comprises at least one clamping element for each contact part.

Thanks to these features, each clamping element can be efficiently clamped to a respective surface of the aerosol generating article improving thus the total contact area of the aerosol generating article with the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the clamping elements associated to different contact parts are actionable independently one from the other.

Provided with these features, each clamping element can be actuated independently. It can for example can be useful when in a certain moment of a vaping session, only one contact part has to be clamped and in another moment, both contact parts have to be clamped. For example, at the beginning of the vaping session when a fast heating of the article is required, both contact parts can be clamped. Once the article is heated, only contact part can be clamped to maintain the article at the desired temperature.

Additionally, depending on the actuators used to actuate the clamping elements, it may be advantageous for the user to actuate the clamping elements one after the other than simultaneously both clamping elements.

According to some embodiments, each contact part presents substantially a contact plate extending along the device axis and forming at least partially a wall of the heating chamber.

In some embodiments, each contact plate may form the entire wall of the heating chamber. When the heating chamber presents a flat shape, each contact plate may form a wider wall of this heating chamber. Additionally, in any case, the contact plate can be provided with an integrated heater. In this case, the contact plate forms at least partially a heating wall of the heating chamber.

Provided with these features, the contact area between the aerosol generating article and the heating chamber may be increased. This increases the heat transfer efficiency.

According to some embodiments, a pair of contact plates are hinged together by a hinge formed by the or at least one clamping element. The hinge can extend along the device axis or transversally to the device axis. In the first case, the contact plates are hinged laterally. In the second case, the contact plates are hinged at one of the ends of the heating chamber, advantageously at its closed end.

The clamping element forming the hinge may present a spring that is biased to the closed position. In some cases, the spring can also be biased to the open position from a certain intermediate position between the open and closed positions. In this case, both open and closed position of the clamping element are stable. The spring can be formed for example by a metallic strip or slat having a deformable shape. For example, the spring can form an extension of each contact plate and have a rounded portion around the hinge axis.

According to some embodiments, a pair of contact plates are attached together by a pair of attaching elements, each attaching element being formed by a clamping element.

Provided with these features, the aerosol generating article can be clamped between the contact plates. This increases the contact area of the aerosol generating article with the heating chamber and heating efficiency of the aerosol generating article by the heating chamber.

In some embodiments, each attaching element extends along the device axis and is attached to a periphery of the corresponding contact plates. In other words, in this case, each attaching element extends laterally along the contact plates.

Provided with these features, the clamping pressure exerted by the clamping elements may be particularly important since the clamping elements extend along the longest side of the contact plates. In some embodiments, each attaching element forms a deformable wall of the heating chamber.

Particularly, the deformable walls can form a single piece with the contact plates. In this case, the heating chamber can present a cup shape.

The deformable walls can be foldable either inwardly or outwardly. For example, the inward folding of the deformable walls can create at least a slight deformation of the contact plates. For example, this can cause bending of the contact plates toward the interior of the heating chamber. Thus, the aerosol generating article can be clumped inside the heating chamber. Inversely, the outward folding of the deformable walls causes bending of the contact walls toward the exterior of the heating chamber. Thus, the aerosol generating article can be released.

In some embodiments, the or each clamping element forms a portion of circle in each its cross-section at least at one of its positions. Particularly, in this case, the or each clamping element can also present an attaching element arranged between two contact plates and configured to maintain these plates with a distance one from the other. Depending on the position of the clamping element, this distance can be reduced to clamp the aerosol generating article or increased to release the article. Advantageously, two clamping elements are provided to extend along the device axis on either side of the contact parts.

The portion of circle in each cross-section of the or each clamping element may be deformable to bring it from one position to the other. For example, in the closed position, the or each clamping element may present a portion of circle in each cross-section. T o bring it in the open position, the circular cross-sectional shape can be deformed. For example, in the closed position, the portion of circle is squeezed by pressure exerted according to a transversal axis perpendicular to the contact parts.

According to some embodiments, the or each clamping element is a flexible strip extending along the corresponding contact plate. In this case, the or each contact plate may define a pair of protruding borders so as the flexible strip can be abutted against the protruding borders. The length of the flexible strip may be slightly greater than the distance between the protruding borders. Thus, the flexible strip can be bended either outwardly or inwardly. When it is bended outwardly, the corresponding contact part is not deformed and the article can be freely moved within the heating chamber. When the flexible strip is bended inwardly, it exerts pressure on the corresponding contact part which deforms under this pressure. Thus, the article can be clamped by this deformation of the contact part. The flexible strip can be made for example from a metal.

In some embodiments, the or each clamping element can be formed by a brace extending around the heating chamber. The brace can be deformable to exert pressure on at least one contact part to be clamped to the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism further comprises an actuator actuating the or at least one clamping element from at least one position to the other. The actuator can be arranged in the housing so as the user can actuate it manually during the operation of the device. In some examples, the actuator can be actuated electrically. In some embodiments, the actuator actuates the or at least one clamping element from each position to the other.

In some embodiments, a pair of actuators can be provided. These actuators can be arranged on either side of the heating chamber and can for example be actuated by squeezing the housing.

At least one actuator can form a push-button and/or a lever.

In some embodiments, the or each clamping element is deformable from the open position to the closed position by applying an external mechanical force. In this case, both closed and open positions of the or each clamping element are advantageously stable. To bring the or each clamping element from one position to the other, it is necessary to apply a mechanical force. In each position of the or each clamping element, this force can be applied until a certain threshold and then, this clamping element is biased to the other position.

The heating chamber has a flat shape configured to receive a flat-shaped aerosol generating article. The flat shape of the heating chamber is particularly advantageous since it allows an efficient heating of the aerosol generating article. Particularly, due to this shape, the heat transfer from the heater(s) to the aerosol forming substrate can be particularly efficient. This can ensure a fast preheating phase of the aerosol generating article. Moreover, the or each clamping element can be implemented in a particularly simple way in combination with this shape of the heating chamber. For example, in this case, even a slight deformation of at least one contact part is sufficient to clamp the aerosol generating article and to increase thus the heating efficiency of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention 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 schematic view of an aerosol generating device according to a general description of the invention, the aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber and a clamping mechanism;

- Figure 2 is a perspective (A) and a side (B) views of the heating chamber and the clamping mechanism according to a first embodiment;

- Figure 3 is a perspective (A) and a front (B) views of the heating chamber and the clamping mechanism according to a second embodiment;

- Figure 4 is a front view of the heating chamber and the clamping mechanism according to a third embodiment;

- Figure 5 is a perspective (A) and a side (B) views of the heating chamber and the clamping mechanism according to a fourth embodiment; and

- Figure 6 is a perspective view of the heating chamber and the clamping mechanism according to a fifth 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.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating device” or “device” 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 device may be portable. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device 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 device 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.

As used herein, the term “aerosol forming substrate” or “substrate” may refer to a material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco or any other smokable material, 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 former 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.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of aerosol forming substrate 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 aerosol forming substrate.

By “flat shape” of the aerosol generating article or the heating chamber, it is understood that it extends between two first parallel longitudinal planes and two second parallel longitudinal planes perpendicular to the first parallel longitudinal planes, the distance between the second parallel longitudinal planes being at least 3 times, advantageously 5 times and preferably 10 times, greater than the distance between the first parallel longitudinal planes.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An aerosol generating device 10 according to the invention is shown in Figure 1. This aerosol generating device 10 is designed to operate with an aerosol generating article 12 also shown in this figure.

Particularly, as it is shown in Figure 1, the aerosol generating article 12, also called consumable article 12, comprises a substrate portion 14 and a filter/cooling portion 16. Both portions 14, 16 can be wrapped using a unique wrapper attaching these portions together. In other examples, the portions 14, 16 may be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed one to the other by any other suitable mean. The or each wrapper may, for example, comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium. The or each wrapper may be porous or air impermeable. The aerosol generating article 12 can have a generally tubular shape defining for example a circular cross-section. According to another example, the aerosol generating article 12 defines a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article 12 has a flat shape. This flat shape can have for example a rectangular cross-section. In this case, the aerosol generating article 12 defines a pair of opposite wider walls and a pair of opposite narrower walls.

The substrate portion 14 contains an aerosol forming substrate intended to be heated by a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device 10 as it will be explained in further detail below. Additionally, according to some examples, the substrate portion 14 may comprise one or several susceptors integrated into the aerosol forming substrate. The susceptors may be formed from electrical conductor materials able to generate eddy currents when placed within a magnetic field. Eddy currents cause the susceptors to generate heat suitable for heating the aerosol forming substrate to generate aerosol. The magnetic field can be generated by a coil comprised in a heating system of the aerosol generating device 10.

The filter/cooling portion 16 comprises a core acting for example like a filter and/or a cooler. The core may for example be a foam, or packed strands or fibres. In some embodiments, the filter/cooling portion 16 may be at least partially hollow and delimited by internal walls of the wrapper. In some examples, the filter/cooling portion 16 can form a mouthpiece intended to be in contact with the user’s lips and/or mouth while using the device 10. In some other examples, the filter/cooling portion 16 can be inserted into a separate mouthpiece intended to be in contact with the user’s lips and/or mouth.

According to some other examples, the consumable article 12 can comprise only the substrate portion 14. In other words, in this case, the consumable article 12 is provided without the filter/cooling portion 16.

The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a housing 20 defining an insertion opening 21 suitable for insertion of the aerosol generating article 12. The housing 20 delimits an internal space of the device 10 receiving various elements designed to carry out different functionalities of the device 10. This internal space can for example receive a battery 23 for powering the device 10, a control module 24 for controlling the operation of the device 10, a heating chamber 25 configured to receive and heat at least a part of the aerosol generating article 12, and a clamping mechanism 28 configured to clamp the aerosol generating article 12 when it is partially received in the heating chamber 25. Among these elements, only the heating chamber 25 and the clamping mechanism 28 will be explained in further detail. The other elements, as for example the battery 23 and the control module 24, can be implemented using known techniques.

The heating chamber 25 extends along a device axis X between a closed end 30 and an open end 31 , and has substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating article 12. The open end 31 opens to the insertion opening 21 of the housing 20. As it is shown in Figure 1 , the heating chamber 25 is adapted to receive the substrate portion 14 of the consumable article 12 through the open end 31 so as this substrate portion 14 extends inside the heating chamber 25 along the device axis X. Additionally, the heating chamber 25 defines at least one contact part 32 designed to be in contact with the substrate portion 14 when it is received in the heating chamber 25. The contact part 32 can present a plate and be formed at least partially by a wall delimiting the heating chamber 25. Additionally, the heating chamber 25 can form several contact parts 32. For example, two contact parts 32 can be formed by at least a pair of opposite walls of the heating chamber 25. In the example of Figure 1 , a pair of opposite walls 32A, 32B forms the contact parts 32. In case of a flat-shaped aerosol generating article 12 having a rectangular cross- sectional shape, two contact parts 32 of the heating chamber 25 can be formed by the wider opposite walls 32A, 32B delimiting the heating chamber 25. In some embodiments, the narrower opposite walls form also at least partially the contact parts 32.

As mentioned above, the heating chamber 25 is adapted to heat at least a part of the substrate portion 14. For this purpose, the heating chamber 25 comprises at least one heater 34. In some embodiments, the heater 34 is formed by a heating blade. Such a heating blade is configured to penetrate inside the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12 while its insertion. The operation of the heater 34 may be controlled by the control module 24 using control methods known per se. According to another example, the heater 34 is formed by a coil arranged around the heating chamber 25 and able to create a magnetic field inside the chamber 25 which is controlled by the control module 24. In this case, the substrate portion 14 of the consumable article 12 includes one or several susceptors explained above. According to still another example, the heating chamber 25 may comprise one or several heaters 34 formed by heating resistances integrated into at least one contact part 32 of the heating chamber 25 and designed to be in contact with the substrate portion 14. As in the previous examples, the operation of these heaters 34 is controlled by the control module 24. In the example of Figure 1 , heaters 34A, 34B are integrated respectfully into the opposite walls 32A, 32B of the heating chamber 25. In other words, in this case, the opposite walls 32A, 32B form heating plates designed to be in contact with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12.

The clamping mechanism 28 comprises a clamping element 40 deformable between two positions: an open position and a closed position. In the open position of the clamping element 40, the aerosol generating article 12 is moveable in the heating chamber 25, and in the closed position of the clamping element 40, at least one contact part 32 of the heating chamber 24 is clamped to a surface of the aerosol generating article 12.

The clamping mechanism 28 and the clamping element 40 can be realized according to different embodiments of the invention that will be explained in further detail below. FIRST EMBODIMENT

Figure 2 shows a heating chamber 25 and an associated clamping mechanism 28 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment, the heating chamber 25 presents a flat shape and is delimited only by a pair of opposite wider walls 32A, 32B, each wider wall 32A, 32B forming a contact part 32 with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12. No heater 34 is shown in Figure 2 but it should be understood that it can be implemented according to any one of the examples disclosed above. For example, a pair of heaters 34A, 34B can be integrated in the respective wider walls 32A, 32B of the heating chamber 25.

According to this embodiment, the opposite walls 32A, 32B are hinged together by a hinge formed by the clamping element 40. The hinge can extend according to the device axis X or perpendicularly to the device axis X. In the first case, the opposite walls 32A, 32B are hinged laterally on one side of the heating chamber 25. In the second case (shown in Figure 2), the opposite walls 32A, 32B are hinged at the closed end 30 of the heating chamber.

The clamping element 40 formed by the hinge is deformable between an open position (shown in Figure 2) in which the substrate portion 14 is freely movable between the opposite walls 32A, 32B and a closed position in which the substrate portion 14 is clamped between the opposite walls 32A, 32B. For this purpose, the hinge forming the clamping element 40 presents a spring which is biased to the closed position. This closed position is a stable position since no external force is necessary to maintain the clamping element 40 in this position.

To bring the clamping element 40 from the closed position to the open position, an external mechanical force is necessary. This mechanical force is exerted for example by the user using a pair of actuators (not shown in Figure 2). Each actuator can be fixed to the respective opposite wall 32A, 32B of the heating chamber 25 at its open end 31. Each actuator can present for example a lever extending from its fixing point at the open end 31 of the chamber 25 and actionable from its opposite end. Thus, the user can exert pressure simultaneously on both levers on their opposite ends to bring the clamping element 40 in the open position. According to some examples, the open position of the clamping element 40 is not stable. In other words, in this case, the user has to exert pressure on the levers to maintain the clamping element 40 in the open position. According to some other examples, the open position of clamping element 40 is stable. In this last case, once the clamping element is brought to the open position by the levers, no external force is necessary to maintain it in this position. This can be achieved by a specific composition and shape of the spring forming the clamping element 40. For example, in this case, the spring can be made from a metallic strip or slat having a deformable shape between at least two stable positions. Additionally, in this case, an external mechanical force is necessary to bring the clamping element 40 from the open position to the closed position. This mechanical force can for example be exerted by the same levers but according to directions opposite to those used to bring it from the closed position to the open position.

In any case, the spring forming the clamping element 40 can be formed for example by a metallic strip or slat rounded between the opposite walls 32A, 32B to form a hinge axis, as it is shown in Figure 2.

The housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 10 can be adapted to ensure the operation of the clamping element 40 in either position. For example, the housing 20 can be provided with a lid which is removed by the user before bringing the clamping element 40 in the open position. Alternatively, the housing 20 can be formed from two parts hinged together at a battery end of the device 10. Each of these parts can be fixed to the respective wall 32A, 32B of the heating chamber 25 so as to move together with this wall 32A, 32B when the clamping element 40 is brought into the open position.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Figure 3 shows a heating chamber 25 and an associated clamping mechanism 28 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment and like in the previous case, the heating chamber 25 presents a flat shape and is delimited only by a pair of opposite wider walls 32A, 32B, each wider wall 32A, 32B forming a contact part with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12. Figure 3 shows additionally at least a heater 34A presenting a resistive circuit and extending on an external surface of the wall 32A. According to this embodiment, the opposite walls 32A, 32B are attached laterally by attaching elements 40A, 40B extending along the device axis X. Each attaching element 40A, 40B forms a clamping element 40 as previously disclosed. Particularly, each attaching element 40A, 40B is deformable between an open position in which the substrate portion 14 is freely movable between the opposite walls 32A, 32B and a closed position (shown in Figure 3) in which the substrate portion 14 is clamped between the opposite walls 32A, 32B.

For this purpose, each attaching element 40A, 40B is formed by a spring which is biased to the closed position. Particularly, each attaching element 40A, 40B extends along a periphery of both walls 32A, 32B and presents a portion of circle at each its cross-section, at least in the closed position. The ends of said portion of circle face each other and are attached to the different walls 32A, 32B of the heating chamber 25. The distance between these ends forms the thickness of the heating chamber 25.

This cross-sectional shape of each attaching element 40A, 40B can be deformed to bring this attaching element 40A, 40B in the open position. For example, according to some examples, this shape can be deformed by exerting pressure according to a transversal axis Z extending perpendicularly to the walls 32A, 32B. Particularly, a pressure can be applied according to opposite directions along this transversal axis Z to squeeze the circular shape of the corresponding attaching element 40A, 40B. This will lead to increasing of the distance between the ends of the corresponding portions of circle and as a result, to increasing of a distance between the opposite walls 32A, 32B according to the transversal axis Z.

Additionally, each attaching element 40A, 40B can be provided with one or several slots extending along the device axis X to guide its deformation.

Like in the previous case, the closed position of each attaching element 40A, 40B is a stable position since no external force is necessary to maintain it in this position. To bring each attaching element 40A, 40B from the closed position to the open position, an external mechanical force is necessary. This mechanical force corresponds for example to the pressure exerted according to the transversal axis Z as explained above. For this purpose, a pair of actuators for each attaching element 40A, 40B can be used.

Like in the previous case, according to some examples, the open position of each attaching element 40A, 40B is not stable. In other words, in this case, the user has to exert pressure on the actuators to maintain this attaching element 40A, 40B in the open position. According to some other examples, the open position of each attaching element 40 is stable. In this last case, once the clamping element is brought to the open position, no external force is necessary to maintain it in this position. As previously explained, this can be achieved by a specific composition and shape of the attaching element 40A, 40B.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Figure 4 shows a heating chamber 25 and an associated clamping mechanism 28 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment and like in the previous cases, the heating chamber 25 presents a flat shape. According to this embodiment, the heating chamber 25 is delimited by a pair of opposite wider walls 32A, 32B and a pair of opposite narrower walls 40A, 40B. As it shown in Figure 4, each wider wall 32A, 32B forms a contact part with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12. The heating chamber 25 may further define one or several heaters as explained in relation with the previous embodiments.

According to this embodiment, the opposite wider walls 32A, 32B are attached laterally by the narrower walls 40A, 40B extending along the device axis X. These narrower walls 40A, 40B form thus attaching elements for the wider walls 32A, 32B. Additionally, according to this embodiment, each narrower wall 40A, 40B forms a clamping element 40 as previously disclosed. Particularly, each narrower wall 40A, 40B is deformable between an open position in which the substrate portion 14 is freely movable between the opposite walls 32A, 32B and a closed position (shown in Figure 3) in which the substrate portion 14 is clamped between the opposite walls 32A, 32B.

For this purpose, each narrower wall 40A, 40B is formed by at least partially foldable strip extending along the device axis X. The width of the strip is greater than the distance between the wider walls 32A, 32B so as it can be folded either inwardly or outwardly. When both narrower walls 40A, 40B are folded inwardly (i.e. toward the interior of the heating chamber 25), the wider walls 32A, 32B are slightly bended inwardly, as it is schematically shown by lines Bi and B2 in Figure 4. Thus, in this position which corresponds to the closed position of the clamping elements 40, the substrate portion 14 is clamped at least at its central part by the wider walls 32A, 32B. When both wider walls 40A, 40B are folded outwardly (i.e. toward the exterior of the heating chamber 25), the wider walls 32A, 32B are slightly bended outwardly. Thus, in this position which corresponds to the open position of the clamping elements 40, the substrate portion 14 is released and can be freely moveable between the wider walls 32A, 32B.

Like in the previous case, both open and closed positions of each narrower wall 40A, 40B is a stable position since no external force is necessary to maintain it in this position. To bring each narrower wall 40A, 40B from one position to the other, an external mechanical force is necessary. This mechanical force can be exerted using appropriate actuators.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

Figure 5 shows a heating chamber 25 and an associated clamping mechanism 28 according to a forth embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment and like in the previous case, the heating chamber 25 presents a flat shape and is delimited by a pair of opposite wider walls 32A, 32B, each wider wall 32A, 32B forming a contact part with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12. Each wider wall 32A, 32B defines a protruding part at each end 30, 31 of the heating chamber 25. The protruding parts protrude outwardly from the heating chamber 25 (i.e. toward the exterior part of the heating chamber 25) and can form a rounded transition with a substantially flat part of the corresponding wider wall 32A, 32B. The heating chamber 25 may further define one or several heaters as explained in relation with the previous embodiments.

According to this embodiment, each wider wall 32A, 32B is engaged with a clamping element 40 presenting a flexible strip 40A, 40B. Each flexible strip 40A, 40B extends between the protruding parts of the corresponding wider wall 32A, 32B and is abutted against these protruding parts. Each flexible strip 40A, 40B can present a length which is slightly greater than the distance between the protruding parts of the corresponding wider wall 32A, 32B, so as the flexible strip 40A, 40B can be bended inwardly or outwardly in respect with the heating chamber 25. When both flexible strips 40A, 40B are bended inwardly (i.e. toward the interior of the heating chamber 25), they push the wider walls 32A, 32B to be also at least slightly bended inwardly, so as to clamp the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12 between the wider walls 32A, 32B. This position of the flexible strips 40A, 40B corresponds thus to their closed position. When both flexible strips 40A, 40B are bended outwardly (i.e. toward the exterior of the heating chamber 25), the wider walls 32A, 32B are not deformed so as the substrate portion 14 can be released from the heating chamber 25. This position of the flexible strips 40A, 40B corresponds thus to their open position.

Like in the previous case, both open and closed positions of each flexible strip 40A, 40B is a stable position since no external force is necessary to maintain them in this position. To bring each flexible strip 40A, 40B from one position to the other, an external mechanical force is necessary. This mechanical force can be exerted using appropriate actuators.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

Figure 6 shows a heating chamber 25 and an associated clamping mechanism 28 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment and like in the previous cases, the heating chamber 25 presents a flat shape and is delimited by a pair of opposite wider walls 32A, 32B, each wider wall 32A, 32B forming a contact part with the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12. The heating chamber 25 may further define one or several heaters as explained in relation with the previous embodiments.

According to this embodiment, the wider walls 32A, 32B are engaged with a pair of braces 40A, 40B arranged at different ends 30, 31 of the heating chamber 25. Particularly, each brace 40A, 40B presents a continuous looped strip extending transversally around the wider walls 32A, 32B. Particularly, each brace 40A, 40B can form a substantially rectangular shape in each cross-section perpendicular to the device axis X. This rectangular shape defines a pair of opposite wider portions extending substantially parallel to the wider walls 32A, 32B and a pair of opposite narrower portions extending perpendicularly to the wider walls 32A, 32B. Each portion of the brace 40A, 40B is deformable and can be bended either inwardly or outwardly. When each portion of each brace 40A, 40B is bended inwardly (i.e. toward the interior of the heating chamber 25), at least the wider portions push the wider walls 32A, 32B toward the interior of the heating chamber 25, so as to clamp the substrate portion 14 of the aerosol generating article 12 between the wider walls 32A, 32B. This position of the braces 40A, 40B corresponds thus to their closed position and is shown in Figure 6. When each portion of each brace 40A, 40B is bended outwardly (i.e. toward the exterior of the heating chamber 25), the wider walls 32A, 32B are released so as the substrate portion 14 can also be released from the heating chamber 25. This position of the braces 40A, 40B corresponds thus to their open position. According to some embodiments, an additional biasing element can provided to bias the wide walls 32A, 32B toward the released position.

Like in the previous cases, both open and closed positions of each brace 40A, 40B is a stable position since no external force is necessary to maintain them in this position. To bring each flexible strip 40A, 40B from one position to the other, an external mechanical force is necessary. This mechanical force can be exerted using appropriate actuators.

Figure 6 shows additionally a pair of actuators 50A, 50B arranged on different sides of the heating chamber 25. Each actuator 50A, 50B can present a push-button adapted to exert pressure simultaneously on the wider portions of the braces 40A, 40B facing this actuator 50A, 50B. Thus, both actuators 50A, 50B can be pushed simultaneously one toward the other to deform the braces 40A, 40B toward their closed position. Inversely, the actuators 50A, 50B can be released to bring the braces 40A, 40B into their open position. The actuators 50A, 50B can protrude from the housing 20 of the device 10 and can be thus actuated by the user for example by squeezing them using one hand. An additional releasing actuator can be provided to release these actuators 50A, 50B and bring the braces 40A, 40B to their open positions.

Claims

1 . An aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with an aerosol generating article (12), the device (10) comprising:

- a heating chamber (25) extending along a device axis (X) and configured to receive at least partially the aerosol generating article (12) and comprising a contact part (32A, 32B) configured to be in contact with the aerosol generating article (12) while its heating;

- a clamping mechanism (28) comprising a clamping element (40) deformable between two positions: an open position and a closed position; in the open position, the aerosol generating article (12) being moveable in the heating chamber (25), and in the closed position the contact part (32A, 32B) is clamped to a surface of the aerosol generating article (12); wherein the clamping element (40) is deformable at least from the closed position to the open position by applying an external mechanical force.

2. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the heating chamber (25) comprises at least two contact parts (32A, 32B); in the closed position of the clamping element (40), the aerosol generating article (12) being clamped between said contact parts (32A, 32B).

3. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the clamping mechanism (40) comprises at least one clamping element (40A, 40B) for each contact part (32A, 32B).

4. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the clamping elements (40A, 40B) associated to different contact parts (32A, 32B) are actionable independently one from the other.

5. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein each contact part (32A, 32B) presents substantially a contact plate extending along the device axis (X) and forming at least partially a wall (32A, 32B) of the heating chamber (25).

6. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein a pair of contact plates are hinged together by a hinge formed by the or at least one clamping element (40).

7. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the hinge extends transversally in respect with the device axis (X).

8. The aerosol generating device (10) according to 5, wherein a pair of contact plates are attached together by a pair of attaching elements (40A, 40B), each attaching element being formed by a clamping element (40).

9. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 8, wherein each attaching element (40A, 40B) extends along the device axis (X) and is attached to a periphery of the corresponding contact plates.

10. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 9, wherein each attaching element (40A, 40B) forms a deformable wall of the heating chamber (25).

11. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the or each clamping element (40) forms a portion of circle in each its cross-section at least at one of its positions.

12. The aerosol generating device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the or each clamping element (40) is a flexible strip (40A, 40B) extending along the corresponding contact plate; wherein the or each contact plate defines a pair of protruding borders, the flexible strip (40A, 40B) being abutted against the protruding borders.

13. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping mechanism (28) further comprises an actuator (50A, 50B) actuating the or at least one clamping element (40) from at least one position to the other.

14. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each clamping element (40) is deformable from the open position to the closed position by applying an external mechanical force.

15. The aerosol generating device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating chamber (25) has a flat shape configured to receive a flat-shaped aerosol generating article (12).