WO2025190791A1

WO2025190791A1 - Aerosol-generating device with ejection mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2025190791A1
Application number: PCT/EP2025/056236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA; Kyle Robert Adair
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2024-03-11
Filing date: 2025-03-07
Publication date: 2025-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-11

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol- generating device further comprises an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism is configured arrangeable in a closed position and in an open position. The ejection mechanism is configured for ejecting the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity in the open position. The ejection mechanism comprises an air inlet allowing ambient air to be drawn into the ejection mechanism when the ejection mechanism is in the closed position. The ejection mechanism comprises an air outlet that is fluidly connected with the air inlet. The air outlet is further fluidly connected with the cavity to allow ambient air to be drawn through the ejection mechanism and into the cavity in the closed position of the ejection mechanism. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

Description

AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH EJECTION MECHANISM

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a planar shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with improved ejection of an aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with improved airflow into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with improved protection of the aerosol-generating device against contamination when the aerosol-generating device is not used.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device that may comprise a cavity for receiving a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism may be configured arrangeable in a closed position and in an open position. The ejection mechanism may be configured for ejecting the planar aerosolgenerating article out of the cavity in the open position. The ejection mechanism may comprise an air inlet allowing ambient air to be drawn into the ejection mechanism when the ejection mechanism may be in the closed position. The ejection mechanism may comprise an air outlet that may be fluidly connected with the air inlet. The air outlet may further be fluidly connected with the cavity to allow ambient air to be drawn through the ejection mechanism and into the cavity in the closed position of the ejection mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism is configured arrangeable in a closed position and in an open position. The ejection mechanism is configured for ejecting the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity in the open position. The ejection mechanism comprises an air inlet allowing ambient air to be drawn into the ejection mechanism when the ejection mechanism is in the closed position. The ejection mechanism comprises an air outlet that is fluidly connected with the air inlet. The air outlet is further fluidly connected with the cavity to allow ambient air to be drawn through the ejection mechanism and into the cavity in the closed position of the ejection mechanism.

Providing the ejection mechanism as described herein facilitates airflow through the ejection mechanism into the cavity while at the same time providing an ejection functionality. The ejection mechanism therefore has a double functionality. Hence, a secure ejection of the spent aerosol-generating article is facilitated while, at the same time, airflow into the cavity is enabled and not hindered by the ejection mechanism.

The air inlet of the ejection mechanism may be fluidly connected with a further air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. The air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may be fluidly connected with the ambient environment. The air inlet of the aerosol-generating device may be configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating device and towards the air inlet of the ejection mechanism. Alternatively, the air inlet of the ejection mechanism is the only air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. In other words, in this alternative embodiment, the air inlet of the ejection mechanism is the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. In this alternative, which is preferred, the ejection mechanism’s air inlet allows ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating device and into the cavity through the ejection mechanism.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air channel. The air channel may fluidly connect the air inlet of the ejection mechanism with the air outlet of the ejection mechanism. The air channel may run through the ejection mechanism. In the embodiment in which the aerosol-generating device comprises a further air inlet, the air channel may extend from the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device to the air inlet of the ejection mechanism and further to the air outlet of the ejection mechanism through the ejection mechanism. In the preferred embodiment in which the air inlet of the ejection mechanism is the only air inlet of the aerosol-generating device, the air channel preferably extends from the air inlet of the ejection mechanism to the air outlet of the ejection mechanism through the ejection mechanism.

The open position of the ejection mechanism may be a position in which the planar aerosol-generating article is ejected from the cavity. In the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism may be in an extended position. In the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism may be moved, in comparison with the closed position of the ejection mechanism, in a proximal direction. In the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism may be moved into the cavity in the proximal direction. During a movement from the closed position of the ejection mechanism to the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism may move in the proximal direction thereby pushing the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity. The proximal direction may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The closed position of the ejection mechanism may be a position in which the planar aerosol-generating article is fully received in the cavity so that the aerosol-generating device can be operated. The closed position of the ejection mechanism may be an operation position of the aerosol-generating device. The closed position of the ejection mechanism may be a retracted position. In the closed position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism may be moved, in comparison with the open position of the ejection mechanism, in a distal direction.

The air inlet may be blocked in the open position of the ejection mechanism.

Movement of the ejection mechanism from the closed position to the open position may block the air inlet. During movement of the ejection mechanism from the closed position to the open position, the air inlet may be moved over a housing portion of the aerosol-generating device thereby blocking the air inlet. When referring to blocking of the air inlet, fluid airflow, particularly flow of ambient air, from the air inlet through the ejection mechanism into the air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be blocked. When referring to blocking of the air inlet, the air channel fluidly connecting the air inlet of the ejection mechanism with the air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be blocked.

The ejection mechanism may be spring-loaded.

The ejection mechanism may comprise a biasing element. The biasing element may be a spring. The spring may be configured to provide the ejection mechanism as a spring- loaded ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism may comprise multiple biasing elements. One or more of the biasing elements may be springs.

The biasing element, preferably the spring, may bias the ejection mechanism into the open position.

The ejection mechanism may comprise a releasing element. The releasing element may be configured to release the biasing element such that the biasing element can bias the ejection mechanism into the open position. The releasing element may be configured to hold the biasing element in a biased position in which the ejection mechanism is in the closed position. The releasing element may be released from the biased position so as to bias the ejection mechanism from the closed position into the open position. A distance between the closed position of the ejection mechanism and the open position of the ejection mechanism may be between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 40 mm, more preferably 30 mm.

A mass of the planar aerosol-generating article may be between 0.1 g and 10 g, preferably between 0.3 g and 7 g, more preferably between 0.6 g and 4 g, most preferably around 1 g.

A spring rate of the biasing element, which is preferably configured as a spring, may be between 0.1 N/m and 100 N/m, preferably between 0.3 N/m and 50 N/m, more preferably between 0.6 N/m and 10 N/m, most preferably between 1 N/m and 5 N/m.

A spring rate of the biasing element may be at least 0.1 N/m, preferably at least 0.2 N/m, more preferably at least 0.3 N/m.

The biasing element may be one or both of a progressive spring and a dual spring. This may lead to a more consistent biasing action acting upon the ejection mechanism and therefore to a more secure ejection of the planar aerosol-generating article. In case multiple springs are used as the biasing element, the required spring rate may be divided through the number of springs. In case a progressive spring is used, the spring may have a varying pitch along the length of the spring in order to create the progressive biasing action.

The ejection mechanism may comprise a push latch mechanism.

The push latch mechanism may have a flat form factor. The push latch mechanism may have a dual spring arrangement. The latch of the push latch mechanism may be integral with the push latch mechanism. The push latch mechanism may comprise a tracking arm. The tracking arm may rotate around a pivot point. The tracking arm may follow a predefined track of the push latch mechanism. The push latch mechanism may comprise a cam mechanism. The tracking arm may follow the predefined track within the cam mechanism. The tracking arm may follow a clockwise or counterclockwise rotational movement within the predefined track. The push latch mechanism may be user actuated. A user may actuate the push latch mechanism by a compression and release movement. The tracking arm may follow a 180° rotation within the predefined track when the user exerts the compression and release movement of the push latch mechanism. Actuating the push latch mechanism by the compression and release movement may move the ejection mechanism from the open position to the closed position. A subsequent further compression and release movement may move the ejection mechanism from the closed position to the open position. In other words, subsequence compression and release movements move the ejection mechanism from one position to the other position.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a handle mechanically connected with the ejection mechanism. The handle may be configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. Movement of the handle between the first position and the second position may move the ejection mechanism between the open position and the closed position.

The handle may be arranged on an outside of the aerosol-generating device. The handle may be configured as a user actuatable handle. The handle may be elongate. The handle may be configured to be moved parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The handle may be configured to be moved in a proximal direction from the closed position of the ejection mechanism to the open position of the ejection mechanism. The handle may be configured to be moved in a distal direction from the open position of the ejection mechanism to the closed position of the ejection mechanism.

The ejection mechanism may comprise a pusher which may be configured to push the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity when the ejection mechanism is moved from the closed position into the open position.

The pusher may contact the planar aerosol-generating article, when the aerosolgenerating article is received in the cavity. The pusher may contact a distal end face of the planar aerosol-generating article. The pusher may contact a short side of the planar aerosolgenerating article. When the ejection mechanism is moved from the closed position to the open position, the pusher may push the distal end face of the planar aerosol-generating article in the proximal direction so as to push the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity.

The pusher may be configured as a rectangular plate. A cross-sectional shape of the pusher may correspond to a cross-sectional shape of one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cavity.

The pusher may abut the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

The pusher may be flat. The pusher may be rectangular. The pusher may be plateshaped. The surface area of the pusher facing the cavity inside may be at least 200 mm², preferably at least 220 mm², more preferably at least 250 mm².

The pusher may form a base of the cavity. The base of the cavity may be opposite an open end of the cavity. The base may be arranged at a distal end of the cavity. The open end may be arranged at the proximal end of the cavity. The planar aerosol-generating article may be inserted through the open end at the proximal end of the cavity. The base of the cavity may act as a stopper to stop further insertion of the planar aerosol-generating article into the cavity. When the planar aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity and abuts the base of the cavity, the majority of the planar aerosol-generating article may be received in the cavity and a part of the planar aerosol-generating article may stick out of the cavity. A user may draw directly on the proximal end of the planar aerosol-generating article during operation of the aerosol-generating device. The proximal part of the planar aerosol-generating article may be configured as a mouth end of the planar aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, and preferred, the planar aerosol-generating article is fully received in the cavity in the closed position.

When the ejection mechanism is in the open position, the ejection mechanism, preferably the pusher of the ejection mechanism, may close the cavity. In other words, in the open position of the ejection mechanism, the pusher may be arranged at or near the proximal opening of the cavity. This may prevent contamination of the cavity when the aerosolgenerating device is not in use.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may cover the cavity when the planar aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. A user may then draw on the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may also be denoted as lid. The mouthpiece may be integrally connected with the aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may be slidably or hingedly connected with the aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may be detachably connected with the aerosol-generating device. Providing a mouthpiece as a detachable mouthpiece is particularly preferred in order to enable easy access to the planar aerosol-generating article.

The air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be arranged at the base of the cavity. The air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be configured as one or more air apertures in the base of the cavity. The air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be configured as one or more air apertures in the pusher.

The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of the planar aerosol-generating article when the planar aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity. The aerosolgenerating device may comprise one or more heating elements. The heating element may be arranged within the cavity. The heating element may be configured as a pin or blade configured to penetrate into the aerosol-forming substrate of the planar aerosol-generating article. However, preferably, the heating element may be arranged at a sidewall of the cavity or at least partly or fully surrounding the cavity. The heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element, or alternatively, the heating element may be configured as an inductive heating element. In case the heating element is configured as an inductive heating element, the inductive heating element may be configured as a heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil. The heating arrangement may further comprise a susceptor. The susceptor may be arranged at the sidewall of the cavity or surrounding the cavity. As a further alternative, the susceptor may be part of the planar aerosol-generating article. For example, the planar aerosol-generating article may comprise a susceptor strip adjacent the aerosolforming substrate. The heating element may comprise individual controllable heaters. The individual controllable heaters may be configured to heat, independently, the two large sides of the planar aerosol-generating article. This may enable the creation of independent aerosols by heating the first large side or by heating the second large side of planar aerosol-generating article. Further, the central layer of the planar aerosol-generating article may create an independent third aerosol. Particularly preferred, the heating element may comprise a first heating plate and a second heating plate. The first heating plate may be separately heatable from the second heating plate. The first heating plate may be arranged adjacent a first large side wall of the cavity and the second heating plate may be arranged adjacent a second opposite large side of the cavity. The heating plates may be made from a conductive material such as metal or ceramic. The heating element, preferably the first and second heating plates, may be heatable to a temperature of between 200°C and 400°C, preferably between 220°C see and 350°C.

The ejection mechanism may comprise one or more air channels fluidly connecting the air inlet with the air outlet. The resistance to draw (RTD) of the air channels may be predetermined. The RTD of the air channels may be highest of all elements of the aerosolgenerating device through which air flows. The overall RTD of the aerosol-generating device and the planar aerosol-generating article may thus be defined by the RTD of the air channel. Particularly, the cross-sectional diameter of the air inlet of the ejection mechanism may define the RTD of the aerosol-generating device. The RTD of the aerosol-generating device may be up to 80mmWC, preferably up to 50mmWC, more preferably up to 30mmWC.

The cross-sectional shape of the air inlet of the ejection mechanism may be a rectangular or circular. An inner diameter of the air inlet may be between 0.25 mm to about 2.15 mm, preferably between 0.35 to 2 mm, preferably between 0.45 to 1.75 mm. The cross- sectional shape of the air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be a rectangular or circular. An inner diameter of the air inlet may be between 0.25 mm to about 2.15 mm, preferably between 0.35 to 2 mm, preferably between 0.45 to 1 .75 mm. The inner diameter of one or both of the air inlet and the air outlet of the ejection mechanism may be the smallest inner diameter of any of the sections of the aerosol-generating device through which ambient air is drawn from the ambient environment into the cavity. Hence, the RTD of the aerosol-generating device may be highest in one or both of the air inlet and the air outlet and thus the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating device may be defined by one or both of the air inlet and the air outlet.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an acoustic sensor.

The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect an acoustic signal of air flowing through one or both of the ejection mechanism, preferably through the air channel of the ejection mechanism, and the planar aerosol-generating article. The acoustic sensor may be arranged at the cavity. The acoustic sensor may be arranged at the sidewall of the cavity. The acoustic sensor may be configured as a microphone.

The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect acoustic frequencies of air being drawn through one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the ejection mechanism.

The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect changes in the acoustic frequencies of air being drawn through one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the ejection mechanism. Changes in the acoustic frequencies may be indicative of a depletion rate of the aerosol-forming substrate of the planar aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller one or both of controlling a heating operation of the aerosol-generating device and controlling a display of operation information based on the sensor output of the acoustic sensor.

Monitoring of the changes in the acoustic frequencies may enable the controller to optimize operation of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the depletion rate of the aerosol-forming substrate of the planar aerosol-generating article. Exemplarily, the controller may issue an alert signal to the user, exemplarily through the display, to inform the user that the planar aerosol-generating article is depleted or nearly depleted. Exemplarily, the controller may stop heating of the planar aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted or nearly depleted.

The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The acoustic sensor may employ a Helmholtz design.

The air channel may comprise changes in the inner diameter. The changes in the inner diameter may influence the speed of airflow, preferably by utilizing the Venturi effect.

The acoustic sensor may act as a puff sensor due to changing acoustic frequencies of the airflow during a puff.

Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic sensor may identify the type of a planar aerosol-generating article depending upon characteristic prestored changes in the acoustic frequencies of the airflow during a puff. The controller may control operation of the aerosolgenerating device depending upon the detected type of the planar aerosol-generating article. For example, the controller may only allow operation of the-generating device if an accepted type of planar aerosol-generating article is detected by the controller.

The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosolgenerating device as described herein and a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate planar aerosol-generating article may have a base defined by an x dimension extending in an x direction and a y dimension extending in a y direction, and a height defined by a z dimension extending in a z direction. An air-flow path may be defined through the aerosol-forming substrate in the x/y plane from one side of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other side of the aerosol-forming substrate. The RTD of the substrate, along the air-flow path, may be less than 20 millimetre H2O. Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) is measured in accordance with ISO 6565-2015. The RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the full length of a component, such as the aerosol-forming substrate. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” of a component or article may also refer to the “resistance to draw”. Such terms generally refer to the measurements in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 are normally carried out at under test at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the output or downstream end of the measured component at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a substantially planar upper surface defined by a length extending in the x direction and a width extending in the y direction, and a substantially planar lower surface defined by a length extending in the x direction and a width extending in the y direction. The substantially planar upper surface and the substantially planar lower surface may be vertically spaced from each other by a height defined in the z direction.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a first planar layer, and a corrugated layer arranged on a surface of the first planar layer. At least one of the first planar layer and the corrugated layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a second planar layer. The corrugated layer may be arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer. The second planar layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material.

The corrugated layer may be attached to one or both of the first planar layer and the second planar layer by an adhesive. The adhesive may comprise or consist of an aerosolforming material.

An intermediate layer may be provided between the first planar layer and the second planar layer. The intermediate layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material. The intermediate layer may be attached to one or both of the first planar layer and the second planar layer by an adhesive. The adhesive may comprise or consist of an aerosol-forming material.

A plurality of longitudinally extending channels may be defined between the first layer and the second layer by corrugations. A porous element may be located in at least one of the longitudinally extending channels, for example a porous aerosol forming material. The corrugations may be facilitated by the corrugated layer. One or more flavour releasing components, for example a component such as a thread or capsule that is impregnated with or contains a flavour component, may be located within at least one of the longitudinally extending channels.

At least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the corrugated layer may comprise perforations or holes to allow air to flow through the first planar layer, the second planar layer, or the corrugated layer.

Providing the aerosol-generating article as a planar aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-forming substrate as a planar aerosol-forming substrate has multiple advantages. Such substrates have a large base area relative to the volume of the substrate. Advantageously, a larger base area may provide greater surface area for heating by a planar heater of an aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, a smaller height may allow a smaller temperature gradient or difference across the height of the substrate during heating. For example, where the base of the substrate is in contact with, and heated by, a planar heater, there may be a smaller temperature difference between the base and an upper surface opposing the base if the spacing, or height, between the base and the upper surface is smaller. Advantageously, this may allow heating of a greater proportion of the substrate to a temperature at which an aerosol is released whilst minimising the risk of burning the hottest portion of the substrate closest to the heater. Alternatively, or in addition, this may reduce a time required to heat the substrate sufficiently to release an aerosol.

An air-flow path through the substrate may be defined in terms of porosity, for example a percentage of the substrate that is free of aerosol-forming material. The porosity in this case is open porosity, allowing an air-flow path through the substrate. Thus, an aerosol-forming substrate may have an air-flow path defined through the aerosol-forming substrate in the x/y plane from one side of the aerosol-forming substrate to the other side of the aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol-forming substrate may have a porosity of greater than 60 %, for example greater than 80 %, in the direction of the airflow path. The porosity may be greater than 60 %, for example greater than 80 %, in at least one direction in the x/y plane of the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the porosity is between 81% and 99%, for example a porosity of between 85% and 95%, for example between 88% and 92%, for example about 90%.

The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably formed from sheets of material. For example, each of the upper layer/first layer, lower layer/second layer, and intermediate layer/corrugated layer are preferably formed from sheets of material. The sheets may be sheets of an aerosol-forming material, for example sheets of homogenised tobacco material. The sheets may be sheets of a non-aerosol-forming material, for example sheets of paper. The thickness of any sheet forming part of the aerosol-forming substrate may be between 0.02 mm to 2 mm. For example, any sheet forming part of the aerosol-forming substrate may have a thickness of between 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm, for example between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, for example between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, for example between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm, for example between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm.

The first layer may comprise or consist of a first type of aerosol-forming material. The second layer may comprise or consist of a different second type of aerosol-forming material. Together with the particularly preferred separately controllable heating of the first layer by the first heating plate and of the second layer by the second heating plate, this enables the creation of individual aerosols of the first layer and of the second layer.

In certain embodiments, sheets of homogenised tobacco material for use in aerosolforming substrates as described herein may have a thickness of between 10 pm and about 300 pm. In certain embodiments, sheets of homogenised tobacco material for use in aerosolforming substrates as described herein may have a grammage of between 100 g/m² and about 300 g/m².

Preferably, the upper layer comprises, or is formed from, a planar sheet of material, the lower layer comprises or is formed from a planar sheet of material, and the intermediate layer comprises or is formed from a corrugated sheet of material. In this case, at least some of the air-flow channels formed by the corrugations are at least partially bounded by aerosol-forming material. This allows for an aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming material to be easily entrained in the air-flow path.

The aerosol-forming material may be a homogenised tobacco material. For example, any of the first, second, or third aerosol-forming materials may be a homogenised tobacco material. The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more of: tobacco, hybrid botanicals, CBD, THC, nicotine, humectant and may optionally be impregnated with a sensorial media such as a liquid or gel containing nicotine and/or flavorants and/or other pharmacologically active compounds. It may be particularly suitable for reconstituted tobacco sheet (RTB).

In this context, the term “porous” is used to mean sufficiently porous so as to allow aerosol formed by the aerosol-forming substrate to escape through the porous layer in use. Advantageously, the porous layer may protect the aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of physical damage and chemical contamination. Advantageously, the porous layer may also help to prevent transfer of aerosol-forming material from the aerosol-forming substrate onto a user handling the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a corrugated element or layer, and corrugations of the corrugated element or layer may be defined by a corrugation wavelength and a corrugation amplitude. The corrugation wavelength may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 8 mm, for example between 2 mm and 6 mm, for example between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, for example between 3 mm and 4 mm. The corrugation amplitude may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 1.5 mm and 8 mm, for example between 2 mm and 6 mm, for example between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, for example between 3 mm and 4 mm. The corrugation amplitude is the same as the thickness, for example in the z dimension, of the corrugated element or layer.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length (x dimension) that is approximately the same magnitude as its width (y dimension). Alternatively, the length (x dimension) may be greater in magnitude than the width (y dimension). For example, the length may be about 1.5 times the magnitude of the width, or about 2 times the magnitude of the width, or about 2.5 times the magnitude of the width, or about 3 times the magnitude of the width. The length (x dimension) may be greater than 3 the magnitude of the width, for example greater than 4 times the magnitude of the width, for example greater than 5 times the magnitude of the width.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a base defined by a rectangular shape having a length and a width forming a lower surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. An upper surface of the aerosol-forming substrate may be defined by a substantially identical rectangular shape spaced from the base by the height, for example in which both the lower surface and the upper surface are defined as planar surfaces located on parallel planes spaced by the height.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length (x dimension) of between 10 mm and 50 mm, for example between 12 mm and 30 mm, for example between 14 mm and 26 mm, for example between 16 mm and 24 mm, for example between 18 mm and 22 mm, for example about 18 mm, or about 19 mm, or about 20 mm, or about 21 mm, or about 22 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a width (y dimension) of between 5 mm and 20 mm, for example between 8 mm and 18 mm, for example between 10 mm and 16 mm, for example between 11 mm and 15 mm, for example between 12 mm and 14 mm, for example about 13 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have a height (z dimension) of between 1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 1.2 mm and 8 mm, for example between 1.4 mm and 7 mm, for example between 1.6 mm and 6 mm, for example between 1.7 mm and 5 mm, for example about 1 .7 mm, or about 4.5 mm, or about 2 mm, or about 3 mm, or about 4 mm.

As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end, also denoted as mouthpiece, through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosolgenerating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of the cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosolgenerating device.

As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosolgenerating article to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

The width of the housing may be greater than its height. In other words, the housing may be predominantly flat.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff- by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium- Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The air apertures may be the air outlet of the ejection mechanism. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. Particularly preferred, the base of the cavity may be rectangular in order to match the cross-sectional shape of the planar aerosol-generating article. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream or at an upstream end of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream or at a downstream end of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

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

An airflow channel may run through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, particularly through the ejection mechanism of the aerosol- generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.

As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located in an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, then typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, then typically another effect that contributes to the heating is commonly referred to hysteresis losses. Hysteresis losses occur mainly due to the movement of the magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of these will align with the magnetic induction field, which alternates. Another effect contributing to the hysteresis loss is when the magnetic domains will grow or shrink within the susceptor. Commonly all these changes in the susceptor that happen on a nano-scale or below are referred to as “hysteresis losses”, because they produce heat in the susceptor. Hence, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic, but not conductive, then hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heat the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by conduction of heat. Such a transfer of heat is best, if the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. An aerosolgenerating article may be disposable.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or smoking article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example 1 . An aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, and an ejection mechanism, wherein the ejection mechanism is configured arrangeable in a closed position and in an open position, wherein the ejection mechanism is configured for ejecting the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity in the open position, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises an air inlet allowing ambient air to be drawn into the ejection mechanism when the ejection mechanism is in the closed position, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises an air outlet that is fluidly connected with the air inlet, wherein the air outlet is further fluidly connected with the cavity to allow ambient air to be drawn through the ejection mechanism and into the cavity in the closed position of the ejection mechanism. Example 2. The aerosol-generating device according to example 1 , wherein the air inlet is blocked in the open position of the ejection mechanism.

Example 3. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity has a rectangular flat shape.

Example 4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism is moved, in comparison with the closed position of the ejection mechanism, in a proximal direction.

Example 5. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece.

Example 6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ejection mechanism is spring-loaded.

Example 7. The aerosol-generating device according to example 6, wherein the spring biases the ejection mechanism into the open position.

Example 8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a push latch mechanism.

Example 9. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a handle mechanically connected with the ejection mechanism, wherein the handle is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, and wherein movement of the handle between the first position and the second position moves the ejection mechanism between the open position and the closed position.

Example 10. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a pusher which is configured to push the aerosol-generating article out of the cavity when the ejection mechanism is moved from the closed position into the open position.

Example 11. The aerosol-generating device according to example 10, wherein the pusher is configured as a rectangular plate, preferably wherein a cross-sectional shape of the pusher corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cavity.

Example 12. The aerosol-generating device according to example 10 or 11 , wherein the pusher abuts the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

Example 13. The aerosol-generating device according to any of examples 10 to 12, wherein the pusher forms a base of the cavity. Example 14. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cavity is configured as a heating chamber.

Example 15. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises one or more air channels fluidly connecting the air inlet with the air outlet, preferably wherein the resistance to draw (RTD) of the air channels is predetermined, more preferably wherein the RTD of the air channels is highest of all elements of the aerosol-generating device through which air flows.

Example 16. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an acoustic sensor.

Example 17. The aerosol-generating device according to example 15, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to detect acoustic frequencies of air being drawn through one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the ejection mechanism.

Example 18. The aerosol-generating device according to example 15 or 16, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a controller one or both of controlling a heating operation of the aerosol-generating device and controlling a display of operation information based on the sensor output of the acoustic sensor.

Example 19. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding examples and a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol-generating device and a planar aerosol-generating article, wherein an ejection mechanism of the aerosol-generating device is in a closed position;

Fig. 2 shows the ejection mechanism of the aerosol-generating device in an open position;

Fig. 3 shows the ejection mechanism of the aerosol-generating device in the closed position, the planar aerosol-generating article received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device and a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device attached to a proximal end of the cavity;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional side view of the planar aerosol-generating article; Fig. 5 shows an alternative push latch mechanism employed for the ejection mechanism in a closed position;

Fig. 6 shows a further view of the push latch mechanism in the closed position; and Fig. 7 shows the push latch mechanism in an open position;

Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device 10. The aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a main body 12. The aerosol-generating device 10 further comprises a mouthpiece 14. The mouthpiece 14 is configured as a replaceable mouthpiece 14. In other words, the mouthpiece 14 can be attached to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 10. After usage, the mouthpiece 14 can be detached from the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 10. Figure 1 further shows a planar aerosol-generating article 16. The planar aerosolgenerating article 16 can be inserted into a cavity 18 of the aerosol-generating device 10. For insertion of the planar aerosol-generating article 16 into the cavity 18 of the aerosol-generating device 10, the mouthpiece 14 can be detached. When the planar aerosol-generating article 16 is received in the cavity 18, the mouthpiece 14 can be attached to the proximal end of the cavity 18 of the aerosol-generating device 10 thereby securing the planar aerosol-generating article 16 in place. After an operation of the aerosol-generating device 10 and the generation of an inhalable aerosol by the heating of the planar aerosol-generating article 16, the planar aerosol-generating article 16 is spent. The planar aerosol-generating article 16 can be removed from the cavity 18 by first detaching the mouthpiece 14 from the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device 10. After removal of the spent planar aerosol-generating article 16 and the insertion of a fresh planar aerosol-generating article 16, the mouthpiece 14 can again be attached to the proximal end of the cavity 18 of the aerosol-generating device 10 for a subsequent second operation of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Forming large sidewalls of the cavity 18 or being arranged adjacent large sidewalls of the cavity 18, a heating element is provided. The heating element comprises a first heating element 20 and a second heating element 22. The first heating element 20 forms a first large side wall of the cavity 18 or is arranged adjacent a first large side wall of the cavity 18 and the second heating element 22 forms a second large side wall of the cavity 18 or is arranged adjacent a first large side wall of the cavity 18. The first large side wall is arranged opposite the second large side wall. In other words, the aerosol-generating article is sandwiched between the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 when the aerosolgenerating article is received in the cavity 18. Preferably, the first heating element 20 is arranged as a rectangular heating plate and the second element is arranged as a rectangular heating plate. As a result of the aerosol-generating article being provided as a planar aerosol- generating article 16, the planar aerosol-generating article 16 can be uniformly heated by the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22.

The first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 can be configured as resistive heating elements. Alternatively, the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 can be configured as inductive heating elements. In case the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 are configured as inductive heating elements, the heating elements are preferably made of a susceptor material. The aerosol-generating device 10 in this case preferably comprises an induction coil arranged surrounding the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 or a first induction coil arranged adjacent the first heating element 20 and a second induction coil arranged adjacent the second heating element 22. An alternating current can be supplied to the first induction coil to heat the first heating element 20 and an alternating current can be independently supplied to the second induction coil second heating element 22.

For powering the first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22, the aerosol generating device, particularly the main body 12 of the patent generating device, comprises a power supply 24. The power supply 24 is configured as a rechargeable battery.

For controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power supply 24 to the first heating element 20 into the second heating element 22, the aerosol-generating device 10 comprises a controller 26.

Figure 1 further shows an ejection mechanism 28 of the aerosol-generating device 10. The ejection mechanism 28 is configured to eject the spent planar aerosol-generating article 16 after usage. The ejection mechanism 28 comprises a handle 30 which is arranged at the outer circumference of the aerosol-generating device 10 such that the handle 30 is operatable by a user. The handle 30 may be configured as a slider which can slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The ejection mechanism 28 comprises an air inlet 32. The air inlet 32 is configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating device 10. The air inlet 32 as an inner diameter that is the smallest inner diameter of all components of the aerosol-generating device 10 through which air is drawn. Thus, the RTD of the air inlet 32 is highest of all of these components and defines the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating device 10.

The ejection mechanism 28 further comprises an air outlet 34. The air outlet 34 is arranged directly adjacent a base 36 of the cavity 18. The air outlet 34 is configured as one or more apertures. The base 36 of the cavity 18 is arranged at a distal end of the cavity 18. The base 36 of the cavity 18 is formed by a pusher of the ejection mechanism 28. The pusher of the ejection mechanism 28 has the same rectangular cross-sectional shape as the planar aerosol-generating article 16. The pusher is plate-shaped. Centrally in the pusher, the air outlet 34 is provided.

When the ejection mechanism 28 is actuated and pushes the planar aerosol-generating article 16 out of the cavity 18, the whole distal end face of the planar aerosol-generating article 16 is contacted by the pusher so as to securely push the planar aerosol-generating article 16 out of the cavity 18.

Between the air inlet 32 of the ejection mechanism 28 and the air outlet 34 of the ejection mechanism 28, an air channel 38 is provided. The air channel 38 fluidly connects the air inlet 32 with the air outlet 34. Figure 1 shows the ejection mechanism 28 arranged in a closed position. In this position, the ejection mechanism 28 is arranged in a retracted state. In this position, the air inlet 32 is open so that ambient air can be drawn into the aerosolgenerating device 10, specifically through the air inlet 32, through the air channel 38, through the air outlet 34, into the cavity 18, through the planar aerosol-generating article 16 and out of a mouthpiece outlet 40. In other words, the closed position shown in Figure 1 corresponds to an operating position of the aerosol-generating device 10 once the planar aerosol-generating article 16 is received in the cavity 18 and the mouthpiece 14 is attached to the proximal end of the cavity 18 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

Figure 1 further shows a biasing element 42 of the ejection mechanism 28. The biasing element 42 is configured as a spring. The biasing element 42 biases the ejection mechanism 28 into an open position which is shown in below described Figure 2. The biasing element 42 may be held in the biased configuration shown in Figure 1 by a releasing element (not shown). The releasing element may be a user activated releasing element. Once the releasing element is actuated, the biasing force of the biasing element 42 may move the ejection mechanism 28 from the closed position shown in Figure 1 to the open position shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows the ejection mechanism 28 in the open position. In this position, the pusher of the ejection mechanism 28 pushes the spent planar aerosol-generating article 16 out of the cavity 18 due to the biasing element 42 pushing the ejection mechanism 28 into a proximal direction into the open position. Further, the air inlet 32 is blocked in this position. The air inlet 32 is blocked due to the air inlet 32 being pushed over the outer periphery (housing) of the aerosol-generating device 10. Hence, air can enter the air inlet 32 but not enter the air channel 38 downstream of the air inlet 32. This arrangement of the air inlet 32 is denoted as the air inlet 32 being blocked. In this position, the aerosol-generating device 10 can be transported without the risk of contamination of the air channel 38 due to debris or unwanted components entering the air channel 38 through the air inlet 32. Further, the pusher is arranged within the cavity 18 to reduce or prevent contamination of the cavity 18. Preferably, in the open position of the ejection mechanism 28 as shown in Figure 2, the aerosol-generating device 10 can be deactivated or transport. Of course, the aerosolgenerating device 10 can also remain active in case only the replacement of the spent planar aerosol-generating article 16 with a fresh aerosol-generating article is desired. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device 10 may comprise an activation mechanism that may be activated when the ejection mechanism 28 is moved from the open position to the closed position to activate the aerosol-generating device 10.

Figure 3 shows the aerosol-generating device 10 during operation. The planar aerosolgenerating article 16 is fully received in the cavity 18. The mouthpiece 14 is attached to the proximal end of the cavity 18. The first heating element 20 and the second heating element 22 uniformly heat the planar aerosol-generating article 16. Hence, aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article is volatilized. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in air being drawn into the cavity 18 via the air inlet 32, the air channel 38 and the air outlet 34. Subsequently, the air is drawn through the cavity 18, particularly through the planar aerosol-generating article 16 along a longitudinal central axis of cavity 18, and out of the aerosol-generating device 10 through the mouthpiece outlet 40. A distance is provided between a proximal end face of the planar aerosol-generating article 16 and the mouthpiece outlet 40 such that the air containing the volatilized aerosol-forming substrate can cool down and an aerosol can be created by condensation of small droplets of the volatilized aerosol-forming substrate. The generated aerosol can subsequently be inhaled by a user downstream of the mouthpiece outlet 40.

Figure 4 shows a cross directional side view of the planar aerosol-generating article 16. The planar aerosol-generating article 16 comprises a first layer 44 and a second layer 46. The first layer 44 and the second layer 46 may be made of paper or cardboard. Between the first layer 44 and the second layer 46, aerosol-forming material is arranged. The aerosolforming material preferably comprises a first aerosol-forming material 48 and a different second aerosol-forming material 50. Between the first aerosol-forming material 48 and the second aerosol-forming material 50, a fluted layer 52 may be provided. The fluted layer 52 creates corrugations thus forming a corrugated layer. Air may be drawn in a traveling direction 54 through channels created by the corrugations of the fluted layer 52.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the ejection mechanism 28, in which the ejection mechanism 28 is configured as a push latch mechanism 56. The push latch mechanism 56 has a flat shape with a rectangular cross-section. Instead of a single spring, the biasing element 42 in this embodiment is configured as a dual spring arrangement. The push latch recognition further comprises a tracking arm 58. The tracking arm 58 is configured to travel in a predefined track 60 comprising a cam mechanism 62. In the example shown in Figure 5, the tracking arm 58 travels in a clockwise direction along the predefined track 60. Further, in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the tracking arm 58 is positioned in a first position corresponding to the closed position of the ejection mechanism 28. In this first position, the dual spring mechanism is compressed such that the planar aerosol-generating article 16 is received in the cavity 18

Figure 6 also shows the push latch mechanism 56 in the first position of the tracking arm 58 in which the ejection mechanism 28 is in the closed position. Further to Figure 5, Figure 6 clearly shows the air inlet 32 of the ejection mechanism 28 which is open in the closed position of the ejection mechanism 28 as well as the fluidly connected air outlet 34 of the ejection mechanism 28 such that ambient air can be drawn into the ejection mechanism 28 and into the cavity 18 through the air outlet 34.

Figure 7 shows the open position of the push latch mechanism 56. In this configuration, the springs of the dual spring arrangement are extended such that the ejection mechanism 28 is moved into the open position. In this open position, the tracking arm 58 travels 180° into a second position, which corresponds to the open position of the ejection mechanism 28. For moving the tracking arm 58 from the first position to the second position, a user the forms a compression and release movement. Similarly, for moving the tracking arm 58 from the second position to the first position, the user performs the compression and release movement. In the open position shown in Figure 7, the air inlet 32 of the ejection mechanism 28 is blocked in that no fluid connection is established between the air inlet 32 and the air outlet 34 of the ejection mechanism 28. Hence, ambient air is prevented from being drawn through the air inlet 32, through the air channel 38 of the ejection mechanism 28 and through the air outlet 34 of the ejection mechanism 28 into the cavity 18. Contrary, Figure 7 shows that the planar aerosolgenerating article 16 is pushed out of the cavity 18 by the pusher of the ejection mechanism 28. The push of the ejection mechanism 28 is, in the embodiment of the ejection mechanism 28 being configured as a push latch mechanism 56, configured as two pushing rods 64.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, and an ejection mechanism, wherein the ejection mechanism is configured arrangeable in a closed position and in an open position, wherein the ejection mechanism is configured for ejecting the planar aerosol-generating article out of the cavity in the open position, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises an air inlet allowing ambient air to be drawn into the ejection mechanism when the ejection mechanism is in the closed position, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises an air outlet that is fluidly connected with the air inlet, wherein the air outlet is further fluidly connected with the cavity to allow ambient air to be drawn through the ejection mechanism and into the cavity in the closed position of the ejection mechanism.

2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the air inlet is blocked in the open position of the ejection mechanism.

3. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity has a rectangular flat shape.

4. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the open position of the ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism is moved, in comparison with the closed position of the ejection mechanism, in a proximal direction.

5. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a mouthpiece.

6. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection mechanism is spring-loaded.

7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein the spring biases the ejection mechanism into the open position.

8. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a push latch mechanism.

9. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a handle mechanically connected with the ejection mechanism, wherein the handle is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, and wherein movement of the handle between the first position and the second position moves the ejection mechanism between the open position and the closed position.

10. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a pusher which is configured to push the aerosolgenerating article out of the cavity when the ejection mechanism is moved from the closed position into the open position.

11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the pusher is configured as a rectangular plate, preferably wherein a cross-sectional shape of the pusher corresponds to a cross-sectional shape of one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cavity.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the pusher abuts the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the pusher forms a base of the cavity.

14. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises one or more air channels fluidly connecting the air inlet with the air outlet, preferably wherein the resistance to draw (RTD) of the air channels is predetermined, more preferably wherein the RTD of the air channels is highest of all elements of the aerosol-generating device through which air flows.

15. The aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises an acoustic sensor.

16. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 15, wherein the acoustic sensor is configured to detect acoustic frequencies of air being drawn through one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the ejection mechanism.

17. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a controller one or both of controlling a heating operation of the aerosol-generating device and controlling a display of operation information based on the sensor output of the acoustic sensor.

18. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims and a planar aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate.