EP4037506A1

EP4037506A1 - Aerosol generating device with retainer

Info

Publication number: EP4037506A1
Application number: EP20776168.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philipp BERNHARD; Antoine BONADEI; Antonino Lanci; Kilian LANNUCCI; Samuel MALZACH; Johannes Petrus Maria Pijnenburg; Hans Peter WYSS
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2020-09-23
Publication date: 2022-08-10
Also published as: JP2022552787A; US20220361590A1; KR20220070264A; CN114449910A; BR112022005861A2; WO2021063772A1

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generating device for use with a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body comprises an opening at the downstream end of the elongate body, and a cavity for receiving a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity is accessible through an aperture in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and the downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises a closing member movable relative to the elongate body between an open position in which the aperture in open, and an experience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of the closing member. There is further provided an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating device.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE WITH RETAINER

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use with a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device, a heat source, and an aerosol-forming substrate.

A number of alternative aerosol generating articles have been proposed in the art. One aim of such alternative aerosol generating articles is to reduce the amount of certain smoke constituents of the type produced by the combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco in combustible cigarettes. In one known type of aerosol generating article, an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source, which may be a combustible heat source, to an aerosol-forming substrate located adjacent to the heat source. During aerosol generation, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol. These are sometimes known as heated aerosol generating articles.

In heated aerosol generating articles which comprise a combustible heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate, the combustible heat source must be securely attached to the aerosol-forming substrate to avoid the combustible heat source separating from the rest of the aerosol generating article. The combustible heat source must remain securely attached to the aerosol-forming substrate from manufacture and during the transport, use, and sometimes disposal of the aerosol generating article. Secure attachment of the combustible heat source to the rest of the aerosol generating article may be difficult since the combustible heat source cannot be fully covered as this may inhibit combustion of a combustible heat source.

It may be desirable to provide secure attachment of a combustible heat source to the rest of an aerosol generating article in order to prevent the heat source separating from the rest of the aerosol generating article.

Heat sources of known aerosol generating articles may be at least partially exposed. This may lead to a risk of heat damage to property caused by the heat source coming into contact with other materials. In some circumstances, there may be a risk that heat sources may ignite materials with which they come into contact. One measure of the tendency of a smoking article to cause ignition of an adjacent material is ignition propensity. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article with a low ignition propensity, with features that reduce its ignition propensity relative to the aerosol generating article without those features, or that have an ignition propensity that is no higher than that of a cigarette. Furthermore, some known heated aerosol generating articles do not offer the consumer the opportunity to customise their experience. For example, if a consumer wishes to use a particular aerosol-forming substrate, they must buy an entire aerosol generating article comprising that substrate. Additionally, in known aerosol generating articles, while the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate are consumed during use, other elements such as cooling and spacer elements, and heat conducting members, are typically disposed of with the rest of the aerosol generating article after one use. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article in which the user experience is readily customisable by a consumer. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article in which certain components, in particular components which are not consumed, may be re-used.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end.

The elongate body may comprise an opening at the downstream end. This may advantageously allow any aerosol generated in the device to leave the device. As set out in more detail below, the downstream end opening may form a mouthpiece. Alternatively, the downstream opening may be configured to receive a separate mouthpiece.

The elongate body may comprise a cavity for receiving a heat source and an aerosol forming substrate, the cavity being accessible through an aperture. The aperture may be in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and the downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the mouthpiece. This allows a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate to be received in the aerosol generating device. The device may be reused leading to less waste. Additionally, since the cavity may receive any aerosol-forming substrate, a user is able to customise their experience by inserting an aerosol-forming substrate of their choice into the cavity. The aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming substrate is able to pass from the cavity to the downstream end of the device through the opening.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a closing member movable relative to the elongate body. The closing member may be movable between an open position, in which the aperture is open, and an experience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of the closing member. In the experience position, the aperture is closed by the first portion of the closing member such that a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity are unable to be removed from the cavity through the aperture. The first portion of the closing member therefore does not need to fully close the aperture in the experience position. Instead, the first portion of the closing member only needs to close the cavity in the experience positon an amount sufficient to prevent a heat source and an aerosol- forming substrate received in the cavity from being removed from the cavity through the aperture. The provision of a closing member advantageously allows a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate to be securely retained within the cavity. This may prevent one or more of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate being separated from the aerosol generating device. The provision of the closing member may also prevent a heat source retained in the cavity from coming into contact with any other surface during use. This may advantageously lead to the device having a low ignition propensity in use.

The open position may also be referred to as the first position.

The experience position may also be referred to as the second position. In the experience position, in use, a heat source received in the cavity may heat an aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity so as to generate an aerosol which may then pass out of the opening.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body comprises an opening at the downstream end of the elongate body. The elongate body comprises a cavity for receiving a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity is accessible through an aperture. The aperture may be in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. The upstream end of the cavity is closed and the downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the opening. The aerosol generating device further comprises a closing member movable relative to the elongate body between an open position in which the aperture is open, and an experience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of the closing member.

The aerosol generating device of the present invention may be used multiple times by inserting at least one of a new heat source and aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity. This may advantageously result in less waste each time the aerosol generating device is used. Additionally, the provision of a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate may advantageously allow a user to customise their experience by inserting an aerosol-forming substrate of their choice into the cavity. Additionally, receiving a heat source and an aerosol forming substrate within the cavity may advantageously ensure secure retention of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

Furthermore, the provision of the closing member may also separate the heat source from external materials and surfaces which may advantageously reduce the ignition propensity of the aerosol generating device in use.

The closing member may be disposed outside the cavity such that, in the experience positon, the closing member obscures the aperture. In a preferred embodiment, the closing member may be at least partially disposed within the cavity. This advantageously means there are fewer moving parts on the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device which may make the aerosol generating device more robust and less susceptible to damage. Additionally, where the closing member comprises a heat conducting material, such as a metal, the provision of the closing member disposed within the cavity may advantageously help reduce the temperature of the outer surface of the aerosol generating device.

The cavity may be sized to receive any number of heat sources and aerosol-forming substrates. Preferably, the cavity may be sized to receive a single heat source and a single aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the cavity may be sized to receive more than one aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the cavity may be sized to receive two, three, four, or more aerosol-forming substrates. This may advantageously allow consumers to customise their experience by inserting a specific combination of different aerosol-forming substrates into the cavity.

The downstream end opening of the elongate body may form a mouthpiece. The downstream end mouthpiece may have a reduced diameter compared to the rest of the elongate body to facilitate this. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a removable cover which is disposed over the mouthpiece when the aerosol generating device is not in use.

Alternatively, the downstream opening may be configured to receive a separate detachable mouthpiece. For example, the downstream opening may be configured to receive a filter.

The elongate body may comprise any material. Preferably, the elongate body comprises an thermally insulating material. This may advantageously prevent the exterior surface of the aerosol generating device from becoming too hot during use. For example, the elongate body may comprise a polymeric material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polycarbonate. The elongate body may comprise ceramic material.

The closing member may comprise any material. Preferably, the closing member comprises a heat resistant material. This may advantageously prevent damage to the closing member which, in use, may be disposed close to a heat source. Preferably, the closing member comprises a heat conducive material. This may advantageously ensure sufficient heat transfer from a heat source to an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity. This may advantageously improve the generation of aerosol by the aerosol-forming substrate. The closing member may comprise a metallic material. The closing member may comprise aluminium.

In use, the closing member is moved, relative to the elongate body, to the open position such that the cavity is accessible through the aperture in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body. A heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate are inserted into the cavity. The heat source and aerosol-forming substrate are in axial alignment with the heat source being disposed upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. The closing member is then moved into the experience position in which the aperture is closed by the first portion of the closing member. The heat source is then ignited, where the heat source is a combustible heat source. This may be done by any suitable means, examples of which are discussed below. Heat from the combustible heat source is transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate in which an aerosol is formed. The aerosol then passes from the cavity to the opening at the downstream end of the elongate body where it can exit the aerosol generating device. Once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, and the combustible heat source is extinguished, the closing member is moved from the experience position to the open position such that the aperture is open. The consumed heat source and aerosol-forming substrate may then be removed from the cavity through the aperture.

The aerosol generating device may be suitable for use with any heat source. The cavity may be suitable for receiving any heat source. The heat source may be a single use heat source. The heat source may be a multiple use heat source. The heat source may be a combustible, chemical, electrical or any other heat source. Preferably, the cavity is suitable for receiving a combustible heat source.

At least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be used more than once. For example, the heat source may be configured to provide heat on multiple different occasions, possibly to heat successive different aerosol-forming substrates. The heat source may be configured to be used over the lifetime of the aerosol generating device. Where this is the case, the heat source may be permanently retained within the cavity. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to generate an aerosol on multiple different occasions, possibly using heat from multiple successive heat sources. As used herein with reference to the invention, the terms “longitudinal” and “axial” are used to describe the direction between the opposed upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating device, or of a component of the aerosol generating device. The “longitudinal surface” is therefore the outer surface of a component of the aerosol generating device which extends between opposed upstream and downstream ends of the component of the aerosol generating device. The “longitudinal axis” of the aerosol generating device is the axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the terms “upstream” and “front”, and “downstream” and “rear”, are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosol generating device in relation to the direction in which airflows through the aerosol generating device during use thereof. Aerosol generating devices according to the invention comprise a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol exits the device for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or the downstream end. In use, a user draws on the mouth end of the aerosol generating device. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. 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 end of the aerosol generating device and the distal end of the aerosol generating device. The front of a component, or portion of a component, of the aerosol generating device is the portion at the end closest to the upstream end of the aerosol generating device. The rear of a component, or portion of a component, of the aerosol generating device is the portion at the end closest to the downstream end of the aerosol generating device.

The closing member may be movable in any direction relative to the elongate body. The closing member may slide along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position. The closing member may be joined to the elongate body by a hinged connection such that, in the open position, the closing member pivots away from the longitudinal surface of the elongate body to open the aperture.

In a preferred embodiment, the closing member may be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position.

The provision that the closing member is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device advantageously allows the closing member to move between the open position and the experience position without altering the overall length or external shape of the aerosol generating device.

Where the closing member is movable only between an open position and an experience position, the closing member may be rotated by about 180 degrees between the open position and the experience position.

The closing member may be substantially cylindrical with the first portion of the closing member forming a portion of the cylindrical surface of the cylinder. A portion of the cylinder may be open, the open portion of the cylinder may align with the aperture to facilitate the open position.

The first portion of the closing member may be provided with at least one air inlet such that, in the experience position air is able to pass into the cavity through the at least one air inlet. The provision of at least one air inlet in the first portion of the closing member allows air to enter the cavity. This may advantageously facilitate ignition and sustained combustion of a heat source disposed within the cavity, where the heat source is a combustible heat source. Furthermore, the air passing into the cavity may also advantageously facilitate the generation and transfer of aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate to the opening at the downstream end of the elongate body.

The at least one air inlet may comprise at least one upstream air inlet, disposed at the upstream end of the first portion of the closing member, and at least one downstream air inlet disposed at the downstream end of the first portion of the closing member.

Since both the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may require a supply of air, the provision of at least one upstream air inlet, and at least one downstream air inlet may advantageously ensure that sufficient air is able to access both a heat source and an aerosol forming substrate.

The at least one upstream air inlet may be located such that it is adjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive a heat source. The at least one downstream air inlet may be located such that it is adjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive an aerosol forming substrate.

The at least one upstream air inlet may comprise any number of individual air inlets. The at least one downstream air inlet may comprise any number of individual air inlets. The individual air inlets may be any size. The number and size of the at least one upstream inlet and the at least one downstream air inlet may be chosen to provide an appropriate total air inlet area. The total air inlet area of the at least one upstream air inlet may be selected to allow sufficient air to reach a heat source to facilitate ignition and sustained combustion of the heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heat source. The total air inlet area of the at least one air inlet may be at least about 20 percent of the total area of the part of the closing member which overlays a heat source. For example, the total air inlet area of the at least one air inlet may be at least about 40 percent, at least about 50 percent, at least about 60 percent, at least about 70 percent, or at least about 80 percent of the total area of the part of the closing member which overlays a heat source. The total air inlet area of the at least one downstream air inlet may be selected to allow sufficient air to reach an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol whilst still providing an acceptable resistance to draw. The total air inlet area of the at least one upstream air inlet may be greater than the total air inlet area of the at least one downstream air inlet. This may be because the amount of air required to facilitate ignition and sustained combustion of a combustible heat source may be greater than the amount of air required to generate an aerosol in an aerosol-forming substrate and provide an acceptable resistance to draw. For example, the at least one upstream air inlet may comprise a series of elongate slits while the at least one downstream air inlet may comprise a series of shorter slits or substantially circular perforations.

Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one upstream air inlet may comprise several rows of perforations while the at least one downstream air inlet may comprise fewer rows of perforations.

The closing member may be further movable to an extinguishing position in which the aperture is closed by a second portion of the closing member, the second portion of the closing member being substantially air impermeable.

The extinguishing position may also be referred to as the third position.

The provision of a second portion of the closing member being substantially air impermeable may prevent air passing into the cavity through the aperture. This in turn may prevent air being able to access a heat source received in the cavity and may therefore advantageously provide a means to extinguish a heat source after use, where the heat source is a combustible heat source. This may make subsequently removing and disposing of the heat source safer and more convenient.

The second portion of the closing member does not need to be fully air impermeable. The second portion of the closing member only needs to be sufficiently air impermeable to restrict the supply of air to a combustible heat source to extinguish the combustible heat source. Accordingly, the skilled person would understand that “substantially air impermeable” means that the second portion of the closing member must be air impermeable enough to extinguish a combustible heat source retained in the cavity.

In use, once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the closing member may be moved further from the experience position to the extinguishing position in which the second portion of the closing member closes the aperture. This may extinguish the combustible heat source by preventing or inhibiting the supply of air to the combustible heat source. Once the combustible heat source has been extinguished, the closing member may be moved from the extinguishing position to the open position allowing the extinguished combustible heat source and the consumed aerosol-forming substrate to be removed from the cavity.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to prevent the closing member moving from the experience position to the open position without passing through the extinguishing position. This may advantageously help to ensure that a combustible heat source received in the cavity is extinguished before it is removed from the cavity.

Where the closing member is rotatable relative to the elongate body, there may be provided a mechanism which only allows the closing member to rotate in one direction relative to the elongate body. For example, the aerosol generating device may comprise a ratchet mechanism which only allows the closing member to rotate in one direction relative to the elongate body. This may advantageously ensure that the closing member passes through the extinguishing position between the experience and open positions.

Alternatively, the closing member may be rotatable in both directions relative to the elongate body.

In embodiments where the first portion of the closing member is provided with at least one air inlet, the second portion of the closing member is preferably less permeable to air than the first portion of the closing member.

In some embodiments, the second portion of the closing member is entirely air impermeable.

Where the closing member is be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position, the closing member may be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between at least one of the open position and the experience position, and the extinguishing position. Preferably, the closing member may be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between all three of the open position, the experience position, and the extinguishing position. Where this is the case, the closing member may be rotated by about 120 degrees between any two of the open position, the experience position, and the extinguishing position.

The closing member be a substantially cylindrical member with the first portion of the closing member forming a portion of the cylindrical surface of the cylinder. A portion of the cylinder may be open, the open portion of the cylinder may align with the aperture in the open position. The second portion of the closing member may form a portion of the cylindrical surface of the cylinder. The first portion of the closing member, the second portion of the closing member, and the open portion of the closing member may together define the cylindrical surface of the cylinder and each may account for approximately 120 degrees of the cylindrical surface of the cylinder.

The aerosol generating device may comprise at least one locking mechanism to secure the closing member in at least one of the open position, the experience portion, and the extinguishing position. Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises at least one locking mechanism to secure the closing member in each of the open position, the experience portion, and the extinguishing position.

The provision of at least one locking mechanism makes it easier for a user to reliably move the closing member between the different positions. The at least one locking member may comprise a ball catch. The closing member may comprise a closing member handle allowing a user to readily move the closing member relative to the elongate body. The closing member handle may extend upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body. This may allow a user to readily access the closing member handle.

Where the closing member is rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position, the closing member handle may also be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position.

The closing member handle may comprise a cylinder having approximately the same diameter as the elongate body.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise an ignition means for igniting a combustible heat source.

The provision of an ignition means may advantageously provide a convenient way for a user to ignite a heat source disposed inside the cavity, where the heat source is a combustible heat source.

The ignition means may be any ignition means. For example, the ignition means may be an electrical ignition means or a chemical ignition means. The ignition means may be operable by a user such that a user may choose when to ignite a combustible heat source received within the cavity.

The ignition means may be located anywhere in the aerosol generating device. Preferably, at least a portion of the ignition means may be located within the cavity such that it may come into contact or close proximity of a combustible heat source disposed within the cavity. Preferably, the portion of the ignition means located within the cavity is located at the upstream end of the cavity. This advantageously allows a heat source received in the cavity to be readily ignited while reducing the risk that an aerosol-forming substrate received in the cavity is ignited or otherwise damaged by the ignition means.

The ignition means may comprise a high friction surface rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

This may advantageously provide a relatively simple, reusable ignition means which does not require electricity or fuel. It is also relatively safe since the high friction surface cannot generate a flame in the absence of a surface for it to rub against.

The high friction surface of the ignition means may be disposed inside the cavity such that it may come into direct contact with a heat source received in the cavity.

Where the ignition means comprises a high friction surface, the combustible heat source may comprise an ignitable composition on at least a portion of the surface of the combustible heat source. The ignitable composition may be capable of being ignited by rubbing or striking the combustible heat source against a high friction surface. The ignitable composition may comprise at least one of phosphorus or phosphorus sesquisulfide (P4S₃), one or more oxidizing agents, such as potassium chlorate, and optionally sulfur. The ignitable composition may further comprise one or more abrasive materials, such as powdered glass or silica, one or more fillers, one or more binders, such as starch, one or more neutralizers, such as zinc oxide, one or more colorants, or any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the ignitable composition may comprise sulfur, one or more oxidizing agents, such as potassium chlorate, and optionally antimony (III) sulfide (Sb2S3).

The high friction surface of the ignition means may comprise red phosphorus. Alternatively, or in addition, the high friction surface of the ignition means may comprise a scraping surface.

The ignition means may comprise an ignition means handle. The ignition means handle may advantageously provide a convenient way for a user to activate the ignition means. The ignition means handle may extend upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body. This may allow a user to readily access the ignition means handle. Where the aerosol generating device comprises a closing member handle, the ignition means handle may also extend upstream of the upstream end of the closing member handle.

The ignition means handle may be connected to the high friction surface of the ignition means through a central channel in the closing member handle.

The ignition means handle may form the upstream end of the aerosol generating device.

The ignition means handle may comprise a cylinder having approximately the same diameter as the elongate body.

The ignition means may be rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device by rotating the ignition means handle relative to the elongate body. The ignition means may be rotatable independently of both the elongate body and the closing member.

The ignition means may be movable relative to the elongate body along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

This may allow the ignition means to be moved away from the combustible heat source once the heat source is ignited where the heat source is a combustible heat source. This may advantageously prevent the ignition means inhibiting the sustained combustion of the combustible heat source once the combustible heat source is ignited. This may also advantageously ensure that the ignition means, in particular the high friction surface of the ignition means, is able to come into contact with a combustible heat source received in the cavity despite possible variations in the dimensions of combustible heat sources.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a spring configured to urge the ignition means in the upstream direction and away from a combustible heat source retained in the cavity.

In use, once a combustible heat source has been inserted into the cavity and the closing member has been moved to the experience positon, the ignition means handle is pushed against the spring to move the ignition means into contact with the combustible heat source. The ignition means handle is then rotated relative to the elongate body causing the high friction surface to rotate against the upstream end of the combustible heat source. This causes the combustible heat source to ignite. Once the combustible heat source is ignited, the ignition means handle is released and the ignition means is urged, by the spring, away from the combustible heat source.

The cavity may comprise an upstream section for receiving a heat source and a downstream section for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the upstream section and the downstream section are divided by a barrier.

The provision of a barrier dividing the cavity into an upstream section and a downstream section may advantageously substantially prevent or inhibit combustion and decomposition products, chemical reactants or by-products of chemical reactions, and other materials formed during use of a heat source received in the upstream section of the cavity from entering air drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate and being delivered to a user. This may be particularly advantageous where the heat source is a combustible heat source and comprises one or more additives to aid ignition or combustion of the combustible heat source.

Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may advantageously substantially prevent combustion or heat damage to the aerosol-forming substrate which may occur if the heat source is in direct contact with the combustible heat source.

Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may advantageously substantially prevent or inhibit activation or combustion or other increased heat generation of the heat source during puffing by a user. This is particularly relevant for combustible heat sources. This substantially prevents or inhibits spikes in the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate during puffing by a user. By preventing or inhibiting activation of combustion of the combustible heat source, and so preventing or inhibiting excess temperature increases in the aerosol-forming substrate, combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate under intense puffing regimes may be advantageously avoided. In addition, the impact of a user’s puffing regime on the composition of the mainstream aerosol may be advantageously minimised or reduced. Furthermore, the provision of a barrier may prevent a heat source from coming into contact with an aerosol-forming substrate during the ignition of the heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heat source, using the ignition means described above. As the ignition means handle is pushed and the ignition means into contact with the heat source, the provision of the barrier prevents the heat source from being pushed downstream and into contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. This advantageously allows sufficient friction between the upstream end of the heat source and the high friction surface of the ignition means to allow the combustible heat source to ignite. This may also advantageously prevent the heat source being pushed into the aerosol-forming substrate thereby preventing damage to the aerosol-forming substrate.

The barrier may be formed from any material. Preferably, the barrier comprises a gas impermeable material. As set out above, this may advantageously prevent gas being transferred from the combustible heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, the barrier comprises a heat conductive material. The heat conductive material may be for conducting heat from a heat source disposed in the upstream section of the cavity to an aerosol-forming substrate in the downstream section of the cavity. The provision of a barrier comprising a heat conductive material may advantageously ensure sufficient heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. This may advantageously improve the generation of aerosol by the aerosol-forming substrate.

The barrier may comprise aluminium. The barrier may comprise an aluminium disc. The aluminium disc may have any thickness. For example, the aluminium disc may have a thickness of between about 10 micrometres and about 30 micrometres.

The barrier may be fixed to the closing member.

The provision of the barrier being fixed to the closing member may advantageously secure the barrier in place ensuring it is able to be used repeatedly without becoming damaged. Furthermore, the provision of the barrier being fixed to the closing member means that the barrier moves with the closing member as the closing member is moved between the open position, the experience position, and the extinguishing position. This may advantageously mean that the barrier does not rub against the heat source or the aerosol forming substrate as the closing member is moved between the different positions.

The closing member may further comprise at least one closing member support which extends into the cavity for supporting a heat source.

The provision of at least one closing member support may advantageously secure a heat source in place when a heat source is received within the cavity. This may also hold the heat source away from the interior surface of the cavity. This may advantageously allow air to access all sides of the heat source facilitating sustained combustion of the combustible heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heat source.

The at least one closing member support may be directly or indirectly attached to the closing member. Where the aerosol generating device comprises a barrier fixed to the closing member, the at least one closing member support may be attached to the barrier instead of the closing member.

Preferably, the at least one closing member support may be located such that it does not obstruct the aperture in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body when the closing member is in the open position. Accordingly, the at least one closing member support may extend from at least one of the first portion of the closing member and the second portion of the closing member.

The at least one closing member support may comprise a first closing member support extending from the first portion of the closing member, and a second closing member support extending from the second portion of the closing member. The provision of a first and a second closing member support may advantageously secure a heat source more robustly while still allowing the heat source to be removed through the aperture when the closing member is in the open position.

The at least one closing member support may comprise at least one leaf spring extending into the cavity from at least one of the first portion and the second portion of the closing member.

The elongate body may comprise at least one elongate body support for supporting a heat source, the elongate body support being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the at least one elongate body support extending further into the cavity in the extended position that in the retracted position.

The provision of an elongate body support may advantageously secure a heat source in place when the heat source is received within the cavity. This may also hold the heat source away from the interior surface of the cavity. This may advantageously allow air to access all sides of the heat source facilitating sustained combustion of the heat source, where the heat source is a combustible heat source.

Where the aerosol generating device also includes at least one closing member support, the elongate body support may be located on the opposite side of the cavity to the at least one closing member support when the closing member is in at least one of the experience position and the extinguishing position. Preferably, the elongate body support may be located on the opposite side of the cavity to the at least one closing member support when the closing member is in each of the experience position and the extinguishing position. This advantageously allows a heat source received in the cavity to be securely held between the at least one closing member support and the at least one elongate body support in both the experience position and the extinguishing position.

The at least one elongate element support may be disposed on substantially the opposite side of the cavity to the aperture. This may advantageously allow a heat source received in the cavity to be readily removed from the cavity.

In the extended position, the elongate body support may be in contact with a heat source disposed in the cavity. In the retracted position, the elongate support member may not be in contact with a heat source disposed in the cavity. This may advantageously allow a heat source to be securely be retained in the cavity while allowing it to be removed when needed.

The at least one elongate body support element may comprise a leaf spring extending from the inner surface of the cavity substantially opposite to the aperture.

Movement of the closing member from the experience position to the open position may actuate movement of the elongate body support element from the extended position to the retracted position, and movement of the closing member from the open position to the experience position may actuate movement of the elongate body support element from the retracted positon to the extended position.

This may advantageously provide a convenient way of moving the at least one elongate body support element from the extended position to the retracted position without the need for additional actuation means.

The elongate body support may therefore be configured to be in the extended position when the aerosol generating device is in the experience position, and in the retracted position when the aerosol generating device is in the open position. Alternatively, or in addition, the elongate body support may be configured to be in the extended position when the closing member is in the extinguishing position.

As the closing member is moved from the extinguishing or experience position to the open positon, the first or second portion of the closing member may come into contact with the at least one elongate body support and may push it from the extended position into the retracted position.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a compression element disposed at the downstream end of the cavity for supporting an aerosol-forming substrate, the compression element being movable along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between an extended position and a retracted position, the compression element extending further into the cavity in the extended position that in the retracted position.

The provision of a compression element at the downstream end of the cavity may advantageously securely hold an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity in place during use. Where the aerosol generating device comprises a barrier in the cavity, an aerosol- forming substrate may be held between the compression element and the barrier when the compression element is in the extended position. This may advantageously improve efficient heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate, particularly where the barrier comprises a heat conductive material.

The subsequent movement of the compression element to the retracted position may advantageously facilitate easy insertion and removal of an aerosol-forming substrate from the cavity.

The compression element may comprise a lumen through which aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate may be able to pass from the cavity to the opening at the downstream end of the elongate body.

Movement of the closing member from the experience position to the open position may actuate movement of the compression element from the extended position to the retracted position and movement of the closing member from the open position to the experience position may actuate movement of the compression element from the retracted positon to the extended position.

This may advantageously provide a convenient way of moving the compression element from the extended position to the retracted position without the need for additional actuation means.

The compression element may be configured to be in the extended position when the aerosol generating device is in the experience position, and in the retracted position when the aerosol generating device is in the open position. Alternatively, or in addition, the compression element may be configured to be in the extended position when the closing member is in the extinguishing position.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a spring configured to urge the compression element into the extended position. When the closing member is in the experience or extinguishing positions, the spring may urge the compression element into the extended positon. When the closing member is moved into the open position, a portion of the closing member may push against the spring to move the compression element from the extended position to the retracted position.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to the invention, a heat source disposed in the cavity, and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.

The heat source may be any heat source. The heat source may be a combustible heat source.

The combustible heat source is preferably a solid heat source, and may comprise any suitable combustible fuel including, but not limited to, carbon and carbon-based materials containing aluminium, magnesium, one or more carbides, one or more nitrides and combinations thereof. Solid combustible heat sources for heated smoking articles and methods for producing such heat sources are known in the art and described in, for example, US-A-5,040,552 and US-A-5,595,577. Typically, known solid combustible heat sources for heated smoking articles are carbon-based, that is they comprise carbon as a primary combustible material. The combustible heat source may be a combustible carbonaceous heat source. The combustible heat source may comprise a wrap for hygienic reasons. The wrap may comprise paper.

As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing upon heating volatile compounds, which can form an aerosol. The aerosols generated from aerosol-forming substrates of aerosol generating systems according to the invention may be visible or invisible and may include vapours (for example, fine particles of substances, which are in a gaseous state, that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature) as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapours.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming 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. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise one or more aerosol formers. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a rod comprising a tobacco-containing material.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti strands, strips or sheets containing one or more of: herb leaf, botanicals, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form, or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. For example, the aerosol-forming material of the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a paper or other wrapper and have the form of a plug. Where an aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug, the entire plug including any wrapper is considered to be the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include an essential oil. Essential oils may provide flavourant that may impart a flavour to the taste of the aerosol generated by the aerosol forming substrate. Suitable essential oils include, but are not limited to, eugenol, peppermint oil and spearmint oil. A preferred essential oil is eugenol. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or nontobacco volatile flavour compounds, to be released upon heating of the solid aerosol forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules that, for example, include the additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti strands, strips or sheets. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern in order to provide a non-uniform flavour delivery during use.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a plug or segment comprising a material capable of emitting volatile compounds in response to heating circumscribed by a paper or other wrapper. Where an aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of such a plug or segment, the entire plug or segment including any wrapper is considered to be the aerosol forming substrate.

The heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate may be connected by a wrapper to form a single consumable element. This may advantageously make removing and inserting the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity more convenient.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented, supplied, or used independently.

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

Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the open positon.

Figure 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the open positon.

Figure 3 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the open positon.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the experience positon.

Figure 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the experience positon. Figure 6 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the experience positon.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the extinguishing positon.

Figure 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the extinguishing positon.

Figure 9 is a plan view of an aerosol generating device according to the invention with the closing member in the extinguishing positon.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements.

The aerosol generating device 100 comprises an elongate body 101. The elongate body 101 has a generally elongate shape and includes a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body 101 includes an opening 103 at the downstream end of the elongate body 101. The elongate body 101 also includes a cavity 102 for receiving a heat source 105 and an aerosol-forming substrate 106. The cavity 102 is accessible through an aperture 104. The aperture 104 is in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body 101. The upstream end of the cavity 102 is closed and the downstream end of the cavity 102 is in fluid communication with the downstream opening 103. The elongate body 101 further comprises a closing member 120 movable relative to the elongate body 101 between an open position (or first position), in which the aperture 104 is open, and an experience position (or second position), in which the aperture 104 is closed by a first portion 121 of the closing member 120.

The opening 103 at the downstream end of the elongate body 101 acts as a mouthpiece. To facilitate this, the downstream end of the elongate body 101 has a reduced diameter compared to the upstream end of the elongate body. The opening 103 is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the cavity 102 by means of an airflow channel provided between the opening 103 and the downstream end of the cavity 102. The aerosol generating device 100 comprises a removable mouthpiece cover (not shown) to protect the mouthpiece and the opening 103 when the aerosol generating device 100 is not in use.

The elongate body 101 is formed from a thermally insulating polymeric material.

The closing member 120 comprises a downstream section which is received in the cavity 102 of the elongate body 101 , and an upstream section which extends upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body 101.

The closing member 120 is substantially cylindrical and is divided radially into three approximately equal sized portions, each accounting for approximately 120 degrees of the curved surface of the substantially cylindrical closing member 120. The closing member 120 is rotatable relative to the elongate body 101 such that each of the three approximately equal sized portions may be aligned with the aperture 104.

The first portion 121 of the closing member 120 comprises a curved surface and comprises a plurality of air inlets such that air is able to pass into the cavity. The plurality of air inlets comprises a plurality of elongate slits through the first portion 121 of the closing member.

The plurality of air inlets comprises a plurality of upstream air inlets 111 disposed at the upstream end of the first portion 121 of the closing member 120, and a plurality of downstream air inlets 112 disposed at the downstream end of the first portion of the closing member. The plurality of upstream air inlets 111 are disposed adjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive a heat source 105. The plurality of downstream air inlets 112 are disposed adjacent the portion of the cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate 106. As shown in Figure 6, the size of the plurality of upstream air inlets 111 is greater than the size of the plurality of downstream air inlets 112. The result of this is that more air is able to pass into the portion of the cavity configured to receive a heat source 105 than is able to pass into the portion of the cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate 106. The closing member 120 is in the experience position, shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 3 when the first portion 121 of the closing member 120 is aligned with the aperture 104.

A second portion 122 of the closing member 120 comprises a curved surface but does not feature any air inlets. The second portion 122 of the closing member 120 is substantially air impermeable. The closing member is in an extinguishing position (or third position), shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 when the second portion 122 of the closing member 120 is aligned with the aperture 104.

A third portion of the closing member is open such that when the third portion of the closing member is aligned with the aperture 104, the heat source 105 and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 may be inserted and removed from the cavity 102. The closing member is in an open position, shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 when the third portion 122 of the closing member 120 is aligned with the aperture 104.

The section of the closing member 120 which extends upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body 101 may comprise a closing member handle 107 which may be used to rotate the closing member 120 relative to the elongate body 101.

The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises an ignition means 130. The ignition means 130 extends into the upstream end of the cavity 102 and comprises a scraping surface 131 at its downstream end. The ignition means 130 extends upstream of the upstream end of the closing member 120 and includes an ignition means handle 132 at its upstream end. The ignition means is rotatable relative to the closing member 120 about the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 101. The ignition means 130 is also movable relative to the elongate body along the longitudinal axis of the elongate body 101. A compression spring 133 is provided to urge the ignition means 130 in the upstream direction. The ignition means 130 extends through the closing member handle 107 into the cavity 102.

The cavity 102 is divided into an upstream section 108 for receiving a heat source 105, and a downstream section 109 of the cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate 106. The upstream section 108 and the downstream section 109 are divided by a barrier 110. The barrier 110 is in the form of an aluminium disk which is fixed to the closing member 120.

The closing member 120 further comprises a closing member support 113 which extends into the cavity 102. The closing member support 113 comprises two leaf springs attached to the inner surface of the closing element 120. The closing member support 113 is disposed substantially opposite the third portion of the closing member.

The elongate body 101 further comprises an elongate body support 114. The elongate body support 114 is disposed substantially opposite to the aperture 104, is attached to the inner surface of the elongate body 101 , and extends into the cavity 102. The elongate body support 114 is moveable between an extended positon and a retracted positon. The elongate body support 114 extends further into the cavity 102 in the extended positon than in the retracted position. The orientation of the closing member 120 relative to the elongate body 101 determines whether the elongate body support 114 is in the extended or retracted position. When the closing member 120 is in the experience position and the extinguishing position, the elongate body support 114 is in the extended position since it is able to pass through the third section of the closing member 120. When the closing member 120 is in the open position, the elongate body support 114 is in the retracted positon since it is obstructed by the second portion 122 of the closing member 120. The elongate body support 114 comprises a leaf spring.

The aerosol generating device 100 further comprises a compression element 115 disposed at the downstream end of the cavity 102. The compression element is movable along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device 100 between an extended position and a retracted position, the compression element extending further into the cavity 102 in the extended position that in the retracted position.

The orientation of the closing member 120 relative to the elongate body 101 determines whether the compression element 115 is in the extended or retracted position. When the closing member 120 is in the experience position and the extinguishing position, the compression element 115 is in the extended position. When the closing member 120 is in the open position, compression element 115 is in the retracted positon. A spring (not shown) urges the compression element 115 into the extended positon when the closing member 120 is in the experience position and the extinguishing position.

In use, the closing member 120 is placed in the open position. A heat source 105 is inserted into the upstream section 108 of the cavity 102, and an aerosol-forming substrate 106 is interested into the downstream section 109 of the cavity 102.

The heat source is a combustible carbonaceous heat source 105 and includes an ignitable composition on a first end surface. When the heat source is interested into the cavity, the first end surface is orientated upstream.

In the open positon, the compression element 115 is in the retracted position. The closing member 120 is then rotated by about 120 degrees using the closing member handle 107 to move the closing member 120 into the experience position. Once in the experience position, the heat source 105 is held between the closing member support 113 and the elongate body support 114.

In the experience positon, the compression element 115 is in the extended position and holds the aerosol-forming substrate against the barrier 110.

The ignition means 130 is then pushed in a downstream direction using the ignition means handle 132 until the scraping surface 131 is in contact with the upstream end of the heat source 105. The ignition means 130 is then rotated using the ignition means handle. This ignites the combustible heat source 105.

Air passes through the upstream air inlets 111 to provide sufficient air to ensure sustained combustion of the combustible heat source. Heat from the combustible heat source 105 is conducted by the aluminium barrier 110 to the aerosol-forming substrate 106 which releases an aerosol. The aerosol is entrained in an air stream which passes into the downstream section 109 of the cavity 102 through the downstream openings 103. The aerosol is then drawn through the airflow channel to the opening 103 and out of the aerosol generating device 100.

Once the experience is over, the closing member 120 is then rotated a by further 120 degrees from the experience position to the extinguishing position. The second portion of the closing member 122 prevents air from entering the cavity 102, extinguishing the heat source 105. In the extinguishing position, the heat source 105 is held between the closing member support 113 and the elongate body support 114. In the extinguishing positon, the compression element 115 is in the extended position and holds the aerosol-forming substrate against the barrier 110.

Once the combustible heat source 105 is extinguished, the closing member 120 is rotated by a further 120 degrees from the extinguishing positon to the open position with the third portion of the closing member 120 aligned with the aperture 104. The used combustible heat source 105 and aerosol-forming substrate 106 are then removed from the cavity 102.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An aerosol generating device comprising, an elongate body having a longitudinal surface extending between an upstream end and a downstream end and comprising; an opening at the downstream end of the elongate body, and a cavity for receiving a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate, the cavity being accessible through an aperture wherein the upstream end of the cavity is closed and the downstream end of the cavity is in fluid communication with the opening, and a closing member movable relative to the elongate body between an open position in which the aperture in open, and an experience position in which the aperture is closed by a first portion of the closing member.

2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is located in the longitudinal surface of the elongate body.

3. An aerosol generating device according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the closing member is rotatable relative to the elongate body about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between the open position and the experience position.

4. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion of the closing member is provided with at least one air inlet such that, in the experience position air is able to pass into the cavity through the at least one air inlet.

5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein the at least one air inlet comprises at least one upstream air inlet, disposed at the upstream end of the first portion of the closing member, and at least one downstream air inlet disposed at the downstream end of the first portion of the closing member.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the closing member is further movable to an extinguishing position in which the aperture is closed by a second portion of the closing member, the second portion of the closing member being substantially air impermeable.

7. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the cavity comprises an upstream section for receiving a heat source and a downstream section for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the upstream section and the downstream section are divided by a barrier.

8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the barrier is fixed to the closing member.

9. An aerosol generating device according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the barrier comprises a heat conductive material for conducting heat from a heat source disposed in the upstream section of the cavity to an aerosol-forming substrate in the downstream section of the cavity.

10. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the closing member further comprises at least one closing member support which extends into the cavity for supporting a heat source.

11. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body comprises at least one elongate body support for supporting a heat source, the elongate body support being movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the at least one elongate body support extending further into the cavity in the extended position that in the retracted position.

12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 11 , wherein movement of the closing member from the experience position to the open position actuates movement of the elongate body support element from the extended position to the retracted position, and movement of the closing member from the open position to the experience position actuates movement of the elongate body support element from the retracted positon to the extended position.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a compression element disposed at the downstream end of the cavity for supporting an aerosol forming substrate, the compression element being movable along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device between an extended position and a retracted position, the compression element extending further into the cavity in the extended position that in the retracted position.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13 wherein movement of the closing member from the experience position to the open position actuates movement of the compression element from the extended position to the retracted position and movement of the closing member from the open position to the experience position actuates movement of the compression element from the retracted positon to the extended position.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising a device according to any preceding claim, a heat source disposed in the cavity, and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the cavity.