EP4557982A1

EP4557982A1 - Heat-not-burn aerosol generating device with flavor on demand

Info

Publication number: EP4557982A1
Application number: EP23744161.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Layth Sliman BOUCHUIGUIR; Pier Paolo MONTICONE
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-07-19
Filing date: 2023-07-18
Publication date: 2025-05-28
Also published as: WO2024017869A1; CN119486615A; KR20250039974A; JP2025524475A

Abstract

The invention concerns a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (11) configured to operate with a tobacco article (12). The aerosol generating device (11) comprises: - a reception cavity (22) configured to receive the tobacco article (12); - an airflow path comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco article (12) is received in the reception cavity (22); - a flavor chamber (26) configured to receive a flavoring substance able to release a flavor; - a closing element (27) arranged at a chamber inlet and configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The downstream portion of the airflow path extends through the tobacco article (12) when it is received in the reception cavity (22), in any position of the closing element (27).

Description

Heat-not-burn aerosol generating device with flavor on demand

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device.

Particularly, the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device is configured to operate with a tobacco article which comprises a tobacco substrate able to form aerosol when being heated. Thus, the heat-not-burn aerosol generating device is adapted to heat, rather than burn, the substrate by conduction, convection and/or radiation, to generate aerosol for inhalation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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

It is known to add some flavoring substance into the tobacco article in order to give to the generated aerosol a pleasant flavor for the user. The flavoring substance may for example be Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar. However, the control of the flavor is very limited for the user. Indeed, the user cannot control if he/she wants or not flavor and if he/she wants flavor, when the flavor should be released. Generally, if the user wants to vape an aerosol without flavor, he/she has to change the article which can be tedious for the user. Inversely, after a non flavored vaping session, if the user wants to have some flavor, he/she has to change again the article.

Furthermore, during a particular vaping session in which the user has chosen to have some flavor, said flavor will remain until the article is fully consumed, without having the possibility to stop getting this flavor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the aims of the present invention is therefore to provide an aerosol generating device capable of supplying flavor on demand, enabling the user to choose the presence or the absence of an additional flavor during a vaping session.

For this purpose, the invention relates to a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device configured to operate with a tobacco article; the aerosol generating device comprising:

- a reception cavity configured to receive the tobacco article and comprising a (heater configured to heat the tobacco article;

- an airflow path comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco article is received in the reception cavity;

- a flavor chamber defining a chamber inlet and configured to receive a flavoring substance able to release a flavor;

- a closing element arranged at the chamber inlet and configured to move between an open position in which the chamber inlet is at least partially opened and at least a part of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the flavor chamber, and a closed position in which the chamber inlet is closed and the upstream portion of the airflow path extends exterior to the chamber; wherein the downstream portion of the airflow path extends through the tobacco article when it is received in the reception cavity, in any position of the closing element.

Thanks to these features, the user is able to select which consumer-experience he/she wants to experience, by choosing between an only-tobacco-based experience or an experience further comprising additional flavors. By selecting the position of the closing element, the user can easily control the presence or absence of flavor during a vaping session, without having to install or remove the flavoring substance in the generating device.

Furthermore, arranging the flavor chamber upstream of the tobacco article allows the flavored aerosol and the tobacco vapor to be better mixed together before reaching the user and therefore improve the perceived sensation of the vaped aerosol for the user. Moreover, this arrangement provides a device with a reduced footprint, by allowing the flavour chamber to be in close proximity with the reception cavity.

Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

According to some embodiments, in the open position of the closing element, the upstream portion further comprises a bypass part extending exterior to the flavor chamber; advantageously, the bypass part extends through the reception cavity.

With these features, pressure loss are reduced and the airflow inside the device and tobacco article can be better controlled and predicted. Additionally, since the bypass part can then be mixed with the flavoured part of the upstream portion, the flavour concentration in the resulting flow can be controlled by controlling the flow rate in the bypass part.

According to some embodiments, the closing element further defines a fully opened position in which the chamber inlet is fully opened and the upstream portion of the airflow path fully extends through the flavor chamber.

With these features, the airflow is not diverted and aerosols can be formed by the vaporizable material all around the airflow path, providing more flavor to the user. This configuration corresponds to a fully flavoured configuration when the concentration of the flavour in the resulting flow is maximal.

According to some embodiments, the upstream portion extends through the reception cavity.

According to some embodiments, the upstream portion extends from a flow inlet formed in an opening of the reception cavity designed to receive the tobacco article. Thanks to these features, the manufacturing of the devise is easier, no additional channels being built into the housing. Moreover, it makes it possible to reduce the footprint of the device. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upstream portion of the flow passing through the reception cavity may be pre-heated before entering the tobacco article. Thus, it is possible to achieve an optimized heating of the substrate portion of the tobacco article. The pre-heating of said upstream portion may be performed by the heaters used to heat the substrate portion of the tobacco article or by separated heaters.

According to some embodiments, the chamber inlet is formed in a wall delimiting the reception cavity.

The reception cavity and the flavor chamber are thus arranged adjacent to each other, reducing the footprint of the device. Flavor delivery is also improved, by providing a better mixing of the flavored aerosol and vapor aerosol.

These features also avoid issues in case of leakage of the flavoring substance outside the flavour chamber. Such leakage would evaporate away when the reception cavity is heated and be inconsequential to the device.

According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber further defines a chamber outlet separated from the chamber inlet; advantageously, the chamber outlet being opened to the reception cavity at each position of the closing element.

These features allow an improved air circulation, and thus a better perceived sensation of the vaped aerosol for the user.

According to some embodiments, the closing element is configured to be actioned directly or indirectly by the user.

With these features, the user is able to control if he/she wants or not flavor and if he/she wants flavor, when the flavor should be released. He/she does not have to wait the end of a vaping session to start or stop getting some flavor.

The user may, for instance, vape firstly a raw tobacco taste before opening the closing member in order for flavor to be released in the aerosol so that the user may vape flavored aerosol, without changing the article. The invention enables therefore an easy and convenient flavor release for the user.

For example, the closing member can be actuated by the user using mechanical means. These mechanical means can comprise a mechanical actuator linked to the closing member and accessible from the exterior of the device. Thus, the user can actuate the closing member by moving manually the actuator. According to another embodiment, the closing member is actuated using electrical means. In such a case, the electrical means can comprise an electrical actuator which can for example be controlled by the controller of the device. Thus, the user can control the position of the closing member using appropriate commands to the controller.

According to some embodiments, the closing element is configured to control the area of the chamber inlet.

These features make it possible for the user to control the size of the opening of the chamber inlet, therefore controlling the intensity (i.e. concentration) of the additional flavoring. It is possible to dispense different quantities of air to the flavor chamber in which the flavored aerosol is formed, and thus to control the amount of flavor delivered to the user.

According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber further comprises a charging door adapted to open/close access to the flavor chamber to recharge or replace the flavoring substance.

This feature makes it possible for the user to easily refuel or replace the flavoring substance when desired, without having to dismantle the device or even to remove the tobacco article.

According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber further comprises a heating element configured to heat or evaporate the flavoring substance.

Thanks to these features, the flavor chamber may be arranged away from the heating part of the receiving cavity. In this way, the heating of the flavoring substance and the heating of the tobacco article can be controlled independently. It is therefore possible to disable the flavoring delivery without affecting the heating system of the device, if needed. Moreover, heating of the flavoring substance may be performed according to a particular heating profile which may be different from the heating profile of the tobacco article. The heating profile of the flavoring substance can thus be adapted according to the nature of the flavoring substance, user habits, wishes, etc.

These features prevent unnecessary heating in the flavor chamber if no flavor is wanted.

Additionally, some flavoring substances requires an additional heating in order to be able to release flavor. For example, some solid flavoring substances may be able to release flavor when they are heated. In case of a liquid flavoring substance, flavor can be released when the liquid is evaporated by the heating element.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a first sensor able to detect at least the open position of the closing element.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a controller able to activate the operation of the heating element when the first sensor detects the open position of the closing element.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a second sensor able to detect a user puff, the controller being able to activate the operation of the heating element when the first sensor detects the open position of the closing element and the second sensor detects a user puff.

These features avoid unnecessary operation of the heating element when it is not required because the user does not want flavor at this time. Energy consumption is thus reduced.

According to some embodiments, the flavor chamber is formed by an E-liquid capsule.

In another embodiment, the flavouring substance is a capsule in which a filling such as liquid including a flavoring material is encased in a shell. The capsule may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The capsule, in particular its shell, is designed to be melted or soften in order to obtain the release of the flavor. In a variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid material comprising volatile compounds. In another variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid sponge, for example a ceramic sponge, with liquid flavoring substance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an aerosol generating assembly comprising a tobacco article and a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device according to a first embodiment the invention;

Figure 2 is a partial schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of the aerosol generating device of Figure 1 , in which a closing element is in a close position;

Figure 3 is a similar view of Figure 2, the closing element being in an open position;

Figures 4A-4C are partial schematic longitudinal cross sectional views of an aerosol generating device according to a second embodiment, the closing member being in in a close position (Figure 4A), a fully-open position (Figure 4B) or in an intermediary-open position (Figure 4C) ;

Figure 5 is a partial schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of an aerosol generating device according to a third embodiment, in which a closing element is in a close position;

Figure 6 is a similar view of Figure 5, the closing element being in an open position.

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

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

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

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

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to a position relative to the direction of the flow in the article towards the mouth end.

DESCRIPTION OF A FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating assembly 10 comprising a heat-not-burn aerosol generating device 1 1 according to a first embodiment and a tobacco article 12 configured to operate with the aerosol generating device 11. The tobacco article 12 is preferably removable and can be inserted in the device 1 1 and extracted from the device 11 as it will be explained in further detail below.

As shown in Figure 1 , the aerosol generating device 1 1 extends along a device axis X and comprises a housing 21 delimiting a reception cavity 22 configured to receive, at least partially, the tobacco article 12. The cavity 22 extends for example according to the device axis X between an opening 23 and a bottom wall 24 perpendicular to the device axis X. The cavity 22 is delimited by said bottom wall 24 and at least one side wall 25 extending along the device axis X. The cavity 22 forms a heating chamber of the device 11 designed to heat the tobacco article 12 as it will be explained in further detail below. The cavity 22 can take any appropriate shape designed to receive the tobacco article 12. For example, the cavity 22 can form a shape complementary to the shape of the tobacco article 12, for example a cylindrical shape. Additionally, the length of the cavity 22 may be substantially equal or smaller than the length of the tobacco article 12.

The aerosol generating device 1 1 further comprises a flavor chamber 26 configured to receive a flavoring substance able to release a flavor, and a closing element 27 of the flavor chamber 26.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device 1 1 may further comprise a mouthpiece (non-shown) which is designed to be fixed on the housing 21 to close the cavity 22 and interact with the user’s mouth during a vaping session. The mouthpiece can be hinged or screwed to an end of the housing 21 and form an outlet hole extending perpendicularly to the device axis X.

According to the example of Figure 1 , a mouthpiece is formed by an end of the tobacco article 12 which protrudes in this example from the cavity 22, as it will be detailed in further detail below.

The housing 21 delimits an internal space of the device 1 1 receiving various elements designed to carry out different functionalities of the device 11 . The internal space can for example receive a power block 31 for powering the device 1 1 , a control module 32 for controlling the operation of the device 1 1 and a heating system 34 configured to heat a vaporizable material contained in the tobacco article 12. The internal space of the housing 21 may further comprise other internal components performing different functionalities of the device 12 known perse. These internal components will not be explained in detail below.

It should also be noted that Figure 1 presents only a schematic diagram of different components of the aerosol generating assembly 10 and does not necessarily show the real physical arrangement and dimensions of said components. Particularly, such an arrangement can be chosen according to the design of the aerosol generating assembly 10 and technical features of its components.

The power block 31 comprises a battery and a battery charger (not shown). The battery is for example a known battery designed to be charged using the power supply furnished by an external source and to provide a direct current of a predetermined voltage. The battery charger is able to connect the battery to the external source and comprises for this purpose a power connector (for example a mini-USB or USB-C connector) or wireless charging connector.

The control module 32 is configured to control the operation of the aerosol generating device 11 and notably, of the heating system to generate aerosol by controlling the powering of this heating system by the battery. For this purpose, the control module 32 is connected to the battery. The control performed by the control module is known per se and will not be detailed hereinafter.

According to the example of Figure 1 , the heating system 34 comprises a heater (not shown) designed to generate heat. For example, the heater can comprise a resistive element, such as heating plate, blade, film, etc., which can be arranged in the cavity 22 with a distance in respect with the tobacco article 12 to heat it by convection, or in contact with the tobacco article 12 to heat it by conduction or to penetrate the tobacco article 12 to heat it inside. According to still another embodiment, the heating system 34 comprises a magnetic coil arranged around the article 12 and a plurality of susceptors arranged in the article 12 to heat it by magnetic interaction with the coil.

In the example of Figure 1 , the tobacco article 12 is received in the cavity 22 while forming a gap with at least a part of the side wall 25. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity 22 is bigger than the cross-sectional shape of the tobacco article 12. This gap is used to form an upstream portion of an airflow path 35 extending through the device 1 1 and the tobacco article 12. This upstream portion can extend from the exterior of the cavity 22 until an end of the tobacco article 12 near the bottom wall 24 of the cavity 22. A downstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends within the tobacco article 12. This downstream portion corresponds to an airflow path formed by the tobacco article 12 as it will be explained in further detail below.

In the first embodiment, the upstream portion extends from a flow inlet 39 formed in the opening 23 of the reception cavity 22 designed to receive the tobacco article 12. Said flow inlet 39 surrounds the tobacco article 12 at the opening 23.

As visible on Figure 1 , the flavor chamber 26 is defined within the housing 21 and is separate from the reception cavity 22. By "separate", we mean that the flavor chamber 26 and the reception cavity 22 define disjointed internal volumes that may be at least partially partitioned, notably by the closing element 27. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the flavor chamber 26 is adjacent to the reception cavity 22 and an internal wall 40 is disposed between the flavor chamber 26 and the reception cavity 22. In this embodiment, the internal wall 40 is formed at least partly by the or one of the side wall(s) 25 of the reception cavity 22.

The flavor chamber 26 opens into the reception cavity 22 through at least a chamber inlet 42 (visible on Figure 3) formed in the internal wall 40. The chamber inlet 42 is for example formed in the or one of the side wall(s) 25 delimiting the reception cavity 22. Preferably, the flavor chamber 26 further defines a chamber outlet 44 separated from the chamber inlet 42. In the example of Figure 1 , the chamber outlet 44 is also formed in the internal wall 40, here the side wall 25. The chamber outlet 42 is located closer to the bottom wall 24 than the chamber inlet 42, as it will be explained in further detail below.

For example, the chamber inlet 42 and outlet 44 define openings with a pressure drop comparable to the one of the bypass part 54 which will be defined later, and typically between 10 and 100 mmH₂0 (water gauge).

In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the flavor chamber 26 receives as flavoring substance a capsule 45 in which a filling such as liquid including a flavoring material is encased in a shell. The capsule 45 may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The capsule 45, in particular its shell, is designed to be melted or soften in order to obtain the release of the flavor. In a variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid material comprising volatile compounds. In another variant, the flavoring substance may be a solid sponge, for example a ceramic sponge, with liquid flavoring substance. Other flavoring substances may be used. As it will be explained below, the flavoring substance enables to provide the user with flavor in the vaped aerosol.

For example, the capsule 45 may comprise a shell formed of hydrocolloid selected from gellan gum, agar, alginates, carrageenans, pectins, Arabic gum, ghatti gum, pullulan gum, mannan gum or modified starch or combinations thereof. The capsule 45 may comprise a liquid or powder core comprising a flavoring agent. The liquid core may comprise alcohol (e.g. ethanol) and/or triglyceride ester (e.g. mygliol) or water based solvent and a flavoring agent such as menthol or spearmint.

The flavor chamber 26 further comprises a charging door 46 adapted to open/close access to the flavor chamber 26 to recharge or replace the flavoring substance. The charging door 46 is for example formed in an external wall of the housing 21 and may be opened by an user.

The closing element 27 is arranged at the chamber inlet 42. For example, as visible on Figures 1 to 3, the closing element 27 comprises a flap 50 configured to move between a close position, visible on Figures 1 and 2, in which the chamber inlet 42 is closed, and at least an open position, visible on Figure 3, in which the chamber inlet 42 is at least partially opened.

In the close position, as visible on Figure 2, the flap 50 is arranged opposite the chamber inlet 42, so as to completely close said inlet 42, so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are not fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends exterior to the flavor chamber 26. Preferably, no more than 1% of the airflow going through the airflow path 35 may enter the flavor chamber through the chamber outlet 44.

In the at least one open position, the flap 50 extends at least partially away from the chamber inlet 42, so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. At least a part of the upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends through the flavor chamber 26.

In the example of Figure 3, the upstream portion comprises a flavoring part 52 extending within the flavor chamber 26, and a bypass part 54 extending exterior to the flavor chamber 26, through the reception cavity 22. In other words, only a part of the airflow going through the device 11 is deviated into the flavor chamber 26. Preferably up to 20% of the airflow going through the upstream portion goes into the flavor chamber 26. In some embodiments (not-shown), the opening of the bypass part 54 of the upstream portion is controlled similarly to the opening of the chamber inlet 42, for example using the same closing member 27, i.e. the same flap 50. For example, the flap 50 may be arranged so as while opening the chamber inlet 42, to close the bypass part 54. Thus, in the fully opened position of the closing member 27, the bypass part 54 is fully closed and vice versa.

Advantageously, the closing element 27 further defines a fully opened position, visible on Figure 3, in which the flap 50 extends completely away from the chamber inlet 42 and the chamber inlet 42 is fully opened. The flap 50 is configured here to control the area of the opening at the chamber inlet 42.

In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the closing element 27 extends away from said outlet 44, in every position of the closing element 27, so that the chamber outlet 44 is opened to the reception cavity 22 at each position of the closing element 27. In another embodiment (not shown), the closing element 27 may also close the chamber outlet 44.

The closing element 27 may be configured to be actioned directly by the user. For example, as visible on Figures 1 to 3, the generating device 10 comprises an actioner 60 adapted to control the displacement of the closing element 27 from the close position to one of the or the open position, and vice versa.

For example, the actioner 60 may be arranged on an external wall of the housing 21 and may be manually actuated by the user. For example, the actioner is a push-button switch configured to be pushed and released by the user to open or close the closing element 27. In another example, the actioner is a switch lever configured to be slid up and down by the user, or a cog, which appears as a rolling button, that may be turned by the user.

In another embodiment, the closing element 27 is configured to be actioned indirectly by the user, through an external communication module configured to communicate via an antenna with an external electronic system, such as a user communication device, for example a smartphone. As visible on Figures 1 to 3, the tobacco article 12 is inserted in the reception cavity 22. The article 12 presents for example a cylindrical shape extending along an article axis Y. In a variant, the tobacco article 12 may present a flat cuboid shape.

The tobacco article 12 comprises a support 71 extending along an article axis Y between a distal end 72 designed to be in contact or to face the bottom wall 24 of the cavity 22 and a proximal end 73 opposite to the distal end 72 and designed to protrude from the cavity 22. The proximal end 73 form a mouthpiece as mentioned above. When the tobacco article 12 is received in the cavity 22, the article axis Y is preferably parallel to the device axis X.

The support 71 forms an airflow path extending along the article axis Y between the distal end 72 and the proximal end 33. This airflow path forms thus the downstream portion of the airflow path mentioned above.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

The operation of the aerosol generating assembly 10 will now be described.

Initially, the tobacco article 12 is inserted in the reception cavity 22 of the device. The user is not vaping and the control module 32 does not activate the heating module 34.

Then, the user starts a vaping session by activating, via the control module 32, the heating element 34, which heats then the tobacco article 12.

During a user’s puff, air from outside the aerosol generating device 11 flows through the airflow path 35 so as to form an airflow (indicated by arrows). The user inhales via the proximal end 72 of the tobacco article 12 so as to draw air through the airflow path 35, and in a direction from the flow inlet 39 to the proximal end 72, first via the upstream portion of the airflow path 35, then via the downstream portion of the airflow path 35. Ambient air is sucked into the reception cavity 22 through the flow inlet 39. Ambient air enters the cavity 22 and is heated as it flows between side wall 25 and the tobacco article 12.

When the closing element 27 is in its close position, the heated airflow is kept away from the flavor chamber 26 and goes through the tobacco article 12 to form a tobacco aerosol that is inhaled by the user through the proximal end 72. During the vaping session, the user can move the closing element 27 into an open position, as visible on Figure 3.

At least part of the airflow going through the reception cavity 22 is then drawn into the flavor chamber 26, passing through the chamber inlet 42. Flavoring aerosols that are delivered by the flavoring substance are entrained in the airflow through the chamber outlet 44 and are carried through the tobacco article 12. The user inhales both flavored and tobacco aerosols.

The user is able to change the closing element’s position during the vaping session, notably if he/she no longer wants flavor.

DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figures 4A to 4C show an aerosol generating assembly 10 comprising an aerosol generating device 1 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The aerosol generating device 1 1 according to this second embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating device 1 1 according to the first embodiment explained above except the features described below.

As visible on Figures 4A to 4C, the reception cavity 22 of the aerosol generating device 11 according to this second embodiment comprises a flow inlet 100 formed in a wall of the reception cavity 22.

In this example, the flow inlet 100 is formed in the bottom wall 24. In this case, the cross-section of the cavity 22 can be equal or slightly smaller than the cross-section of the tobacco article 12 so as to compress and fix it in the cavity 22, without any gap between the side wall(s) 25 and the article 12. The tobacco article 12 is here in contact with the walls of the cavity 22 and is heated by conduction.

In this second embodiment, the internal wall 40 is formed by the bottom wall 24 of the reception cavity 22. The flavor chamber 26 opens into the reception cavity 22 through a chamber inlet 42 formed in the bottom wall 24. The flavor chamber 26 further defines a chamber outlet 44 separated from the chamber inlet 42. In this example, the chamber outlet 44 is not formed in the internal wall 40, but opens in a flow channel 110 connected to the exterior of the housing 21 .

For example, the chamber inlet 42 and outlet 44 define openings of area with a pressure drop comparable to the one of the bypass part 54 which will be defined later, and typically between 10 and 100 mmH20 (water gauge).

The flow channel 1 10 extends between an opening (not visible) on a surface of the housing 21 and the flow inlet 100. The flow channel 110 is separated from the flavor chamber 26 by a separation wall 1 12.

The closing element 27 is arranged at the chamber inlet 42 and at the flow inlet 100. For example, as visible on Figures 4A-4C, the closing element 27 comprises a flap 50 configured to move, for example by sliding, between a fully-close position, visible on Figure 4A in which the chamber inlet 42 is closed and at least an open position, visible on Figures 4B and 4C, in which the chamber inlet 42 is at least partially opened.

Advantageously, the closing member 27 defines a fully-open position, visible on Figure 4B and an intermediary-open position, visible on Figure 4C.

In the close position, the flap 50 is arranged opposite the chamber inlet 42, so as to completely close said chamber inlet 42, so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are not fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends exterior to the flavor chamber 26, so that no more than 1 % of the airflow going through the airflow path 35 may enter the flavor chamber through the chamber outlet 44.

In an alternative, the flap 50 has a L-shape and is configured to close both the chamber inlet 42 and the chamber outlet by sliding.

In the fully-open position, the flap 50 extends away from the chamber inlet 42, so that the chamber 26 and the cavity 22 are fluidly connected through the chamber inlet 42. The flap 50 obstructs here the flow inlet 100, so that the upstream portion of the airflow path 35 extends through the flavor chamber 26. When a user takes a puff, the airflow goes through the flow channel 1 10 and is fully deviated through the flavor chamber 26. In the intermediary-open position, the flap 50 extends at least partially away from the chamber inlet 42 and the flow inlet 100, so that the reception cavity 22 is fluidly connected to the flavor chamber 26 and the flow channel 110. When a user takes a puff, the airflow goes through the flow channel 1 10 and a part of said airflow is deviated through the flavor chamber 26. The upstream portion comprises a flavoring part 52 extending within the flavor chamber 26, and a bypass part 54 extending exterior to the flavor chamber 26, until the reception cavity 22. In other words, only a part of the airflow going through the device 1 1 is deviated into the flavor chamber 26. Preferably, up to 20% of the airflow going through the upstream portion goes into the flavor chamber 26.

This intermediary position allows a less strong flavor intensity, less air going through the flavor chamber 26.

Optionnaly or alternatively, the flap 50 is shaped so that a linear motion of the flap results in a logarithmic modification of the airflow going through the flavor chamber 26. Since flavor perception is non linear but logarithmic, this results in a linear perceived flavor adjustment, improving the user experience.

DESCRIPTION OF A THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figures 5 and 6 show an aerosol generating assembly 210 according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The aerosol generating assembly 10 according to this third embodiment is similar to the aerosol generating assembly 10 according to the first embodiment explained above except the features described below.

As visible on Figures 5 and 6, the flavor chamber 26 of the aerosol generating device 11 according to this third embodiment is formed by an E-liquid capsule 200.

The E-liquid capsules comprises a tank 202 containing a e-liquid 203, and a heating element 204.

The e-liquid 203 comprises a base liquid and flavorent substances and serves as flavoring substance. For example, e-liquid 203 may comprise polypropylene glycol and/or glycerin, preferably a weight ratio of polypropylene glycol / glycerin comprised between 10:90 and 90:10. The flavoring agent may be any artificial or natural flavor substance such as botanicals, extracts of botanicals, licorice, menthol, spices, fruit or plant oil, cooling agent, etc.

In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the heating element 204 is for example a resistive element such a coil which is configured to heat the e-liquid 203 from the tank 202 to produce a flavoring vapor which may be inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece. For this purpose, the heating element 204 may be arranged in contact with a wick arranged in fluid communication with the tank 202.

The operation of the heating element 204 is controlled by a controller (not visible). The controller is configured to control the operation of the heating element(s) by controlling its powering. For this purpose, the controller is for example able to apply a predetermined heating profile to control the operation of the heating element.

The control module 32 may act as the controller.

In a particular embodiment, the heating element 204 is activated by the powering of the device 11 . In other words, the heating element 204 starts heating the e-liquid 203 when the device 1 1 is powered on.

In a preferred embodiment, visible on Figures 4 and 5, the device 1 1 comprises a first sensor 210 configured to determine the position of the closing element 27.

The first sensor 210 is for example a Hall sensor. Other types of sensor may be possible.

The first sensor 210 is configured to provide data to the controller so that operation of the heating element 204 is prevented if the closing element 27 is in its close position. In other words, the heating element 204 is activated and heats the e-liquid 203 only if the closing element 27 is in an open position. This prevents heating unnecessarily the e-liquid if the user does not intend to add flavor.

Advantageously, as visible on Figures 4 and 5, the device 11 further comprises a second sensor 212, also called puff sensor 212, configured to detect when the user is inhaling. The puff sensor 212 may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).

The puff sensor 202 is for example a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.

Advantageously, the controller is configured to activate the operation of the heating element 204 when the first sensor 210 detects the open position of the closing element 27 and the second sensor 212 detects a user puff.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be carried out in various ways, notably by combining the previous embodiments.

For example, in a not shown embodiment, the device 1 1 comprises several flavor chambers 26 connected to the reception cavity 22, each flavor chamber 26 being associated with a respective closing member 27 cooperating with said chamber 26. The user is thus able to operate each closing member 27 independently, in order to get several flavor over time during the vaping session.

Additionally, it is also clear that a heating element similar to the heating element 204 explained in relation with the present embodiment can be used to trigger or enhance flavor releasing from the capsule 45 as explained in relation with the previous embodiments. For example, such a heating element can heat or melt at least partially the capsule 45 to release flavor.

Claims

1.- A heat-not-burn aerosol generating device (1 1 ) configured to operate with a tobacco article (12); the aerosol generating device (11 ) comprising:

- a reception cavity (22) configured to receive the tobacco article (12) and comprising a heater configured to heat the tobacco article (12) ;

- an airflow path (35) comprising an upstream portion and a downstream portion when the tobacco article (12) is received in the reception cavity (22);

- a flavor chamber (26) defining a chamber inlet (42) and configured to receive a flavoring substance able to release a flavor;

- a closing element (27) arranged at the chamber inlet (42) and configured to move between an open position in which the chamber inlet (42) is at least partially opened and at least a part of the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends through the flavor chamber (26), and a closed position in which the chamber inlet (42) is closed and the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends exterior to the chamber (26); wherein the downstream portion of the airflow path (35) extends through the tobacco article (12) when it is received in the reception cavity (22), in any position of the closing element (27).

2. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to claim 1 , wherein, in the open position of the closing element (27), the upstream portion further comprises a bypass part (54) extending exterior to the flavor chamber (26); advantageously, the bypass part (54) extends through the reception cavity (22).

3. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element (27) further defines a fully opened position in which the chamber inlet (42) is fully opened and the upstream portion of the airflow path (35) fully extends through the flavor chamber (26).

4. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upstream portion extends through the reception cavity (22).

5. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to claim 4, wherein the upstream portion extends from a flow inlet (39) formed in an opening (23) of the reception cavity (22) designed to receive the tobacco article (12).

6. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber inlet (42) is formed in a wall (24, 25) delimiting the reception cavity (22).

7. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, the flavor chamber (26) further defines a chamber outlet (44) separated from the chamber inlet (42); advantageously, the chamber outlet (44) being opened to the reception cavity (22) at each position of the closing element (27).

8. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element (27) is configured to be actioned directly or indirectly by the user.

9. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing element (27) is configured to control the area of the chamber inlet (42).

10. The aerosol generating device (1 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor chamber (26) further comprises a charging door (46) adapted to open/close access to the flavor chamber (26) to recharge or replace the flavoring substance.

1 1 . The aerosol generating device (1 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flavor chamber (26) further comprises a heating element (204) configured to heat or evaporate the flavoring substance.

12. The aerosol generating device (1 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first sensor (210) able to detect at least the open position of the closing element (27).

13. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to claims 1 1 and 12, further comprising a controller able to activate the operation of the heating element (204) when the first sensor (210) detects the open position of the closing element (27).

14. The aerosol generating device (11 ) according to claim 13, further comprising a second sensor (212) able to detect a user puff, the controller being able to activate the operation of the heating element (204) when the first sensor (210) detects the open position of the closing element (27) and the second sensor (212) detects a user puff.

15. The aerosol generating device (1 1 ) according to any one the preceding claims, wherein the flavor chamber (26) is formed by an E-liquid capsule (200).