KR20220071237A - Aerosol-generating article with retainer - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device for use with a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate is provided. The aerosol-generating device includes an elongate body extending between an upstream end and a downstream end, the elongate body having an upstream recess for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate and a heat source. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an annular cutting edge disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an evacuation element disposed within the elongate body, the evacuation element movable between the first position and the second position, the evacuation element extending further into the upstream recess in the second position than the first position has been A pack is additionally provided for use with an aerosol-generating device.

Description

Aerosol-generating article 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. The invention also relates to a pack for use with an aerosol-generating device and a kit of parts comprising the aerosol-generating device and the pack.

A number of alternative aerosol-generating articles have been proposed in the art. One goal of these alternative aerosol-generating articles is to reduce the amount of certain smoke components of the type produced by combustion and pyrolytic alteration of tobacco in combustible cigarettes. In one known type of aerosol-generating article, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source, which may be a combustible heat source, to an aerosol-forming substrate positioned adjacent to the heat source. During aerosol generation, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from a heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compound cools, the compound condenses to form an aerosol. These are sometimes known as heated aerosol-generating articles.

In heated aerosol-generating articles comprising a combustible heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate, the combustible heat source must be securely attached to the aerosol-forming substrate to avoid separation of the combustible heat source from the remainder of the aerosol-generating article. The combustible heat source must remain securely attached to the aerosol-forming substrate from manufacture and during transportation, use, and sometimes disposal of the aerosol-generating article. Because the combustible heat source cannot be completely covered, reliable attachment of the combustible heat source to the remainder of the aerosol-generating article can be difficult, as it can inhibit combustion of the combustible heat source.

To prevent the heat source from detaching from the remainder of the aerosol-generating article, it may be desirable to provide secure attachment of the heat source to the remainder of the aerosol-generating article.

The combustible heat sources of known aerosol-generating articles may be at least partially exposed. This may result in a risk of thermal damage to property resulting from contact of combustible heat sources with other materials. In some circumstances, there may be a risk that the combustible heat source may ignite the material it comes into contact with. One measure of a smoking article's propensity to cause ignition of adjacent materials is the ignition propensity. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that has a low ignition propensity, and has a feature that either reduces its ignition propensity compared to an aerosol-generating article without such feature, or has an ignition propensity that is not higher than that of a cigarette.

In addition, some known heated aerosol-generating articles do not offer consumers the opportunity to personalize their experience. For example, if a consumer wishes to use a particular aerosol-forming substrate, they must purchase the entire aerosol-generating article comprising that substrate. Additionally, in known aerosol-generating articles, while the combustible heat source and 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 remainder of the aerosol-generating article after a single use. do. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article that allows consumers to easily customize the user experience. It may be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article in which certain components, particularly non-consumable components, can be reused.

In addition, prior art heat sources may comprise carbon, and prior art aerosol-forming substrates may comprise an aerosol former. For this reason, a user may not wish to have direct contact with a heat source or aerosol-forming substrate. For example, a user may not wish to directly handle a heat source or aerosol-forming substrate. It may be desirable to allow the user to customize their experience while minimizing physical contact with the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

According to the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an elongate body extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body may have an upstream recess for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate and a heat source. This allows both a consumable heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate to be housed within the aerosol-generating device. The device can be reused, resulting in less waste. Additionally, since the recess can receive any aerosol-forming substrate, the user can customize their experience by inserting an aerosol-forming substrate of their choice into the upstream recess.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an annular cutting edge disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess. The upstream recess may be defined at its upstream end by an annular cut edge. As discussed in more detail below, the provision of a cutting edge allows the device to be used with certain packs that may reduce or eliminate the need for a user to directly contact at least one of a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise an ejection element disposed within the elongate body. The evacuation element may be movable between the first position and the second position, the evacuation element extending further into the upstream recess in the second position than the first position. This may advantageously provide a means by which the user can remove at least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate from the device after use without the need for a user to directly contact the at least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an elongate body extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body has an upstream recess for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate and a heat source. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an annular cutting edge disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess. Preferably, the upstream recess is defined at its upstream end by an annular cut edge. The aerosol-generating device further comprises an evacuation element disposed within the elongate body, the evacuation element movable between the first position and the second position, the evacuation element extending further into the upstream recess in the second position than the first position has been

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

Additionally, the provision of the annular cutting edge allows the device to be used with certain packs that may reduce or eliminate the need for a user to directly contact at least one of a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate.

The provision of an exhaust element may advantageously provide a means by which a user can remove at least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate from the device after use without the need for a user to directly contact the at least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

In use, the aerosol-forming substrate and heat source may be inserted into an upstream recess of the elongate body. The aerosol-forming substrate and the heat source may be axially aligned, the heat source disposed upstream of the aerosol-forming substrate in the upstream recess. The heat source and aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted by hand. Inserting the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate into the recess upstream of the elongate body may move the evacuation element from the second position to the first position.

Preferably, at least the heat source is inserted using the aerosol-generating device with a specific pack containing the heat source. The pack may include a heat source reservoir having a longitudinal body, a closed first end and an opposing second end, the heat source reservoir second end being closed by a layer of brittle material. The heat source may be disposed within the heat source reservoir. The layer of brittle material may comprise a metal foil.

When the aerosol-generating device of the present invention is used with the aforementioned pack, an annular cutting edge disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess is pushed into the layer of brittle material. The annular cutting edge cuts through the layer of brittle material, leaving a portion of the brittle material in the upstream recess. When the elongate body passes into the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir of the pack, the heat source enters the upstream recess. The elongate body may then be removed from the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir of the pack, and the heat source may be ignited if the heat source is a combustible heat source. Heat from the heat source can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate from which the aerosol is formed. After use, the ejection element may be moved from the first position to a second position that ejects the heat source and aerosol-forming substrate from the upstream recess.

A portion of the brittle material remaining within the upstream recess may be disposed between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The portion of brittle material remaining in the upstream recess can advantageously act as a barrier between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing a barrier formed by the portion of the brittle material may advantageously prevent or inhibit migration of the at least one aerosol former from the aerosol-forming substrate to the heat source during use of the aerosol-generating device. Providing a barrier formed by a portion of the brittle material advantageously allows the combustion and decomposition products formed during ignition and combustion of the heat source to enter the air drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating device if the heat source is a combustible heat source. can be deterred from doing

The upstream recess may be sized to receive any number of heat sources and aerosol-forming substrates. Preferably, the upstream recess may be sized to receive a single heat source and a single aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the upstream recess may be sized to receive more than one aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the upstream recess may be sized to receive two, three, four, or more aerosol-forming substrates. This advantageously allows the consumer to customize the experience of inserting a specific combination of different aerosol-forming substrates into the upstream recess. Preferably, the upstream recess is sized such that when the aerosol-forming substrate and the heat source are correctly inserted into the upstream recess, a portion of the heat source protrudes from the upstream end of the upstream recess. This can advantageously ensure that, when the heat source is a combustible heat source, sufficient air can reach the heat source to facilitate ignition and continuous combustion of the heat source.

The elongate body may be formed from a single component. The single component elongate body may be formed of a metallic material such as stainless steel. Alternatively, the single component elongate body may be formed of a polymeric material.

Alternatively, the elongate body may include a plurality of components. For example, the elongate body may include an upstream portion and a downstream portion.

The upstream portion of the elongate body may include an upstream recess. The upstream portion of the elongate body may include a cutting edge. Preferably, the upstream portion of the elongate body may comprise a heat-resistant material. This can advantageously avoid damage to the upstream part of the elongate body which, in use, can be arranged close to the heat source. Preferably, the upstream portion of the elongate body comprises a thermally conductive material. This can advantageously ensure sufficient heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the upstream recess. This may advantageously improve the generation of an aerosol by the aerosol-forming substrate. The upstream portion of the elongate body may comprise a metallic material. The upstream portion of the elongate body may comprise at least one of stainless steel, mnemonic, inconel, and aluminum.

A downstream portion of the elongate body may be disposed downstream of the upstream recess. Consequently, the downstream portion of the elongate body may not need to be as heat resistant as the upstream portion of the elongated body. The user may also hold the aerosol-generating device by the downstream portion of the elongate body. Accordingly, the downstream part of the elongate body may preferably comprise an insulating material. This can advantageously prevent the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device from becoming hot during use. The downstream portion of the elongate body may comprise a polymeric material. For example, the downstream portion of the elongate body may comprise polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

The upstream and downstream portions of the elongate body may be connected by any suitable means. For example, the upstream and downstream portions of the elongate body may be connected by one or more of an interference fit, a screw connection, and an adhesive.

The cutting edge may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the elongate body. The cutting edge may be formed integrally with an upstream portion of the elongate body, wherein the elongate body includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion.

The annular cutting edge preferably comprises a metallic material. For example, the cutting edge may comprise stainless steel.

The annular cutting edge may be any edge capable of piercing or cutting through the layer of brittle material of the pack. The annular cutting edge may be a continuous cutting edge. Alternatively, the annular cutting edge may be discontinuous such that the cutting edge includes one or more breaks.

The annular cutting edge may be flat. Alternatively, the at least one first portion of the annular cutting edge may extend more upstream than the at least one second portion of the annular cutting edge. This may reduce the area of the cutting edge in contact with the layer of brittle material of the pack. This may advantageously result in increased pressure meaning less force may be needed to penetrate or otherwise cut through the layer of brittle material of the pack. The annular cutting edge may be a cutting blade. The cutting edge may include serrations or teeth. They may also advantageously increase the pressure and may make it easier to penetrate or otherwise cut through the layer of brittle material of the pack.

The exhaust element may be formed of any material. The evacuation element may comprise a metallic material or a polymeric material. For example, the exhaust element may comprise stainless steel or PEEK. The evacuation element may be an evacuation rod having an elongated shape.

The aerosol-generating device may be suitable for use with any heat source. The upstream recess may be adapted to receive any heat source. The heat source may be a disposable heat source. The heat source may be a multi-use heat source. The heat source may be a combustible, chemical, electrical or any other heat source. Preferably, the upstream recess is adapted to receive a combustible heat source.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms "longitudinal" and "axial" refer to the direction between the opposing upstream and downstream ends of, or a component of, an aerosol-generating device. is used to describe

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms "upstream" and "front", and "downstream" and "rear" refer to components of an aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol-generating device during use. , or used to describe the relative positions of parts of a component. An aerosol-generating device according to the present invention comprises a proximal end through which, in use, the 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, the user aspirates 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 be referred to as the upstream end. A component or portion of an aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device. The front of the component or portion of the component of the aerosol-generating device is the portion at the distal end closest to the upstream end of the aerosol-generating device. The rear of the component or portion of the component of the aerosol-generating device is the portion at the distal end closest to the downstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

The exhaust element may include a hollow lumen in which the upstream recess is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the elongate body.

In use, the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate may pass from the upstream recess through the lumen to the downstream end of the elongate body.

The downstream end of the elongate body may comprise an opening through which the aerosol may leave the aerosol-generating device.

The diameter of the lumen can be selected to achieve a desired resistance to aspiration (RTD). The lumen may also serve as a space for the generated aerosol to cool before it leaves the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise urging means for urging the ejection element from the first position to the second position.

Thus, in use, when actuated, the pressurizing means may act to expel the spent heat source and aerosol-forming substrate from the upstream recess of the elongate body after use. This advantageously means that the user does not have to physically push the ejection element from the first position to the second position.

The pressing means may be any pressing means.

The pressing means may comprise a compression spring. A compression spring may be positioned around the evacuation element such that the evacuation element passes through a central axis of the spring. In this case, the discharge element may comprise a flange on which the upstream end of the spring can act to bias the discharge element from the first position to the second position. The elongate body may include an internal stop operable to urge the downstream end of the spring to bias the discharge element from the first position to the second position.

The aerosol-generating device may include a retainer for retaining the ejection element in the first position. This can prevent pressing the ejection element from the first position to the second position when the pressing means are not needed. This can advantageously prevent premature release of the heat source and aerosol-forming substrate from the upstream recess.

As described above, inserting a heat source and an aerosol-forming substrate within the recess upstream of the elongate body may move the evacuation element from the second position to the first position. If the aerosol-generating device comprises pressurizing means for pressurizing the discharge element from the first position to the second position, inserting the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate into the upstream recess may act against the pressurizing means. That is, the pressing means may resist insertion of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate into the upstream recess. This may force the aerosol-forming substrate positioned toward the downstream end of the upstream recess against a heat source disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess. This may advantageously improve heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. This may advantageously improve the generation of an aerosol by the aerosol-forming substrate.

The retainer may be any retainer capable of overcoming the force of the pressing means.

The retainer may be a mechanical retainer. For example, the retainer may include an interference fit between a portion of the evacuation element and a portion of the elongate body. This interference fit force must be overcome to move the ejection element from the first position to the second position. The retainer may be a snap connection between the discharge element and the elongate body. This may be particularly suitable if at least one of the discharge element and the elongate body comprises an elastically deformable material such as PEEK.

The retainer may include a magnetic connection. For example, the retainer may be configured to contact when the evacuation element is in the first position such that a pair of permanent magnets, one and two magnets on the evacuation element, act to hold the evacuation element in the first position. It can include one on an elongated body that is The retainer may include a permanent magnet and a ferromagnetic material such as steel. For example, the evacuation element may comprise steel, the permanent magnet disposed within the elongate body and disposed in the elongate body at a position that allows the permanent magnet to contact the evacuation element when the evacuation element is in the first position. can be attached.

The magnet positioned within the elongate body may be an annular magnet. This advantageously allows aerosols leaving the lumen of the discharge element to pass to the downstream end of the elongate body without being blocked by the magnet.

The aerosol-generating device may include an extinguishing sleeve. The extinguishing sleeve has an upstream end and a downstream end. The fire extinguishing sleeve has an elongated body longitudinally between a loading position in which the cut edge of the elongate body extends beyond the upstream end of the fire sleeve and a fire extinguishing position in which the cut edge of the elongate body is disposed downstream of the upstream end of the fire sleeve. may be movable with respect to

When the aerosol-generating device is used in combination with an aerosol-forming substrate, the extinguishing sleeve is in a loading position such that, if the heat source is a combustible heat source, sufficient air can reach the heat source to facilitate ignition and continued combustion of the heat source. After generating the aerosol, the extinguishing sleeve may be moved from the loading position to the extinguishing position in an upstream direction. In the extinguishing position, the extinguishing sleeve extends beyond the upstream end of the elongate body. When the combustible heat source is received within the upstream recess of the elongate body, movement of the extinguishing sleeve from the loading position to the extinguishing position may limit the supply of air to the combustible heat source. This may cause the combustible heat source to be extinguished. In the extinguishing position, the extinguishing sleeve may extend further upstream than the upstream end of the combustible heat source received in the upstream recess.

The provision of an extinguishing sleeve may advantageously provide a convenient way to extinguish the combustible heat source before it is discharged from the upstream recess by the venting element.

The fire extinguishing sleeve may have a total length that is less than the total length of the elongate body. This advantageously enables the user to move the fire sleeve relative to the elongate body between the loading position and the fire extinguishing position, by holding the fire sleeve in one hand and a part of the elongate body in the other hand.

The fire extinguishing sleeve comprises at least one of an upstream stop and a downstream stop configured to engage a corresponding portion of the elongate body to prevent the elongate body from extending too far upstream or downstream with respect to the elongate body. may include This can advantageously prevent the extinguishing sleeve from detaching from the elongate body. Where the downstream portion of the elongate body comprises an insulating material and the upstream portion of the elongate body comprises a thermally conductive material, the fire extinguishing sleeve comprises: an upstream portion of the elongate body when the fire extinguishing sleeve is in both the fire extinguishing position and the loading position It may be configured to cover most of the This can advantageously prevent exposure of the upstream part of the elongate body which may become hot during use.

The extinguishing sleeve may comprise any material. Preferably, the fire extinguishing sleeve comprises an insulating material. This can advantageously prevent the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device from becoming too warm during use. For example, the extinguishing sleeve may comprise PEEK.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one locking mechanism for locking the extinguishing sleeve in at least one of the loading position and the extinguishing position. The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one locking mechanism for locking the extinguishing sleeve in each of the loading position and the extinguishing position. The at least one locking mechanism may include a ball catch. The at least one locking mechanism can advantageously prevent accidental movement of the fire sleeve between the loading position and the fire extinguishing position.

When the extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, the cut edge of the elongate body extends beyond the upstream end of the extinguishing position. This advantageously allows the cutting edge of the elongate body to penetrate or otherwise cut through the layer of brittle material of the pack as described above.

The overall length of the aerosol-generating device may be greater when the extinguishing sleeve is in the extinguishing position than the loading position. For example, when the extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, the aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, preferably from about 80 mm to about 90 mm. When the extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, the aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of about 84 mm. When the extinguishing sleeve is in the extinguishing position, the overall length of the aerosol-generating device may be greater than about 84 mm.

The extinguishing sleeve may be movable from the extinguishing position to an exhausting position in which the cutting edge of the elongate body is disposed more downstream of the upstream end of the extinguishing sleeve than the extinguishing position, and due to movement of the extinguishing sleeve from the extinguishing position to the exhausting position cause the ejection element to move from the first position to the second position.

The retainer may release the venting element when the extinguishing sleeve moves from the extinguishing position to the venting position. The ejection element can then be pressed from the first position to the second position by the pressing means. The extinguishing sleeve may include an inner element that engages a portion of the venting element as the extinguishing sleeve moves from the extinguishing position to the venting position. The engagement between the inner element of the fire extinguishing sleeve and the portion of the evacuation element may overcome the retaining force of the retainer and cause the pressing means to urge the evacuation element from the first position to the second position. This may expel at least one of the aerosol-forming substrate and the heat source from the upstream recess.

Providing the extinguishing element with an evacuation location may advantageously provide a convenient way for the user to move the venting element from a first position to a second position to release the aerosol-forming substrate and heat source after use. In particular, this can advantageously provide a convenient way of releasing the retainer, if present, so that the pressing means can move the ejection element from the first position to the second position.

Furthermore, the aerosol-generating device cannot evacuate the heat source before the extinguishing sleeve moves to the extinguishing position because the extinguishing sleeve must pass from the loading position through the extinguishing position before reaching the extinguishing position. This may advantageously help to ensure that, when the heat source is a combustible heat source, the heat source received in the upstream recess of the elongate body is extinguished before being discharged from the upstream recess of the elongate body.

Moving the extinguishing sleeve from the evacuation position back to the loading position may cause the evacuation element to move from the second position back to the first position. Preferably, moving the extinguishing sleeve from the discharging position back to the loading position does not cause the discharging element to move from the second position back to the first position. As noted above, the aerosol-forming substrate and heat source into the upstream recess of the elongate body as this may force the aerosol-forming substrate located at the downstream end of the upstream recess to be firmly urged against the heat source disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess. Preferably, inserting a pushes the ejection element from the second position to the first position. This may advantageously improve heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. This may advantageously improve the generation of an aerosol by the aerosol-forming substrate.

The overall length of the aerosol-generating device may be greater when the extinguishing sleeve is in the discharging position rather than the loading or extinguishing position. For example, when the extinguishing sleeve is in the ejection position, the aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of from about 80 mm to about 110 mm, preferably from about 90 mm to about 100 mm. When the extinguishing sleeve is in the ejection position, the aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of about 96 mm. When the extinguishing sleeve is in either the loading or extinguishing position, the overall length of the aerosol-generating device may be less than about 96 mm.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise at least one air inlet through the elongate body into the upstream recess.

The at least one air inlet through the elongate body may advantageously allow air to access at least one of the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. This can advantageously facilitate ignition and continuous combustion of the heat source disposed in the upstream recess when the heat source is a combustible heat source. Also, air passing into the upstream recess may advantageously facilitate the generation and delivery of an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate to the downstream end of the elongate body.

The at least one air inlet may comprise at least one upstream air inlet for supplying air to the heat source and at least one downstream air inlet for supplying air to the aerosol-forming substrate.

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 advantageously ensures that sufficient air enters the recess upstream of the elongate body with the heat source. It can be ensured that all of the received aerosol-forming substrates are accessible.

The at least one upstream air inlet may be positioned adjacent a portion of an upstream recess of the elongate body configured to receive a heat source. The at least one downstream air inlet may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the upstream recess of the elongate body configured to receive the 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 include any number of individual air inlets. The individual air inlets may be of any size. The number and size of the at least one upstream air inlet and the at least one downstream air inlet may be selected to provide an appropriate total air inlet area. The total air inlet area of the at least one upstream air inlet may be selected such that, if the heat source is a combustible heat source, sufficient air can reach the heat source to facilitate ignition and continuous combustion of the heat source. The total air inlet area of the at least one downstream air inlet may be selected such that sufficient air can reach the aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol while providing acceptable resistance to aspiration. 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 the combustible heat source may be greater than the amount of air needed to generate an aerosol at the aerosol-forming substrate and provide acceptable resistance to draw.

For example, the at least one upstream air inlet may comprise a series of elongated slits, while the at least one downstream air inlet may comprise a series of shorter slits or circular perforations.

Alternatively or additionally, 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 extinguishing sleeve may include at least one sleeve air inlet. The at least one sleeve air inlet may be configured to align with the at least one downstream air inlet of the elongate body when the fire extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, such that in the loading position air passes through the at least one sleeve air inlet and then three at least one downstream air inlet of the elongate body allows passage to the aerosol-forming substrate.

This advantageously allows air to pass through the at least one downstream air inlet of the elongate body without being obscured by the extinguishing sleeve.

The fire sleeve may further comprise at least one sleeve air inlet configured to align with at least one upstream air inlet of the elongate body when the fire sleeve is in the loading position, such that in the loading position air is drawn into the at least one sleeve. pass through the air inlet and then through at least one upstream air inlet of the elongate body to the heat source. Alternatively or additionally, at least one upstream air inlet of the elongate body may be provided in a portion of the elongate body extending upstream of the upstream end of the elongate body when the extinguishing element is in the loading position. This may advantageously mean that, in the loading position, the upstream air inlet is not blocked by the extinguishing element.

The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a thermal conductor disposed in the upstream recess and connected to the extinguishing sleeve such that movement of the extinguishing sleeve between the loading position and the extinguishing position causes a corresponding movement of the thermal conductor.

Thermal conductors can provide an efficient means by which heat can be transferred from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. The heat conductor may provide an additional means for extinguishing the combustible heat source received within the recess upstream of the elongate body. As the extinguishing element moves from the loading position to the extinguishing position, the thermal conductors extend over a larger area of the combustible heat source. It can draw heat from the combustible heat source, cool the combustible heat source and contribute to extinguishing the combustible heat source.

The thermal conductor includes a thermally conductive material. The thermal conductor may include a metal. For example, the thermal conductor may include at least one of aluminum, steel, mnemonic, and inconel. Preferably, the thermal conductor comprises aluminum.

The thermal conductor may extend any distance along the length of the upstream recess. The thermal conductor may extend from a downstream end of the upstream recess to an upstream end of the upstream recess. This can maximize heat conduction from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate. The upstream end of the heat conductor may not extend upstream of the upstream end of the upstream recess. This can advantageously prevent the heat conductor from interfering with the supply of air to the heat source. The thermal conductor may not extend upstream of the upstream end of the fire extinguishing sleeve. An upstream end of the thermally conductive body may be aligned with an upstream end of the fire extinguishing sleeve. This may prevent the thermal conductor, which may become hot, from coming into direct contact with any other material during use of the aerosol-generating article. This may advantageously help to reduce or prevent possible damage to the material caused by contact with a hot thermal conductor.

When the fire extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position and the aerosol-forming substrate and heat source are received within the upstream recess, the location and length of the heat conductor causes the heat conductor to overlap the downstream end of the heat source. The thermal conductor may overlap at least about 1 mm, or at least about 2 mm, of the downstream end of the heat source. The heat conductor may overlap about 3 mm of the downstream end of the heat source.

When the extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, the upstream recess can have a length from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 12 mm to about 17 mm from the annular cutting edge to the upstream end of the discharge element. When the extinguishing sleeve is in the loading position, the upstream recess may have a length of about 15 mm from the annular cutting edge to the upstream end of the discharge element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise at least one retaining means disposed within the recess configured to retain the heat source.

The provision of at least one retention means can advantageously ensure that the heat source is securely retained in the upstream recess when the aerosol-generating device is in use.

The at least one retaining means may comprise at least one resilient element. The at least one resilient element may be attached to and extend from the recess upstream of the interior surface. The at least one resilient element may comprise a plurality of resilient elements, for example the at least one resilient element may comprise two resilient elements. If the at least one elastic element comprises two elastic elements, the two elastic elements may be disposed opposite to each other on the inner surface of the upstream recess.

The retaining means can ensure that, when the heat source is received in the upstream recess, there is a tight fit between the heat source and the inner surface of the upstream recess. This can prevent air from being drawn past the heat source and into the aerosol-forming substrate. This can advantageously suppress combustion activation of the combustible heat source while the user is puffing. This may substantially prevent or inhibit the temperature spike of the aerosol-forming substrate during puffing by the user. By preventing or inhibiting combustion activation of the combustible heat source, and thus preventing or suppressing an excessive increase in temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate under intense puffing regimes can be advantageously avoided. Further, the effect of the user's puff regime on the composition of the mainstream aerosol may advantageously be minimized or reduced.

The provision of the retention means, and the resulting tight fit of the combustible heat source, advantageously allows combustion and decomposition products, chemical reactants or by-products of the chemical reaction, and other materials formed during use of the heat source contained in the upstream section of the cavity to pass through the aerosol-forming substrate. It is possible to substantially prevent or inhibit the inflow of the sucked air from being delivered to the user. This is particularly advantageous when the heat source is a combustible heat source and includes one or more additives to aid in ignition or combustion of the combustible heat source.

The downstream end of the elongate body may include a downstream recess for receiving the mouthpiece.

The provision of a downstream recess for receiving the mouthpiece may mean that the mouthpiece used with the aerosol-generating device may be removable from the device. If the mouthpiece is reusable, this allows the mouthpiece to be cleaned. When the mouthpiece is disposable, this allows the mouthpiece to be replaced after each or multiple uses of the aerosol-generating device. The downstream recess may be sized to receive the filter.

The downstream recess may be in fluid communication with the upstream recess such that aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate in the upstream recess may pass into the downstream recess and out of the aerosol-generating device.

The recess may include at least one portion having a reduced diameter.

The at least one portion having the reduced diameter may have a reduced diameter compared to a diameter of the recess both upstream and downstream of the at least one portion having the reduced diameter.

The at least one portion having a reduced diameter may advantageously help retain the mouthpiece received within the downstream recess. For example, if the mouthpiece is a filter, the filter may be compressed slightly by at least one portion having a reduced diameter to securely retain the filter in the downstream recess.

The at least one portion with the reduced diameter may prevent the aerosol from passing out of the aerosol-generating device between the mouthpiece and the inner surface of the downstream recess. This can advantageously ensure that all or most of the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming substrate passes out of the device through the mouthpiece.

The at least one portion with the reduced diameter may include at least one O-ring disposed on the inner surface of the downstream recess. The at least one O-ring may include any number of O-rings. For example, the at least one O-ring may include two O-rings.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pack for use with an aerosol-generating device. The pack includes a heat source reservoir having a longitudinal body, a closed first end, and an opposing second end. The second end of the heat source reservoir may be closed by a layer of brittle material. The heat source may be disposed within the heat source reservoir.

The provision of a pack comprising a heat source reservoir and a brittle barrier may advantageously prevent volatile components of the heat source from escaping, thereby extending the shelf life of the heat source. Further, the provision can advantageously prevent the heat source from adsorbing moisture during storage, which can suppress ignition or combustion of the heat source when the heat source is a combustible heat source.

When the pack is used with the aerosol-generating device described above, the annular cutting edge defining the upstream end of the recess is pushed into the layer of brittle material. The annular cutting edge punctures or otherwise cuts the layer of brittle material, leaving a portion of the brittle material in the upstream recess. When the elongate body passes into the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir of the pack, the heat source enters the upstream recess. Then, if the heat source is a combustible heat source, the elongate body may be removed from the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir of the pack, and the heat source may be ignited.

Use of the pack in conjunction with the aerosol-generating device described above may advantageously reduce or eliminate the need for a user to come into direct contact with a heat source.

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 include any suitable combustible fuel including, but not limited to, carbonaceous materials containing carbon and aluminum, 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 are described, for example, in US-A-5,040,552 and US-A-5,595,577. In general, known solid combustible heat sources for heated smoking articles are carbon-based, comprising carbon as the primary combustible material. The combustible heat source may be a combustible carbonaceous heat source. Combustible heat sources may include wraps for hygiene reasons. The wrap may comprise paper.

A portion of the brittle material remaining within the upstream recess may be disposed between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The portion of brittle material remaining in the upstream recess can advantageously act as a barrier between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing a barrier formed by the portion of the brittle material may advantageously prevent or inhibit migration of the at least one aerosol former from the aerosol-forming substrate to the heat source during use of the aerosol-generating device. Providing a barrier formed by the portion of the brittle material, if the heat source is a combustible heat source, advantageously allows combustion and decomposition products formed during ignition and combustion of the heat source to enter the air drawn through the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol-generating device. can be deterred from doing

Brittle materials may include any material. Preferably, the brittle material may comprise a metallic material. When the brittle material comprises a metallic material, the portion of the metallic material disposed between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate can advantageously efficiently conduct heat from the heat source to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Preferably, the layer of brittle material comprises a layer of aluminum foil.

The layer of brittle material may have at least one line of weakness. The at least one line of weakness may advantageously promote the brittle material to rupture in the correct location to form a portion of the brittle material and become a barrier when the annular cutting edge penetrates or otherwise cuts through the layer of brittle material. At least one line of weakness may be a circle. The at least one line of weakness may include a score line.

A distance between the first end and the second end of the heat source storage portion may be substantially equal to the length of the heat source. The distance between the first end and the second end of the heat source reservoir may cause the heat source to contact the first end of the heat source reservoir and the layer of brittle material.

This may advantageously help retain the heat source in place within the heat source reservoir. It may also help to hold the layer brittle material firmly when the annular cutting edge pierces or otherwise cuts through the layer of brittle material, advantageously making it easier to cut through the layer of brittle material.

The diameter of the longitudinal body is greater than the diameter of the heat source received in the longitudinal body. The diameter of the longitudinal body may be greater than the diameter of the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating device to be used with the pack. This advantageously allows the upstream part of the aerosol-generating device to be received in the heat source reservoir when the pack is used with an aerosol-generating device.

The closed first end of the heat source reservoir may include a shallow recess for receiving a portion of the heat source. This can hold the heat source away from the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir so that the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device can enter the longitudinal body of the heat source reservoir.

The diameter of the shallow recess may be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the heat source, so that when a portion of the heat source is received within the shallow recess, it may be firmly held by the shallow recess. This can advantageously ensure that the heat source is retained in the center of the heat source reservoir, allowing the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device to enter the heat source reservoir without being obstructed by the heat source.

The longitudinal body and the closed first end of the heat source reservoir may be formed of any material. Preferably, the longitudinal body and the closed first end of the heat source reservoir are integrally formed. The longitudinal body and the closed first end of the heat source reservoir may be formed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid. If the longitudinal body and the closed first end of the heat source reservoir are formed from a polymeric material, they may be formed using injection molding or thermoforming.

The pack may include a plurality of reservoirs each containing a single heat source. The plurality of storage units may be arranged in a two-dimensional array.

The pack may further comprise an aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate reservoir can include a longitudinal body, a first end, and an opposing second end. The first end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir may be closed by a layer of brittle material. The second end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir may be closed by a removable closure. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir.

Providing an additional reservoir for storing the aerosol-forming substrate can advantageously simplify the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into the recess upstream of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating article. In use, the removable closure is removed to expose the aerosol-forming substrate within the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. The upstream end of the elongate body is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir such that the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the upstream recess. The annular cutting edge is then passed through the layer of brittle material and the heat source is inserted into the upstream recess as described above.

Providing an additional reservoir for storing the aerosol-forming substrate can advantageously prevent loss of volatile components of the aerosol-forming substrate. This may extend the shelf life of the aerosol-forming substrate.

A portion of the layer of brittle material may form a barrier between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. The layer of brittle material may form a barrier between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used to describe a substrate capable of releasing upon heating a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating device according to the present invention may be visible or invisible, and may include vapors (eg particulates of substances in the gaseous state, which are normally liquid or solid at room temperature), as well as gases and It may contain droplets of condensed vapor.

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 a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is 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-forming agents. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include, but are not limited to, glycerin and propylene glycol.

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

When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate contains, for example, one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco flank pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco, and puffed tobacco, powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghetti strands, strips or sheets. 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 a solid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a paper or other wrapper and may have the form of a plug. Where the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug, the entire plug, including any wrappers, is considered the aerosol-forming substrate.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that will be released upon heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules comprising, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

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

The aerosol-forming substrate may be in the form of a plug or segment surrounded by a paper or other wrapper comprising a material capable of releasing volatile compounds in response to heating. Where the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a plug or site, the entire plug or site, including any wrappers, 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 allow for more convenient removal of the heat source and aerosol-forming substrate and insertion into the upstream recess.

The removable closure may be any kind of closure. For example, the removable closure may comprise a lid removably attached to the second end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. The lid may be removably attached to the second end of the aerosol-forming substrate by at least one of a screw thread connection, an adhesive, a snap correction, or an interference fit. Preferably, the removable closure comprises an adhesive label affixed to the second end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. The adhesive label may include a pull tab. The pull tab may advantageously facilitate removal of the adhesive label from the second end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir.

The longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir may be formed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid. If the longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir is formed of a polymeric material, it may be formed using injection molding or thermoforming.

The pack may further comprise at least one elastic element extending from the longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir into the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir.

The at least one elastic element will advantageously ensure that the aerosol-forming substrate is held in the center of the heat source reservoir to allow the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device to enter the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir without being obstructed by the aerosol-forming substrate can

The at least one elastic element may be configured to deform when the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir.

The at least one elastic member may be integrally formed with the longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. The at least one elastic member may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the at least one elastic member may be formed of a polymeric material. The polymeric material may comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactic acid. When the at least one elastic member is formed of a polymer material, it may be formed using injection molding or thermoforming.

The at least one elastic member may include a plurality of elastic members. For example, the at least one elastic member may include two elastic members. The two elastic members may extend from opposite sides of the longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. This can advantageously further ensure that the aerosol-forming substrate is retained in the center of the heat source reservoir.

The pack may comprise alignment means for facilitating alignment of the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device with the heat source under the layer of brittle material. The alignment means may be alignment marking.

The pack may include an alignment layer overlapping the layer of brittle material at the second end of the heat source reservoir. The alignment layer may include an aperture having at least one resilient member extending inwardly from an edge of the aperture.

The provision of an alignment layer may advantageously assist the user in aligning the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device with a heat source below the layer of brittle material. This can otherwise be difficult, especially if the layer of brittle material comprises an opaque material. In use, the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is pushed through an aperture in the alignment layer. If the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is misaligned, it will deform the at least one resilient member. The at least one elastic member will act to push the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device away from the edge of the aperture towards the center of the aperture, wherein the elastic member is to be aligned with a heat source underlying the layer of brittle material. will be.

The alignment layer may include a plurality of elastic members extending from the edge of the aperture. This can advantageously ensure that the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is correctly aligned with the heat source, regardless of how the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is misaligned.

The alignment layer may include any material. For example, the alignment layer may include at least one of a polymeric material, metal, paper, and cardboard.

The pack may further include a spacer layer between the alignment layer and the second end of the heat source reservoir. The spacer layer may include at least one aperture. The at least one aperture in the spacer layer may be aligned with the at least one aperture in the alignment layer.

The spacer layer may serve to separate the alignment layer and the second end of the heat source reservoir. This advantageously provides a greater opportunity for the alignment layer to correct any misalignment of the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device with the heat source when the upstream end of the elongate body of the aerosol-generating device is pushed through the alignment layer. can provide

The spacer layer may comprise any material. For example, the spacer layer may comprise cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard. This can be advantageous because the cardboard is relatively light.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure, and a kit of parts comprising a pack of the present disclosure.

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

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings,
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an aerosol-generating device according to the invention, with an ejection element in a first position;
2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the invention, with the ejection element in the second position;
3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the aerosol-generating device according to the invention, with the discharge element in the first position and the extinguishing sleeve in the extinguishing position;
4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pack according to the present invention;
5 is a perspective view of a pack according to the present invention;
6 is a perspective view of a pack according to the present invention;

In the drawings, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or elements.

1 shows an aerosol-generating device 100 comprising an elongate body 101 extending between an upstream end and a downstream end. The elongate body 101 includes an upstream recess 104 for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate 106 and a heat source 105 . The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises an annular cutting edge 107 disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess 104 . The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises an ejection element 108 disposed within the elongate body 101 , the ejection element 108 being movable between a first position and a second position, the ejection element 108 being movable between a first position and a second position. extends further into the upstream recess 104 at the second location than at the first location.

The elongate body 101 includes an upstream portion 102 and a downstream portion 103 . The upstream portion 102 of the elongate body 101 includes an upstream recess 104 and is formed of stainless steel. The downstream portion 103 of the elongate body 101 is formed from PEEK. The upstream portion 102 of the elongate body 101 is connected to the downstream portion 103 of the elongate body 101 by a snap connection.

The upstream recess 104 is cylindrical and is defined at its upstream end by an annular cutting edge 107 and at its downstream end by the upstream end of the venting element 108 .

The annular cutting edge 107 is integrally formed with the upstream portion of the elongate body 102 and includes a sharp annular blade configured to cut through a layer of a brittle material, such as aluminum foil.

The exhaust element 108 is formed of ferromagnetic steel and includes a hollow lumen 109 such that the upstream cavity 104 is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the aerosol-generating device 100 . The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises pressurizing means for pressurizing the ejection element 108 from the first position to the second position. The biasing means is a compression spring 110 disposed around the discharge element 108 . The upstream end of the compression spring 110 acts against a flange on the discharge element 108 . The downstream end of the compression spring 110 acts against the inner stop of the elongate body 101 .

The aerosol-generating device 100 further includes a retainer for retaining the ejection element 108 in the first position. The retainer includes a permanent annular magnet 111 within the elongate body 101 configured to contact and retain the evacuation element 108 when the evacuation element 108 is in the first position.

The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises an extinguishing sleeve 112 . The fire extinguishing sleeve 112 has an upstream end and a downstream end. The fire sleeve 112 is movable relative to the elongate body 101 in a longitudinal direction between a loading position and a fire extinguishing position. In the loading position, the annular cutting edge 107 of the elongate body 101 extends beyond the upstream end of the fire extinguishing sleeve 112 . In the extinguishing position, the cutting edge 107 of the elongate body 101 is disposed downstream and downstream of the upstream end of the extinguishing sleeve 112 . The extinguishing sleeve 112 is shorter than the elongate body 101 so that the most downstream end of the elongate body 101 is exposed when the extinguishing sleeve 112 is in both the loading position and the extinguishing position. The fire extinguishing sleeve 112 is formed of PEEK.

The extinguishing sleeve 112 may be more movable from the extinguishing position to an exhausting position where the cutting edge 107 of the elongate body 101 is disposed more downstream of the upstream end of the extinguishing sleeve 112 than the extinguishing position.

The fire sleeve 112 moves from the fire position to the discharge position, causing the discharge element 108 to move from the first position to the second position. The extinguishing sleeve 112 includes an inner element (not shown) that engages a portion of the venting element 108 as the venting sleeve 112 moves from the extinguishing position to the evacuating position. This causes the extinguishing element 108 to be released from the magnet 111 , which is then biased from the first position to the second position by the compression spring 110 .

The aerosol-generating device 100 includes a plurality of air inlets through the elongate body 101 to allow air to pass into the upstream recess. The plurality of air inlets includes a plurality of upstream air inlets 113 provided through the elongate body 101 adjacent a portion of the upstream recess 104 configured to receive a heat source 105 . The plurality of air inlets further comprises a plurality of downstream air inlets 114 provided through the elongate body 101 adjacent a portion of the upstream recess 104 configured to receive the aerosol-forming substrate 106 and have. The total air inlet area of the plurality of upstream air inlets 113 is greater than the total air inlet area of the plurality of downstream air inlets 114 .

The extinguishing sleeve 112 includes a plurality of air inlets 115 . The plurality of sleeve air inlets 115 is configured to align with the plurality of downstream air inlets 114 of the elongate body 101 when the fire extinguishing sleeve 112 is in the loading position.

The aerosol-generating device 100 is disposed within the heat-conducting recess 104 and is disposed within the fire-extinguishing sleeve 112 such that movement of the extinguishing sleeve 112 between the loading position and the extinguishing position causes a corresponding movement of the thermal conductor 116 . ) further comprising a thermal conductor 116 connected to the .

Thermal conductor 116 is formed of aluminum and extends to the downstream end of fire extinguishing sleeve 112 .

The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises retaining means for retaining the heat source 105 within the upstream recess 104 . The retaining means comprises an elastic element 117 attached to and extending therefrom of the inner surface of the elongate body 101 in the upstream recess 104 .

The downstream end of the elongate body 101 includes a downstream recess 118 for receiving the mouthpiece 119 . The mouthpiece 119 is a disposable filter. Downstream recess 118 is in fluid communication with upstream recess 104 via hollow lumen 109 .

The downstream recess 118 includes two O-rings 120 that reduce the diameter of the downstream recess 118 at two points.

4, 5 and 6 show a pack according to the invention for use with an aerosol-generating device 100 according to the invention. The packs 200 , 300 include a heat source reservoir 201 having a longitudinal body 202 , a closed first end 203 , and an opposing second end. The opposite second end is closed with a layer 204 of aluminum foil. The heat source 105 is disposed in the heat source storage 201 .

The heat source 105 is a combustible carbonaceous heat source.

The distance between the closed first end 203 and the second end of the heat source reservoir is approximately equal to the length of the heat source 105 such that the heat source is in contact with the closed first end 203 and the layer 204 of aluminum foil. . The diameter of the longitudinal body 202 is greater than the diameter of the heat source 105 . The closed first end 203 of the heat source reservoir 201 includes a shallow recess 205 for receiving a portion of the heat source 105 .

The longitudinal body 202 and the closed first end 203 are integrally formed from a polymeric material using injection molding.

5 and 6 , the packs 200 and 300 may include a plurality of heat source storage units 201 in an array.

4 and 5 show a first type of pack 200 further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 comprising a longitudinal body 207, a first end, and an opposing second end. . The first end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 is closed by a layer of aluminum foil 204 . The second end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 is closed by a removable closure 208 . The aerosol-forming substrate 106 is disposed in the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 . The longitudinal body 207 of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 is formed from a polymeric material using injection molding.

The first type of pack 200 further comprises a plurality of elastic elements 209 extending from the longitudinal body 207 of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 into the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 . The plurality of elastic elements 209 are integrally formed with the elongate body 207 from a polymeric material using injection molding.

As shown in FIG. 5 , pack 200 may include a plurality of aerosol-forming substrate reservoirs 206 in an array having a corresponding number of heat source reservoirs 201 .

The aerosol-forming substrate 106 comprises a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the substrate upon heating.

6 shows a second type of pack 300 further comprising an alignment layer 301 overlapping a layer 204 of aluminum foil at the second end 203 of the heat source reservoir 201 . The alignment layer 301 includes an aperture 302 having a plurality of resilient members 303 extending inwardly from an edge of the aperture 302 . The alignment layer 301 is formed of cardboard. As shown in FIG. 8 , the alignment layer 301 may include a plurality of apertures 302 in an array having a corresponding number of heat source reservoirs 201 .

The second type of pack 300 further includes a spacer layer 304 between the alignment layer 301 and the second end of the heat source reservoir 201 . The spacer layer is formed of cardboard and includes apertures 310 . Aperture 310 is aligned with aperture 302 of alignment layer and heat source reservoir 201 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the spacer layer 304 includes a plurality of apertures 310 in an array having a corresponding number of heat source reservoirs 201 and an aperture 302 in the alignment layer 301 . can do.

In use, the aerosol-generating device 100 is initially in the configuration shown in FIG. 2 , the discharge element 108 is in the second position, and the extinguishing sleeve 112 is in the loading position. Filter 119 is inserted into downstream recess 118 and is retained by O-ring 120 .

When the aerosol-generating device 100 is used with the first type of pack 200 , the removable closure 208 is removed and the upstream end of the aerosol-generating device 100 is placed in the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 . is inserted When the upstream end of the elongate body 101 strikes the elastic element 109 , the elastic element 109 is pushed aside and the aerosol-forming substrate 106 passes into the upstream cavity 104 of the aerosol-generating device 100 . . When the elongate body 101 reaches the distal end of the first end of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir 206 , the annular cutting edge 107 is cut through the layer 204 of aluminum foil and into the heat source reservoir 201 . enter As the annular cutting edge 107 cuts through the layer 204 of aluminum foil, it cuts the portion of the aluminum foil that also enters the upstream recess 104 . As the elongate body 101 continues into the heat source reservoir 201 , the heat source 105 enters the upstream recess 104 and is retained by the retaining means 117 . The aerosol-generating device 100 is then removed from the pack 200 .

When the aerosol-generating device 100 is used with the second type of pack 300 , the aerosol-forming substrate is first inserted into the upstream recess 104 . The aerosol-generating device 100 is then inserted through the aperture 302 in the alignment layer. When the aerosol-generating article 100 is misaligned with the heat source 105 , the elastic member 303 closes the heat source 105 until the upstream end of the elongate body 101 reaches the second end of the heat source reservoir 201 . ) and act to push the aerosol-generating article 100 back into alignment. The annular cutting edge 107 is then cut through the layer 204 of aluminum foil as described above, and the heat source 105 is passed into the upstream recess 104 .

When the aerosol-forming substrate 106 and the combustible heat source 105 pass into the upstream recess 104 , they push the exhaust element 108 from the second position to the first position. Once in the first position, the magnet 111 acts to retain the ejection element in the first position. This configuration is shown in FIG. 1 .

Heat source 105 is a combustible heat source as described above and is ignited using a yellow flame lighter. Since the heat source 105 extends further upstream than the upstream end of the elongate body 101 , and the elongate body is provided with a plurality of upstream air inlets 113 , sufficient air reaches the heat source 105 . can do. Heat from the heat source 105 is conducted to the aerosol-forming substrate by the portion of the aluminum foil between the heat source 105 and the aerosol-forming substrate. Heat is also conducted by the thermal conductor 116 to the aerosol-forming substrate 106 , which releases the aerosol. The aerosol is entrained in the air stream passing through the aligned downstream elongate body air inlet 114 and fire sleeve air inlet 115 into the upstream recess 104 . The aerosol is then drawn through the hollow lumen 109 of the discharge element 108 , through the filter 119 , and out of the aerosol-generating device 100 .

Once the experience is over, the extinguishing sleeve 112 is slid from the loading position to the extinguishing position. This limits the amount of air that can access the heat source 105 . Additionally, the heat conductor 116 moves to cover the entire length of the heat source 105 , thereby reducing the temperature of the heat source 105 . All of these effects together extinguish the heat source 105 . This position is shown in FIG. 3 .

The extinguishing sleeve 112 is then moved further upstream from the extinguishing position to the discharging position. This releases the ejection element 108 from the magnet 111 . The compression spring 110 then biases the ejection element 108 from the first position to the second position. The exhaust element 108 pushes the extinguished heat source 105 and the spent aerosol-forming substrate 106 out of the upstream recess 104 . The fire extinguishing sleeve 112 is then moved back from the discharge position to the loading position, leaving the aerosol-generating device as shown in FIG. 2 .

Claims (20)

An aerosol-generating device comprising:
an elongate body extending between the upstream end and the downstream end, the elongate body having an upstream recess for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate and a heat source;
an annular cutting edge capable of piercing or cutting through the layer of brittle material of the pack, the annular cutting edge disposed at the upstream end of the upstream recess; and
an evacuation element disposed within the elongate body, wherein the evacuation element is movable between a first position and a second position, the evacuation element being moved into the upstream recess in the second position than in the first position. Further extending, an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1 , wherein the discharge element comprises a hollow lumen in which the upstream recess is in fluid communication with the downstream end of the elongate body. 3 . The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising pressing means for pressing the ejection element from the first position to the second position. 4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the urging means comprises a compression spring. 5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 3 or 4, further comprising a retainer for retaining the ejection element in the first position. 6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 5, wherein the retainer comprises a magnetic connection. 7. A fire extinguishing sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire extinguishing sleeve has an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein a cut edge of the elongate body extends beyond the upstream end of the fire extinguishing site, a loading position, and the elongate and the extinguishing sleeve is movable relative to the elongate body in the longitudinal direction between extinguishing positions wherein a cutting edge of the body is disposed downstream of the upstream end of the extinguishing sleeve. 8. The fire extinguishing sleeve according to claim 7, wherein the fire extinguishing sleeve is further movable from the fire extinguishing position to a discharge position wherein the cut edge of the elongate body is disposed further downstream of the upstream end of the fire extinguishing sleeve than the fire extinguishing position, and wherein movement of the extinguishing sleeve from the extinguishing position to the venting position causes the venting element to move from the first position to the second position. 9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the aerosol-generating device further comprises at least one air inlet through the elongate body and into the upstream recess. The aerosol of claim 9 , wherein the at least one air inlet comprises at least one upstream air inlet for supplying air to the heat source and at least one downstream air inlet for supplying air to the aerosol-forming substrate. generating device. 11. The fire extinguishing sleeve as recited in claim 10, wherein said fire sleeve comprises at least one sleeve air inlet, said at least one sleeve air inlet when said fire sleeve is in said loading position, said at least one sleeve air inlet and at least one downstream air inlet of said elongate body; aligned and configured to allow air in the loading position to pass through the at least one sleeve air inlet and then to the aerosol-forming substrate through at least one downstream air inlet of the elongate body. . 12. A fire extinguishing sleeve according to any one of claims 7 to 11, disposed in the upstream recess and connected to the fire sleeve so that movement of the fire sleeve between the loading position and the fire extinguishing position causes a corresponding movement of the heat conductor. An aerosol-generating device further comprising a heat conductor to 13 . The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one retaining means disposed in the recess configured to retain a heat source. 14. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the downstream end of the elongate body comprises a downstream recess for receiving the mouthpiece. 15. The aerosol-generating device of claim 14, wherein the recess comprises at least one portion having a reduced diameter. 16. A pack for use with an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, said pack comprising:
a heat source reservoir having a longitudinal body, a closed first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the heat source reservoir second end is closed by a layer of brittle material; and
A pack comprising a heat source disposed in the heat source storage unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
an aerosol-forming substrate reservoir having a longitudinal body, a first end, and an opposing second end, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir first end is closed by the layer of brittle material, the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir first the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir closed at two ends by a removable closure, and
The pack further comprising an aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. 18. The pack of claim 17, wherein the pack further comprises at least one elastic element extending from the longitudinal body of the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir into the aerosol-forming substrate reservoir. 19. The pack of claim 17 or 18, wherein a portion of the layer of brittle material forms a barrier between the heat source and the aerosol-forming substrate. 20. The method of any one of claims 16 to 19, further comprising an alignment layer overlying the layer of brittle material at the second end of the heat source reservoir, the alignment layer being inward from the aperture and the edge of the aperture. The pack comprising at least one elastic member extending to.

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