KR20250002153A - Aerosol generating device and assembly, and packaging, enabling easy disposal of consumable items - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (2) is configured to operate with a consumable item (1) and includes a first portion (20) defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable item (1) and heat the consumable item (1) during a vaping session, wherein the consumable item (1) generates an aerosol thereby; and a second portion (40) separable from the first portion (20) and including a grabber (41), wherein the grabber (41) is transformable between an open configuration for the grabber (41) to grip the consumable item (1) when the second portion (40) is separated from the first portion (20), and a holding configuration for the grabber (41) to hold the consumable item (1) such that the consumable item (1) is inserted into the cavity (22) when the first portion (20) and the second portion (40) are assembled.

Description

Aerosol generating device and assembly, and packaging, enabling easy disposal of consumable items

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising an aerosol generating device, and packaging for a plurality of consumable items.

Due to the use and popularity of risk reduction or risk modification devices (also known as vaporizers), assistive devices to help habitual smokers quit smoking traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, and rolled tobacco have grown rapidly in recent years. A variety of devices and systems are available that heat or warm the vaporizable material, as opposed to burning the tobacco in conventional tobacco products.

Commonly available risk reduction or risk modification devices are heated substrate aerosol generating devices or non-combustion heated devices. These types of devices generate an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol substrate, typically comprising wet leaf tobacco or other suitable vaporizable material, to a temperature typically in the range of 150° C. to 350° C., but without combusting the substrate. Handling of the consumables can be problematic because the consumables may be small in volume and therefore difficult to load/unload within the aerosol generating device. Parts of the consumables may be sticky or wet, contaminating the user's hands. Immediately following heating, the consumables may become too hot for safe or acceptable skin contact to occur. Additionally, incorrect handling of the consumables may result in the consumables becoming misplaced within the device during insertion.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide and/or provide an aerosol generating device that enables convenient and safe handling of consumable items and ensures more reliable insertion of consumable items within the device.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device being configured to operate with a consumable article and including a first portion defining a cavity configured to receive the consumable article and heat the consumable article during a vaping session, the consumable article thereby generating an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device further includes a second portion separable from the first portion and including a grabber. The grabber is moveable, and preferably deformable, between an open configuration for the grabber to grasp the consumable article when the second portion is separated from the first portion, and a holding configuration for the grabber to hold the consumable article so that the consumable article is inserted into the cavity when the first and second portions are assembled.

Due to this feature, the second part itself can be used as a tool for grabbing the consumable item, thereby allowing convenient handling of the consumable item even if the consumable item is small, wet, sticky, or still hot from a vaping session. The user does not need to touch the consumable item directly or use an external tool or device to handle it. By assembling the first part and the second part, the consumable item is automatically positioned into the cavity to be heated by the heating element as the consumable item is held by the grabber of the first part, so that when the consumable item is held by the grabber of the first part, the first part itself is also used to accurately position the consumable item within the cavity of the first part. Preferably, the consumable item is held in place within the cavity by the grabber during the vaping session while being heated. Preferably, when the grabber is in the holding configuration and holding the consumable item, the consumable item is released by moving (preferably deforming) the grabber into the open configuration. Due to all these features and advantages, the aerosol generating device may be particularly suitable for single session and/or small consumable items.

That is, the grabber in the open configuration makes it possible to grip the consumable article, in particular if the consumable article is located outside the device, in particular if the consumable article is not yet accommodated within the cavity of the first part, in particular if the consumable article is held separately from the aerosol-generating device by the holder of the packaging. The grabber in the holding configuration makes it possible to hold the consumable article, in particular not only when the first and second parts are assembled, but also when the first and second parts are separated.

Instead of being deformable, the grabber may be configured as a movable portion for moving between the open configuration and the holding configuration, instead of being deformable exactly between the open configuration and the holding configuration.

According to some embodiments, when the grabber is in an open configuration, the insertion opening of the grabber, through which the consumable article is inserted into the grabber to be gripped by the grabber, is directed toward the cavity when the first part and the second part are assembled.

According to some embodiments, the second part comprises a mouthpiece configured to deliver the aerosol to a user.

Due to these features, the second part, when assembled with the first part, conveniently satisfies the purpose of forming a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device as well as the purpose of handling consumable items. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device requires fewer parts and can be ultra-compact. Since the grabber and the mouthpiece are formed by an identical second part that is separable from the first part, the mouthpiece and the grabber can be easily cleaned separately from the first part. Preferably, the second part is free of electronics.

According to some embodiments, the grabber includes an outer surface and is configured to be moved (preferably deformed) into an open configuration by pinching of the outer surface.

According to some embodiments, the outer surface defines two opposing pinching zones adapted to be pinched by a user's finger to move (and preferably deform) the grabber into an open configuration.

These features enable the user to easily grip the consumable item through the second portion, and preferably, to eject the consumable item from the second portion by simply pressing the second portion between the user's fingers.

According to some embodiments, the grabber forms a clip for gripping the consumable item when in an open configuration and for holding the consumable item when in a holding configuration, the clip including an axial leg extending along an opposite side of the consumable item for holding the consumable item when the grabber is in the holding configuration.

Due to these features, the consumable item is firmly gripped and held by the grabber between the legs of the clip.

In some embodiments, the clip and the outer surface are manufactured as a single piece.

In some embodiments, when the grabber is moved (preferably deformed) from a holding configuration to an open configuration, the legs are moved radially apart from each other to enable the consumable item to be gripped into the grabber.

Preferably, this allows for the ejection of the consumable item from the grabber.

In some embodiments, the grabber is configured to resiliently return to the holding configuration when in the open configuration.

Due to this feature, the consumable item will automatically remain fixed to the grabber if the user does not operate the second part.

According to some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device includes a joining means that prevents the grabber from moving into the open configuration when the first part and the second part are assembled.

Due to this feature, the user cannot release the consumable item from the grabber when the first part and the second part are assembled, so that the consumable item cannot be released inside the cavity of the first part and is always held by the grabber. Accordingly, misuse of the aerosol generating device is prevented.

According to some embodiments, the first portion includes a heating element configured to heat the consumable item when the consumable item is accommodated within the cavity.

Due to these features, the first part comprises all the features necessary to generate an aerosol from the consumable item during a vaping session. Optionally, the first part further comprises a power source, such as a battery, for powering the heating element, and an optional control module for controlling the heating element.

According to some embodiments, the heating element is configured to at least partially surround and/or penetrate the consumable item when the consumable item is housed within the cavity.

The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating assembly comprising an aerosol-generating device and a consumable article as defined above. The consumable article comprises a porous element storing a liquid capable of generating an aerosol when heated within the cavity.

These features make consumable items environmentally friendly, as they require reduced materials, features and packaging compared to disposable liquid cartridges, which typically incorporate a solid container and heating element to hold the liquid.

In some embodiments, the consumable item is a single-session consumable item. A session generally means a predetermined number of puffs and/or a predetermined period of time during which the consumable within the device delivers an aerosol.

According to some embodiments, the consumable article has a volume of less than 1000 mm ³ , preferably less than 500 mm ³ , and preferably less than 200 mm ³ , preferably from 50 to 190 mm ³ .

The present invention also relates to packaging for a plurality of consumable items, the packaging comprising a holder defining a plurality of sockets or sheets, each socket or sheet being configured to receive one of the consumable items, the consumable item protruding from the holder when received within the socket or sheet such that a grabber of an aerosol-generating device as defined above can grip the consumable item.

Due to these features, the consumable item is easily placed within the packaging in a manner that allows easy grabbing of the consumable item by the grabber. Preferably, when the vaping session is over, the user can eject the consumed consumable item via the grabber in a manner that the consumable item is placed within the same socket or sheet in which it was initially placed or within another empty socket or sheet.

According to some embodiments, the holder is of a flat shape and the sockets or sheets are arranged in rows and/or columns along the holder.

In some embodiments, instead of the grabber being moved into an open configuration to grip the consumable item, the consumable item is inwardly deformable to be gripped by the grabber when the grabber is in a holding configuration. The grabber can be deformed into the open configuration when the consumable item is held therein to release the consumable item.

According to an independent embodiment of the present invention disclosed above, the grabber is in a holding configuration, while being movable or non-deformable in an open configuration. In this case, the consumable article is inwardly deformable so as to be gripped by the grabber when the grabber is in the holding configuration, and is released from the grabber by withdrawing the consumable article from the grabber. Such independent embodiments may optionally include some or all of the other features defined for the present invention, provided that they are technically compatible with the independent embodiments.

The present invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following description, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol-generating assembly according to the present invention including an aerosol-generating device having a first part and a second part which are separable, wherein the grabber of the second part is in a holding configuration and holds a consumable article;
- Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the consumable item and the second part of Figure 1, wherein the grabber is in an open configuration;
- Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating assembly of Figures 1 and 2, wherein the first part and the second part are separated, and the grabber holds the consumable article in a holding configuration;
- Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 3, in which the first part and the second part are assembled;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the aerosol generating assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the packaging according to the present invention.

Before describing the present 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 this disclosure that the present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

The term "aerosol generating device" or "device" as used herein may include a vaping device for delivering an aerosol, including an aerosol for vaping, to a user by means of an aerosol generating unit (e.g., an aerosol generating element that generates a vapor that condenses into an aerosol before being delivered to an outlet of the device, e.g., in a mouthpiece, for inhalation by a user). The device may be portable. "Portable" may refer to a device that is intended for use when held by a user. The device may be adjusted to generate variable amounts of aerosol, e.g., by activating a heater system for variable periods of time (as opposed to a constant amount of aerosol), which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger, such as a vaping button and/or a puff sensor, may be user-activated. The puff sensor may be sensitive to the intensity of the puff as well as the duration of the puff so that variable amounts of vapor may be provided (e.g., to mimic the effect of smoking a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe). The device may include a temperature control device for bringing the temperature of the heater and/or the heated aerosol-generating material (aerosol precursor) to a particular target temperature and thereafter maintaining the temperature at the target temperature to enable efficient aerosol generation.

The term "aerosol" as used herein may include a suspension of a precursor as one or more of solid particles; liquid droplets; and gas. The suspension may be a gas including air. The aerosol herein may generally refer to/include a vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the precursor.

The terms "aerosol-forming precursor" or "precursor" or "aerosol-forming material" or "material" or "vaporizable material" as used herein are used to refer to any material that is capable of vaporizing in air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is typically accomplished by increasing the temperature to the boiling point of the vaporizable material, such as to a temperature of up to 400° C., preferably up to 350° C. The vaporizable material may comprise or consist of, for example, an aerosol-generating liquid, a gel, or a wax, or an aerosol-generating solid, which may be in the form of a rod comprising processed tobacco material, a pressed sheet or aromatic strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof. The vaporizable material may comprise one or more of nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredients may be carried in a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may comprise propylene glycol or glycerin.

Detailed description of embodiments of the present invention

Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generating assembly comprising a consumable item (1) and an aerosol generating device (2). The aerosol generating device (2) is configured to operate with the consumable item (1) to achieve a vaping session. When the consumable item (1) is consumed, it must be replaced with a new consumable item operated by the same aerosol generating device (2).

Preferably, the consumable article (1) is intersected by a longitudinal axis (X10). The consumable article (1) is preferably cylindrical or tubular in shape and is centered about the axis (X10). The consumable article (1) comprises a porous element (11) which stores a liquid which, when heated in an appropriate manner, is capable of forming an aerosol. The porous element (11) is for example made of a solid foam, the pores of which are impregnated with the liquid. The porous element can also be formed as a fibrous layer (for example a non-woven fabric or a tobacco layer) on a rigid support, such as a tubular element (for example a paper tube). The consumable article (1) preferably defines channels (12) along the axis (X10) through the porous element (11) for the circulation of the aerosol.

The consumable article (1) optionally has an outer tubular housing surrounding the porous element (11) and centered about an axis (X10). The outer tubular housing holds the porous element (11) and is made of a rigid material such as metal or plastic.

Preferably, the consumable article (1) is a single-session consumable article (i.e., an article having dimensions for a single vaping session). To this end, for example, the article (1) comprises an amount of liquid to ensure about 5 to 40 puffs, preferably about 10 to 20 puffs. The size of the consumable article (1) is preferably less than 1000 mm ³ , more preferably less than 500 mm ³ or even less than 200 mm ³ .

The aerosol generating device (2) includes a first part (20) and a second part (40). In Fig. 1, the parts (20 and 40) are separated (i.e., disassembled) as also shown in Fig. 3. The parts (20 and 40) may also be assembled as shown in Fig. 4.

The first part (20) is centered about the longitudinal axis (X20), and the second part (40) is centered about the longitudinal axis (X40), which become coaxial when assembled. For example, when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, the device (2) has an elongated shape along the axes (X20 and X40), such as a cylindrical shape centered about the axes (X20 and X40).

The second part (40) comprises a grabber (41), a mouthpiece (44), and a joining end (43). The mouthpiece (44) and the grabber (41) are arranged sequentially along the axis (X40) and are intersected by the axis (X40), respectively. The joining end (43) is preferably arranged around the periphery of the grabber (41). The mouthpiece (44) forms one longitudinal end of the device (2) and the part (40) when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled. The grabber (41) and/or the joining end (43) form opposite longitudinal ends of the part (40) and constitute an interface for assembling the parts (20 and 40).

The mouthpiece (44) is configured to contact the user's mouth during a vaping session so that the user inhales the aerosol generated by the device (2) during each puff. The mouthpiece (44) preferably defines an aerosol channel (45) for guiding the aerosol from the grabber (41) to the user's mouth. The channel (45) is, for example, centered about the axis (X40) and extends the entire length of the mouthpiece (44). The mouthpiece (44) is preferably made of a rigid material, such as plastic.

In order to be able to join the parts (20 and 40) together parallel to the axes (X20 and X40) and to be able to separate the parts (20 and 40) from each other, the joining end (43) of the second part (40) is complementary to the joining end (23) of the first part (20). The joining end (43) is preferably centered about the axis (X40), while the joining end (23) is centered about the axis (X20). For example, the joining ends (23 and 43) can be joined in a male/female manner, as illustrated in FIG. 4. When the joining ends (43 and 23) are joined, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the parts (20 and 40) are assembled. In order to separate the parts (20 and 40) from each other, the joining ends are separated, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Preferably, the joining end (43) and the grabber (41) are manufactured as an integrally formed product assembled with a mouthpiece (44) constituting another integrally formed product.

The grabber (41) is movable between the open configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 and the holding configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. Preferably, the grabber (41) is movable between the open configuration and the holding configuration by deformation of the grabber (41), as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

Preferably, when in use, the grabber (41) is transformed into an open configuration only when the parts (20 and 40) are separated. In the open configuration, the grabber (41) allows a consumable item (1) to be gripped (i.e., inserted) into the grabber (41) when the grabber (41) does not hold any consumable item, and allows the consumable item (41) to be ejected when the consumable item (1) is held by the grabber (41). In the open configuration, insertion of the item (1) into the grabber (41) is accomplished by inserting the item (1) into an insertion opening of the grabber (41) formed at an end of the second part (40).

In the holding configuration, the article (1) is secured within the grabber (41) (i.e., within the portion (40)). Preferably, in the holding configuration, the article (1) is positioned at the same end of the portion (40) as the end at which the article (1) is gripped. That is, preferably, the article (1) does not need to be inserted from the end opposite to the grabber (41) throughout the second portion (40) in order to be accommodated within the grabber (41).

Preferably, the grabber (41) is configured to resiliently return to the holding configuration when in a deformed configuration. That is, the grabber (41) must be resiliently deformed out of the rest configuration in order to reach the open configuration. The rest configuration may be the holding configuration, or may be another configuration in which the grabber (41) resiliently returns when it is not holding any consumable item.

More precisely, the grabber (41) preferably forms a clip (42) for holding the article (1). The clip (42) is preferably centered about the axis (X40) and, in the case of a holding configuration, surrounds the article (1). The clip (42) enables the grabber (41) to hold and hold the consumable article (1). At least the clip (42) is deformed or moved when the grabber (41) is deformed. For example, the clip (42) comprises axial legs (46), for example four axial legs (46), as can best be seen in FIG. 1. In the holding configuration, the axial legs (46) are close to the axis (X40), preferably parallel to the axis (X40), and extend along opposite sides of the consumable article (1) for holding the consumable article (1). Preferably, the legs (46) are arranged around the entire perimeter of the article (1). In the open configuration, the legs (46) are moved radially apart from each other (i.e., from the axis (X40)), as best seen in FIG. 2, to enable insertion and ejection of the consumable article (1). For example, in the open configuration, the legs (46) are arranged conically about the axis (X40) to enable insertion and ejection of the article (1).

Accordingly, when the consumable item is not held by the grabber (41), the portion (40) is separated from the portion (20), so that the portion (40) can be brought into contact with the desired consumable item (1) by the user. The user can deform the grabber (41) into the open configuration, thereby enabling the grabber (41) to grasp the item (1). Once the item (1) is accommodated within the grabber (41), the user can deform the grabber (41) into the holding configuration, thereby holding (i.e., securing) the grabber to the grabber (41). The user can then assemble the portions (20) and (40) together to begin a vaping session, or can release the item (1) by deforming the grabber (41) back into the open configuration. After the vaping session is complete, the user can detach the portion (20) from the portion (40) and release the consumed article (1) by deforming the grabber (41) back into the open configuration.

Preferably, the second portion (40) comprises an outer surface (47) which can preferably form an integral part with the grabber (41) and/or the engaging end (43). Preferably, the outer surface (47) is tubular and is centered about the axis (X40). The outer surface (47) preferably surrounds the grabber (41). The outer surface (47) preferably connects the engaging end (43) to the mouthpiece (44).

The grabber (41) is configured to be deformed from a holding configuration to an open configuration by pinching of the outer surface (47), i.e. by applying an opposing force radially directed towards the axis (X40) onto the outer surface (47). As best illustrated in FIG. 2, preferably, the outer surface (47) defines two diametrically opposed pinching zones (48) adapted to be pinched by a user's finger to deform the grabber (41) into the open configuration. For example, in order for the outer surface (47) to actuate the deformation of the grabber (41), the outer surface (47) is connected to the grabber (41) by radial spokes (49) that impart a levering action onto the clip (42) such that the pin opens when the surface (47) is pinched by the user.

Preferably, in order to prevent the grabber (41) from being deformed into an open configuration when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, the aerosol generating device (2) comprises a bonding surface (28) which holds the grabber (41) in a holding configuration when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled. For example, the bonding surface (28) is formed by the mating end (23) of the parts (20), which firmly opposes pinching of the outer surface (47) when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled. More precisely, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, the bonding end (23) comprising the surface (28) is preferably inserted into the bonding end (43) so as to be radially interposed between the axis (X20) and the outer surface (47). In this situation, the user cannot pinch the outer surface (47) because the outer surface (47) is adjacent to the surface (28) in a radially inward direction.

Preferably, the grabber (41) also defines a channel (50) connecting the channel (45) to the article (1) when the article (1) is held by the grabber (41) in a holding configuration. The channel (50) is preferably centered about the axis (X40). Thus, the aerosol generated by the article (1) can reach the user's mouth through the successive channels (50 and 45).

Preferably, in the holding configuration, the article (1) is positioned so that the axis (X10) is coaxial with the axis (X40). Preferably, when the article (1) is held by the grabber (41), the channel (12) is centered about the axis (X40) so that the channel (12) is connected to the channel (50).

Preferably, the grabber (41) is configured such that when the article (1) is held by the grabber (1) in a holding configuration, one longitudinal end of the article (1) is connected to the mouthpiece (44) via the channel (50), while the opposite other longitudinal end of the article (1) remains empty for interaction with the portion (20) when the portions (20 and 40) are assembled as defined below.

The first part (20) comprises not only the aforementioned joining end (23), but also the cavity (22), and preferably the housing (21) and the heating element (24). Preferably, the joining end (23) and the cavity (22) are formed at one longitudinal end of the part (20) along an axis (X20) directed toward the part (40) when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled. For example, the joining end (23) is formed around the periphery of the cavity (22). Preferably, the joining end (23) and the cavity (22) are centered about the axis (X20) and intersected by said axis (X20).

The cavity (22) is opened toward the second part (40). As can be best seen in FIG. 4, when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, the consumable article (1) held by the grabber (41) is accommodated within the cavity (22). That is, when the grabber (41) is in a holding configuration, the grabber (41) holds the consumable article (1), thereby allowing the consumable article (1) to be inserted into the cavity (22) while the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, while the consumable article (1) is held by the grabber (41). Preferably, in this configuration, the insertion opening of the grabber (41), through which the article (1) was previously inserted into the grabber (41), is directed toward the cavity (22), or even accommodated within the cavity (22).

During assembly of the parts (20 and 40), the grabber (41) holds the article (1) in a position to bring it into the cavity (22) and insert it therein. Preferably, during the vaping session, the grabber (41) holds the article (1) in position within the cavity (22) and remains in the holding configuration. The cavity (22) itself, when the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, may optionally contribute to holding the consumable article (1) during the vaping session. During separation of the parts (20 and 40), the grabber (41) holds the article (1) so as to extract it from the cavity (22).

The heating element (24) is configured to heat the consumable article (1) while the consumable article (1) is held by the grabber (41) in a holding configuration and while the parts (20 and 40) are assembled, when the consumable article (1) is accommodated in the cavity (22). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating element (24) may protrude from the interior of the cavity (22), for example, along the axis (X20). In this case, the heating element (24) penetrates the consumable article (1) when the consumable article (1) is accommodated in the cavity (22). For example, the heating element (24) is inserted into the interior of the channel (12) of the article (1). In this case, the heating element (24) may be a blade heater or a fin heater. Accordingly, the heating element heats the article (1) from the interior of the article (1). Alternatively, the heating element (24) may surround the cavity (22), form a side wall of the cavity (22), or be in contact with a side wall of the cavity (22). In this case, the heating element (24) may be a thin film heater or an inductive coil. In this last case, the inductive coil may be magnetically coupled with one or more susceptors which are arranged inside the consumable item (1) or are designed to penetrate the consumable item (1). Preferably, if the item (1) does not need to be penetrated, for example by a heating element or a susceptor, while within the cavity (22), the item (1) need not be hollow, and in particular need not have a channel (12).

To generate an aerosol during a vaping session, the heating element (24) heats the article (1) without combusting the article (1), thereby causing vaporization of the liquid contained within the article (1), thereby forming an aerosol. The generated aerosol flows through the channels (50 and 45) to the user's mouth and is inhaled by the user.

The housing (21) of the first portion (20) forms a longitudinal end of the portion (20) facing the joining end (23). The joining end (23), the cavity (22), and the heating element (24) are fixed through the housing (21).

Preferably, the first portion (20) further includes a built-in power supply (25) and a control module (26) accommodated within the housing (21). The power supply (25) may be formed of a battery or the like, and supplies power to the heating element (24) so that the heating element (24) can heat the article (1). The portion (20) preferably includes a charging port (27) for recharging the built-in power supply (25). The control module (26) is an electronic module that controls how and when the heating element (24) heats the article (1). The electronic module (26) may include a memory including a program code, and a processor for executing the program code to control the heating element (24). To properly control the heating element (24), the electronic module (26) may be coupled to a sensor, preferably installed within the portion (20), to determine whether the heating element (24) is active, and/or to a sensor, preferably installed within the portion (20) to determine whether the portions (20 and 40) are assembled, to measure its current temperature. To be controlled by a user, the heating element (24) may be coupled to an interface element, preferably installed within the portion (20), such as a button, a screen, a touchscreen.

The aerosol generating device (2) may also be used in connection with the packaging (70) illustrated in FIG. 5.

The packaging (70) is configured to accommodate a plurality of consumable items (1) to be operated with the device (2). The packaging (70) comprises a holder (71) which is preferably of a planar shape, i.e. flat. The packaging (70) further comprises a socket (72) formed by the holder (71). Each socket (72) preferably forms a blind hole punched into the holder (71). Each socket (72) opens from the same side of the holder (71). All of the sockets (72) are preferably arranged in the same plane. All of the sockets (72) are preferably oriented in the same direction. The sockets (72) are arranged in a plurality of rows (73) and columns (74), preferably spaced apart from each other, to form a grid of sockets (72). The rows (73) are perpendicular to the columns (74). The rows (73) and/or the columns (74) are preferably evenly spaced.

Each socket (72) is configured to receive and hold one consumable item (1), respectively. Accordingly, each socket (72) has a shape complementary to the shape of the consumable item (1) to be received therein. Accordingly, the packaging (70) can receive as many consumable items (1) as there are sockets (72). When the consumable item (1) is received in one of the sockets (72), the axis (X10) is preferably perpendicular to the plane of the holder (71), which is of a flat shape. When the consumable item (1) is received in one of the sockets (72), one longitudinal end of the item (1) protrudes outwardly from the socket (72), and the other longitudinal end of the item (1) is received in the socket (72) such that the item (1) is held by the socket (72).

Since the articles (1) partially protrude from the socket (72), they can be easily grasped by the grabber (41), as shown in FIG. 5. To this end, the user positions the second portion (40) over the desired article (1) held by the holder (71) and deforms the grabber (41) into an open configuration to grasp the article (1) by the protruding longitudinal end of the article. Once the grasped article (1) is accommodated in the grabber (41), the user deforms the grabber (41) into a holding configuration, whereby the article (1) is held by the grabber (41). Then, the user can move the portion (40) away from the holder (71) so that the article (1) held by the grabber (41) is extracted from the socket (72).

When one of the sockets (72) is empty, the user can eject a consumable item (1) (e.g., a spent consumable item (1) after a vaping session) into the socket (72). To do this, the user positions the portion (40) holding the item (1) so as to insert the item (1) into an available socket (72). Once the item (1) is positioned within the socket (72), the user deforms the grabber into an open configuration, thereby causing the grabber (41) to eject the item (1) into the socket (72). The user can then move the portion (40) away from the socket (72) and finally position the grabber (41) so as to deform it back into its resting configuration.

Claims (15)

As an aerosol generating device (2),
The above aerosol generating device (2) is configured to operate together with a consumable item (1).
- a first portion (20) defining a cavity (22) configured to receive the consumable item (1) and heat the consumable item (1) during a vaping session, wherein the consumable item (1) generates an aerosol accordingly; and
- Includes a second part (40) that is separable from the first part (20) and includes a grabber (41),
The above grabber (41) is,
When the second part (40) is separated from the first part (20), the grabber (41) has an open configuration for gripping the consumable item (1),
When the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled, the grabber (41) is movable between holding configurations for holding the consumable item (1) so that the consumable item (1) is inserted into the cavity (22).
Aerosol generating device (2). In the first paragraph,
The above grabber is an aerosol generating device (2) that is transformable between the above open configuration and the above holding configuration. In paragraph 1 or 2,
The second part (40) is an aerosol generating device (2) including a mouthpiece (44) configured to deliver the aerosol to a user. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
The above second part (40) includes an outer surface (47),
The aerosol generating device (2) is configured such that the grabber (41) is moved to the open configuration by pinching of the outer surface (47). In paragraph 4,
An aerosol generating device (2), wherein the outer surface (47) defines two opposing pinching zones (48) adapted to be pinched by a user's finger to move the grabber (41) into the open configuration. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The above grabber (41) forms a clip (42) for gripping the consumable item (1) in the case of the open configuration and for holding the consumable item (1) in the case of the holding configuration.
An aerosol generating device (2), wherein the clip (42) comprises an axial leg (46) extending along an opposite side of the consumable article (1) to hold the consumable article (1) when the grabber (41) is of the holding configuration. In Article 6,
An aerosol generating device (2), wherein when the grabber (41) is moved from the holding configuration to the open configuration, the axial legs (46) are moved radially away from each other so as to enable the consumable item (1) to be gripped within the grabber (41). In any one of claims 1 to 7,
The above grabber (41) is an aerosol generating device (2) configured to elastically return to the holding configuration when in the open configuration. In any one of claims 1 to 8,
The aerosol generating device (2) comprises a bonding surface (28) that prevents the grabber (41) from moving into the open configuration when the first part (20) and the second part (40) are assembled. In any one of claims 1 to 9,
The above first part (20) is an aerosol generating device (2) including a heating element (24) configured to heat the consumable article (1) when the consumable article (1) is accommodated in the cavity (22). In Article 10,
An aerosol generating device (2), wherein the heating element (24) is configured to surround and/or penetrate the consumable item (1) when the consumable item (1) is accommodated within the cavity (22). As an aerosol generating assembly,
It comprises the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the consumable article (1).
The above consumable article (1) comprises a porous element (11) that stores a liquid capable of generating the aerosol when heated within the cavity (22).
Aerosol generating assembly. In Article 12,
The above consumable item (1) is an aerosol generating assembly, which is a single-session consumable item (1). As a packaging (70) for multiple consumable items (1),
The above packaging (70) includes a holder (71) and defines a plurality of sockets (72) formed within the holder (71).
Each socket (72) is configured to accommodate one of the consumable items (1),
The consumable item (1) protrudes from the holder (71) when accommodated in the socket (72) so that the grabber (41) of the aerosol generating device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 can grip the consumable item (1).
Packaging (70) for multiple consumable items (1). In Article 14,
Packaging (70) wherein the holder (71) has a flat shape and the sockets (72) are arranged in rows (73) and/or columns (74).