Patent Description:
The aerosol generating device according to the invention is configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate which presents for example a solid substrate able to form aerosol when being heated. Thus, such type of aerosol generating devices, also known as heat-not-burn devices, is adapted to heat, rather than burn, the substrate by conduction, convection and/or radiation, to generate aerosol for inhalation.

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

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

In order to be able to form aerosol while heating an aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol forming devices define generally an airflow path extending between a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The flow outlet may be arranged on a mouthpiece of the device which is intended to be in contact with the user's lips and/or mouth to inhale the aerosol.

<CIT> discloses an aerosol forming device.

During operation of an aerosol forming device, its surface temperature can achieve an important value and may even burn the user holding the device. Furthermore, in some cases, the user can erroneously blow into the flow outlet instead of inhaling the vapour. In this case, the flow direction can be reversed and the flow will exit by the flow inlet and may thus burn the user. Finally, in some cases, fresh air entering through the flow inlet may be disrupted. This can deteriorate the performances of aerosol generation.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide an aerosol generating device minimizing the risk of user injury and presenting increased performances of aerosol generation.

For this purpose, the invention, as defined in claim <NUM>, relates to an aerosol generating device configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate and comprising:.

By disposing the flow inlet on a side wall of the device, it is possible to prevent hot vapour from burning the user when blowing by mistake. Additionally, it makes it possible to arrange the airflow path at least partially along the side wall of the device. This decreases the surface temperature of this wall. Thus, the user can hold the device without risk of burning. Finally, the arrangement of the flow inlet prevents the risk of masking the inlet for example by the user's hand or a finger. Thus, fresh air can easily enter to the airflow path which enhances the substrate heating effect as convection heating due to getting energy.

According to some embodiments, the flow inlet is formed in a transition zone between the mouthpiece and the housing.

Thanks to these features, the flow inlet can be advantageously arranged in a zone of the side wall of the device which has a very little risk to be masked for example with the user's hand or finger while holding the device. Additionally, according to this arrangement, a reversed flow due for example to user blowing is guided in the direction opposite to the user.

According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece and the housing form a single piece, the transition zone being formed by a smooth surface extending from the mouthpiece to the housing.

Thanks to these features, an aerosol generating substrate can be loaded directly from an opening formed in the mouthpiece.

According to some embodiments, the housing defines an insertion opening extending perpendicularly to the device axis and configured to receive the mouthpiece.

Thanks to these features, the mouthpiece can be removable and eventually replaceable. Additionally, due to such an arrangement, an aerosol generating substrate can be loaded into the heating chamber when the mouthpiece is removed from the device. Then, the substrate can be fixed inside the heating chamber by fixing the mouthpiece on the housing.

According to some embodiments, the mouthpiece defines a recess portion forming the flow inlet when the mouthpiece is inserted into the insertion opening of the housing.

According to some embodiments, the through-hole of the mouthpiece opens to the recess portion.

Thanks to these features, the flow inlet can be easily formed by the space formed between the mouthpiece and the device body.

According to some embodiments, wherein the device body defines an insertion opening on one of its ends suitable to receive a part of the aerosol generating substrate;
when received in the insertion opening, the aerosol generating substrate forming a protruding part from the device body, said protruding part forming a mouthpiece.

Thanks to these features, a part of the aerosol generating substrate can be used as a mouthpiece.

According to some embodiments, the flow inlet is arranged to face ventilation holes of the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, in the case where the aerosol generating substrate is provided with ventilation holes, these ventilation holes can face the flow inlet and thus be exposed to fresh air.

According to some embodiments, the airflow path comprises an upstream portion extending from the flow inlet until an abutting end of the aerosol generating substrate, and a downstream portion extending from said abutting end until the flow outlet through the aerosol generating substrate, when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber;
preferably, the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the open end of the heating chamber.

Thanks to these features, the airflow path can enter and exit by the same open end of the heating chamber. The heating chamber presents thus an air impermeable cup having in particular only one open end.

According to some embodiments, at least a part of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends through the heating chamber outside the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, said part of the upstream portion can conduct fresh air from outside of the device and thus, decreases the surface temperature of the side wall.

According to some embodiments, the heating chamber extends along the device axis and defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a pair of chamber lateral walls facing each other and a pair of chamber contact walls facing each other and intended to be in contact with substrate contact walls of the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, the aerosol generating substrate can be homogenously heated inside the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, said part of the upstream portion of the airflow path extends between at least one chamber lateral wall and the aerosol generating substrate.

Thanks to these features, fresh air can be conducted inside the heating chamber until the abutting end of the aerosol generating substrate without passing through the substrate and then, from the abutting end inside the substrate. Thus, in the inlet portion of the aerosol generating substrate, the air is already pre-heated and the substrate can homogenously be impregnated with the hot air.

According to some embodiments, the sealed end of the heating chamber forms a transition portion between the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the airflow path.

According to some embodiments, the sealed end defines stopping means preventing contact of the abutting end of the aerosol generating substrate with a distal wall of the heating chamber sealing it at the sealed end;
preferably, the stopping means being formed by a rounded shape of the distal wall or a rib extending from the distal wall.

According to some embodiments, the sealed end defines stopping means adapted to form a space between the sealed end and a face of the aerosol generating substrate facing the sealed end when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber.

According to some embodiments, the airflow path comprises a transition portion extending inside the space between the sealed end and the face of the aerosol generating substrate facing the sealed end when the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber. The transition portion may fluidically connect the upstream portion to the downstream portion of the airflow path. For example, the transition portion forms a turn of a flow direction between the upstream portion and the downstream portion having an angle substantially equal to <NUM> degrees.

According to some embodiments, the transition portion of the airflow path forms substantially a U shape in a cross section comprising the device axis.

Thanks to one or several of these features, the direction of the flow can be reversed inside the heating chamber at the sealed end. Thus, the flow can be forced to flow a "U" turn and enter inside the aerosol generating substrate.

According to some embodiments, the only air permeable opening of the heating chamber is formed at the open end.

The invention furthermore relates to an assembly comprising an aerosol generating device as described above, and an aerosol generating substrate.

According to some embodiments of the assembly, the aerosol generating device is configured to operate with the aerosol generating substrate of the assembly.

According to some embodiments of the assembly, the aerosol generating substrate is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

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

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

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

<FIG> shows an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. The aerosol generating device <NUM> is intended to operate with an aerosol generating substrate <NUM> shown in more detail on <FIG>.

An assembly comprises the aerosol generating device <NUM> and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. The aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is in particular inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the assembly comprises the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> being inserted into a heating chamber <NUM> of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. Embodiments of the heating chamber <NUM> are described below.

In reference to <FIG>, the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is for example a flat-shaped cuboid extending along a substrate axis X and having external dimensions LxWxD. In a typical example, the length L of the substrate according to the substrate axis X equals substantially to <NUM> while its width W and depth D are substantially equal respectively to <NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM>. According to different examples, the values L, W and D can be selected within a range of +/- <NUM>%, for example. The depth D of the substrate <NUM> is formed by a pair of parallel walls 13A, 13B, called hereinafter substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B, and the width W of the substrate is formed by a pair of parallel walls 14A, 14B, called hereinafter substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to other embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> can have any other suitable shape and/or external dimensions. For example, the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> may form a circular tube shape.

The aerosol generating substrate <NUM> comprises a heater part <NUM> and a mouthpiece part <NUM> arranged along the substrate axis X. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> may comprise only the heater part <NUM>. The heater part <NUM> may for example be slightly longer than the mouthpiece part <NUM>. For example, the length L2 of the heater part <NUM> according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to <NUM> and the length L1 of the mouthpiece part <NUM> according to the substrate axis X may be substantially equal to <NUM>. The heater part <NUM> defines an abutting end <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and the mouthpiece part <NUM> defines a mouth end <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The heater part <NUM> and the mouthpiece part <NUM> may be fixed one to the other by a unique wrapper extending around the substrate axis X. In other embodiments, the parts <NUM>, <NUM> may be wrapped by different wrappers and fixed one to the other by any other suitable mean. The or each wrapper may, for example, comprise paper and/or non-woven fabric and/or aluminium. The or each wrapper may be porous or air impermeable. The or each wrapper forms a plurality of airflow channels extending inside the substrate <NUM> between the abutting end <NUM> and the mouth end <NUM>.

The heater part <NUM> is intended to be heated by a heater (using a heating chamber in the present example) and comprises vaporizable material as defined above. According to the first and the second embodiments, the mouthpiece part <NUM> is intended to be received inside a mouthpiece as it will be explained in further detail below. According to other embodiments, the mouthpiece part <NUM> forms itself a mouthpiece intended to be in contact with the user's mouth and/or lips. The mouthpiece part <NUM> comprises a core <NUM> acting for example like a filter. The core <NUM> may for example be a foam, or packed strands or fibres. The core <NUM> may be formed through an extrusion and/or rolling process into a stable shape. The substrate may be shaped to provide one or more airflow channels. In the particular example of <FIG>, the mouthpiece part <NUM> defines a plurality of venting holes <NUM> arranged for example according to the whole perimeter of the mouthpiece part <NUM> along two axis perpendicular to the substrate axis X. In other words, according to this example, the venting holes <NUM> are arranged on each wall of the substrate among the substrate lateral walls 13A, 13B and the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. According to another example, the venting holes <NUM> are arranged only on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B or preferably, only on one of the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In both examples, the venting holes <NUM> may be aligned perpendicularly to the substrate axis on the or each corresponding wall of the substrate <NUM>, and can be spaced by a same distance. The venting holes <NUM> allow fresh air entering inside the substrate <NUM> to achieve particular vaping/tasting effects.

Referring again to <FIG>, the aerosol generating device <NUM> comprises a device body <NUM> extending along a device axis Y and forming at least one side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM>. The device body <NUM> comprises a mouthpiece <NUM> and a housing <NUM> arranged successively according to the device axis Y. According to the first embodiment, the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM> form two different pieces. Particularly, according to this embodiment, the mouthpiece <NUM> is designed to be fixed on or be received in an insertion opening <NUM> formed at one of the ends of the housing <NUM>. This opening <NUM> extends perpendicularly to the device axis Y as it is shown on <FIG> where the mouthpiece <NUM> is removed from the housing <NUM>.

In each cross section, the housing <NUM> may for example form a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges. In this case, the housing <NUM> with the mouthpiece <NUM> form at least four side walls <NUM>. According to other embodiments, the housing <NUM> can have a round cross-sectional shape. In this case, it can form with the mouthpiece <NUM> only one side wall <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be sealed at the end opposite to the insertion opening <NUM> receiving the mouthpiece <NUM>. The housing <NUM> can be formed from a single piece or several assembled pieces made of any suitable material like aluminium or plastic. In some embodiments, the material of the housing <NUM> can be a thermally conductive material. In some other embodiments, it can be a thermally insulating material. In some embodiments, the housing <NUM> can form on the corresponding part of the device side wall <NUM> one or several openings suitable for arranging control and/or visual elements. For example, such element may comprise control buttons, touch panels, screens, LEDs, etc. Particularly, in the example of <FIG>, the housing <NUM> forms a slot opening <NUM> receiving for example a LED indicating at least an ON state of the device <NUM>. It can also indicate for example a battery law state, an error state, etc..

The housing <NUM> delimits an internal space of the device <NUM> receiving various elements designed to carry out different functionalities of the device <NUM>. This internal space can for example receive a battery for powering the device <NUM>, a control module for controlling the operation of the device <NUM>, a heating chamber <NUM> for heating the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> and at least one heating element <NUM> for heating the heating chamber <NUM>. Among these elements, only the heating chamber <NUM> and the heating element <NUM> will be explained in further detail in reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows in more detail the mouthpiece <NUM>. In reference to this <FIG>, the mouthpiece <NUM> is delimited by an internal surface <NUM> intended to face the insertion opening <NUM> while assembling the mouthpiece <NUM> with the housing <NUM>, and an external surface <NUM> intended to form with the housing <NUM> at least one side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM>. An external border <NUM> of the internal surface <NUM> is designed to be in a tight contact with a part of an internal border of the insertion opening <NUM> to fix the mouthpiece <NUM> inside the insertion opening <NUM>. The external surface <NUM> has an appropriate shape to be in contact with the user's mouth and/or lips. Each side of the external surface <NUM> can be formed as an extension of the corresponding side of the housing to form an almost continuous side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Particularly, in this case, a discontinuity can be formed in the transition zone between the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

The mouthpiece <NUM> is crossed by a through-hole <NUM> extending along the device axis Y between a recess portion <NUM> and a flow outlet <NUM>. Particularly, the through-hole <NUM> is designed to receive the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> so as the substrate axis X coincides with the device axis Y. Thus, the through-hole <NUM> has the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> and defines internal dimensions slightly greater than the external dimensions of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Particularly, in the example of the figures, the through-hole <NUM> defines a rectangular cross-section to be able to receive the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> shown on <FIG>. In some embodiments, the through-hole <NUM> may have variable cross-sectional dimensions. For example, the through-hole <NUM> can have gradually decreasing cross-sectional dimensions (notably the width) from the recess portion <NUM> to the flow outlet <NUM>. Additionally, the through-hole <NUM> and the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> can have the same length measured respectfully according to the device axis Y and the substrate axis X. According to another embodiment, the length of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> can be less than the length of the through-hole <NUM> so as the mouth end <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> can be flushed at the flow outlet <NUM>.

The recess portion <NUM> corresponds to a cavity formed in both internal and external surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. This cavity can be formed by a first opening extending on the internal surface <NUM> on one side of the through-hole <NUM> from the border <NUM> to this through-hole <NUM> and a second opening extending on the external surface <NUM> from the border following d% of the length of the mouthpiece <NUM> measured according to the device axis Y. The value d can be less than <NUM>, advantageously less than <NUM> and more advantageously less than <NUM>. Thus, when the mouthpiece <NUM> is inserted in the insertion opening <NUM>, the recess portion <NUM> forms an opening <NUM> forming a flow inlet <NUM> as shown on <FIG>. In other words, the flow inlet <NUM> is formed on a side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM> in a transition zone between the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM>.

In the embodiment where the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> comprises the venting holes <NUM>, at least some of these venting holes <NUM> are arranged to face the flow inlet <NUM>.

In reference to <FIG>, the heating chamber <NUM> forms a cup-shaped heating chamber extending along the device axis Y between an open end <NUM> and a sealed end <NUM>. The heating chamber <NUM> is designed to receive the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. For this purpose, the heating chamber <NUM> defines substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Particularly, in the example of the figures, the heating chamber <NUM> defines a rectangular cross-sectional shape with two parallel chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and two parallel chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. The heating chamber <NUM> also defines a distal wall <NUM> arranged perpendicularly to the device axis Y and sealing the sealed end <NUM>. Particularly, the distal wall <NUM> is adjacent to each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B so as to seal the chamber at the sealed end <NUM> and thus, form a cup shape of the chamber opening at the open end <NUM>. Particularly, in this case, the only air permeable opening of the chamber <NUM> is formed at the open end <NUM>. Each of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, <NUM> can be made from a thermally conductive material like a metal. Additionally, at least some of the walls 73A, 73B, 74A, 74B, <NUM> or all of these walls can form a single piece.

The internal dimensions of the heating chamber <NUM> are defined by the length L3 measured according the device axis Y, the width W3 measured as the distance between the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the depth D3 measured as the distance between the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. These internal dimensions L3, W3, D3 are chosen basing on the external dimensions L2, W, D of the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>.

Particularly, the depth D3 of the heating chamber <NUM> is chosen slightly greater than the depth D of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> or substantially equal to this depth D. In this case, the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B can be in contact with the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B when the heater part <NUM> of the of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is received inside the heating chamber <NUM>. Advantageously, in this case, the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B are in a tight contact with the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. In some embodiments, the depth D3 of the heating chamber <NUM> can be even slightly less than the normal depth D of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. In this case, the heating chamber <NUM> and/or the mouthpiece <NUM> is(are) configured to compress the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> by exerting force on the substrate contact walls 14A, 14B. This makes it possible to improve the tight contact between the corresponding contact walls of the heating chamber <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> and thus, to improve heat transfer between these walls.

The width W3 of the heating chamber <NUM> is chosen so as at least one pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber <NUM> and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> forms an airflow channel between them. Advantageously, the width W3 of the heating chamber <NUM> is chosen so as each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B of the heating chamber <NUM> and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> forms an airflow channel between them. In other words, the width W3 of the heating chamber <NUM> is chosen so as to form a distance d1 between each pair of facing lateral walls 73A, 13A or 73B, 13B as it is shown on <FIG>. Particularly, in the example of this Figure, W3=W+2d1. The distance d1 may for example be chosen substantially equal to the depth D3 of the heating chamber <NUM>. In this case, when the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is inserted in the heating chamber <NUM>, an airflow channel of substantially square cross-section is formed along the device axis Y on either lateral side of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Of course, the distance d1 may be chosen equal to any other value depending on the flow rate required inside the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> while its heating.

As it is shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, the length L3 of the heating chamber <NUM> is chosen so as to receive entirely the heating part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> and form stopping means <NUM> at the sealed end <NUM> of the heating chamber <NUM>. In other words, the length L3 is chosen to be strictly greater than the length L2 of the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. The stopping means <NUM> are configured to prevent contact of the abutting end <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> with the distal wall <NUM> of the heating chamber <NUM>. In other words, the stopping means <NUM> are configured to create an airflow channel connecting each of the airflow channels formed between the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>, with each airflow channel formed inside the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the stopping means <NUM> are formed by a rounded shape of the distal wall <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the stopping means <NUM> are formed by at least on rib protruding axially from the distal wall <NUM>.

As shown on <FIG> and <FIG>, the heating element <NUM> is arranged in contact with one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B outside of the heating chamber <NUM>. Particularly, in the example of these Figures, the heating element <NUM> is arranged adjacent to an outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A. The heating element <NUM> may comprise a polyimide film heater extending along substantially the total area of said outer surface of the chamber contact wall 74A or only along a part of this surface. In this last case, said part may form a width substantially equal to the width W of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. The heating element <NUM> is powered by the battery and controlled by the control module of the aerosol generating device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device <NUM> may comprise two heating elements <NUM>, each heating element <NUM> being attached on the outer surface of one of the chamber contact walls 74A, 74B. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device <NUM> further comprises an insulator arranged between the or each heating element <NUM> and an inner surface of the housing <NUM>. The same insulator may also be arranged between an outer surface of each of the chamber lateral walls 73A, 73B and the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

The operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> will now be described. Initially, it is considered that the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is extracted from the device <NUM>. In order to insert it, the user first takes off the mouthpiece <NUM> from the housing <NUM>. Then, the user inserts the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> into the heating chamber <NUM> until the abutting end <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> abuts against the stopping means <NUM> of the heating chamber <NUM>. Then, the user fixes the mouthpiece <NUM> on the housing <NUM> by sliding the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> inside the through-hole <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM> and by inserting the mouthpiece <NUM> in the insertion opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Then, the user can activate the operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> by actuating for example an ON button or by performing a puff. This creates an airflow in an airflow path formed inside the device between the flow inlet <NUM> and the flow outlet <NUM> as it is shown on <FIG>.

The airflow path inside the aerosol generating device <NUM> comprises an upstream portion extending from the flow inlet <NUM> until the abutting end <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>, a transition portion at the sealed end <NUM> of the heating chamber <NUM> and a downstream portion extending from said abutting end <NUM> until the flow outlet <NUM> through the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Particularly, the upstream portion extends through the open end <NUM> of the heating chamber <NUM> and then, between each pair of lateral walls 73A, 13A and 73B, 13B of the heating chamber <NUM> and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>, as it is shown on <FIG>. Then, the transition portion forms a "U" turn inside the heating chamber <NUM> as it is shown on <FIG> and <FIG> and forces the flow to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Finally, the downstream portion extends advantageously only inside the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. In the case when the aerosol generating substrate comprises the venting holes <NUM>, the flow flowing in the downstream portion can further comprise fresh air entered through these holes <NUM>.

As visible in <FIG>, the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> may have for example a flat-plate shape with slotted grooves on both opposite surfaces. The slotted grooves may form at least part of the downstream portion.

<FIG> shows an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to a second embodiment. This aerosol generating device <NUM> is similar to the aerosol generating device <NUM> and notably, is configured to operate with the same aerosol generating substrate <NUM> shown on <FIG>.

An assembly comprises the aerosol generating device <NUM> and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. The aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is in particular inserted into the aerosol generating device <NUM>. For example, the assembly comprises the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> being inserted into a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device <NUM>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the second embodiment also comprises a device body <NUM> defining at least one side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM> and comprising a mouthpiece <NUM> and a housing <NUM> having similar external shapes as respectfully the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM> explained before in relation with the first embodiment. However, according to the second embodiment, the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM> form a single piece. In this case, the aerosol generating substrate can for example be loaded directly from an opening <NUM> of the mouthpiece <NUM>. This opening <NUM> also forms a flow outlet <NUM> similar to the flow outlet <NUM> explained before. The aerosol generating substrate <NUM> can be extracted from the same opening <NUM> using for example an internal extracting mechanism which can be actuated by an actuator <NUM> arranged on the side wall <NUM>.

The or each side wall <NUM> has for example a smooth external surface and defines a transition zone between the mouthpiece <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. Furthermore, as in the previous case, the transition zone defines an opening <NUM> forming a flow inlet <NUM>.

The interior part of the aerosol generating device <NUM> is similar to the interior part of the aerosol generating device <NUM> explained above. Particularly, the aerosol generating device <NUM> comprises the same heating chamber as the heating chamber <NUM> explained before. As in the previous case, the flow inlet <NUM> is in a fluid communication with each of the airflow channels formed between the lateral walls of the heating chamber and the aerosol generating substrate. Additionally, as in the previous embodiment, the flow is forced inside the chamber to follow a "U" turn to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate until the flow outlet <NUM>.

The operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> is also similar to the operation of the aerosol generating device <NUM> explained above. The unique difference consists in the way of loading/extracting of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an aerosol generating device <NUM> according to a third embodiment. This aerosol generating device <NUM> is similar to the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the second embodiment and notably, is configured to operate with the same aerosol generating substrate <NUM> shown on <FIG>.

The aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the third embodiment also comprises a device body <NUM> defining at least one side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM>. Contrary to the previous embodiments, the device body <NUM> according to the third embodiment does not define a mouthpiece. As it is shown on <FIG>, a mouthpiece is formed by at least a part of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>.

Particularly, according to this embodiment, the device body <NUM> forms an insertion opening <NUM> extending perpendicularly to the device axis Y at one of the ends of the device body <NUM>. As in the second embodiment, the opening <NUM> is suitable to receive at least the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Particularly, as in the previous cases, the opening <NUM> communicates with a heating chamber arranged inside the device body <NUM>. This heating chamber is similar to the heating chamber explained above and notably, is adapted to receive the heater part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>.

Contrary to the previous cases, at least a part of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> protrudes from the opening <NUM> forming thus a mouthpiece. In other words, this protruding part of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> is designed to be in contact with the user's lips and mouth while using the device <NUM> and forms a flow outlet <NUM>.

As in the previous cases, a flow inlet <NUM> is formed on the side wall <NUM> of the device body <NUM>. This flow inlet <NUM> is in a fluid communication with each of the airflow channels formed between the lateral walls of the heating chamber and the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. Additionally, as in the previous cases, the flow is forced inside the chamber to follow a "U" turn to flow inside the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> until the flow outlet <NUM>.

When the aerosol generating substrate <NUM> comprises venting holes <NUM>, these venting holes <NUM> may be arranged on the protruding part of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> as it is shown on <FIG>. According to another example, the venting holes <NUM> are arranged on the part of the mouthpiece part <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> which is received inside the device body <NUM>, advantageously to face the flow inlet <NUM> as in the second embodiment.

As in the second embodiment, an actuator <NUM> may be arranged on the side wall <NUM> of the device <NUM> to facilitate the extraction of the aerosol generating substrate <NUM>. According to another example, no actuator is provided on the side wall and the substrate <NUM> is extracted by pulling its protruding part.

An aerosol generating device according to a fourth embodimen has the same structure as the aerosol generating device <NUM> according to the second embodiment, the only difference being in the nature of the substrate <NUM> that the aerosol generating device according to the fourth embodiment is able to receive.

An assembly comprises the aerosol generating device according to the fourth embodiment and the aerosol generating substrate.

Claim 1:
An aerosol generating device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to operate with an aerosol generating substrate (<NUM>) and comprising:
- a device body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) extending along a device axis (Y) and defining at least one side wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) extending along the device axis (Y);
- a cup-shaped heating chamber (<NUM>) defining an open end (<NUM>) and a sealed end (<NUM>) opposite to the open end (<NUM>), the sealed end (<NUM>) being air impermeable, the heating chamber (<NUM>) being configured to receive a heater part (<NUM>) of the aerosol generating substrate (<NUM>) through the open end (<NUM>);
- an airflow path extending between a flow inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and an flow outlet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) through the open end (<NUM>) of the heating chamber (<NUM>),
wherein the airflow path comprises an upstream portion extending from the flow inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) until an abutting end (<NUM>) of the aerosol generating substrate (<NUM>), and a downstream portion extending from said abutting (<NUM>) end until the flow outlet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) through the aerosol generating substrate (<NUM>), when the aerosol generating substrate (<NUM>) is inserted into the heating chamber (<NUM>),
characterized in that the flow inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>) is arranged on the side wall (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the device body (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).