阅读说明：本技术 具有可移动附接烟嘴的气溶胶生成装置 (Aerosol-generating device with a removably attached mouthpiece ) 是由 严俊伟 于 2020-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种包括主体(10)和烟嘴(12)的气溶胶生成装置。主体包括用于接收气溶胶形成基质的加热室(14)。烟嘴可移动地连接到主体。烟嘴被构造成可相对于主体在第一位置与第二位置之间的第一运动中移动。第一位置是气溶胶生成装置的操作位置。在第二位置,加热室至少部分地暴露。烟嘴被构造成可相对于主体在第二位置与第三位置之间的第二运动中移动。烟嘴从第二位置到第三位置的第二运动被构造成触发事件。(The invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising a body (10) and a mouthpiece (12). The body comprises a heating chamber (14) for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece is movably connected to the body. The mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position. The first position is an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. In the second position, the heating chamber is at least partially exposed. The mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a second motion between a second position and a third position. A second movement of the mouthpiece from the second position to the third position is configured to trigger an event.)

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

a body comprising a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate; and

a mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece is movably connected to the body,

wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position,

wherein the first position is an operating position of the aerosol-generating device,

wherein in the second position the heating chamber is at least partially exposed,

wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a second motion between the second and third positions,

wherein a second movement of the mouthpiece from the second position to the third position is configured to trigger an event, wherein the event comprises any one or more of:

at least partially ejecting a used aerosol-generating article;

a heating element to at least partially eject the heating chamber;

at least partially ejecting the heating chamber;

starting a cleaning cycle of the heating chamber;

starting a pyrolysis cleaning cycle of the heating chamber;

a signal is initiated from the controller to output one or more pieces of information on the user interface.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the mouthpiece is in the second position, the device is configured to facilitate at least one or more of:

proximate the heating chamber;

cleaning the heating chamber;

displaying information about the aerosol-generating device; and

proximate to elements of the aerosol-generating device other than the heating chamber.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece is pivotally attached to the body.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3, wherein the first motion and the second motion are the same type of motion.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first motion and the second motion are different types of motion.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first motion is a pivoting motion, preferably wherein the angle between the mouthpiece in the first position and the mouthpiece in the second position is 90 °.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second motion is a pivoting motion, preferably wherein the angle between the mouthpiece in the second position and the mouthpiece in the third position is 90 °.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the pivotal movement comprises movement of the mouthpiece about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is:

a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being an axis along a longitudinal length of the aerosol-generating device; or

A transverse axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the device; or

A central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a sliding element, and wherein one of the first and second motions is a pivoting motion and the other of the first and second motions is a sliding motion.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece is slidably attached to the body.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to trigger the event during or in response to the second motion by using mechanical energy of the first motion.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a power source and a sensing device,

wherein the sensing device is configured to detect one or more of the first motion and the second motion, and

wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to trigger the event by using electrical energy of the power source.

13. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a crankshaft connected with the mouthpiece for converting pivotal movement of the mouthpiece into linear movement of a lever connected to the crankshaft, wherein the lever is configured to at least partially facilitate ejection of the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

14. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a temperature sensing device configured to measure the temperature inside the heating chamber, and wherein the device comprises a controller configured to prevent one or more of the first motion or reverse first motion if a temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the heating chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Background

It is known to provide aerosol-generating devices for generating an inhalable vapour. Such aerosol-generating devices may heat the aerosol-forming substrate without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Such aerosol-forming substrates may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. Such aerosol-generating devices may be arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape to insert the aerosol-generating article into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Typically, the aerosol-forming substrate is vaporised by the heating element, followed by formation of the aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The user may inhale the generated aerosol through the mouthpiece. A mouthpiece may be disposed at the proximal end of the heating chamber. After use of the aerosol-generating article, it may be difficult to retrieve the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber. It may also be generally difficult to access the heating chamber, for example, to clean the heating chamber or to replace or repair one or more components (e.g., heating elements) of the heating chamber.

It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that improves aerosol-generating article ejection. It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that improves access to the heating chamber. It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that improves cleaning of the heating chamber. It is desirable to have an aerosol-generating device that improves access to one or more elements of the aerosol-generating device other than the heating chamber.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a body. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The body may comprise a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position. The first position may be an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. In the second position, the heating chamber may be at least partially exposed. A first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to trigger an event. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body in a second motion. The second motion may be between the second position and the third position. In some embodiments, the third position may be the same as the first position. A second movement of the mouthpiece from the second position to the third position may be configured to trigger an event.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising a body and a mouthpiece. The body comprises a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece is movably connected to the body. The mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position. The first position is an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. In the second position, the heating chamber is at least partially exposed. The mouthpiece is configured to be movable relative to the body in a second motion between a second position and a third position. A second movement of the mouthpiece from the second position to the third position is configured to trigger an event.

In some embodiments, the first motion may optionally be configured to trigger an event.

In some embodiments, the third position may be the same as the first position.

At least partially exposing the heating chamber in the second position may enable access to the heating chamber. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may facilitate removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber after use. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber prior to use. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may facilitate replacement of a used or at least partially used aerosol-generating article after use. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may enable access to a heating element disposed in the heating chamber. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may be accomplished by exposing the opening to the heating chamber. One or both of an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate may be received in the heating chamber when the heating chamber is at least partially exposed. At least partially exposing the heating chamber may enable access to one or both of the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article may be removed or ejected from the heating chamber after use in the second position of the mouthpiece. In the second position of the mouthpiece, at least one side of the heating chamber may be fully exposed.

In addition to at least partially exposing the heating chamber in the second position, an event is triggered by a second motion of the mouthpiece in which the mouthpiece is moved from the second position to a third position. Thus, movement of the mouthpiece may be used to perform two functions, namely at least partially exposing the heating chamber and triggering an event. The first motion and the second motion are different motions.

As used herein, an "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a smoking article. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated may be an aerosol that may be inhaled directly into the lungs of the user through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrical heating device. The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating chamber. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The electrical circuit, power supply, heating chamber and heating element are preferably arranged in the body of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. If access to the heating chamber is described in this disclosure, such access may alternatively refer to access to the liquid storage portion. When access to the liquid storage portion is facilitated, new liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided into the liquid storage portion.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the mouth of the user. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. Smoking articles comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco may be referred to as tobacco rods.

The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between about 30mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter segment. The filter segment may be located at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter segment may be a cellulose acetate filter segment. In one aspect, the length of the filter segment is about 7mm, but may have a length of between about 5mm to about 10 mm.

In one aspect, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm. Further, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 10 mm. Alternatively, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 12 mm. Further, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a diameter of between about 5mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a separator between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter segment of the filter. The divider may be about 18mm, but may be in the range of about 5mm and about 25 mm.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol former which aids in the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: a powder, granule, pellet, chip, strand, strip, or sheet containing one or more of herbaceous plant leaf, tobacco rib stock, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds which are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules, for example containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5% on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former in an amount of between 5 and 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise combining one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may comprise one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, processing, handling and transporting the tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders that are tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders that are tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof, to aid in agglomeration of the particulate tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, strands, ribbons or sheets. Alternatively, the support may be a tubular support having a thin layer of solid substrate deposited on its inner surface or its outer surface or both. Such tubular supports may be formed from, for example, paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fibre mats, low mass open mesh metal screens or perforated metal foils or any other thermally stable polymer substrate.

In a particularly preferred aspect, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. This advantageously promotes aggregation of the crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material to form the aerosol-generating substrate. However, it will be appreciated that the embossed sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are arranged at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. In certain aspects, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material that is textured substantially uniformly over substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, a foam, a gel or a slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern so as to provide uneven flavour delivery during use.

An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyldodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, for example, triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may also be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, for example flavourants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavours. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be represented as a cartridge.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the heating element. The power may be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and preferably control the supply of electrical power to the heating element in dependence on the resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the aerosol-generating device. In one aspect, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heater.

In all aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and alloys containing nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, cobalt, chromium, iron, and chromium,And superalloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated by or coated by the insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of the energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties.

The heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element or both, wherein "internal" and "external" are for the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a sleeve or substrate having different conductive portions, or a resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating pins or rods extending through the centre of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include electrical wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wires or heater plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited within or on a rigid carrier material. In one such aspect, the resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a trace on a suitable insulating material (e.g., a ceramic material) and then sandwiched in another insulating material (e.g., glass). Heaters formed in this manner may be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (e.g., polyimide). The flexible heating foil may be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal mesh, flexible printed circuit board, Molded Interconnect Device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a suitable shaped substrate using coating techniques (e.g., plasma vapor deposition). The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a trace between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink or reservoir comprising a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and then releasing the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate over time. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one aspect, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material), or the material is one that is capable of absorbing and then releasing heat via a reversible process (e.g., high temperature phase change). Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fiber, minerals, metals or alloys such as aluminum, silver or lead, and cellulosic materials such as paper. Other suitable materials that release heat via a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, optimum salt mixtures or alloys. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be arranged such that it directly contacts the aerosol-forming substrate and may transfer stored heat directly to the substrate. Furthermore, heat stored in the heat sink or heat reservoir may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate via a thermally conductive body (e.g. a metal tube).

The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction. The heating element may at least partially contact the substrate or a support on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, heat from the internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by a heat conducting element.

During operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be fully contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user may draw on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device.

The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body by any known connection means. Preferably, the mouthpiece is connected to the body by a hinge.

When the mouthpiece is in the second position, the device may be configured to facilitate access to the heating chamber. In the second position of the mouthpiece, the aerosol-generating article may be inserted into or removed from the heating chamber.

The device may be configured to facilitate cleaning of the heating chamber when the mouthpiece is in the second position. In the second position of the mouthpiece, access may be made to a heating element arranged in the heating chamber for cleaning the heating element. The heating element may be manually cleaned by inserting a cleaning tool (e.g., a brush) into the heating chamber. Preferably, access to the heating element may be facilitated after removal of the used aerosol-generating article. After removing the used aerosol-generating article, the user may manually clean the heating element and subsequently insert a new aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the heating element and the heating chamber may be automatically cleaned during the first movement of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a cleaning element, such as a scraping element, configured to scrape off unwanted components of one or more of the heating element and the inner wall of the heating chamber. The cleaning element is preferably mechanically connected to the mouthpiece such that a first movement of the mouthpiece moves the cleaning element. Alternatively, the cleaning element may be electrically actuated, for example by a linear motor. The cleaning element may have a shape that is adapted to the shape of one or more of the heating element and the heating chamber. The cleaning element may have a circular shape that contacts an inner wall of the heating chamber. The cleaning element may be configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.

The device may be configured to facilitate display of information about the aerosol-generating device when the mouthpiece is in the second position. The display of information may be an optical or tactile display of information. The information may comprise the depletion state of the aerosol-generating article. A display may be provided to display information. The display may be arranged outside the aerosol-generating device. The display may be arranged on the exterior of the body of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, the auxiliary device may be used to display information. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a communication interface to enable information to be communicated between the aerosol-generating device and the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. The information displayed may include different parameters such as the status of the cleaning operation, the number of puffs remaining, and the temperature in the heating chamber.

When the mouthpiece is in the second position, the device may be configured to facilitate access to elements of the aerosol-generating device other than the heating chamber. Access to the power supply of the aerosol-generating device may be facilitated. This may enable charging or replacement or maintenance of the power supply. An opening may be provided to access an element of the aerosol-generating device in the second position of the mouthpiece.

When the mouthpiece is in the second position, the device may be configured to facilitate one or more of: access to the heating chamber, cleaning the heating chamber, displaying information about the aerosol-generating device, and access to elements of the aerosol-generating device other than the heating chamber. Access to additional components may be facilitated by a heating chamber. Access to the further element may be facilitated by a further opening in addition to the heating chamber, preferably from a side of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a reservoir. The supply container may be configured to hold a new aerosol-generating article. The reserve container may be disposed proximate the heating chamber. The reservoir may be arranged at the same side of the aerosol-generating device. The reservoir may have a shape such that the aerosol-generating article may be contained in the reservoir. The supply container may be used to remove new aerosol-generating articles after they are used in the heating chamber. In the second position of the mouthpiece, access to the heating chamber and the reservoir may be facilitated. A user may remove a used aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber and place a new aerosol-generating article from the reservoir into the heating chamber. Alternatively, the user may place another new aerosol-generating article in the reservoir.

By the first motion, the aerosol-generating article may be at least partially ejected from the heating chamber. To this end, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism may be a mechanical ejection mechanism or an electrical ejection mechanism. In the second position of the mouthpiece, the aerosol-generating article may be at least partially ejected from the heating chamber. At least partially ejecting a used aerosol-generating article may simplify the gripping and removal of the aerosol-generating article by a user. Alternatively or additionally, a new aerosol-generating article positioned in the reservoir may be ejected at least partially by the first motion. In the second position of the mouthpiece, a new aerosol-generating article may be at least partially ejected from the reservoir. The same or another ejection mechanism may be used to at least partially eject a new aerosol-generating article from the reservoir. The ejection mechanism can be configured to encompass the cleaning elements described herein. Preferably, the ejection mechanism has a dual function. The first function may be one or more of ejecting at least in part used aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber and ejecting new aerosol-generating article from the reservoir. The second function may be to move the cleaning element so as to at least partially clean one or more of the heating element and the heating chamber.

In the first position, the mouthpiece may close the heating chamber. In addition to the air outlet, the mouthpiece may close the heating chamber. The air outlet may be for flowing aerosol through the air outlet and through the mouthpiece towards the mouth of the user. Thus, the first position may be an operating position.

The mouthpiece may be disposed at the proximal end of the device. Instead of a mouthpiece, a cover plate, handle or lid may be movably attached to the body. As used herein, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative position of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

In use, the generated aerosol may exit the aerosol-generating device through the mouthpiece towards the user. The mouthpiece may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user may draw on the proximal end or mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a distal end opposite the proximal end or mouthpiece. The proximal end or mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or portions of components of an aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouthpiece and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol-generating device.

The mouthpiece may be configured such that the first movement of the mouthpiece occurs before the second movement of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be configured such that the first and second movements may occur simultaneously.

In addition to the function performed by the first movement (at the end of which the mouthpiece is positioned in the second position), the mouthpiece is configured to trigger an event by or after a second movement at the end of which the mouthpiece is positioned in the third position.

The event may comprise at least partially ejecting a used aerosol-generating article. In particular, if the heating chamber is accessible in the second position of the mouthpiece, it is preferred that the used aerosol-generating article is facilitated to be at least partially ejected by the second movement of the mouthpiece. The event may comprise a complete ejection of the used aerosol-generating article. Removal of the aerosol-generating article may be simplified in this way.

For at least partially ejecting a used aerosol-generating article, an ejection mechanism as described herein may be utilized. The ejection mechanism may be configured as a mechanical ejection mechanism. Alternatively, the ejection mechanism may be configured as an electrical ejection mechanism. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mechanical device for converting one or both of the first motion of the mouthpiece and the second motion of the mouthpiece into linear motion of one or more components of the aerosol-generating device, in particular the ejection mechanism. Linear motion may also be referred to as translational motion. The ejection mechanism may be configured to move along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The event may include at least partially ejecting the heating element. Partially ejecting the heating element may simplify one or more of the following: removing the aerosol-generating article, cleaning the heating element, servicing the heating element, and replacing the heating element. Ejection of the heating element at least in part may be facilitated by an ejection mechanism as described herein. Preferably, the heating element may be ejected at least partially together with at least partially ejecting the used aerosol-generating article.

The event may include at least partially ejecting the heating chamber. Partially ejecting the heating chamber may simplify one or more of the following: removing the aerosol-generating article, cleaning the heating chamber, repairing the heating chamber, and replacing the heating chamber. Ejection of the heating chamber, at least in part, may be facilitated by an ejection mechanism as described herein. Preferably, the heating chamber may be ejected at least partially together with the at least partially ejected heating element and the used aerosol-generating article.

The event may include initiating a cleaning cycle of the heating chamber. This aspect is particularly preferred if the third position is the same as the first position. In other words, this aspect is particularly preferred if the mouthpiece returns to the first position during the second movement. During the cleaning cycle, unwanted residue may be removed from one or both of the heating chamber and the heating element.

The event may include initiating a pyrolysis cleaning cycle of the heating chamber. This aspect is particularly preferred if the third position is the same as the first position. After the mouthpiece is placed again in the first position, pyrolysis may be activated. Unwanted residue from the aerosol-generating substrate may remain in the heating chamber or on the heating element or both after operation of the aerosol-generating device. The unwanted residue may comprise or consist of organic compounds. The heat release of the organic compounds can take place by pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is the process by which chemical compounds decompose due to the action of heat. The organic compounds are typically pyrolyzed to form organic vapors and liquids that may migrate away from the heating element, thereby leaving the heating element in a clean state. The controller may be programmed to actuate the heating element through a first thermal cycle in which the temperature of the heating element may be raised to a first temperature of about 375 degrees celsius. This may allow an aerosol to be formed from an aerosol-forming substrate disposed proximate to the heating element. The controller may also be programmed to activate the heating element with a second thermal cycle in which the temperature of the heating element may be raised to a second temperature of about 550 degrees celsius for a time of about 30 seconds. This may allow decomposition or pyrolysis of the organic material deposited on the heating element or chamber.

An event may include initiating a signal from the controller to output one or more pieces of information as described herein on the user interface.

The event may comprise one or more, in particular more, of the following: the method includes the steps of at least partially ejecting used consumables, at least partially ejecting a heating element of a heating chamber, at least partially ejecting the heating chamber, initiating a cleaning cycle of the heating chamber, initiating a pyrolytic cleaning cycle of the heating chamber, and initiating a signal from a controller to output one or more pieces of information on a user interface.

The second position may be an intermediate position between the first position and the third position. In some aspects, the third position may be the same as the first position. Illustratively, the first movement may be a pivoting movement of the mouthpiece through 180 degrees to achieve access to the heating chamber. The second movement may be a continuation of the mouthpiece through another 180 degree pivotal movement. The total pivoting movement after the first and second movement in the same direction may be a total rotation of 360 degrees. Alternatively, reverse pivoting motion may be facilitated during the second motion, with a total net rotation of 0 degrees. Thus, the mouthpiece may be configured to close the heating chamber in both the first and third positions, and may be configured to enable access to the heating chamber in the second position. In a third position, a pyrolytic cleaning may be initiated.

By the two-part movement of the mouthpiece, the user may have tactile feedback on the movement. Thus, the user can move the mouthpiece and identify the position of the mouthpiece and thus the current function without having to look at the mouthpiece. The first motion may cover the first distance and the second motion may cover the second distance. The two movements may be in the same direction. The aerosol-generating device may be configured such that a mechanical resistance is generated in the second position such that the user experiences tactile feedback when the mouthpiece is in the second position.

The mouthpiece may be pivotally attached to the body. The pivotal attachment between the body and the mouthpiece may be facilitated by a hinge. The mouthpiece may be configured to pivot away from the heating chamber. The user may open the mouthpiece with a finger, such as a thumb. The attachment between the mouthpiece and the body may be permanent. The mouthpiece may be attached to an edge of the proximal end of the body. The pivotal attachment may enable the mouthpiece to be pivotally moved relative to the body. The pivoting movement may also be referred to as a rotational movement.

The first motion and the second motion may be the same type of movement. The first and second movements may be pivoting movements. By configuring these motions to be from the same type, it may be simplified to perform these motions. The two motions may have different tactile characteristics to distinguish between the motions. Illustratively, the two movements may include mechanical resistance. The second motion may have a higher mechanical resistance than the first motion, and vice versa.

Alternatively, the first and second movements may be different types of movements. Illustratively, the first motion may be a pivoting motion and the second motion may be a linear motion, or vice versa.

Both the first motion and the second motion may be linear motions. The first movement may be a sliding movement perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device to at least partially expose the heating chamber. The second movement may be a sliding movement along or transverse to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device to at least partially eject the used aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

Instead of partially exposing the heating chamber at the second position by means of the mouthpiece, a different part from the mouthpiece may be moved to partially expose the heating chamber.

If the first movement is a pivoting movement, the angle between the mouthpiece in the first position and the mouthpiece in the second position may be 90 °. In this way access to the heating chamber for removal and insertion of aerosol-generating articles may be facilitated. In the first position, the mouthpiece may be positioned in a horizontal position. After rotation to the second position, the mouthpiece may be arranged in an upright position. Thus, the first movement may be a pivoting movement from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

If the second movement is a pivoting movement, the angle between the mouthpiece in the second position and the mouthpiece in the third position may be 90 °. During or after the second movement, an event is triggered. By means of the second movement, the mouthpiece can be moved again from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The first and second motions together may cause the mouthpiece to move 180 °. In the third position, the mouthpiece may be repositioned in the first position. Alternatively, in the third position, the mouthpiece is rotated 180 ° relative to the first position. In the third position, the mouthpiece is fully flipped open compared to the first position.

The pivotal movement may comprise movement of the mouthpiece about a pivot axis. The pivot axis may be a longitudinal axis, which may be an axis along the longitudinal length of the aerosol-generating device. The pivot axis may be a transverse axis, which may be transverse to the longitudinal axis of the device. The pivot axis may be a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The central longitudinal axis may pass through a geometric centre or centre of gravity of the aerosol-generating device. The hinge may be vertically arranged and configured to enable pivotal movement of the mouthpiece about a longitudinal axis or a central longitudinal axis. The hinge may be horizontally arranged and configured to enable pivotal movement of the mouthpiece about the transverse axis.

The mouthpiece may comprise a sliding element. The first movement may be a pivoting movement and the second movement may be a sliding movement, or vice versa. Preferably, the sliding motion is a linear motion. Thus, different types of movements may be combined. The pivoting motion may move the mouthpiece away from the heating chamber to enable access to the heating chamber. The sliding movement as the second movement of the mouthpiece can be easily distinguished from the first movement by the user.

To facilitate the sliding motion, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a sliding element. The sliding element may comprise a sliding shaft. The mouthpiece may be configured to slide along a sliding axis. The sliding shaft may be arranged along or parallel to a longitudinal axis or a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, the sliding elements may be configured in a vertical arrangement. Alternatively, the sliding element may be horizontally arranged and configured to enable sliding movement along or parallel to the transverse axis.

The mouthpiece may comprise a base support. The base support may be arranged at the base of the heating chamber when the mouthpiece is in the first position. During the sliding movement, the base support may cause the aerosol-generating article to be ejected from the heating chamber. In this regard, the base support may be arranged upstream of and in contact with the aerosol-generating article such that linear motion of the mouthpiece may simultaneously move the aerosol-generating article. To facilitate the pivoting movement during the first movement, a hinge may be provided between the mouthpiece and the body of the aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may comprise a sliding element to facilitate a subsequent sliding movement during the second movement. If the first motion is configured as a sliding motion, the sliding element may be arranged between the body and the mouthpiece and configured such that the mouthpiece may be slidably attached to the body. In this case, the mouthpiece preferably comprises a hinge to enable pivotal movement during the second movement.

The sliding element may comprise a stop for limiting the sliding movement.

In another aspect, rotational motion and linear motion may be combined. For example, rotation of the mouthpiece may cause the heating element to rotate to scrape off unwanted components from the inside walls of the heating chamber, while at the same time the heating chamber may be accessed using linear movement of the mouthpiece. In this respect, the heating element may advantageously be configured as a mesh heater, preferably a tubular mesh heater, preferably arranged adjacent to an inner side wall of the heating chamber.

The mouthpiece may be configured to trigger an event during or in response to the second motion by using the mechanical energy of the first motion. According to this aspect, power from the power source may not be required to facilitate triggering of the event. Preferably, the event is facilitated by using mechanical energy of the first motion. The triggering of the event or the event itself may be facilitated by using the mechanical energy of the second motion. In particular, a mechanical device as described herein may be used to use the mechanical energy of one or both of the first and second motions for an event. The device may comprise a crankshaft connected with the mouthpiece for converting pivotal movement of the mouthpiece into linear movement of a lever connected to the crankshaft. The lever may be configured to at least partially facilitate ejection of the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber. Thus, ejection of the aerosol-generating article may be improved. The ejected aerosol-generating article can be easily gripped and removed by a user. By means of the lever, leverage can be facilitated to define the degree of ejection of the aerosol-generating article. The crankshaft may be such that when the mouthpiece is moved to the third position, preferably back to the first position, the mouthpiece is enabled to reverse movement to lower a new aerosol-generating article back into the heating chamber. The mechanical means may illustratively comprise a crankshaft and lever to convert pivotal movement of the mouthpiece into linear movement of the ejection mechanism to eject one or more of used aerosol-generating article, a new aerosol-generating article in the reservoir, the heating element and the heating chamber.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source and a sensing device. The transmitting device may be configured to detect one or both of the first motion and the second motion. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to trigger an event by using electrical energy of the power source. The operation can be simplified by using the power of the power source. In particular, comfortable use of the aerosol-generating device may be achieved by triggering an event using electrical energy of the power supply. The power source may be used to power the heating element and simultaneously to trigger an event. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a motor controlled by the controller to move one or both of the ejection device and the mechanical device. The controller may be configured to control operation of the motor when the sensing device detects one or both of the first motion and the second motion.

The apparatus may include a temperature sensing device configured to measure a temperature of an interior of the heating chamber. The controller may be configured to prevent movement of the mouthpiece, preferably the first movement, if the temperature sensing device detects that the temperature within the heating chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold. The sensing device may be configured as a sensor. The sensing device may be configured as a heating element, wherein the resistance of the heating element may be measured and utilized by the controller to determine the temperature of the heating element. If the heating chamber, and hence the mouthpiece, is too hot, preventing the first movement may prevent the user from experiencing undesirably high temperatures. Preventing this movement may be beneficial if pyrolytic cleaning as described herein is used. In this regard, the heating chamber may be heated to an elevated temperature during the pyrolysis cleaning. During the pyrolytic cleaning and preferably within a predetermined period of time after completion of the pyrolytic cleaning, the mouthpiece is thus prevented from moving.

The invention may also relate to a method for moving a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device, comprising:

there is provided an aerosol-generating device as described herein,

moving the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position by a first movement, thereby at least partially exposing the heating chamber, an

Moving the mouthpiece from the second position to a third position with a second motion, thereby triggering an event.

The invention may also relate to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article as described herein.

The invention may also relate to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a body. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The body may comprise a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position. The first position may be an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. In the second position, the heating chamber may be at least partially exposed. A first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to trigger an event as described herein. A first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to trigger an electrical event as described herein. The first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to trigger one or more of pyrolysis as described herein and ceasing the supply of power to the heating element as described herein. The first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to trigger one or more of the following events as described herein: approaching the heating chamber; cleaning a heating chamber; displaying information about the aerosol-generating device; an element other than the heating chamber proximate the aerosol-generating device; at least partially ejecting a used aerosol-generating article; a heating element at least partially ejected from the heating chamber; at least partially ejected from the heating chamber; starting a cleaning cycle of the heating chamber; starting a pyrolysis cleaning period of the heating chamber; and initiating a signal from the controller to output one or more pieces of information on the user interface.

The invention may also relate to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a body. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The body may comprise a heating chamber for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may be removably connected to the body. The mouthpiece may be connected to the body by a hinge. The hinge may enable pivotal movement between the mouthpiece and the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body. The mouthpiece may be configured to be movable relative to the body in a first motion between a first position and a second position. The first position may be an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. In the second position, the heating chamber may be at least partially exposed. A first movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position may be configured to at least partially eject the aerosol-forming substrate from the heating chamber. The device may comprise a first mechanical device. The first mechanism may be configured to convert a pivotal motion of the mouthpiece into a linear motion of a second mechanism connected to the first mechanism. The second mechanism may be configured to convert the linear motion into a pivot rod motion of a third mechanism coupled to the second mechanism. The third mechanism may be configured to convert the pivot rod motion into linear motion of a fourth mechanism coupled to the third mechanism. The fourth mechanism may be configured to at least partially eject the aerosol-forming substrate. The mechanical device may enable reverse movement of the mouthpiece as it is moved back to the first position to lower new aerosol-forming substrate back into the heating chamber. The first mechanical device may be a crankshaft connected to the mouthpiece. The second mechanical device may be a transmission shaft connected with the crankshaft. The third mechanical device may be a lever. The fourth mechanical device may be a piston.

Features described in relation to one aspect may equally be applied to other aspects of the invention.

Drawings

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

figures 1A and 1B show cross-sectional views of a conventional aerosol-generating device comprising a body and a mouthpiece;

figures 2A, 2B and 2C show cross-sectional views of an aspect of an aerosol-generating device according to the invention;

figures 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of another aspect of an aerosol-generating device according to the invention; and

fig. 4A, 4B and 4C show further cross-sectional views of the aerosol-generating device as depicted in fig. 3A and 3B.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A and 1B show a conventional aerosol-generating device comprising a body 10 and a mouthpiece 12. The main body 10 includes a plurality of elements, not shown in the drawings, such as a power source, a control circuit including a controller, and a heating element. Fig. 1 shows the heating chamber 14 of the body 10 and the air inlet 16. Ambient air may be drawn into the heating chamber 14 through the air inlet 16.

The heating element is configured as an internal heating element, preferably as a heating needle or heating blade arranged inside the heating chamber 14. Alternatively, the heating element may be configured as an external heating element disposed at least partially around the heating chamber 14.

The air inlet 16 is configured to enable airflow into the heating chamber 14. Air flows into the heating chamber 14, through the aerosol-generating article 18 comprising the aerosol-forming substrate arranged in the heating chamber 14, and out of the mouthpiece 12 through the air channel 20 of the mouthpiece 12. The airflow through the air inlet 16, the heating chamber 14 and the air channel 20 of the mouthpiece 12 is indicated by arrows in figure 1B.

The mouthpiece 12 is configured to be connectable to the body 10. The connection between the mouthpiece 12 and the body 10 may be facilitated by known means. As can be seen in fig. 1A, the mouthpiece 12 is separate from the body 10. In fig. 1B, the mouthpiece 12 is attached to the body 10.

Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an aspect of an aerosol-generating device according to the invention. The main elements of the aerosol-generating device are similar to those of the aerosol-generating device shown in figure 1. Accordingly, only the differences between a conventional aerosol-generating device as shown in fig. 1 and an aerosol-generating device according to the present invention and as depicted in fig. 2 are described below.

The aerosol-generating device shown in figure 2 further comprises a body 10, a mouthpiece 12 and a heating chamber 14 for receiving an aerosol-generating article 18 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, an air inlet 16 is provided to enable airflow into the heating chamber 14. The mouthpiece 12 comprises an air channel 20 to enable a flow of ambient air to enter the air inlet, pass through the aerosol-generating article 18 received in the heating chamber 14 and through the air channel 20 of the mouthpiece 12. The mouthpiece 12 is movably connected to the body 10 by a hinge 22. The hinge 22 enables pivotal movement of the mouthpiece 12 about a transverse axis. The transverse axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

In addition to the conventional aerosol-generating device shown in fig. 1, the mouthpiece 12 of the aerosol-generating device depicted in fig. 2 is movable in a first motion from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the heating chamber 14 is at least partially exposed or open. In some embodiments, the first motion may trigger an event. For example, as shown in figure 2B, when the mouthpiece 12 is moved to the second position, the aerosol-generating article 18 is at least partially extracted, popped up, or otherwise longitudinally translated from the heating chamber 14. In fig. 2B, the aerosol-generating article 18 is translated longitudinally such that a portion of the aerosol-generating article protrudes from the heating chamber 14. In this way, the user can more easily remove the aerosol-generating article 18 from the heating chamber 14. Further, the mouthpiece 12 may be moved from the second position to the third position by a second motion. The second motion triggers an event. The first position of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted in figure 2A. In the first position, the mouthpiece 12 encloses the heating chamber 14. In the first position, the mouthpiece 12 is arranged in a horizontal position. In fig. 2B, the second position of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted. A first movement of the mouthpiece 12 from the first position to the second position is indicated by an arrow in figure 2B. During the first movement, the mouthpiece 12 pivots about 90 °. In fig. 2C, the third position of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted. Further, a second movement of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted by the arrow in figure 2C. In the second movement, the mouthpiece 12 is pivoted again by 90 °. In figures 2A to 2C, the two 90 ° motions of the mouthpiece are shown to be cumulative such that the mouthpiece is moved 180 ° between the first and third positions. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the second motion may be in a direction opposite to the direction of the first motion, such that the second motion recloses the heating chamber 14.

The aerosol-generating device comprises means for performing a function during movement of the mouthpiece 12. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2, the device is a mechanical device. The mechanism includes a crankshaft 24 connected to or near the hinge 22. The crankshaft 24 is configured to convert the pivotal motion of the mouthpiece 12 into a linear motion. The conversion of the pivotal movement of the mouthpiece 12 into linear movement during the first movement of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted in figure 2B. The linear movement is preferably transmitted to the lever 28 by means of the transmission shaft 26. The lever 28 is rotatably attached to the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. Also depicted in figure 2B is the pivotal movement of the lever 28 due to the pivotal movement of the mouthpiece 12.

The lever 28 may include a piston 30. The piston 30 may extend into the heating chamber 14. In the first position of the mouthpiece 12, the piston 30 may be positioned at the base of the heating chamber 14. The piston 30 may be configured to contact the aerosol-generating article 18 when the aerosol-generating article 18 is received in the heating chamber 14. The piston may be configured to contact a container of the heating chamber 14 that receives the aerosol-generating article 18. The piston 30 may be configured to eject the used aerosol-generating article 18 at least partially out of the heating chamber 14 during or in response to a first movement of the mouthpiece 12. The piston 30 may be rotatably attached to the lever 28 such that pivotal movement of the lever 28 is converted to linear movement of the piston 30.

During the first movement, access to the heating chamber 14 is facilitated by the pivotal movement of the mouthpiece 12. Furthermore, the used aerosol-generating article 18 is partially ejected from the heating chamber 14 by means of a mechanical arrangement comprising a crankshaft 24, a transfer shaft 26, a lever 28 and a piston 30. Preferably, the first position depicted in fig. 2A is an operating position of the aerosol-generating device. After use of the aerosol-generating article 18, the user may wish to eject the used aerosol-generating article 18. By moving the mouthpiece 12 to the second position shown in figure 2B, partial ejection of used aerosol-generating article 18 is facilitated. A user may grasp a used aerosol-generating article 18 and remove the used aerosol-generating article 18.

The aerosol-generating device depicted in fig. 2A, 2B and 2C comprises a reservoir 32. The reservoir 32 is configured to hold a reservoir of aerosol-generating articles 34. As can be seen in figure 2, in the second position of the mouthpiece 12, a new aerosol-generating article 34 may be at least partially ejected from the reservoir 32 by means of a second piston 36 rotatably connected with the lever 28. In this second position of the mouthpiece 12, the user may replace the used aerosol-generating article 18 from the heating chamber 14 with a new aerosol-generating article 34 from the reservoir 32.

Although not shown in the drawings, a locking means may be provided to hold the mouthpiece 12 in place in the first position. The locking means may be a mechanical locking means. The mechanical locking means may comprise a lip and detent in the mouthpiece 12 and the body 10 respectively. For example, the lip may engage the detent in a snap fit. The lip may be an elastically deformable lip. The resiliently deformable lip may be disengaged from the detent by applying sufficient force to overcome the snap fit. Although a mechanical lip and detent have been described, it will be appreciated that other locking means may be provided.

Figures 3A, 3B and 4A, 4B and 4C show another aspect of an aerosol-generating device. In this regard, the first motion of the mouthpiece 12 is a pivotal motion about an axis L which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The first position of the mouthpiece 12 is depicted in figures 3A, 4A and 4C. Fig. 4A and 4B are plan views. Fig. 4C is a sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in fig. 3A. In the first position of the mouthpiece 12, the mouthpiece 12 is locked in position by the locking means. The locking means may comprise a female appearance element 38 and a male locking element 40. The body 10 of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a female locking element 38 and the mouthpiece 12 may comprise a male locking element 40. However, the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device may also comprise a male locking element 40 and the mouthpiece 12 may also comprise a female locking element 38. Although male and female locking devices 40, 38 have been described, it should be understood that other locking devices may be provided. For example, the locking means may comprise a lip and a detent as described above with reference to the embodiment shown in figures 2A to 2C.

During the first movement, the mouthpiece 12 is rotated such that the male locking element 40 is disengaged from the female locking element 38. The mouthpiece 12 is preferably rotated through about 180 °. The first motion is depicted in fig. 4B.

As can be seen in fig. 3A and 3B, the hinge 22 of the mouthpiece 12 is connected with a first sliding shaft 42. The first sliding shaft 42 is configured to slide along a second sliding shaft 44, wherein the second sliding shaft 44 is part of the main body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The first sliding shaft 42 is connected with a base support 46. The sliding shaft enables the mouthpiece 12 to perform the second movement. The second movement of the mouthpiece 12 is a linear movement. The linear motion is along the axis L. In linear motion, the mouthpiece 12 is kept at a distance from the body 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The base support 46 is positioned at the base of the heating chamber 14 when the mouthpiece 12 is in the first position or in the second position. The base support 46 is configured to contact the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 18 when the aerosol-generating article 18 is received in the heating chamber 14. During a second movement of the mouthpiece 12 from the second position to the third position, the base support 46 causes the aerosol-generating article 18 to be at least partially ejected from the heating chamber 14. The second movement and third position of the mouthpiece 12 are depicted in figure 3B.

Figure 4A shows the mouthpiece 12 in a first position in which the mouthpiece 12 is securely held by the locking means. In figure 4B, the mouthpiece 12 is pivoted to a second position so that the used aerosol-generating article 18 becomes accessible. Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view along line AA' of figure 3A in which the aerosol-generating article 18 is not received in the heating chamber 14. Thus, the base support 46 can be seen in fig. 4C.