An Aerosol-Generating Device Comprising a Micro Electro-Mechanical System

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device includes a vapor generation unit adapted to transform an aerosol forming material into vapor, and a vapor channel extending from the vapor generation unit to a vapor outlet of the aerosol-generating device. The vapor generation unit includes a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS). The vapor channel is provided with a movable cover having a closed position in which it closes the vapor channel and an open position. The cover is adapted to move from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a suction applied on the aerosol-generating device by the user to vape. The cover has a lower face provided with a layer of an absorbent material adapted to imbibe the aerosol forming material. This protects the vaporisation device from any foreign particles and avoids liquid leakage.

1 . An aerosol-generating device comprising a vapor generation unit adapted to transform an aerosol forming material into vapor, and a vapor channel extending from the vapor generation unit to a vapor outlet of the aerosol-generating device, the vapor generation unit comprising a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS), the vapor channel being provided with a movable cover having a closed position in which the cover closes the vapor channel and an open position allowing vapor to pass, the cover having a lower face and being adapted to move from the closed position to the open position under the effect of suction applied on the aerosol-generating device by a user to nape, wherein the lower face of the cover is provided with a layer of an absorbent material adapted to imbibe the aerosol forming material. 
     
     
         2 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent material is one of a fabric, sponge, or foam. 
     
     
         3 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the lower face of the cover is in close proximity to the vapor generation unit when the cover is in the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 3 , wherein the vapor generation unit has an upper surface that is substantially flat, the lower face of the cover being in contact with the upper surface of the vapor generation unit when the cover is in the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the micro electro-mechanical system comprises a MEMS die. 
     
     
         6 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 4 , wherein the micro electro-mechanical system comprises a MEMS die, wherein the upper surface of the vapor generation unit is an upper surface of the MEMS die provided with chambers. 
     
     
         7 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a spring which tends to return the cover to the closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises a hinged flap. 
     
     
         9 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the cover is constituted by an elastically deformable piece. 
     
     
         10 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , wherein the vapor generation unit comprises one or more MEMS dies provided on a printed card circuit. 
     
     
         11 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 10 , wherein the one or more MEMS dies comprises two MEMS dies. 
     
     
         12 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a main body and a cartridge, the main body comprising the vapor generation unit and the cartridge comprising a reservoir of vaporizable material, wherein the cover is comprised in the main body. 
     
     
         13 . The aerosol-generating device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a main body and a cartridge, the main body comprising the vapor generation unit and the cartridge comprising a reservoir of vaporizable material, wherein the cover is comprised in the cartridge.