EP4064909A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de commande pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de commande pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol

Info

Publication number
EP4064909A1
EP4064909A1 EP20811637.6A EP20811637A EP4064909A1 EP 4064909 A1 EP4064909 A1 EP 4064909A1 EP 20811637 A EP20811637 A EP 20811637A EP 4064909 A1 EP4064909 A1 EP 4064909A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
heater
heating chamber
aerosol
consumable
generation device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20811637.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Tony Reevell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JT International SA
Original Assignee
JT International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by JT International SA filed Critical JT International SA
Publication of EP4064909A1 publication Critical patent/EP4064909A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/57—Temperature control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE CONTROLLER FOR AN AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN AEROSOL
  • the present disclosure relates to aerosol generation devices for heating a consumable to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale.
  • the consumable may comprise tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate materials.
  • reduced-risk or modified-risk devices also known as vaporisers
  • vaporisers Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolisable 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 an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable aerosolisable material to a temperature typically in the range 150°C to 350°C.
  • the present disclosure provides an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an elongate consumable, the device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall; and a controller arranged to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller being configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period and to activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.
  • the side heater or the end heater is arranged on an inner surface of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater and the end heater are arranged on an outer surface of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater or the end heater comprises a resistive track.
  • the side heater is separated from the end heater by a spacing element which is a thermal insulator.
  • the spacing element is a part of the side wall or end wall.
  • the aerosol generation device further comprises a cap comprising a tubular portion arranged to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber.
  • the aerosol generation device further comprises an air flow channel arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, wherein the air flow channel comprises: an aperture through the end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the side wall.
  • the aerosol generation device further comprises an inner chamber adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber and adapted to receive the consumable, the inner chamber comprising a second side wall and a second end wall.
  • the aerosol generation device having an inner chamber further comprises an air flow channel arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, wherein the airflow channel comprises: an aperture through the end wall and the second end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the second side wall.
  • the controller is configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber during the second period by measuring a resistance of the one of the side heater and the end heater that is not activated during the second period.
  • the present disclosure provides a system comprising an aerosol generation device as described above and an elongate consumable arranged in the heating chamber.
  • the present disclosure provides a controller for an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall, the controller being configured to activate the side heater and the end heater during a first period and to activate only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol-generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.
  • the present disclosure provides a method of controlling an aerosol generation device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; and an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall, the method comprising activating the side heater and the end heater during a first period and activating only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol generating temperature higher than the first temperature, and the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature.
  • the present disclosure provides an aerosol generation device for generating an aerosol from an elongate consumable, the device comprising: a heating chamber comprising a side wall, an end wall and an opening opposite the end wall, the opening being arranged to receive the elongate consumable into the heating chamber; a side heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall; an end heater arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall; and a controller arranged to control the side heater and the end heater, the controller being configured to measure a resistance of a first one of the side heater and the end heater.
  • the controller is configured to take a voltage measurement across the first one of the side heater and the end heater and to determine the measured resistance therefrom.
  • the controller is configured to compare the measured resistance to a stored resistance.
  • the controller is arranged to determine a temperature of the first one of the side heater and the end heater from the measured resistance.
  • the controller is configured to compare the determined temperature to a stored temperature.
  • the controller is configured to detect an event in which an aerosol has been drawn from the consumable, from the measured resistance.
  • the controller is arranged to count the number of times that an aerosol has been drawn from the consumable.
  • the controller is configured to control a power supplied to a second one of the end heater and side heater for supplying heat into the heating chamber, the second one being different from the first one, as a function of the measured resistance.
  • the controller is configured to control a power supplied to each of the side heater and the end heater for supplying heat into the heating chamber, such that power is supplied to the side heater and/or end heater during a first period and power is supplied to only one of the side heater and the end heater during a second period, wherein the first period is a predetermined length of time in which the resistance is not measured, and the second period is a time in which the resistance is measured using the one of the side heater and the end heater that is not powered for heating.
  • the side heater or the end heater is arranged on an inner surface of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater and the end heater are arranged on an outer surface of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater or the end heater comprises a resistive track formed on a surface of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater is separated from the end heater by a spacing element which is a thermal insulator.
  • the spacing element is a part of the side wall or end wall.
  • the aerosol generation device further comprises an air flow channel arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber, wherein the airflow channel comprises: an aperture through the end wall, or one or more inward protrusions from the side wall.
  • Figs. 1A and 1 B schematically illustrate a cross-section of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment
  • Figs. 2 and 3 schematically illustrate examples of temperature profiles of the aerosol generation device
  • Figs. 4A to 4D schematically illustrate alternative arrangements of heaters in the aerosol generation device
  • Figs. 5 to 8B illustrate further optional features of the aerosol generation device.
  • Figs. 1A and 1 B schematically illustrate a cross-section of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 comprises a heating chamber 110, itself comprising a side wall 111 , and end wall 112, and an opening 113 opposite the end wall.
  • the side wall 111 is adapted to surround an elongate consumable 2, and may for example have a circular or polygonal cross-section.
  • the opening 113 is arranged to receive the consumable 2 into the heating chamber 110, allowing the consumable 2 to be added to or removed from the heating chamber 110.
  • a side heater 120 is arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the side wall 111
  • an end heater 130 is arranged to supply heat into the heating chamber from the end wall 112. Specific arrangements and designs of the heaters are described below with reference to Figs. 4Ato 4D.
  • the consumable When a consumable 2 is present in the heating chamber, as shown in Fig. 1 B, the consumable may be heated by either or both of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130.
  • a controller 140 is arranged to control the side heater 120 and the end heater 130.
  • the side heater 120 and end heater 130 may receive power directly from the controller 140, or the side heater 120 and end heater 130 may receive power via a connection to a power supply of the device 100, and the controller 140 may control use of the power to drive the heaters, for example by controlling a transistor.
  • a relatively low-power controller 140 may be used with a relatively high-power heater.
  • controller 140 may be configured to measure a resistance of either or both of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130.
  • the controller 140 may control the side heater 120 and/or the end heater 130 based on a resistance measurement, as described further below.
  • the device 100 may comprise a cap 150. This cap prevents the user of the device 100 from directly contacting the heating chamber 110 (which may be hot).
  • the cap 150 may comprise a tubular portion 151 arranged to allow the consumable to be inserted into and removed from the heating chamber, as shown in Fig. 1 B.
  • the tubular portion 151 acts as an extension of the heating chamber 110, allowing the device 100 to support a longer consumable 2 which comprises , for example, a filter section in addition to the aerosol substrate 21.
  • the cap 150 comprises an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion, as shown in Fig. 1 B.
  • the cap 150 may optionally further comprise a lid (not shown) for closing an end opening, in order to keep the heating chamber clean when not in use.
  • the outer tubular portion of the cap 150 is arranged to fit over (or around) at least part of a body of the aerosol generation device 100. This provides a surface for the cap 150 to engage with the body, and increases the mechanical security of the aerosol generation device by making it more difficult to accidentally detach the cap 150.
  • the cap 150 may be configured to enclose the consumable 2, and may comprise a mouthpiece instead of allowing the consumable to protrude as shown in Fig. 1 B.
  • the cap 150 may comprise a filter for filtering the aerosol before it is inhaled by a user.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to activate the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a first period T1, and to activate only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during a second period T2.
  • FIG. 2 and 3 schematically shows an example temperature profile, in which a consumable is initially heated to a temperature at which the aerosol can be generated.
  • the consumable When the consumable is hot enough, the user draws aerosol from the consumable.
  • This drawing action or ‘puff reduces the temperature in the heating chamber by drawing ambient air into the heating chamber to replace heated aerosol-rich air that is inhaled by the user.
  • the temperature profile after initial heating comprises gradual temperature rises interspersed with drops as the user inhales a puff of aerosol.
  • the first period T 1 may be a time in which the elongate consumable 2 (and more specifically an aerosol substrate 21 of the consumable 2) is heated from a first temperature toward an aerosol-generating temperature Q higher than the first temperature.
  • the first temperature is ambient temperature.
  • the aerosol-generating temperature Q is typically in the range 150°C to 350°C, and is a temperature at which the aerosol is generated from the consumable 2.
  • the first period T1 may be a time of relatively fast heating to bring the consumable to a temperature at which the aerosol can be generated.
  • the first period T1 may have a fixed duration configured in the controller 140.
  • the first period T1 may end when the aerosol-generating temperature is reached, as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the first period T1 may extend beyond a minimum aerosol-generating temperature Q.
  • a transition from the first period T1 to the second period T2 may be triggered when the device 100 detects a temperature drop associated with a puff event.
  • the first period T1 may end before the aerosol generating temperature is actually reached.
  • the dual heating of the first period T1 is used to give a kick to assist in initial heating of the consumable toward the aerosol-generating temperature Q and, when this initial assistance is completed, a single heater may be used in the second period T2 for the remainder of heating required before a first puff from the consumable 2.
  • the second period T2 may be a time in which the consumable 2 is to be maintained at or above the aerosol generating temperature Q.
  • the temperature in the heating chamber 110 drops each time a puff of aerosol is inhaled by a user. Accordingly, in order to maintain a temperature of the consumable 2, the one of the side heater and the end heater which is used in the second period T2 may be controlled to continue supplying heat to the heating chamber 110.
  • the one heater may be controlled to supply heat continuously to the heating chamber 110 during the second period T2.
  • the one heater used in the second period T2 may be controlled according to a maximum temperature of the heating chamber 110, and may be deactivated when the maximum temperature is reached or exceeded. This would, for example, prevent the heating chamber 110 from reaching a temperature at which the aerosol substrate 21 may start to burn.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to control the one heater to supply heat into the heating chamber faster after a puff occurs and slower when the heating chamber is closer to a maximum temperature.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may additionally comprise one or more user inputs (e.g. buttons or sliders).
  • the controller 140 may be configured to control the side heater and the end heater in dependence upon the one or more user inputs.
  • the user inputs may be used to set any of a length of time of the first period, a maximum temperature of the first period, a heating power of the first period, a length of time of the second period, a maximum temperature of the second period, and a heating power of the second period.
  • the user inputs may comprise an on/off control for deactivating the device entirely.
  • the on/off control may be provided as a hard switch connected to the power supply, for safety.
  • the controller 140 may control the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 based purely on timing (and optionally one or more user inputs).
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise a temperature sensor arranged in or near the heating chamber 110, and the controller 140 may be configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber 110.
  • the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may be used as a temperature sensor. More specifically, the controller 140 may measure a resistance of the side heater or the end heater, and may use a predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic to determine a temperature from the resistance.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to take a voltage measurement across the heater and determine a resistance therefrom.
  • the controller 140 may supply a fixed current through the heater, and measure a voltage across the heater while carrying the fixed current.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to measure a current drawn through the heater when a fixed voltage is applied across the heater.
  • a predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic may comprise one or more stored resistance thresholds, each corresponding to a temperature of the heater 120 or 130.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to compare a measured resistance of the heater to one or more stored resistance thresholds, as part of controlling the heater or heaters 120, 130.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to compare the measured resistance to a stored target resistance.
  • the controller 140 need not store actual temperature correspondence data, and may simply use stored resistance values to compare to resistance measurements.
  • the controller may be configured to actually determine a temperature of the heater (the side heater 120 or the end heater 130) from the measured resistance. This may, for example, be useful for displaying a measured temperature to a user and assisting the user in controlling the aerosol generation device 100 according to their preferences, via one or more user inputs as described above.
  • the stored resistance thresholds or stored target resistances as described above may be replaced with stored temperature thresholds or stored target temperatures.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to detect puff events in which the user draws aerosol from the consumable. For example, the controller 140 may count a total number of puffs of aerosol which have been drawn from a consumable 2 during an aerosol generation session.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to determine a size of a puff event.
  • the size of a temperature drop associated with a puff depends upon an amount of ambient air which is drawn into the heating chamber 110 to replace inhaled aerosol rich air. Accordingly, the size of a puff event also corresponds to the change in resistance of a heater.
  • a consumable 2 typically contains a finite amount of aerosol substrate 21 and is only capable of generating a predetermined amount of aerosol. Accordingly, by counting a number of puffs or a size of puffs, the controller 140 may be configured to determine when a consumable 2 should be replaced.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an indicator for indicating to a user when the consumable 2 should be replaced, and the controller 140 may turn on the indicator when a counted number of puffs exceeds a threshold.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber 110 during the second period by measuring a resistance of the one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 that is not activated during the second period.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber 110 by measuring a resistance of an active one of the side heater 120 and end heater 130, when the active heater is supplying heat to the heating chamber 110.
  • the active heater is likely to be hotter than an average temperature of the heating chamber 110.
  • a temperature measurement of the heating chamber 110 may be determined.
  • the controller 140 may be configured not to measure a temperature during the first period T1 when either or both heaters 120, 130 are supplying heat to the heating chamber 110.
  • the controller 140 may only supply power to one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130, and may control the supplied power as a function of the measured resistance obtained from the other of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130. Since one heater is not at that time acting as a heat source, that heater may be expected to have a temperature which is indicative of an average temperature in the interior of the heating chamber 110, where the consumable 2 is located. Accordingly, the controller 140 may be configured to measure a temperature of the heating chamber 110 by measuring a resistance of the heater that is not activated, and, on this basis, to control a power supplied to the other heater that is activated.
  • the controller 140 may then use a temperature measurement when controlling the side heater 120 and the end heater 130.
  • the controller 140 may be configured to control a power supplied to a heater as a function of the temperature measurement.
  • the other of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be used to derive a temperature from a measured resistance.
  • the controller 140 may then control power supplied to the one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 for heating the heating chamber 110 as a function of the temperature. In particular, if the temperature exceeds a target temperature of the heating chamber 110, the supplied power may decrease and if the temperature is below the target temperature, the supplied power may increase.
  • the controller 140 may, for example, perform PID control of the supplied power based on temperature measurements, in order to stably control a temperature in the heating chamber 110.
  • the supplied power may be controlled by varying a voltage across or current through the heater that is supplying heat to the heating chamber 110.
  • the heater may be controlled with a switching cycle, and power control may be performed using pulse width modulation (PWM).
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • a process for controlling the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may comprise: 1. Setting a target temperature for a first heater which is one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130.
  • the target temperature may, for example, be at or above the aerosol generating temperature Q.
  • the controller 140 may store the target temperature in an internal memory.
  • the target temperature may be a predetermined value.
  • Calculating a corresponding temperature value for the first heater based on the calculated resistance measurement This may, for example, be a temperature corresponding to a resistance threshold, or may be calculated by using the resistance measurement and a continuous predetermined temperature-dependent resistance characteristic.
  • a process for controlling the side heater 120 or the end heater 130 may comprise:
  • the target temperature may, for example, be at or above the aerosol generating temperature Q.
  • the target temperature may be a predetermined value.
  • Calculating a target resistance value for the first heater corresponding to the target temperature This may, for example, be a resistance corresponding to a temperature threshold, or may be calculated by using the target temperature and a continuous predetermined temperature- dependent resistance characteristic.
  • the controller 140 may store the target resistance value in an internal memory.
  • Figs. 4A to 4D schematically illustrate alternative arrangements of heaters in the aerosol generation device.
  • Figs. 4A and 4B provide different views of a first heater arrangement.
  • a side view is provided showing the side wall 111 and the opening 113.
  • a closed-end view is provided showing the outside surfaces of the side wall 111 and the end wall 112.
  • the side heater 120 may be provided on an outer surface of the side wall 111 of the heating chamber 110. With this arrangement, heat is supplied from the side heater 120 into the heating chamber through the side wall 111.
  • the end heater 130 may be provided on an outer surface of the end wall 112 of the heating chamber 110. With this arrangement, heat is supplied from the end heater 130 into the heating chamber through the end wall 112.
  • each of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be a film heater comprising a resistive heater track, the film heater being attached or wrapped on a respective outer surface of the side wall 111 and end wall 112.
  • each heater may be a resistive heater track directly formed on the outer surface of the corresponding wall 111 , 112.
  • each heater may be a self-supporting metal sheet.
  • the side wall 111 and the end wall 112 must be thermally conductive in order to allow heat to pass into the heating chamber from the heaters.
  • the side wall 111 and the end wall 112 may comprise a metal such as copper, or may comprise carbon, for example in graphite form.
  • Figs. 4C and 4D provide different views of a second heater arrangement.
  • a side view is provided showing the side wall 111 and the opening 113.
  • an open-end view is provided showing the inside surfaces of the side wall 111 and the end wall 112.
  • the side heater 120 may be provided on an inner surface of the side wall 111 of the heating chamber 110. With this arrangement, heat is supplied from the side heater 120 directly into the heating chamber.
  • each of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be a film heater comprising a resistive heater track, the film heater being attached or wrapped on a respective inner surface of the side wall 111 and end wall 112.
  • each heater may be a resistive heater track directly formed on the inner surface of the corresponding wall 111 , 112.
  • each heater may be a self-supporting metal sheet.
  • the side wall 111 and the end wall 112 are preferably thermally non-conductive in order to retain heat within the heating chamber.
  • the side wall 111 and the end wall 112 may comprise an insulating material such as a ceramic.
  • the side heater 120 may be arranged on an outer surface of the heating chamber, while the end heater 130 is arranged on an inner surface of the heating chamber, or vice versa.
  • the side heater 120 and/or the end heater 130 may be integrated within the respective side and end walls of the heating chamber.
  • the heaters may be moulded within the respective walls, or the heating chamber may comprise inner and outer walls with the heaters located therebetween.
  • the outer wall can be adapted to provide insulation to keep heat in, while the inner wall is adapted to conduct heat from the respective heaters to the interior of the heating chamber.
  • the side heater 120 may be separated from the end heater 130 by a spacing element which is a thermal insulator.
  • a spacing element which is a thermal insulator.
  • the heating chamber 110 and the heaters 120, 130 may be surrounded by a spacing element in the form of an insulating material 115 such as a ceramic.
  • the insulating material 115 additionally reduces heat leakage from the heating chamber, and improves the efficiency of the heating chamber. Additionally, if the device 100 comprises heat sensitive components, the insulating material 115 helps to protect these while achieving a temperature in the heating chamber required for aerosol generation.
  • spacing element may be a part of the side wall or end wall.
  • spacing element 116 is located at a join between the side wall 111 and the end wall 112.
  • This may for example be an annular ring of an insulating material, such as a ceramic, that connects the side wall 111 to the end wall 112.
  • a user in order for a user to draw a puff of aerosol from the consumable 2, it must be possible for air to flow into or through the consumable 2. This can be achieved simply by providing a highly porous consumable. However, this is preferably achieved by providing an air flow channel 117 in the aerosol generation device.
  • a first example of an air flow channel comprises an aperture through the end wall 112.
  • the air flow channel 117 may connect through a body of the aerosol generation device 100 to an intake point. With this arrangement, when a user draws a puff of aerosol from one end of the consumable, ambient air flows through the air flow channel at the same time as aerosol-rich air flows from the end of the consumable 2.
  • the air flow channel could additionally or alternatively comprise an aperture through the side wall 111.
  • a second example of an air flow channel 117 comprises a space between the consumable 2 and the side wall 111.
  • This space may be ensured by modifying an inner surface of the side wall 111 to include one or more inward protrusions, such as ribs extending between the end wall 112 and the opening 113.
  • the consumable 2 may be received alongside the protrusions within the heating chamber 110, and air can flow in an air flow channel 117 comprising a space between the protrusion, the side wall 111 and the consumable 2. Furthermore, in cases where the consumable 2 is compressible, the consumable 2 may be compressed alongside the protrusions, similarly to Fig. 8B described below.
  • the aerosol generation device 100 may comprise an inner chamber 300 adapted to be removably inserted into the heating chamber 110 and adapted to receive the consumable 2.
  • the inner chamber 300 comprises a second side wall 301 and a second end wall 302.
  • the second side wall and second end wall are adapted to be inserted against or adjacent to the side wall 111 and the end wall 112.
  • heat is supplied from the side heater 120 and/or the end heater 130, through the respective side and/or end wall 111 , 112 of the heating chamber 110, and through the respective second side and/or end wall 301, 302 of the inner chamber 300.
  • the second side wall 301 and the second end wall 302 may be made of a thermally conductive material, for example a metallic material such as copper or aluminium.
  • the inner chamber 300 is a preferable feature because it is useful for cleaning the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the consumable 2 may leave debris in the aerosol generation device when the consumable is removed.
  • the aerosol substrate 21 may comprise a dried or powdered material held tightly or loosely in a wrapper. This dried or powdered material may leak out of an end of the consumable 2. Any debris left by consumables must be removed. Otherwise the cap and/or heating chamber may become increasingly coated with stuck debris, reducing the heating efficiency of the aerosol generation device, and/or reducing the amount of aerosol which the device can generate from a consumable. Surfaces which heat the consumable are typically the most difficult to clean, for example due to curing effects on debris from the consumable 2. Furthermore, even with diligent cleaning, some stuck debris will eventually build up, limiting the lifetime of the aerosol generation device. In view of these problems, the inner chamber 300 is advantageous in that it can be cleaned and replaced independently from the heating chamber 110 or the cap 150.
  • the inner chamber 300 comprises a flange 303 adapted to remain outside the heating chamber 110.
  • the flange 303 has an outer diameter which is wider than the heating chamber, such that the flange 303 does not fit into the heating chamber.
  • the flange 303 has the benefit of making it easier to grip and remove the inner chamber 300 from the heating chamber.
  • the flange 303 has a substantially lower thermal conductivity than the second side wall 301 and the second end wall 302.
  • the flange 303 may comprise e.g. rubber, heat resistant plastic or cork. This lower thermal conductivity improves safety by preventing a user from burning their hand when removing an inner chamber 300 from the device, even if the device has recently been used to heat a consumable.
  • using a flange 303 with low thermal conductivity means that the material for the cap 150 can be more freely chosen without needing to tolerate high temperatures associated with direct contact with the heating chamber 110.
  • the entire inner chamber 300 may be constructed from a single material, for simplicity of manufacturing.
  • the inner chamber 300 may comprise an air flow channel 317 similar to those previously described for the heating chamber 110, the air flow channel 317 being arranged to allow air to flow through the consumable in the heating chamber 110. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 8B, the air flow channel 317 may comprise a space between the consumable 2 and the second side wall 301. This space may be ensured by modifying an inner surface of the side wall 301 as shown in Fig. 8A to include one or more inward protrusions, such as ribs extending between the second end wall 301 and the opening 113.
  • the consumable 2 may be received alongside the protrusions within the inner chamber 300, and air can flow in an air flow channel 317 comprising a space between the protrusion 318, the second side wall 301 and the consumable 2. Furthermore, in cases where the consumable 2 is compressible, the consumable 2 may be compressed alongside the protrusions as shown in Fig. 8B.
  • the air flow channel 117 may comprise an aperture through the end wall 112 and the second end wall 302.
  • the air flow channel 117 may connect through a body of the aerosol generation device 100 to an intake point.
  • Two or more of a body of the aerosol generation device i.e. a part comprising the heating chamber 110
  • the cap 150 and the inner chamber 300 may be adapted to attach to each other. This has the advantage of securing the device 100 when it is used by a user for generating an aerosol from a consumable.
  • the body or the inner chamber 300 may comprise an attachment part for releasably attaching the inner chamber to the body.
  • the attachment part may, for example, take the form of a friction fit surface, a screw fit surface, a releasable resilient clip or a manually-engaged fastener.
  • the side wall 111 may comprise a protrusion or recess for engaging with a complementary feature on the second side wall 301 of the inner chamber 300.
  • the cap 150 or the inner chamber 300 may comprise an attachment part for releasably attaching the inner chamber to the cap. This may similarly be achieved by a friction fit, a screw fit, a releasable resilient attachment, or a manually-engaged fastener.
  • the cap 150 By releasably attaching the inner chamber to the cap, it becomes possible to use the cap 150 as a handle to remove the inner chamber 300. Once the cap 150 and inner chamber 300 have been separated from the heating chamber 110 after a consumable has been used and debris or residue has been left, the inner chamber 300 can be separated from the cap 150 for easy cleaning, or for replacing the inner chamber 300 with a new, clean inner chamber.
  • the cap 150 and the body may be adapted to releasably attach to each other, for example, the cap 150 and the body may have complementary features for rotationally interlocking with each other. More specifically, the cap 150 and the body may be adapted to form a screw fit.
  • the heating chamber 110, the inner chamber 300 and the cap 150 may not be attached to each other, and the device 100 may rely on gravity and being held with the correct orientation, in order to remain assembled.
  • a system may be provided comprising an aerosol generation device as described above, with an elongate consumable arranged in the heating chamber.
  • the system can be directly used by a user to generate an inhalable aerosol, without having to separately provide a consumable.
  • a controller 140 for an aerosol generation device 100 as described above may be manufactured as a single component before being added to an aerosol generation device 100.
  • the controller 140 may already be configured with to provide a certain heating profile.
  • the controller may be configured to activate the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during the first period and to activate only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during the second period.
  • the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable 2 is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least the aerosol-generating temperature Q higher than the first temperature.
  • the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable 2 is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature Q.
  • the controller 140 may be omitted and the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 may be externally controlled.
  • an aerosol generation device may be otherwise as described above.
  • the aerosol generation device may be controlled according to a method comprising activating the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during the first period and activating only one of the side heater 120 and the end heater 130 during the second period.
  • the first period is a time in which the elongate consumable 2 is heated from a first temperature to or toward at least an aerosol generating temperature higher than the first temperature.
  • the second period is a time in which the elongate consumable is to be maintained at or raised above the aerosol-generating temperature Q.
  • the cap 150 and inner chamber 300 are described above as parts of an aerosol generation device, these parts are separable (as described above), and each of the cap 150 and inner chamber 300 may occur individually.
  • an inner chamber 300 as described above may be distributed on its own as a spare part for the aerosol generation device 100.
  • the cap 150 comprises an opening through which a consumable 2 may protrude (as shown for example in Fig. 1 B).
  • other embodiments do not have such an opening.
  • the cap 150 may comprise a mouthpiece and a filter, and the cap 150 may be adapted to entirely enclose the consumable 2 within the device 100.
  • the device may comprise an actuator for inserting the consumable 2 into the heating chamber and/or removing the consumable from the heating chamber.
  • the term “heater” should be understood to mean any device for outputting thermal energy sufficient to form an aerosol from the aerosol substrate.
  • the transfer of heat energy to the aerosol substrate may be conductive, convective, radiative or any combination of these means.
  • Heaters may be electrically powered, powered by combustion, or by any other suitable means.
  • Electrically powered heaters may include resistive track elements (optionally including insulating packaging), induction heating systems (e.g. including an electromagnet and high frequency oscillator), etc.
  • the aerosol generation device may have control circuitry having a single user operable button to trigger the aerosol generation device to turn on. This keeps the control simple and reduces the chances that a user will misuse the aerosol generation device or fail to control the aerosol generation device correctly.
  • the input controls available to a user may be more complex than this, for example to control the temperature, e.g. within pre-set limits, to change the flavour balance of the vapour, or to switch between power saving or quick heating modes, for example.
  • Aerosol substrate includes tobacco, for example in dried or cured form, in some cases with additional ingredients for flavouring or producing a smoother or otherwise more pleasurable experience.
  • the aerosol substrate such as tobacco may be treated with a vaporising agent.
  • the vaporising agent may improve the generation of vapour from the aerosol substrate.
  • the vaporising agent may include, for example, a polyol such as glycerol, or a glycol such as propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol substrate may contain no tobacco, or even no nicotine, but instead may contain naturally or artificially derived ingredients for flavouring, volatilisation, improving smoothness, and/or providing other pleasurable effects.
  • the aerosol substrate may be provided as a solid or paste type material in shredded, pelletised, powdered, granulated, strip or sheet form, optionally a combination of these. Some examples may include both solid and liquid/gel parts.
  • the aerosol generation device could equally be referred to as a “heated tobacco device”, a “heat-not-burn tobacco device”, a “device for vaporising tobacco products”, and the like, with this being interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects.
  • the features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices which are designed to vaporise any aerosol substrate.
  • the consumable may be a pre-packaged substrate carrier.
  • the substrate carrier may broadly resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region with an aerosol substrate arranged in a suitable manner. Filters, vapour collection regions, cooling regions, and other structure may also be included in some designs. An outer layer of paper or other flexible planar material such as foil may also be provided, for example to hold the aerosol substrate in place, to further the resemblance of a cigarette, etc.
  • the substrate carrier may fit within the heating chamber or may be longer than the heating chamber. In such embodiments, the aerosol may be provided directly from the substrate carrier which acts as a mouthpiece for the aerosol generation device.
  • volatile means a substance capable of readily changing from the solid or liquid state to the gaseous state.
  • a volatile substance may be one which has a boiling or sublimation temperature close to room temperature at ambient pressure. Accordingly “volatilize” or “volatilise” shall be construed as meaning to render (a material) volatile and/or to cause to evaporate or disperse in vapour.
  • vapour means: (i) the form into which liquids are naturally converted by the action of a sufficient degree of heat; or (ii) particles of liquid/moisture that are suspended in the atmosphere and visible as clouds of steam/smoke; or (iii) a fluid that fills a space like a gas but, being below its critical temperature, can be liquefied by pressure alone.
  • vaporise means: (i) to change, or cause the change into vapour; and (ii) where the particles change physical state (i.e. from liquid or solid into the gaseous state).
  • the term “atomise” shall mean: (i) to turn (a substance, especially a liquid) into very small particles or droplets; and (ii) where the particles remain in the same physical state (liquid or solid) as they were prior to atomization.
  • aerosol shall mean a system of particles dispersed in the air or in a gas, such as mist, fog, or smoke. Accordingly the term “aerosolise” (or “aerosolize”) means to make into an aerosol and/or to disperse as an aerosol. Note that the meaning of aerosol/aerosol ise is consistent with each of volatilise, atomise and vaporise as defined above. For the avoidance of doubt, aerosol is used to consistently describe mists or droplets comprising atomised, volatilised or vaporised particles. Aerosol also includes mists or droplets comprising any combination of atomised, volatilised or vaporised particles.

Landscapes

  • Resistance Heating (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de génération d'aérosol pour générer un aérosol à partir d'un consommable allongé. Dans le dispositif, une chambre de chauffage comprend une paroi latérale, une paroi d'extrémité et une ouverture en regard de la paroi d'extrémité. L'ouverture est conçue pour recevoir le consommable allongé dans la chambre de chauffage. Un élément chauffant latéral fournit de la chaleur dans la chambre de chauffage à partir de la paroi latérale. Un élément chauffant d'extrémité fournit de la chaleur dans la chambre de chauffage à partir de la paroi d'extrémité. Un dispositif de commande commande l'élément chauffant latéral et l'élément chauffant d'extrémité. Le dispositif de commande active les deux éléments chauffants pendant une première période et active seulement l'un des éléments chauffants pendant une seconde période. Dans la première période, le consommable allongé est chauffé à ou vers au moins une température de génération d'aérosol. Dans la seconde période, le consommable allongé est maintenu à la température de génération d'aérosol ou au-delà de celle-ci.
EP20811637.6A 2019-11-28 2020-11-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de commande pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol Pending EP4064909A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19212225 2019-11-28
EP19212214 2019-11-28
PCT/EP2020/083661 WO2021105379A1 (fr) 2019-11-28 2020-11-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de commande pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4064909A1 true EP4064909A1 (fr) 2022-10-05

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EP20811637.6A Pending EP4064909A1 (fr) 2019-11-28 2020-11-27 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, dispositif de commande pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol

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EP (1) EP4064909A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2023503284A (fr)
CN (1) CN114745983A (fr)
WO (1) WO2021105379A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11789476B2 (en) 2021-01-18 2023-10-17 Altria Client Services Llc Heat-not-burn (HNB) aerosol-generating devices including intra-draw heater control, and methods of controlling a heater
WO2023020966A1 (fr) * 2021-08-17 2023-02-23 Jt International Sa Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
GB2622094A (en) * 2022-09-02 2024-03-06 Nicoventures Trading Ltd Aerosol provision device

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3528592B1 (fr) * 2014-02-10 2022-07-20 Philip Morris Products S.A. Ensemble de radiateur perméable aux fluides pour système de génération d'aérosol et procédé d'assemblage d'un radiateur perméable aux fluides pour système de génération d'aérosol
RU2674537C2 (ru) * 2014-02-10 2018-12-11 Филип Моррис Продактс С.А. Система, генерирующая аэрозоль, содержащая устройство и картридж, в которой устройство обеспечивает электрический контакт с картриджем
EP3747288A1 (fr) * 2017-01-18 2020-12-09 KT&G Corporation Dispositif de génération d'aérosol, son procédé de commande et système de charge le comprenant
CN207236100U (zh) * 2017-09-26 2018-04-17 湖南酷伯新晶电子科技有限公司 石英玻璃发热体及与之相匹配的电子烟用雾化器和电子烟

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CN114745983A (zh) 2022-07-12

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