EP4082362A1 - Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer - Google Patents

Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4082362A1
EP4082362A1 EP21171284.9A EP21171284A EP4082362A1 EP 4082362 A1 EP4082362 A1 EP 4082362A1 EP 21171284 A EP21171284 A EP 21171284A EP 4082362 A1 EP4082362 A1 EP 4082362A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
exchangeable cartridge
inhalation device
chamber
lid
inlet
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21171284.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Alec WRIGHT
Eduardo Jose GARCIA GARCIA
Grzegorz Aleksander PILATOWICZ
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
Priority to EP21171284.9A priority Critical patent/EP4082362A1/fr
Publication of EP4082362A1 publication Critical patent/EP4082362A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • 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
    • 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
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to inhalation devices using exchangeable cartridges, and more precisely to the installation of the exchangeable cartridges in the chambers of such inhalation devices.
  • Some inhalation devices comprise at least one aerosol generation unit, a chamber for receiving an exchangeable cartridge (or capsule) containing an aerosolisable liquid, and an inlet, such as a hollow needle fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit and configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge in the chamber to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit.
  • the aerosol generation unit is arranged for heating aerosolisable liquid originating from the exchangeable cartridge to generate an aerosol that a user may inhale, possibly through a mouthpiece during a vaping session.
  • the heating of the aerosolisable liquid may be carried out by conduction, convection and/or radiation by a heater of the aerosol generation unit, possibly housed inside a heating chamber.
  • this type of inhalation device (or aerosol generation device) is portable, i.e. usable when held by a user, it further comprises a battery (or power source) possibly rechargeable and storing electrical energy that is used by the aerosol generation unit for generating the aerosol.
  • the inhalation device may be a vaporizer or an electronic cigarette.
  • the aerosolisable liquid may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components.
  • An active component may be carried by a carrier which may include propylene glycol or glycerin, for instance.
  • a flavoring may also be present in the aerosolisable liquid and may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar, for instance.
  • aerosol may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas. Such a suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to, or include, a vapor, and may include one or more components of the aerosolisable liquid.
  • the user has to manually install the exchangeable cartridge in the reception chamber, which generally requires that he/she presses the exchangeable cartridge against the inlet, e.g. a hollow needle, to cause the opening, e.g. piercing, of the cartridge for establishing fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit.
  • the exchangeable cartridge is introduced into the chamber giving access to the inlet through a lateral insertion opening defined in the inhalation device body and having a normal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this body while the needle is set parallel to this longitudinal axis.
  • the chamber needs to have internal dimensions notably greater than those of this exchangeable cartridge, which increases the bulkiness of the inhalation device.
  • the inhalation device needs to comprise an internal device allowing the exchangeable cartridge to stay in a correct position inside the chamber without moving to avoid leakage of aerosolisable liquid, which increases its complexity, its weight and its price.
  • an object of the present invention is to improve the inhalation device and provide a simpler and more reliable solution for coupling an exchangeable cartridge to the inhalation device.
  • the proposed invention provides notably an embodiment of an inhalation device comprising at least one aerosol generation unit, a chamber for receiving an exchangeable cartridge containing an aerosolisable liquid, and an inlet fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit and configured for engaging with the exchangeable cartridge in the chamber to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit.
  • This inhalation device is characterized in that it further comprises a lid having an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position in which it closes the chamber, and causing the exchangeable cartridge to be pressed against the inlet to induce the fluid engagement when the lid changes from the open position to the closed position.
  • the inlet is a hollow needle configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge for establishing fluid communication.
  • the installation of the exchangeable cartridge is very simple and easy since the user has only to introduce (at least partially) the exchangeable cartridge into the chamber and then to close the lid.
  • inhalation device may comprise other aspects or features, considered separately or combined, as defined hereafter.
  • the proposed invention provides also an embodiment of a system comprising an inhalation device such as the one described above, and an exchangeable cartridge containing an aerosolisable liquid and arranged for being received in the chamber of this inhalation device.
  • the inhalation device of this system may comprise a needle defining the inlet
  • the exchangeable cartridge of this system may further comprise at least one septum configured for being perforated by the needle of the inhalation device to establish a fluid communication with the aerosol generation unit of the inhalation device.
  • the exchangeable cartridge of this system may also comprise at least one sealing member arranged for surrounding the needle sealingly.
  • the invention aims, notably, at offering an inhalation device 1 allowing an easy installation of exchangeable cartridges 2, and a system 7 comprising such an inhalation device 1 and at least one exchangeable cartridge 2.
  • the inhalation device (or aerosol generation device) 1 is an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or else personal vaporizer). But an inhalation device 1 according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as it may receive at least one exchangeable cartridge in a chamber and may allow the generation of an aerosol by aerosolizing, e.g. by heating, an aerosolisable liquid contained in an exchangeable cartridge.
  • an "aerosolisable liquid” may comprise one or more components such as propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotinoid(s), cannabinoid(s), caffeine, flavouring, or combinations thereof.
  • anosol may include a suspension of precursor as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, vapor and gas, and that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.
  • an inhalation device 1 comprises at least one aerosol generation unit 3, a chamber 4, an inlet 5 (for instance a (hollow) needle), and a lid 6.
  • the inhalation device 1 also comprises a controller (or control device) 8 and a power source 9.
  • the controller (or control device) 8 is arranged for controlling at least the working of each aerosol generation unit 3.
  • the controller 8 and the possible power source 9 may belong to a body 10 of the inhalation device 1.
  • the controller 8 may be fixed onto a printed circuit board (or PCB) 11 (here housed in the body 10).
  • the power source 9 is arranged for storing electrical energy that is necessary to the working of the aerosol generation unit(s) 3 and controller 8.
  • the power source 9 may be a rechargeable battery, and in this case, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4 , the body 10 may comprise an electrical connector 12 to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the power source 9.
  • a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket.
  • the charger cable and/or the (AC) adapter may belong to the inhalation device 1 or system 7.
  • the chamber 4 is arranged for receiving an exchangeable cartridge 2 containing an aerosolisable liquid.
  • the chamber 4 is defined in the body 10 of the inhalation device 1.
  • the inhalation device 1 comprises only one body 10. But it could comprise at least two bodies coupled together (for instance by magnets, clipping, or screwing by means of two corresponding threaded portions, as non-limiting examples).
  • one of these bodies comprises the aerosol generation unit(s) 3, the chamber 4, the inlet 5 (for instance a hollow needle) and the lid 6, and another body comprises the controller (or control device) 8 and the power source 9.
  • the (each) aerosol generation unit 3 is arranged, when it is supplied with electrical energy provided by the power source 9, for transforming an aerosolisable liquid (initially contained in an exchangeable cartridge 2) into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive draws (or puffs or inhalation phases) during a vaping session.
  • the inlet 5 is located at least partly in the chamber 4. It is fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit 3 and configured for engaging with the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the chamber 4 to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge 2 and the aerosol generation unit 3.
  • the inlet 5 is defined by a (hollow) needle located at least partly in the chamber 4. So, the needle 5 is fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit 3 and configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the chamber 4 to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge 2 and the aerosol generation unit 3. But in a variant of this embodiment the inlet 5 could be defined by a wicking material, possibly part of the exchangeable cartridge 2.
  • the lid 6 is mounted laterally in the body 10 (here) in the vicinity of an opening 13, and has an open position and a closed position.
  • the lid 6 In the open position (illustrated in figures 1 and 3 ) the lid 6 allows access to the chamber 4 through the opening 13 of the body 10, and therefore allows the user of the inhalation device 1 to retrieve an empty exchangeable cartridge 2 and/or to install a new exchangeable cartridge 2.
  • the closed position In the closed position (illustrated in figures 2 and 4 ) the lid 6 closes the chamber 4 and therefore masks the opening 13.
  • the lid 6 is mounted rotatably relatively to the body 10 (arrow F1).
  • This lid 6 is arranged for causing the exchangeable cartridge 2 to be pressed against the needle 5 to induce its piercing when it changes from the open position to the closed position, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4 .
  • the exchangeable cartridge 2 when the user has partially introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6, the exchangeable cartridge 2 is progressively moved towards the needle 5 and then pierced, until it reaches a predefined position in which the needle 5 has a predefined part therein. In this predefined position the lid 6 is in its closed position and the user may start a vaping session.
  • the installation of the exchangeable cartridge 2 is very simple and easy since the user has only to introduce the exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4 (fully ( figures 1 and 2 ) or partially ( figures 3 and 4 )), and then to close the lid 6. Moreover, this avoids decoupling of sub parts of the inhalation device 1, and therefore renders the latter (1) more sustainable.
  • At least two different embodiments may cause the exchangeable cartridge 2 to be pressed against the needle (or inlet) 5 to reach its predefined position.
  • the inhalation device 1 comprises a mechanism 14 coupled to the lid 6.
  • This mechanism 14 is arranged for moving the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle (or inlet) 5 to induce its piercing (or engagement) when the lid 6 changes from the open position to the closed position. So, when the user has introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6 (arrow F1), the latter (6) acts on the mechanism 14 which moves the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5.
  • the mechanism 14 may comprise a pusher 15 arranged for moving linearly (arrow F2) the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5.
  • the needle 5 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 10, so the pusher 15 moves the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 in a direction parallel to this longitudinal axis (arrow F2).
  • the chamber 4 must comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge 2 between the pusher 15 and the needle 5 when the lid 6 is in the open position. So, the user must fully introduce the exchangeable cartridge 2 into the space of the chamber 4 before closing the lid 6.
  • the pusher 15 may comprise a surface 28 contacting a bottom of the exchangeable cartridge 2 when the exchangeable cartridge 2 is moved.
  • the pusher 15 may be coupled to the lid 6 by a gearing mechanism 14.
  • This gearing mechanism 14 may comprise several gears 16 and a cable 17 connected to the pusher 15 and to one of these gears. But it could also comprise a lever possibly participating to the transformation of a rotation of the lid 6 into a translation of the pusher 15 (and therefore of the exchangeable cartridge 2), as in a scotch yoke mechanism or a Scott Russell mechanism or else a rack-and-pinion mechanism, for instance.
  • the inhalation device 1 is simpler because it does not comprise any mechanism.
  • the lid 6 is configured to push the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 when it changes from the open position to the closed position. So, when the user has partially introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6 (arrow F1'), the latter (6) acts (i.e. pushes) directly on the exchangeable cartridge 2 to move it towards the needle 5.
  • the needle 5 may comprise a part that is set in the chamber 4 in a position substantially perpendicular to the lid 6 (when it is in the closed position) and to the exchangeable cartridge 2 (and therefore to the body longitudinal axis).
  • the chamber 4 must comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge 2 between the needle 5 and the opening 13 (which is accessible when the lid 6 is in the open position). So, the user has just to introduce the partially the exchangeable cartridge 2 into this space of the chamber 4 before closing the lid 6.
  • the lid 6 may comprise an internal surface 18, oriented towards the chamber 4 when it is in the closed position, and comprising a protuberance 19 in a central part to allow a balanced move (i.e. a translation) of the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 when the lid 6 pushes the exchangeable cartridge 2.
  • Guiding means may be also provided for the sliding movement of the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the housing.
  • the (each) aerosol generation unit 3 may comprise at least one liquid jet device 20 arranged for producing liquid drops of aerosol on demand (i.e. during each puff of a vaping session).
  • This liquid jet device 20 is supplied with aerosolisable liquid originating from the exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5.
  • the outlet 22 may be part of a mouthpiece 23.
  • the mouthpiece 23 is an interchangeable piece that is coupled to the body 10. But this mouthpiece 23 could be integral with the body 10.
  • the liquid jet device 20 may comprise a micro heater or a resistive heater.
  • the liquid jet device 20 may comprise a micro electro-mechanical system (or MEMS) die.
  • the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 comprises a vaporization component (or vaporizer) using thermal inkjet technology, for instance.
  • the vaporization component (or vaporizer) typically comprises at least one vaporization chamber heated by heater and arranged to vaporize a liquid received from the exchangeable cartridge 2 and generate vapor.
  • the vaporizer may comprise a micro heater or resistive heater.
  • Each heater is arranged for heating the aerosol-forming material until the water it contains vaporizes and a gas bubble is created.
  • the gas bubble is comprised of a phase change of the aerosol-forming material, usually liquid, and potentially air trapped in the liquid.
  • the amount of the aerosol-forming material being boiled is about 1% of the total amount. In other words, around 1 % of the aerosol-forming material is superheated to form a gas bubble. This 1% consists of the amount of aerosol-forming material that is the closest to the heater. Gas being much more voluminous than liquid, it provides the force to push out from the aerosol generation unit 3. This allows approximately 80-90% of the aerosol-forming material above the gas bubble to be ejected.
  • the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 may be fixed (or defined) on a printed circuit board 24 hermetically attached to the inner face 25 of the body 10 before (or upstream of) the outlet 22.
  • the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 is set in a position facing the outlet 22.
  • the printed circuit board 24 being hermetically attached to the inner face 25 of the body 10, it comprises at least one through-hole allowing the air, coming from outside (through at least one inlet defined in the body 10) and sucked by the user during a puff (or inhalation phase), to cross it to reach the area 21 where it is mixed with the generated aerosol.
  • Alternative implementations are also possible.
  • the inhalation device 1 may also comprise a filter 26 coupled to each exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5 and to each micro electro-mechanical system die 20.
  • This filter 26 is arranged for filtering the aerosolisable liquid coming from the exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5 before it reaches each micro electro-mechanical system die 20.
  • This filter 26 prevents the passage of particles from the exchangeable cartridge 2 to the aerosol generation unit 3.
  • Such particles which could be introduced into an exchangeable cartridge 2 during its filling and/or which could come from a poor quality aerosolisable liquid, could interfere with the operation of an aerosol generation unit 3. In particular, they could plug the small thermal firing chambers of the micro electro-mechanical system die 20.
  • this filter 26 may comprise a chamber comprising a filtering means that is crossed by the aerosol-forming material coming from the exchangeable cartridge 2.
  • This filtering means may be a mesh (for instance a metallic mesh, and preferably a stainless-steel mesh).
  • the exchangeable cartridge 2 may comprise at least one septum 27 configured for being perforated by the needle 5 to establish a fluid communication with the aerosol generation unit 3.
  • the exchangeable cartridge 2 may also comprise at least one sealing member arranged for surrounding the needle 5 sealingly, to avoid leakage of aerosolisable liquid.

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EP21171284.9A 2021-04-29 2021-04-29 Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer Withdrawn EP4082362A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21171284.9A EP4082362A1 (fr) 2021-04-29 2021-04-29 Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21171284.9A EP4082362A1 (fr) 2021-04-29 2021-04-29 Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer

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EP4082362A1 true EP4082362A1 (fr) 2022-11-02

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EP21171284.9A Withdrawn EP4082362A1 (fr) 2021-04-29 2021-04-29 Dispositif d'inhalation comportant une cartouche échangeable facile à installer

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3167728A1 (fr) * 2015-11-12 2017-05-17 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. Dispositif à fumer électronique pourvu d'une cavité pour réservoir de liquide
EP3175722A1 (fr) 2015-12-03 2017-06-07 JT International S.A. Dispositif inhalateur et cartouche consommable pour celui-ci
EP3280280A1 (fr) * 2015-04-07 2018-02-14 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Sachet de substrat de formation d'aérosol, son procédé de production et dispositif de production d'aérosol destiné à être utilisé avec le sachet
EP3313216A2 (fr) * 2015-06-29 2018-05-02 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Cartouche pour un système de génération d'aérosols
EP3463533B1 (fr) 2016-05-31 2020-09-23 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Dispositif générateur d'aérosol doté d'un ensemble intégral formant chauffage

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3280280A1 (fr) * 2015-04-07 2018-02-14 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Sachet de substrat de formation d'aérosol, son procédé de production et dispositif de production d'aérosol destiné à être utilisé avec le sachet
EP3313216A2 (fr) * 2015-06-29 2018-05-02 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Cartouche pour un système de génération d'aérosols
EP3167728A1 (fr) * 2015-11-12 2017-05-17 Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. Dispositif à fumer électronique pourvu d'une cavité pour réservoir de liquide
EP3175722A1 (fr) 2015-12-03 2017-06-07 JT International S.A. Dispositif inhalateur et cartouche consommable pour celui-ci
EP3463533B1 (fr) 2016-05-31 2020-09-23 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Dispositif générateur d'aérosol doté d'un ensemble intégral formant chauffage

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