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
• • 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
• • 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
  • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol generating system configured to heat an aerosol generating liquid to generate a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the system.
• Embodiments of the present disclosure relate in particular to an aerosol generating system comprising a reusable base part and a cartridge configured to be used with the reusable base part.
• aerosol generating system refers to a handheld electronic device that is intended to simulate the feeling or experience of smoking tobacco in a traditional cigarette.
• Electronic cigarettes work by heating an aerosol generating liquid to generate a vapour that cools and condenses to form an aerosol which is then inhaled by the user. Accordingly, using e-cigarettes is also sometimes referred to as "vaping".
• the aerosol generating liquid usually comprises nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerine and flavourings.
• Typical e-cigarette vaporizing units i.e. systems or sub-systems for vaporizing the aerosol generating liquid, utilize a liquid transfer element, such as a cotton wick, and a heater to produce vapour from liquid stored in a liquid store (e.g., a capsule, tank, or reservoir).
• a liquid transfer element such as a cotton wick
• a heater to produce vapour from liquid stored in a liquid store (e.g., a capsule, tank, or reservoir).
• a liquid store e.g., a capsule, tank, or reservoir.
• cartridges are often used. These cartridges are often configured as "cartomizers", which means an integrated component formed from a liquid store (reservoir), a liquid transfer element (e.g. a wick) and a heater. Electrical connectors may also be provided to establish an electrical connection between the heater and a power source (e.g., a battery).
• a power source e.g., a battery
• Such cartridges may be disposable, i.e., not intended to be capable of reuse after the supply of liquid in the reservoir has been exhausted. Alternatively, they may be reusable, being provided with means allowing the reservoir to be refilled with a new supply of aerosol generating liquid.
• a heater is integrated into a reusable base part and in which a disposable cartridge comprises a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from the heater in the re-useable base part to vaporize aerosol generating liquid stored in a liquid store of the cartridge.
• a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from the heater in the re-useable base part to vaporize aerosol generating liquid stored in a liquid store of the cartridge.
• an aerosol generating system comprising:
• the base part may include a power supply unit, e.g., a battery, connected to the heater.
• a power supply unit e.g., a battery
• the power supply unit electrically heats the heater of the base part, which then provides its heat by conduction to the heat transfer unit of the cartridge.
• the heat transfer unit provides the heat to a vaporization chamber of the cartridge, resulting in vaporization of the aerosol generating liquid.
• the vaporization chamber is in communication with a liquid outlet for receiving aerosol generating liquid from the liquid store. Aerosol created during this process is transferred from the vaporization chamber via an aerosol outlet channel in the cartridge so that it can be inhaled by a user of the vapour generating system through the mouthpiece.
• the heat transfer from the heater in the base part to the heat transfer unit in the cartridge is maximized because the clamping force applied by the connector urges the heater and the heat transfer unit into contact with each other.
• the energy efficiency of the aerosol generating system is thereby improved.
• vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature
• aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas.
• the connector may be configured to apply the clamping force in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating system. This enhances the contact between the heater and the heat transfer unit, thereby ensuring that heat transfer from the heater to the heat transfer unit is maximised and thereby maximising energy efficiency.
• the connector comprises a first connecting element on one of the base part and the mouthpiece and a second connecting element on the other of the base part and the mouthpiece.
• the base part and the mouthpiece can be reliably connected to each other by the first and second connecting elements.
• the first and second connecting elements may cooperate to provide a releasable snap-fit connection between the base part and the mouthpiece.
• the releasable snap-fit connection enables the mouthpiece to be easily detached from the base part after the liquid in the liquid store has been depleted to allow the cartridge to be replaced.
• the first connecting element comprises at least one projection and the second connecting element comprises at least one recess.
• the at least one projection may extend from the base part and the at least one recess may be formed in a surface of the mouthpiece, preferably a circumferential surface of the mouthpiece.
• the at least one projection may comprise a resilient snap-hook.
• the connector can, therefore, be easily formed during manufacture of the base part and the cartridge.
• the connector may comprise two of said first connecting elements located oppositely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating system. This arrangement may help to ensure that a uniform clamping force is applied between the base part and the mouthpiece, and in turn help to ensure that contact between the heater and the heat transfer unit is optimised.
• the base part includes a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity in which at least part of the cartridge is positioned; the cavity includes an open end at the proximal end of the base part to permit insertion and removal of the cartridge into and from the cavity and a closed end opposite to the open end; and wherein the heater is located in the cavity at the closed end.
• the base part may include a biasing element to bias the heater towards the open end of the cavity and into contact with the heat transfer unit of the cartridge.
• the aerosol generating liquid may comprise polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol.
• the aerosol generating liquid may contain nicotine and may, therefore, be designated a nicotine-containing liquid.
• the aerosol generating liquid may contain one or more additives, such as a flavouring.
• the heat transfer unit may comprise a thermally conductive material, for example, a metal such as aluminium, copper, etc.
• the heater may include a heating element which may comprise an electrically resistive material.
• the heating element may include a ceramic material, for example Alumina Oxide and/or a metal, for example Tungsten. The use of a ceramic material conveniently helps to rigidify the heating element.
• the heating element may be at least partially encapsulated in, or coated with, a protective material, such as glass.
• the heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity.
• the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials.
• a heating element formed in this manner may be used both as a heater and a temperature sensor.
• the heating element may include a temperature sensor embedded therein or attached thereto.
• the power supply unit may be a DC voltage source.
• the power supply unit may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, a Lithium-Ion or a Lithium-Polymer battery.
• the base part may further comprise a processor associated with electrical components of the vapour generating system, including the battery.
• FIG. 1 there is shown schematically an aerosol generating system 10 for vaporizing an aerosol generating liquid to generate a vapour (or aerosol) for inhalation by a user of the system 10.
• the vapour generating system 10 comprises a base part 12, a cartridge 14 thermically connected to the base part 12, and a mouthpiece 16.
• the base part 12 is thus the main body part of the aerosol generating system 10 and is preferably re-usable.
• the mouthpiece 16 is also preferably re-useable.
• the mouthpiece 16 is configured for providing the vaporized liquid to the user.
• the base part 12, the cartridge 14 and the mouthpiece 16 of the system 10 are therefore separable components.
• the base part 12 comprises a housing 18 accommodating a power supply unit 20 in the form of a battery 22 electrically connected to a heater 24, which may be a resistive heating element 26.
• the heating element 26 may comprise an electrically resistive material.
• the heating element 26 may include a ceramic material, for example Alumina Oxide and/or a metal, for example Tungsten. The use of a ceramic material conveniently helps to rigidify the heating element 26.
• the heating element 26 may be at least partially encapsulated in, or coated with, a protective material, such as glass.
• the heating element 26 may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity.
• the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials.
• a heating element 26 formed in this manner may be used both as a heater 24 and a temperature sensor.
• the heating element 26 may include a temperature sensor embedded therein or attached thereto.
• the battery 22 is configured for providing the heater 24 with the necessary electrical power for its operation, allowing it to become heated to a required temperature.
• the battery 22 is also connected to a processor 28, enabling the required power supply for its operation.
• the processor 28 is connected to the heater 24 and controls its operation.
• the power supply unit 20, e.g., battery 22, may be a DC voltage source.
• the power supply unit 20 may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, a Lithium-Ion or a Lithium-Polymer battery.
• the cartridge 14 comprises a liquid store 30 (e.g., a capsule, tank, or reservoir) for storing an aerosol generating liquid and a heat transfer unit 32 configured to transfer heat from the heater 24 of the base part 12 to the cartridge 14 to vaporize aerosol generating liquid stored in the liquid store 30. Integrating the heater 24 into the base part 12 allows the cartridge 14 structure to be simplified.
• a liquid store 30 e.g., a capsule, tank, or reservoir
• a heat transfer unit 32 configured to transfer heat from the heater 24 of the base part 12 to the cartridge 14 to vaporize aerosol generating liquid stored in the liquid store 30. Integrating the heater 24 into the base part 12 allows the cartridge 14 structure to be simplified.
• the heat transfer unit 32 may comprise a thermally conductive material, for example, a metal such as aluminium, copper, etc.
• the aerosol generating system 10 comprises a connector 34 for releasably connecting the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16.
• the connector 34 is configured to apply a clamping force between the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16 which is transmitted through the cartridge 14 to press the base part 12 and the cartridge 14 together and thereby urge the heater 24 and the heat transfer unit 32 into contact with each other. Accordingly, the connector 34 holds and/or retains a contact force generated by the heater pushing against the cartridge.
• the aerosol generating system 10 is shown in an assembled condition such that the heater 24 and the heat transfer unit 32 are in contact with each other.
• Examples of the disclosure therefore provide a clip-on mouthpiece 16.
• the base part 12 includes a proximal end 50, a distal end 52 and a cavity 54 in which at least part of the cartridge 14 is positioned.
• the cavity 54 includes an open end 56 at the proximal end 50 of the base part 12 to permit insertion and removal of the cartridge 14 into and from the cavity 54 and a closed end 58 opposite to the open end 56.
• the heater 24 is located in the cavity 54 at the closed end 58.
• the connector 34 comprises a pair of first connecting elements 36 presented as projections 38 formed integrally with the base part 12 and pair of second connecting elements 42 in the form of recesses 44 formed in a surface 46 of the mouthpiece 16.
• the projections 38 comprise resilient snap-hooks 40.
• the resilient snap-hooks 40 comprise lever arms 41 which can be pressed by a user to release the connector 34, i.e., to disengage the first and second connecting elements 36, 42 to disconnect the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16.
• the connector 34 can, therefore, be easily formed during manufacture of the base part 12 and the cartridge 14. Furthermore, the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16 can be reliably connected to each other by the first and second connecting elements 36, 42.
• the recesses 44 are formed in a circumferential surface 48 of the mouthpiece 16.
• the pair of first connecting elements 36 i.e., snap-hooks 40, are located oppositely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating system 10. This arrangement may help to ensure that a uniform clamping force is applied between the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16, and in turn help to ensure that contact between the heater 24 and the heat transfer unit 32 is optimised.
• the cooperation between the resilient snap-hooks 40 and the recesses 44 applies a clamping force between the base part 12 and the cartridge 14 in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vapour generating system 10.
• the cooperations provides a releasable snap-fit connection between the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16. This enhances the contact between the heater 24 and the heat transfer unit 32, thereby ensuring that heat transfer from the heater 24 to the heat transfer unit 32 is maximised and thereby maximising energy efficiency.
• the releasable snap-fit connection enables the mouthpiece 16 to be easily detached from the base part 12 after the liquid in the liquid store 30 has been depleted to allow the cartridge 14 to be replaced, or the liquid store 30 to be re-filled, or to change the cartridge flavour.
• the clamping force has a sufficient magnitude to urge (i.e., physically pull) the base part 12 and the cartridge 14 together, and thereby to urge the heater 24 and the heat transfer unit 32 into contact with each other. Accordingly, the clamping force holds the base part 12 and the cartridge 14 together.
• the connection between the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16 that is provided by the resilient snap-hooks 40 and the recesses 44 is releasable, in the sense that the resilient snap-hooks 40 can be released from the recesses 44 upon suitable manipulation by a user, i.e., by pressing the lever arms 41.
• a used cartridge 14 in which the aerosol generating liquid has been depleted from the liquid store 30 can be removed to allow a replacement cartridge 14 to be connected to the base part 12. Depletion of the aerosol generating liquid may not be the only condition for cartridge 14 replacement. For example, a user may replace the cartridge 14 for other reasons, for example, to change flavour, irrespective of whether the previous cartridge 14 had been depleted or not.
• the base part 12 includes a biasing element 60, e.g., a spring 61, to bias the heater 24 towards the open end 56 of the cavity 54 and into contact with the heat transfer unit 32 of the cartridge 14. Accordingly, the heater 24 of the base part 12 is biased by the spring 61 (or similar biasing element) towards the heat transfer unit 32 of the cartridge 14.
• a biasing element 60 e.g., a spring 61
• a clamping force providing a load of at least 10N is achieved.
• the clamping force can be applied and maintained in the assembled condition of the system 10, and subsequently released when a user presses the lever arms 41 of the snap-hooks 40 to release the mouthpiece 16.
• the snap-hooks 40 clamp together the base part 12 and the mouthpiece 16.
• the cartridge 14 comprises a cartridge housing 62 having a proximal end 64 and a distal end 66.
• the mouthpiece 16 is fitted to the proximal end 64 of the cartridge 14 in the assembled condition of the system as shown in Figure 2 .
• the cartridge 14 comprises a base portion 68 and a liquid storage portion 70.
• the liquid storage portion 70 comprises the liquid store 30 and a vapour outlet channel 72.
• vapour outlet channel 72 of the cartridge 14 aligns with a vapour outlet channel 74 of the mouthpiece 16.
• the vapour outlet channel 72 of the cartridge 14 and the vapour outlet channel 74 of the mouthpiece 16 are co-axial in the assembled condition of the system 10.
• the aerosol generating liquid may comprise an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol and may contain other substances such as nicotine and acids.
• the aerosol generating liquid may also comprise flavourings such as, e.g., tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavour.
• the liquid store 30 may extend generally between the proximal end 64 and the distal end 66 but is spaced from the distal end 66. The liquid store 30 may surround, and coextend with, the vapour outlet channel 72.
• the base portion 68 of the cartridge 14 may be configured to sealingly close off the distal end 66 of the cartridge 14.
• the base portion 68 comprises a liquid transfer element, i.e., a porous liquid transfer element, such as a wick, associated with a vaporisation chamber at the distal end 66 of the cartridge housing 62.
• the liquid transfer element is configured to hold and transfer aerosol generating liquid from the liquid store 30.
• the heat transfer unit 32 is also positioned at the distal end 66 of the cartridge housing 62.
• the liquid transfer element is configured, on the one hand, for absorbing therein some of the aerosol generating liquid from the liquid store 30, and, on the other hand, for being heated by the heat transfer unit 32 thereby allowing the aerosol generating liquid absorbed therein to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber.
• the heater 24 in operation is resistively heated by the power from the battery 22 and provides its heat to the heat transfer unit 32 via conduction.
• the heat from the heat transfer unit 32 is then transferred to the liquid transfer element, mainly by conduction.
• the aerosol generating liquid absorbed therein from the liquid store 30 is vaporized in the vaporization chamber, and the vapour escapes from the vaporization chamber via the aligned vapour outlet channels 72, 74 when a user sucks on the mouthpiece 16.
• the vapour cools and condenses as it flows through the vapour outlet channels 72, 74 to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user via the mouthpiece 16.
• the vaporisation of the aerosol generating liquid is facilitated by the addition of air from the surrounding environment through an air inlet(s).
• the flow of air and/or vapour may be aided by negative pressure created by a user drawing air through the system 10.
• the cartridge housing 62 at least partially includes the liquid store 30 and the vaporization chamber.
• the vapour outlet channel 72 extends along the cartridge housing 62 and is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber.
• the mouthpiece 16 is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber via the vapour outlet channel 72.
• the heat transfer unit 32 may be substantially perpendicular to the vapour outlet channel 72.
• the liquid store 30 may be juxtaposed with the vapour outlet channel extending between the vaporization chamber and the mouthpiece 16 in use.
• the liquid store 30 may be disposed around the vapour outlet channel.

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Citations (6)

• 2024
  • 2024-02-28 EP EP24160197.0A patent/EP4609731A1/de active Pending

Patent Citations (6)

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