JP2022530854A - Electronic aerosol supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic aerosol supply system comprises an air path between the air inlet and the air outlet and a vaporizer that produces vapor in the air path, and the air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer supports laminar flow. It is configured to do. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic aerosol supply device.

A typical electronic aerosol supply device includes an internal air path that provides a channel between one or more inlets and one or more outlets. The user of the electronic aerosol supply device draws in the air outlet to generate an air flow through the device from the air inlet to the air outlet along the channel.

Electronic aerosol feeders also generally include source (precursor) materials used to form vapors or aerosols. For example, some devices include a reservoir of liquid and a heater used to vaporize the liquid from the reservoir. In other devices, heaters can be used to produce volatile substances from solid materials, which form vapors or liquids. In some cases, the liquid or solid material may be provided in a replaceable cartridge. Vapors or aerosols are typically produced within the channel from the air inlet to the air outlet, or travel into the channel, carried by the air stream along the channel, and exit through the air outlet for inhalation by the user. ..

The user experience of such an electronic aerosol feeder depends on the vapor or aerosol exiting the device for inhalation.

The present invention is defined in the appended claims.

The techniques described herein provide an electronic aerosol supply system comprising an air path between an air inlet and an air outlet and a vaporizer that generates vapor in the air path. The air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer is configured to support the laminar air flow.

The techniques described herein coordinate an air path between an air inlet and an air outlet, a vaporizer that produces vapor in the air path, and an air path to control turbulence in the air path. Provides an electronic aerosol supply system with equipment for.

The features and aspects of the invention described above in connection with the first and other aspects of the invention are similarly applicable not only to the particular combinations described above, but also to embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention. It will be understood that they can be combined as appropriate.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electronic aerosol supply system. FIG. 2 shows an electronic aerosol supply system with linear airflow channels configured to support laminar airflow by the techniques described herein. FIG. 3 shows the distribution of aerosol particle size produced by an electronic aerosol supply system as shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows the distribution of aerosol particle size produced by an electronic aerosol supply system as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows an electronic aerosol supply system with smoothly curved airflow channels configured to support laminar airflow by the techniques described herein. FIG. 6 shows an electronic aerosol supply system with equipment for adjusting air paths to control turbulence by the techniques described herein. FIG. 7 shows another electronic aerosol supply system with equipment for adjusting air paths to control turbulence according to the techniques described herein.

Aspects and features of various examples are described herein. Some of these aspects and features can be implemented as conventional, and they may not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. It will be appreciated that such aspects and features not described in detail can be implemented according to appropriate conventional techniques.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol supply system, also referred to as an electronic vapor supply system, an e-cigarette, or the like. In the following description, the terms "e-cigarette", "e-cigarette", "electronic aerosol supply system", and "electronic vapor supply system" are used interchangeably unless the context requires other meanings. can do. Similarly, the terms "device" and "system" may be used interchangeably, for example, "electronic aerosol supply system" is an "electronic aerosol supply device" unless the context requires other meanings. Should be considered the same as. Moreover, as is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" and related terms such as "vaporize", "aerosolize", and "volatile" are so contextual. It can be used interchangeably as well, as long as it does not require it to be.

Such electronic aerosol supply systems / devices are often provided, for example, in the form of a module comprising a control unit and a cartomizer (a cartomizer is a combination of a cartridge and a vaporizer). The term electronic aerosol supply system / device is used herein to refer to one or more modules (such as control units) that act to produce aerosols or vapors. Such systems / devices may be configured to receive one or more additional modules, eg, modules (cartridges) containing vaporized liquids or other precursors, or one or more. It may be provided in combination with additional modules.

One common configuration of an electronic aerosol supply system / device with a modular assembly is to include reusable parts (main control units) and replaceable (disposable) cartridge parts, also called consumables. .. Replaceable cartridge parts often contain a vapor (aerosol) precursor material and can also contain a vaporizer (aerosolizer) to form a cartomizer (in some embodiments). Reusable components often include a power source, such as a rechargeable battery, and a control circuit for the device / system. These components may include additional components depending on their function. For example, the reusable part can include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating state characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge part is a temperature sensor to help control the temperature of the vaporizer. Can be included.

Cartridge components are typically electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use. The cartridge is removed from the control unit when the vapor precursor material in the cartridge is exhausted (completely consumed) or when the user (eg) wants to switch to a different cartridge with a different vapor precursor material. , Replacement cartridges may be provided at that location. A device that fits this type of modular configuration of two parts is sometimes referred to as a two-part device.

Some of the exemplary devices / systems described herein are based on elongated two-part devices / systems that utilize disposable cartridges. However, the techniques described herein are different configurations of electronic aerosol supply systems / devices, such as single-part devices, or modular devices containing more than two parts, refillable devices, and single-use disposable devices. It will be understood that it can also be adopted. In addition, the approach described herein is based on, for example, so-called box-shaped high performance devices, typically having a more box-like shape, devices with other geometries (not necessarily elongated) /. It may be applied to the system.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first electronic aerosol supply device 20. The e-cigarette 20 comprises two main sections: a control unit 22 and a cartridge unit 24. In some embodiments, the cartridge unit and the control unit are separate parts that are removable from each other. In normal use, the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24 are releasably coupled to each other at the interface 26. The cartridge 24 may be removed from the control unit 22 when the cartridge portion 24 is exhausted (after the aerosol precursor material in it is depleted) or when the user wants to switch to a different cartridge. The removed cartridge can then be discarded (when completely exhausted) and the replacement cartridge can be coupled to the control unit. Another possibility is that the same cartridge portion 24 can be refilled and reattached to the control portion 22. In another embodiment, the cartridge section 24 may be refillable in place, i.e., while still attached to the control section 22 (in this case, the cartridge section 24 is permanently attached to the control section 22). there is a possibility).

The interface 26 generally provides structural (mechanical), electrical, and air flow path connections between the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24. For example, the interface 26 can provide well-arranged electrical contacts for establishing various electrical connections between the two sections. Similarly, the interface may support (define) the airflow channel (path) between the two sections, if desired.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the electronic aerosol supply system 20 may have different configurations. Moreover, different features from the different embodiments described herein may be mixed with each other as needed. For example, in some implementations, the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24 may be fixed together (rather than removable). As mentioned above, this may be the case when the cartridge section 24 is in-situ refillable. In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be provided in the control unit 22 instead of the cartridge unit 24, in which case the interface 26 is a vapor precursor (such as a liquid) from the cartridge unit 24 to the control unit 22. It may be configured to assist in the transfer. However, it is not always necessary to support the transmission of electric power from the control unit 22 to the cartridge unit 24. In some implementations, the interface 26 can support the wireless transmission of power from the control unit to the cartridge unit, for example, based on electromagnetic induction. In this case, the direct physical (electrical) connection between the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24 may not be provided. Further, in some implementations, the airflow path through the electronic aerosol supply device 20 may not pass through the control unit 22, so that the interface 26 is an airflow channel connection between the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24. May not be included. Those of skill in the art will be aware of various other potential changes.

In the example of FIG. 1, the cartridge section 24 comprises a cartridge housing 62 that may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. The cartridge housing 62 supports other components of the cartridge section 24 and provides a mechanical interface with the control section 22 as part of the interface 26. The cartridge section includes an airflow channel (or path) 72 and a mouthpiece 70 that defines an air outlet 71 from the airflow channel 72.

Within the cartridge housing 62 is a reservoir 64 that houses the liquid that provides the vapor precursor material. This is often referred to as e-liquid. The liquid reservoir 64 in the device of FIG. 1 has an annular shape around (periphery) the airflow channel 72. The shape of the reservoir 64 is defined by an outer wall provided by the cartridge housing 62 and an outer wall or an inner wall forming a boundary of the airflow channel 72 through the cartridge section 24. The reservoir 64 is closed at each end to hold the e-liquid by the mouthpiece 70 at the downstream end of the cartridge section 24 and by the housing 62 forming the interface 26 at the upstream end.

The cartridge unit 24 further includes a core (liquid transport element) 66 and a heater (vaporizer) 68. In the device shown in FIG. 1, the wick 66 extends across the cartridge airflow channel 72, i.e., perpendicular to the airflow direction along the channel 72. Each end of the wick is configured to draw liquid from the reservoir 64 through one or more openings in the inner wall of the liquid reservoir 64. The e-liquid penetrates the wick 66 and is drawn along the wick 66 by capillary action (ie, wicking). The heater 68 may include an electrical resistance wire wound around the core 66, for example a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the core 66 may include a glass fiber bundle or a cotton fiber bundle. Many other options will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, the core may be made of ceramic, the core and the heater coil may be arranged vertically instead of horizontally, may have a plurality of heater coils 68, and may have a plurality of cores 66. , The heater 68 may have a planar configuration, and the like.

During use, power may be supplied to the heater 68 to vaporize a certain amount of e-liquid (vapor precursor material) drawn into the vicinity of the heater 68 by the wick 66. The vaporized e-liquid is then entrained with air drawn along the cartridge airflow channel 72 towards the mouthpiece outlet 70 for user inhalation. The rate at which the e-liquid is vaporized by the vaporizer (heater) 68 generally depends on the amount of power supplied to the heater 68 and the wicking or liquid transport capacity of the wick 66. In some devices, the rate of steam generation (vaporization rate) can be adjusted by varying the amount of power delivered to the heater 68, for example through the use of pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques. .. Generally, the e-liquid vapor formed by the heater 68 is cooled in the airflow channel 72 and at least partially condenses into particles (droplets of liquid), thereby forming an aerosol. It is this aerosol that is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece outlet 71.

The control unit 22 shown in FIG. 1 includes an outer housing 32 having an opening defining an air inlet 48 for the electronic cigarette 20, a battery 46 for supplying electric power for operating the electronic cigarette 20, and an electronic cigarette. It includes a control circuit 38 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the 20th, a user input button 34, and a visual display indicator 44. The outer housing 32 is configured to receive the cartridge section 24, thereby providing a smooth integration (coupling) of the two sections or portions in the interface 26. For example, the outer housing 32 may include any other suitable engaging features for accepting the corresponding features of the clip and / or slot and / or cartridge section 24.

The battery 46 is generally rechargeable via a charging connector in the control unit housing 32, such as a USB connector (not shown in FIG. 1). The user input button 34 can be used to perform various control functions. The display 44 may include (eg) one or more LEDs for displaying information about the state of charge of the battery 46 or any other suitable information or instructions. In some embodiments, the user input button 34 and the display 44 may be integrated as a single component. The control circuit 38 is appropriately configured (programmed) to control the operation of the electronic cigarette, for example, to regulate the supply of electric power from the battery 46 to the heater 68 to generate steam.

The intake port 48 is connected to the air flow path 50 via the control unit 22. When the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24 are connected to each other, the control portion section path 50 connects to the cartridge air flow path 72 via the interface 26. Therefore, when the user inhales with the mouthpiece 70, air is taken through the air inlet 48, along the control section air path 50, through the interface 26, and along the cartridge airflow channel 72 for user inhalation. Is pulled in and exits through the opening of the mouthpiece 70. In the example of FIG. 1, the air flow path 50 is configured such that the air flow through the air inlet 48 is perpendicular to the air flow through the air outlet 71 during user suction. In particular, the air inlet 48 is located on the side of the outer housing 32 (rather than the base). Such an air inlet may be referred to as a side hole. The air flow path 50 has a corner or angle at which the air flow during intake abruptly shifts from the first air flow direction from the air inlet 48 to the corner to the second air flow direction from the corner to the interface 26. Incorporate. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the second moving direction is perpendicular to the first moving direction.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second electronic aerosol supply device 200. The components of the e-cigarette 200 of FIG. 2 are generally the same as or similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1 (with similar reference numbers), and thus these components will be described again. do not do. However, in contrast to the first e-cigarette 20 in FIG. 1, which has a side hole air inlet 48, the second e-cigarette 200 in FIG. 2 has an air inlet 248 at the base (or bottom) of the e-cigarette (or the bottom). The orientation of the e-cigarette is defined in the conventional way so that the mouthpiece 71 is at the top). This position of the air inlet 248 aligns the control section air flow path 250 and the cartridge section air flow path 72 coaxially so that there is a straight air path along the length of the air flow channel. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the airflow channels 250, 72 of the electronic steam supply device 200 are substantially such that the airflow exiting from the air inlet 248 through the device to the vaporizer 68 and then through the mouthpiece 70. Aligned to follow a linear path, i.e., towards a substantially unidirectional direction without changing direction, curvature, bending, etc.

FIG. 2 shows an example in which the airflow paths in the control unit 22 and the cartridge unit 24 have a coaxial (co-aligned) configuration, but it will be appreciated that such a configuration can be achieved differently in other implementations. .. Further, the e-cigarette 200 is shown to have two modules (cartridge unit 24 and control unit 22), while other implementations with coaxial configurations for airflow paths 52 and 72 are integrated devices. Or as a system with more than two modules.

The linear configuration of the airflow channel 250 through the control unit 22 of FIG. 2 supports the laminar flow in the channel 250 as compared to the angled (angular) configuration of the airflow channel 50 of the electronic cigarette 20 of FIG. Helps to do. In laminar airflow (also referred to herein as linear airflow), air generally flows all in parallel in the same direction. For example, in the case of laminar flow along a cylindrical pipe, all air flows axially parallel along the pipe. The air velocity along the pipe has a radial profile depending on the distance from the center of the pipe. The air flowing along the central axis of the pipe flows fastest, then the velocity of the air flow gradually decreases as it moves radially away from the center, adjacent to the edge or wall of the pipe in a region called the boundary layer. The speed becomes 0.

In contrast to laminar flow, the presence of features such as corners, bends, and obstacles along the airflow path generally introduces turbulence into the airflow. This turbulent airflow (also referred to herein as non-linear airflow) is generated and reflected by local fluctuations in air pressure and other instability. For example, air flowing around (but near) an obstacle may have a higher pressure than air flowing further away from the obstacle. This can be balanced by the relatively low pressure area immediately after the obstacle. The local movement of air actually rebalances the fluctuations in air pressure, thereby attempting to introduce turbulence into the airflow.

Note that turbulence can also occur in the axially aligned channels shown in FIG. For example, if air is pushed through a pipe too fast (ie, with too much pressure difference), high levels of radial shear resulting from different axial speeds at different radial distances from the center of the channel It disturbs the airflow, resulting in instability and other forms of turbulence.

A dimensionless parameter known as the Reynolds number (R) is often used to characterize laminar and turbulent states. The Reynolds number is defined as R = uL / v, where u is the flow velocity, v is the viscosity, and L is the linear scale size of the flow (which can be, for example, the diameter of the pipe). .. Low Reynolds numbers generally produce laminar flows, and high Reynolds numbers generally produce turbulence. Transitions between laminar and turbulent flows can typically occur for R within the range 2000-3000 (this transition point is typically sensitive to a variety of factors and some In this situation, it may be outside the above range). It should be noted that increasing the flow velocity increases the Reynolds number and therefore, as mentioned above, can induce a transition to turbulence. In contrast, increasing viscosity reduces Reynolds number. This can be regarded as a higher viscosity that attenuates turbulent motion.

3 and 4 are graphs showing the frequency distribution of particle sizes produced by the e-cigarettes of the first and second examples, namely the side hole device 20 of FIG. 1 and the linear flow device 200 of FIG. 2, respectively. .. Particle size refers to the size of particles or droplets in a vapor or aerosol exiting the device through an air outlet 71. Each graph shows 10 repeated measurements of the particle size distribution. A statistical summary of the particle size frequency distribution for each measurement is provided in Tables 1 and 2 below.

The last three columns of each table define the parameters of the particle size distribution for that measurement. Therefore, in row 10 of Table 1, Dx (1) = 0.39 means that 10% of the particles have a size less than 0.39 micron (μm) and Dx (50) = 1.12. Means that 50% of the particles have a size less than 1.12 microns (μm) (ie, this is a median size), and Dx (00) = 2.56 means that 90% of the particles are 2 Means having a size of less than .56 microns (μm). A comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 (and related tables) shows that the particle size is a direct linear flow e-cigarette (as shown in FIG. 2) rather than a side hole e-cigarette (as shown in FIG. 1). Clearly shows that is generally smaller. It is also suggested that the direct linear flow measurement in FIG. 4 results in a slightly denser (more compact) distribution than the side hole measurement in FIG.

Without being bound by theory, laminar flow (non-turbulent flow) because turbulence causes more collisions between aerosol particles, and such collisions can result in solidification between particles and thus growth in particle size. It is believed that the airflow can form an aerosol with a smaller particle size than a non-laminar (turbulent) airflow. On the other hand, when the airflow is a laminar flow, the agglomeration between the particles can be reduced because the airflows are substantially all parallel along the axial direction. As a result, there is less mixing in the air stream and therefore less likely to solidify. Turbulence brings more vapor into contact with the particles, thus resulting in faster condensation of vapors onto the particles (compared to laminar flow), and thus it is also possible to result in larger particles. Faster condensation of vapor onto such existing particles can occur in addition to or instead of the faster solidification of the particles.

It has been found that an electronic vapor supply system that generally provides an aerosol with a smaller particle size for the user to inhale can enhance the user's experience. Without being bound by theory, this user's preference for smaller particle sizes is for easier absorption of particles by the structure, increased lightness and / or diffusivity of the particles, and higher uniformity of the particles (consistent). Sex), it can result from one or more factors such as an increase in the distance traveled by the particles.

Considering this user preference, the linear airflow channel 250 of FIG. 2 is to provide a layered airflow, and thus a smaller particle size, as compared to the inclined airflow channel 50 of FIG. The airflow configuration of the e-cigarette 200 of FIG. 2 is advantageous over the airflow configuration of the e-cigarette 20 of FIG. 1 because it is useful. In practice, in many practical devices, the air flow can have both laminar and turbulent components. Increasing the proportion of laminar flow components at the expense of turbulence components should still help reduce particle size and thus improve the user experience. Therefore, the benefits of providing laminar flow are not dual (all or nothing), but rather can be realized by gradually increasing the proportion of laminar flow in a given device. ..

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the third electronic aerosol supply device 500. The components of the e-cigarette 500 of FIG. 5 are generally the same as or similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1 (with similar reference numbers), and thus these components will be described again. do not do. In contrast to the exemplary e-cigarette 20 of FIG. 1, which has a side hole air inlet 48 with a horned airflow channel 50, and also to provide a linear airflow channel 250 of the e-cigarette 200. In contrast to the exemplary e-cigarette 200 of FIG. 2, which has an air inlet 248 at the base (or bottom), the e-cigarette 500 of FIG. 5 is a side opening 548 (like the e-cigarette 20 of FIG. 1). The air flow path 550 in the control unit 22 includes an air flow path 550 having a smooth continuous curve for the air flow channel 550 between the air inlet 548 (side hole) and the interface 26.

Configuring the air flow path 550 to have such a continuous curve rather than a sharp angle or angle helps to support a layered air flow. Therefore, by implementing an air path 550 that provides a gradual change in the direction of the air flow, the device has side holes with lower levels of turbulence (if any) compared to the configuration of FIG. It will be possible to prepare. Thus, the exemplary e-cigarette 500 is 5 mm to help reduce (or eliminate) turbulence (compared to the configuration in FIG. 1) and reduce the particle size in the aerosol provided by the device. It may have an airflow channel 550 with a radius of curvature greater than 10 mm, or preferably greater than 15 mm.

In some embodiments, the continuous curve of the airflow channel 550 may extend only halfway between the air inlet 548 and the interface 26. For example, the airflow channel 550 may have a smoothly curved portion near the air inlet 548, followed by a linear portion near the interface 26 (or conversely, the airflow channel 550 may have an air inlet. It is possible to have a smoothly curved portion near the interface 26, starting from a straight portion near 548). More generally, there may be two or more continuous curves and / or two or more straight sections within the airflow channel 550. A further possibility is that a continuous curve (or multiple such curves) can be approximated by a series of short straight sections, whereby the change in orientation between any two consecutive straight sections is of turbulence. It is small, for example, within the range of 1-5 degrees to limit or avoid introduction.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth electronic aerosol supply device 600. The components of the e-cigarette 600 of FIG. 6 are generally the same as or similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1 (with similar reference numbers), and thus these components will be described again. do not do. In contrast to the e-cigarettes shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, which have a fixed airflow channel configuration, the e-cigarette 600 of FIG. 6 measures the level of turbulence of air sucked through the device. It has an airflow path 650 that can be modified to vary. In other words, the e-cigarette 600 of FIG. 6 provides equipment for adjusting the air path to control the amount of turbulence in the air path and thus varying the particle size distribution of the aerosol produced by the e-cigarette 600. include.

The airflow channel 650 of the e-cigarette 600 comprises two sections, a first movable channel section 610 and a second fixed section 610. These two sections are joined by a suitable coupling or connector 615. Thus, the first movable airflow channel section 610 extends from the air inlet 648 to the coupling 615 and the second airflow channel section 611 extends from the coupling 615 to the interface 26. The movable airflow channel section 610 can actually rotate about the coupling 615 to reposition the air inlet 648. In particular, the position of the air inlet 648 can be rotated between position A and position A'as indicated by an arrow. At position A', the e-cigarette 600 approximates the side hole configuration shown in FIG. 1, while at position A, the e-cigarette 600 approximates the direct linear flow (bottom hole) configuration shown in FIG.

The e-cigarette 600 includes a switch or button 625 for the user to rotate the movable portion 610 between positions A and A'. The switch 625 may be equipped with a suitable mechanical coupling (not shown) to achieve this rotation of the moving part 610. Another possibility is that the rotation of section 610 is performed using the power from the battery 46 (again, under the control of a switch or button 625). Other actuation mechanisms may be implemented that include direct user movement of the movable portion 610, in which case the button / switch 625 may be omitted.

The electronic cigarette 600 is described above as having two operating positions of the movable portion 610 corresponding to A and A'(as a result, the position shown in FIG. 6 is between these two operating positions. (Transition), other implementations may have one or more additional operating positions between A and A'. Some implementations can allow continuous adjustment, i.e., the movable portion 610 can be located in any desired position between A and A'. It will be appreciated that the portion 621 of the control housing 32 on which the air inlet 648 is formed is arranged to accommodate a desired range of positions for the air inlet 648.

By moving the position of the air inlet 648 from position A to position A'(through any supported intermediate position), an increasing level of turbulence can be applied to the air flow. This generally results in an aerosol with a larger particle size, as described above. This provides the user with control over parameters (particle size) that have a direct physical effect on the user's experience of using the e-cigarette 600. In particular, different particle sizes (larger or smaller) may be preferred by different users, or for different cartridges, different e-liquids, or only in different user environments. The use of the button 625 to control the position of the air inlet 648 by the moving section 610 to adjust the turbulence provides the user with control over the aerosol particle size according to the user's particular preferences and circumstances.

For example, in the first orientation as indicated by position A, the movable channel section 610 is aligned with the rest of the airflow channel 650, in particular the fixed portion 611, thus minimizing turbulence. In the second orientation as indicated by position A', the movable channel section 610 is now perpendicular to the rest of the airflow channel 650, thus introducing (or increasing) turbulence. ). It should be noted that this mechanism can change the level of turbulence with little or no change in the overall flow rate. In particular, the size of the air inlet 648, and thus the amount of air sucked during smoke absorption, is substantially maintained regardless of the orientation of the movable channel section 610, while the particle size distribution of the smoke absorption is the location of the movable channel section 610. Depends on (and is controlled by) the settings.

As mentioned above, the orientation of the movable airflow section 610 is selected by the user interacting with the device via a mechanical switch 625 such as a wheel or lever or a similar device, allowing the user to identify the particle size of the user. It can be made possible to suit your taste. In some implementations, this adjustment of the movable airflow section 610 may be performed using the user input button 34 and / or the visual display indicator 44 (instead of or in addition to using the switch 625). The orientation change can be made very quickly, for example during or between smoke absorption (operation of the heater 68), which allows the user to quickly adjust the particle size to the desired setting. .. A further possibility is that, in some situations, at least after the orientation of the movable channel section 610 recognizes that a particular cartridge 24 containing a particular e-liquid has been attached to the control unit 22, the control circuit 38 It can be done automatically by.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the fifth electronic aerosol supply device 700. The components of the e-cigarette 700 of FIG. 7 are generally the same as or similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1 (with similar reference numbers), and thus these components will be described again. do not do. More specifically, the e-cigarette 700 of FIG. 7 has a structure very similar to the e-cigarette 200 of FIG. 6, but like the e-cigarette 600 of FIG. 2, the aerosol grains produced by the e-cigarette 700. It also includes equipment for adjusting the diameter distribution.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the e-cigarette 700, like the e-cigarette 200 as shown in FIG. 2, uses a direct linear flow configuration to provide a fixed air flow path 750 that extends to the air inlet 748. Be prepared. However, the e-cigarette 700 is a mechanism 715 for changing the configuration of the air path 750 to change the relative proportions of laminar and turbulent air flows in the air path 750 (schematically shown in FIG. 7). Further include, thereby providing some control over the resulting particle size distribution of the aerosol produced by the e-cigarette 700. The mechanism 715 may be operated by the user via a button or switch 725, similar to using the button 625 of the e-cigarette 600 to move the airflow channel section 610. Similarly, the operation of the mechanism 715 uses the user input button 34 and / or the visual display indicator 44 (instead of or in addition to using the switch 725) and / or at least partially by the control circuit 38. Can be executed automatically.

One embodiment of the mechanism 715 is molded, which can vary from, for example, a simple circular shape for the opening to a star shape (or any other more complex shape) for the opening. Aperture or opening. The circular shape introduces relatively little turbulence and thus supports a higher percentage of laminar flow, while the more complex (detailed) star-shaped openings produce more local fluctuations in pressure. , Tends to introduce more turbulence, thus resulting in a lower percentage of laminar flow. Switching between different aperture shapes can be activated using, for example, a button or switch 725.

In other implementations, wall features such as baffles, fins, or other obstacles (or multiple such items) can be moved into and / or out of the air flow path 750. Insertion of such features can reintroduce more local pressure fluctuations that promote the formation of turbulence. Therefore, the level of turbulence (and thus the resulting particle size) regulates the degree of insertion or extraction of such obstacles into the airflow channel 750 (eg, by using a button or switch 725). Can be controlled by Similar effects can be achieved, for example, by forming or flattening a surface texture or other topology on the inner wall of the airflow channel 750.

Another possible implementation of the mechanism 715 comprises a grill, grid, or other similar structure that can be moved into the airflow path 750 to increase airflow turbulence. Typically, the grid is formed of fine wires or the like, whereby the grid acts to turbulent the airflow and give the airflow turbulence, but does not impede the airflow velocity. In some implementations, the grill 715 may be permanently placed in the air flow path 750, but the grill configuration or any other characteristic (s), such as the size of the individual openings in the grill. It can be modified to vary the amount of turbulence generated in the airflow. A further example of the mechanism 715 is an airflow divider that can be placed within the airflow path 750 to divide the airflow channel into two or more subchannels. Both the separation of the airflow into multiple air channels and the subsequent recombination of the airflow into a single channel can result in the formation of airflow turbulence. The level of turbulence can be controlled by varying the proportion of air in each component.

In some embodiments, the mechanism 715 not only affects the relative ratio of laminar and turbulent flow, but also the velocity of the airflow through the e-cigarette for a given pressure drop or inhalation intensity. Can also affect. In effect, it increases pull-out resistance (RTD). For example, introducing fins or other obstacles into the airflow generally acts as an additional RTD resistance to the airflow in addition to increasing the amount of turbulence. However, it may be desirable to allow the user to control the amount of turbulence (and thus particle size) with little or no change in RTD (and thus total flow rate). One way to achieve this is for the e-cigarette to include a limiter somewhere along the entire air flow path, which is the main restriction on the air flow through the e-cigarette. In such a configuration, any change in RTD caused by different settings of mechanism 715 has a relatively low effect on the overall RTD experienced by the user. Another approach is that different settings of the mechanism 715 are designed to change the amount of turbulence rather than the overall airflow resistance. For example, in the above embodiment where circular openings are used to reduce turbulence and star openings are used to increase turbulence, the sizes of the circular and star openings are the same for both openings. It can be arranged to provide airflow resistance (RTD contribution).

The mechanism 715 is shown in FIG. 7 to be mounted in the center of the airflow channel 750, but instead at any suitable air inlet 748 or interface 26, or between the air inlet 748 and the interface 26. It may be implemented in any location. In some embodiments, the mechanism 715 may include multiple components at various locations along the air path 750. Alternatively, the mechanism 715 may extend along a substantial portion (eg, most or all) of the airflow channel 750 between the air inlet 748 and the interface 26. Further, while the air path 750 shown in FIG. 7 is substantially straight (straight), other implementations have, for example, a curved airflow path similar to the shape shown in FIG. 5 for the e-cigarette 500. obtain.

As mentioned above, the approach comprises an air path between the air inlet and the air outlet and a vaporizer that produces vapor in the air path, and the air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer is laminar. It is configured to support the flow.

It has been found that such laminar airflow can result in smaller aerosol particles from the electronic aerosol supply system, which in turn can result in a more favorable user experience. It is believed that laminar flow may (but is not limited to) produce smaller particle sizes by reducing particle agglomeration and / or by reducing deposition on the particles. Although these physical effects generally occur downstream of the vaporizer, it is difficult to stop the already turbulent airflow in the electronic aerosol supply system. Accordingly, the techniques described herein attempt to prevent or reduce the formation of turbulence upstream of the vaporizer, which helps prevent or reduce turbulence at the vaporizer (and downstream thereof).

An ideal device may have laminar (non-turbulent) airflow along the entire airflow path within the device, from the air inlet to the air outlet. However, achieving full laminar airflow within the device can be difficult in practice, rather the air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer is substantially (almost) laminar airflow. For example, at least 60%, 75%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the air flow through the electronic aerosol feeder is laminar.

There are various ways in which the air path, at least between the air inlet and the vaporizer, can be configured to support (mostly) laminar flow. For example, the air path may include a straight channel between the air inlet and the vaporizer. The absence of sharp bends or angles promotes laminar flow. In some cases, the air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer may include one or more curved portions. Each of the one or more curved portions may have a radius of curvature greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm. Again, laminar flow is facilitated by providing a gentle curve rather than a sharp bend or angle (and more flexibility in the overall geometry of the device compared to having a straight air flow). Gender is given). Laminar flow along the air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer means that this path is (i) obstacles such as protrusions, grills, narrow openings, and / or (ii) air along the air path. It can be further facilitated by ensuring that the wall topology of the air path that introduces turbulence into the flow is substantially free of, for example, surface textures or other features. It will be appreciated that similar techniques may be employed to reduce or prevent turbulence in this downstream portion of the air path downstream of the vaporizer.

The approach also provides an electronic aerosol supply system (eg, as described above) equipped with equipment for controlling turbulence in the air path. In some implementations, the equipment provides at least the first and second settings, the first setting providing an air flow with a higher percentage of laminar flow to turbulence than the second setting. do. Therefore, as mentioned above, the first setting generally produces an aerosol with a smaller particle size than the second setting. For example, the first setting produces an aerosol having a median particle size (eg, based on diameter) that is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% smaller than the median particle size of the aerosol produced by the second setting. Also well, and / or the first setting produces an aerosol with a median particle size of less than 1 micron, and the second setting produces an aerosol with a median particle size greater than 1 micron. (It will be appreciated that these ratios / sizes are given only as an example, as they are affected by additional factors such as the nature of the vaporizer.

It should be understood that some devices may have only two settings of equipment, while others may have more settings. In addition, some devices may support a continuous range of settings between the upper and lower bounds. In general, the facility may be manipulated by the user to control turbulence by selecting appropriate settings, such as by activating a button or slider and / or touching a touch-sensitive input device. In this way, the user can select the settings that provide the most satisfying user experience. In other cases, the equipment may be operated automatically (or additionally) in an alternative manner. For example, the device can detect that a particular cartridge or cartomizer has been installed and set the equipment to provide the most appropriate turbulence level for this cartridge.

There are various ways in which equipment can be implemented. For example, in some cases, the equipment may support the movement of the airflow path to introduce or eliminate a linear channel between the air inlet and the vaporizer. Another method of varying the turbulence level could be to use a (re) movable airflow divider to divide part of the air path into two or more channels. Variable openings along the path and / or one or more structures that can be introduced or modified within the air path. It should be noted that the equipment may utilize several different approaches to change the level of turbulence.

In some implementations, the equipment is arranged to maintain a substantially constant air flow through the air path when the equipment provides different levels of turbulence. For example, the equipment may use smooth (circular) openings to reduce turbulence, or more angled openings, such as stars, to increase turbulence. The overall size of each opening can be configured such that openings of different shapes provide the same suction resistance (and thus overall airflow). In this way, the user can adjust the particle size of the aerosol without changing other parameters of the device such as suction resistance, which facilitates easier device management for the user.

In order to address various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure exemplifies various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be implemented. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. These are presented only to aid and teach the understanding of the inventions described in the claims. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should be considered as limitations to the present disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations to the equivalent of the claims. Instead, it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and amended without departing from the claims. Various embodiments may appropriately include, consist of, or be essentially derived from various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, and the like. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the features of the dependent claims can be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly stated in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (22)

The air path between the air inlet and the air outlet,
A vaporizer that produces steam in the air path is provided.
The air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer is configured to support a laminar air flow.
Electronic aerosol supply system. The electronic aerosol supply system of claim 1, wherein the air path comprises a linear channel between the air inlet and the vaporizer. The air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer comprises one or more curved portions, each of which has a radius of curvature of greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 15 mm. Item 1. The electronic aerosol supply system according to Item 1. 13. The electronic aerosol supply system described. The air path between the air inlet and the vaporizer is defined by one or more walls that are substantially free of topology for introducing turbulence into the air flow along the air path. 4. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of 4. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air path between the vaporizer and the air outlet is configured to support a laminar air flow. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising equipment for controlling turbulence in the air path. The electron according to claim 7, wherein the equipment has at least first and second settings, wherein the first setting provides a higher proportion of laminar flow to turbulence than the second setting. Aerosol supply system. The electronic aerosol supply system according to claim 8, wherein the first setting produces an aerosol having a particle size smaller than that of the second setting. The electron according to claim 9, wherein the first setting produces an aerosol having a median particle size that is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% smaller than the median particle size of the aerosol produced by the second setting. Aerosol supply system. The first setting produces an aerosol having a median particle size of less than 1 micron, and the second setting produces an aerosol having a median particle size greater than 1 micron, according to claim 9 or 10. Electronic aerosol supply system. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first setting reduces the solidification of particles as compared with the second setting. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the first setting reduces deposition on particles as compared to the second setting. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the equipment supports the movement of the air flow path. 14. The electronic aerosol supply system of claim 14, wherein the movement of the air flow path is configured to introduce or eliminate a linear channel between the air inlet and the vaporizer. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the equipment includes an air flow divider for dividing a part of the air path into two or more channels. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the equipment includes openings having a plurality of shapes. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the equipment comprises one or more structures introduced into or modified within the air pathway. One of claims 7-18, wherein the electronic aerosol supply system is configured to maintain a substantially constant air flow through the air path when the equipment provides different levels of turbulence. The electronic aerosol supply system according to paragraph 1. The electronic aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 7 to 19, wherein the equipment may be configured by the user to control turbulence. The air path between the air inlet and the air outlet,
A vaporizer that produces steam in the air path,
Equipment for adjusting the air path to control turbulence in the air path, and
Equipped with an electronic aerosol supply system. A step of providing an air path between an air inlet and an air outlet and a vaporizer that generates steam in the air path.
A step of adjusting the air path to control turbulence in the air path, and
How to operate an electronic aerosol supply system.

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