JP2024504773A - Non-flammable aerosol delivery device - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-flammable aerosol delivery device (100) is disclosed for generating an aerosol from a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device includes a first chamber (102a) that includes an aerosol-generating material and is configured to receive a first consumable having a first size; a second chamber (102b), separate from the first chamber, configured to receive a second consumable having a second size different from the size. [Selection diagram] Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to non-flammable aerosol delivery devices.

Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide an alternative to such articles that burn tobacco by creating products that release compounds without burning. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating the material, without burning it. The material may be, for example, a tobacco product or a non-tobacco product, and these products may or may not contain nicotine.

According to a first aspect of some embodiments described herein, a non-flammable aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material is provided, the non-flammable aerosol delivery device a first chamber having a first size and configured to receive a first consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material; and a first chamber having a second size different from the first size and configured to receive a first consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material. a second chamber, separate from the first chamber, configured to receive a second consumable including a second consumable;

The first chamber may be dimensioned differently than the second chamber.

The first chamber may have a shorter length than the second chamber.

The first chamber may have a greater width than the second chamber.

Each of the chambers may include a tube arranged to receive a respective substantially cylindrical consumable containing an aerosol-generating material.

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device has a first opening that is removably insertable into the first chamber and a second consumable that is removably insertable into the second chamber. It may further include a second opening.

The first aperture and the second aperture may be on the same side of the non-combustible aerosol delivery device.

The first aperture and the second aperture may be arranged in a common plane.

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device may further include a cover, the cover being movable between a first position and a second position, and when in the first position, the cover and at least one of the second chamber is closed when in the second position, and at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is opened when in the second position.

The cover may close the first chamber and the second chamber when in the first position and may open the first chamber and the second chamber when in the second position. .

The first chamber may have a first longitudinal axis and the second chamber may have a second longitudinal axis, the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. The directional axes may be substantially parallel.

The non-combustible aerosol delivery device may have a longitudinal device axis, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal device axis.

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device is configured to, in use, generate an aerosol from a first consumable when the first consumable is received in the first chamber and to generate an aerosol from the first consumable when the second consumable is received in the second chamber. The second consumable may further include an aerosol generator system for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when received by the second consumable.

The aerosol generator system includes a first aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from a first consumable when the first consumable is received in a first chamber; a second aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when received in the chamber of the second consumable.

The aerosol generator system may be configured such that only one of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator is operable at any given time.

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device may further include a selector for selecting which of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator is operable at any given time. .

The non-flammable aerosol delivery device may further include a user-operable input device, wherein the selector selects the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator in response to user input received from the user-operable input device. One may select which of the aerosol generators is operational.

In accordance with a second aspect of some embodiments described herein, a non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to the first aspect; A system is provided that includes at least one of a consumable and a second consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material for insertion into a second chamber.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example only.

1 is a schematic diagram of a first non-flammable aerosol delivery device for heating a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material; FIG. FIG. 2 is a first schematic perspective view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device for heating a consumable containing an aerosol-generating material with the consumable inserted therein; FIG. 3 is a second schematic perspective view of the second non-flammable aerosol delivery device without a consumable inserted therein; FIG. 3 is a schematic cutaway view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device with a first consumable inserted into a first chamber; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device with a second consumable inserted into a second chamber; FIG. 3 is another schematic cross-sectional side view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device. a first schematic plan view of a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device with a first consumable inserted into a first chamber and a second consumable inserted into a second chamber; FIG. 3 shows a second schematic plan view of a second non-combustible aerosol delivery device;

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100. The first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 comprises a housing 101 that houses the various components of the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100.

The first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 includes a first chamber 102a configured to receive a first consumable (not shown in FIG. 1) having a first size; comprises a second chamber 102b, separate from the first chamber 102, configured to receive a second consumable having a different second size. The first consumable and the second consumable each include an aerosol-generating material.

References herein to consumables of different sizes refer to consumables that are intended to be of different sizes from each other, e.g. of the same size but differing in size by any small amount, e.g. due to manufacturing tolerances etc. Please note that this does not refer to consumable items.

The different sizes of consumables may be different types of consumables.

In some examples, the first chamber 102a and the second chamber 102b each include respective longitudinal axes (L1, L2) where the axes are substantially parallel to each other.

An aerosol-generating material is a material capable of producing an aerosol when heated, illuminated with light, or activated in any other manner, for example. The aerosol-generating material may or may not contain active substances and/or flavoring substances, and may be in solid, liquid or gel form, for example. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold any fluid within it, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% amorphous solids.

The aerosol-generating material may include one or more actives and/or flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactive agents. Active substances may be naturally occurring or obtained artificially. The active substances may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, thein, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids or constituents, derivatives or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another plant.

In some embodiments, the active agent includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active agent includes caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material includes glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, suberin. It may include one or more of diethyl acid, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixtures, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers and/or antioxidants.

A first consumable and a second consumable (not shown) are intended for insertion one into the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 at a given time. When the first consumable is inserted into the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100, the first consumable is inserted into the first chamber 102a and the second consumable is inserted into the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100. When inserted into the aerosol delivery device 100, the second consumable is inserted into the second chamber 102b.

The first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 generates an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material regardless of whether the first consumable article or the second consumable article is inserted into the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100. The purpose is to The first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100 will be referred to hereinafter as device 100.

The device 100 includes an aerosol generator system 104a, 104b for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material regardless of whether a first consumable or a second consumable is inserted into the first non-flammable aerosol delivery device 100. Equipped with.

In one example, the aerosol generator system 104a, 104b includes a first aerosol generator 104a for generating an aerosol from a first consumable when the first consumable is received in the first chamber 102a; and a second aerosol generator 104 for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when the second consumable is received in the second chamber 102b.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the or each aerosol generator is configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. It is a heater configured. In some embodiments, the or each aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, an aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

Thus, in some examples, the first aerosol generator 104a is configured to provide energy to heat the aerosol-generating material within the first consumable received in the first chamber 102a. a first heating arrangement 104a and a second aerosol generator configured to provide energy to heat an aerosol-generating material within a second consumable received in the second chamber 102b; A second heating structure 104b is provided. In these examples, first chamber 102a and second chamber 102b are heating chambers.

In some examples, each of the first aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b includes one or more aerosol generators disposed in thermal contact with the respective first chamber 102a and second chamber 102b. with a resistive heating element. The flow of electrical current against the electrical resistance of one or more resistive heating elements generates heat. This process is called Joule heating, ohmic heating or resistance heating.

In some examples, each of the first aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b is an induction heating arrangement and is configured to generate a varying magnetic field to inductively heat the susceptor. Ru. The induction heating arrangement may include one or more inductors through which an alternating current is passed to generate a varying magnetic field. In some examples, first aerosol generator 104a and second aerosol generator 104b each include one or more susceptors. In other examples, each of the first aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b does not include a susceptor, and one or more susceptors are instead consumables intended for use with the device 100. may be provided as part of/with such consumables.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by impingement with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, so its penetration with a varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material so that its penetration with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be electrically conductive and magnetic, so it can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

Device 100 includes a power supply 106. Power supply 106 provides power to various components of device 100. In some examples, power source 106 is a battery. In some examples, power source 106 includes a battery and a DC-DC converter, and power is provided from the battery through the DC-DC converter. A DC-DC converter may allow power supply 106 to power the battery voltage at different voltages. In some examples, device 100 converts DC current from, for example, a battery to AC current to power one or more inductors of, for example, first heating arrangement 104a and second heating arrangement 104b. A DC to AC converter may be provided for supplying the heating arrangements, in which case these heating arrangements are induction heating arrangements. In the examples below, power source 106 is simply referred to as battery 106.

In the example of FIG. 1, device 100 includes control circuitry 108 configured to control various aspects of the operation of device 100, including aerosol generator systems 104a, 104b. In this example, control circuitry 108 is a control processor 108 in data communication with computer readable memory 110. Control circuitry 108 controls various operations of the device, for example, by executing instructions stored in computer readable memory 110. For example, control circuitry 108 may control various electrical components, such as switches (not shown in FIG. 1), to provide power from battery 106 to first aerosol generator 104a and second aerosol generator 104b. The delivery of the drug may be controlled.

Device 100 further includes a user input device 109 electrically connected to control circuitry 108 that allows a user to operate device 100. Examples of suitable user input devices 109 include one or more buttons, a trackpad, and a touch screen, although any suitable device may be used.

In some examples, the control circuitry 108 controls the aerosol generator system 104a such that only one of the first aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b is operable at any given time. and 104b. In some examples, control circuitry 108 selects which of first aerosol generator 104a and second aerosol generator 104b is operable in response to a user input signal received from user input device 109. do. In other examples, the control circuitry 108 is configured to control the first chamber 102a and the second chamber 102b in response to a signal received from a sensor (not shown) that senses whether the consumable is inserted into the first chamber 102a or the second chamber 102b. The operator selects which of the second aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b is operable.

In the example of FIG. 1 , device 100 includes possession device 112 . Holding device 112 is configured to hold in place consumables intended for use with device 100 one at a time. For example, the holding device 112 holds in place a first consumable received in the first chamber 102a or a second consumable received in the second chamber 102b. Retention device 112 may include any suitable retention arrangement, such as a clamping arrangement, for example. In some examples, the holding device 112 includes a first holding arrangement (not shown) for holding a first consumable in the first chamber 102a and a second holding structure (not shown) in the second chamber 102b. a separate second holding structure (not shown) for holding consumables.

It should be appreciated that the device 100 may include other components not shown in FIG. 1, such as ventilation inlets/outlets, charging ports, etc. Note that FIG. 1 is merely a schematic sketch showing some components that may be included in device 100. FIG. 1 is not intended to convey specific locations of the various components. For example, retention device 112 may be provided at any location within/on device 100 so long as it functions to hold in place the consumables received in chamber 102.

2a-5b illustrate a second non-flammable aerosol delivery device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The second non-flammable aerosol delivery device 200 is hereinafter referred to as second device 200. The second device 200 may include any of the features of the first device described above with reference to FIG. 1, and a discussion of these features will not be repeated here. Similar drawing references are used to represent such features already described with reference to FIG.

The second device 200 includes a first end 220, often referred to as a mouth or proximal end 220, and a second end 222, sometimes referred to herein as a distal end 222. Although not shown in the drawings, the second device 200 may include an on/off button that allows the user to turn the second device 200 on and off as desired.

The second device 200 comprises a housing 101 (in the form of an outer cover) that surrounds and houses the various components of the second device 200. Housing 101 further includes a top panel 206 at mouthpiece end 220 and a bottom panel 207 at distal end 222 . Top panel 206 and bottom panel 207 may be permanently or removably secured to housing 101. Such a removable connection allows access to the internal components of the second device 200 for after-sales service and repair. In one example, panels 206 and 207 may be constructed of a plastic material that may be made by injection molding or other techniques. Other materials such as metal and glass may also be used. Housing 101 may be constructed of the same material as panels 206 and 207, or may be constructed of a different material if desired. For example, housing 101 may be constructed of aluminum and panels 206 and 207 may be made of plastic material, and vice versa.

Top panel 206 includes a first aperture 204 and a second aperture 205, which in this example are in a common plane. In this example, the first aperture 204 and the second aperture 205 are on the same side of the second device 200 (i.e., the top panel 205), but in other examples, the first aperture 204 is on the second The second opening 205 may be on one side of the device 200 (eg, the top panel 205) and the second opening 205 may be on a different side of the second device 200 (eg, the bottom panel 207). A first consumable 226 is insertable into the first chamber 102a through the first opening 204, and a second consumable 210 is insertable into the second chamber 102b through the second opening 205. be. As in the case of the first device 100 described with respect to FIG. It is intended that only one of the first consumable 226 and the second consumable 210 be inserted into the second device 200 at any given time, depending on whether the consumable 226 or the second consumable 210 is selected.

When one or the other of first consumable 226 and second consumable 210 is inserted into second device 200, the proximal end of the consumable is inserted into the second device for insertion into the user's mouth. Extending outward from 200.

The first consumable 226 and the second consumable 210 are sized differently from each other. In this example, first consumable 226 is shorter than second consumable 210 and wider than second consumable 210 . In other examples, the dimensions of first consumable 226 and second consumable 210 may differ in other ways.

The second device 200 comprises an aerosol generator system (not illustrated in FIGS. 2a-5b) that is the same as the aerosol generator system 104a, 104b of the first device 100 described above with respect to FIG. 1. In the particular example of the second device 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2a-5b, the aerosol generator system generates an aerosol from the first consumable when the first consumable is received in the first chamber 102a. a first aerosol generator 104a for generating an aerosol from the second consumable, and a second aerosol generator 104b for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when the second consumable is received in the second chamber 102b. Equipped with.

In this example, each of the first aerosol generator 104a and the second aerosol generator 104b includes a respective heater, such that each of the first chamber 102a and the second chamber 102b is a heating chamber. , referred to as such below.

In this example, each of the first heating chamber 102a and the second heating chamber 102b are cylindrical heating chambers that are housed together within a single insulated jacket 224. Insulated sheath 224 may take any suitable form or include any suitable material, but in this example, the insulated sheath is a steel vacuum insulated sheath.

In this example, second device 200, first heating chamber 102a and second heating chamber 102b have respective longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other.

The first heating chamber 102a has a diameter 216 (as best shown in FIG. 5b) and a length 218 (as best shown in FIG. 4b), and the second heating chamber 102b has a diameter 220. (as best shown in Figure 5b) and a length 222 (as best shown in Figure 4a). Accordingly, first heating chamber 102a and second heating chamber 102b are configured to accommodate first consumable 226 and second consumable 210 of different sizes.

In this example, the first heating chamber 102a has a length 218 that is shorter than the length 222 of the second heating chamber 102b. Additionally, the first heating chamber 102a has a diameter 216 that is larger than the diameter 220 of the second heating chamber 102b. As discussed above, the user selects which of the first consumable item 226 and the second consumable item 210 he/she wishes to use and transfers the consumable item to the first heating chamber 102a and the second heating chamber 102b. You may insert it in the appropriate location.

In this example, the first heating chamber 102a includes a first hollow tube 214 for receiving a first consumable 226 and the second heating chamber 102b includes a first hollow tube 214 for receiving a second consumable 210. A second hollow tube 215 is provided. Each of the first hollow tube 214 and the second hollow tube 215 comprises a thermally conductive material such as metal, e.g. steel.

The short length of the first heating chamber 104a is achieved by placing a raised platform 240 at the distal end of the first hollow tube 214. The distal end of the first consumable 226 abuts against the raised platform 240 when the first consumable 226 is received in the first hollow tube.

In contrast, when the second consumable 210 is received in the second hollow tube 215, the distal end of the second consumable 210 abuts against the inner surface of the back panel 242 of the housing 101. The height of the raised platform 240 may be selected such that the mouths or proximal ends of the first consumable 226 and the second consumable 210 extend the same distance from the housing 101.

In this example, the first heating arrangement 104a and the second heating arrangement 104b each include a respective flexible heating foil. The first flexible heating foil 104a is wrapped around the outer surface of the first tube 214, and similarly the second flexible heating foil 104b is wrapped around the outer surface of the first tube 215. . The first flexible heating foil 104a and the second flexible heating foil 104b are connected to each other by a user via a user input device (not shown in FIGS. 2a-5b). To control the operation of the structures 104b, each is electrically connected to a power source (not shown in FIGS. 2a-5b) via control circuitry (not shown in FIGS. 2a-5b) housed in the housing 101. connected to.

Device 200 further includes a lid 208 that is movable relative to top panel 206 to close first opening 204 and second opening 205 when no consumables are inserted. In Figure 2a the lid 208 is shown in an open configuration and in Figure 2b in a closed configuration. For example, a user may slide cap 208 in the direction of arrow "A" to open first opening 204 and second opening 205.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are contemplated. For example, a third heating chamber having a third length and dimensions may be included. Alternatively, it may be possible that non-cylindrical heating chambers or heating products are contemplated. Any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and any feature described in connection with any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described. It is to be understood that it may be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiments or in any combination of any other of the embodiments. Additionally, equivalents and modifications not described above may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

A non-combustible aerosol delivery device for generating an aerosol from a consumable that includes an aerosol-generating material, the device comprising:
a first chamber configured to receive a first consumable including an aerosol-generating material and having a first size;
a second chamber, separate from the first chamber, configured to receive a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material and having a second size different from the first size; Non-flammable aerosol delivery device. 2. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is dimensioned differently than the second chamber. 3. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 2, wherein the first chamber has a shorter length than the second chamber. 4. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first chamber has a greater width than the second chamber. A non-flammable aerosol supply according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the chambers comprises a tube configured to receive a respective substantially cylindrical consumable containing an aerosol-generating material. device. a first opening through which the first consumable is removably insertable into the first chamber; and a second opening through which the second consumable is removably insertable into the second chamber. The non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: 7. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are on the same side of the non-flammable aerosol delivery device. 8. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are arranged in a common plane. The cover further includes a cover movable between a first position and a second position, and when the cover is in the first position, at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is 9. A non-combustible aerosol delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when closed and in the second position, at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber is open. When the cover is in the first position, the first chamber and the second chamber are closed, and when the cover is in the second position, the first chamber and the second chamber are opened. 10. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device of claim 9. the first chamber has a first longitudinal axis; the second chamber has a second longitudinal axis; the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis; 11. A non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosols are substantially parallel. 12. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device has a longitudinal device axis, and the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel to the longitudinal device axis. 12. The non-flammable aerosol supply device according to 11. the non-flammable aerosol delivery device, in use, for generating an aerosol from the first consumable when the first consumable is received in the first chamber; A non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an aerosol generator system for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when received in the second chamber. . the aerosol generator system includes a first aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the first consumable when the first consumable is received in the first chamber; and a second consumable. and a second aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from the second consumable when an item is received in the second chamber. 15. The non-aerosol generator of claim 14, wherein the aerosol generator system is configured such that only one of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator is operable at any given time. Combustible aerosol delivery device. 16. The non-flammable aerosol of claim 15, further comprising a selector for selecting which of the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator is operational at any given time. supply device. further comprising a user-operable input device, the selector activating either the first aerosol generator or the second aerosol generator in response to user input received from the user-operable input device. 17. The non-flammable aerosol delivery device according to claim 16, wherein the non-flammable aerosol delivery device selects whether it is possible. A non-flammable aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 17;
at least one of a first consumable containing an aerosol-generating material for insertion into the first chamber and a second consumable containing an aerosol-generating material for insertion into the second chamber. system.

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