KR20220018042A - vapor delivery systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for producing an inhalable medium, comprising: a receptacle (8) for a flavor material (36) for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by the device (8) ), wherein the receptacle includes a side wall portion 32 , an outlet wall portion 70 and an inlet wall portion 40 , the side wall portion defining a cavity 34 for the flavor material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each comprises a plurality of openings for enabling airflow through the cavity, wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are side wall portions to compress flavor material into the cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion is mounted on

Description

vapor delivery systems

The present disclosure relates to vapor delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes, etc.).

BACKGROUND Electronic vapor delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally have a vapor precursor material, such as a reservoir of a source liquid holding an agent, typically including nicotine or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product. and vapor is produced therefrom for inhalation by the user, for example via heat vaporisation. Accordingly, a vapor delivery system will typically include a vapor production chamber having an evaporator, such as a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of the precursor material to produce vapor in the vapor production chamber. As the user inhales the device and the evaporator is energized, air is drawn into the device through the inlet holes and then into a vapor generating chamber, where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol . A flow path exists between the vapor generating chamber and the opening in the mouthpiece, so that incoming air drawn through the vapor generating chamber continues to travel along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, releasing a portion of the vapor/condensed aerosol for inhalation by the user. It is carried out through the mouthpiece opening with it. Some electronic cigarettes may also include flavor ingredients in the flow path through the device to add additional flavors. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, wherein the flavoring material comprises, for example, a portion of a cigarette arranged in an air path between the vapor generating chamber and the mouthpiece, so that the vapor/condensed aerosol drawn through the devices is It may pass through a portion of the cigarette before exiting the mouthpiece for inhalation.

Various approaches are described herein that attempt to provide improved performance of the devices discussed above.

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising a device for generating an inhalable medium, the device for flavoring material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by the device A receptacle comprising: a receptacle comprising a wall portion for retaining the flavor material, the wall portion comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings being arranged in the non-planar region .

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol providing means comprising means for generating an inhalable medium, wherein the means for generating an inhalable medium is an inhalable produced by the means for generating an inhalable medium. receptacle means for flavor material means for adding flavor to the medium, the receptacle means comprising wall portion means for holding the flavor material means, the wall portion means comprising a plurality of opening means for airflow and a - a planar section, wherein the plurality of opening means are arranged in the non-planar section.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, wherein the receptacle is a wall portion for retaining the flavor material. wherein the wall portion includes a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings being arranged in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the method comprising: a method for flavoring a flavoring material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium providing a receptacle, the receptacle comprising a wall portion for retaining the flavor material, the wall portion comprising a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings comprising a non-planar region arranged in the zone, the method further comprising passing the inhalable medium through the receptacle to add flavor to the inhalable medium.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising a device for generating an inhalable medium, wherein the device for generating an inhalable medium adds flavor to the inhalable medium produced by the device a receptacle for a flavor material for and a plurality of openings for enabling airflow through the cavity, wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are mounted to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material into the cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavor material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each comprising a plurality of openings for enabling airflow through the cavity, the inlet wall portion and The outlet wall portion is mounted to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material into the cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided means for producing an inhalable medium, wherein the means for producing an inhalable medium adds flavor to the inhalable medium produced by the means for producing the inhalable medium. receptacle means for flavor material means for The means each comprises a plurality of openings for enabling airflow through the cavity, the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means being mounted to the side wall means to compress the flavoring material into the cavity between the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means. .

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the method comprising providing a receptacle for a flavor material; The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each being a plurality of for enabling airflow through the cavity wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are mounted to the side wall portion to compress a flavor material into a cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion, the method comprising: inserting a receptacle for adding flavor to the inhalable medium; and passing the inhalable medium through the

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of making a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising: a side wall portion; an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavor material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each comprising a plurality of openings for enabling airflow through the cavity; The method includes providing a side wall portion to which one of an inlet wall portion and an outlet wall portion is mounted; placing a flavoring ingredient in the cavity; and mounting the other of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising a device for generating an inhalable medium, the device for flavoring material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by the device A receptacle comprising: a housing comprising a mouthpiece portion, a side wall portion, and an outlet wall portion in the mouthpiece portion having a plurality of openings for airflow, the housing comprising a mouthpiece portion, a side wall portion and an outlet The wall portion is integrally formed.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the receptacle comprising: a mouthpiece portion, a side wall portion; and a housing comprising an outlet wall portion in the mouthpiece portion and having a plurality of openings for airflow, wherein the mouthpiece portion, the side wall portion and the outlet wall portion are integrally formed.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, the means for generating an inhalable medium comprises a receptacle means for a flavor material means for adding flavor to the inhalable medium produced by the means for generating the inhalable medium. wherein the receptacle comprises a housing means comprising a mouthpiece means, a side wall means and an outlet wall means in the mouthpiece means and having a plurality of opening means for airflow, the mouthpiece means, the side wall means and the outlet The wall means are formed integrally.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the method comprising inhalation produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium providing an apparatus comprising a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an enabling medium, wherein the receptacle is in the mouthpiece portion, the side wall portion, and the mouthpiece portion and has a plurality of openings for airflow a housing comprising an outlet wall portion, wherein the mouthpiece portion, the side wall portion and the outlet wall portion are integrally formed, the method comprising passing the inhalable medium through a receptacle to add flavor to the inhalable medium include more

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of making a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the method comprising: a mouthpiece portion; integrally forming a side wall portion and an outlet wall portion in the mouthpiece portion and having a plurality of openings for airflow.

Further individual aspects and features are defined by the appended claims.

The foregoing paragraphs are provided as a general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood upon reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only.
1 schematically shows in cross section an aerosol delivery system according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
2A, 2B and 2C show perspective views of a receptacle for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
3A and 3B show perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a receptacle for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
4A and 4B show perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an additional receptacle for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
5-13 schematically illustrate in cross-section additional exemplary receptacles for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
14 schematically illustrates in cross-section a receptacle comprising a flavor material for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
15A-15C schematically illustrate a method of filling a flavor material into a receptacle according to the example of FIG. 14 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
16 schematically illustrates, in cross-section, a receptacle comprising a flavor material for use with an aerosol delivery system, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
17 schematically illustrates a method of making a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of the specific examples and embodiments may be commonly implemented and have not been discussed/described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to vapor delivery systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, including hybrid devices. Throughout the description below, although the term "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used at times, the term is used to refer to vapor delivery system/device, electronic vapor delivery system/device, vapor delivery system/device, electronic vapor delivery It will be appreciated that systems/devices, aerosol delivery systems/devices, electronic aerosol delivery systems/devices, aerosol delivery systems/devices, and electronic aerosol delivery systems/devices may be used interchangeably. Moreover, as commonly used in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” and related terms such as “evaporation”, “volatization” and “aerosolization” may generally be used interchangeably. .

Aerosol delivery systems often, but not always, include a modular assembly comprising both a reusable portion (also referred to as a control unit) and a replaceable/disposable cartridge portion (also referred to as a consumable portion). Often, the replaceable cartridge portion will include an aerosolizable material and an evaporator, and the reusable portion will include a power supply (eg, a rechargeable battery), an activation mechanism (eg, a button or puff sensor) and control circuitry. However, it will be appreciated that these different portions may also include additional elements depending on functionality. For example, in the case of so-called hybrid devices, the cartridge part may also comprise an additional flavoring material or an aerosol modifying agent. For example, the flavor material may be part of a cigarette that is provided as an insert (“pod”) to add flavor to an aerosol generated elsewhere in the system. A flavoring material or aerosol modifying agent may be a substance capable of modifying an aerosol during use. An agent may modify the aerosol in a way that results in a physiological or sensory effect in the body. Exemplary aerosol modifiers are actives, flavorants and sensates. Sensates result in a sensual feeling that can be perceived through the senses, such as a cool feeling or a sour feeling.

The flavor material may be removable and thus the flavor material may be replaced, such as to change the flavor, or the flavor material may be replaced because the usable life of the flavor material is shorter than the usable life of the aerosol generating components of the cartridge. A reusable device portion will also often include additional components, such as a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating state characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent" refer to ingredients that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. In some examples, flavoring ingredients may include tobacco ingredients, or ingredients comprising tobacco extracts and/or nicotine. In some instances, flavoring ingredients are extracts (eg, licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove) ), menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, strawberry, peach, apple, Dramboui, Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamon, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg (nutmeg), sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil oil), cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger ( ginger), anise, coriander, coffee, or mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (eg, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives , such as charcoal, chlorophyll, mineral, botanical, or breath freshening agents). These may be man-made, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof.

In the case of modular devices, the cartridge and control unit can be electrically and mechanically coupled together for use, for example using threaded, latching or bayonet fixing with properly engaging electrical contacts. When the vapor precursor material of the cartridge is depleted or the user desires to switch to a different cartridge having a different vapor precursor material, the cartridge can be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge attached in its place.

It is relatively common for aerosol delivery systems comprising multi-part devices to have a generally elongate shape, and to provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein include an aerosolizable material, a flavoring medium, and a generally elongate multi-part device using disposable cartridges comprising an electric heater for evaporating the aerosolizable material to form a condensed aerosol that can be inhaled by a user during use. Such vapor delivery systems may be called, for example, hybrid systems or hybrid e-cigarettes. In some cases, the flavor material insert itself may be removed from the disposable cartridge portion and thus the flavor material insert may be replaced separately from the cartridge or reusable portion, such as to change flavor, or the flavor material insert may be a flavor material insert may be replaced separately from the cartridge or reusable part because the usable life of the cartridge is different from the usable life of the vapor generating components of the cartridge. The flavor material insert may be retained within the receptacle. It will be appreciated that throughout the description below, although the terms "pod," "receptacle," "container," or "insert," may be used at times, such terms may be used interchangeably. In some examples, the pod may be reusable and a user may be able to access the flavor material insert within the pod to replace the flavor material insert. In other examples, the pod may be disposable, preventing the user from accessing or attempting to replace the flavor ingredient insert. Using a pod provides an improved user experience, such as by ensuring optimal positioning of the flavor material insert within the airflow path and/or by limiting the properties of the flavor material insert (eg, volume, consistency, density, etc.) can be

The basic principles described herein are for example so-called box-mod high performance devices or smaller form-factor devices, such as so-called pod-mod devices, which typically have a more box-like shape. It will be appreciated that the same can be adopted for different configurations of aerosol delivery systems based on , eg devices conforming to other overall shapes. More generally, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may be based on aerosol delivery systems configured to incorporate the principles described herein regardless of the specific format of other aspects of such aerosol delivery systems.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary e-cigarette 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The e-cigarette 1 comprises three main components: a reusable part 2 , a replaceable/disposable cartridge part 4 and a flavor adding means 8 , such as a removable receptacle, the flavor adding means 8 ) contains a portion of flavoring material 36 (eg, ground, reconstituted or extruded tobacco) provided within the insert housing. However, the fact that this example is a multi-part hybrid device is not inherently directly critical to the device activation functionality further described herein.

In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at the interface 6 . When the cartridge portion is empty (ie, the cartridge portion is depleted or substantially depleted of aerosolizable material such as liquid), or when the user simply wants to switch to a different cartridge portion, the cartridge portion becomes the reusable portion It can be removed from the cartridge and the replacement cartridge part can be attached to the reusable part in place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and air path connection between the two parts and is suitably arranged in accordance with conventional techniques, for example to establish a suitable electrical connection and air path between the two parts. It can be set based on threading, latch mechanism or bayonet fixing with electrical contacts and openings. The particular manner in which the cartridge portion 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable portion 2 is not critical to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a specific example, for example, a portion of the cartridge may be equipped with joint latch engagement elements (Fig. 1) to include a latching mechanism that allows it to be received in a corresponding receptacle of a reusable part. It will also be appreciated that in some implementations the interface 6 may not support electrical connection between the individual parts. For example, in some implementations, the evaporator may be provided by the reusable portion rather than by the cartridge portion, or the transfer of power from the reusable portion to the cartridge portion may be wireless (eg, based on electromagnetic induction) and , and thus an electrical connection between the reusable part and the cartridge part may not be necessary.

The cartridge portion 4 may be broadly conventional in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 1 , the cartridge portion 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge portion and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the reusable portion 2 . The cartridge housing is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part is coupled to the reusable part 2 . In this example, the cartridge portion is about 4 cm long and about 3 cm in diameter. It will be appreciated, however, that the particular geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, may differ in different implementations.

Within the cartridge housing 42 is a reservoir 44 that holds the liquid vapor precursor material. The liquid vapor precursor material may be conventional and may be referred to as an e-liquid. The liquid reservoir 44 in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner cartridge wall 58 defining an air path 52 through the cartridge portion 4 . Reservoir 44 is closed by end walls at each end to retain the e-liquid. Reservoir 44 may be formed according to conventional techniques, may include, for example, a plastic material and may be molded integrally with cartridge housing 42 .

In normal use, cartridge portion 4 and receptacle 8 are releasably coupled together at interface 10 . When the flavor material 36 in the receptacle 8 is depleted or the user simply wants to switch to a different receptacle and/or flavor material, the receptacle can be removed from the cartridge portion and the flavor material is stored in the receptacle. It may be replaced or a different receptacle may be attached to the cartridge portion in place. Interface 10 provides a structural and air path connection between the two parts, and electrically arranged appropriately to establish an appropriate electrical connection and air path between the two parts, for example, according to conventional techniques. It can be established based on threading, latch mechanism or bayonet fixing with contacts and openings. The specific manner in which the cartridge portion 4 is mechanically mounted to the receptacle 8 is not critical to the principles described herein, although in these and other examples, the holding and positioning of the receptacle 8 may be due to friction. and/or may be enabled by clips, ledges and other features in the air path 52 . For example, the insertion portion 38 of the receptacle 8 may be inserted into a receiving portion 54 provided at the open end of the air path 52 opposite the end of the cartridge 4 coupled to the control unit 2 . have. The insert portion 38 and/or the receiving portion 54 may have surface protrusions (eg, bumps or ridges) to aid in frictional retention of the receptacle 8 in the cartridge portion 4 . have.

It will also be appreciated that in some implementations interface 10 may support electrical connections between individual parts. For example, the receptacle 8 may include a heater for heating the flavoring material 36 .

In the example shown, the receptacle 8 includes a housing or side wall portion 32 that defines a channel or cavity 34 in which a flavor agent 36 can be housed or retained. The side wall portion 32 for the receptacle 8 may also include two open ends. In normal use, air or other inhalable medium may provide for a mouthpiece outlet 50 (i.e., aperture) for user inhalation through the flavor material 36 such that air drawn along the air path 52 during use passes through the mouthpiece outlet 50 (ie, aperture). Or flow from one end of the cavity to the other (eg, during puff) to increase the flavors (eg, tobacco flavors) before exiting the receptacle through the opening). To retain or position the flavoring agent 36 , the receptacle is a channel inlet wall portion 40 (ie, lower or upstream wall) and a channel outlet wall portion 70 (ie, a channel outlet wall portion 70 mounted to the channel wall portion 32 ). top or downstream wall), each of the channel inlet wall portion 40 and the channel outlet wall portion 70 may each cover the open ends. Each of the channel inlet wall portion 40 and channel outlet wall portion 70 has a plurality of holes, openings or apertures for airflow. For example, channel inlet wall portion 40 and channel outlet wall portion 70 may be formed by a mesh, perforated wall portion or breathable screen. A channel inlet wall portion 40 and a channel outlet wall portion 70 may be provided at opposite ends of the channel wall portion 34 . For example, one or both may be positioned at the ends of the channel wall portion 34 , or one or both may be positioned to fit from the end of the channel wall portion 34 (eg, the channel wall portion 34 ). may be positioned to fit between 2% and 20% of the length of 34 and preferably between 5% and 15% of the length of the channel wall portion 34).

Channel inlet wall portion 40 (ie, lower or upstream wall) and channel outlet wall portion 70 (ie, upper or downstream wall) are replaceably mounted to channel wall portion 32 or channel wall outlet portion 70 ) can be fixedly mounted on the Replaceably mounted means that the receptacle 8 is configured such that the wall parts can be removed if necessary (eg to replace the receptacle 8 or to refill the receptacle 8 with flavoring material). do. Fixedly mounted means that the receptacle 8 is configured such that the wall portions cannot be detached (eg, any detachment may require destroying a component of the receptacle 8 ). In some examples, one wall portion (eg, inlet wall portion 40) is fixedly mounted to side wall portion 32 and another wall portion (eg, outlet wall portion 70) is side wall portion 32 It will be appreciated that it may be advantageous to be able to be replaceably mounted on the

The inlet wall portion 40 and/or the outlet wall portion 70 may be secured by a specific engagement mechanism, such as a latch; bayonet; push fit; and using a threaded connection to the side wall portion. The side wall portion 32 may have corresponding features that facilitate connection. While it is recognized that the use of a latch, bayonet, push fit and threaded connection typically represents reversible engagement mechanisms, to create a fixed mounting or engagement, first perform the connection via the engagement mechanism to create a permanent bond. Then adhesive bonding and/or ultrasonic welding may be used. In other examples, ultrasonic welding, adhesive bonding, or other method may be used to securely mount one or both of the wall portions 40 , 70 to the side wall portion 32 without any of the engagement mechanisms described above. can be used In some other examples, one of the wall portions 40 , 70 is integrally formed with the side wall portion 32 , such that a selected one of the wall portions 40 , 70 is essentially fixed to the side wall portion 32 . can be installed with Other methods of mounting the inlet wall portion 40 or the outlet wall portion 70 will be described in greater detail below.

It will be appreciated that the channel inlet wall portion 40 and the channel outlet wall portion 70 need not necessarily be positioned symmetrically with respect to the center point of the receptacle 8 . In some examples, the channel inlet wall portion 40 and the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be configured substantially differently from each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the channel inlet wall portion 40 may be configured to have a flat shape or a planar shape, while the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be configured to have a curved shape or a non-planar shape. can be configured. Moreover, the channel inlet wall portion 40 and the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be constructed of different materials. For example, the channel inlet wall portion 40 may be constructed of a metallic material, the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be constructed of a plastic material, or vice versa. In some examples, channel inlet wall portion 40 and/or channel outlet wall portion 70 may be constructed of the same material as side wall portion 32 ; For example, the channel inlet wall portion 40 and/or the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be constructed of the same plastic material as the side wall portion 32 . In some examples, either the channel inlet wall portion 40 or the channel outlet wall portion 70 may be integrally formed with the receptacle side wall portion 32 (eg, by integrally molding the components). The receptacle side wall portion 32 , the channel inlet wall portion 40 , and/or the channel outlet wall portion 70 may comprise or consist of a plastic material. Exemplary materials include copolyester (Tritan), polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyphthalamide (Grivory) and polypropylene.

In some examples, the side wall portion 32 of the receptacle 8 may define or otherwise incorporate a mouthpiece element. For example, the side wall portion 32 may be configured to provide an outer surface shaped to aid in forming a seal by the user's lips during use. In other examples, the mouthpiece may be attached downstream of the receptacle 8 (not shown).

The cartridge portion further includes a wick 46 and a heater (evaporator) 48 , which are located at the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the receptacle 8 . In this example, a wick 46 extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52 and the ends of the wick 46 into the reservoir 44 through openings in the interior wall of the reservoir 44 of e-liquid. is extended The openings in the interior wall of the reservoir 44 are designed to provide an adequate seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir to the cartridge air path without overcompressing the wick (excessive compression of the wick may be detrimental to fluid transfer performance). It is sized to generally match the dimensions of (46).

Wick 46 and heater 48 are configured in cartridge air path 52 such that the area of cartridge air path 52 around wick 46 and heater 48 effectively defines a vapor generating region or evaporation region for the cartridge portion. are arranged in The e-Liquid of the reservoir 44 permeates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and follows the wick by surface tension/capillary action (ie, wicking). aspirated The heater 48 in this example includes an electrical resistance wire wound around a wick 46 . In this example, the heater 48 comprises a nickel chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a fiberglass bundle, although it will be appreciated that the particular evaporator configuration is not critical to the principles described herein. . In use, electrical power is supplied to the heater 48 so that an amount of e-liquid (vapor precursor material) drawn into the vicinity of the heater 48 by the wick 46 can be evaporated. The evaporated e-liquid is then entrained in the air drawn along the cartridge air path, passes through the channel wall portion 34 of the receptacle 8 from the evaporation zone and out of the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation. do.

The rate at which the e-liquid is evaporated by the evaporator (heater) 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the heater 48 during use. Accordingly, power may be applied to the heater to selectively generate vapor from the e-Liquid of the cartridge portion 4 , furthermore the rate of vapor generation may be controlled to the heater 48 via, for example, pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques. It can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied.

The specific ways in which various aspects of vapor delivery system function function are not directly related to the principles underlying the examples described herein. For example, while the embodiments described above have focused primarily on devices having an electric heater based evaporator for heating a liquid vapor precursor material, evaporators based on other technologies, such as piezoelectric vibrator based evaporators or optical heated evaporators, and Also to other aerosol precursor materials, such as solid materials, such as plant derived materials, such as tobacco derived materials, or other types of vapor precursor materials, such as gel, paste or foam based vapor precursor materials. The same principles may be employed depending on the underlying devices.

The reusable portion 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a battery 26 for providing operating power to the e-cigarette, controlling the operation of the e-cigarette and control circuitry 20 for monitoring, a user input button 14, an intake sensor (puff detector) 16 comprising a pressure sensor located in the pressure sensor chamber 18 in this example, and a visual display 24 do.

The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, of a plastic or metallic material, which in this example generally conforms to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6 . It has a circular cross-sectional area. In this example, the reusable portion is about 6 cm long, so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge portion and the reusable portion are coupled together is about 10 cm. It will be appreciated, however (and as already mentioned) that the overall shape and scale of an electronic cigarette embodying embodiments of the present disclosure is not critical to the principles described herein.

The air inlet 28 is connected to the air path 30 via the reusable portion 2 . In turn, when the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are connected together, the air path 30 of the reusable part is connected to the cartridge air path 52 across the interface 6 . The pressure sensor chamber 18 containing the pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with the air path 30 of the reusable portion 2 (ie the pressure sensor chamber 18 is the air path of the reusable portion 2 ). (branch off) from (30). Thus, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece opening 50 , there is a drop in pressure in the pressure sensor chamber 18 , which can be detected by the pressure sensor 16 , and the air is also drawn into the air inlet 28 . drawn inward through the reusable part, traversing the interface 6 along the air path 30 of the It exits through a mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation along a cartridge air path 52, through a nearby vapor generating zone.

Battery 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be, for example, of a conventional type of the kind commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require the provision of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time. The battery 26 can be recharged via a charging connector of the reusable partial housing 12 , such as a USB connector.

User input button 14 in this example is, for example, a conventional mechanical button comprising a spring-loaded component that a user can depress to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input button may be considered to provide a manual input mechanism for the terminal device, but the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, different types of mechanical or touch-sensitive buttons (eg, based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations. The particular manner in which the button is implemented may be selected, for example, taking into account the desired aesthetic appearance.

A display 24 is provided to provide the user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, such as current power setting information, remaining battery power, and the like. The display may be implemented in various ways. In this example, display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen that can be driven to display desired information in accordance with prior art. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, arranged to display the desired information, such as via specific colors and/or flash sequences. More generally, the manner in which a display is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not critical to the principles described herein. Some embodiments may not include a visual display and may include other means for providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the electronic cigarette, such as using audio signaling or haptic feedback, or the operation of the electronic cigarette. It may not include any means for providing information related to the characteristics to the user.

The control circuitry 20 controls the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as according to established techniques for controlling such devices. is appropriately configured/programmed to provide the conventional operating functions of Control circuitry (processor circuitry) 20 may provide various sub-divisions associated with different aspects of operation of an electronic cigarette and other conventional aspects of operation of electronic cigarettes, such as display drive circuitry and user input detection, in accordance with the principles described herein. - can be considered as logically comprising units/circuitry elements. One or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry/chip(s)/chipset such that the functionality of control circuitry 20 is configured to provide, for example, desired functionality. It will be appreciated that using(s) may be provided in a variety of different ways.

The vapor delivery system 1 in this example comprises a user input button 14 and an intake sensor 16 . Control circuitry 20 receives signaling from inhalation sensor 16 and uses this signaling to determine if the user is inhaling an electronic cigarette, and also receives signaling from input button 14 and uses this signaling to determine if the user is inhaling an electronic cigarette. may be configured to determine whether an input button is depressed (ie, activated). These aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette (ie, puff detection and button press detection) were originally, according to established techniques (eg, using conventional suction sensor and suction sensor signal processing techniques and a conventional input button and input button). signal processing techniques). Other exemplary vapor delivery systems may have only one of a user input button 14 and an intake sensor 16 . In further examples, the vapor delivery system may have neither a user input button nor an inhalation sensor, depending on the configuration and operation of the system.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-sectional area of an air path at a location may be defined as the area of a plane perpendicular or transverse to the central or inner axis of the air path at that location. The area may be bounded by at least one wall, such as the inner cartridge wall 58 or side wall portion 32 , or other structural features. In use, air flows from the air inlet 28 towards the air outlet 50 in the direction of the central axis. Thus, cross-sectional area provides a measure of the transverse area available to allow air to flow through during use. In some examples, the cross-section of the air path may have a substantially circular shape, an oval shape, a polygonal shape, or a rounded polygonal shape. The cross-sectional area of an air path is the area of the feature at that location. In some examples, the shape of the cross-section may change at different locations.

2A, 2B and 2C show perspective views of a receptacle according to the exemplary vapor delivery system of FIG. 1 ; The receptacle 8 is formed by a side wall portion 32 . The outer surface of the side wall portion 32 is configured to provide an insertable portion 38 and a mouthpiece outlet 50 for insertion into a corresponding receiving portion 54 of the cartridge portion 4 (not shown). The side wall portion 32 is adjacent the mouthpiece outlet 50 and has a flared rounded shape configured to receive the lips of a user during use. In other examples not shown, the side wall portion 32 may have a different shape; For example, it will be appreciated that side wall portion 32 may include flat surfaces rather than round surfaces. Moreover, in other examples, the side wall portion 32 may not be flared.

The side wall portion 32 defines a channel 34 in which the flavor agent 36 can be housed or retained. The housing for the receptacle 8 also includes two ends to define an inlet and an outlet of the channel 34 , such that in use an inhalable medium (eg, vapor, aerosol and/or air) through flavor material 36 to increase flavors (eg, tobacco flavors) before exiting the receptacle through mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation. The housing is further configured to provide a plurality of projections 64 for providing contact with a surface of the receiving portion 54 . The housing is also configured to provide a recess 62 for a user to grip when removing the receptacle 8 from the cartridge portion or engaging the receptacle 8 with the cartridge portion.

The receptacle 8 of FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C includes a mouthpiece, a side wall portion 32 and an outlet wall portion 70 , which are provided as a single, integrally formed component. The integrally formed component may be formed by integrally molding the mouthpiece, side wall portion 32 and outlet wall portion 70 using a single mold. The component may be formed using injection molding or any other conventional process. For example, the component may be integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process such as top-down or bottom-up 3D printing of suitable materials. A casting process may be used in some examples.

The outlet wall portion 70 has a plurality of holes that allow air to pass from one side of the outlet wall portion to the other side of the outlet wall portion. An outlet wall portion 70 is provided at the mouthpiece outlet 50 end of the channel 34 defined by the side wall portion 32 . The outlet wall portion 70 may fit slightly from the end of the channel 34 and may define a planar surface. As shown in FIG. 2B , a plurality of holes may be formed by providing a series or array of parallel bars. A second series or array of parallel bars may be provided in antiparallel adjacent to the first series of parallel bars to provide a grid array of holes. It will be appreciated that the first and second series of bars may be regularly spaced, and the holes defined by the bars may have a regular pattern (eg, spacing) according to the periodicity of the first and second series of bars. will be.

The angle between the two sets of bars defines the shape of the holes. For example, if the angle is 90 ^o the holes will be square or rectangular, if the angle is less than 90 ^o the holes will be parallelograms. It will be appreciated that different arrangements of bars may be used to form different shaped holes in the outlet wall portion and that embodiments are not limited to holes shaped as squares, rectangles or parallelograms. In some examples, curved parallel bars may be provided. Curved parallel bars can provide holes with curved edges and also corners where the bars intersect.

In some examples, the outlet wall portion 70 may be configured to provide holes having a diameter of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, and most preferably 0.4 mm. The outlet wall portion 70 according to these examples can allow vapor to permeate the flavor material 36 while retaining the flavor material (eg, loose tobacco or tobacco granules) within the receptacle 8 . . It will be appreciated that the preferred diameter of the holes will depend on the size and configuration of the flavoring material 36 to be retained in the receptacle 38 . For example, the size and configuration of the holes may depend on whether the flavor material 36 is provided as a single piece or as a plurality of pieces, and may be based on the dimensions of the piece or pieces. In the example where the flavor material 36 is provided as a plurality of pieces, the size of the holes may be less than 90% of the plurality of pieces, and preferably less than 95% of the plurality of pieces.

The side wall portion 32 is further configured to define a retaining mechanism 60 for retaining the channel inlet wall portion 40 (not shown) within the end of the channel 34 opposite the mouthpiece outlet end 50 . can be By retaining mechanism is meant a mechanism for retaining the channel inlet wall portion 40 within the channel 34 . In other words, the retention mechanism 60 blocks or otherwise prevents the channel inlet wall portion 40 from exiting the channel 34 after insertion. Due to the presence of the channel outlet wall portion 70 and/or due to flavoring materials that may be present in the channel 34 in normal use, the channel inlet wall portion 40 may It will be appreciated that escaping from 34) is prevented.

2B and 2C , the retention mechanism 60 may include a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upward upon application of pressure (optionally heat) to point inward towards the center of the channel 34 . In use, the inlet wall portion 40 is inserted into the channel 34 defined by the side wall portion 32 and then the retaining mechanism 60 is adjusted to narrow the diameter of the channel 34 upstream of the inlet wall portion, such that the inlet Prevents wall portion 40 from exiting channel 34 . It will be appreciated that the inlet wall portion 40 is configured to have a shape that is small enough to be inserted into the channel 34 but large enough to be retained by the retention mechanism 60 once engaged/activated/modified. As an example, the lower opening of the channel 34 may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of 1.00 cm and a major axis diameter of 2.00 cm. The tabs of the retaining mechanism 60 may be folded inward as described to form an aperture having an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of 0.80 cm and a major axis diameter of 1.80 cm. For this example, the inlet wall portion 40 may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of about 0.95 cm and a major axis diameter of 1.95 cm.

In other examples (not shown), the retention mechanism 60 may be set up according to prior art techniques, such as based on a threaded, clip or latch mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining mechanism 60 may use an adhesive or ultrasonic welding to adhere the inlet wall portion 40 to the housing. This may be in place of or in addition to the tabs shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C.

As previously described, the receptacle 8 comprises a mouthpiece, an integrally formed single side wall portion 32 defining the side walls of the channel 34 and an outlet wall portion 70 , and a separate inlet wall portion 40 . ) can be formed by This allows for a simplified manufacturing process whereby two components (side wall portion 32 ) are provided after flavoring material 36 is provided in channel 34 rather than combining a large number of components in a complex manufacturing process. ) and the inlet wall part 40).

3a and 3b show a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 . 3A provides a perspective view of the receptacle 8 , while FIG. 3B provides a cross-sectional view of the receptacle 8 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , the side wall portion 32 of the receptacle 8 of FIGS. 3A and 3B is formed to define a liquid collection area for collecting liquid. Aspects of FIGS. 3A and 3B that are substantially similar to those shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C will not be described in detail.

Vapor retained in the receptacle may condense as a liquid on the side walls forming the flavor material 36 or channel 34 . For example, when the user stops aspirating the device, the vapor may stop moving towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 and begin to cool. The condensed liquid may adhere to the surface of the walls of the receptacle 8 due to the surface tension. Liquid may be drawn towards the user's mouth during inhalation. Liquid may collect in areas where the flow of liquid is impeded, for example by impermeable walls. 3A and 3B , a liquid collection region or liquid collection region, provided as a recess or trough 90 , may be provided in the channel 34 proximate the mouthpiece outlet 50 . . For example, the recess 90 may be provided by the intersection of the side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 .

The receptacle 8 (eg, the outlet wall portion 70 of the receptacle 8 ) may define a depression in the center of the receptacle that is substantially in line with the direction of airflow in use. This airflow direction may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 . The depression means that the central region of the receptacle 8 is closer to the center of the receptacle 8 than the peripheral region of the receptacle 8 . As shown in FIG. 3A , the region surrounding the mouthpiece end of the receptacle 8 may form an elliptical shape that may define a mouthpiece outlet 50 . A plurality of openings of the outlet wall portion 70 may be provided in the planar wall portion of the central region of the depression perpendicular to the airflow direction. The depression has an inner surface (ie, an upstream surface facing inside the receptacle) and an exterior surface (ie, a downstream view visible to the user in normal use).

As shown in FIG. 3B , the recess 90 is to be provided as a trough (eg, a U-shaped trough or a V-shaped trough) formed by the side wall portion 32 and the channel outlet wall portion 70 . can The portion of the channel outlet wall portion 70 that forms the trough may be the inner surface of the depression defining a peripheral region that does not include any of the plurality of openings. In some examples, a trough or recess 90 may be formed at the intersection of the side wall 34 and the channel outlet wall 90 . For example, a portion of the outlet wall portion 70 may intersect the side wall 34 at an angle of less than 90 ^degrees . It will be appreciated that by having an angle less than 90 ^o , a V-shape can be considered as being defined by the outlet wall portion 70 and the side wall 34 . In other examples, the intersection between outlet wall portion 70 and side wall 34 may be smoothed or rounded to provide a shape closer to a U-shape. In further examples, outlet wall portion 70 and side wall 34 may include parallel portions such that a U-shaped trough is provided. It will be appreciated that the trough or recess 90 may be provided in many different forms.

In some examples, the trough or recess 90 may be formed only in a portion of the intersection between the channel outlet wall portion 70 and the side wall 34 . For example, the second length of the perimeter of the outlet wall portion 70 may have an angle or intersection angle greater than 90 ^° with respect to a portion that does not form the first length and/or the intersection of the second length of the plurality of openings. It may have openings adjacent to the portion, so that liquid can flow substantially undisturbed towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 . In such examples, the liquid collection area may be a trough having an elongated configuration or may be a recess that approximates a bowl shape. The curvature of the walls surrounding the trough or recess 90 may facilitate the flow of liquid condensate towards the trough or recess 90 . In some examples, the trough or recess 90 is formed around the entire intersection between the channel outlet wall portion 70 and the side wall portion 32 (ie, around the entire perimeter of the channel outlet wall portion 70 ). can be formed.

Recess 90 is open on one side to allow liquid to enter the recess (eg, upstream side). In some examples, the recess 90 is typically parallel to the airflow direction and may have a depth of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. The recess may have a liquid volume capacity of 0.2 ml to 1 ml, preferably 0.3 ml to 0.5 ml.

Channel 34 may be configured to provide one or more internal liquid guide ridges or channels 80 . The ridges or channels 80 help or facilitate moving the liquid in the receptacle 8 towards the recess 90 and/or away from the plurality of openings. It will be appreciated that ridges and channels may be used interchangeably to describe liquid guide features. For example, a liquid guide channel may be considered to be formed by the opposed edges of two liquid guide ridges, and similarly a liquid guide ridge may be considered to be formed by the opposed edges of two liquid guide channels.

Ridges or channels 80 are typically provided parallel to the direction of airflow in normal use as shown in FIG. 3B . In other examples not shown, the side wall portion 32 may be configured to provide non-parallel ridges and channels 80 . In some other examples, channel 34 may be configured to provide curved ridges and channels. In most examples, ridges or channels 80 terminate within or near recess 90 . Curved channels may be advantageous if a recess or trough 90 is provided only around a portion of the channel outlet wall portion 70 so that liquid can be guided into the recess or trough 90 . In some examples, the outer surface of the side wall portion 32 adjacent the channel outlet wall portion 70 may have outer channels 82 (ie, channels on the outer surface of the receptacle). In some examples, the channel outlet wall portion 70 may also be provided with channels 80 and/or external channels 82 . The liquid guide channels 80 of the channel outlet wall portion 70 may also facilitate or assist the flow or movement of liquid towards the recess and/or trough 90 .

4a and 4b show a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 . 4A provides a perspective view of the receptacle 8 , while FIG. 4B provides a cross-sectional view of the receptacle 8 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIGS. 3A and 3B , the channel outlet wall portion 70 of the receptacle 8 of FIGS. 4A and 4B is formed in the non-planar region 72 of the receptacle 8 , such that the channel outlet wall A plurality of openings in the portion 70 are provided on the non-planar surface. Aspects of FIGS. 4A and 4B that are substantially similar to those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B will not be described in detail.

의 표면적을 갖는 반면에 반구형 표면은

의 표면적을 갖는다는 것이 인식될 것이다. 3-차원 표면을 제공함으로써, 채널 배출구 벽 부분(70)의 표면적은 3차원의 표면의 범위에 따라 2차원 표면을 갖는 채널 배출구 벽에 대해 증가된다. Constructing the housing 23 to define a non-planar region 72 provides an increased surface area as opposed to a planar region. For example, a circular surface is

Whereas a hemispherical surface has a surface area of

It will be appreciated that it has a surface area of By providing a three-dimensional surface, the surface area of the channel outlet wall portion 70 is increased for a channel outlet wall having a two-dimensional surface according to the extent of the three-dimensional surface.

The non-planar region 72 is bounded by the peripheral region of the mouthpiece outlet 50 . The non-planar region 72 may have a continuous curved surface. The non-planar region may define a surface that curves continuously within the boundaries of the non-planar region and the peripheral region such that the peripheral region forms a bowl-shaped or concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region may vary and may be defined by a radius of curvature. In some examples, the non-planar region 72 may have a larger radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a smaller radius of curvature further away from the peripheral region. Moreover, in some examples, the non-planar region 72 can have different radii of curvature in the first plane and the second plane. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A , the mouthpiece outlet 50 may have an elliptical shape. The radius of curvature in the plane defined by the airflow direction and the major axis of the ellipse has a smaller radius of curvature than the radius of curvature in the plane defined by the airflow direction and the minor axis of the ellipse.

In some examples, the radius of curvature for the non-planar region has a range selected from the group comprising 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, 0.3 to 2.5 cm, 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, and 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. , the radius of curvature is in a first plane, the first plane being perpendicular to the airflow direction during normal use. In some examples, the first plane may be defined by the axis of the shape of the peripheral portion of the mouthpiece outlet 50 as well as the axis of the airflow direction. For example, the axis of the shape may be the major axis or the minor axis of the ellipse defined by the peripheral portion.

In some examples, the second radius of curvature for the non-polar zone has a range selected from the group comprising 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, 0.3 to 2.5 cm, 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm, and 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. , the second radius of curvature about the axis is perpendicular to both the airflow direction and the first plane during normal use (e.g., the airflow direction defines the first axis, the normal to the first plane defines the second axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the first and second axes, it may be considered that a second radius of curvature is defined with respect to the third axis). In some examples the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite with respect to the second axis, such that the non-planar surface is flat or effectively relative to an axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction and the first plane during normal use. It will be appreciated that there is no bending.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIG. 4B , the side wall portion 32 does not define a depression, instead the non-planar surface 72 of the channel outlet wall portion 70 of the receptacle 8 of FIG. 5 is It is bent outward from the center of the receptacle (8). Aspects of FIG. 5 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 4B will not be described in detail.

The mouthpiece outlet 50 of the receptacle 8 shown in FIG. 5 provides a convex shape for the inner region of the receptacle 8 . Similar to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the configuration of the side wall portion 32 to define a non-planar region 72 provides an increased surface area as opposed to a planar region. In contrast to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the side wall portion 32 defines the outer surface of the mouthpiece comprising a central region furthest from the center of the receptacle 8 and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The peripheral zone may be substantially adjacent to the end of the channel 34 and/or the recess 90 for collecting liquid.

The recess 90 may be provided as a trough (eg, a U-shaped trough or a V-shaped trough) that surrounds all of the perimeter of the channel 34 or a portion of the perimeter of the channel 34 . The intersection of the channel outlet wall portion 70 and the side wall portion 32 may provide a recess. A channel outlet wall portion 70 may be provided at an angle in the side wall portion 32 such that a recess is defined by the channel outlet wall portion 70 and the side wall portion 32, the recess 90 comprising: One side is open to allow liquid to enter the recess. In some examples, the recess may be defined by additional wall features extending from either the outlet wall portion 70 or the side wall portion 32 . In some examples, the recess 90 is typically parallel to the airflow direction and may have a depth of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. The recess may have a liquid volume capacity of 0.2 ml to 1 ml, preferably 0.3 ml to 0.5 ml.

In some examples according to FIG. 5 , the radius of curvature for the non-planar region is from the group comprising 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, 0.3 to 2.5 cm, 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. having a selected range, the radius of curvature being in a first plane, the first plane being perpendicular to the direction of airflow during normal use. In some examples, the first plane may be defined by the axis of the shape of the peripheral portion of the mouthpiece outlet 50 as well as the axis of the airflow direction. For example, the axis of the shape may be the major axis or the minor axis of the ellipse defined by the peripheral portion.

In some examples according to FIG. 5 , the second radius of curvature for the non-polar region is from the group comprising 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, 0.3 to 2.5 cm, 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. having a selected range, wherein the second radius of curvature about the axis is perpendicular to both the direction of airflow during normal use and the normal to the first plane. In some examples the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite with respect to the second axis such that the non-planar surface effectively bends about an axis perpendicular to both the airflow direction and the normal to the first plane during normal use. It will be recognized that it is not supported.

6 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIG. 4B , the side wall portion 32 does not form a recess 90 for collecting liquid. Aspects of FIG. 6 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 4B will not be described in detail.

In FIG. 6 , a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes may extend to the edge of the channel 34 such that a recess for collecting liquid is not formed. As a result, a larger surface area is provided for the plurality of holes. In addition, this may allow for a more uniform flow of air throughout the channels 34 and prevent the airflow from concentrating in the central region.

7 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIG. 4B , the receptacle 8 includes a side wall portion 32 , a mouthpiece, and an inlet wall portion 40 (rather than an outlet wall portion 70 ) 40 , which are unitary It is formed as an integrally formed component. Aspects of FIG. 6 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 4B will not be described in detail.

Similar to the preceding examples, the integrally formed component may be formed by integrally molding the mouthpiece, side wall portion and inlet wall portion 40 using a single mold. The component may be formed using injection molding or any other conventional process. For example, a component may be integrally formed in an additive manufacturing process such as top-down or bottom-up 3D printing of suitable materials. A casting process may be used in some examples.

의 표면적을 갖는 반면 반구형 표면은

의 표면적을 갖는다는 것이 인식될 것이다. 3-차원 표면을 제공함으로써, 채널 유입구 벽 부분(40)의 표면적은 3차원의 표면의 범위에 따라 2차원 표면을 갖고 2차원들을 공유하는 채널 유입구 벽에 대해 증가된다. As shown in FIG. 7 , the inlet wall portion 40 may include a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes. Constructing the housing 23 to define a non-planar region 72 provides an increased surface area as opposed to a planar region. For example, a circular surface is

While the hemispherical surface has a surface area of

It will be appreciated that it has a surface area of By providing a three-dimensional surface, the surface area of the channel inlet wall portion 40 is increased for a channel inlet wall that has a two-dimensional surface and shares two dimensions according to the extent of the three-dimensional surface.

The non-planar region 72 is bounded by a peripheral region at the base of the insert portion 38 . The non-planar region 72 may have a continuous curved surface. The non-planar region may define a surface that curves continuously within the boundaries of the non-planar region and the peripheral region such that the peripheral region forms a bowl-shaped or concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region may vary and may be defined by a radius of curvature. In some examples, the non-planar region 72 may have a larger radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a smaller radius of curvature further away from the peripheral region. Moreover, in some examples, the non-planar region 72 can have different radii of curvature in the first plane and the second plane.

The outlet wall portion 70 may be provided after filling the receptacle 8 with the flavor material 36 . The side wall portion 32 is configured to define a retaining mechanism 60 for retaining the channel outlet wall portion 70 (not shown) within the end of the channel 34 opposite the end having the channel outlet wall portion 70 . may be further configured. By retaining mechanism is meant a mechanism for retaining the channel outlet wall portion 70 within the channel 34 . In other words, the retention mechanism 60 blocks or prevents the channel outlet wall portion 70 from exiting the channel 34 after insertion. It will be appreciated that the presence of the channel inlet wall portion 40 prevents the channel outlet wall portion 70 from exiting the channel 34 by the end having the channel inlet wall portion 40 .

Similar to the retaining mechanism of FIGS. 2B and 2C , the retaining mechanism 60 may include a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upward upon application of pressure (optionally heat) to point inward towards the center of the channel 34 . In use, the outlet wall portion 70 is inserted into the channel 34 defined by the side wall portion 32 , and then the retaining mechanism 60 is adjusted to narrow the diameter of the channel 34 , such that the outlet wall portion 70 ) from exiting the channel 34 . It will be appreciated that the outlet wall portion 70 is configured to have a shape that is small enough to be inserted into the channel 34 but large enough to be retained by the retaining mechanism 60 .

In other examples (not shown), the retention mechanism 60 may be set up according to prior art techniques, such as based on a threaded, clip or latch mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the retaining mechanism 60 may use an adhesive or ultrasonic welding to adhere the inlet wall portion 40 to the housing. This may replace the tabs shown in FIG. 7 .

8 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIG. 4B , the non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes includes a planar or flat central region 73 and a curved region 74 . Aspects of FIG. 8 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 4B will not be described in detail.

Examples of the non-planar region 72 may include a planar region 73 and at least one other curved adjacent region 74 adjoining the planar region 73 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the planar section 73 includes a central portion of the outlet wall portion 70 , and at least one adjacent curved region 74 surrounds or abuts at least a portion of the central portion. In some examples, planar region 73 defines a central circular or elliptical portion of non-planar region 72 , and non-planar adjacent region defines a non-planar surface extending from an edge of the circular or elliptical surface. As an example, the curved adjacent region 74 may be a ring surrounding a central circular portion of the planar region 73 .

In other examples, planar portion 73 may include a surface having a polygonal shape with multiple edges (eg, the surface may be square). The curved surface 74 extends from the edge of the planar surface 73 . A second adjacent curved surface 74 may extend from a different edge of the surface, such as an opposite edge of the surface (ie, a parallel edge of a square). In some examples, adjacent curved surfaces or portions 74 may not be adjacent to each other. For example, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may be connected by a wall that does not include any of the plurality of holes of non-planar region 72 .

Although the example of FIG. 8 depicts the central region of the outlet wall portion 70 as having a planar or flat surface, in other examples, the central region may have a curved surface and one or more adjacent regions may have a flat surface. . It will be appreciated that the outlet wall portion 70 may be configured to provide a variety of different curved and planar surfaces depending on specific requirements.

9 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receptacle 8 of FIG. 4B , the non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes includes a plurality of planar regions 73 , each of the plurality of planar regions 73 being a plurality of planar regions. define a surface with a non-parallel normal to any other surface of regions 73 . Aspects of FIG. 9 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 4B will not be described in detail.

In some examples, non-planar portion 72 may be formed of a plurality of planar portions, each of the plurality of planar portions defining a surface having a different plane than planes defined by surfaces of the other portions. .

In other examples, planar portion 73 may include a surface having a polygonal shape with multiple edges (eg, the surface may be square). An adjacent curved surface 74 extends from an edge of the surface. A second adjacent curved surface 74 may extend from a different edge of the surface, such as an opposite edge of the surface (ie, a parallel edge of a square). In some examples, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may not be adjacent to each other. For example, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may be connected by a wall that does not include any of the plurality of holes of non-planar region 72 .

FIG. 10 provides a top-down view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary receptacle 8 of FIG. 9 . Aspects of FIG. 10 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 9 will not be described in detail. A top-down drawing means a view viewed in a plane perpendicular to the airflow direction in normal use. In other words, the top-down view is a view in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 .

In the example shown, the non-planar portion 72 includes a set of seven planar portions 73 . The central planar portion defines a surface having a hexagonal shape. One of the other six planar portions extends from each of the six sides of the hexagonal central portion. Each of the planar portions 73 defines a surface extending from the central planar portion to the edge of the mouthpiece outlet 50 defined by the side wall portion 32 . The planes of each of the planar portions surrounding the central portion are angled relative to the central portion such that none of the planar portions 73 define a normal parallel to the normal of any of the other planar portions 73 .

In some examples, the plurality of holes of the non-planar region 72 may be regularly spaced above each of the planar portions 73 . In other examples, one or more of the planar portions 73 may have a greater hole density. For example, compared to a planar portion around the outside of the non-planar region 72 , the planar portion 73 provided at the center of the non-planar surface may have a greater or lesser hole density. It will be appreciated that in other examples not shown, there may be other arrangements of planar portions 73 to provide a non-planar region 72 . For example, there may be no central region, or the central region may have a different number of edges, such as 3 to 12 edges.

11 provides a top-down view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary receptacle 8 of FIG. 8 . Aspects of FIG. 11 that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 8 will not be described in detail. A top-down drawing means a view viewed from a plane perpendicular to the airflow direction in normal use. In other words, the top-down view is a view in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 .

As shown, the plurality of holes of the non-planar region 72 may be arranged concentrically around the center of the non-planar region 72 . The center of the non-planar region 72 may be the center of a longitudinal axis passing through the device, around which there is at least one degree of symmetry. In some examples, the longitudinal axis may also be the center of airflow in normal use. In some examples, the density of holes can be constant over the non-planar region. In other examples, the density of holes may increase or decrease with distance from the center.

12 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of a side wall portion 32 and a mouthpiece outlet 50 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 . Certain aspects of FIG. 12 are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding figures and will not be described in detail again.

The exemplary mouthpiece outlet 50 of FIG. 12 shows the position of a plurality of holes in the non-planar region 72 . As mentioned above, the outlet wall portion 70 has a plurality of holes that allow air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. An outlet wall portion 70 is provided at the end of the mouthpiece outlet 50 of the channel 34 formed by the side wall portion 32 . The outlet wall portion 70 is fitted slightly from the end of the channel 34 . The side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 may further define a recess 90 for retaining liquid.

As shown, the outlet wall portion 70 includes a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes or openings 77 . Each of the openings is provided parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 . The longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the direction of airflow through the receptacle 8 in normal operation.

13 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of a side wall portion 32 and a mouthpiece outlet 50 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 . Certain aspects of FIG. 13 are substantially similar to those illustrated in the preceding figures and will not be described in detail again.

The exemplary mouthpiece outlet 50 of FIG. 13 shows the position of a plurality of holes in the non-planar region 72 . As mentioned above, the outlet wall portion 70 has a plurality of holes that allow air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. An outlet wall portion 70 is provided at the end of the mouthpiece outlet 50 of the channel 34 formed by the side wall portion 32 . The outlet wall portion 70 is fitted slightly from the end of the channel 34 . The side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 may further define a recess 90 for retaining liquid.

As shown, the outlet wall portion 70 includes a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes or openings 77 . Each of the openings 77 includes a bore passing through the outlet wall, the bore having a longitudinal axis parallel to the normal of the non-planar region as the location of the respective opening. This may aid in the flow of air from surrounding regions of the flavor material 36 .

14 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 . Aspects of FIG. 14 that are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding figures will not be described in detail.

The side wall portion 32 may include a shelf or lip 120 configured to prevent the inlet wall portion 40 from moving in one direction. For example, the inlet wall portion 40 may be inserted into the channel 34 from the end of the mouthpiece outlet 50 . The inlet wall portion 40 may move within the channel 34 between the mouthpiece outlet 50 and the lip 120 , but the inlet wall portion 40 may not move past the lip 120 . Accordingly, the inlet wall portion 40 may be mounted to the side wall portion 32 using the lip 120 .

The lip or shelf 120 may be defined by one or more projections extending inwardly from the side wall portion 32 defining the channel 34 . Accordingly, the lip or shelf 120 is configured to support the position of the inlet wall portion 40 within the receptacle 8 by blocking movement of the inlet wall portion 40 to retain the inlet wall within the channel. In some examples, the inlet wall portion 40 may be further connected to the side wall portion 32 via ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or any other conventional technique to further support the positioning of the inlet wall portion 40 . .

In other examples, side wall portion 32 and inlet wall portion 40 may be integrally formed, such as by injection molding using a single mold or by 3D printing a single component. In these other examples, the receptacle 8 may or may not include a lip 110 . Moreover, although inlet wall portion 40 of FIG. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples inlet wall portion 40 may be non-planar, such as configured as described in FIG. 7 and associated embodiments. have.

The receptacle 8 includes a side wall portion 32 , a mouthpiece element 110 , an outlet wall portion 70 and an inlet wall portion 40 . The mouthpiece element 110 is integrally formed with or otherwise connected to the outlet wall portion 70 . For example, the mouthpiece element 110 may be integrally formed with the outlet wall portion 70 using a single mold, or the mouthpiece element 110 and the outlet wall portion 70 may be welded by ultrasonic welding, adhesive or any It can be formed and connected to be detachably connected to form a single component through other conventional techniques. The receptacle 8 includes a side wall portion 32 defining a channel 34 through which a flavor material 36 may be provided.

In the example of FIG. 14 , the outlet wall portion 70 is disposed when the outlet wall portion 70 is attached to the side wall portion 32 (eg, by attaching the mouthpiece element 110 to the side wall portion 32 ). and a channel insertion portion 130 that is inserted into the channel 34 of the receptacle 8 . An outlet wall portion 70 may be provided at the base of the channel insert portion 130 as shown. The channel insertion portion 130 is configured to closely match and have a shape slightly smaller than the shape of the portion of the channel 34 into which the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted, such that the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted into the channel. When inserted, the channel insert portion 130 closely fits the side walls of the channel 34 (ie, the channel insert portion 130 has an interference fit so that it fits tightly with the side walls of the channel 34 ). . As an example, channel insert 130 and channel 34 may be cylindrical, and the diameter of channel insert 130 may be only slightly smaller than the diameter of channel 34 . The outlet wall portion 70 may be provided as a circular portion covering the cylinder formed by the channel insert portion 130 . It will be appreciated that the configuration of the channel 34 and channel insert portion 130 may be provided in a variety of corresponding shapes while still allowing a tight fit between the channel 34 and the channel insert portion 130 . . Moreover, while the outlet wall portion 70 of FIG. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples the outlet wall portion 70 may be non-planar, such as FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, 6, and 8 . to 13 and associated embodiments.

In some examples, side wall portion 32 and mouthpiece element 110 may be releasably coupled together. When the flavor material 36 in the receptacle 8 is depleted or the user simply wants to switch to a different flavor material, the mouthpiece element 110 can be separated from the side wall portion 32 and the flavor material (36) may be replaced within the channel (34). The side wall portion 32 and the mouthpiece element 110 may be joined together to establish a structural connection between the two portions. In the example of FIG. 14 , the retention of the mouthpiece element 110 relative to the side wall portion 32 is latching elements or clips 150 , and a corresponding latch member for receiving portions of the latching elements 150 . This is made possible by the s 160 .

The mouthpiece element 110 may include a pair of latching elements 150 . Two latching elements 150 are disposed oppositely, one on each side of the mouthpiece element 110 . The latching element 150 includes a foot portion 152 and a leg portion 151 . In the present example, leg 151 is substantially elongated elements and foot 152 is an element that projects from an end of leg 151 at a substantially 90 degree relative to the long axis of leg 151 . The flexibility of the leg 151 enables movement of the foot 152 relative to the remainder of the mouthpiece element 110 (eg, the channel insertion portion 130 ) when an external force is applied to the leg 151 . Movement of the leg 151 (and consequently the foot) may be considered a hinge movement that increases or decreases the angle of the leg 151 with respect to the remainder of the mouthpiece element 110 from the rest position. The elasticity of the leg 151 returns the angle to the original size of the leg 151 when the external force is removed, maintaining the normal shape of the latching element.

A latching element 150 is secured to the side wall portion 32 such that the legs 151 and feet 152 extend beyond the upper surface of the housing. In other words, part of the side wall portion 32 and at least the legs 151 overlap in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle 8 . The latching element 150 may be secured by securely securing the foot portion 152 within the latch member 160 . The foot portion 152 lies generally in the plane of the latch members 160 . The latch member 160 is shaped to receive the foot portion 152 , for example formed by protrusions of the latch member 160 extending from the side edge of the side wall portion 32 into which the foot portion 152 is inserted. There is a hole or recess to be used. For example, the side wall portion 32 may include molded portions that are molded or otherwise formed from a rigid plastic, which engage around the foot portion to house and hold the foot portion in place.

In other examples not shown, the mouthpiece element 120 may be threaded, latched mechanism, or bayonet fixing openings according to conventional techniques, such as to establish an appropriate air path and electrical connection between the two parts. can be mechanically or chemically coupled to the side wall portion 32 based on the In some examples, the foot portion 152 may be secured by screws or rivets attached through the latching element 150 into the side wall portion 32 , or by being glued or welded to the housing. It will be appreciated that in such examples, the side wall portion 32 and the mouthpiece element 110 may not be intended to be releasably coupled together.

15A-15C provide a series of cross-sectional views according to the exemplary receptacle 8 of FIG. 14 , illustrating filling the receptacle with flavor material and attaching the mouthpiece element 110 to the side wall portion 32 . . Aspects of FIGS. 15A-15C that are substantially similar to those shown in FIG. 14 will not be described in detail.

The receptacle 8 is configured to retain the flavor material 36 in the channel 34 between the inlet wall portion 40 and the outlet wall portion 70 . As shown in FIG. 15A , the receptacle 8 is intended to be substantially filled with an amount of the flavor material 36 after the inlet wall portion 40 is provided in the channel 34 . The inlet wall portion 40 may be retained in the channel 34, for example, due to the orientation of the receptacle 8 and the lip 120 (ie, by gravity) or by any other means (eg, adhesive or welding). have. The flavor material 36 may then be provided into the receptacle 8 through the open outlet end of the channel 34 . The filling of the flavor material 36 into the receptacle 8 may be assisted by a funnel 170, chute, or similar element for guiding the flavor material.

15B , the mouthpiece element 110 may be attached to the side wall portion 32 by means of latching elements 150 and corresponding latching members 160 . When the mouthpiece element 110 is attached to the side wall portion 32 , the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted into the channel 34 .

As shown in FIG. 15C , attachment of the mouthpiece element 110 to the side wall portion 32 causes the channel insert portion 130 to compress the flavor material 36 within the channel 34 . The channel insert portion 130 compresses the flavor material 36 by effectively reducing or eliminating void space within the volume bounded by the side walls of the channel 34 , the inlet wall portion 40 and the outlet wall portion 70 . can do. The receptacle may be configured to compress the flavor material against an uncompressed volume of the flavor material by a range selected from the group comprising 5% to 40%, 10% to 35%, 15% to 30%, and 20% to 30%. can

Moreover, the volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40 , the side wall portion 32 , and the opening at the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls is between 2 cm ³ and 10 cm ³ , 3 cm ³ and 9 cm ³ , 4 cm ³ and It may have a volume in a range selected from the group comprising 8 cm ³ and 5 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ . (When the mouthpiece element 110 is attached to the side wall portion 32) The volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40, the side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 is 1 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ , 2cm ³ to 7cm ³ , 2.5cm ³ to 6cm ³ and 3cm ³ to 5cm ³ It may have a volume in a range selected from the group comprising. Moreover, the volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40, the side wall portion 32, and the opening of the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls is between 50% and 95%, between 60% and 85%, between 65% and 80%, and a range of flavor materials selected from the group comprising from 70% to 80%.

16 provides a cross-sectional view of a receptacle 8 according to the exemplary vapor delivery system 1 of FIG. 1 , the plane of the cross-section being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8 . In contrast to the receptacle of FIG. 14 , the receptacle of FIG. 16 includes an attachment body 180 comprising an inlet wall portion 40 and a latching element 150 , the attachment body 180 being attached to a side wall portion 32 . configured to be connected. Aspects of FIG. 16 that are substantially similar to those shown in the preceding figures will not be described in detail.

The receptacle 8 comprises a side wall portion 32 , an outlet wall portion 70 and an inlet wall portion 40 . The side wall portion 32 is configured to define a mouthpiece outlet 50 as well as a channel 34 through which a flavor material 36 may be provided, and optionally an outlet wall. The outlet wall portion 70 may be separately attached to the side wall portion 32 (eg, using ultrasonic welding or adhesive) or may be positioned using a lip feature as detailed in FIG. 14 . A shelf or lip 120 for use in the receptacle of FIG. 16 may be configured to prevent the outlet wall portion 70 (rather than the inlet wall) from moving in one direction. The outlet wall portion 70 may move within the channel 34 between the lip 120 and the inlet end of the channel 34 , but the outlet wall portion 70 may not move beyond the lip 120 . Alternatively, side wall portion 32 and outlet wall portion 70 (and any other components of the housing) may be integrally formed, for example by injection molding using a single mold or by other methods as described above. can be formed. The side wall part 32 also has a receptacle 8 for insertion into a receiving part 54 provided at the open end of the air path 52 opposite the end of the cartridge 4 which is coupled to the control unit 2 . can define the insertion portion 38 of The insert portion may be formed integrally with the side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 . Moreover, while the outlet wall portion 70 of FIG. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples the outlet wall portion 70 may be non-planar, such as FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5, 6, and 8 . to 13 and associated embodiments.

In the example of FIG. 16 , the inlet wall portion 40 is an attachment body that also includes a channel insertion portion 130 that is inserted into the channel 34 of the receptacle 8 when the inlet wall portion 40 is attached to the housing ( 180). An inlet wall portion 40 is provided at the base of the channel insertion portion 130 . The channel insertion portion 130 is configured to closely match the portion of the channel 34 into which the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted and to have a shape slightly smaller than this portion, such that the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted into the channel. When the channel insert portion 130 fits closely to the side walls of the channel 34 . As an example, channel insert 130 and channel 34 may be cylindrical, and the diameter of channel insert 130 may be only slightly smaller than the diameter of channel 34 . The inlet wall portion 40 may be provided as a circular portion covering the cylinder formed by the channel insert portion 130 . It will be appreciated that the configuration of the channel 34 and channel insert 130 may be provided in a variety of shapes while still allowing a tight fit between the channel 34 and the channel insert 130 .

In some examples, side wall portion 32 and attachment body 180 may be releasably coupled together. When the flavor material 36 in the receptacle 8 is depleted or the user simply wants to switch to a different flavor material, the attachment body 180 can be separated from the side wall portion 32 and the flavor material ( 36 may be replaced in channel 34 . The side wall portion 32 and the attachment body 180 may be coupled together such that a structural connection between the two portions is established. In the example of FIG. 14 , the retention of the attachment body 180 against the side wall portion 32 is latching elements or clips 150 , and corresponding latch members for receiving portions of the latching elements 150 . (160).

The attachment body 180 may include a pair of latching elements 150 . Two latching elements 150 are disposed oppositely, one on each side of the mouthpiece element 110 . The latching element 150 includes a foot portion 152 and a leg portion 151 . In the present example, leg 151 is substantially elongated elements and foot 152 is an element that projects from an end of leg 151 at a substantially 90 degree relative to the long axis of leg 151 . The flexibility of the leg 151 enables movement of the foot 152 relative to the remainder of the attachment body 180 (eg, the channel insertion portion 130 ) when an external force is applied to the leg 151 . Movement of the leg 151 (and consequently the foot) may be considered a hinge movement that increases or decreases the angle of the leg 151 with respect to the remainder of the attachment body 180 from the rest position. The elasticity of the leg 151 returns the angle to the original size of the leg 151 when the external force is removed, maintaining the normal shape of the latching element.

A latching element 150 is secured to the side wall portion 32 such that the legs 151 and feet 152 extend beyond the upper surface of the housing. In other words, part of the side wall portion 32 and at least the legs 151 overlap in the longitudinal direction of the receptacle 8 . The latching element 150 may be secured by securely securing the foot portion 152 within the latch member 160 . The foot portion 152 lies generally in the plane of the latch members 160 . The latch member 160 is shaped to receive the foot portion 152 , for example formed by protrusions of the latch member 160 extending from the side edge of the side wall portion 32 into which the foot portion 152 is inserted. There is a hole or recess to be used. For example, the side wall portion 32 may include molded portions that are molded or otherwise formed from a rigid plastic, which engage around the foot portion to house and hold the foot portion in place.

In other examples not shown, the mouthpiece element 120 may be threaded, latched mechanism, or bayonet fixing openings according to conventional techniques, such as to establish an appropriate air path and electrical connection between the two parts. can be mechanically or chemically coupled to the side wall portion 32 based on the In some examples, the foot portion 152 may be secured by screws or rivets attached through the latching element 150 into the side wall portion 32 , or by being glued or welded to the housing. It will be appreciated that in such examples, side wall portion 32 and attachment body 180 may not be intended to be releasably coupled together.

During the filling process, the receptacle 8 is intended to be substantially filled with an amount of the flavor material 36 after the outlet wall portion 70 is provided in the channel 34 . The outlet wall portion 70 may be retained in the channel 34, for example, due to the orientation of the receptacle 8 and the lip 120 (ie, by gravity) or by any other means (eg, gluing or welding). have. The flavor material 36 may then be provided into the receptacle 8 through the open inlet end of the channel 34 . The filling of the flavor material 36 into the receptacle 8 may be assisted by a funnel, chute or similar element for guiding the flavor material. The attachment body 180 may be attached to the side wall portion 32 by latching elements 150 and corresponding latching members 160 . When the attachment body 180 is attached to the side wall portion 32 , the channel insertion portion 130 is inserted into the channel 34 . Attaching the attachment body 180 to the side wall portion 32 causes the channel insert portion 130 to compress the flavor material 36 within the channel 34 . The channel insert portion 130 compresses the flavor material 36 by effectively reducing or eliminating void space within the volume bounded by the side walls of the channel 34 , the inlet wall portion 40 and the outlet wall portion 70 . can do. As detailed above, the receptacle is adapted to the uncompressed volume of the flavor material by a range selected from the group comprising 5% to 40%, 10% to 35%, 15% to 30%, and 20% to 30%. and may be configured to compress flavoring materials.

Moreover, the volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40 , the side wall portion 32 , and the opening at the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls is between 2 cm ³ and 10 cm ³ , 3 cm ³ and 9 cm ³ , 4 cm ³ and It may have a volume in a range selected from the group comprising 8 cm ³ and 5 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ . (When the mouthpiece element 110 is attached to the side wall portion 32) The volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40, the side wall portion 32 and the outlet wall portion 70 is 1 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ , 2cm ³ to 7cm ³ , 2.5cm ³ to 6cm ³ and 3cm ³ to 5cm ³ It may have a volume in a range selected from the group comprising. Moreover, the volume defined by the inlet wall portion 40, the side wall portion 32, and the opening of the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls is between 50% and 95%, between 60% and 85%, between 65% and 80%, and a range of flavor materials selected from the group comprising from 70% to 80%.

17 schematically illustrates a method of making a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each being a plurality of for enabling airflow through the cavity A method comprising: a first step (S1) of providing a side wall portion to which one of an inlet wall portion and an outlet wall portion is mounted; a second step (S2) of placing the flavoring material in the cavity; and a third step (S3) of mounting the other of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

Accordingly, an aerosol delivery system comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating zone in which the vapor is generated for inhalation by a user to a flavoring zone of a receptacle for receiving a flavoring medium for flavoring the vapor has been described; The receptacle includes a wall for retaining the flavor material, the wall including a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings being arranged in the non-planar region.

Furthermore, an aerosol delivery system has been described comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating zone in which the vapor is generated for inhalation by a user to a flavoring zone of a receptacle for receiving a flavoring medium for flavoring the vapor; The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion, and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavor material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion each being a plurality of for enabling airflow through the cavity wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are mounted to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material into a cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

Moreover, an aerosol delivery system has been described, wherein the aerosol delivery system is flavored in a receptacle for receiving a flavoring medium for flavoring the steam generated by the aerosol delivery system from a steam generating zone in which the steam is generated for inhalation by a user. and a housing comprising an air path extending into the region, the receptacle comprising a mouthpiece portion, side walls, and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece portion having a plurality of openings for airflow, the mouthpiece portion, the side walls and the outlet wall is integrally formed.

Furthermore, an aerosol delivery system has been described comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating zone in which the vapor is generated for inhalation by a user to a flavoring zone of a receptacle for receiving a flavoring medium for flavoring the vapor; The receptacle includes a housing including side walls and a lip extending inwardly from the side walls to support one of an inlet wall or an outlet wall of the receptacle.

While the embodiments discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 focus to some extent on devices having a liquid aerosolizable material to produce an inhalable medium, as already mentioned, other aerosolizable materials, such as The same principles can be employed for devices based on solid materials, such as plant-derived materials, such as tobacco-derived materials, or other forms of aerosolizable materials, such as gel, paste or foam-based aerosolizable materials. . Thus, the aerosolizable material may be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not retain, for example, nicotine and/or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise an “amorphous solid,” which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solids to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids .

The aerosolizable material (which may also be referred to as an aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material) may in some embodiments comprise a vapor or aerosol generating agent or wetting agent. Exemplary such agents include glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid and propylene carbonate. Formulations comprising one or more aerosol generating agent(s) may be referred to herein as active agents.

Moreover, and as already mentioned, it will be appreciated that the approaches described above may be implemented in aerosol delivery systems having an overall configuration different from that represented in FIG. 1 , such as an electronic smoking article. For example, the same principles may be employed in an aerosol delivery system that does not include a two-part modular construction, but instead includes a single-part device, such as a disposable (ie, non-refillable and non-refillable) device. Moreover, in some implementations of the modular device, the arrangement of components may be different. For example, in some implementations, the control unit may also include an evaporator, wherein the replaceable cartridge provides a source of aerosolizable material for use by the evaporator to generate the aerosol.

Furthermore, in some examples, the receptacle (flavor insert/pod) arranged in the airflow path through the device may be upstream of the evaporator rather than downstream of the evaporator.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring agent", and related terms, refer to ingredients that can be used to create a desired taste or aroma in a product for adult consumers, where local regulations permit. . The materials may be man-made, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. The material may be in any suitable form, such as an oil, liquid or powder.

To address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure presents, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are provided solely to aid in understanding and teach the claimed invention(s). Advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the present disclosure are limited to the limitations on the present disclosure as defined by the claims or to their equivalents. It is not to be regarded as an example, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., disclosed herein other than those specifically described herein. It will be appreciated that constituting essentially of, thus, features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed, but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (15)

A device for producing an inhalable medium, comprising:
a receptacle for flavoring material for adding flavor to the inhalable medium produced by the device;
The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion respectively providing airflow through the cavity wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are mounted to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material into the cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion A device for producing an inhalable medium. According to claim 1,
an insert portion extending into the cavity to compress the flavor material into the cavity when a selected one of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion is mounted to the side wall portion A device for generating an inhalable medium, comprising: 3. The method of claim 2,
and a plurality of openings in a selected one of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are provided on the insert portion. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
wherein the selected portion of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion is the inlet wall portion. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
wherein the selected portion of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion is the outlet wall portion. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The inlet wall portion and/or the outlet wall portion may include a latch; bayonet; push fit; bonded connection; welded connection; and a threaded connection, mounted to the side wall portion by an engagement mechanism selected from the group consisting of a threaded connection. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the side wall portion includes a lip extending inwardly into the cavity, wherein either the inlet wall portion or the outlet wall portion is held in place by the lip. . 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the inlet wall portion and/or the outlet wall portion are removably mounted to the side wall portion. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
the outlet wall portion includes a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings in the outlet wall portion being in the non-planar region; and/or
wherein the inlet wall portion comprises a plurality of openings for airflow and a non-planar region, the plurality of openings in the inlet wall portion being in the non-planar region. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
and a mouthpiece portion comprising the outlet wall portion, wherein the mouthpiece portion, the side wall portion and the outlet wall portion are integrally formed. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The device further comprises an aerosolizable material, a heater configured to selectively aerosolize the aerosolizable material to produce the inhalable medium, and an airflow channel for guiding the inhalable medium towards an inlet of the receptacle A device for producing an inhalable medium comprising: A receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by a device for producing an inhalable medium, comprising:
The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion respectively providing airflow through the cavity wherein the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion are mounted to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material into the cavity between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion Receptacle for flavoring ingredients. A means for producing an inhalable medium, comprising:
receptacle means for flavoring material means for adding flavor to the inhalable medium produced by said means for producing said inhalable medium;
said receptacle means comprises side wall means, outlet wall means and inlet wall means, said side wall means defining a cavity for said flavoring material, said inlet wall means and said outlet wall means respectively providing air through said cavity a plurality of openings for facilitating flow, wherein the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means are mounted to the side wall means to compress the flavoring material into the cavity between the inlet wall means and the outlet wall means , means for producing an inhalable medium. A method of adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, comprising:
providing a receptacle for a flavoring material;
The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion respectively providing airflow through the cavity wherein said inlet wall portion and said outlet wall portion are mounted to said side wall portion to compress said flavor material into said cavity between said inlet wall portion and said outlet wall portion;
The method further comprises passing the inhalable medium through the receptacle to add the flavor to the inhalable medium. A method of making a receptacle for a flavor material for adding flavor to an inhalable medium produced by an apparatus for producing an inhalable medium, the method comprising:
The receptacle includes a side wall portion, an outlet wall portion and an inlet wall portion, the side wall portion defining a cavity for the flavoring material, the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion respectively providing airflow through the cavity a plurality of openings to enable
The method is
providing said side wall portion to which one of said inlet wall portion and said outlet wall portion is mounted;
placing a flavoring ingredient in the cavity; and
and mounting the other of the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion to the side wall portion to compress the flavor material between the inlet wall portion and the outlet wall portion.

Images