RU2823090C2 - Aerosol delivery system, aerosol delivery means and cartridge for aerosol delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol delivery systems.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol delivery system, an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system. An aerosol delivery system is provided that includes an air path extending from a vapour generating region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to a flavouring region containing a flavouring medium that imparts flavour to the vapour. The first cross-sectional area of the air path in the vapour generation area is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the point where the channel enters the flavouring area. The width of the air path in the first direction perpendicular to the air path increases from the region of steam generation to the region of flavouring more than the width of the air path in the second direction perpendicular to the air path.

EFFECT: inventions provide a device with improved ergonomics and a reduction in the amount of steam per unit area of the flavouring insert, while at the same time slightly affecting the total amount of steam supplied to the flavouring insert.

14 cl, 9 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

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

State of the art

Electronic vapor supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically contain a vapor source material, such as a liquid source reservoir containing a composition typically including nicotine, or a solid material, such as a tobacco-based product, of which generates steam for inhalation by the user, for example, by thermal evaporation. Thus, the steam supply system typically includes a steam generating chamber containing an evaporator, such as a heating element, configured to vaporize a portion of the feed material to generate steam in the steam generating chamber. When the user inhales through the device and electrical energy is applied to the vaporizer, air is drawn into the device through the inlet ports and into the vapor generation chamber, where it mixes with the vaporized source material to form a condensation aerosol. There is a flow path between the vapor generation chamber and the mouthpiece opening so that incoming air drawn through the vapor generation chamber follows the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying with it some of the vapor/condensation aerosol, and exits through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user. Some e-cigarettes may also contain a flavoring element along the flow path through the device to impart additional flavors. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavoring element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco placed in the air path between the vapor generation chamber and the mouthpiece such that the vapor/condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

For example, WO 2018083037 A1 describes an aerosol supply article used with an aerosol supply device to produce an inhalation medium containing an aerosol. The aerosol providing article comprises a first chamber for storing a first substance that can be heated to form an aerosol; a channel extending through the first chamber and having an inlet through which an aerosol generated from the first substance can enter the channel, an outlet through which the aerosol can exit the channel, and a second chamber for receiving the second substance, the second chamber located below downstream from the channel outlet. The product is configured such that, in use, the aerosol exiting the channel outlet passes through a second substance entering the second chamber, and the cross-sectional area of the channel increases at or toward the outlet.

US 20160120224 A1 describes an e-vaping cartridge that includes an inner tube defining a channel. The heater is located near the first end of the channel, and the hydrogel is located near the second end of the channel. The hydrogel includes a flavoring agent that releases a flavoring agent into the steam as the steam passes through the hydrogel.

The following describes various approaches that are designed to provide improved device performance while helping to solve or mitigate existing problems.

Disclosure of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply system comprising an air path extending from a vapor generation region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a flavoring medium is located to impart aroma to the vapor, the first cross-sectional area of the air path being the vapor generation region is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the channel enters the flavor imparting region.

The system may contain a medium that imparts flavor to the vapor.

Another aspect of the invention is an aerosol supply means comprising an air path extending from a vapor generation region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a vapor imparting medium is located, the first cross-sectional area of the air path in the region generating steam less than the second cross-sectional area of the air path where the channel enters the flavor imparting region.

Another aspect of the invention is a cartridge for an aerosol supply system comprising an air path extending from a vapor generation region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a medium providing aroma for the vapor is located, wherein a first cross-sectional area of the air path in the steam generation region is less than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the channel enters the flavor imparting region.

It should be noted that the features of the invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable and may be combined with embodiments of the invention in accordance with other aspects of the invention, depending on the circumstances, and not only in the specific combinations described above.

The invention is illustrated by drawings.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a steam supply system according to some embodiments of the invention;

in fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are comparative views of a first air path cross-sectional area A and a second air path cross-sectional area B of the steam supply system shown in FIG. 1;

in fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C are additional comparative views of a first air path cross-sectional area A and a second air path cross-sectional area B of a steam supply system in some embodiments of the invention;

in fig. 4 – part of the cartridge for the steam supply system, view on a plane perpendicular to the air path;

in fig. 5 – cartridge for the steam supply system, sectional view.

Carrying out the invention

Various aspects and features of some examples and embodiments of the invention will now be described. Certain aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments that may be conventionally implemented are not discussed or described in detail in the interest of brevity. Thus, it should be understood that aspects and features of the subject devices and methods that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional technologies.

The invention relates to vapor delivery systems, which may also be referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, including hybrid devices. In the following description, the term “electronic cigarette” or “e-cigarette” may occasionally appear, but it is understood that this term may be used interchangeably with vapor supply system/device and electronic vapor supply system/device. Additionally, as is customary in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol,” as well as related terms such as “evaporation,” “volatization,” and “atomization,” may generally be used interchangeably.

Vapor delivery systems (e-cigarettes) are often, although not always, a modular assembly that includes both a reusable component and a replaceable (disposable) cartridge. Often, the replacement cartridge contains the vapor source material and the vaporizer, and the reusable component contains the power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the activation mechanism (such as a button or puff sensor), and control circuitry. However, it should be understood that these parts may also include additional elements depending on functionality. For example, for a hybrid device, the cartridge may also contain an additional flavoring element or flavoring medium, such as a portion of tobacco. In such cases, the flavor media insert may be removable from the disposable cartridge so that it can be replaced separately from the cartridge, for example, to change flavors or because the useful life of the flavor media insert is less than the useful life of the vapor generating components of the cartridge. In some examples, the flavor medium insert may be contained in a capsule, container, or optional cartridge. In some examples, the capsule may be reusable and the user may access the flavor media insert within the capsule to replace the flavor media insert. In other examples, the capsule may be disposable and the user is discouraged from accessing or attempting to replace the flavor medium insert. The use of a capsule provides an improved user experience, for example, by ensuring optimal placement of the flavor media insert in the air path and/or by limiting the properties of the flavor media insert (eg, volume, consistency, density, etc.).

A reusable component often contains additional components, such as a user interface for accepting user input and displaying operating state characteristics.

In modular devices, the cartridge and control unit are electrically and mechanically connected to each other using, for example, a screw thread, a snap-on connection, or a bayonet connection with appropriate electrical contacts. When the vapor source material in the cartridge runs out or the user wishes to switch to another cartridge having a different source material, the cartridge can be separated from the control unit and replaced with another cartridge. Devices that conform to this type of modular, two-piece configuration are typically referred to as two-piece or multi-piece devices.

Electronic cigarettes, including multi-component devices, are relatively often characterized by an elongated shape, and as a specific example, certain embodiments of the invention are discussed herein, generally representing an elongated multi-component device using disposable capsule cartridges for a tobacco insert. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described below can be equally adapted for various electronic cigarette configurations, such as single-piece devices or modular devices containing more than two parts, rechargeable devices and disposable devices, as well as devices corresponding to other general forms, for example, based on the so-called high-efficiency box-mod evaporators, which are usually box-shaped. More generally, it should be understood that some embodiments of the invention are based on electronic cigarettes that are configured to provide an activation function in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, and the particular design aspects of the electronic cigarette configured to provide the described activation function do not have of paramount importance.

In fig. 1 illustrates an electronic cigarette 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The electronic cigarette 1 is composed of two main components, namely a refillable part 2 and a replaceable/disposable cartridge part 4. In this particular example, it is assumed that the electronic cigarette 1 is a multi-component hybrid device with a cartridge 4 including a removable insert or flavoring medium 8 representing a portion of tobacco (e.g., a portion of shredded, reconstituted, or extruded tobacco) contained within an insert housing . However, the fact that this example is a hybrid device consisting of several parts does not in itself have a direct impact on the activation function of the device, as described below.

During normal use, the refillable portion 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected together in a removable manner at the interface 6. When the cartridge is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to another cartridge, the cartridge can be separated by the user from the refillable portion and another replacement cartridge is attached in its place. Interface 6 provides the structural, electrical and air path connection between the two parts and can be arranged in accordance with conventional technologies, for example, based on a screw thread, a latch mechanism or a bayonet connection with suitably located electrical contacts and holes to establish the electrical connection and provide air path between the two parts depending on the situation. The particular manner in which the cartridge 4 is mechanically attached to the refillable portion 2 is not relevant to the principles disclosed herein, but as a specific example, it is assumed herein to include a snap mechanism, for example, when the cartridge is inserted into a corresponding slot in the refillable portion and the latch elements (not shown in Fig. 1) are engaged. It will also be understood that interface 6 may in some cases not support electrical connection between the respective parts. For example, in some cases, the vaporizer may be located in the refillable portion rather than the cartridge, or the transmission of electrical power from the refillable portion to the cartridge may be wireless (eg, electromagnetic induction) such that an electrical connection between the refillable portion and the cartridge is not required.

The cartridge 4 in some embodiments of the invention may be generally conventional. In fig. 1, the cartridge 4 includes a housing 42 formed from a plastic material. The cartridge body 42 supports the other components of the cartridge and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the refillable portion 2. The cartridge body typically has circular symmetry about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge connects to the refillable portion 2. In this example, the cartridge is about 4 cm long and about 3 cm in diameter. However, it should be understood that the specific geometry and, more generally, the overall shapes and materials used may differ between implementations.

Within the cartridge body 42 is a reservoir 44 that contains liquid vapor source material. The liquid starting material may be conventional and may be referred to as e-liquid. The liquid reservoir 44 in this example is annular in shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge body 42 and an inner wall 58 that defines an air path 52 within the cartridge 4. The reservoir 44 is capped at each end by end walls to retain the e-liquid. The reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example, it may be made of plastic and molded integrally with the cartridge body 42.

The flavor insert 8 or vapor imparting medium (eg a capsule or tobacco container) in this example is inserted into the open end of the air path 52 opposite the end of the cartridge 4 which connects to the control unit 2. The area of the cartridge air path 52 into which the flavor insert 8 is actually inserted actually defines the area 54 where the flavor cartridge insert is located. In these and other examples, retention and positioning of the flavor insert 8 may occur through friction and/or may be provided by clips, protrusions, and other elements within the air path 52. In some examples, the flavor insert 8 may be further retained by attaching a mouthpiece downstream of the flavor insert 8. Such a mouthpiece will have an opening at each end to allow drawn air to pass through the air path 52 during use.

The flavor insert 8 has a housing in which the flavor is placed or held. The flavor insert body 8 also has an opening at each end to allow air drawn through the air path 52 during use to pass through the flavor insert 8, capturing aromas from the flavoring agent (in this example, tobacco) inside before exiting the cartridge 4 through the outlet port. 50 for a mouthpiece to be inhaled by the user. In some examples, the flavor insert body 8 may define or otherwise include a mouthpiece. In other examples, the flavor insert may not have a housing. In these examples, the insert may be a flavoring agent that may or may not be wrapped or coated in an aerosol-permeable wrapper or layer.

The cartridge further includes a wick 46 and a heater (evaporator) 48 located toward the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece inlet 50. In this example, the wick 46 extends across the air path 52 of the cartridge, and its ends enter the e-liquid reservoir 44 through holes in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The holes in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to generally correspond to the dimensions of the wick 46 so as to provide a reasonable seal to prevent fluid from leaking from the reservoir into the air path of the cartridge without overcompressing the wick, which would impair its ability to transmit fluid.

The wick 46 and heater 48 are located in the cartridge air path 52 such that the area of the cartridge air path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 effectively defines the vapor generation zone or evaporation zone 56 in the cartridge. The e-liquid contained in the reservoir 44 penetrates the wick 46 through its ends extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension/capillary action (ie, wicking). Heater 48 in this example is an electrical resistive wire wound around wick 46. In this example, heater 48 is chromium-nickel alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and wick 46 is a bundle of fiberglass, but it should be understood that the specific configuration of the evaporator is not critical for the principles disclosed herein. During use, electrical energy may be applied to the heater 48 to vaporize some of the e-liquid (vapor source material) drawn by the wick 46 to the heater 48. The vaporized liquid may then be entrained in air drawn through the air path of the cartridge from the vaporization region through the flavor insert 8 and through the mouthpiece outlet 50 for inhalation by the user.

The rate at which the e-liquid is vaporized by the vaporizer (heater) 48 will depend on the amount (level) of energy supplied to the heater 48. Thus, electrical energy may be supplied to the heater to selectively generate vapor from the e-liquid in the cartridge 4, and in addition Moreover, the rate of steam production can be varied by varying the amount of energy supplied to the heater 48, through, for example, pulse width and/or frequency modulation.

The refillable part 2 has an outer housing 12 with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette, a battery 26 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 14, an inhalation sensor 16 (detector) puff), which in this example is a pressure sensor located in chamber 18 and a display 24.

The outer housing 12 may be made, for example, of a plastic or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross-sectional area generally corresponding to the shape and size of the cartridge 4 to provide a smooth transition between two parts at the interface 6. In this example, the refillable part has a length about 6 cm, so the overall length of the electronic cigarette when the cartridge and refillable part are connected together is about 10 cm. However, as noted above, it should be understood that the overall shape and scale of the electronic cigarette implementing an embodiment of the invention is not important for principles disclosed herein.

The air inlet 28 is connected to the air passage 30 through the reusable part 2. The air path 30 of the reusable part, in turn, is connected to the air passage 52 of the cartridge through the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected together. The pressure sensor chamber 18 containing the pressure sensor 16 is in fluid communication with the air path 30 in the reusable portion 2 (ie, the pressure sensor chamber 18 branches off from the air path 30 in the reusable portion 2). 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 air is drawn through the air inlet 28 in the reusable portion through the air path 30, through the interface 6, through the area generating vapor in the area of the vaporizer 48 (where the vaporized e-liquid is entrained in the air flow when the vaporizer is active), along the air path 52 of the cartridge and exits out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for inhalation by the user.

Battery 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as the type typically used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time. The battery 26 may be charged via a charging connector in the reusable portion body 12, for example, via a USB connector.

The user input button 14 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example, comprising a spring-loaded element that can be pressed by the user to establish electrical contact. In this regard, the input button can be considered to provide a manual input mechanism for the terminal device, but the specific way the button is implemented is not relevant. For example, other implementations may use various forms of mechanical button or touch button (eg, based on capacitive or optical actuation methods). The particular way the button is implemented may, for example, be chosen based on the desired aesthetic appearance.

The display 24 is designed to provide the user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, such as information about the current power settings, remaining battery charge, and so on. The display can be implemented in various ways. In this example, the display 24 is a conventional pixel liquid crystal screen that can be used to display desired information in accordance with conventional methods. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, that are configured to display desired information, such as using specific colors and/or flash sequences. In general, the manner in which the display is provided and information is displayed to the user using the display is not essential to the principles disclosed herein. Some embodiments of the invention may not have a visual display, but may include other means of providing the user with information related to the performance characteristics of the electronic cigarette, such as through audio signals or tactile feedback, or may not include means of providing the user with information related to performance characteristics of an electronic cigarette.

The control circuit 20 is suitably configured/programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the invention as described below, as well as to provide conventional operating functions of the electronic cigarette in accordance with established control technologies for such devices. Control circuitry (processor) 20 may logically include various sub-blocks/circuitry elements associated with various aspects of operation of the electronic cigarette, in accordance with the principles disclosed herein, and other conventional aspects of operation of electronic cigarettes, such as display control circuitry and detecting user input. It should be understood that the functionality of the control circuit 20 may be provided in various ways, for example, using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and/or one or more suitable configurations of application specific integrated circuits/circuits/chips/chipsets configured to provide desired functionality.

In this example, the steam supply system 1 includes a user input button 14 and a puff sensor 16 . The control circuit 20 may be configured to receive a signal from the puff sensor 16 and use that signal to determine the user's puff on the e-cigarette, as well as to receive a signal from the input button 14 and use that signal to determine that the user has pressed (i.e., activated) enter button. These aspects of electronic cigarette operation (i.e., puff detection and button press detection) may themselves be performed in accordance with established technologies (eg, using a traditional puff sensor and puff sensor signal processing methods and using a conventional input button and input button signal processing methods .). Another example of a steam supply system may have only a user input button 14 or only a puff sensor 16 . In additional examples, the steam delivery system, depending on the configuration and operation of the system, may have neither a user input button nor a puff sensor.

The cross-sectional area of the air path 52 at a location can be defined as the area in a plane perpendicular or transverse to the central or median axis of the air path at that location. The area may be limited, for example, by at least one wall or other structural elements. In use, air flows in a central axis direction from inlet 28 to outlet 50. Accordingly, cross-sectional area is a measure of the cross-sectional area available for air to pass during use.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air path 52 may have a first cross-sectional area A at the steam generation region 56 and a second cross-sectional area B at the flavor insert location 54. The location of the second cross-sectional area B in use is downstream of the first cross-sectional area A. The second cross-sectional region B is located where the air path 52 enters the flavor insert location region 54. When the flavor insert 8 is inserted or received into its location region 54, the second cross-sectional region B is located at the location where the air path 52 approaches the flavor insert 8.

According to the invention, the first cross-sectional area A is smaller than the second cross-sectional area B. In some examples, the first cross-sectional area A may be, for example, 20-80% smaller; for example, 30-70% less; for example, 40-60% less; for example, about 50% smaller than the second area B. In other words, the first cross-sectional area is from 20 to 80% of the size of the second cross-sectional area, preferably from 30 to 70%, more preferably from 40 to 60%, and even more preferably about 50% of the size of the second cross-sectional area. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the air path 52 is expanded or increased between the positions of the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B.

In some examples, the air path at the location of the first cross-sectional area A may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a rounded polygonal shape. Likewise, the air path at the location of the second cross-sectional area B may have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape or a rounded polygonal shape. In some examples, the air paths in the region of the first cross-sectional region A and the second cross-sectional region B may have the same shape (but with different dimensions), while in other examples the shape defining the cross-sectional areas may differ. By polygon is meant any regular or irregular shape with straight sides, for example any polygonal shape having from 3 to 10 sides, preferably from 4 to 6 sides. By rounded polygon is meant a polygon as defined above, but with substantially rounded corners. In other examples, the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area (ie, the air path defining them) may have a shape that is a combination of linear and curved portions.

The first and second cross-sectional areas (and the shape of that area) may be further defined in terms of dimensions (eg, width or length) corresponding to distances defining the extent of the shape defining the cross-sectional area. For example, the air path between the vapor generation region and the flavoring medium may be defined by first and second dimensions perpendicular to the air path or the center axis of the air path. The change in cross-sectional area of the air path can be defined in terms of changes in measurements, for example, the measurements can correspond to the length of the sides of a rectangle or the major and minor axes of an ellipse.

In some examples, the first dimension is increased to a greater extent than the second dimension between the steam generation region and the flavoring medium. In some of these examples, the second dimension may remain the same or the same at the locations of the first and second cross-sectional areas. In other words, the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B can be said to have a corresponding or the same size (eg, width or length). For example, both the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B may be rectangular with the same length of one side of the rectangle, or the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B may be elliptical and the minor axis may remain the same between the two areas. In other words, we can say that the cross-sectional area of the air path changes in only one direction.

For some examples of electronic cigarettes in accordance with the invention, the wall (or walls) 58 defining the air path 52 may be shaped to provide a variable cross-sectional area. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the air path 52 between the steam generation region 56 and the flavor insert location region 54 is defined or delimited by a wall 58, which is typically a single continuous wall (e.g., a cylindrical or the like) but may be configured as a plurality of wall segments. In some examples, wall 58 may extend beyond the steam generation area and/or flavor insert area.

The channel formed by the wall 58 between the steam generation area 56 and the flavor insert location area 54 can be described as a funnel, flared tube or hollow truncated surface; for example, it may be described as having a truncated conical or truncated pyramidal shape between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B. The cross-section of the air path 52 is increased between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B by changing the shape of the wall 58. For example, this can be achieved by increasing or expanding the distance between opposing portions of the wall 58 relative to the downstream distance (conversely, decreasing or reducing the distance between opposite sections relative to the distance upstream). Regarding FIG. 1, it should be understood that although the expansion of the cross-sectional area is shown in one dimension (i.e., across the sheet as shown in the drawing), the expansion of the cross-sectional area can occur in both dimensions defining a plane perpendicular to the central or median axis of the air path 52 ( that is, inside the sheet, as well as along the width of the sheet, as shown in the drawing).

In fig. 2A shows a comparison between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B for an example of an electronic cigarette in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the walls 58 of the air path 52 are shaped like a tube or a frustocone with a cross-sectional area that transitions from a circular shape to an elliptical shape. The top view shown in FIG. 2A shows that cross-sectional area A is circular in shape and cross-sectional area B is elliptical in shape. The opposing walls of the air path 52 have moved apart (ie, the distance between them has increased) in the direction shown in the "front view" while remaining unchanged in the "side view." Essentially, the first dimension increases to a greater extent than the second dimension, which remains unchanged between the steam generation region and the flavor imparting means.

In fig. 2B shows a comparison between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B for an example of an electronic cigarette in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the walls 58 of the air path 52 are in the shape of a flared tube or a frustocone shape with a circular cross-sectional area that increases between A and B. The top-down view shows that both A and B have a substantially circular cross-section. The diameter of the circle increased linearly between A and B, as shown in the front and side views. Essentially, the first dimension and the second dimension increase to the same extent between the steam generation region and the flavor imparting means.

In fig. 2C shows a comparison between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B for an example of an electronic cigarette in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the wall 58 of the air path 52 is shaped like a pipe or frustocone with a cross-sectional area that transitions from a circular shape to an elliptical shape. The plan view shows that A has a substantially circular cross-sectional area A and B has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional area. It is shown that the increase in the distance between the walls of the funnel occurs more in the direction corresponding to the front view than to the side view. Essentially, the first dimension is increased to a greater extent than the second dimension between the steam generation region and the flavor imparting means.

In other examples, the walls 58 may be shaped to transition from the first cross-sectional area A to the second cross-sectional area B in a non-linear manner. For example, the walls 58 may be concave or convex or have a stepped profile.

In fig. 3A shows a comparison of the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B of an example electronic cigarette in one embodiment of the invention. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the walls 58 of the air path 52 are concave in shape with respect to the air path, and the cross-sectional area changes from circular to elliptical. In some examples, the curvature of the wall 58 may be constant between points A and B, while in other examples the curvature may vary. Essentially, the first dimension increases to a greater extent than the second dimension, which remains unchanged between the steam generation region and the flavor imparting means.

In fig. 3B shows a comparison between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B in an example of an electronic cigarette constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the walls 58 of the air path 52 have a convex shape relative to the air path and a cross-sectional area that transitions from circular to elliptical. Essentially, the first dimension increases to a greater extent than the second dimension, which remains unchanged between the steam generation region and the flavor imparting means.

In fig. 3C shows a comparison between the first cross-sectional area A and the second cross-sectional area B for an example of an electronic cigarette constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The drawing shows a top view, a front view, and a side view of the wall 58. In the example shown, the walls 58 of the air path 52 have a stepped profile and a cross-sectional area that goes from circular to elliptical. The step is substantially along one dimension such that it is created at a location located between the first and second cross sections. In other examples there may be multiple steps; for example, more than 2, more than 5, more than 8. Essentially, the first dimension increases to a greater extent than the second dimension, which remains unchanged between the steam generating region and the flavor imparting means.

In fig. Figure 4 shows an example of the cartridge 4 being designed in a plane perpendicular to the air path. In fig. 4 shows the body 42 of the cartridge 4 having a central cavity (i.e., the air path and the area where the flavor insert is located, limited by the wall 58 of the air path), in which a wick 46 and a heater (evaporator) 48 can be seen. The dotted red line shows the outline of the first area A cross section. Generally speaking, the first cross-sectional area A covers the cross-sectional area of the air path 52 in the region surrounding the wick 46 and the heater 48. The dashed black line shows the outline of the second cross-sectional area B. In general terms, the second cross-sectional area B covers the cross-sectional area of the air path in the region where the air path first encounters the flavor insert. As shown in FIG. 4, the second cross-sectional area B is larger than the first cross-sectional area A. The first cross-sectional area is substantially circular in shape and the second cross-sectional area is substantially elliptical in shape. The shape of the second cross-sectional area is expanded (or otherwise changed) compared to the shape of the first cross-sectional area. One dimension, defining the shapes of the first and second cross-sectional areas, is increased to a greater extent than the other dimension.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inner wall 58 may have projections, edges, or the like 49 that may hold components of the cartridge 4 together and/or assist in the positioning of the flavor insert 8 (eg, by preventing excessive penetration into the air path). These projections 49 may change the shape of the wall, but do not substantially disrupt the overall configuration (ie, circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape).

In other examples, wall 58 may have a shape that includes combinations of linear portions, curved portions, and stepped portions in one or more dimensions. In some examples, the wall 58 is shaped to provide a monotonic increase in the cross-sectional area of the air path 52 between the steam generation region 56 and the flavor insert region 54.

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, the formation of the air path 52 or walls can help disperse, spread, or reduce the density of air to distribute vapor along the expanding air path (due to increased cross-sectional size), allowing the vapor-carrying air flow to reach a larger surface area of the tobacco material. As a result, steam can, firstly, be more uniformly applied to a larger surface area of the flavor insert 8. This may allow the steam to more effectively penetrate or otherwise interact with a larger portion or bulk of the flavor insert 8, rather than the steam reaching only a portion of the flavor insert 8. a center (central) area of the flavor insert that is aligned with the steam generation area (ie, aligned with the cross-sectional area A corresponding to the steam generation area). In addition, such formation results in steam being provided as a less dense stream downstream of the steam generation region. In other words, during puffing, the air passing through the first cross-sectional area A may have a higher density than the air passing through the second cross-sectional area B. This reduces the amount of steam delivered per unit area of the flavor insert, while at the same time negligibly affecting the total amount of steam supplied to the flavor insert.

By applying steam to a larger surface area (and at a lower density), oversaturation of certain areas of the flavor can be reduced or prevented. Flavor saturation occurs when steam condenses on the surface of the flavor. Saturation is thought to prevent or inhibit the entrainment of flavor by passing steam by forming a barrier or coating on the surface of the flavor. It is believed that saturation could potentially cause a reduction in flavor life by reducing the rate of aroma loss from the flavor. In addition, it is believed that oversaturation may cause liquid to leak (ie, leak) from the outlet 50 of the device. Inhalation of such liquids is undesirable for most users.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge 4 has a housing 42 that is the outer wall of a reservoir 44 containing liquid vapor source material. The liquid starting material may be conventional and may be referred to as e-liquid. The fluid reservoir 44 in this example is annular in shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge body 42 and an inner wall 58 that defines an air path 52 through the cartridge 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner wall 58 may be formed by more than one component, with the different components being joined together to form a single air path. In addition, the inner wall 58 may be formed in part by the same component as the cartridge body 42.

The cartridge further includes a wick 46 and a heater or vaporizer (not shown) located toward the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. In this example, the wick 46 extends across the air path 52 of the cartridge, and its ends enter the liquid reservoir 44 through openings in the inner wall 58 of the reservoir 44. The openings may be provided at the junction between the first and second components of the inner wall 58. The openings in the inner wall of the reservoir have a size generally consistent with the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal to prevent leakage from the reservoir into the air path of the cartridge without excessive compression of the wick, which could adversely affect liquid transfer efficiency.

The wall 58 of the air path 52 between the steam generation region 56 and the flavor insert region 54 increases linearly in width in the first region (adjacent to the steam generation region), and then has a slight step change in the second region (adjacent to the flavor insert region). Adjacent to this second portion is a cartridge inlet 81 or capsule body 82 containing a flavor insert 8.

In the example of FIG. 5 shows only the lower portion of the capsule body 82, which can be used to accommodate the flavor insert 8 (ie, tobacco substance or flavor). The vapor entering through the air inlet 81 interacts with the flavor insert 8. The capsule body 82 containing the flavor insert 8 is inserted into the air path 52 such that the air inlet 81 is oriented to provide a surface perpendicular to the air path, coming from the steam generation area 56. Although not shown in the drawings, in some examples, the capsule body 82 may have an upper portion that further defines the outlet 50 of the electronic cigarette 1. For example, the capsule body 82 may be configured to protrude from the wall 58 of the air path 52 in the form mouthpiece of the electronic cigarette 1. In some examples, the capsule body 82 may not be inserted within the air path 52, but instead is attached or otherwise supported on the electronic cigarette such that the e-cigarette inlet 50 is aligned with the capsule inlet 81. In other examples, the container 82 may be retained substantially within the walls of the air path 52. In some examples, an additional mouthpiece may be installed at the outlet end of the capsule 82 to form an outlet 50 of the electronic cigarette 1.

In some examples, the flavor insert 8 includes a mesh covering the inlet 81. The meshes in these examples may allow steam to penetrate the flavor insert 8, but retain the flavor (for example, loose tobacco or tobacco granules) within the capsule 82. The meshes may, for example, have a raster /pitch from 0.2 to 2 mm with holes making up about half the surface area of the mesh, for example, like a mesh with a pitch of about 0.6 mm and 0.4 mm holes separated by 0.2 mm of material. This has been found to be a suitable example of providing acceptable airflow through the mesh while properly retaining the flavor.

Some example cartridges may contain multiple inlets; for example, two or more. Multiple inlets can be used to provide steam to a larger area of the flavor. In some examples, the plurality of inlets may consist of three or more inlets, preferably five or more inlets. In some examples, the plurality of inlet openings may be arranged in a regular pattern, such as having one or more axes of symmetry about a central point and/or distributed uniformly over a surface. In some examples, at least one of the plurality of inlet openings may be covered by a mesh.

In addition, some examples of cartridges may include mesh elements covering one or more outlet openings. The outlet screens may have a design substantially similar to the screens for covering any inlet openings, such as inlet 81.

Although the above-described embodiments are somewhat focused on some specific examples of steam supply systems, it should be understood that the same principles apply to steam supply systems using other technologies. In other words, the specific manner in which the various aspects of the steam supply system operate is not directly related to the principles underlying the examples disclosed herein.

For example, while the above-described embodiments primarily focus on devices having an electric heater-based evaporator for heating a liquid vapor source material, the same principles may be applied to other technologies' evaporators, such as piezoelectric evaporators. vibrators or optically heated vaporizers, as well as devices based on other aerosol starting materials, such as solid materials, such as plant-derived materials, such as tobacco derivatives, or other forms of starting materials, such as gel, paste or foam materials.

In addition, as already noted, the approaches described above for providing multiple independent mechanisms for activating vapor generation in an electronic cigarette can be implemented in cigarettes having a different configuration than that shown in FIG. 1 general design. For example, the same principles may be used in an electronic cigarette that does not have a two-part modular design, but is a single-component device, such as a disposable (ie, non-rechargeable or refillable) device. In addition, in some implementations of a modular device, the arrangement of components may be different. For example, in some implementations, the control unit may also include an evaporator with a replaceable cartridge providing a source of raw material used by the evaporator to generate steam.

Thus, an aerosol supply system is described, comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user, to a aroma imparting region for receiving a aroma imparting agent imparting aroma to the vapor; wherein the first cross-sectional area of the air path in the steam generation region is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the path enters the flavor imparting region where the flavor imparting means is located.

The present description shows by way of illustration various embodiments of the invention in which the claimed invention may be practiced. The advantages and features of the invention relate only to a representative example of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding the claimed invention and to familiarize you with its principles. It should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects are not to be construed as limitations of the invention as defined by the claims, and that other embodiments of the invention may be used and changes may be made without departing from beyond the scope of the claims. Various embodiments of the invention may accordingly include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., in addition to those specifically described above.

Claims (14)

1. An aerosol supply system comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a flavoring medium is located to impart aroma to the vapor, characterized in that the first cross-sectional area of the air path in the steam generation region is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the channel enters the aroma imparting region, wherein the width of the air path in the first direction perpendicular to the air path increases from the steam generation region to the aroma imparting region is greater than the width of the air path in the second direction, perpendicular to the air path. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the first cross-sectional area to the second cross-sectional area is from 0.2 to 0.8, or from 0.3 to 0.7, or from 0.4 to 0, 6. 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the air path in the second direction is the same in the area of steam generation and the area of imparting aroma. 4. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that the air path in the steam generation region has one of the following shapes: round shape, elliptical shape, polygonal shape and rounded polygonal shape. 5. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, characterized in that the air path included in the aroma imparting means has one of the following shapes: round shape, elliptical shape, polygonal shape and round polygonal shape. 6. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the air path increases monotonically between the steam generation region and the aroma imparting region. 7. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the air path increases stepwise between the steam generation area and the aroma imparting area. 8. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, characterized in that it additionally contains a medium that imparts aroma to the steam. 9. The system according to any claim 8, characterized in that the medium imparting the aroma to the steam is contained in a removable cartridge of the aerosol supply system. 10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the cartridge has an inlet end with a mesh covering it. 11. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, characterized in that the medium imparting aroma to the steam is tobacco. 12. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, characterized in that it further comprises an evaporator for generating steam in the steam generation area. 13. An aerosol supplying means comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a vapor imparting medium is located, characterized in that the first cross-sectional area of the air path in the region generating steam is less than a second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the channel enters the flavor imparting region, wherein the width of the air path in the first direction perpendicular to the air path increases from the steam generation region to the flavor imparting region greater than the width of the air path in the second direction perpendicular to the air path. 14. A cartridge for an aerosol supply system comprising an air path extending from a vapor generating region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user to an aroma imparting region in which a vapor imparting medium is located, characterized in that a first cross-sectional area of the air path in the steam generation region is less than the second cross-sectional area of the air path at the location where the channel enters the aroma imparting region, wherein the width of the air path in the first direction perpendicular to the air path increases from the steam generation region to the aroma imparting region is greater than the width of the air path in the second direction, perpendicular to the air path.