TW201330884A - An aerosol generating device having airflow inlets - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol generating device comprising: a housing having a first air inlet and an air outlet, the housing defining an air flow channel between the first air inlet and the air outlet, and a heater configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate positioned within or adjacent to the air flow channel, wherein the housing further comprises a second air inlet, the second air inlet positioned between the heater and the air outlet, the second air inlet configured to allow air into the air flow channel, and wherein the second air inlet is larger than the first air inlet.

Description

Aerosol generating device with airflow inlet

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating apparatus for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an electrically operated aerosol generating device for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

WO-A-2009/132793 discloses an electrically heated smoking system. The liquid is stored in the reservoir and the capillary has a first end that extends into the reservoir to contact the liquid therein, and a first end that extends out of the reservoir. The heating element heats the second end of the capillary core. The electric heating element, which is spirally wound by the heating element, is electrically connected to the power source and surrounds the second end of the capillary core. In use, the heating element can be activated by the user to switch on the power source. The user's suction of the nozzle causes air to pass over the capillary core and the heating element, is drawn into the electrically heated smoking device, and then enters the user's mouth.

It is an object of the present invention to improve the production of aerosols in such electrically heated aerosol generating systems.

The generation of aerosols in an electrically heated aerosol generating system requires two procedures. First, the aerosol-forming substrate must be vaporized. The resulting vapor must then condense to form droplets of the aerosol. Typically, in an aerosol generating device such as an electric smoking device, only a single airflow inlet is provided upstream of the heater to allow air to enter the device, flow through the heater (or other substrate vaporization element) to draw steam, and then exit the device. Airflow outlet, such as a nozzle. In this context, "upstream" and "downstream" Refers to the airflow from the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet by the device. Condensation of the vaporized substrate occurs between the heaters around the heater and the downstream side of the heater (i.e., between the heater and the gas flow outlet in the direction of the gas flow). There is only limited ability to control the condensation procedure in such devices to optimize the amount of aerosol and aerosol properties.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a housing having a first airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, the housing defining an airflow passage between the first airflow inlet and the airflow outlet, and a heater Configuring to heat an aerosol-forming substrate positioned within or adjacent to the gas flow channel, wherein the housing further includes: a second gas flow inlet located between the heater and the gas flow outlet, the second gas flow inlet It is configured to allow air to enter the airflow passage, and wherein the second airflow inlet is larger than the first airflow inlet.

In accordance with the present invention, the provision of a second gas stream inlet between the heater and the gas stream outlet allows the vaporized substrate to be rapidly cooled prior to exiting the device via the gas stream outlet. This cooling through the second airflow inlet arrangement allows the airflow outlet temperature to be controlled. The cooling procedure set through the second gas flow inlet also allows steam to be the optimal conversion of the aerosol.

The second airflow inlet is larger than the first air intake (ie, allows more air). In this regard, a larger airflow inlet means that a larger airflow is drawn through the airflow inlet for a given inhalation on the airflow outlet. Thus, for a given inhalation on the airflow outlet, a larger airflow is drawn through the second airflow inlet than via the first airflow inlet. Preferably, the second gas flow inlet allows for a gas flow that is at least 5 times greater than the gas flow provided by the first gas flow inlet. That is, for a given inhalation on the airflow outlet, via the second airflow inlet At least 5 times more airflow is drawn through the first airflow inlet. This can be accomplished by forming a second gas flow inlet with a larger number of holes. This can also be accomplished by making the apertures that make up the second airflow inlet larger than the apertures that make up the first airflow inlet. This can also be achieved by a combination of more holes constituting the second gas flow inlet and larger holes constituting the first gas flow inlet. Preferably, the second airflow inlet is more than 8 times larger than the first airflow inlet and may be 14 times larger than the first airflow inlet.

The gas flow through the heater or substrate must only be sufficient to move the vaporization substrate toward the second gas flow inlet. The first airflow inlet and the airflow passage are preferably configured to provide a substantially stream of airflow between the first airflow inlet and the second airflow inlet when suction is applied to the airflow inlet. This provides efficient transport of the vaporized substrate away from the heater. The second gas stream inlet provides a cooling air inlet to cool the steam and control the condensation of the steam. The second airflow inlet and the airflow passage are preferably configured to provide a turbulent flow of gas between the second airflow inlet and the air output for efficient cooling of the air and condensing steam.

The relative sizes of the first and second gas stream inlets can be selected to optimize the nature of the aerosol delivered to the user, or the total mass flow rate through the gas stream outlet. The mass flow rate is the mass flow rate through the first gas stream inlet and the mass flow rate through the second gas stream inlet. The total mass flow rate is directly dependent on the relative number and size of the orifices forming the first and second gas stream inlets, and can be varied to optimize the delivered aerosol at a desired desired temperature at the gas stream outlet. The number and size of the pores forming the first and second gas flow inlets can be found to maximize the mass flow rate of the aerosol. The number and size of the holes forming the inlets of the first and second gas streams depend on the composition of the substrate. Different geometries will also exhibit different behaviors. The device can be configured to form an aerosol based The composition of the body, the temperature of the heater, and the detected flow rate through a portion of the device automatically change the size of the first gas inlet or the second gas inlet.

The device can include a body portion and a body. The corpus callosum can accommodate the aerosol to form a matrix. When the supply of the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted, the consumable carcass can be replaced. A portion of the housing of the device is preferably formed from a consumable cartridge and includes a second airflow inlet or first airflow inlet, or both first and second airflow inlets. The heater may also be part of the carcass. Preferably, the wick is part of the body. The consumable body can also include a nozzle. An aerosol generating device, wherein the device comprises a cartridge body, the cartridge body comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein a portion of the housing is formed by the cartridge body and includes a second airflow inlet or a first airflow inlet, or first and second air Both airflow inlets.

The device housing can include a nozzle portion surrounding the airflow outlet, the device being configured to draw air from the suction nozzle portion through the first and second airflow inlets to draw air into the airflow passage. The device is preferably passive with respect to the airflow and therefore does not include a fan or blower. However, if desired, it can include a fan or other active airflow management component in the device.

Preferably, the housing of the device is elongate. The housing can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for use in food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and poly Ethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

The first airflow inlet may include a plurality of first apertures in the housing. The second airflow inlet may include a plurality of second apertures in the housing. Multiple first sum The second holes may be symmetrically disposed around the air flow passage. Preferably, there is a first aperture between one and five and a second air aperture between one and five. More preferably, there is a first airflow inlet between two and four and a second airflow inlet between two and four. More preferably, there are three first airflow inlets and three second airflow inlets. However, there may be ten or more first and second airflow inlets, and there may be an equal or unequal number of first airflow inlets and second airflow inlets in any combination of numbers.

Airflow channels can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the heater can form part of the wall of the airflow passage. The air flow passage may surround the heater or may be formed only on one side of the heater. The gas flow passage may not include a heater, but one or most of the walls of the gas flow passage may be an aerosol-forming substrate. The gas flow channel can have a substantially circular cross section or can have a substantially oval or substantially elliptical cross section.

The vaporizer can be a heater. The heater can heat the aerosol to form a matrix by one or more of conduction, convection, and radiation. The heater can be an electric heater powered by a power source. The heater may alternatively be powered by a non-electrical power source, such as a combustible fuel: for example, the heater may include a thermally conductive element that is heated by combustion of the gas fuel.

The heater is preferably an electric heater. The electric heater can include a single heating element. Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise more than one heating element, for example two, or three, or four or five or six or a plurality of heating elements. One or more heating elements can be suitably configured to most efficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

The at least one electrical heating element preferably comprises a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum dichloride), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of semiconductor and ceramic materials. Such composite materials can include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped cerium carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, hafnium and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, and nickel. Cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese and iron-containing alloys, and based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminum alloys, iron Superalloy of manganese-aluminum alloy. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Corporation, Broadway 4300, 1999, Denver, Colorado. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded, encapsulated or coated depending on the desired kinetic energy transfer and external physicochemical properties. The heating element can comprise a metal etched foil that is insulated between two layers of inert material. In this case, the inert material may include polyimide®, all polyimide or mica foil. Kapton® is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont, Inc., 1087, Wilmington, Delaware, USA, 19898.

Alternatively, the at least one electrical heating element may comprise an infrared heating element, a photon source or an inductive heating element.

The at least one electrical heating element can take any suitable form. For example, the at least one electrical heating element can take the form of a heated blade. Alternatively, the at least one electrical heating element may take the form of a housing or substrate having a different electrically conductive portion or a resistive metal tube. The liquid reservoir can incorporate a disposable heating element. Alternatively, if the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid, it is also suitable to pass through one or a plurality of heating pins or rods of the aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the at least one electrical heating element can be a disc (end) heater or a combination of a disc heater and a heated needle or rod. Alternatively, the at least one The electrical heating element can comprise a sheet of flexible material. Other alternatives include heating wires or wires, such as nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr), platinum, tungsten or alloy wires, or heating plates. Optionally, the heating element can be deposited in or on the rigid carrier material.

The at least one electrical heating element can include a heat sink or regenerator that includes a material that is capable of absorbing and storing heat, and thereafter releasing heat to heat the aerosol to form a matrix. The heat sink can be formed from any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. Preferably, the material has a high heat capacity (sensitive heat storage material) or a material that is capable of absorbing and subsequently releasing heat via a reversible procedure such as a high temperature phase change. Suitable sensitive heat storage materials include, for example, silicone, alumina, carbon, glass mats, fiberglass, minerals, metals or alloys such as aluminum, silver or lead and cellulosic materials. Other suitable materials that release heat via a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, mixtures or alloys of eutectic salts.

The heat sink can be configured to directly contact the aerosol-forming substrate and transfer the stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, heat stored in the heat sink or heat accumulator can be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by a thermal conductor such as a metal tube.

At least one heating element can heat the aerosol to form a matrix by means of conduction. The heating element can be at least partially in contact with the substrate. Alternatively, heat from the heating element can be conducted to the substrate by a thermal conductor.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one heating element can transfer heat to the ambient air entering it, during use, the ambient air is drawn in via the aerosol generating device, which in turn heats the aerosol to form a matrix by convection. The ambient air can be heated prior to forming the matrix through the aerosol. Alternatively, it can be first drawn in via a liquid matrix and then heated.

The aerosol-forming substrate can be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises a tobacco material comprising a volatile tobacco aroma that is released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate can comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate can include a tobacco material and a non-tobacco-containing material. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in turn comprises an aerosol former which aids in the formation of a thick and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming system liquid aerosol forms a matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate preferably has physical properties such as boiling point and vapor pressure and is suitable for use in an aerosol generating device. If the boiling point is too high, the liquid may not be vaporized, but if the boiling point is too low, the liquid may be too vaporized. The liquid preferably comprises a tobacco material comprising a volatile tobacco aroma that can be released from the liquid upon heating. Alternatively, or in addition, the liquid may comprise a non-tobacco material. The liquid may comprise an aqueous solution, a non-aqueous solvent such as ethanol, a plant extract, a nicotine, a natural or artificial fragrance, or any combination of these. Preferably, the liquid further comprises an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol forms a liquid matrix of the base system, the aerosol generating device may in turn comprise a reservoir to store the liquid aerosol to form the matrix. The advantage of providing a reservoir is that the liquid in the reservoir is generally isolated from the surrounding air and protected (because air generally cannot enter the reservoir). It also protects against light damage. By protecting the liquid from air and light damage, the degradation of the liquid is significantly reduced. Moreover, a high level of hygiene can be maintained. The liquid storage unit can not Refill. Therefore, when the liquid in the liquid storage portion has been used up, the aerosol generating device is replaced. Alternatively, the reservoir can be refilled. In this case, the aerosol generating device can be replaced after refilling the liquid storage portion a certain number of times. Preferably, the reservoir is configured to store liquid for a predetermined number of spouts. If the aerosol generating device comprises a first portion having a nozzle and a second portion facing the first portion, the reservoir can be received in the first portion or the second portion.

The aerosol-forming substrate can alternatively be any other kind of matrix, such as a gas matrix, or any combination of various types of substrates.

If the aerosol-forming system liquid aerosol forms a matrix, the heater of the aerosol generating device can comprise a capillary core which delivers a liquid aerosol to form a matrix by capillary action. Preferably, the wick is configured to contact the liquid in the reservoir. Preferably, the capillary core extends into the liquid reservoir. In this case, in use, the liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion by capillary action of the capillary core. In one embodiment, the liquid in one end of the wick is vaporized to form a supersaturated vapor. The supersaturated vapor is mixed with the gas stream and loaded therein. During the flow, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol and the aerosol is carried towards the mouth of the user. The liquid in which the aerosol forms the matrix has physical properties including surface tension and viscosity, which allows the liquid to be carried via the capillary core by capillary action.

The wick can have a fibrous or spongy structure. The wick preferably includes a bundle of capillaries. For example, the wick can include a plurality of fibers, wires, or other fine-bore tubes. The fibers or threads may be substantially aligned along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the wick may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material forming a rod shape. The rod shape may extend in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device. Core The structure forms a plurality of small holes or tubes through which liquid can be delivered by capillary action. The wick can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are capillary materials, such as sponges or foams, ceramic materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders or graphite-based materials, metal foam or plastic materials, fibrous materials such as spunbonded or extruded fibers, Such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, polyester or polypropylene fiber, nylon fiber or ceramic. The wick can have any suitable capillary action and porosity for use in blending with different liquid physical properties. Liquids have many physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension. Density, thermal conductivity, boiling point and vapor pressure allow the liquid to be transported via capillary system via capillary action. The wick should be suitable so that the amount of liquid required can be sent to the heater.

Alternatively, instead of a capillary core, the aerosol generating device can include any suitable capillary or porous interface between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater to deliver the desired amount of liquid to the heater.

The reservoir is preferably a container. The reservoir can no longer be refilled. Therefore, when the liquid in the liquid storage portion has been used up, the aerosol generating device is replaced. Alternatively, the reservoir can be refilled. In this case, the aerosol generating device can be replaced after refilling the liquid storage portion for a certain number of times. Preferably, the reservoir is configured to hold the liquid for a predetermined number of spouts.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming system liquid aerosol forms a matrix, and the aerosol generating device includes a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, an electric heater, and a capillary core. In this embodiment, preferably, the wick is configured to contact the liquid in the reservoir. In use, the liquid is lifted from the liquid storage section by the capillary action in the capillary core. Heater transfer. In one embodiment, the wick has a first end that extends into or adjacent the reservoir to contact the liquid therein, and a second end that is configured to heat the liquid in the second end. When the heater is activated, the liquid at the second end of the wick is vaporized by the heater to form a supersaturated vapor. The supersaturated vapor is mixed with the gas stream and loaded therein. The air from the second gas stream inlet is then mixed with steam and the steam condenses to form an aerosol that is carried toward the user's mouth.

In another aspect of the invention, a cartridge is provided comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, the heater being positioned within the gas flow passage through the cartridge or Adjacent; the air flow passage terminates in the air flow outlet, in use, the aerosol is delivered to the user via the air flow outlet; and the air flow inlet is in the outer surface of the body, the air flow inlet is configured to allow air The airflow passage enters a position between the heater and the airflow outlet, wherein the airflow inlet and the airflow passage are configured to generate a turbulent airflow through the airflow passage when suction is applied to the airflow outlet.

The body can include a nozzle. The cartridge may be configured to be coupled to a body of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a power source for supplying power to the heater. The carcass may include a further airflow inlet or a set of airflow inlets upstream of the airflow inlet.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes means for dynamically controlling the air flow rate of the first airflow inlet or the second airflow inlet by varying the size of the first or second airflow inlet. This may include means for partially blocking the first or second airflow inlet, such as a mechanical door member. Partial block A form is used that completely blocks some of the plurality of holes including the inlet of the first or second gas stream. The flow rate of air flowing through the first or second gas stream inlet can be dynamically controlled, for example, based on the composition of the aerosol-forming substrate, the temperature of the heater, or the flow rate of a portion of the flow through the device. It may affect the mass airflow rate due to the throttle valve.

The aerosol generating device is electrically operable and may further include a power source. If the aerosol generating device includes a consumable body and a body, the power source can be housed in the body or body. Preferably, the power source is housed in the body.

The aerosol generating device can in turn comprise an electrical circuit. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a sensor that detects an air flow that indicates a user's spout at the airflow outlet. In this case, preferably, the circuit is configured to provide a current pulse to the electric heater when the sensor senses that the user is performing the spout. Preferably, the period of the current pulse is preset in accordance with the amount of liquid to be vaporized. To this end, the circuit is preferably programmable. Alternatively, the circuit can include a manually operable switch for the user to begin smoking. The period of the predetermined current pulse is preferably determined by the amount of liquid to be vaporized. Thus, the circuit is preferably programmable. If the aerosol generating device includes a consumable body and a body, the circuit can be housed in the body or body. Preferably, the circuit is housed in the body.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device can be a smoking device. The aerosol generating device can have a size comparable to conventional cigars or cigarettes. The smoking device can have a total length of between about 30 mm and about 150 mm. The smoking device can have an outer diameter of between about 5 mm and about 30 mm.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is an electrically operated smoking device.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method of delivering an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, comprising the steps of vaporizing an aerosol-forming substrate in a first chamber, and flowing air through the first chamber to a second chamber, Condensing the vaporized substrate in the second chamber, comprising supplying ambient air to the second chamber at a selected rate via an ambient gas flow inlet to produce an aerosol, and conveying the second gas flow through the second chamber from the second chamber Room aerosol. The feed rate of ambient air can be selected to provide a maximum aerosol mass flow rate from the second chamber.

Features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be applied to another aspect of the invention. In particular, the features described in relation to the aerosol generating device are also applicable to the corpus callosum.

The invention will be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an aerosol generating apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In Fig. 1, the device is an electrically operated smoking device having a reservoir. The smoking device 100 of Figure 1 includes a first end belonging to the mouth end 103 and a second end belonging to the body end 105. In the body end 105, a power source in the form of a battery 107, a circuit in the form of a hardware 109, and a spray body detection system 111 are provided. A liquid reservoir portion, a capillary core 117, and a heater 119 in the form of a cartridge 113 for containing the liquid 115 are provided in the nozzle end 103. Please note that this heater is only shown schematically in Figure 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, one end of the capillary core 117 extends into the liquid reservoir 113, and the other end of the capillary core 117 is a heater. Surrounded by 119. The heater is connected to the circuit via connection 121, which can be routed along the outside of the reservoir 113 (not shown in Figure 1). The outer casing is formed in two parts, the casing portion includes a suction nozzle end, the liquid storage portion 113 is capable of consuming the carcass, and the body end of the casing is a reusable main body portion of the device. The joint position between the body and the body of the device is not shown in Figure 1 and can be selected by the designer. The housing 101 includes two airflow inlets 123 and 124 and an airflow outlet 125. In use, the airflow through the device is drawn by the user at the airflow outlet to draw air through the first and second airflow inlets. The first airflow inlet 123 is positioned upstream of the heater, that is, the heater is positioned between the first airflow inlet and the airflow outlet 125. The second gas stream inlet is positioned downstream of the heater, that is, between the heater and the gas stream outlet.

In use, the operation is as follows. The liquid 115 is transported from the body 113, from the end of the core 117 extending into the body by capillary action, to the other end of the core surrounded by the heater 119. When the user is aspirated at the airflow outlet 125 at the aerosol generating device, the ambient air is drawn in via the airflow inlet 123. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the spit detection system 111 senses the spitting and activates the heater 119. Battery 107 provides electrical energy to heater 119 to heat the end of core 117 surrounded by the heater. The liquid in the end of the core 117 is vaporized by the heater 119 to produce supersaturated steam. At the same time, the vaporized liquid is replaced by further moving by capillary action along the core 117. The resulting supersaturated vapor is mixed and loaded into the gas stream from the gas stream inlet 123 toward the gas stream outlet 125. In the aerosol-forming chamber 127, the vapor condenses to form an inhalable aerosol that is directed to the gas stream outlet 125 and into the user's mouth. When the user inhales, The ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-forming chamber 127 via the second airflow inlet 124. This ambient air is mixed with steam to cool it and accelerate condensation. This cooling air provides an aerosol having the desired droplet size and density, as well as the desired temperature to ensure access to the air aerosol of the user's mouth.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the hardware 109 and the spew detection system 111 are preferably programmable. The hardware 109 and the spew detection system 111 can be used to manage the operation of the aerosol generating device.

Fig. 1 shows an example of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention. However, there are many other examples. The aerosol generating device only has to include a heater for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substrate, at least one gas flow outlet, and at least two gas flow inlets, one of which is between the heater and the gas flow outlet. For example, the device does not require electrical operation. For example, the device need not be a smoking device. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate need not be in a liquid state. Moreover, even if the aerosol-forming system liquid aerosol forms a matrix, the device may not contain a capillary core. In this case, the device may contain other mechanisms for transporting the vaporizing liquid. For example, the spit detection system does not have to be set. Instead, the device can be operated manually, such as by a user operating the switch while the spitting is being performed. For example, the overall shape and size of the aerosol generating device can vary. For example, the consumable body may include only internal components or only the reservoir 113 and may not form part of the housing 101. Alternatively, the cartridge may be unconsumable and the device may be refilled or non-refillable.

As discussed above, in accordance with the present invention, an aerosol generating device includes at least two gas flow inlets, one of which is positioned between the heater and the gas flow outlet in the direction of gas flow through the device. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. The embodiment is based on the example shown in Fig. 1, though It can be applied to other embodiments of aerosol generating devices. Please note that Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic. In particular, the components shown are not necessarily individually or to scale relative to one another.

Figure 2 is a diagram of the airflow passages in the apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2 shows a liquid reservoir 113 in which a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 115 is housed. The core 117 delivers liquid to the heater 119. When the user inhales at the airflow outlet 125, the air is drawn in through the first aperture forming the first airflow inlet 123. The first air aperture 123 is configured to provide a laminar flow that flows through the heater to transport the vaporization substrate away from the airflow outlet toward the airflow outlet and symmetrically disposed about the housing. A first orifice and a gas flow passage are formed to encourage laminar flow through the heater. The ambient air is also drawn into the housing via a second air vent that forms a second airflow inlet 124 disposed downstream of the heater 119. The ambient air is cooler than the mixture of air and heater heated steam, and thus ambient air from the second airflow inlet cools the air and steam traveling toward the airflow outlet. The second vent is configured to provide a flow of air mixed with air and vapor traveling toward the airflow outlet and create a turbulence to maximize cooling. In Figure 2, they are shown as defining a second airflow inlet channel that traverses the laminar flow of air through the heater.

The cooling effect of the air from the second gas stream inlet means that the vaporized substrate condenses more rapidly than in the absence of the second gas stream inlet. The design of the first airflow inlet and the second airflow inlet, particularly their absolute and relative size, affects the nature and amount of aerosol delivered to the user at the airflow outlet 125. The more ambient air that is drawn through the second airflow inlet, the more vaporized aerosol is condensed, providing the user with an aerosol with better physical properties.

Figure 3 shows an alternative design for the flow of gas through the device. In Fig. 3, the base body 115 is disposed in a housing 301 of a hollow cylindrical carrier material surrounding the air flow passage. The heater 119 is disposed in the air flow passage. The first airflow inlet 323 is positioned upstream of the heater and the second airflow inlet 324 is positioned downstream of the heater adjacent the airflow outlet 325. Again, the second gas stream inlet provides an incoming gas stream that traverses the gas stream passing through the heater to ensure good mixing. It should be noted that many alternative geometries can use the same initial gas flow to carry steam and a second gas stream to provide cooling.

The relative sizes of the first and second gas flow inlets can be selected to optimize the nature of the aerosol delivered to the user. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the total mass flow rate through the gas flow outlet 125 is Q. The mass flow rate through the first gas stream inlet is Q ₁ and the total mass flow rate through the second gas stream inlet 124 is Q ₂ . The relationship between flow rates is: Q = Q ₁ + Q ₂ = AQ + (1-A) Q

The parameter A is directly dependent on the relative number and size of the orifices forming the inlets of the first and second gas streams and can be varied to optimize the delivered aerosol at a desired desired temperature at the outlet of the gas stream. Figure 4 is a plot of mass flow rate for three different matrix materials, water, glycerol (G) and propylene glycol (PG) A, at a rate of 0.5 m/s, at room temperature of 20 ° C and 40 ° C At the outlet temperature of the gas stream, it flows through a device with a diameter of 8.4 mm. It can be clearly seen that the value of A which maximizes the mass flow rate of the aerosol can be found and is dependent on the composition of the matrix. Different geometries also exhibit different behaviors.

It can also be seen that the maximum aerosol mass flow rate occurs when the second gas flow inlet is larger than the first gas flow inlet. In the case of glycerol, the second gas stream inlet must be about 10 times larger than the first gas inlet. This is considered by considering the entrance from the first airflow The flow through the heater and/or the substrate must be sufficient to move the vaporized substrate toward the second gas stream inlet. If the first airflow inlet and the airflow passage are configured to provide a substantially convective gas flow between the first air venting gas inlet and the second gas stream inlet, the gas stream that must be efficiently transported away from the heater by the vaporizing substrate is very small. In contrast, the second gas flow inlet supplies cooling air to the unit to control the condensation of the steam, and for rapid cooling, requires a relatively large flow rate through the second gas stream inlet. The second airflow inlet and the airflow passage are preferably configured to provide a turbulent flow of gas between the second airflow inlet and the air output to efficiently cool the air and condense the steam.

If the device allows for the composition of the different substrates used in the carcass containment belt, the carcass can be designed to include one or both of the first and second gas flow inlets, optimizing the particular composition contained therein.

It may also include a mechanically movable stop or sleeve to selectively prevent the formation of one or more of the first or second gas flow inlets, changing the parameter a. This change can be achieved manually or automatically under the control of the circuit. Moreover, the geometry of the airflow passages and the first and second airflow inlets can take many forms. The optimum geometry for a particular device and application can be determined empirically or theoretically.

100‧‧‧Smoking device

101‧‧‧shell

103‧‧‧ nozzle

105‧‧‧ body end

107‧‧‧Battery

109‧‧‧ Hardware

111‧‧‧Spray detection system

113‧‧‧匣 Body

115‧‧‧Liquid

117‧‧ core

119‧‧‧heater

121‧‧‧Connect

123‧‧‧First air inlet

124‧‧‧Second air inlet

125‧‧‧Airflow exit

127‧‧‧ aerosol forming chamber

301‧‧‧Shell

323‧‧‧First air inlet

324‧‧‧Second air inlet

325‧‧‧Airflow exit

1 is a view showing an embodiment of an aerosol generating device according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an air flow passage in a device of the type shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is an air flow in an alternative design according to the present invention. a schematic of the channel; Figure 4 is a plot of aerosol mass versus A for the user, which is a parameter relating to the size of the first and second gas stream inlets.

111‧‧‧Spray detection system

113‧‧‧匣 Body

115‧‧‧Liquid

119‧‧‧heater

123‧‧‧First air inlet

124‧‧‧Second air inlet

125‧‧‧Airflow exit

Claims (15)

An aerosol generating device comprising: a housing having a first airflow inlet and an airflow outlet, the housing defining an airflow passage between the first airflow inlet and the airflow outlet; and a heater configured to be heated and positioned An aerosol forming substrate in or adjacent to the air flow passage; wherein the housing further includes: a second air flow inlet, the second air flow inlet being located between the heater and the air flow outlet, the second air flow inlet, The second airflow inlet is configured to allow air to enter the airflow passage, and wherein the second airflow inlet is larger than the first intake air. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the second gas flow inlet is at least 5 times larger than the first gas flow inlet. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second airflow inlet and the air passage are configured to flow between the second airflow inlet and the airflow outlet when suction is applied to the airflow outlet Turbulent flow of the air flow passage. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second gas stream inlet comprises a plurality of second holes in the housing. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first airflow inlet comprises a plurality of first apertures in the housing. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing includes a nozzle portion surrounding the airflow outlet such that suction on the nozzle portion passes air through the first and second airflow inlets Inhale the air flow passage. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, The apparatus includes a cartridge body including an aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein a portion of the housing is formed by the cartridge body and includes the second airflow inlet or the first airflow inlet, or the first and second airflow inlets Both. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first gas stream inlet and the air channel are configured to generate a laminar gas stream flowing through the gas stream channel when suction is applied to the gas stream outlet. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol forms a liquid matrix of the base system. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims further comprising means for varying the size of the first gas stream inlet or the second gas stream inlet. An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the device is configured to automatically change the first portion according to the composition of the aerosol-forming substrate, the temperature of the heater, or the flow rate of a portion of the device that is detected to flow through the device. The size of an airflow inlet or the second airflow inlet. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is an electrically operated smoking device. A cartridge comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; a heater configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, the heater being positioned within or adjacent to the gas flow passage through the cartridge; the gas flow passage, Ending at the outlet of the gas stream, in use, the aerosol is delivered to the user via the outlet of the gas stream; An airflow inlet is disposed in an outer surface of the body, the airflow inlet configured to allow air to enter the airflow passage at a location between the heater and the airflow outlet, wherein the airflow inlet and the airflow passage are configured to be suctioned When applied to the outlet of the gas stream, a turbulent gas stream is produced that flows through the gas stream passage. A consumable body according to claim 13 wherein the cartridge is configured to be coupled to a body of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a power source for supplying power to the heater. A method of transporting an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate, comprising the steps of: vaporizing an aerosol-forming substrate in a first chamber, flowing air through the first chamber to a second chamber, and condensing the vaporized substrate in the second chamber, including Ambient air is supplied to the second chamber at a selected rate via a surrounding gas flow inlet to produce an aerosol selected to provide a maximum aerosol mass flow rate from the second chamber, and via the first The air outlet of the two chambers delivers aerosol from the second chamber.