WO2020187911A1 - Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020187911A1
WO2020187911A1 PCT/EP2020/057294 EP2020057294W WO2020187911A1 WO 2020187911 A1 WO2020187911 A1 WO 2020187911A1 EP 2020057294 W EP2020057294 W EP 2020057294W WO 2020187911 A1 WO2020187911 A1 WO 2020187911A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
wick
heater
support element
reservoir
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/057294
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Chris Lord
Thomas Sudlow
Ben ILLIDGE
Alfred Madden
Ben ASTBURY
Original Assignee
Nerudia Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP19164463.2A external-priority patent/EP3711608A1/fr
Priority claimed from EP19164430.1A external-priority patent/EP3711596A1/fr
Application filed by Nerudia Limited filed Critical Nerudia Limited
Publication of WO2020187911A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020187911A1/fr
Priority to US17/479,840 priority Critical patent/US20220071285A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device and to an aerosol-generation apparatus for an aerosol delivery device.
  • the present invention preferably relates to an aerosol delivery device including a heater arranged to heat an aerosol precursor to generate an aerosolised composition for inhalation by a user, and to an aerosol-generation apparatus therefor.
  • a smoking-substitute device or system is an electronic device that permits the user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol mist or vapour that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol mist or vapour typically bears nicotine and/or other flavourings without the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking and tobacco products.
  • the user experiences a similar satisfaction and physical sensation to those experienced from a traditional smoking or tobacco product, and exhales an aerosol mist or vapour of similar appearance to the smoke exhaled when using such traditional smoking or tobacco products.
  • a smoking substitute device is the so-called“vaping” approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as“e-liquid”, is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • the e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings.
  • the resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • a typical vaping smoking substitute device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank for containing e-liquid as well as a heater.
  • electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or“vapour”) which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • Vaping smoking substitute devices can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • there are“closed system” vaping smoking substitute devices which typically have a sealed tank and heating element. The tank is pre-filled with e liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute devices include a main body which includes the power source, wherein the main body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heater.
  • the consumable may also be referred to as a cartomizer. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, that consumable is disposed of. The main body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement, consumable.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute devices are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute devices which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user. In this way the device can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute device is the mybluTM e-cigarette.
  • the mybluTM e cigarette is a closed system device which includes a main body and a consumable. The main body and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the main body.
  • the main body includes a rechargeable battery.
  • the consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid (also referred to as an aerosol precursor), as well as a heater, which for this device is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick.
  • the wick is partially immersed in the e-liquid, and conveys e-liquid from the tank to the heating filament.
  • the device is activated when a microprocessor on board the main body detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • a smoking substitute device it is desirable to deliver nicotine into the user’s lungs, where it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
  • “vaping” approach “e-liquid” is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • Many e-cigarettes also deliver flavour to the user, to enhance the experience.
  • Flavour compounds are contained in the e- liquid that is heated. Heating of the flavour compounds may be undesirable as the flavour compounds are inhaled into the user’s lungs.
  • Toxicology restrictions are placed on the amount of flavour that can be contained in the e-liquid. This can result in some e-liquid flavours delivering a weak and underwhelming taste sensation to consumers in the pursuit of safety.
  • Pharmaceutical medicament physiologically active substances and flavourings for example may be delivered to the human body by inhalation through the mouth and/or nose.
  • Such material or substances may be delivered directly to the mucosa or mucous membrane lining the nasal and oral passages and/or the pulmonary system.
  • nicotine is consumed for therapeutic or recreational purposes and may be delivered to the body in a number of ways. Nicotine replacement therapies are aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome their dependence on nicotine. Nicotine is delivered to the body in the form of aerosol delivery devices and systems, also known as smoking-substitute devices or nicotine delivery devices. Such devices may be non-powered or powered.
  • Devices or systems that are non-powered may comprise nicotine replacement therapy devices such as "inhalators”, e.g. Nicorette® Inhalator. These generally have the appearance of a plastic cigarette and are used by people who crave the behaviour associated with consumption of combustible tobacco - the so- called hand-to-mouth aspect - of smoking tobacco.
  • Inhalators generally allow nicotine-containing aerosol to be inhaled through an elongate tube in which a container containing a nicotine carrier, for example, a substrate, is located. An air stream caused by suction through the tube by the user carries nicotine vapours into the lungs of the user to satisfy a nicotine craving.
  • the container may comprise a replaceable cartridge, which includes a cartridge housing and a passageway in the housing in which a nicotine reservoir is located.
  • the reservoir holds a measured amount of nicotine in the form of the nicotine carrier.
  • the measured amount of nicotine is an amount suitable for delivering a specific number of "doses".
  • the form of the nicotine carrier is such as to allow nicotine vapour to be released into a fluid stream passing around or through the reservoir. This process is known as aerosolization and or atomization.
  • Aerosolization is the process or act of converting a physical substance into the form of particles small and light enough to be carried on the air i.e. into an aerosol.
  • Atomization is the process or act of separating or reducing a physical substance into fine particles and may include the generation of aerosols.
  • the passageway generally has an opening at each end for communication with the exterior of the housing and for allowing the fluid stream through the passageway.
  • a nicotine-impermeable barrier seals the reservoir from atmosphere.
  • the barrier includes passageway barrier portions for sealing the passageway on both sides of the reservoir. These barrier portions are frangible so as to be penetrable for opening the passageway to atmosphere.
  • a device or a system that is powered can fall into two sub-categories.
  • such devices or systems may comprise electronic devices or systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol mist or vapour that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth and then exhaled.
  • the electronic devices or systems typically cause the vaporization of a liquid containing nicotine and entrainment of the vapour into an airstream. Vaporization of an element or compound is a phase transition from the liquid phase to vapour i.e. evaporation or boiling.
  • the user experiences a similar satisfaction and physical sensation to those experienced from a traditional smoking or tobacco product, and exhales an aerosol mist or vapour of similar appearance to the smoke exhaled when using such traditional smoking or tobacco products.
  • devices or systems of the second, powered category include, but are not limited to, electronic nicotine delivery systems, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vaping cigarettes, pipes, cigars, cigarillos, vaporizers and devices of a similar nature that function to produce an aerosol mist or vapour that is inhaled by a user.
  • Such nicotine delivery devices or systems of the second category incorporate a liquid reservoir element generally including a vaporizer or misting element such as a heating element or other suitable element, and are known, inter alia, as atomizers, cartomizers, or clearomizers.
  • Some electronic cigarettes are disposable; others are reusable, with replaceable and refillable parts.
  • Aerosol delivery devices or systems in a first sub-category of the second, powered category generally use heat and/or ultrasonic agitation to vaporize a solution comprising nicotine and/or other flavouring, propylene glycol and/or glycerine-based base into an aerosol mist of vapour for inhalation.
  • Aerosol delivery devices or systems in a second sub-category of the second, powered category may typically comprise devices or systems in which tobacco is heated rather than combusted.
  • volatile compounds may be released from the tobacco by heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol delivery device or system.
  • Direct contact between a heat source of the aerosol delivery device or system and the tobacco heats the tobacco to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol containing the released compounds passes through the device, it cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
  • heating, as opposed to burning the tobacco may reduce the odour that can arise through combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
  • Aerosol delivery devices or systems falling into the first sub-category of powered devices or systems may typically comprise a powered unit, comprising a heater element, which is arranged to heat a portion of a carrier that holds an aerosol precursor.
  • the carrier comprises a substrate formed of a "wicking" material, which can absorb aerosol precursor liquid from a reservoir and hold the aerosol precursor liquid.
  • aerosol precursor liquid in the portion of the carrier in the vicinity of the heater element is vaporised and released from the carrier into an airstream flowing around the heater and carrier. Released aerosol precursor is entrained into the airstream to be borne by the airstream to an outlet of the device or system, from where it can be inhaled by a user.
  • the heater element is typically a resistive coil heater, which is wrapped around a portion of the carrier and is usually located in the liquid reservoir of the device or system. Consequently, the surface of the heater may always be in contact with the aerosol precursor liquid, and long-term exposure may result in the degradation of either or both of the liquid and heater. Furthermore, residues may build up upon the surface of the heater element, which may result in undesirable toxicants being inhaled by the user. Furthermore, as the level of liquid in the reservoir diminishes through use, regions of the heater element may become exposed and overheat.
  • an aspect of the present invention proposes that an aerosol-generation apparatus has a wick which receives aerosol precursor from a reservoir and which has an activation surface which makes abutting and unbonded contact with a heater.
  • the wick is supported by a resilient wick support element which biases the wick towards the heater, so that the abutting unbonded contact is a resilient contact.
  • the wick may be kept in good contact with the heater when the apparatus is being used, but the reservoir and wick may be made separable from the heater and other parts of the apparatus to allow the replacement of the aerosol precursor once it has been consumed as a consequence of use of the apparatus.
  • the wick, wick support element and reservoir may form parts of a fluid-transfer article, and the aerosol precursor may be replaced by replacement of one fluid-transfer article with another.
  • the fluid-transfer article may form part of the consumable or cartomizer, which can be replaced when the aerosol precursor in the reservoir has been consumed.
  • the heater on the other hand, may be part of the main body, so that it can be reused by connecting it to a new consumable.
  • the aerosol-generation apparatus may form part of an aerosol delivery device, having a first casing containing the reservoir and supporting the wick and the wick support element and a second casing supporting the heater.
  • the second casing may also contain a power source, such as a battery, for the heater.
  • the first casing may have an outlet, and the second casing an inlet, to allow air to flow into the device from the inlet to the activation surface, and from the activation surface to the outlet.
  • the present invention may provide an aerosol-generation apparatus comprising a heater and a fluid-transfer article, the fluid-transfer article comprising a reservoir for holding an aerosol precursor, a wick arranged to receive aerosol precursor from said reservoir, and a wick support element; wherein said wick support element is arranged to support said wick such that said heater makes abutting unbonded contact with an activation surface of said wick so as to interact thermally with said activation surface; and wherein said wick support element is resilient, and is arranged to bias said wick towards said heater, whereby said abutting unbonded contact is resilient contact.
  • the activation surface of the wick is planar.
  • the wick support element will be between the wick and the reservoir. It may then form an end wall of the reservoir.
  • Aerosol precursor needs to be able to pass from the reservoir to the wick, and to achieve this it is preferable that the wick support element has at least one bore therethrough for passage of the aerosol precursor from the reservoir to the wick.
  • Each bore may be sized to define at least one corresponding non-capillary duct through the wick support element. In this way the aerosol precursor is able to flow in a non-capillary manner from the reservoir to the wick through said at least one bore.
  • the or each bore may be a capillary duct (also referred to herein as a capillary bore), so that the flow of aerosol precursor therethrough is controlled by capillary action.
  • the or each bore forming a capillary duct may have a diameter of at least 0.3mm, more preferably at least 0.5mm 0.5mm, but preferably not greater than 2mm.
  • the or each capillary duct may have a diameter of 0.8 to 1 5mm. If the or each bore is a capillary duct, the flow of aerosol precursor therethrough will be influenced by the length of the or each bore, which length is determined by the thickness of the wick support element.
  • the wick support element has a thickness of at least 0.5mm, more preferably 1 mm between the reservoir and the wick. It is also preferable that the wick support element has a thickness not greater than 5mm between the reservoir and the wick. Greater thicknesses may limit the amount of aerosol precursor which reaches the wick.
  • the wick support element may be formed of rubber material, and the wick may be formed of silica material.
  • an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol-generation apparatus as discussed above, together with a first casing containing the reservoir and supporting the wick and the wick support element, and a second casing supporting the heater.
  • the first and second casings are then preferably separably interconnected.
  • the first casing and the elements it contains and supports may form a consumable of the smoking substitute device.
  • the second casing and the elements it contains and supports may then form the main body of the aerosol generation device.
  • the first casing will normally have an outlet, with a first airflow pathway from the activation surface of the wick to the outlet.
  • the second casing may have an inlet, with a second air-flow pathway from the inlet to the activation surface.
  • the wick and the wick support element have aligned openings therethrough, which aligned openings form part of the first air-flow pathway from the activation surface to the outlet. This allows a convenient route for air and vapour or a mixture of aerosol and vapour to pass from the activation surface to the outlet of the first casing to reach the user.
  • an aerosol-generation apparatus has a heater which has a heating surface in abutting unbonded contact with a flexible wick of a fluid-transfer article.
  • the fluid-transfer article is separable (e.g. removable) from the rest of the aerosol- generation apparatus, and includes a reservoir for holding an aerosol precursor from which reservoir the wick extends.
  • aerosol precursor may pass through the wick to the heating surface of the heater, to be heated thereby when the heater is active.
  • the flexibility of the wick means that, when the fluid-transfer article is inserted into the rest of the aerosol- generation apparatus, it can conform to the heating surface which it contacts.
  • the separability of the fluid-transfer article means that the fluid-transfer article can be removed (e.g. when the aerosol precursor has been used up) and replaced.
  • an aerosol-generation apparatus comprising a heater and a fluid-transfer article, the fluid-transfer article being separable from the rest of the aerosol-generation apparatus and comprising a reservoir for holding an aerosol precursor and a flexible wick extending from said reservoir, the flexible wick extending to a heating surface of said heater and making abutting unbonded contact therewith.
  • the flexible wick is resilient. This may enable the abutting unbonded contact between the heating surface and the flexible wick to be a resilient contact.
  • the flexible wick may be U-shaped with the base of the U-shape making the unbonded contact with the heating surface.
  • both arms of the U-shape may extend through the sealing member.
  • the flexible wick is normally made of a cord material, although other materials are possible.
  • the fluid-transfer article is normally separable from the rest of the aerosol-generation apparatus.
  • a carrier with a first housing containing the reservoir and supporting the flexible wick.
  • a second housing containing the heater may also be provided, with those housings then separable.
  • the housing containing the reservoir may have an outlet, and the housing containing the heater have an inlet, so that the air-flow pathway extends to the inlet and outlet to enable air to flow to the user.
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view illustration of a system for aerosol delivery according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a cross-section side view illustration of part of an apparatus of the system for aerosol delivery of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-section side view illustration of the system and apparatus for aerosol delivery of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view illustration of an aerosol carrier for use in the system for aerosol delivery according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 5 is a cross-section side view of elements of an aerosol carrier and a part of an apparatus of the system for aerosol delivery according to one or more embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a cross-section side view of elements of an aerosol carrier and a part of an apparatus of the system for aerosol delivery according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in an alternative configuration from that of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a cross-section side view of aerosol carrier according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective cross-section side view of the aerosol carrier of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a kit-of-parts for assembling the system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic drawing of a first arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 11 shows another schematic drawing of the first arrangement of the smoking substitute system
  • Figure 12 shows a schematic drawing of a second arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 13 shows another schematic drawing of the second arrangement of the smoking substitute system
  • Figure 14 shows a cutaway view of part of a third arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of an arrangement of a flavour pod
  • Figure 16 shows in detail parts of another arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 17 shows detail of the heater and the heater support in the arrangement of Figure 16;
  • Figure 18 shows another arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 19 shows detail of part of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 20 shows detail of a heater support which may be used in a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 21 shows detail of an alternative heater support which may be used in a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 22 shows detail of a heater which may be used in a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 23 shows yet another arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 24 shows a detailed schematic sectional view of a part of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 25 shows yet another arrangement of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 26 shows a consumable part of another smoking substitute system.
  • Figure 27 shows another consumable part of a smoking substitute system
  • Figure 28 shows detail of the consumable part of Figure 27.
  • one or more embodiments in accordance with the present invention may provide a system for aerosol delivery in which an aerosol carrier may be inserted into a receptacle (e.g. a "heating chamber") of an apparatus for initiating and maintaining release of an aerosol from the aerosol carrier.
  • a receptacle e.g. a "heating chamber”
  • Another end, or another end portion, of the aerosol carrier may protrude from the apparatus and can be inserted into the mouth of a user for the inhalation of aerosol released from the aerosol carrier cartridge during operation of the apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated a perspective view of an aerosol delivery system 10 comprising an aerosol generation apparatus 12 operative to initiate and maintain release of aerosol from a fluid-transfer article in an aerosol carrier 14.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 is shown with a first end 16 thereof and a portion of the length of the aerosol carrier 14 located within a receptacle of the apparatus 12. A remaining portion of the aerosol carrier 14 extends out of the receptacle. This remaining portion of the aerosol carrier 14, terminating at a second end 18 of the aerosol carrier, is configured for insertion into a user's mouth.
  • a vapour and/or aerosol is produced when a heater (not shown in Figure 1) of the apparatus 12 heats a fluid-transfer article in the aerosol carrier 14 to release a vapour and/or an aerosol, and this can be delivered to the user, when the user sucks or inhales, via a fluid passage in communication with an outlet of the aerosol carrier 14 from the fluid-transfer article to the second end 18.
  • the device 12 also comprises air-intake apertures 20 in the housing of the apparatus 12 to provide a passage for air to be drawn into the interior of the apparatus 12 (when the user sucks or inhales) for delivery to the first end 16 of the aerosol carrier 14, so that the air can be drawn to the wick of a fluid- transfer article located within a housing of the aerosol carrier cartridge 14 during use.
  • these apertures may be perforations in the housing of the apparatus 12.
  • a fluid-transfer article (not shown in Figure 1 , but described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 5 to 8 is located within a housing of the aerosol carrier 14.
  • the fluid-transfer article contains an aerosol precursor material, which may include at least one of: nicotine; a nicotine precursor material; a nicotine compound; and one or more flavourings.
  • the fluid-transfer article is located within the housing of the aerosol carrier 14 to allow air drawn into the aerosol carrier 14 at, or proximal, the first end 16 to flow to a wick of the fluid-transfer article.
  • an aerosol may be entrained in the air stream from a substrate forming the fluid-transfer article, e.g. via diffusion from the substrate to the air stream and/or via vaporisation of the aerosol precursor material and release from the fluid-transfer article under heating.
  • Part of the fluid-transfer article 34 may comprise a porous material where pores of the porous material hold, contain, carry, or bear the aerosol precursor material.
  • the porous material of the fluid- transfer article is a porous polymer material such as, for example, a sintered material.
  • material suitable for the fluid-transfer article include: Polyetherimide (PEI);
  • PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • PEEK Polyether ether ketone
  • PI Polyimide
  • PES Polyethersulphone
  • Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Other suitable materials may comprise, for example, BioVyonTM (by Porvair Filtration Group Ltd) and materials available from Porex®.
  • a substrate forming the fluid-transfer article may comprise Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). All such materials may be described as heat resistant polymeric wicking material in the context of the present invention.
  • the fluid-transfer article 34 may have an open reservoir for aerosol precursor, with a suitable seal to prevent leakage.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 is removable from the apparatus 12 so that it may be disposed of when expired. After removal of a used aerosol carrier 14, a replacement aerosol carrier 14 can be inserted into the apparatus 12 to replace the used aerosol carrier 14.
  • FIG 2 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of a part of apparatus 12 of the aerosol delivery system 10.
  • the apparatus 12 comprises a receptacle 22 in which is located a portion of the aerosol carrier 14. In one or more optional arrangements, the receptacle 22 may enclose the aerosol carrier 14.
  • the apparatus 12 also comprises a heater 24, which is in contact with part of a flexible wick of the fluid-transfer article (not shown in Figure 2) of the aerosol carrier 14 when an aerosol carrier 14 is located within the receptacle 22.
  • aerosol is released or liberated from the wick of the fluid-transfer article, and is drawn from the material of the aerosol carrier unit by the air flowing across the heating surface of the heater and is transported in the air flow to the user via outlet conduits (not shown in Figure 2) in the housing of the aerosol carrier 14 to the second end 18.
  • outlet conduits not shown in Figure 2
  • the direction of air flow is illustrated by arrows in Figure 2.
  • the fluid-transfer article of the aerosol carrier 14 is heated by the heater 24.
  • the aerosol released from the wick of the fluid- transfer article and entrained in the air flowing across the activation surface of the fluid-transfer article is drawn through the outlet conduits (not shown) in the housing of the aerosol carrier 14 towards the second end 18 and onwards into the user's mouth.
  • apparatus 12 comprises a housing 26, in which are located the receptacle 22 and heater 24.
  • the housing 26 also contains control circuitry (not shown) operative by a user, or upon detection of air and/or vapour being drawn into the device 12 through air-intake apertures 20, i.e. when the user sucks or inhales.
  • the housing 26 comprises an electrical energy supply 28, for example a battery.
  • the battery comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery.
  • the housing 26 also comprises a coupling 30 for electrically (and optionally mechanically) coupling the electrical energy supply 28 to control circuitry (not shown) for powering and controlling operation of the heater 24.
  • the heater 24 heats the wick of the fluid- transfer article (not shown in Figure 3) of aerosol carrier 14.
  • This heating process initiates (and, through continued operation, maintains) release of vapour and/or an aerosol from the activation surface of the fluid-transfer article.
  • the vapour and/or aerosol formed as a result of the heating process is entrained into a stream of air being drawn across the heating surface of the heater (as the user sucks or inhales).
  • the stream of air with the entrained vapour and/or aerosol passes through the aerosol carrier 14 via outlet conduits (not shown) and exits the aerosol carrier 14 at second end 18 for delivery to the user.
  • This process is briefly described above in relation to Figure 2, where arrows schematically denote the flow of the air stream into the device 12 and through the aerosol carrier 14, and the flow of the air stream with the entrained vapour and/or aerosol through the aerosol carrier cartridge 14.
  • Figures 4 to 6 schematically illustrate the aerosol carrier 14 in more detail (and, in Figures 5 and 6, features within the receptacle in more detail).
  • Figure 4 illustrates an exterior of the aerosol carrier 14
  • Figure 5 illustrates internal components of the aerosol carrier 14 in one optional configuration
  • Fig. 6 illustrates internal components of the aerosol carrier 14 in another optional configuration.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the exterior of the aerosol carrier 14, which comprises housing 32 for housing said fluid- transfer article (not shown).
  • the particular housing 32 illustrated in Figure 4 comprises a tubular member, which may be generally cylindrical in form, and which is configured to be received within the receptacle of the apparatus.
  • First end 16 of the aerosol carrier 14 is for location to oppose the heater of the apparatus, and second end 18 (and the region adjacent the second end 18) is configured for insertion into a user's mouth.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates some internal components of the aerosol carrier 14 and of the heater 24 of apparatus 12, in in one embodiment of the invention.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 comprises a fluid-transfer article 34 including a flexible wick 34c.
  • a conduction element 36 (as shown in Figure 5), being part of the heater 24.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 is located within the receptacle of the apparatus such that the flexible wick 34c of the fluid-transfer article is in contact with the heater 24 of the apparatus and receives heat directly from the heater 24 of the apparatus.
  • the conduction element 36 is disposed between the rest of the heater 24 and the flexible wick 34c of the fluid-transfer article. Heat may be transferred to the flexible wick 34c via conduction through conduction element 36 (i.e. application of heat to the activation surface is indirect).
  • FIG. 5 Further components not shown in Figure 5 comprise: an inlet conduit, via which air can be drawn into the aerosol carrier 14; an outlet conduit, via which an air stream entrained with aerosol can be drawn from the aerosol carrier 14; a filter element; and a reservoir for storing aerosol precursor material and for providing the aerosol precursor material to the fluid-transfer article 34.
  • the aerosol carrier is shown as comprising the fluid-transfer article 34 located within housing 32.
  • the fluid transfer article 34 comprises a first region 34a holding an aerosol precursor.
  • the first region of 34a of the fluid transfer article 34 comprises a reservoir for holding the aerosol precursor.
  • the first region 34a can be the sole reservoir of the aerosol carrier 14, or it can be arranged in fluid communication with a separate reservoir, where aerosol precursor is stored for supply to the first region 34a.
  • the material forming the first region of 34a may comprise a porous structure, whose pore diameter size varies between one end of the first region 34a and another end of the first region 34a.
  • the pore diameter size may decrease from a first end remote from heater 24 (the upper end is as shown in the figure) to a second end.
  • the change in pore size in the first region 34a may be gradual rather than step-wise. This configuration of pores having a decreasing diameter size can provide a wicking effect, which can serve to draw fluid through the first region 34a.
  • Particular examples of material suitable for the first region 34a of the fluid-transfer article include:
  • PEI Polyetherimide
  • PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene
  • PEEK Polyether ether ketone
  • PI Polyimide
  • PES Polyethersulphone
  • Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Other suitable materials may comprise, for example, BioVyonTM (by Porvair Filtration Group Ltd) and materials available from Porex®.
  • a substrate forming the fluid-transfer article may comprise Polypropylene (PP) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
  • the first region 34a may be a simple liquid reservoir in the form of an empty tank for the receipt of liquid aerosol precursor, rather than porous material for holding the aerosol precursor.
  • the fluid-transfer article also comprises a second region 34b, acting as a seal for the first region 34a.
  • first region 34a is an empty tank containing liquid.
  • the second region 34b thus prevents unwanted escape of aerosol precursor from the first region 34a.
  • the fluid-transfer article also includes flexible wick 34c.
  • the flexible wick 34c is U-shaped, with the arms of the U-shape extending through the second region 34b into the first region 34a.
  • the flexible wick 34c is absorbent, so that its ends absorb aerosol precursor from the first region 34a. That aerosol precursor will pass through and along the wick 34c towards the base of the U-shape of the wick 34c.
  • the base of the U-shape of the flexible wick 34c is in contact with the conduction element 36.
  • Figure 5 also illustrates an opening 38 in a further housing 33, which opening 38 is in communication with the air-intake apertures 20.
  • a further opening 39 communicates with a duct 40 within the housing 32, which duct 40 communicates with the second end 18.
  • the further housing 33 may be integral with the housing 26 containing the electrical energy supply 28.
  • an air-flow pathway for air (hereinafter referred to as an air-flow pathway) between openings 38 and 39, linking the apertures 20 and the second end 18 of the aerosol carrier.
  • One or more droplets of the aerosol precursor will be released from the flexible wick 34c as it is heated, to release vapour or a mixture of aerosol and vapour into the air flowing in the air-flow pathway between the openings 38, 39.
  • the vapour or mixture passes, as the user sucks and inhales, to the second end 18.
  • the conduction element 36 may be absent in some arrangements.
  • the conduction element 36 may comprise a thin film of thermally conductive material, such as, for example, a metal foil (for example, aluminium, brass, copper, gold, steel, silver, or an alloy comprising anyone of the foregoing together with thermally conductive plastics and/or ceramics).
  • a metal foil for example, aluminium, brass, copper, gold, steel, silver, or an alloy comprising anyone of the foregoing together with thermally conductive plastics and/or ceramics.
  • the first region 34a of the fluid-transfer article 34 is located at an "upstream” end of the fluid-transfer article 34 and the flexible wick 34c is located at a downstream" end of the fluid-transfer article 34. That is, aerosol precursor is wicked, or is drawn, from the "upstream” end of the fluid-transfer article 34 to the "downstream” end of the fluid-transfer article 34 (as denoted by arrow A in Figure 5).
  • the housing 32 contains the first and second parts 34a, 34b of the fluid- transfer article, and also supports the flexible wick 34c.
  • the heater 24 including the conduction element 36 in Figure 5 is supported by the further housing 33 which has the openings 38 and 39 therein, Housings 32 and 33 are separable, for example along the line B-B in Figure 5.
  • the housing 32 and hence the fluid-transfer article 34 may be removed from the rest of the structure for example when the aerosol precursor therein has been depleted.
  • the aerosol precursor may be re-filled, or the carrier 14 replaced with another filled one.
  • the wick 34c is flexible, and is preferably resilient.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment corresponding to that of Figure 5, but without such a conduction element 36.
  • the arrangement of Figure 6 is otherwise similar to that of Figure 5, and corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
  • Figures 7 and 8 show an alternative configuration, in which the fluid-transfer article is annular, and the first and second regions 34a, 34b are also annular.
  • the second region 34b is illustrated in a position corresponding to that shown in Figures 5 and 6, where it is spaced from the conduction element 36. This enables the air flow in the apparatus to be illustrated.
  • Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an aerosol carrier 14 according to one or more possible arrangements in more detail.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-section side view illustration of the aerosol carrier 14
  • Figure 8 is a perspective cross- section side view illustration of the aerosol carrier 14.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 is generally tubular in form.
  • the aerosol carrier 14 comprises housing 32, which defines the external walls of the aerosol carrier 14 and which defines therein a chamber in which are disposed the fluid-transfer article 34 (adjacent the first end 16 of the aerosol carrier 14) and internal walls defining the fluid communication pathway 48.
  • the fluid-transfer article 34 is an annular shaped element located around the fluid communication pathway 48.
  • a plurality of wicks 34c may be provided around the fluid communication pathway 48, or there may be a single wick in the form of a toroid with a gap therein to form arms which pass through the second region 34b of the fluid-transfer article and extend into the first part 34a to receive aerosol precursor therefrom.
  • inlet apertures 50 to provide a fluid communication pathway for an incoming air stream to reach the fluid-transfer article 34, and particularly the air-flow pathway defined across the conduction element 36 (or across the heater 24).
  • the aerosol carrier 14 further comprises a filter element 52.
  • the filter element 52 is located across the fluid communication pathway 48 such that an outgoing air stream passing through the fluid communication pathway 48 passes through the filter element 52.
  • An incoming air stream 42a from a first side of the aerosol carrier 14 is directed to a first side of the second part 34b of the fluid-transfer article 34 (e.g. via a gas communication pathway within the housing of the carrier).
  • An incoming air stream 42b from a second side of the aerosol carrier 14 is directed to a second side of the second part 34b of the fluid-transfer article 34 (e.g. via a gas communication pathway within the housing of the carrier).
  • the incoming air stream 42b from the second side of the aerosol carrier 14 reaches the second side of the second part 34b, the incoming air stream 42b from the second side of the aerosol carrier 14 flows along the conduction element 36 (or along the heater 24).
  • the air streams from each side are denoted by dashed lines 44a and 44b in Figure 8.
  • aerosol precursor in the flexible wick 34c or on the conduction element 36 (or on the heater 24) is entrained in air streams 44a and 44b.
  • the heater 24 of the apparatus 12 raises a temperature of the conduction element 36 and hence the wick 34c, to a sufficient temperature to release, or liberate, captive substances (i.e. the aerosol precursor) to form a vapour and/or aerosol, which is drawn downstream.
  • the air streams 44a and 44b continue their passages, more released aerosol precursor is entrained within the air streams 44a and 44b.
  • the air streams 44a and 44b entrained with aerosol precursor meet at a mouth of the outlet fluid communication pathway 48, they enter the outlet fluid communication pathway 48 and continue until they pass through filter element 52 and exit outlet fluid communication pathway 48, either as a single outgoing air stream, or as separate outgoing air streams 46 (as shown).
  • the outgoing air streams 46 are directed to an outlet, from where it can be inhaled by the user directly (if the second end 18 of the aerosol capsule 14 is configured as a mouthpiece), or via a mouthpiece.
  • the outgoing air streams 46 entrained with aerosol precursor are directed to the outlet (e.g. via a gas communication pathway within the housing of the carrier).
  • the housing 32 is separable from the housing 33, as in the arrangements of Figures 5 and 6. This enables the carrier 14, hence the fluid-transfer article 34 to be removed from the rest of the structure and a depleted aerosol precursor to be replaced.
  • the second region 34b may have a thickness of less than 5mm. In other embodiments it may have a thickness of: less than 3.5mm, less than 3mm, less than 2.5mm, less than 2mm, less than 1 9mm, less than 1 8mm, less than 1 7mm, less than 1 6mm, less than 1 5mm, less than 1 4mm, less than 1 3mm, less than 1 2mm, less than 1 .1 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.9mm, less than 0.8mm, less than 0.7mm, less than 0.6mm, less than 0.5mm, less than 0.4mm, less than 0.3mm, less than 0.2mm, or less than 0.1 mm.
  • Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view illustration of a kit-of-parts for assembling an aerosol delivery system 10.
  • the fluid-transfer article 34 is provided within a housing 32 of the aerosol carrier 14.
  • the housing of the carrier 14 serves to protect the aerosol precursor-containing fluid-transfer article 34, whilst also allowing the carrier 14 to be handled by a user without his/her fingers coming into contact with the aerosol precursor liquid retained therein.
  • a smoking substitute system comprising a smoking substitute device 100.
  • the substitute smoking system comprises a cartomiser 101 and a flavour pod 102.
  • the cartomiser 101 may engage with the smoking substitute device 100 via a push-fit engagement, a screw-thread engagement, or a bayonet fit, for example.
  • a cartomiser may also be referred to as a“pod”.
  • the smoking substitute system may be an aerosol delivery device according to the present invention.
  • the flavour pod 102 is configured to engage with the cartomiser 101 and thus with the substitute smoking device 100.
  • the flavour pod 102 may engage with the cartomiser 101 via a push-fit engagement, a screw-thread engagement, or a bayonet fit, for example.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the cartomiser 101 engaged with the substitute smoking device 100, and the flavour pod 102 engaged with the cartomiser 101 .
  • the cartomiser 101 and the flavour pod 102 are distinct elements.
  • Each of the cartomiser 101 and the flavour pod may be an aerosol delivery device.
  • the cartomiser 101 and the flavour pod 102 may alternatively be combined into a single component that implements the functionality of the cartomiser 101 10 and flavour pod 102.
  • a single component may also be an aerosol delivery device according to the present invention.
  • the cartomiser may be absent, with only a flavour pod 102 present, or vice versa.
  • A“consumable” component may mean that the component is intended to be used once until exhausted, and then disposed of as waste or returned to a manufacturer for reprocessing.
  • a smoking substitute system comprising a smoking substitute device 100 and a consumable 103.
  • the consumable 103 combines the functionality of the cartomiser 101 and the flavour pod 102.
  • the consumable 103 and the smoking substitute device 100 are shown separated from one another.
  • the consumable 103 and the smoking substitute device 100 are engaged with each other.
  • FIG 14 there is shown a consumable 103 engaged with a smoking substitute device 100 via a push-fit engagement.
  • the consumable 103 may be considered to have two portions - a cartomiser portion 104 and a flavour pod portion 105, both of which are located within a single component (as in Figures 12 and 13).
  • the consumable 103 includes an upstream airflow inlet 106 and a downstream airflow outlet 107. In other examples a plurality of inlets and/or outlets are included. Between and fluidly connecting the inlet 106 and the outlet 107 there is an airflow passage 108. The outlet 107 is located at the mouthpiece 109 of the consumable 103, and is formed by a mouthpiece aperture.
  • the consumable 103 includes a flavour pod portion 105.
  • the flavour pod portion 105 is configured to generate a first (flavour) aerosol for output from the outlet 107 of the mouthpiece 109 of the consumable 103.
  • the flavour pod portion 105 of the consumable 103 includes a member 1 15.
  • the member 1 15 acts as a passive aerosol generator (i.e. an aerosol generator which does not use heat to form the aerosol, also referred to as a“first aerosol generator” in this example), and is formed of a porous material.
  • the member 1 15 comprises a supporting portion 1 17, which is located inside a housing, and an aerosol generator portion 1 18, which is located in the airflow passage 108.
  • the aerosol generator portion 1 18 is a porous nib.
  • a first storage reservoir 1 16 (in this example a tank) for storing a first aerosol precursor (i.e. a flavour liquid) is fluidly connected to the member 1 15.
  • a first aerosol precursor i.e. a flavour liquid
  • the porous nature of the member 1 15 means that flavour liquid from the first storage 1 16 is drawn into the member 1 15.
  • the aerosol generator portion 1 18 is located within the airflow passage 108 through the consumable 103.
  • the aerosol generator portion 1 18 therefore constricts or narrows the airflow passage 108.
  • the aerosol generator portion 1 18 occupies some of the area of the airflow passage, resulting in constriction of the airflow passage 108.
  • the airflow passage 108 is narrowest adjacent to the aerosol generator portion 1 18. Since the constriction results in increased air velocity and corresponding reduction in air pressure at the aerosol generator portion 1 18, the constriction is a Venturi aperture 1 19.
  • the cartomiser portion 104 of the consumable 103 includes a second storage reservoir 1 10 (in this example a tank) for storing a second aerosol precursor (i.e. e-liquid, which may contain nicotine).
  • a wick support element 120 At one end of the second storage reservoir 1 10 is a wick support element 120, which supports a wick 1 1 1 .
  • aerosol precursor passes through one or more bores (not shown in Fig.5) in the wick support element 120 to reach the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the surface of the wick furthest from the reservoir then acts as an activation surface from which aerosol precursor will be released in the form of a vapour, or a mixture of vapour and aerosol.
  • a heater 1 12 is a configured to heat the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the heater 1 12 may be in the form of one or more resistive heating filaments that abut the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the wick 1 1 1 , the heater 1 12 and the e-liquid storage reservoir 1 10 together act as an active aerosol generator (i.e. an aerosol generator which uses heat to form the aerosol, referred to as a“second aerosol generator” in this example).
  • the second storage reservoir 1 10, the wick support element, and the wick 1 1 1 form a fluid-transfer article, as they transfer aerosol precursor to the activation surface to be heated by the heater 1 12.
  • the heater 1 12 is supported in the smoking substitute device 100 by a heater support element 130. There may be one or more passages (not shown in Figure 14) through the heater support element 130 to allow air to reach the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 from an inlet (again not shown in Figure 14) of the smoking substitute device.
  • the smoking substitute device 100 includes an electrical power source (not shown), for example a battery. That battery is then connected via suitable electrical connections to the heater 1 12.
  • the heater 1 12, the battery, and other components of the smoking substitute system device 100 form a nonconsumable part of the device from which the consumable may be connected and disconnected.
  • the consumable 103 is separable from the rest of the smoking substitute device 100.
  • the consumable 103 can be replaced, or possibly refilled, when the first and/or second aerosol precursor have been consumed by the user. Since the consumable 103 includes the wick 1 1 1 and the wick support element 120, these components will be removed when the consumable 103 is separated from the rest of the smoking substitute device 100. The heater 1 12, on the other hand, will remain when the consumable 103 is removed, so that it is non-consumable.
  • a user draws (or“sucks”, or“pulls”) on the mouthpiece 109 of the consumable 103, which causes a drop in air pressure at the outlet 107, thereby generating air flow through the inlet, through the passages in the heater support element 130, past the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 , along the airflow passage 108, out of the outlet 107 and into the user’s mouth.
  • the e-liquid (aerosol precursor) located in the wick 1 1 1 at the activation surface adjacent to the or each heating filament is heated and vaporised to form a vapour.
  • the vapour condenses to form the second aerosol within the airflow passage 108. Accordingly, the second aerosol is entrained in an airflow along the airflow flow passage 108 to the outlet 107 and ultimately out from the mouthpiece 109 for inhalation by the user when the user 10 draws on the mouthpiece 109.
  • the substitute smoking device 100 supplies electrical current to the heating filament or filaments of the heater 1 12 and the heating filament or filaments heats up. As described, the heating of the heating filament or filaments causes vaporisation of the e-liquid in the wick 1 1 1 to form the second aerosol.
  • the airflow passage 108 As the air flows up through the airflow passage 108, it encounters the aerosol generator portion 1 18.
  • the constriction of the airflow passage 108 caused by the aerosol generator portion 1 18 results in an increase in air velocity and corresponding decrease in air pressure in the airflow in the vicinity of the porous surface 1 18 of the aerosol generator portion 1 15.
  • the corresponding low pressure region causes the generation of the first (flavour) aerosol from the porous surface 1 18 of the aerosol generator portion 1 18.
  • the first (flavour) aerosol is entrained into the airflow and ultimately is output from the outlet 107 of the consumable 103 and thus from the mouthpiece 109 into the user’s mouth.
  • the first aerosol may be sized to inhibit pulmonary penetration.
  • the first aerosol may be formed of particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter that is greater than or equal to 15 microns, in particular, greater than 30 microns, more particularly greater than 50 microns, yet more particularly greater than 60 microns, and even more particularly greater than 70 microns.
  • the first aerosol may be sized for transmission within at least one of a mammalian oral cavity and a mammalian nasal cavity.
  • the first aerosol may be formed by particles having a maximum mass median aerodynamic diameter that is less than 300 microns, in particular less than 200 microns, yet more particularly less than 100 microns. Such a range of mass median aerodynamic diameter will produce aerosols which are sufficiently small to be entrained in an airflow caused by a user drawing air through the flavour element and to enter and extend through the oral and or nasal cavity to activate the taste and/or olfactory receptors.
  • the second aerosol generated may be sized for pulmonary penetration (i.e. to deliver an active ingredient such as nicotine to the user’s lungs).
  • the second aerosol may be formed of particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 10 microns, preferably less than 8 microns, more preferably less than 5 microns, yet more preferably less than 1 micron. Such sized aerosols tend to penetrate into a human user’s pulmonary system, with smaller aerosols generally penetrating the lungs more easily.
  • the second aerosol may also be referred to as a vapour.
  • the size of aerosol formed without heating is typically smaller than that formed by condensation of a vapour.
  • the mass median aerodynamic diameter is a statistical measurement of the size of the particles/droplets in an aerosol. That is, the mass median aerodynamic diameter quantifies the size of the droplets that together form the aerosol.
  • the mass median aerodynamic diameter may be defined as the diameter at which 50% of the particles/droplets by mass in the aerosol are larger than the mass median aerodynamic diameter and 50% of the particles/droplets by mass in the aerosol are smaller than the mass median aerodynamic diameter.
  • size of the aerosol refers to the size of the particles/droplets that are comprised in the particular aerosol.
  • a flavour pod portion 202 of a consumable the consumable providing an aerosol delivery device in accordance with the invention.
  • the consumable further comprises a cartomiser portion (not shown in Fig. 6) having all of the features of the cartomiser portion 104 described above with respect to Fig. 5.
  • the flavour pod portion 202 comprises an upstream (i.e. upstream with respect to flow of air in use) inlet 204 and a downstream (i.e. downstream with respect to flow of air in use) outlet 206. Between and fluidly connecting the inlet 204 and the outlet 206 the flavour pod portion 204 comprises an airflow passage 208.
  • the airflow passage 208 comprises a first airflow branch 210 and a second airflow branch 212, each of the first airflow branch 210 and the second airflow branch 212 fluidly connecting the inlet 204 and the outlet 206.
  • the airflow passage 208 may have an annular shape.
  • the outlet 206 is located at the mouthpiece 209 of the consumable 103, and is also referred to as a mouthpiece aperture 206.
  • the flavour pod portion 202 comprises a storage 214, which stores a first aerosol precursor.
  • the storage 214 comprises a reservoir 216 located within a chamber 218.
  • the reservoir 216 is formed of a first porous material.
  • the flavour pod portion 202 comprises a member 220, which comprises an aerosol generator portion 222 and a supporting portion 223.
  • the aerosol generator portion 222 is located at a downstream end (an upper end in Fig. 6) of the member 220, while the supporting portion 223 makes up the rest of the member 220.
  • the supporting portion 223 is elongate and substantially cylindrical.
  • the aerosol generator portion 222 is bulb-shaped, and comprises a portion which is wider than the supporting portion 223.
  • the aerosol generator portion 222 tapers to a tip at a downstream end of the aerosol generator portion 222.
  • the member 220 extends into and through the storage 214.
  • the member 220 is in contact with the reservoir 216. More specifically, the supporting portion 223 extends into and through the storage 204 and is in contact with the reservoir 216.
  • the member 220 is located in a substantially central position within the reservoir 216 and is substantially parallel to a central axis of the consumable.
  • the member 220 is formed of a second porous material.
  • the first and second airflow branches 210, 212 are located on opposite sides of the member 220.
  • first and second airflow branches 210, 212 are located on opposite sides of the reservoir 216.
  • the first and second airflow branches 210, 212 branch in a radial outward direction (with respect to the central axis of the consumable 200) downstream of the inlet 204 to reach the opposite sides of the reservoir 216.
  • the aerosol generator portion 222 is located in the airflow passage 208 downstream of the first and second airflow branches 210, 212.
  • the first and second airflow branches 210, 212 turn in a radially inward direction to merge at the member 220, at a point upstream of the aerosol generator portion 222.
  • the aerosol generator portion 222 is located in a narrowing section 224 of the airflow passage 208.
  • the narrowing section 224 is downstream of the point at which the first and second airflow branches 210 212 merge, but upstream of the mouthpiece aperture 207.
  • the mouthpiece aperture 207 flares outwardly in the downstream direction, such that a width of the mouthpiece aperture 207 increases in the downstream direction.
  • Air (comprising the second aerosol from the cartomiser portion as explained above with respect to Fig. 5) flows through the inlet 204 before the air flow splits to flow through the first and second airflow branches 210, 212. Further downstream, the first and second airflow branches 210, 212 provide inward airflow towards the member 220 and the aerosol generator portion 222.
  • the first aerosol has the particle size and other properties described above with respect to Fig. 5.
  • the member 220 transfers further first aerosol precursor from the storage 214 to the aerosol generator portion 222. More specifically, the member 220 wicks the first aerosol precursor from the storage 214 to the aerosol generator portion 223.
  • the storage 214 comprises a tank containing the first aerosol precursor as free liquid, rather than the reservoir 216 and the chamber 218.
  • the member 220 still extends into the tank to transfer first aerosol precursor from the tank to the aerosol generator portion 223.
  • the smoking substitute device 100 includes a consumable 103 in the form of a cartomiser, but does not include a flavour pod.
  • the smoking substitute device 100 of the subsequent arrangements may be modified to incorporate a flavour pod in a way similar to the arrangement of Figures 14 and 15.
  • the wick 1 1 1 is supported by a wick support element 120.
  • Figure 16 illustrates an arrangement of a smoking substitute system in which these components are illustrated in more detail, and in an exploded view.
  • the wick support element 120 is mounted at an end of the second storage reservoir 1 1 1 and has bores 122 therethrough to allow aerosol precursor in the second storage reservoir 1 10 to pass to the wick 1 10. These bores may be sized so that aerosol precursor may flow therethrough in a non-capillary manner. Although, two bores 122 are visible in Figure 16, there may be more arranged around the wick support element 120.
  • the wick support element 120 is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, and thus may deform when force is applied thereto.
  • the wick 1 1 1 is brought into contact with the heater 1 12, and is held thereto by the resilience of the wick support element 120.
  • the wick support element 120 may be sized so that it deforms slightly when the wick 1 1 1 is in contact with the heater 1 12, so as to provide a biasing force to urge the wick 1 1 1 into firm contact with the heater 1 12.
  • the wick 1 1 1 has an opening 124 at its centre, which is aligned with a passageway 126 through the wick support element 122.
  • the passageway 126 communicates with the air-flow passage 108 shown in Fig. 5 so that air, together with vapour or a mixture of vapour and aerosol, will pass to the user.
  • the surface of the wick 1 1 1 closest to the heater 1 12 acts as an activation surface for the aerosol precursor and, as the wick 1 1 1 is heated by the heater 1 12, aerosol precursor is released from the activation surface in the form of vapour or a mixture of vapour and aerosol, it can then pass through the opening 124 and the passageway 126 into the air-flow passage 108.
  • the heater 1 12 is mounted on a heater support element 130, which may act as an end wall of a battery housing and which may itself be supported by a support wall 132.
  • the casing of the main body 100 (not shown in Figure 16) will enclose the support wall 132 and parts of the heater support element 130.
  • air In order for air to flow from the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 through the opening 124 and into the passage 126, air must first reach the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the support wall 132 may thus have a bore 134 therethrough, which communicates with passages (not shown in Figure 16) through the heater support element 130.
  • Figure 17 illustrates these passages 136 and shows that they open immediately adjacent the heater 1 12 and hence adjacent the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the casing of the main body 100 may be provided with an inlet at a suitable location, to allow air to reach the bore 134, and hence to flow to the passages 136 in the heater support element 130. Hence, when the user draws on the mouthpiece 109 of the consumable 103, air is drawn into the casing of the main body 100 through the bore 134 and the passages 136 to reach the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 adjacent the heater 1 12.
  • That air then passes, together with vapour or mixture of aerosol and vapour generated by heating of the aerosol precursor by the heater 1 12, through the opening 124 in the wick 1 1 1 to the passage 126, and hence to the air-flow passage 108, and then to user, as has previously been described.
  • the heater 1 12 will need to be connected to a power source, such as a battery, and there may then need to be additional bores (not shown in Figures 16 and 17) through the heater support element 130 and the support wall 132 to allow electrical leads to pass therethrough.
  • a power source such as a battery
  • Figure 18 illustrates another arrangement of a smoking substitute system, in which the consumable has a single reservoir for aerosol precursor which corresponds to the second storage reservoir 1 10 in the embodiment of Figure 14.
  • the consumable does not have a flavour pod portion.
  • parts corresponding to those of Figures 14 to 17 are indicated by the same reference numerals.
  • the support wall 132 has multiple bores 134 therethrough, aligned with the passages 136 in the heater support element 130.
  • Figure 18 also shows the casings of the device.
  • a casing 300 (the“first” casing), being a casing of the consumable 103.
  • That casing contains the reservoir 1 10 for aerosol precursor, and also supports the wick support element 120 and the wick 1 1 1 .
  • a tube 302 within that first casing 300 forms a bounding wall of the air-flow passage 108, and the mouthpiece 109 is formed at an end of the first casing 300.
  • the main device 100 also has a casing 310 (the“second” casing) on which are mounted the support wall 132 and the heater support element 130.
  • the second casing 310 may also have an inlet 314 to allow air to enter the space 312 and hence pass to the bores 134 and the passages 136 to enable it to reach the activation surface of the wick 1 10.
  • Figure 18 also shows electrical leads 138 which extend through the support wall 132 and the heater support element 130 to enable the heater 1 12 to be connected to a battery in space 312. Small bores may be formed in the heater support element 130 and the support wall 132 through which the leads 138 may pass.
  • the first and second casings 300, 310 are separable and held together by a“click” engagement 316. When the two casings 300,310. are interconnected, as shown in Fig.9, the wick 1 1 1 is forced into contact with the heater 1 12 by the resilience of the wick support element 120, so that good heating of the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 will occur when the heater 1 12 is active.
  • the separability of the two casing 300, 310 allows the consumable 103 to be removed from the main body 100, and replaced, e.g. when the aerosol precursor in the reservoir 1 10 is exhausted.
  • Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the consumable 103 in Figure 18, with the part of the first casing 300 removed so that the wick 1 1 1 and the wick support element 120 are clearly visible. It can be seen from Figure 19 that the wick 1 1 1 is flat and so has a planar activation surface (the exposed surface of the wick 1 1 1 in Figure 19). Figure 19 also shows clearly the opening 124 in the wick 1 1 1 , which allows communication with the passageway 126 through the wick support element 120.
  • the wick support element 120 in this embodiment, and in some other embodiments, is preferably made of rubber material.
  • the wick 1 1 1 1 is preferably made of silica material, which material is suitably porous to allow the aerosol precursor to pass therethrough.
  • the wick may be of fibrous material, woven material or porous ceramic material.
  • Figures 20 and 21 illustrate two alternative configurations of a heater support element 130 which may be used in the present invention. They differ in the shape of the mouth of the passage 136 through the heater support element 130 which allows air to pass through the heater support element from e.g. the interior of the casing of the main body 100 to the vicinity of the heater 1 12 and the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 . Note that, in Figures 20 and 21 , the heater itself is not shown and there is a single passage 134 through the heater support element 132. In each of the alternative configurations, the heater support element 130 is preferably made of resilient material, which must also be suitable to resist the heat generated by the heater 1 12.
  • the heater support element 130 comprises a body part 500 which has a peripheral seal surface 502 which seals to the casing 310 (not shown in Figure 20).
  • the seal between the seal surface 502 and the casing 310 needs to be sufficiently strong to prevent, or at least significantly resist, movement of the heater support element 130 in the casing 310, particularly when the consumable 103 is removed from the main body 100.
  • a projecting part 504 projects from the body part 500, terminating in a flat heater support face 506. The periphery of the projecting part 504 seals to the casing 300 of the consumable 103, and for this purpose may have ribs 508 on its side surface.
  • the sealing of the projecting part 504 to the casing 300 of the consumable 103 needs to allow the consumable 103 to be removed to allow another consumable 103 to be mounted thereon without too much resistance. Nevertheless, the sealing must be sufficiently good to limit leakage of any aerosol precursor which has passed through the wick 1 1 1 but has not been vaporised by the heater 1 12. As in the arrangement of Figure 18, the passage 136 passes through the heater support element 130 to enable air to pass towards the heater 1 12 and the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the passage 136 terminates in a splayed or funnelled mouth 510, which opens into a slot 512 in the heater support surface 506, so that air which has passed through the bore 136 can expand in the funnelled mouth 510 before reaching the heater 1 12.
  • Figure 20 also shows bores 514 through which pass leads from the heater 1 12, which leads will provide electrical connection to the battery.
  • the heater support element 130 shown in Figure 20 is resilient and is preferably made of silicone material, with provision to resist high temperatures which may be generated by the heater 1 12.
  • the material known as Polygraft HT-3120 silicone which is a two-part mix, may be a suitable material from which the heater support element 132 may be made.
  • the configuration shown in Figure 20 will normally be made by moulding the silicone material in a suitable mould.
  • Figure 21 illustrates an alternative heater support element 130. It is generally similar to the heater support element 130 shown in Figure 20 and the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. It may be made of the same materials as the heater support element 130 of Figure 20.
  • the heater support element 130 of Figure 21 differs from that of Figure 20 in that the passage 136 opens directly into the channel 512 in the heater support surface 506. There is thus a flat face 516 at the bottom of the channel 516, rather than the funnel mouth 510 shown in Figure 20.
  • Figure 22 shows a heater that may be used with the heater support element 130 shown in Figure 20 or Figure 21 .
  • the heater comprises a heater filament 520 which is generally flat and rests on the heater support face 506 of the heater support element 130. For this reason, the filament 520 is not straight but meanders in its plane.
  • Figure 22 also shows the leads 138 which extend through the bores 514 of the heater support 130 shown in Figure 20 or Figure 21 , to enable the heater 1 12 to be connected to a battery.
  • Figure 23 illustrates an arrangement of a smoking substitute system which incorporates the heater support element 132 of Figure 20, and also the heater 1 12 of Figure 22.
  • the arrangement of Figure 23 is generally similar to that of Figure 18, and corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
  • the heater support element 132 of Figure 20 when used, there is only a single bore 136 therein for air, hence there is only a single bore 134 in the support 132 in the main body 100.
  • the bore 136 extends to the funnelled mouth 510 which opens into the slot 512 directly below the heater 1 12. Note that the leads 138 of the heater 1 12 are not visible in Figure 23.
  • Figure 23 illustrates how the seal surface 502 of the main body 500 seals to the second casing 310, and the projecting part 504 seals to the first casing 300.
  • This sealing is illustrated in more detail in the enlarged view of Figure 24.
  • the first casing 300 of the consumable 103 extends sufficiently far within the second casing 310 of the main body 100 so as to contact the projecting part 504 of the heater support element 130 at a sealing interface 518.
  • the main body 500 of the heater support element 130 seals at a sealing interface 520 with the casing 310 of the main body 100.
  • the degrees of sealing at these two sealing interfaces 518 and 520 are preferably different, since the heater support element 130 does not normally release from the second casing 310, but must release from the first casing 300 when the consumable 103 is removed.
  • Figure 24 also shows how the funnelled mouth 510 of the passage 136 opens within the heater support element 130 towards the heater 1 12 and the wick 1 1 1 . This causes the air flow from the passage 136 to expand, as illustrated by the arrows 522, so that there is a good air flow where the heater 1 12 meets the wick 1 1 1 , to entrain vapour therein prior to flow to the passage 126 in the wick support element 120.
  • the sealing between the first casing 300 and the heater support element 130 at the sealing interface 518 prevents any leakage of aerosol precursor which has come from the wick 1 1 1 and has not been vaporised by the heater 1 12.
  • the only escape route for the aerosol precursor is via the air flow passage 108 and the mouthpiece 109. This helps to ensure efficient consumption of the aerosol precursor.
  • the arrangement of Figure 23 also differs from the arrangement of Figure 18 (and also that of Figure 24), in that the wick 1 1 1 extends across the whole of the end face of the wick support element 120, as in the arrangement of Figure 19.
  • the wick 1 1 1 has an opening 124 therein to allow air to pass through the wick 1 1 1 and into the passage 126, and hence through the air-flow passage 108 so that it can reach the outlet 109 and thus pass to the user.
  • FIG 25 shows another arrangement of a smoking substitute system, which is generally similar to that of the embodiment of Figs. 18 and 19 and corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.
  • the heater 1 12 is a coil or other filament held within the second casing 310, which has a space 400 adjacent thereto.
  • the space 400 communicates with inlets (not shown in Figure 25) which allow air to enter the casing 310 and pass to the activation surface of the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the wick 1 1 1 is forced into contact with the heater 1 12 by the resilience of the wick support element 120.
  • the flow of air to the activation surface is not restricted by the size of the passage or passages through the heater support element 130.
  • the heater 1 12 needs to be sufficiently stiff that it is not deformed when the wick 1 1 1 is urged into contact therewith by the resilient wick support element 120.
  • the wick support element 120 is a separate element from the first casing 300 of the consumable 103.
  • Figure 26 illustrates an alternative arrangement, in which the wick support element is integral with part of the first casing 300.
  • the first casing 300 has a lower part 300a and an upper part 300b.
  • the mouthpiece 109 is in the upper part 300b, and the tube 302 is also integral with that upper part 300b.
  • the lower part 300a has an upper rim which meets a lower rim of the upper part 300b at a sealing surface 600, and has an internal flange 602 adjacent its lower end.
  • the internal flange 602 corresponds to the wick support element 120 of the arrangements previously described.
  • the internal flange 602 has a central bore forming passage 126, which passage is aligned with the passage 108 within the tube 302. The end of the tube 302 furthest from the mouth piece 109 engages the flange 602 and is sealed thereto.
  • the interiors of the upper and lower parts 300b and 300a of the casing 300 are hollow, and form the reservoir 1 10.
  • aerosol precursor in the reservoir 1 10 may pass through the bores 122 to saturate the wick 1 1 1 , and then be heated by the heater 1 12 (not visible in Figure 26).
  • the arrangement of Figure 26 prevents any leakage of aerosol precursor between the wick support element 120 and the casing 300. Whilst there could be leakage between the upper and lower parts 300b, 300a of the casing 300, this can be prevented by suitable configuration of the sealing interface 600. However, if the sealing of the reservoir 1 10 is too good, air may not be able to enter it to replace aerosol precursor which has been consumed.
  • Figure 26 shows that there may be at least one additional bore 604 in the flange 602, to allow passage of air to the reservoir 1 10 from outside the first casing.
  • the or each additional bore 604 needs to be sufficiently small that it will not allow a significant amount of aerosol precursor to pass therethrough.
  • the or each additional bore 604 may be e.g. 0.2 to 0.5mm in diameter, more preferably 0.32 to 0.5mm, even more preferably 0.32 to 0.4mm. If the flange has a thickness of e.g. 0.5 to 5mm, preferably 1 to 5mm, aerosol precursor should not be able to escape reservoir 1 10 through the or each additional bore 604.
  • the thicker the flange 602 the greater the possible diameter of the or each additional bore 604 may be, without it allowing aerosol precursor to flow therethrough.
  • a thin flange 602 (which thinness may be desirable for manufacture) will thus need the diameter of the or each additional bore to be small.
  • the upper and lower parts 300a, 300b of the casing 300 may be separable to allow for refiling of the reservoir 1 10 once the aerosol precursor wherein has been consumed.
  • the sealing at the sealing surface 640 needs to be sufficiently good to prevent leakage of aerosol precursor therethrough when the smoking substitute system is in use.
  • the seal at the sealing surface 600 may be a permanent one, with the upper and lower parts 300a and 300b if the casing bonded together.
  • the reservoir 1 10 may not be refillable, and the consumable 101 would need to be replaced once the aerosol precursor in the reservoir 1 10 had been consumed.
  • the bores 122 in the wick support element 120 were described as being sized so that aerosol precursor may flow therethrough in a non-capillary manner.
  • the bores 122 may be capillary ducts (hereinafter referred to as capillary bores) which allow aerosol precursor to flow therethrough in a capillary manner.
  • the capillary bores allow the flow of aerosol precursor to the wick 1 1 1 , in a controlled manner, so that there is less chance of there being excess aerosol precursor at the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the capillary bores may have a diameter range of 0.3mm to 2mm, as a diameter of less than 0.3mm will generally not allow sufficient aerosol precursor to pass to the wick 1 1 1 .
  • the diameter is at least 0.5mm, preferably 0.8 to 1 5mm, and more preferably 1 mm or 1 3mm.
  • the diameter of the capillary bores may be affected by the thickness of the wick support element 120, which can have a thickness of e.g. 0.5mm to 5mm, more preferably 1 to 5mm, such as 4mm, 3mm, 2mm and 1 mm.
  • the width of the capillary bores will need to be greater with greater thickness of the wick support element 120.
  • the wick support element 120 is made of resilient material such as rubber.
  • the support for the wick 1 1 1 is rigid, because it was formed by the internal flange 602 which was integral with, and therefore made of the same material as, the casing 300.
  • Figures 27 and 28 then illustrate another arrangement in which the wick is supported by a rigid element. Unlike the arrangement of Figure 26, however, in the arrangement of Figures 27 and 28, that rigid element is a separate wick support element 720.
  • parts which correspond to parts of earlier arrangements are indicated by the same reference numerals.
  • only the consumable 103 is illustrated.
  • the main part 100 may be the same as in earlier arrangements.
  • the rigid wick support element 720 is formed at an end of the reservoir 1 10, within the first casing 300. Bores 122 through the wick support element 720 allow aerosol precursor from the reservoir 1 10 to pass to wick 1 1 1 . Whilst the bores 122 may be noncapillary bores, they are preferably capillary bores. The diameter of the capillary bores may be as previously described, as may the thickness of the wick support element 720. Although not illustrated in Figures 27 and 28, there may need to be an additional bore or bores in the wick support element 720 to allow passage of air to the reservoir 1 10, corresponding to the at least one additional bore 604 in Figure 26.
  • the wick support element 720 is preferably sealed to the first casing 300 by seals 610.
  • the seals 610 may be O-ring seals extending around the wick support element 120.
  • the seals can be seen clearly in Figure 28, as can the opening 124 in the wick 1 1 1 , which leads to the passage 126 through the wick support element 720 to the air-flow passage 108.
  • the wick support element 720 also needs to be sealed to the tube 302, to prevent escape of aerosol precursor from the reservoir 1 10.
  • the wick support element 720 may have an upstanding ring 612, which then seals (e.g. by O-rings and/or an interference fit) to the tube 302.
  • FIG. 28 Another possibility is for the tube 302 to be integral with the wick support element 720, with the end of the tube 302 being sealed to the casing 300 adjacent the mouthpiece 109.
  • the rigidity of the wick support element 720 and the tube 302 means that the positioning of the wick support element 720 on the tube 302 and the positioning of the tube 302 relative to the casing 300 may be determined to good precision. This ensures that the wick 11 1 is accurately positioned relative to the casing 300, and hence accurately positioned relative to the casing 310 and the heater 112.
  • the wick support element 720 may be made of the same material as the casing 300 (and the casing 310) such as being made from moulded polypropylene plastics material.
  • Other suitable materials to form the wick support element 720 include ABS and PEAK materials.
  • the seals 610 may be O-rings of e.g. rubber material or silicone seals co-moulded with the wick support element 720, but preferably are nitrile or thermoplastic polymer O-ring seals. The moulding of the wick support element 720 and the first and second casings 300, 310 simplifies manufacture.
  • the wick support element 720 is rigid in the arrangement of Figures 27 and 28, it may be thinner than the resilient wick support elements 120 described with reference to e.g. Figures 14 to 25. Thus, it may then be possible to have a wick support element 720 with a thickness of e.g. 0.5 to 2mm, preferably 1 mm, allowing the bores 122 to have a small diameter, and still provide a capillary effect. The same is true in the arrangement of Figure 26. Thus, at least in the arrangements of Figures 26 to 28, the bores 122 may have a diameter of 0.3mm to 2mm, most preferably 0.5mm.
  • one or more additional bores are provided, corresponding to the additional bores 604 in the arrangement of Figure 27, to allow air to enter the reservoir volume to replace aerosol precursor which has passed to the wick 1 11 , those additional bores will have small diameters, due to the reduced thickness of the wick support element 720, so e.g. less than 0.3mm.
  • the diameter of the additional bores will always be less than the diameter of the capillary bores. It should be noted that, even in the arrangements of Figures 14 to 25, it may be possible to have small diameter capillary bores, if the wick support element 120 s thin enough.
  • the position of the wick 111 is precisely determined, relative to the casing 300, either because the wick support element is part of the casing itself, as in the arrangement of Figure 26, or because the position of the wick support element 720 is determined by a component of the casing such as the tube 302, as in the arrangement of Figures 27 and 28.
  • This precise positioning of the wick 111 in the casing 300 means that manufacture will be consistent and hence replacement of one consumable with another will not alter the relationship between the wick 111 and the heater 112, and so will not affect the efficiency of the smoking substitute device.
  • capillary bores 122 in the wick support element 720 in the arrangements of Figures 26 to 28 mean that it is possible to optimise the flow of aerosol precursor to the wick 111 to minimise leakage.
  • the length and diameter of the capillary bores 122 may be chosen to control the flow of a specific aerosol precursor formulation to the wick 111 , based on the viscosity and liquid characteristics of that aerosol precursor.
  • aerosol precursor When aerosol precursor is vaporised from the wick 111 by the heater 112, there will be an available volume of air in the wick 1 1 1 allowing additional aerosol precursor to flow into the wick 1 1 1 , so that the wick 1 1 1 is maintained in a saturated state when the device is in use.
  • the rigid nature of the wick support element 720 improves the consistency of liquid flow to the wick 1 1 1 , compared to a wick support element 120 of resilient material, so that efficient operation may be achieved.
  • the sealing configuration in the arrangement of Figures 27 and 28 makes use of O-rings, with the effect of minimising leakage in use and in transit, as a robust seal is created between the wick support element 720 and the casing 300, so that there is no leakage path therebetween.
  • O-ring technology is well established, so it is straight forward to put in to practice in the smoking substitute device to reduce or eliminate variation between parts, improving repeatability of manufacture.
  • wick support element 720 is easy to manufacture with high precision, and the assembly of the consumable may easily be automated. This ensures efficient manufacture, thereby reducing costs.

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  • Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de distribution d'aérosol contenant un appareil de génération d'aérosol ayant un corps principal et une partie consommable, la partie consommable contenant un réservoir pour précurseur d'aérosol. Le réservoir fait partie d'un article de transfert de fluide qui a également une mèche agencée pour recevoir un précurseur d'aérosol à partir du réservoir et un élément de support de mèche souple. Le corps principal supporte un dispositif de chauffage qui vient en contact non adhérent par butée avec une surface d'activation de la mèche de manière à interagir thermiquement avec la surface d'activation. Comme l'élément de support de mèche est souple, il sollicite la mèche vers le dispositif de chauffage de telle sorte que le contact entre le dispositif de chauffage et la mèche soit souple. Lorsque le dispositif de chauffage est actif, le précurseur d'aérosol qui a atteint la surface d'activation de la mèche est chauffé pour former un aérosol, ou un mélange d'aérosol et de vapeur, qui peut ensuite passer dans un écoulement d'air vers l'utilisateur. Le contact non adhérent entre la mèche et le dispositif de chauffage permet au consommable d'être retiré du corps principal du corps de l'appareil et d'être remplacé lorsque le précurseur d'aérosol dans le réservoir a été consommé.
PCT/EP2020/057294 2019-03-21 2020-03-17 Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol WO2020187911A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/479,840 US20220071285A1 (en) 2019-03-21 2021-09-20 Aerosol delivery system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19164430.1 2019-03-21
EP19164463.2 2019-03-21
EP19164463.2A EP3711608A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2019-03-21 Système d'administration d'aérosol
EP19164430.1A EP3711596A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2019-03-21 Dispositif de distribution d'aérosol

Related Parent Applications (1)

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PCT/EP2020/057336 Continuation WO2020187934A1 (fr) 2019-03-21 2020-03-17 Système de distribution d'aérosol

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US17/479,840 Continuation US20220071285A1 (en) 2019-03-21 2021-09-20 Aerosol delivery system

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WO2020187911A1 true WO2020187911A1 (fr) 2020-09-24

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11464921B2 (en) * 2018-11-05 2022-10-11 Juul Labs, Inc. Cartridges for vaporizer devices
WO2023073206A1 (fr) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Jt International Sa Cartouche pour dispositif de génération de vapeur et dispositif de génération de vapeur
WO2024068538A1 (fr) * 2022-09-29 2024-04-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de génération d'aérosol doté d'un support de module de chauffage

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170006916A1 (en) * 2014-04-03 2017-01-12 Kimree Hi-Tech Inc. Atomizer and electric cigarette
US20170035109A1 (en) * 2014-04-03 2017-02-09 Kimree Hi-Tech Inc. Atomizer and electronic cigarette
WO2018167066A1 (fr) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-20 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de vapotage électronique en trois parties comprenant un élément chauffant plan

Patent Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170006916A1 (en) * 2014-04-03 2017-01-12 Kimree Hi-Tech Inc. Atomizer and electric cigarette
US20170035109A1 (en) * 2014-04-03 2017-02-09 Kimree Hi-Tech Inc. Atomizer and electronic cigarette
WO2018167066A1 (fr) * 2017-03-13 2018-09-20 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de vapotage électronique en trois parties comprenant un élément chauffant plan

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11464921B2 (en) * 2018-11-05 2022-10-11 Juul Labs, Inc. Cartridges for vaporizer devices
US20230105275A1 (en) * 2018-11-05 2023-04-06 Juul Labs, Inc. Cartridges for Vaporizer Devices
WO2023073206A1 (fr) * 2021-10-29 2023-05-04 Jt International Sa Cartouche pour dispositif de génération de vapeur et dispositif de génération de vapeur
WO2024068538A1 (fr) * 2022-09-29 2024-04-04 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de génération d'aérosol doté d'un support de module de chauffage

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