WO2022268801A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol à ouverture dépendant de la prise - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol à ouverture dépendant de la prise Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022268801A1
WO2022268801A1 PCT/EP2022/066863 EP2022066863W WO2022268801A1 WO 2022268801 A1 WO2022268801 A1 WO 2022268801A1 EP 2022066863 W EP2022066863 W EP 2022066863W WO 2022268801 A1 WO2022268801 A1 WO 2022268801A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vibration
aerosol generation
generation device
aerosol
modified
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/066863
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Liam Nicholas Chrysostom GLADDEN
Christopher John Wright
Phil Peter Catton
Original Assignee
Jt International Sa
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
Application filed by Jt International Sa filed Critical Jt International Sa
Publication of WO2022268801A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022268801A1/fr

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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
    • 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
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • 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
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to aerosol generation devices having a body comprising an occluding element controlling access to a casing, and more precisely to the control of the movements of this occluding element.
  • Some aerosol generation devices comprise a body comprising a casing with an opening and an occluding element moveable between a closed position occluding the casing opening and an open position authorizing access to the casing.
  • the casing is arranged for receiving a consumable comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance.
  • these mechanisms can be easily operated by accident, for instance in a pocket or a bag, and therefore the mechanism and/or the occluding element can be damaged or the object contained in the casing (for instance a consumable) may leave the latter which requires the user to insert it again into the casing (if it has not been damaged), or some dust particles or material residues can penetrate into the casing which may perturb operations (for instance aerosol generation) or may be dangerous for health (for instance when they are transformed by heating and mixed with the generated aerosol).
  • these mechanisms generally comprise a button that must be pressed each time the user wants to open or close the casing, which means that the occluding element cannot be moved automatically without any user intervention. [04] So, the present invention aims at improving the situation, and notably at allowing an automatic control of the occluding element upon a specific detection of the user’s hand on the aerosol generation device body.
  • the proposed invention provides an embodiment of an aerosol generation device comprising a body comprising a casing with an opening and an occluding element moveable between a closed position occluding the casing opening and an open position authorizing access to the casing.
  • This aerosol generation device is characterized in that its body further comprises:
  • a vibration generator arranged for generating an initial vibration when a user holds the body with a chosen grip pose, this initial vibration having an initial spectrum chosen for allowing it to propagate through the body, at least up to an area comprising the occluding element, and to be modified by the user’s hand in the grip pose in a modified vibration with a modified spectrum, and
  • the occluding element can be very simply actuated in response to the way the user is holding the aerosol generation device, without recourse to any on-device processing, dedicated sensors, or mechanically complex moving parts.
  • the embodiment of aerosol generation device may comprise other features, considered separately or combined, and notably :
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator may be arranged for causing the occluding element to move from its open position to its closed position when it is subject to the initial vibration;
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator may comprise at least one strip set in front of a face of the occluding element when it is in its closed position and comprising a plurality of small hairs acting cooperatively to translate the occluding element from its closed position to its open position when they are subject to the modified vibration;
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator may comprise first and second strips set respectively in front of first and second opposite faces of the occluding element when it is in its closed position and comprising a plurality of small hairs acting cooperatively to translate the occluding element from its closed position to its open position when they are subject to the modified vibration;
  • the modified spectrum may be chosen in order to comprise at least one resonant frequency of the small hairs or a continuous set of broadband frequencies, and/or depending on at least one property of a material of the small hairs, and/or depending on a geometry of the small hairs;
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator may comprise a mechanism transforming the modified vibration into a directional movement of the occluding element
  • the initial spectrum may comprise frequencies comprised between 100 Hz and 100 kHz;
  • At least a part of the body may have at least one vibrational property that is modified by the user’s hand in the grip pose, this modification inducing the modification of the initial vibration into the modified vibration;
  • the vibrational property modification may be induced by a deformation of a part of the body when the user’s hand in the grip pose exerts a pressure on the body part, or by an impedance imparted by the user’s hand in the grip pose on a part of the body;
  • the casing may be configured for receiving a consumable comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance.
  • the aerosol generation device may also comprise an aerosol generation unit comprising the casing and arranged for transforming the aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by the user; • in the last embodiment it may comprise a rechargeable battery storing electrical energy that is used by said aerosol generation unit for transforming the aerosol-forming substance into the aerosol;
  • the aerosol-forming substance may comprise a tobacco material or at least one polyol
  • the aerosol generation device may constitute an electronic cigarette.
  • FIG.1 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view, an example of embodiment of an aerosol generation device according to the invention, with its occluding element in its closed position before insertion of a consumable into its casing,
  • FIG.2 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view, the aerosol generation device of figure 1 after detection of a user’s hand in a grip pose authorizing opening of its occluding element and insertion of a consumable into its casing,
  • FIG.3 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top view, a part of the end of the aerosol generation device of figure 1 comprising the vibration-sensitive actuator and the occluding element in its closed position
  • FIG.4 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a top view, a part of the end of the aerosol generation device of figure 1 comprising the vibration-sensitive actuator and the occluding element in its open position (or grip-dependent).
  • the invention aims at offering an aerosol generation device 1 that can be used by a user and having an occluding element 5 controlling access to a casing 7 and whose position depends on the position of a user’s hand.
  • the aerosol generation device 1 is (or constitutes) an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or else personal vaporizer). But an aerosol generation device 1 according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as it allows to transform an aerosol-forming substance in solid form into an aerosol (possibly close to room temperature). More generally, an aerosol generation device 1 according to the invention concerns any aerosol generation device usually called T-vapor (or “heat-not-burn” (or HnB)) device comprising a heater for heating a solid substance.
  • T-vapor or “heat-not-burn” (or HnB)
  • the object intended to be introduced (or inserted) into the casing 7 is a consumable 2 comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance 8.
  • this consumable 2 is a tobacco stick.
  • the aerosol-forming substance comprises at least tobacco material (possibly shredded tobacco). But the invention is not limited to this type of consumable.
  • aerosol-forming substance is used to designate any solid material that is aerosolizable in air to form an aerosol. So, it may comprise one or more of nicotine, tobacco material, polyol, caffeine or other active components, or else flavoring.
  • the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas, and that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.
  • an aerosol generation device 1 comprises at least a body 16 comprising a casing 7 with an opening 9, an occluding element 5, a vibration generator 18 and a vibration-sensitive actuator 19.
  • the occluding element 5 is moveable between a closed position, occluding the casing opening 9 and illustrated in figures 1 and 3, and an open position, authorizing access to the casing 7 and illustrated in figures 2 and 4.
  • the vibration generator 18 is arranged for generating an initial vibration (in a repeatable manner) when a user holds the body 16 with a chosen grip pose.
  • the body 16 comprises an external wall 20 having an external face on which at least one grip zone 4 is delimited for indicating a place where a part of a user’s hand must be located to participate to the grip pose.
  • two grip zones 4 are delimited on the external face to indicate to the user where he must place two fingers 21 of one of his hands in order to trigger the opening (or closing) of the casing 7.
  • the grip zones 4 are preferably defined where the user’s hand is usually positioned when the user uses the aerosol generation device 1 (for instance during a vaping session).
  • the initial vibration has an initial spectrum that is chosen for allowing it to propagate through the body 16, at least up to an area comprising the occluding element 5.
  • This initial spectrum is also chosen to be modified by the user’s hand in the grip pose in a modified vibration with a modified spectrum. In other words, this is only when a user’s hand is in the grip pose (here with two fingers touching respectively the two grip zones 4) that the initial vibration can be modified to become the modified vibration.
  • the user’s hand in the grip pose is considered as an intent to use the aerosol generation device 1. In the case where the user’s hand is not precisely in the grip pose the initial vibration cannot be modified at all or can be modified but not into the modified vibration (i.e. with the modified spectrum).
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 is arranged for causing the occluding element 5 to move to its open position when it is subject to the modified vibration. So, when the user’s hand is in the grip pose the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 feels (or is subject to) the modified vibration and therefore automatically causes the occluding element 5 to move from its closed position to its open position 1 because it has an actuation spectrum that is a subset of the modified spectrum. When the user’s hand is not precisely in the grip pose the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 does not feel a modified vibration and therefore the occluding element 5 remains in its closed position that prevents the insertion of a consumable 2 into the casing 7.
  • the invention allows the occluding element 5 to be actuated in response to the way the user is holding the aerosol generation device 1 , without recourse to any on-device processing, dedicated sensors, or mechanically complex moving parts, which increases notably its longevity and robustness.
  • the invention offers also an enhanced user experience, owing to the fact that, being grip-dependent, the opening mechanism cannot be opened accidentally.
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 generates motion of the occluding element 5 in response to stimulation with particular vibrational frequencies (the modified spectrum). Whether or not these vibrational frequencies stimulate the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 is a function of how the device body 16 vibrates in response to its in-built vibration generator 18, which in turn is a function of how the user holds the aerosol generation device 1.
  • the initial vibration generation can be triggered by an action of the user on a button of the aerosol generation device 1 that allows switching on and switching off the latter (1).
  • the aerosol generation device 1 could comprise an accelerometer intended for detecting when the latter (1) is picked up (and moved).
  • the vibration generator 18 may comprise at least one vibration electrical motor supplied with electrical energy (or power) by a power source 15 housed in the aerosol generation device body 16.
  • a power source 15 housed in the aerosol generation device body 16.
  • the power source 15 could be housed in another body coupled to the body 16 by screwing by means of two corresponding threaded portions, or by clipping or else by means of magnets, for instance.
  • the power source 15 may be a rechargeable battery.
  • the body 16 may comprise an electrical connector to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the rechargeable battery 15.
  • Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket.
  • the charger cable and/or the (AC) adapter may belong to the aerosol generation device 1.
  • the (each) vibration electrical motor is not necessarily dedicated to the opening and closing of the occluding element 5. Indeed, it could be used for another function of the aerosol generation device 1 . Examples of alternative functions of the vibration electrical motor could be the provision of haptic feedback to the user, and the acquisition of additional vibration-based biometrics.
  • the initial spectrum of the initial vibration, generated by the vibration generator 18, may comprise frequencies comprised between 100 Hz and 100 kHz. As an example, these frequencies may be comprised between 20 kHz and 40 kHz.
  • the occluding element 5 may be a slidable shutter that can be translated (arrow F) between its closed and open positions.
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 is arranged for causing also the occluding element 5 to move from its open position to its closed position when it is subject to the initial vibration.
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 is arranged for causing also the occluding element 5 to move from its open position to its closed position when it is subject to the initial vibration.
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 may comprise at least one strip 22 set in front of a face of the occluding element 5 when it is in its closed position.
  • Each strip 22 comprises a plurality of small hairs acting cooperatively to translate the occluding element 5 from its closed position to its open position when they are subject to the modified vibration.
  • Each strip 22 is bound to an internal face of a part 23 of the external wall 20 of the device body 16, facing the occluding element 5.
  • the vibration- sensitive actuator 19 comprises first and second strips 22 set respectively in front of first and second opposite faces of the occluding element 5 when it is in its closed position. These first and second strips 22 comprise a plurality of small hairs acting cooperatively to translate the occluding element 5 from its closed position to its open position when they are subject to the modified vibration. But in a variant not illustrated, the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 could comprise only one strip 22 with small hairs.
  • the modified spectrum may be chosen :
  • the vibration-sensitive actuator 19 could comprise a mechanism transforming the modified vibration into a directional movement of the occluding element 5.
  • this mechanism could comprise an electrical system based on piezoelectric elements.
  • At least a part of the device body 16 may have at least one vibrational property that is modified by the user’s hand in the grip pose.
  • the vibrational property modification induces the modification of the initial vibration into the modified vibration.
  • the whole device body 16 could be sensitive to the vibrations and therefore could have at least one vibrational property modified by the user’s hand in the grip pose.
  • the vibrational property modification may be induced by a deformation of a part of the device body 16 when the user’s hand in the grip pose exerts a pressure on this body part.
  • the vibrational property modification may be induced by an impedance imparted by the user’s hand in the grip pose on a part of the device body 16.
  • the vibrational property modification may be induced by a damping of certain (chosen) frequencies of the initial spectrum.
  • the casing 7 of the aerosol generation device 1 is intended for receiving a consumable 2 (here a tobacco stick) comprising at least an aerosol-forming substance 8, and its body 16 comprises an aerosol generation unit 3 comprising this casing 7 and arranged for transforming the aerosol-forming substance 8 mixed with air into an aerosol that may be inhaled by the user through successive draws (or “puffs” or inhalation phases) during a vaping session.
  • a consumable 2 here a tobacco stick
  • its body 16 comprises an aerosol generation unit 3 comprising this casing 7 and arranged for transforming the aerosol-forming substance 8 mixed with air into an aerosol that may be inhaled by the user through successive draws (or “puffs” or inhalation phases) during a vaping session.
  • the occluding element 5 When the occluding element 5 is in its open position (figure 2) the user can manually insert at least a part of a consumable 2 into the casing 7 that may be a heating chamber.
  • the casing 7 communicates with an air outlet 10 of an air flow channel 11 to be supplied with air originating from at least one air inlet 12 of this air flow channel 11. This allows mixing between the aerosol-forming substance 8 and the air.
  • the consumable 2 may comprise a filter 13, downstream of the aerosol-forming substance 8.
  • the consumable 2 is fully inserted into the casing 7.
  • the filter 13 could be at least partly and temporarily located in the mouth of the user and in this case it is used as a mouthpiece for inhaling the generated aerosol during each puff (or draw).
  • the aerosol-forming substance 8 is arranged for generating an aerosol when it is heated (without burning) and mixed with air. This heating is performed by a heater 14 supplied with electrical energy originating from the power source 15. This heater 14 may belong to the aerosol generation unit 3.
  • the heater 14 surrounds the casing 7, and therefore a part of the consumable 2 (and more precisely its aerosol-forming substance 8) to heat the latter (8).
  • the heater 14 may be a thin film heater wrapped around the outer surface of the casing 7 to heat its side walls and at least a part of its internal volume.
  • the heater 14 could be a coil associated with a susceptor or a resistive coil heater.
  • the coil is arranged for generating an electromagnetic field when it is supplied with an electrical current, and the susceptor is arranged for transforming this electromagnetic field into heat.
  • This susceptor may be a foil of the consumable 2 that surrounds, or is located inside, the aerosol forming substance 8.
  • the heater 14 could be located inside the consumable 2 or inside the casing 7.
  • the heater 14 may heat the aerosol-forming substance 8 to a temperature comprised between 150°C and 350°C.
  • the electrical energy supplied to the heater 14 during a vaping session is controlled by a controller 6.
  • This controller (or control unit) 6 may comprise at least a processor and a memory arranged for performing operations for controlling the aerosol generation unit 3, and notably its heater 14 during a vaping session and also the power source 15 during a possible charging session, and also the vibration generator 18 before and after a vaping session to allow control of the occluding element 5.
  • the processor may be a digital signal processor (or DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or else a field programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, the processor may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected therebetween through wired or wireless connections.
  • integrated (or printed) circuits refers here to any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electric or electronic operation.
  • the memory may be a random access memory (or RAM). But it may be any type of device arranged for storing program instructions for the processor.
  • controller (or control unit) 6 may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually (by the user). These functions may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software.
  • controller (or control unit) 6 may be fixed onto a printed circuit board (or PCB) 17 (here housed in the body 16).
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the controller (or control unit) 6 may also comprise, in addition to its processor and memory, an input interface, a mass memory (notably for storing intermediate data produced during its calculus and processing), and an output interface for delivering messages and instructions at least for controlling the aerosol generation unit 3 (and notably its heater 14), and the electronic component(s) (such as switch(es)) supplying the electrical power (stored in the power source 15) to the aerosol generation unit 3 and the vibration generator 18.

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  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Abstract

Un dispositif de génération d'aérosol (1) comprend un corps (16) comprenant un boîtier (7) ayant une ouverture (9) et un élément d'obstruction (5) mobile entre une position fermée obstruant cette ouverture de boîtier (9) et une position ouverte autorisant l'accès au boîtier (7). Le corps (16) comprend en outre un générateur de vibrations (18) conçu pour générer une vibration initiale lorsqu'un utilisateur tient le corps (16) avec une pose de préhension choisie, cette vibration initiale ayant un spectre initial choisi pour lui permettre de se propager dans le corps (16), au moins jusqu'à une zone comprenant l'élément d'obstruction (5), et d'être modifiée par la main de l'utilisateur dans la pose de préhension en une vibration modifiée ayant un spectre modifié, et un actionneur sensible aux vibrations (19) conçu pour amener l'élément d'obstruction (5) à se déplacer vers sa position ouverte lorsqu'il est soumis à la vibration modifiée.
PCT/EP2022/066863 2021-06-24 2022-06-21 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol à ouverture dépendant de la prise WO2022268801A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21181519.6 2021-06-24
EP21181519 2021-06-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022268801A1 true WO2022268801A1 (fr) 2022-12-29

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PCT/EP2022/066863 WO2022268801A1 (fr) 2021-06-24 2022-06-21 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol à ouverture dépendant de la prise

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170188626A1 (en) * 2016-01-05 2017-07-06 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Aerosol delivery device with improved fluid transport
CN111616415A (zh) * 2020-06-04 2020-09-04 深圳市赛尔美电子科技有限公司 转动开合机构及设有其的气溶胶生成装置
US20200323273A1 (en) * 2018-01-12 2020-10-15 Shenzhen Happy Vaping Technology Limited Automatically controlled heat-not-burn electronic cigarette device and control method thereof
WO2021023880A1 (fr) * 2019-08-08 2021-02-11 Jt International Sa Dispositif de génération d'aérosol

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170188626A1 (en) * 2016-01-05 2017-07-06 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Aerosol delivery device with improved fluid transport
US20200323273A1 (en) * 2018-01-12 2020-10-15 Shenzhen Happy Vaping Technology Limited Automatically controlled heat-not-burn electronic cigarette device and control method thereof
WO2021023880A1 (fr) * 2019-08-08 2021-02-11 Jt International Sa Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
CN111616415A (zh) * 2020-06-04 2020-09-04 深圳市赛尔美电子科技有限公司 转动开合机构及设有其的气溶胶生成装置

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