WO2023111260A1 - Système de génération de vapeur - Google Patents

Système de génération de vapeur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023111260A1
WO2023111260A1 PCT/EP2022/086336 EP2022086336W WO2023111260A1 WO 2023111260 A1 WO2023111260 A1 WO 2023111260A1 EP 2022086336 W EP2022086336 W EP 2022086336W WO 2023111260 A1 WO2023111260 A1 WO 2023111260A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wick
liquid
absorbent body
aerosol
consumable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/086336
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Phillip Taylor
Matthew PILKINGTON
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco 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
Application filed by Imperial Tobacco Limited filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Limited
Publication of WO2023111260A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023111260A1/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
    • A24F40/44—Wicks
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vapour generating system for a smoking substitute apparatus and, in addition, a smoking substitute apparatus that is able to deliver nicotine to a user in an effective manner.
  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Known smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a “vapour”) that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or a flavourant without, or with fewer of, the health risks associated with conventional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar, or improved, experience and satisfaction to those experienced with conventional smoking and with combustible tobacco products.
  • smoking substitute systems have grown rapidly in the past few years as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking.
  • Some smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a conventional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
  • Other smoking substitute devices do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form, in whole or in part).
  • vaping in which a vaporisable liquid, or an aerosol former, sometimes typically referred to herein as “e-liquid”, is heated by a heating device (sometimes referred to herein as an electronic cigarette or “e-cigarette” device) to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • e-liquid typically includes a base liquid, nicotine and may include a flavourant.
  • the resulting vapour therefore also typically contains nicotine and/or a flavourant.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • a typical e-cigarette device includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank for containing e-liquid and a heating device.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank for containing e-liquid In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or “vapour”) which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • E-cigarettes can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • “closed system” vaping smoking substitute systems typically have a sealed tank and heating element. The tank is prefilled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a main body which includes the power source, wherein the main body is configured to be physically and electrically couplable to a consumable including the tank and the heating element. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied of e-liquid, that consumable is removed from the main body and disposed of. The main body can then be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement, consumable.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute systems typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user. In this way the entire device can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute system is the mybluTM e-cigarette.
  • the mybluTM e-cigarette is a closed system 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 and a sealed tank which contains e-liquid.
  • the consumable further includes 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 system is controlled by a microprocessor on board the main body.
  • the system includes a sensor for detecting when a user is inhaling through the mouthpiece, the microprocessor then activating the device in response.
  • the system When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heating device, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • the liquid in the tank is carried by the wick or other vaporiser element; it is inevitable that in certain conditions some of that liquid will be lost for example by leakage, displacement through sudden force application and so on. Such lost liquid can in some circumstances leak from the smoking substitute apparatus or system, leading either to damage (via corrosion or other effects) or simply user discomfort.
  • a vapour generating system for use in a smoking substitute apparatus, the system comprising: a reservoir configured to retain a vaporisable liquid; a wick in contact with the reservoir, the wick configured to absorb vaporisable liquid from the reservoir; a heater, connected to the wick and configured to vaporise the vaporisable liquid absorbed by the wick; and an expandable absorbent body which, in its unexpanded form, is separated from the wick via an air gap and wherein the expandable absorbent body, in its expanded form, is configured to contact the wick.
  • the expanded form of the absorbent body corresponds to a form in which it has expanded by at least 60% of its maximum expansion. In other embodiments, the expanded form of the absorbent body corresponds to a form in which it has expanded by at most 40% of its maximum expansion.
  • system further comprises a cavity, which is sealed from the reservoir by at least the wick, containing the absorbent body.
  • the absorbent body may optionally be provided as an annular cylinder.
  • a second preferred aspect of the present invention provides a smoking substitute apparatus having: an air inlet; an outlet; a flow passage formed between the air inlet and the outlet; a vapour generating system according to the first aspect; and a vaporisation chamber in communication with the flow passage, wherein at least part of the wick and the heater of the vapour generating system are positioned within the vaporization chamber.
  • a third preferred aspect of the present invention provides use of a vapour generating system as described herein in the generation of a vapour, wherein: in an initial operation of the system, the reservoir retains the vaporisable liquid and the wick absorbs vaporisable liquid from the reservoir, and the heater vaporises the vaporisable liquid absorbed by the wick, the expandable absorbent body being separated from the wick via said air gap; and during use, the expandable absorbent body gradually captures liquid lost from the reservoir and/or wick and expands so that, in a subsequent operation of the system, the expandable absorbent body contacts the wick to allow liquid in the expandable absorbent body to move into the wick for vaporisation.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be comprised by or within a cartridge configured for engagement with a main body, the cartridge and main body together forming a smoking substitute system.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be removably engageable with the main body (which may also be referred to herein as the base unit).
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be in the form of a consumable.
  • the consumable may be configured for engagement with a main body.
  • the combination of the consumable and the main body may form a smoking substitute system such as a closed smoking substitute system.
  • the consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the main body may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the generation and/or delivery of aerosol by the consumable.
  • the aerosol precursor e.g. e-liquid
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may be a non-consumable apparatus (e.g. that is in the form of an open smoking substitute system).
  • an aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the aerosol precursor may be replenished by re-filling, e.g. a reservoir of the smoking substitute apparatus, with the aerosol precursor (rather than replacing a consumable component of the apparatus).
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may alternatively form part of a main body for engagement with the smoking substitute apparatus. This may be the case in particular when the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable.
  • the main body and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • the consumable may be at least partially received in a recess of the main body, such that there is an interference fit between the main body and the consumable.
  • the main body and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting, or the like.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with a main body.
  • one end of the smoking substitute apparatus may be coupled with the main body, whilst an opposing end of the smoking substitute apparatus may define a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system.
  • the vapour generating system comprises a reservoir configured to store an aerosol precursor, such as an e-liquid.
  • the e-liquid may, for example, comprise a base liquid.
  • the e- liquid may further comprise nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the e-liquid may be substantially flavourless. That is, the e-liquid may not contain any deliberately added additional flavourant and may consist solely of a base liquid of propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine and nicotine.
  • the reservoir may be in the form of a tank. At least a portion of the tank may be light-transmissive.
  • the tank may comprise a window to allow a user to visually assess the quantity of e-liquid in the tank.
  • a housing of the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a corresponding aperture (or slot) or window that may be aligned with a light-transmissive portion (e.g. window) of the tank.
  • the reservoir may be referred to as a “clearomizer” if it includes a window, or a “cartomizer” if it does not.
  • the outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).
  • the passage may be at least partially defined by the tank.
  • the tank may substantially (or fully) define the passage, for at least a part of the length of the passage.
  • the tank may surround the passage, e.g. in an annular arrangement around the passage.
  • a cavity containing the present absorbent body may substantially (or fully) define the passage, for at least a part of the length of the passage.
  • the cavity may surround the passage, e.g. in an annular arrangement around the passage.
  • the vaporisation chamber may be arranged to be in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet of the passage.
  • the vaporisation chamber may be an enlarged portion of the passage.
  • the air as drawn in by the user may entrain the generated vapour in a flow away from heater.
  • the entrained vapour may form an aerosol in the vaporisation chamber, or it may form the aerosol further downstream along the passage.
  • the vaporisation chamber may be at least partially defined by the tank.
  • the tank may substantially (or fully) define the vaporisation chamber, and thus may form the enclosure. In this respect, the tank may surround the vaporisation chamber, e.g. in an annular arrangement around the vaporisation chamber.
  • the user may puff on a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute apparatus, i.e. draw on the smoking substitute apparatus by inhaling, to draw in an air stream therethrough.
  • the part of the air flow which bypasses the vaporisation chamber may combine with the other part of the air flow (main air flow) for diluting the aerosol contained therein.
  • the dilution air flow may be directly inhaled by the user without passing through the passage of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • vaporised e-liquid entrained in the passing air flow may be drawn towards the outlet of the passage.
  • the vapour may cool, and thereby nucleate and/or condense along the passage to form a plurality of aerosol droplets, e.g. nicotine-containing aerosol droplets.
  • a portion of these aerosol droplets may be delivered to and be absorbed at a target delivery site, e.g. a user’s lung, whilst a portion of the aerosol droplets may instead adhere onto other parts of the user’s respiratory tract, e.g. the user’s oral cavity and/or throat.
  • the aerosol droplets as measured at the outlet of the passage, e.g.
  • the dso particle size of the aerosol particles is preferably at least 1 pm, more preferably at least 2 pm.
  • the dso particle size is not more than 10 pm, preferably not more than 9 pm, not more than 8 pm, not more than 7 pm, not more than 6 pm, not more than 5 pm, not more than 4 pm or not more than 3 pm. It is considered that providing aerosol particle sizes in such ranges permits improved interaction between the aerosol particles and the user’s lungs.
  • the particle droplet size, dso, of an aerosol may be measured by a laser diffraction technique.
  • the stream of aerosol output from the outlet of the passage may be drawn through a Malvern Spraytec laser diffraction system, where the intensity and pattern of scattered laser light are analysed to calculate the size and size distribution of aerosol droplets.
  • the particle size distribution may be expressed in terms of dio, dso and doo, for example.
  • the dio particle size is the particle size below which 10% by volume of the sample lies.
  • the dso particle size is the particle size below which 50% by volume of the sample lies.
  • the doo particle size is the particle size below which 90% by volume of the sample lies.
  • the particle size measurements are volume-based particle size measurements, rather than number-based or mass-based particle size measurements.
  • the spread of particle size may be expressed in terms of the span, which is defined as (d9o-dio)/dso.
  • the span is not more than 20, preferably not more than 10, preferably not more than 8, preferably not more than 4, preferably not more than 2, preferably not more than 1 , or not more than 0.5.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus (or main body engaged with the smoking substitute apparatus) may comprise a power source.
  • the power source may be electrically connected (or connectable) to a heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. when the smoking substitute apparatus is engaged with the main body).
  • the power source may be a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery).
  • a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port may be provided for recharging this battery.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the smoking substitute apparatus may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the main body.
  • One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface of the main body when the main body is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface of the main body may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heater of the consumable via the electrical interface of the consumable.
  • the electrical interface of the smoking substitute apparatus may also be used to identify the smoking substitute apparatus (in the form of a consumable) from a list of known types.
  • the consumable may have a certain concentration of nicotine and the electrical interface may be used to identify this.
  • the electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when a consumable is connected to the main body.
  • the main body may comprise an identification means, which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This identification means may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable engaged with the main body.
  • the consumable may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the identification means.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus or main body may comprise a controller, which may include a microprocessor.
  • the controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater of the smoking substitute apparatus (e.g. via the electrical contacts).
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the main body or smoking substitute apparatus may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®.
  • the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • a puff sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user).
  • the puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. That is, the controller may control power supply to the heater of the consumable in response to a puff detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heater in response to a detected puff. That is, the smoking substitute apparatus may be configured to be activated when a puff is detected by the puff sensor.
  • the puff sensor When the smoking substitute apparatus is in the form of a consumable, the puff sensor may be provided in the consumable or alternatively may be provided in the main body.
  • flavourant is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that provide flavour and/or aroma.
  • the flavourant may be configured to interact with a sensory receptor of a user (such as an olfactory or taste receptor).
  • the flavourant may include one or more volatile substances.
  • the flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form.
  • the flavourant may be natural or synthetic.
  • the flavourant may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour.
  • the flavourant may be evenly dispersed or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations.
  • the present inventors consider that a flow rate of 1.3 L min -1 is towards the lower end of a typical user expectation of flow rate through a conventional cigarette and therefore through a user-acceptable smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the present inventors further consider that a flow rate of 2.0 L min' 1 is towards the higher end of a typical user expectation of flow rate through a conventional cigarette and therefore through a user-acceptable smoking substitute apparatus.
  • Embodiments of the present invention therefore provide an aerosol with advantageous particle size characteristics across a range of flow rates of air through the apparatus.
  • the aerosol may have a Dv50 of at least 1.1 pm, at least 1 .2 pm, at least 1 .3 pm, at least 1 .4 pm, at least 1 .5 pm, at least 1 .6 pm, at least 1 .7 pm, at least 1 .8 pm, at least 1 .9 pm or at least 2.0 pm.
  • the aerosol may have a Dv50 of not more than 4.9 pm, not more than 4.8 pm, not more than 4.7 pm, not more than 4.6 pm, not more than 4.5 pm, not more than 4.4 pm, not more than 4.3 pm, not more than 4.2 pm, not more than 4.1 pm, not more than 4.0 pm, not more than 3.9 pm, not more than 3.8 pm, not more than 3.7 pm, not more than 3.6 pm, not more than 3.5 pm, not more than 3.4 pm, not more than 3.3 pm, not more than 3.2 pm, not more than 3.1 pm or not more than 3.0 pm.
  • a particularly preferred range for Dv50 of the aerosol is in the range 2-3 pm.
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 1 .3 L min* 1 , the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber is in the range 0-1 .3 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude velocity of air may be calculated based on knowledge of the geometry of the vaporisation chamber, and the flow rate.
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber may be at most 1 .2 ms' 1 , at most 1 .1 ms' 1 , at most 1 .0 ms' 1 , at most 0.9 ms' 1 , at most 0.8 ms' 1 , at most 0.7 ms' 1 or at most 0.6 ms' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 2.0 L min' 1 , the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber is in the range 0-1 .3 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude velocity of air may be calculated based on knowledge of the geometry of the vaporisation chamber, and the flow rate.
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber may be at most 1 .2 ms' 1 , at most 1.1 ms' 1 , at most 1 .0 ms' 1 , at most 0.9 ms' 1 , at most 0.8 ms' 1 , at most 0.7 ms' 1 or at most 0.6 ms' 1 .
  • the resultant aerosol particle size is advantageously controlled to be in a desirable range. It is further considered that the configuration of the apparatus can be selected so that the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporisation chamber can be brought within the ranges specified, at the exemplary flow rate of 1 .3 L min -1 and/or the exemplary flow rate of 2.0 L min -1 .
  • the aerosol generator described herein comprises a vaporiser element which can be loaded with aerosol precursor, the vaporiser element being heatable by a heater and presenting a vaporiser element surface to air in the vaporisation chamber.
  • a vaporiser element region may be defined as a volume extending outwardly from the vaporiser element surface to a distance of 1 mm from the vaporiser element surface.
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 1 .3 L min* 1 , the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region is in the range 0-1 .2 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be calculated using computational fluid dynamics.
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at most 1.1 ms' 1 , at most 1 .0 ms' 1 , at most 0.9 ms' 1 , at most 0.8 ms' 1 , at most 0.7 ms' 1 or at most 0.6 ms' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 2.0 L min' 1 , the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region is in the range 0-1 .2 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be calculated using computational fluid dynamics.
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the average magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at most 1.1 ms' 1 , at most 1 .0 ms' 1 , at most 0.9 ms' 1 , at most 0.8 ms' 1 , at most 0.7 ms' 1 or at most 0.6 ms' 1 .
  • the resultant aerosol particle size is advantageously controlled to be in a desirable range. It is further considered that the velocity of air in the vaporiser element region is more relevant to the resultant particle size characteristics than consideration of the velocity in the vaporisation chamber as a whole. This is in view of the significant effect of the velocity of air in the vaporiser element region on the cooling of the vapour emitted from the vaporiser element surface.
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 1 .3 L min' 1 , the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region is in the range 0-2.0 ms' 1 .
  • the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at most 1.9 ms' 1 , at most 1.8 ms' 1 , at most 1.7 ms' 1 , at most 1.6 ms' 1 , at most 1.5 ms' 1 , at most 1.4 ms' 1 , at most 1.3 ms' 1 or at most 1.2 ms' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 2.0 L min' 1 , the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region is in the range 0-2.0 ms' 1 .
  • the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at least 0.001 ms' 1 , or at least 0.005 ms' 1 , or at least 0.01 ms' 1 , or at least 0.05 ms' 1 .
  • the maximum magnitude of velocity of air in the vaporiser element region may be at most 1.9 ms' 1 , at most 1.8 ms' 1 , at most 1.7 ms' 1 , at most 1.6 ms' 1 , at most 1.5 ms' 1 , at most 1.4 ms' 1 , at most 1.3 ms' 1 or at most 1.2 ms' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that, when the air flow rate inhaled by the user through the apparatus is 1.3 L min' 1 , the turbulence intensity in the vaporiser element region is not more than 1%.
  • the turbulence intensity in the vaporiser element region may be not more than 0.95%, not more than 0.9%, not more than 0.85%, not more than 0.8%, not more than 0.75%, not more than 0.7%, not more than 0.65% or not more than 0.6%.
  • the particle size characteristics of the generated aerosol may be determined by the cooling rate experienced by the vapour after emission from the vaporiser element (e.g. wick).
  • the vaporiser element e.g. wick
  • imposing a relatively slow cooling rate on the vapour has the effect of generating aerosols with a relatively large particle size.
  • the parameters discussed above are considered to be mechanisms for implementing a particular cooling dynamic to the vapour.
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that a desired cooling rate is imposed on the vapour.
  • the particular cooling rate to be used depends of course on the nature of the aerosol precursor and other conditions. However, for a particular aerosol precursor it is possible to define a set of testing conditions in order to define the cooling rate, and by extension this imposes limitations on the configuration of the apparatus to permit such cooling rates as are shown to result in advantageous aerosols.
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that the cooling rate of the vapour is such that the time taken to cool to 50 °C is not less than 16 ms, when tested according to the following protocol.
  • the aerosol precursor is an e-liquid consisting of 1.6% freebase nicotine and the remainder a 65:35 propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine mixture, the e-liquid having a boiling point of 209 °C.
  • Air is drawn into the air inlet at a temperature of 25 °C.
  • the vaporiser is operated to release a vapour of total particulate mass 5 mg over a 3 second duration from the vaporiser element surface in an air flow rate between the air inlet and outlet of 1.3 L min' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that the cooling rate of the vapour is such that the time taken to cool to 50 °C is not less than 16 ms, when tested according to the following protocol.
  • the aerosol precursor is an e-liquid consisting of 1.6% freebase nicotine and the remainder a 65:35 propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine mixture, the e-liquid having a boiling point of 209 °C.
  • Air is drawn into the air inlet at a temperature of 25 °C.
  • the vaporiser is operated to release a vapour of total particulate mass 5 mg over a 3 second duration from the vaporiser element surface in an air flow rate between the air inlet and outlet of 2.0 L min' 1 .
  • Cooling of the vapour such that the time taken to cool to 50 °C is not less than 16 ms corresponds to an equivalent linear cooling rate of not more than 10 °C/ms.
  • the equivalent linear cooling rate of the vapour to 50 °C may be not more than 9 °C/ms, not more than 8 °C/ms, not more than 7 °C/ms, not more than 6 °C/ms or not more than 5 °C/ms.
  • Cooling of the vapour such that the time taken to cool to 50 °C is not less than 32 ms corresponds to an equivalent linear cooling rate of not more than 5 °C/ms.
  • the testing protocol set out above considers the cooling of the vapour (and subsequent aerosol) to a temperature of 50 °C. This is a temperature which can be considered to be suitable for an aerosol to exit the apparatus for inhalation by a user without causing significant discomfort. It is also possible to consider cooling of the vapour (and subsequent aerosol) to a temperature of 75 °C. Although this temperature is possibly too high for comfortable inhalation, it is considered that the particle size characteristics of the aerosol are substantially settled by the time the aerosol cools to this temperature (and they may be settled at still higher temperature).
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that the cooling rate of the vapour is such that the time taken to cool to 75 °C is not less than 4.5 ms, when tested according to the following protocol.
  • the aerosol precursor is an e-liquid consisting of 1.6% freebase nicotine and the remainder a 65:35 propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine mixture, the e- liquid having a boiling point of 209 °C.
  • Air is drawn into the air inlet at a temperature of 25 °C.
  • the vaporiser is operated to release a vapour of total particulate mass 5 mg over a 3 second duration from the vaporiser element surface in an air flow rate between the air inlet and outlet of 1.3 L min' 1 .
  • the air inlet, flow passage, outlet, and the vaporisation chamber may be configured so that the cooling rate of the vapour is such that the time taken to cool to 75 °C is not less than 4.5 ms, when tested according to the following protocol.
  • the aerosol precursor is an e-liquid consisting of 1.6% freebase nicotine and the remainder a 65:35 propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine mixture, the e-liquid having a boiling point of 209 °C.
  • Air is drawn into the air inlet at a temperature of 25 °C.
  • the vaporiser is operated to release a vapour of total particulate mass 5 mg over a 3 second duration from the vaporiser element surface in an air flow rate between the air inlet and outlet of 2.0 L min' 1 .
  • the equivalent linear cooling rate of the vapour to 75 °C may be not more than 29 °C/ms, not more than 28 °C/ms, not more than 27 °C/ms, not more than 26 °C/ms, not more than 25 °C/ms, not more than 24 °C/ms, not more than 23 °C/ms, not more than 22 °C/ms, not more than 21 °C/ms, not more than 20 °C/ms, not more than 19 °C/ms, not more than 18 °C/ms, not more than 17 °C/ms, not more than 16 °C/ms, not more than 15 °C/ms, not more than 14 °C/ms, not more than 13 °C/ms, not more than 12 °C/ms, not more than 11 °C/ms or not more than 10 °C/ms.
  • Cooling of the vapour such that the time taken to cool to 75 °C is not less than 13 ms corresponds to an equivalent linear cooling rate of not more than 10 °C/ms.
  • 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 schematic front view of a smoking substitute system, according to a first reference arrangement, in an engaged position;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the smoking substitute system of the first reference arrangement in a disengaged position
  • Figure 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of a smoking substitute apparatus of the first reference arrangement
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of part of the air passage and vaporisation chamber of the first reference arrangement
  • Figure 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a smoking substitute apparatus of a second reference arrangement
  • Figure 6 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a smoking substitute apparatus of a third reference arrangement
  • Figure 7A shows a schematic cross sectional view of a smoking substitute apparatus of the present invention, with the absorbent material in the unexpanded position; and Figure 7B shows a schematic cross sectional view of the same smoking substitute apparatus with the absorbent material in the expanded position.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate a smoking substitute system in the form of an e-cigarette system 110.
  • the system 110 comprises a main body 120 of the system 110, and a smoking substitute apparatus in the form of an e-cigarette consumable (or “pod”) 150.
  • the consumable 150 (sometimes referred to herein as a smoking substitute apparatus) is removable from the main body 120, so as to be a replaceable component of the system 110.
  • the e-cigarette system 110 is a closed system in the sense that it is not intended that the consumable should be refillable with e-liquid by a user.
  • the consumable 150 is configured to engage the main body 120.
  • Figure 1 shows the main body 120 and the consumable 150 in an engaged state
  • Figure 2 shows the main body 120 and the consumable 150 in a disengaged state.
  • a portion of the consumable 150 is received in a cavity of corresponding shape in the main body 120 and is retained in the engaged position by way of a snap-engagement mechanism.
  • the main body 120 and consumable 150 may be engaged by screwing one into (or onto) the other, or through a bayonet fitting, or by way of an interference fit.
  • the system 110 is configured to vaporise an aerosol precursor, which in the illustrated reference arrangement is in the form of a nicotine-based e-liquid 160.
  • the e-liquid 160 comprises nicotine and a base liquid including propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the e-liquid 160 is flavoured by a flavourant.
  • the e-liquid 160 may be flavourless and thus may not include any added flavourant.
  • FIG 3 shows a schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of a reference arrangement of the smoking substitute apparatus forming part of the smoking substitute system shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the e-liquid 160 is stored within a reservoir in the form of a tank 152 that forms part of the consumable 150.
  • the consumable 150 is a “single-use” consumable 150. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid 160 in the tank 152, the intention is that the user disposes of the entire consumable 150.
  • the term “single-use” does not necessarily mean the consumable is designed to be disposed of after a single smoking session. Rather, it defines the consumable 150 is not arranged to be refilled after the e-liquid contained in the tank 152 is depleted.
  • the tank may include a vent (not shown) to allow ingress of air to replace e-liquid that has been used from the tank.
  • the consumable 150 preferably includes a window 158 (see Figures 1 and 2), so that the amount of e-liquid in the tank 152 can be visually assessed.
  • the main body 120 includes a slot 157 so that the window 158 of the consumable 150 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 152 is obscured from view when the consumable 150 is received in the cavity of the main body 120.
  • the consumable 150 may be referred to as a “clearomizer” when it includes a window 158, or a “cartomizer” when it does not.
  • the e-liquid i.e. aerosol precursor
  • the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a nonconsumable component of the system.
  • the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the main body or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g. a refillable cartomizer).
  • the external wall of tank 152 is provided by a casing of the consumable 150.
  • the tank 152 annularly surrounds, and thus defines a portion of, a passage 170 that extends between a vaporiser inlet 172 and an outlet 174 at opposing ends of the consumable 150.
  • the passage 170 comprises an upstream end at the end of the consumable 150 that engages with the main body 120, and a downstream end at an opposing end of the consumable 150 that comprises a mouthpiece 154 of the system 110.
  • a plurality of device air inlets 176 are formed at the boundary between the casing of the consumable and the casing of the main body.
  • the device air inlets 176 are in fluid communication with the vaporiser inlet 172 through an inlet flow channel 178 formed in the cavity of the main body which is of corresponding shape to receive a part of the consumable 150. Air from outside of the system 110 can therefore be drawn into the passage 170 through the device air inlets 176 and the inlet flow channels 178.
  • the passage 170 may be partially defined by a tube (e.g. a metal tube) extending through the consumable 150.
  • the passage 170 is shown with a substantially circular cross- sectional profile with a constant diameter along its length.
  • the passage may have other cross-sectional profiles, such as oval shaped or polygonal shaped profiles.
  • the cross sectional profile and the diameter (or hydraulic diameter) of the passage may vary along its longitudinal axis.
  • the smoking substitute system 110 is configured to vaporise the e-liquid 160 for inhalation by a user.
  • the consumable 150 comprises a heater having a porous wick 162 and a resistive heating element in the form of a heating filament 164 that is helically wound (in the form of a coil) around a portion of the porous wick 162.
  • the porous wick 162 extends across the passage 170 (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the passage 170 and thus also transverse to the airflow along the passage 170 during use) and opposing ends of the wick 162 extend into the tank 152 (so as to be immersed in the e-liquid 160). In this way, e-liquid 160 contained in the tank 152 is conveyed from the opposing ends of the porous wick 162 to a central portion of the porous wick 162 so as to be exposed to the airflow in the passage 170.
  • the helical filament 164 is wound about the exposed central portion of the porous wick 162 and is electrically connected to an electrical interface in the form of electrical contacts 156 mounted at the end of the consumable that is proximate the main body 120 (when the consumable and the main body are engaged).
  • electrical contacts 156 make contact with corresponding electrical contacts (not shown) of the main body 120.
  • the main body electrical contacts are electrically connectable to a power source (not shown) of the main body 120, such that (in the engaged position) the filament 164 is electrically connectable to the power source. In this way, power can be supplied by the main body 120 to the filament 164 in order to heat the filament 164.
  • the filament 164 and the exposed central portion of the porous wick 162 are positioned across the passage 170. More specifically, the part of passage that contains the filament 164 and the exposed portion of the porous wick 162 forms a vaporisation chamber.
  • the vaporisation chamber has the same cross-sectional diameter as the passage 170. However, in some embodiments the vaporisation chamber may have a different cross sectional profile compared with the passage 170. For example, the vaporisation chamber may have a larger cross sectional diameter than at least some of the downstream part of the passage 170 so as to enable a longer residence time for the air inside the vaporisation chamber.
  • FIG 4 illustrates in more detail the vaporisation chamber and therefore the region of the consumable 150 around the wick 162 and filament 164.
  • the helical filament 164 is wound around a central portion of the porous wick 162.
  • the porous wick extends across passage 170.
  • E-liquid 160 contained within the tank 152 is conveyed as illustrated schematically by arrows 401 , i.e. from the tank and towards the central portion of the porous wick 162.
  • porous wick 162 When the user inhales, air is drawn from through the inlets 176 shown in Figure 3, along inlet flow channel 178 to vaporisation chamber inlet 172 and into the vaporisation chamber containing porous wick 162.
  • the porous wick 162 extends substantially transverse to the airflow direction.
  • the airflow passes around the porous wick, at least a portion of the airflow substantially following the surface of the porous wick 162.
  • the airflow may follow a curved path around an outer periphery of the porous wick 162.
  • the filament 164 is heated so as to vaporise the e-liquid which has been wicked into the porous wick.
  • the airflow passing around the porous wick 162 picks up this vaporised e-liquid, and the vapour-containing airflow is drawn in direction 403 further down passage 170.
  • the power source of the main body 120 may be in the form of a battery (e.g. a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery).
  • the main body 120 may comprise a connector in the form of e.g. a USB port for recharging this battery.
  • the main body 120 may also comprise a controller that controls the supply of power from the power source to the main body electrical contacts (and thus to the filament 164). That is, the controller may be configured to control a voltage applied across the main body electrical contacts, and thus the voltage applied across the filament 164. In this way, the filament 164 may only be heated under certain conditions (e.g. during a puff and/or only when the system is in an active state).
  • the main body 120 may include a puff sensor (not shown) that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation).
  • the puff sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal, to the controller, which is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the puff sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the main body 120 and consumable 150 may comprise a further interface which may, for example, be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of a consumable 150 engaged with the main body 120.
  • the consumable 150 may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • An apparatus may be configured such that in use, at least part of the air flow drawn by a user through the apparatus from the air inlet to the outlet bypasses the vaporisation chamber defined by the enclosure.
  • a second reference arrangement of an apparatus shown in Figure 5, provides an example of how such a bypassing air flow may be created. Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention may include one or a combination of the features of the second reference arrangement (and variations thereof) where such features are combinable with the present invention. This second reference arrangement is described below.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a schematic longitudinal cross sectional view of a second reference arrangement of the smoking substitute apparatus forming part of the smoking substitute system shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the arrangement illustrated in Figure 5 differs from the first reference arrangement illustrated in Figure 3 in that the substitute smoking apparatus includes two bypass passages 180 in addition to the vaporiser passage 170.
  • the bypass air passages extend between the plurality of device air inlets 176 and two outlets 184.
  • the number of bypass passages 180 and corresponding outlets 184 may be greater or smaller than in the illustrated example.
  • the bypass passage 180 is shown with a substantially circular cross-sectional profile with a constant diameter along its length.
  • the bypass passage 180 may have other cross-sectional profiles, such as oval shaped or polygonal shaped profiles.
  • the cross sectional profile and the diameter (or hydraulic diameter) of the bypass passage 180 may vary along its longitudinal axis.
  • a bypass passage 180 means that a part of the air drawn through the smoking substitute apparatus 150a when a user inhales via the mouthpiece 154 is not drawn through the vaporisation chamber. This has the effect of reducing the flow rate through the vaporisation chamber in correspondence with the respective flow resistances presented by the vaporiser passage 170 and the bypass passage 180. This can reduce the correlation between the flow rate through the smoking substitute apparatus 150a (i.e. the user’s draw rate) and the particle size generated when the e-liquid 160 is vaporised and subsequently forms an aerosol. Therefore, the smoking substitute apparatus 150a of the second reference arrangement can deliver a more consistent aerosol to a user.
  • the smoking substitute apparatus 150a of the second reference arrangement is capable of producing an increased particle droplet size, dso, based on typical inhalation rates undertaken by a user, compared to the first reference arrangement of Figure 3.
  • Such larger droplet sizes may be beneficial for the delivery of vapour to a user’s lungs.
  • the preferred ratio between the dimensions of the bypass passage 180 and the dimensions of the vaporiser passage 170, and hence flow rate in the respective passages may be determined from representative user inhalation rates and from the required air flow rate through the vaporisation chamber to deliver a desired droplet size.
  • an average total flow rate of 1.3 litres per minute may be split such that 0.8 litres per minute passes through the bypass air channel 180, and 0.5 litres per minute passes through the vaporiser channel 170, a bypass:vaporiser flow rate ratio of 1.6:1.
  • a flow rate may provide an average droplet size, dso, of 1-3 pm (more preferably 2-3 pm) with a span of not more than 20 (preferably not more than 10).
  • Alternative flow rate ratios may be provided based on calculations and measurements of user flow rate, vaporiser flow rate, and average droplet size dso.
  • a bypass:vaporiser flow rate ratio of between 0.5:1 and 20:1 typically at an average total flow rate of 1.3 litres per minute may be advantageous depending on the configuration of the smoking substitute apparatus.
  • the bypass passage and vaporiser passage extend from a common device inlet 176. This has the benefit of ensuring more consistent airflow through the bypass passage 180 and vaporiser passage 170 across the lifetime of the smoking substitute apparatus 150a, since any obstruction that impinges on an air inlet 176 will affect the airflow through both passages equally. The impact of inlet manufacturing variations can also be reduced for the same reason. This can therefore improve the user experience for the smoking substitute apparatus 150a. Furthermore, the provision of a common device inlet 176 simplifies the construction and external appearance of the device.
  • bypass passage 180 and vaporiser passage 170 separate upstream of the vaporisation chamber. Therefore, no vapour is drawn through the bypass passage 180. Furthermore, because the bypass passage leads to outlet 184 that is separate from outlet 174 of the vaporiser passage, substantially no mixing of the bypass air and vaporiser air occurs within the smoking substitute apparatus 150a. Such mixing could otherwise lead to excessive cooling of the vapour and hence a build-up of condensation within the smoking substitute apparatus 150a. Such condensation could have adverse implications for delivering vapour to the user, for example by causing the user to draw liquid droplets rather than vapour when “puffing” on the mouthpiece 154.
  • the apparatus may include one or a combination of features of a third reference arrangement (and variations thereof), shown schematically in Figure 6, where such features are combinable with the present invention.
  • This third reference arrangement is described below.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross sectional view of a consumable 250 according to a further arrangement.
  • the consumable 250 is shown attached, at a first end of the consumable 250, to the main body 120 of Figure 1 and Figure 2. More specifically, the consumable 250 is configured to engage and disengage with the main body 120 and is interchangeable with the first reference arrangement 150 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, the consumable 250 is configured to interact with the main body 120 in the same manner as the first reference arrangement 150 and the user may operate the consumable 250 in the same manner as the first reference arrangement 150.
  • the consumable 250 comprises a housing.
  • the consumable 250 comprises an aerosol generation chamber 280 in the housing.
  • the aerosol generation chamber 280 takes the form of an open ended container, or a cup, with a single chamber outlet 282 opened towards the outlet 274 of the consumable 250.
  • the housing has a plurality of air inlets 272 defined or opened at the sidewall of the housing.
  • An outlet 274 is defined or opened at a second end of the consumable 250 that comprises a mouthpiece 254.
  • a pair of passages 270 each extend between the respective air inlets 272 and the outlet 274 to provide flow passage for an air flow 412 as a user puffs on the mouthpiece 254.
  • the chamber outlet 282 is configured to be in fluid communication with the passages 270.
  • the passages 270 extend from the air inlets 272 towards the first end of the consumable 250 before routing back to towards the outlet 274 at the second end of the consumable 250. That is, a portion of each of the passages 270 axially extends alongside the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the passages 270 may extend from the air inlet 272 directly to the outlet 274 without routing towards the first end of consumable 250, e.g. the passages 270 may not axially extend alongside the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the housing may not be provided with any air inlet for an air flow to enter the housing.
  • the chamber outlet may be directly connected to the outlet of the housing by an aerosol passage and therefore said aerosol passage may only convey aerosol as generated in the aerosol generation chamber.
  • the discharge of aerosol may be driven at least in part by the pressure increase during vaporisation of aerosol form.
  • the chamber outlet 282 is positioned downstream from the heater in the direction of the vapour and/or aerosol flow 414 and serves as the only gas flow passage to the internal volume of the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the aerosol generation chamber 280 is sealed against air flow except for having the chamber outlet 282 in communication with the passages 270, the chamber outlet 282 permitting, in use, aerosol generated by the heater to be entrained into an air flow along the passage 270.
  • the sealed aerosol generation chamber 280 may comprise a plurality of chamber outlets 282 each arranged in fluid commutation with the passages 270.
  • the aerosol generation chamber 280 does not comprise any aperture upstream of the heater that may serve as an air flow inlet (although in some arrangements a vent may be provided).
  • the passages 270 of the consumable 250 allow the air flow, e.g. an entire amount of air flow, entering the housing to bypass the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the aerosol generation chamber may be considered to be a “stagnant” chamber.
  • the volumetric flowrate of vapour and/or aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber is configured to be less than 0.1 litre per minute.
  • the vaporised aerosol precursor may cool and therefore condense to form an aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber 280, which is subsequently expulsed into or entrained with the airflow in passages 270.
  • a portion of the vaporised aerosol precursor may remain as a vapour before leaving the aerosol generation chamber 280, and subsequently forms an aerosol as it is cooled by the air flow in the passages 270.
  • the flow path of the vapour and/or aerosol 414 is illustrated in Figure 6.
  • the chamber outlet 282 is configured to be in fluid communication with a junction 290 at each of the passages 270 through a respective vapour channel 292.
  • the junctions 290 merge the vapour channels 292 with their respective passages 270 such that vapour and/or aerosol formed in the aerosol generation chamber 280 may expand or entrain into the passages 270 through junction inlets of said junctions 290.
  • the vapour channels form a buffering volume to minimise the amount of air flow that may back flow into the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the chamber outlet 282 may directly open towards the junction 290 at the passage, and therefore in such variations the vapour channel 292 may be omitted.
  • the chamber outlet may be closed by a one way valve.
  • Said one way valve may be configured to allow a one way flow passage for the vapour and/or aerosol to be discharged from the aerosol generation chamber, and to reduce or prevent the air flow in the passages from entering the aerosol generation chamber.
  • the aerosol generation chamber 280 is configured to have a length of 20mm and a volume of 680mm 3 .
  • the aerosol generation chamber is configured to allow vapour to be expulsed through the chamber outlet at a rate greater than 0.1 mg/second.
  • the aerosol generation chamber may be configured to have an internal volume ranging between 68mm 3 to 680mm 3 , wherein the length of the aerosol generation chamber may range between 2mm to 20mm.
  • each of the passages 270 axially extends alongside the aerosol generation chamber 280.
  • the passages 270 are formed between the aerosol generation chamber 280 and the housing. Such an arrangement reduces heat transfer from the aerosol generation chamber 280 to the external surfaces of the housing.
  • the aerosol generation chamber 280 comprises a heater extending across its width.
  • the heater comprises a porous wick 262 and a heating filament 264 helically wound around a portion of the porous wick 162.
  • a tank 252 is provided in the space between the aerosol generation chamber 280 and the outlet 274, the tank being for storing a reservoir of aerosol precursor. Therefore in contrast with the reference arrangement as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tank 252 in the third reference arrangement does not substantially surround the aerosol generation chamber nor the passage 270. Instead, as shown in Figure 6, the tank is substantially positioned above the aerosol generation chamber 280 and the porous wick 262 when the consumable 250 is placed in an upright orientation during use.
  • the end portions of the porous wick 262 each extend through the sidewalls of the aerosol generation chamber 280 and into a respective liquid conduit 266 which is in fluid communication with the tank 252.
  • the wick 262, saturated with aerosol precursor, may prevent gas flow passage into the liquid conduits 266 and the tank 252.
  • Such an arrangement may allow the aerosol precursor stored in the tank 252 to convey towards the porous wick 262 through the liquid conduits 266 by gravity.
  • the liquid conduits 266 are configured to have a hydraulic diameter that allow a controlled amount of aerosol precursor to flow from the tank 252 towards the porous wick 262. More specifically, the size of liquid conduits 266 are selected based on the rate of aerosol precursor consumption during vaporisation.
  • the liquid conduits 266 are sized to allow a sufficient amount of aerosol precursor to flow towards and replenish the wick, yet not so large as to cause excessive aerosol precursor to leak into the aerosol generation chamber.
  • the liquid conduits 266 are configured to have a hydraulic diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 10mm or 0.01 mm to 5mm.
  • the liquid conduits 266 are configured to have a hydraulic diameter in the range of 0.1mm to 1mm.
  • the heating filament is electrically connected to electrical contacts 256 at the base of the aerosol generation chamber 280, sealed to prevent air ingress or fluid leakage. As shown in Figure 6, when the first end of the consumable 250 is received into the main body 120, the electrical contacts 256 establish electrical communication with corresponding electrical contacts of the main body 120, and thereby allow the heater to be energised.
  • the vaporised aerosol precursor, or aerosol in the condensed form may discharge from the aerosol generation chamber 280 based on pressure difference between the aerosol generation chamber 280 and the passages 270.
  • pressure difference may arise form i) an increased pressure in the aerosol generation chamber 280 during vaporisation of aerosol form, and/or ii) a reduced pressure in the passage during a puff.
  • the heater when the heater is energised and forms a vapour, it expands in to the stagnant cavity of the aerosol generation chamber 280 and thereby causes an increase in internal pressure therein.
  • the vaporised aerosol precursor may immediately begin to cool and may form aerosol droplets.
  • Such increase in internal pressure causes convection inside the aerosol generation chamber which aids expulsing aerosol through the chamber outlet 282 and into the passages 270.
  • the heater is positioned within the stagnant cavity of the aerosol generation chamber 280, e.g. the heater is spaced from the chamber outlet 282.
  • Such arrangement may reduce or prevent the amount of air flow entering the aerosol generation chamber, and therefore it may minimise the amount of turbulence in the vicinity of the heater.
  • such arrangement may increase the residence time of vapour in the stagnant aerosol generation chamber 280, and thereby may result in the formation of larger aerosol droplets.
  • the heater may be positioned adjacent to the chamber outlet and therefore that the path of vapour 414 from the heater to the chamber outlet 282 is shortened. This may allow vapour to be drawn into or entrained with the air flow in a more efficient manner.
  • junction inlet at each of the junctions 290 opens in a direction orthogonal or non-parallel to the air flow. That is, the junction inlet each opens at a sidewall of the respective passages 270. This allows the vapour and/or aerosol from the aerosol generation chamber 280 to entrain into the air flow at an angle, and thus improving localised mixing of the different streams, as well as encouraging aerosol formation.
  • the aerosol may be fully formed in the air flow and be drawn out through the outlet at the mouthpiece.
  • the aerosol as generated by the illustrated third reference arrangement has a median droplet size dso of at least 1 pm. More preferably, the aerosol as generated by the illustrated third reference arrangement has a median droplet size dso of ranged between 2pm to 3pm.
  • the present invention is an improvement, not illustrated in Figures 1-6, that can be applied to each of the described reference arrangements (and of course to many more). Each of their features can therefore be understood as, in effect, features of embodiments of the present invention..
  • the present invention is schematically illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, although it will be appreciated that the geometry of the described components may be varied to fit with the other parts of the device to which the present invention is applied. For simplicity, it is illustrated in a device similar to that of the reference arrangements illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In view of that, parts of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 A and 7B corresponding to parts of the reference arrangements illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5 will be given the same reference numerals as in Figures 3, 4 and 5, suffixed with ‘A’.
  • an expandable absorbent body which, in its unexpanded form, is separated from the wick via an air gap and wherein the expandable absorbent body, in its expanded form, is configured to contact the wick.
  • This expandable absorbent body is positioned and adapted to ‘catch’ (i.e. absorb) vapourisable liquid which escapes or leaks from the tank without being transported by the wick for vaporisation, or which leaks from the wick itself. Because of the air gap separating it from the wick in its unexpanded form, it does not leach liquid from the wick or tank in a normal use case.
  • the absorbent body is made from an absorbent material, and the terms can be used interchangeably.
  • the absorbent body expands as it absorbs more and more liquid. That is, it gradually transforms from its unexpanded for to its expanded form (i.e. it gradually expands) by absorption of liquid.
  • the absorbent body contacts the wick.
  • the absorbent body has an empty configuration, in which it has absorbent zero liquid (0% expanded), and a maximally expanded configuration, in which it has reached its absorption capacity and hence has expanded as much as it can through liquid absorption (100% expanded). In this configuration it has reached full absorbent capacity and cannot absorb any more liquid.
  • the expanded form of the absorbent body, in which it comes into contact with the wick, is not necessarily the same as the maximum possible expansion of the body. Indeed it is preferable that the absorbent body is designed such that its full absorbent capacity is not reached in normal circumstances, as at that capacity leakage of the type the body is intended to avoid may occur.
  • the expanded form may be equivalent to a relatively high level of expansion, for example in arrangements where a significant level of leakage is expected (and hence where high expansion of the body can be expected, ensuring usage of the absorbs liquid).
  • the expanded form may be equivalent to an expansion which is at least 50% of the maximum expansion, for example at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80% of the maximum expansion.
  • the expanded form may be equivalent to a relatively low level of expansion, for example in arrangements where a relatively small level of leakage is expected (and hence where low expansion of the body can be expected; in order to use the absorbed liquid, then, such allow expansion needs to be sufficient to induce contact between the absorbent body and the wick).
  • the expanded form may be equivalent to an expansion which is at most 50% of the maximum expansion, for example at most 40%, at most 30% or at most 20% of the maximum expansion.
  • Figure 7A shows the unexpanded form
  • Figure 7B shows the expanded form
  • the absorbent body 500 is located in a cavity 502 formed separate from the tank 152a which contains the e-liquid 160a.
  • the cavity 502 is sealed from that tank by the wick 162a.
  • liquid 160a is drawn into the wick 162a by capillary action, indicated by arrows 401a.
  • Air flows into the vaporization chamber (arrow 402a), where as explained above it entrains vapour generated by the wick. It then flows onward, arrow 403a, to a flow passage 170a which leads to the outlet and ultimately to the user.
  • An air gap 503 separates the absorbent body 500 from the wick 162a. This gap means that there is not direct absorption of liquid 160a by the absorbent body 500 from the tank 152a, which would somewhat defeat the object of the absorbent body 500.
  • the cavity 502 and preferably also the absorbent body 500 may for example provided with an annular cross section (that is, it is an annular cylinder), surrounding the flow passage upstream of the wick 162a. It may be that the interior wall of the cavity 502 defines the wall of that flow passage. However it will be recognised that the shape of the absorbent body and the cavity may vary significantly depending on the geometry of the smoking substitute apparatus or vapour generating system in which they will be located.
  • the shape and location of the cavity and absorbent body may also be adapted depending on the location of likely leakage points. For example, it may be that two cavities and absorbent bodies are needed, to catch leaks from the tank/wick interfaces.
  • the cavity 502 may be filled in at least one dimension by the absorbent body 500. This can act to encourage or even force expansion of the absorbent body 500 in the other dimensions. Most preferably, the absorbent body is sized to fill the cavity 502 in all but one direction, thus inducing maximum expansion in that direction. Suitably that direction is towards the wick 162a.
  • the cavity 502 and hence the absorbent body 500 may be provided at a location which is gravitationally below the tank 152a and/or the wick 162a when the vapour generating system of the present invention is in normal use. This means that, in normal use, leaked liquid will be carried to the absorbent body by the action of gravity, making the absorption more efficient.
  • FIG 7B there is illustrated the situation after some period of usage, and hence some leakage of liquid into the cavity 502 and thus the absorbent body 500 has occurred.
  • the level of liquid 160a in the tank 152a has reduced.
  • the absorbent body 500 has expanded (it is in its expanded form), and contacts the wick 162a. Air gap 503 has now gone, filled by the expanding absorbent body 500.
  • the absorbent body 500 contacts the wick 162a. In particular it contacts the wick at is two longitudinal ends; those ends are also in contact with the tank 152a. Accordingly, liquid 160a absorbed by the absorbent body 500 can be drawn into the wick 162a by capillary action (indicated by arrows 501), supplementing the supply of liquid 160a from the tank 152a by capillary action 401a.
  • the tank 152a provides direct liquid contact between the liquid 160a and the wick 162a. Accordingly it may be that capillary transport from the tank into and through the wick 162a encounters a lower force boundary than capillary transport from the absorbent body 500 into and through the wick 162a. This means that liquid is preferentially drawn from the tank 152a instead of from the absorbent body 500 when both routes are available (i.e. when the absorbent body 500 is in its expanded form and contacts the wick 162a).
  • the absorbent body 500 is chosen and adapted such that liquid is preferentially drawn from it, rather than from the tank 152a, when both routes are available.
  • the capillary supply 501 from the absorbent body 500 may be the sole source of liquid 160a for the wick 162a.
  • the present invention also relates to the use of a vapour generating system as described herein.
  • a use may comprise an initial operation mode, which occurs for example when the system is first engaged/used, and a subsequent operation mode, which occurs for example after the system has been in use for some time (not necessarily in a single session also including the initial operation mode).
  • the reservoir retains the vaporisable liquid and the wick absorbs vaporisable liquid from the reservoir, and the heater vaporises the vaporisable liquid absorbed by the wick, the expandable absorbent body being separated from the wick via said air gap.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de génération de vapeur destiné à être utilisé dans un appareil de substitution pour fumeur, le système comprenant : un réservoir (152a) conçu pour contenir un liquide vaporisable (160a) ; une mèche (162a) en contact avec le réservoir (152a), la mèche (162a) étant conçue pour absorber le liquide vaporisable (160a) à partir du réservoir (152a) ; un dispositif de chauffage relié à la mèche (162a) et conçu pour vaporiser le liquide vaporisable (160a) absorbé par la mèche (162a) ; et un corps absorbant expansible (500) qui, dans sa forme non expansée, est séparé de la mèche (162a) via un espace d'air (503) et le corps absorbant extensible (500), dans sa forme expansée, est conçu pour entrer en contact avec la mèche (162a).
PCT/EP2022/086336 2021-12-16 2022-12-16 Système de génération de vapeur WO2023111260A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21215291.2A EP4197360A1 (fr) 2021-12-16 2021-12-16 Système de génération de vapeur
EP21215291.2 2021-12-16

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WO2023111260A1 true WO2023111260A1 (fr) 2023-06-22

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170367403A1 (en) * 2016-06-24 2017-12-28 Altria Client Servcies LLC E-vaping device cartridge with superabsorbent polymer
WO2019193311A1 (fr) * 2018-04-04 2019-10-10 Nicoventures Trading Limited Systèmes de fourniture de vapeur
CN210382628U (zh) * 2019-07-25 2020-04-24 湖南中烟工业有限责任公司 电子烟雾化器及雾化芯

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170367403A1 (en) * 2016-06-24 2017-12-28 Altria Client Servcies LLC E-vaping device cartridge with superabsorbent polymer
WO2019193311A1 (fr) * 2018-04-04 2019-10-10 Nicoventures Trading Limited Systèmes de fourniture de vapeur
CN210382628U (zh) * 2019-07-25 2020-04-24 湖南中烟工业有限责任公司 电子烟雾化器及雾化芯

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