RU2804621C2 - Aerosol generating system and aerosol generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating.

SUBSTANCE: aerosol generating system comprises a first component comprising a first fluid channel. The system also includes a first airflow passage and a reservoir holding an aerosol generating substrate. The first fluid channel is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The system also includes a second component containing a second fluid channel and a second air flow passage. The system also includes a connection connecting the first component to the second component in a rotatable manner. Rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner relative to each other connects the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connects the first air flow passage to the second air flow passage. The system also comprises a destructible element connected to the first component and the second component, whereas the rotation of the first component and the second component relative to each other destroys the destructible element.

EFFECT: increased reliability of the aerosol generating system.

14 cl, 9 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating systems, in particular to aerosol generating systems that produce an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically heated smoking system that generates an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Electrically heated smoking systems are available in different forms. One popular type of electrically heated smoking system is the electronic cigarette, which vaporizes a liquid aerosol substrate or other condensed form of an aerosol substrate to generate an aerosol.

WO2015/117702A describes an aerosol generating system in which a liquid substrate is heated to generate an aerosol. Heating is performed using a grid of filaments. Liquid is transferred to the mesh from the liquid reservoir by means of capillary material on one side of the mesh. On the other side of the mesh there is a channel for air flow. The evaporated liquid substrate, forming an aerosol, passes through the mesh into the air flow channel. The mesh along with the capillary material is used to prevent liquid droplets from passing into the air flow channel.

However, in some circumstances, the liquid substrate may condense or leak and, as a result, may enter the air flow channel and potentially be sucked through it. This may cause the user to experience decreased sensation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising:

a first component comprising a first fluid passage and a first air flow passage;

a second component comprising a second fluid passage and a second air flow passage; And

a connection rotatably connecting the first component to the second component. Advantageously, rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner with respect to each other connects the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connects the first air flow passage to the second air flow passage.

Optionally, the system further comprises a destructible element coupled to the first component and the second component, wherein rotation of the first component and the second component relative to each other destroys the destructible element.

Additionally or alternatively, the first component optionally further comprises a first air inlet and a first air outlet, a first air flow passage extending therebetween, and a reservoir holding the aerosol generating substrate, wherein the first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the reservoir . Additionally or alternatively, the second component optionally further comprises a second air inlet and a second air outlet, a second air flow passage extending therebetween, and an aerosol generating element connected to the second fluid passage. Advantageously, the connection of the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage connects the second air outlet to the first air inlet to form an extended air flow passage between the second air inlet and the first air outlet, and the connection of the first air outlet a fluid with a second fluid passage allows the aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating element via the first and second fluid passages to generate an aerosol carried into the extended air flow passage.

As a further option, rotating by connecting the first component and the second component from the second corner to the first corner with respect to each other disconnects the second air outlet from the first air inlet, and thereby prevents air flow between the second air inlet and the first an air outlet, and disconnects the first fluid passage from the second fluid passage, and thereby prevents fluid communication between the aerosol generating element and the reservoir.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating element optionally includes a heating element. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element is not necessarily liquid permeable. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element includes a mesh. Optionally, the mesh is formed from wire having a diameter of from about 10 μm to 100 μm. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate optionally contains nicotine. Additionally or alternatively, the second component optionally includes an inner casing containing the aerosol generating element. Additionally or alternatively, the second component optionally further comprises a chamber, wherein one side of the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage and the opposite side of the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with the chamber. Optionally, the second component further comprises a gas-permeable element. As a further embodiment, one side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication with the chamber, and the opposite side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication with the second air flow passage. As yet another further embodiment, the inner casing further includes a lid, wherein the gas-permeable element is located between the lid or the aerosol generating element.

Additionally or alternatively, the first angle is optionally approximately 180 ^° relative to the second angle.

Additionally or alternatively, the system optionally further comprises a device portion comprising a power supply and control circuitry coupled to the power supply, the device portion being coupled to the second component.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

providing a first component comprising a first fluid passage and a first air flow passage;

providing a second component comprising a second fluid passage and a second passage for air flow;

providing a connection rotatably connecting the first component to the second component; And

rotating by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner relative to each other, connecting the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connecting the first air flow passage to the second air flow passage.

The present systems and methods may include any suitable combination of additional features and configurations. For example, if a gas-permeable element is provided, it may optionally comprise a mesh. The mesh may advantageously be formed from an anti-corrosion material such as stainless steel. The mesh may be coated with a material that increases the hydrophobicity or oleophobicity of the mesh. For example, nanocoatings of silicon carbide, silicon oxide, fluoropolymers, titanium oxide, or aluminum oxide can be applied to the mesh or filaments before forming the mesh of filaments using liquid phase deposition, vapor deposition, or plasma-thermal evaporation.

If the gas-permeable element comprises a mesh formed from a plurality of threads, the threads may be arranged in a square weave such that the angle between the threads in contact with each other is approximately 90 ^° . However, other angles can be used between threads in contact with each other. Preferably, the angle between the threads in contact with each other is from 30 ^o to 90 ^o . The plurality of threads may comprise woven or non-woven material.

The aerosol generating system may include a reservoir (substrate chamber) for holding the aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid at room temperature. In this case, the reservoir can be described as a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in another condensed form, such as a solid at room temperature, or may be in another condensed form, such as a gel at room temperature, or may be in another condensed form, such as a liquid at room temperature. An aerosol generating element may be provided at least partially between the reservoir and the air flow passage.

The aerosol generating element may include a heating element. When the aerosol-forming substrate is heated, volatile compounds may be released as vapor from the aerosol-forming substrate. The vapor may then be cooled in the air flow (eg, in an extended air flow passage) to form an aerosol.

The heating element may be configured to operate by resistive heating. In other words, the heating element may be configured to generate heat when an electric current passes through the heating element.

The heating element may be configured to operate by induction heating. In other words, the heating element may contain a pantograph (susceptor), which during operation is heated by eddy currents induced in the pantograph (susceptor). Hysteresis losses can also contribute to induction heating.

The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by conduction. The heating element may be in fluid communication, for example in direct or indirect contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heating element may be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the reservoir. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate by convection. In particular, the heating element may be configured to heat a stream of air which then passes through or past the aerosol-forming substrate.

The heating element may be liquid permeable (fluid permeable). In particular, the heating element may allow steam to pass from the aerosol-forming substrate through the heating element into the extended air flow passage. The heating element may be located between the reservoir and the extended air flow passage, or between a channel connected to the reservoir and the extended air flow passage, or between one or more transport media (such as capillary material) and the extended air flow passage. The heating element may separate the reservoir from the extended air flow passage, or may separate the passage from the extended air flow passage, or may separate said one or more transport media from the extended air flow passage. One side of the heating element may be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the aerosol generating substrate, and the opposite side of the heating element may be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with extended passage for air flow.

In some embodiments, the heating element is generally a flat, fluid-permeable heating element, such as a mesh, perforated plate, or perforated foil.

The heating element may comprise a mesh formed from a plurality of electrically conductive filaments. The electrically conductive threads may form spaces between the threads, and these spaces may have a width of from 10 μm to 100 μm. Preferably, the filaments create a capillary effect in the interstices such that, in use, a liquid substrate forming an aerosol to be evaporated is drawn into the interstices, increasing the contact area between the heater assembly and the liquid.

The electrically conductive threads can form a mesh ranging from 160 to 600 mesh (+/-10%) US standard (i.e. 160 to 600 threads per inch (+/-10%)). The width of the spaces is preferably from 75 μm to 25 μm. The percentage of open area of the mesh, which is the ratio of the area of the interstices to the total area of the mesh, is preferably from 25 to 56%. The mesh can be formed using different types of woven or lattice structures. Alternatively, the electrically conductive filaments consist of a matrix of filaments arranged parallel to each other.

The electrically conductive threads may have a diameter of from 8 μm to 100 μm, preferably from 8 μm to 50 μm, and more preferably from 8 μm to 39 μm.

The area of the mesh, matrix or woven material of electrically conductive threads may be small, preferably less than or equal to 25 mm ² , allowing it to be incorporated into a hand-held system. The mesh, matrix or woven material of electrically conductive threads may have, for example, a rectangular shape and dimensions of 5 mm by 2 mm.

The electrically conductive threads may comprise any suitable electrically conductive material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese - and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, alloys based on iron and aluminum, as well as alloys based on iron, manganese and aluminum. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation. The threads may be coated with one or more insulating materials. The preferred materials for electrically conductive filaments are 304, 316, 304L and 316L stainless steel and graphite.

The electrical resistance of the mesh, matrix or woven material of electrically conductive filaments of the heating element is preferably from 0.3 to 4 ohms. More preferably, the electrical resistance of the mesh, matrix, or woven material of electrically conductive filaments is from 0.5 to 3 ohms, and more preferably about 1 ohm.

The system may include electrical contacts attached to the heating element. Electrical current may be passed into and out of the heating element through electrical contacts, for example from a device-like portion to which the first component and/or the second component can be releasably connected. The electrical resistance of the mesh, matrix or woven material of electrically conductive filaments is preferably at least an order of magnitude, and more preferably at least two orders of magnitude, greater than the electrical resistance of the electrical contacts. This ensures that heat is generated by the heating element rather than by electrical contacts.

The aerosol generating element may atomize the aerosol-generating substrate by a method other than heating. For example, the aerosol generating element may comprise a vibrating membrane or may force the aerosol-generating substrate through a fine mesh.

The reservoir (chamber for the aerosol-forming substrate) may contain or be connected to a capillary material or other liquid-retaining material configured to supply the aerosol-forming substrate to a heating element or other aerosol-generating element.

The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or filaments or other tubes with narrow channels. The fibers or filaments may be generally aligned to transfer fluid to a heater or other aerosol generating element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of capillary material forms many small channels or tubes through which liquid can be moved by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam material, ceramic or graphite based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic material, fiber material, for example made from twisted or extruded fibers such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene , terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics.

The capillary material may be in fluid communication, for example in direct or indirect contact with the electrically conductive filaments of the heating element. The capillary material can extend into the spaces between the threads. The heating element can draw the liquid substrate, which forms an aerosol, into the interstices by capillary action.

The first component and/or the second component may independently contain one or more capillary materials, or may contain two or more different capillary materials (two or more transport media). As one embodiment, the first capillary material in contact with the heating element has a higher thermal decomposition temperature, and the second capillary material in contact with the first capillary material, but not in contact with the heating element, has a lower thermal decomposition temperature . The first capillary material effectively acts as a separator separating the heating element from the second capillary material such that the second capillary material is not exposed to temperatures above its thermal decomposition temperature. As used herein, “thermal decomposition temperature” means the temperature at which a material begins to decompose and lose mass by generating gaseous by-products. The second capillary material may advantageously occupy a larger volume than the first capillary material and may hold a greater amount of aerosol-forming substrate than the first capillary material. The second capillary material may have better capillary properties than the first capillary material. The second capillary material may be less expensive or have a higher fill rate than the first capillary material. The second capillary material may be polypropylene.

The aerosol generating system may include an interior housing portion that retains the heater. The inner portion of the housing may fit into the outer portion of the housing. The first and/or second components of the systems described herein may comprise or form any suitable combination of internal housing and external housing elements. The outer portion of the housing may include a mouthpiece through which the user puffs to draw air through an extended air flow passage, such as from the first air inlet to the second air outlet. The gas-permeable element, if provided, may be located on the inside of the housing. Optionally, a gas-permeable element may be located between the chamber (which may be provided between the reservoir and the heater) and the second air flow path. The gas permeable member may separate the chamber from the air flow path. One side of the gas-permeable element may be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the chamber, and the opposite side of the gas-permeable element may be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the air flow passage. The gas-permeable member may be attached to the interior of the housing by clamping. For example, the gas-permeable member may be sandwiched between two housing portions. The gas-permeable element can be attached to the inside of the casing by multi-layer casting. In other words, a portion of the interior of the housing may be molded around the gas permeable member.

The aerosol generating system may have one or more outer housing portions, and may in fact comprise two or more outer housing portions or three or more outer housing portions. The outer portions of the housing may be designed to be held by a user in one hand and may be connected to each other. The outer portion(s) of the housing may be formed from plastic material, metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

The aerosol generating system may be refilled with an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid at room temperature. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel or may be a solid at room temperature. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the form of a capsule or tablet, or may be provided in particulate form.

An aerosol-forming substrate is or includes a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the substrate to form an aerosol.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming substance. An aerosol forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents and water.

The system may further comprise electrical circuitry coupled to an aerosol generating element, such as a heater element, and a power supply. For example, the electrical circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element or one or more filaments of the heating element and control the supply of power to the heating element from the power source depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element or, in particular, the electrical resistance of the one or more filaments. Optionally, the electrical circuitry and power supply may be located in a device-like portion to which the first component and/or the second component can be removably connected.

The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The electrical circuit may contain additional electronic components. The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power to the heating element or other aerosol generating component. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the system, or may be supplied intermittently, such as from puff to puff. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current.

The system may be an electric smoking system. The system may be a hand held aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system can be of a size comparable to that of a conventional cigar or cigarette. The smoking system may have an overall length of from about 30 mm to about 150 mm. The smoking system may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

The system advantageously includes a power supply, typically a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery, in the main body of the first component and/or the second component or in a device-like portion that can be coupled to the main body of the first component and/or the second component. Alternatively, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity to store enough energy for one or more smoking sessions. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to the typical time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or individual activations of the heater to occur.

The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge and a device part, the cartridge being coupled to the device part in use. The cartridge may include first and second components, an aerosol-generating substrate, and a heating element or other aerosol-generating element. The device portion may include a power supply and a control circuit coupled to the power supply. The device portion is connected to the cartridge to allow power to be supplied from the power supply to the aerosol generating element.

The cartridge may include a second air outlet. The cartridge may include a reservoir that holds the aerosol-generating substrate in condensed form. The cartridge may include a liquid-permeable heating element. The cartridge may contain a gas-permeable element, if provided. The cartridge may contain a camera, if provided. The cartridge may comprise an inner housing portion and an outer housing portion, which may be provided as any suitable combination of elements of the first and/or second components. The device portion may include a device housing that engages an interior portion of the housing, or an exterior portion of the housing, or both. The air flow passage may pass through the cartridge and the device portion, or may pass through only the cartridge portion.

The electrical contacts may be located in the cartridge and may be in contact with corresponding electrical contacts on the device portion.

The configurations presented in this document provide a number of advantages. In particular, the present configurations can reduce leakage of liquid from an aerosol generating system or from a cartridge in an aerosol generating system. Providing a connection that allows the fluid passages to connect and disconnect with each other and that allows the air flow passages to connect and disconnect with each other advantageously prevents the aerosol generating substrate from leaking in condensed form into the air flow passage or out of the device. The subject matter of the invention disclosed herein also provides a system that is reliable and easy to manufacture.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1A is a schematic illustration of a system in a first position according to the present invention;

in fig. 1B is a schematic representation of the system shown in FIG. 1A, in the second position;

in fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating system in a first position according to the present invention;

in fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 2A, in the second position;

in fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cartridge in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention;

in fig. 3B is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A, during rotation to the second position;

in fig. 4 is an exploded view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B;

in fig. 5A-5B are end and side views, respectively, of the first cartridge component shown in FIG. 3A-3B;

in fig. 6A-6B are end and side views, respectively, of the second cartridge component shown in FIG. 3A-3B;

in fig. 7A is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the first position;

in fig. 7B is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the second position;

in fig. 8A is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the first position;

in fig. 8B is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the second position; And

in fig. 9 illustrates the flow of operations in the aerosol generating method in accordance with the present invention.

Leak-proof systems, cartridges, and methods are provided herein.

For example, in FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a system in a first position according to the present invention. In fig. 1B is a schematic representation of the system shown in FIG. 1A, in the second position. System 1 shown in FIG. 1A-1B, contains a first component 2 containing a first fluid passage 4 and a first air flow passage 5; a second component 3 comprising a second fluid passage 6 and a second passage 7 for air flow; and a connection J rotatably connecting the first component 2 to the second component 3. Advantageously, rotation by connection J of the first component 2 and the second component 3 from the first corner (eg, shown in FIG. 1A) to the second corner (eg, shown in FIG. 1B) relative to each other connects the first fluid channel 4 to the second channel 6 for fluid and connects the first passage 5 for air flow with the second passage 7 for air flow. Optionally, system 1 further includes a frangible element T coupled to the first component 2 and the second component 3, wherein rotation of the first component 2 and the second component 3 relative to each other destroys the frangible element T. In the non-limiting configuration depicted in FIG. 1A, the system 1 includes a plurality of frangible elements T. Each frangible element(s) T may include a tongue connecting the first component 2 to the second component 3 at a first angle, and this tongue may be broken due to torsion of the first component 2 relative to the second component 3, for example manually by the user.

In fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating system 100 in a first position in accordance with the present invention. In fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of the aerosol generating system shown in FIG. 2A, in the second position. The aerosol generating system is a hand held smoking system configured to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. In particular, the system shown in FIG. 2A-2B is a smoking system that generates an aerosol containing nicotine and flavor compounds.

The system 100 shown in FIG. 2A-2B, includes a first component 30 comprising a first fluid passage 37 and a first air flow passage 34; a second component 20 comprising a second fluid passage 22 and a second air flow passage 24; and a connection 40 rotatably connecting the first component 30 to the second component 20. Advantageously, rotation by connection 40 of the first component 30 and the second component 20 from a first corner (eg, shown in FIG. 2A) to a second corner (eg, shown in FIG. 2B) with respect to each other connects the first fluid channel 37 to the second channel 22 for fluid and connects the first air flow passage 34 with the second air flow passage 24.

More specifically, the system 100 shown in FIG. 2A-2B, contains two parts: a device part 10 and a cartridge 50. In use, the cartridge 50 is attached to the device part 10. Cartridge 50 includes a first component 30 and a second component 20. In one exemplary configuration, the second component 20 may be releasably coupled to the device portion 10 and the first component 30 is rotatably coupled to the second component 20 via a connection 40.

In the first position (at the first angle) of such a rotary connection, as shown in FIG. 2A, the air flow passage of the first component 30 is disconnected from the air flow passage of the second component 20 to prevent air flow between the first and second components. Additionally, at a first angle of such rotary connection, the fluid passage of the first component 30 is disconnected from the fluid passage of the second component 20 to prevent fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact, between the aerosol generating substrate in the reservoir of the first component 30 and the generating element. aerosol, in the second component 20. As such, the first position can be considered to "seal" the air flow passages from each other and from the fluid passages, and may also be considered to "seal" the fluid passages and thus prevent leakage of the substrate generating aerosol out of the device and/or into air flow passages. As one option, the system 100 may be purchased by the user in a first position (at a first angle).

In the second position (at the second angle) of such a rotary connection, as shown in FIG. 2B, the air flow passage of the first component 30 is connected to the air flow passage of the second component 20 to form an extended air flow passage. Additionally, at a second angle of such a rotary connection, the fluid channel of the first component 30 is connected to the fluid channel of the second component 20, and thus the aerosol generating substrate in the reservoir of the first component 30 can be in fluid communication, for example in direct or indirect contact with the aerosol generating element in the second component 20. As one option, the user may manually move the system 100 to a second position (at a second angle), which may be considered to correspond to the "on" position.

The device portion 10 includes a device housing 11 holding a rechargeable battery 12 and an electrical control circuit 13 . The rechargeable battery 12 is a lithium iron phosphate battery. The control circuit 13 contains a programmable microprocessor and an air flow sensor. Optionally, the device part 10 includes an air inlet 15 for the device part, an air outlet 16 for the device part, and an air flow passage 14 therebetween for the air flow of the device part.

The first component 30 includes a first air inlet 35, a first air outlet 36, a first air flow passage 34 extending therebetween, a reservoir 33 holding the aerosol generating substrate, and an optional first fluid passage 37 coupled to the reservoir 33 The second component 20 includes a second air inlet 25, a second air outlet 26, a second air flow passage 24 extending therebetween, a second fluid passage 22 (which may contain or consist of one or more transport media), and an element 23, generating an aerosol, connected to the second channel 22 for the fluid. System 100 (or a portion thereof, such as cartridge 50) may further include a connection 40 rotatably connecting the first component 30 to the second component 20. For example, the connection 40 may include a hinge 41 about which the first component 30 and the second component 20 can rotate relative to each other, for example due to manual manipulation by the user. As one example, the hinge 41 may include an extension (such as an axle) and a bearing that is coupled to the first component 30 or the second component 20 and rests on and rotates about the extension. Optionally, the first component 30 may include one or more elements, such as recesses or projections, that engage one or more elements of the second component 20, such as projections or recesses, respectively, to releasably secure the relative positions of the first and second components or under the first or the second angle prior to the user's deliberate manipulation of the joint to change the relative positions of the first and second components to the other of the first or second angle.

Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 may optionally include a frangible element coupled to the first component 30 and the second component 20, wherein rotation of the first component and the second component relative to each other destroys the frangible element. For example, similar to what is described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B, a breakable element of the system 100 may include one or a plurality of breakable elements T that can prevent the first component 30 from being inadvertently rotated relative to the second component 20 until forced manually by the user by rotating the first component 30 relative to the second component 20.

As shown in FIG. 2A, when the first and second components 30, 20 are at a first angle with respect to each other, the second air outlet 26 is disconnected from the first air inlet 35 to prevent air flow between the second air inlet 25 and the first air outlet 36 . As also shown in FIG. 2A, when the first and second components 30, 20 are at a first angle relative to each other, the first fluid passage 37 is disconnected from the second fluid passage 22 to prevent fluid communication between the aerosol generating element and the reservoir, such as that the aerosol generating substrate cannot flow from the reservoir 33 to be in fluid communication, for example in direct or indirect contact with the aerosol generating element 32.

As shown in FIG. 2B, rotation by connection 40 of the first and second components 30, 20 from the first corner to the second corner with respect to each other connects the second air outlet 26 to the first air inlet 35 to form an extended air flow passage between the second air inlet 25 and a first air outlet 36. Optionally, connection 40 includes an aligned air flow passage 42 that is connected at a second angle to the second air outlet 26 and the first air inlet 35, thereby allowing air to flow therebetween; the combined air flow passage 42, if present, may form part of an extended air flow passage. As also shown in FIG. 2B, rotation by connection 40 of the first and second components 30, 20 from the first corner to the second corner with respect to each other also connects the first fluid channel 37 to the second fluid channel 22 so that the aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir 33 can be in fluid communication, for example, in direct or indirect contact with the aerosol generating element 32 through the first and second aerosol generating fluid passages 37, 22 (carried into the extended air flow passage 24, 42, 34). Optionally, connection 40 includes an integral fluid passage 43 that is connected at a second angle to the second fluid passage 22 and the first fluid passage 37, thereby allowing the aerosol generating substrate to flow therebetween; the combined fluid passage 43, if present, may form part of the extended fluid passage.

When the first and second components 30, 20 are at a second angle relative to each other, as shown in FIG. 2B, the system 100 may be considered "on" because the aerosol generating substrate may flow from the reservoir 33 of the first component 30 to be in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the heater 23 of the second component 20, where the substrate may be heated. to form vapor, and air may flow from the second component 20 into the first component 30, entraining that vapor which at least partially condenses to form an aerosol and carrying the aerosol into the user's mouth through the first air outlet 36 (located in the mouthpiece of the system 100 ). Additionally, when the first and second components 30, 20 are at a first angle relative to each other, the system 100 may be considered "off" by preventing fluid communication between the aerosol generating substrate in the reservoir 33 of the first component 30 and the heater 23 of the second component 20 ; thus preventing the aerosol generated from this substrate from being transferred into the user's mouth. In addition, in the "off" state, the reservoir may not necessarily be sealed, thereby preventing the aerosol-generating substrate from leaking into the air flow passage(s). Optionally, system 100 may default (eg, upon purchase) to an "off" position, and may be rotated to an "on" position by the user. As an additional option, after being rotated to the "on" position, the system 100 can be rotated by the user again to the "off" position. Alternatively, after being rotated to the "on" position, the system 100 prevents the user from rotating again to the "off" position and thus remains in the "on" position for the remainder of its normal use. For example, the first component may optionally include one or more projections that securely engage one or more recesses of the second component at a second angle, or optionally the second component may include one or more projections that securely engage one or more recesses of the first component at a second angle. a second angle to prevent further rotation of the first and second components relative to each other even if the user manually applies significant torsional forces to the first and second components.

In one exemplary configuration, the first angle is approximately 180 degrees relative to the second angle. In another exemplary configuration, the first angle is approximately 90 degrees relative to the second angle. However, it should be understood that the first angle may be any suitable number of degrees relative to the second angle, such as from about 10 degrees to about 180 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 150 degrees, or from about 45 degrees to about 120 degrees, or from about 60 degrees to about 90 degrees, or from about 60 degrees to about 180 degrees, or from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. Additionally, it should be noted that throughout the present description, reference to angles or positions as “first” or “second” is arbitrary. For example, the configuration shown in FIG. 2A can be equivalently considered to be in a second position (second angle), and the configuration shown in FIG. 2B may be equivalently considered to be in a first position (at a first angle).

In the cartridge 50, the second component 20 includes a second housing 21 removably attached to the device housing 11, for example, using a snap connection. The second housing 21 holds an aerosol generating element 23, which in one configuration constitutes or contains a heating element. The heating element may, for example, be or comprise a resistive heating element. Power may be supplied to the aerosol generating element 23 (eg, a heating element) from the battery 12 under the control of the control circuit 13. Such power may be conducted from battery 12 to aerosol generating element 23 through any combination of conductive materials, such as metal(s).

In the cartridge 50, the first component 30 includes a first housing 31 that is rotatably attached to the second housing 21 via a connection 40. The first housing 31 holds the aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form in a reservoir 33 (substrate chamber). In some configurations, the reservoir 33 is defined by a side wall 32 and a first housing 31 and is fluidly coupled to the aerosol generating element 23 via a first fluid passage 37, an optionally associated fluid passage 43, and a second fluid passage 22 that may contain or consist of a channel and/or one or more transport media (such as one or more capillary materials). In this example, the aerosolizing substrate is a mixture that is liquid at room temperature and contains nicotine, flavorings, an aerosolizing agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and water. However, it should be understood that any other condensed form of aerosol-forming substrate may be used suitably. In some configurations, one or more transport media, such as one or more capillary materials, may be provided in the reservoir 33 and may be positioned to facilitate delivery of the aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating element 23 through the first fluid channel 37 medium, the combined fluid passage 43 and the second fluid channel 22, regardless of the orientation of the system 100 relative to gravity.

An extended air flow passage comprising elements 14, 24, 34 (optionally including an associated air flow passage 42) is provided through the system 100, for example when the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20, as shown. in fig. 2B. In this example, the portion containing the extended air flow passage members 24, 42, 34 extends through the cartridge 50, and the extended air flow passage portion 14 passes through the device-like portion 10. An air flow sensor included in the control circuit 13 is arranged to detect air flow through the air flow passage portion 14 of the device 10. The air flow passage of the system 100 extends from the air inlet 15 to the first air outlet 36. In the device part 10, the device part air flow passage 14 extends from the device part air inlet 15 to the device part air outlet 16, for example, when the first component 30 is at or approximately the second angle relative to the second component 20. In the second part 20, the second air flow passage 24 extends from the second air inlet 25 to the second air outlet 26, and the second air inlet 25 receives air from the air outlet 16 of the device 10 regardless of angle between the first part 30 and the second part 20. In the first part 30, the first air flow passage 34 extends from the first air inlet 35 to the first air outlet 36, and the first air inlet 35 receives air from the second outlet 26 for air when the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20. The first air outlet 36 is the tip end of the cartridge 50, which also forms the tip end of the first component 30. When the user takes a puff through the tip end of the cartridge 50 and when the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20, air is drawn from the air inlet 15 through the extended air flow passage containing the elements 14, 24, 42, 34 into the first air outlet 36 . By comparison, when a user draws from the mouth end of the cartridge 50, if the first component 30 is at or approximately a first angle relative to the second component 20, as shown in FIG. 2A, air can only be drawn in from the first air flow passage 34 due to the gap created in the extended air flow passage containing the elements 14, 24, 42, 34 due to the connection 40 being at the first angle.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2A-2B, the aerosol generating element 23 is typically planar and located between the second fluid passage 22 and the second air flow passage 24. The aerosol generating element 23 may be positioned substantially parallel to the second air flow passage 24. In operation of one exemplary configuration, aerosol generating element 23 vaporizes, for example by heating, the aerosol-forming substrate to produce steam. Steam may pass through an aerosol generating element 23, such as a mesh heating element, into an extended air flow passage containing elements 24, 42, 34 when the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20. The vapor is entrained by the air. flowing through the extended air flow passage and is cooled to form an aerosol before leaving the system through the first air outlet 36.

The system 100, in this example consisting of a device part 10 and a cartridge 50, is elongated and has a length significantly greater than its width or thickness. The mouthpiece end is located at one end of the length of the system 100, for example may be located at the end containing the first air outlet 36. This shape allows the user to comfortably hold the system 100 in one hand when using the system. The length of the system 100 can be said to extend in the longitudinal direction. When the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20, as shown in FIG. 2B, an extended air flow passage containing elements 14, 24, 42, 34 extends longitudinally beyond the aerosol generating element 23. However, the extended air flow passage comprising elements 14, 24, 42, 34 is not necessarily linear, but may instead comprise one or more segments located at an angle other than 180 degrees with respect to one or more other segments. A non-limiting example of such a non-linear arrangement is described below with reference to FIG. 3A-8B. The aerosol generating element 23 may be generally flat and may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generating element 23 may also be elongated, its length extending in the longitudinal direction. This arrangement provides the ability to accommodate a heating element with a relatively large surface area in a thin, easy-to-hold system.

In operation, the aerosol generating element 23 may be activated by the control circuit 13 only during the user's puffs, or may be activated continuously after the system 100 is turned on, for example by a switch in the portion 10 as a device operatively coupled to the control circuit 13. In the first case, the user's puffs are detected when the flow sensor (not specifically depicted part of the control circuit 13) detects air flow through the air flow passage 14 of the device part with an air flow rate above a threshold value. In response to the output of the flow sensor, the control circuit 13 supplies power to the aerosol generating element 23. Power to the aerosol generating element 23 may be provided for a predetermined period of time upon detection of a user's puff or may be controlled until a shutdown condition is satisfied based on signals from the flow sensor and/or based on other inputs received from the control circuit 13 such as as indicators of the temperature or resistance of the aerosol generating element 23. In one example, 6 watts of power is applied to the aerosol generating element 23 for 3 seconds after detection of a user's puff. When power is supplied to the aerosol generating element 23, it heats up. When it is heated sufficiently, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the vicinity of the aerosol-generating element 23 evaporates and enters the second air flow passage 24.

In the second case, power is continuously supplied by control circuit 13 to aerosol generating element 23 during operation after activation of system 100. Activation may be based on user input to the system, such as pressing a button or otherwise activating a switch in operative communication with circuit 13 management. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating element 23 is supplied with 3.3 watts of power upon activation, regardless of the user's puffs. This may also be adjusted based on other inputs to the control circuit 13, such as measured temperature or resistance of the aerosol generating element 23. The system can be turned off after a specified time has elapsed after activation or based on additional user input.

Another alternative could be a hybrid power delivery scheme that delivers 3.3 watts of power between user puffs, but delivers 7 watts of power for 2 seconds after each user puff is detected. This may result in a larger volume of aerosol generated.

When the first component 30 is at or approximately a second angle relative to the second component 20, the generated vapor passes through the aerosol generating element 23, from which the vapor is entrained by the air flow through the second air flow passage 24, and from there into an optional combined flow passage 42 air and the first passage 34 for air flow. In the extended air flow passage, the vapor is cooled, partially or completely forming an aerosol. The aerosol passes through the air outlet 36 and into the mouth of the user.

In configurations containing capillary material or other transport media within or as a second fluid channel 22, the condensed form of the aerosol generating substrate (eg, liquid or gel) evaporated by the aerosol generating element 23 leaves the capillary material. This condensed form (eg liquid or gel) is replaced by the condensed form (eg liquid or gel) still remaining in the reservoir so that in the vicinity of the aerosol generating element 23 there is a condensed form (eg liquid or gel) ready for the next user tightening. It should be understood that when the first component 30 is at or approximately a first angle relative to the second component 20, the aerosol generating substrate may remain in the fluid channel (eg, capillary material) even when additional fluid is prevented from flowing from the reservoir 33 into the second fluid channel 22 at a first angle.

It is possible that the user's puffs do not draw all of the vaporized substrate from the system 100 to form an aerosol. In this case, the aerosol-forming substrate may condense to form large droplets in the air flow passage 24. Some liquid may pass through the aerosol generating element 23 without evaporation, both during use and between uses of the system. Optionally, a gas permeable member may be provided to prevent the condensed form of the aerosol generating substrate from moving into the air flow passage 24 so that large droplets or large amounts of the condensed form of the aerosol generating substrate cannot be drawn into the user's mouth through the extended air flow passage. , thus improving the user experience. A non-limiting example of such a gas-permeable element may be provided elsewhere herein.

In fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cartridge in a first position according to an embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 3B is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A, while turning to the second position. In fig. 4 is an exploded view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B. In fig. 5A-5B are end and side views, respectively, of the first cartridge component shown in FIG. 3A-3B. In fig. 6A-6B are end and side views of the second cartridge component shown in FIG. 3A-3B. In fig. 7A is a plan view of selected components of a system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the first position. In fig. 7B is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the second position. In fig. 8A is a plan view of selected components of a system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the first position. In fig. 8B is a plan view of selected components of the system containing the cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-3B, in the second position.

The cartridge 250 shown in FIG. 3A-8B, includes a first component 230, a second component 220, and a connection 240. The second component 220 may be removably coupled to a device portion 210, which may be configured similarly to the device portion 10 described above with reference to FIG. 2A-2B. The second component 220 and the first component 230 are rotatable relative to each other via connection 240 in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 2A-2B. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the first component 230 and the second component 220 can be rotated relative to each other by the connection 240 using a twisting motion, such as by manual manipulation by a user.

The first component 230 includes a first fluid passage 343 and a first air flow passage 234, and the second component 220 includes a second fluid passage 543 and a second air flow passage 224. Advantageously, rotation by connection 240 of the first component 230 and the second component 220 from a first corner (first position) (eg, shown in FIGS. 7A and 8A) to a second corner (second position) (eg, shown in FIG. 2B) with respect to each other connects the first fluid passage 343 to the second fluid passage 543 and connects the first air flow passage 234 to the second air flow passage 224. An optional frangible element (e.g., one or a plurality of frangible elements T, such as those described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B) may be coupled to the first component 230 and the second component 220 to prevent the first and second components from inadvertently rotating from the first angle relative to each other. , and deliberate rotation of the first component and the second component relative to each other may destroy the destructible element(s).

The second component 220 includes an outer casing 221 and an inner casing 237. The inner casing 237 securely engages with the outer casing 221, such as in a snap joint or other suitable connection, preventing the inner casing 237 from being separated from the outer casing 221 during normal use.

In the second component 220, an inner casing 237 holds first and second capillary materials (two or more transport media) 331, 332, a heater assembly 333, 336, an optional gas permeable member 334, and an inner cover 335. As is particularly apparent from FIG. 7A, a second air flow path 224 may be formed through the inner casing 237. The heater assembly includes a heater mount 336 that supports a liquid-permeable heating element 333 or other suitable aerosol generating element described elsewhere herein adjacent to a second channel 224 for air flow. The inner casing 237 holds capillary materials 331, 332 in a heater fixture 336, at least one of which is in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the heating element 333. The second component 220 also includes electrical contact elements 251 extending between the mesh heating element 333 and the outer surface of the cartridge, at the device part end of the cartridge 250 (opposite the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). Electrical contact elements 251 mate with corresponding electrical contacts 252 on the system apparatus portion 210 to enable the heating element 333 to be powered by a battery (eg, battery 12) under the control of a control circuit (eg, control circuit 13). A hinge joint 226 connects the outer cover 225 to the inner casing 237, and electrical contact members 251 extend through the outer cover 225 to make electrical contact with the heater 333 via live wires 253 as shown in FIG. 7A.

An optional gas-permeable member 334 is clamped to the heater assembly in the inner casing 237 by an inner cover 335 that is fitted and engaged with the interior surface of the inner casing 237, such as in a tight fit connection or other suitable connection to prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substrate into the condensed form around the circumference of the outer side walls of the lid 335. The fixture 336 may separate the gas permeable element 334 at a distance from the mesh heating element 333, providing a cavity between the elements 333, 334 in which the condensed form of the aerosol-generating substrate, such as liquid droplets condensing, can collect in the cavity or flowing through the heating element 333. The gas-permeable element 334 may be hydrophobic and may prevent the condensed form of the aerosol-generating substrate from being transferred into the air flow passage. In one exemplary configuration, the optional gas permeable member 334 comprises a stainless steel mesh having a diameter of approximately 50 microns. The mesh holes have a diameter of approximately 100 µm. The mesh can be coated with silicon carbide.

Additionally or alternatively, the mesh of heating element 333 may also be formed of stainless steel and have a mesh size of approximately 400 US mesh (approximately 400 threads per inch). The threads may have a diameter of approximately 16 microns. The threads that form the mesh may create gaps between the threads. The spaces in this example are approximately 37 µm wide, although larger or smaller spaces could be used. The use of a mesh with these approximate dimensions allows the aerosol-forming substrate to form in the spaces of the meniscus and the mesh to draw the aerosol-forming substrate into the heater assembly by capillary action. The open area of the heating element mesh, i.e. the ratio of the area of the gaps to the total area of the mesh, is advantageously between 25 and 56%. The total electrical resistance of the heater assembly is approximately 1 ohm.

The first component 230 includes a housing 231 in which, similar to that described in FIG. 2A-2B, a reservoir 233, a first fluid passage(s) 343, and a first air flow passage(s) 234 are formed. Additionally, in the exemplary configuration depicted in FIG. 3A-8B, the first component 230 includes an axle 244 that engages a corresponding hole 245 of the second component 220 to prevent the first component 230 from separating from the second component 220 during normal use. Additionally, the axis 244 supports a connection 240 to allow rotation of the first component 230 and the second component 220 relative to each other about a longitudinal axis, such as about the axis 244, through the connection 240. However, it should be understood that such axis 244 may instead include a second component 220, and the first component 230 may instead comprise a corresponding opening 245, and that any other suitable structure or combination of structures may be provided to enable the first component 230 to be rotated relative to the second component 220 about a longitudinal axis.

The first component 230 may further comprise a tubular joint 237, a seal joint 321, and a mouthpiece cap 239 having an opening 236 formed therethrough corresponding to the first air outlet. The tubular connection 237 includes a through hole that seals the end of the first air flow channel 234 with the hole 236, and the seal connection 321 seals the mouthpiece cap 239 with the housing 231, for example, so as to enclose the reservoir 233 and prevent leakage of the aerosol generating substrate , around the circumference of the mouthpiece cover 239.

The connection 240 includes a bearing 241, a combined air flow passage 242, and one or more combined fluid passages 243 (eg, two or more combined fluid passages). The bearing 241 is configured to receive the axle 244 and allow the axle 244 to pass through it to come into contact with the hole 245 of the second component 220. The connection 240 may contain or may be formed from an elastomeric material or a combination of materials configured to provide an airtight seal for preventing the leakage of air flowing from the second component 220 into the first component 230 when the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other, and also optionally preventing the flow of air through the cartridge 250 when the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at the first angle relative to each other. Additionally or alternatively, connection 240 may be configured to provide a liquid-tight seal to prevent leakage of aerosol generating substrate flowing from the first component 230 into the second component 220 when the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other, and also optionally to prevent the aerosol generating substrate from flowing out of the cartridge 250 when the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a first angle relative to each other. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials for use in connection 240 include silicone, rubber, polyurethane, Teflon and nylon.

When the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a first angle relative to each other (as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 8A), the first air flow passage 234 is disconnected from the second air flow passage 224 and is optionally sealed with connection material 240. More specifically, the relative position of the first component 230 and the second component 220 at a first angle with respect to each other about an axis 244 physically separates (disconnects) the second air outlet 536 from the first air inlet 235 and from the combined air passage 242 and thereby impedes air flow between the second air inlet (e.g., 325, 326 and/or 337) and the first air outlet 236 such that a user's puff through the mouthpiece cap 239 does not cause air to flow through the second air flow passage 224, thus , preventing the transfer of vapor and/or aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate to the user's mouth.

When the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a first angle relative to each other (as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 8A), the first fluid channel(s) 343 are disconnected from the second fluid channel(s) 543, and they are optionally sealed by the joint material 240. More specifically, the relative position of the first component 230 and the second component 220 at a first angle with respect to each other about the axis 244 physically separates (disconnects) the first fluid channel(s) 343 from the second fluid channel(s) 543 and optionally physically separates (disconnects) the second fluid passage(s) 543 from the associated fluid passage(s) 243, thereby preventing fluid communication between the mesh heating element 333 and the reservoir 233.

When the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other (as depicted in FIGS. 7B and 8B), a combined air flow passage 242 connects the first air flow passage 234 to the second air flow passage 224 to provide an extended passage. for an air flow through which air can be drawn due to the user's draw through the mouthpiece cap 236. More specifically, in the second component 220, an opening 325 formed through the outer cap 225 and an opening 326 formed through the hinge joint 226 to provide a passage for air flow, connecting to an opening 337 formed through the inner casing 237. The opening 337 is connected to a second air flow passage 224 formed in the inner casing 237. Any of the opening 337, the opening 325 and/or the opening 326 can be considered corresponding to the second air inlet opening. The air flow passage 224 is connected to the second air outlet 536 as shown in FIG. 7B. In the first component 230, a first air outlet 235 is formed in the housing 231 and connected to the first air flow passage 234. The first air flow passage 234 is connected to a tubular connection 237 and an opening 236 providing a first air outlet in the mouthpiece. When the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other, due to the user's tightening of the mouthpiece cap 236, air flows through the holes 325, 326, 337 into the second air flow passage 224, where the air passes adjacent the heating element 333, entraining vapor of the substrate generating an aerosol into the air. Air then flows from the second air outlet 536 into the first air inlet 235 through the combined air flow passage 242 (which is surrounded by an air leakage sealing material between the second air outlet 536 and the first air inlet 235), through the first air flow passage 234, through the tubular connection 237, through the opening 236 corresponding to the first air outlet in the mouthpiece cap 239, and then into the user's mouth. The vapor entrained by the flowing air is fully or partially condensed into an aerosol in any suitable portion of the extended air flow passage formed by the elements of the cartridge 250 before entering the user's mouth.

When the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other (as depicted in FIGS. 7B and 8B), the combined fluid passage(s) 243 connects the reservoir 233 to the heating element 333 or other suitable aerosol generating element, so that the heating element 333 can vaporize the aerosol generating substrate into the air flowing through the extended air flow passage due to the user's draw through the mouthpiece cap 236. More specifically, in the first component 230, the aerosol generating substrate in the reservoir 233 flows through one or more (e.g., two or more) first fluid channels 343 into corresponding one or more (e.g., two or more) second fluid channels 543 in the second component 220 through one or more (e.g., two or more) combined channels 243 for fluid at connection 240, which is surrounded by a material providing a seal against fluid leakage between the first fluid channel(s) 343 and the second fluid channel(s) 543. After passing through the second fluid channel(s) 543, the aerosol generating substrate flows into capillary materials 331, 332 conducting the aerosol generating substrate into the heating element 333, which may also or alternatively be considered corresponding to the second fluid channel. As noted above, when the first component 230 and the second component 220 are at a second angle relative to each other, due to the user's tightening of the mouthpiece cap 236, air flows through the holes 325, 326, 337 into the second air flow passage 224, where the air passes adjacent to the heating element. element 333, causing the vapor of the aerosol-generating substrate to be entrained by the air and ultimately enter the user's mouth through the extended air flow passage as described above.

The first component 230 and/or the second component 220 may optionally include one or more interacting elements configured to prevent the first and second components from inadvertently rotating relative to each other at times when the user does not intentionally change the angle between such components. For example, the first component 230 may optionally include one or more recesses 431, and the second component 220 may optionally include one or more projections 531 engaging such recess(es) to prevent unintentional rotation of the first and second components relative to each other. It should be understood that, alternatively, the first component 230 may include similar projections and the second component 220 may include similar recesses engaging such projections to prevent unintentional rotation of the first and second components relative to each other. Optionally, such protrusion(s) and recesses may engage each other strongly enough to resist even strong attempts by the user to twist the first component 230 and the second component 220 relative to each other, and thus effectively lock the system at a second angle during normal use.

Additionally or alternatively, the second component 220 and/or the first component 230 may optionally include one or more recesses or projections configured to facilitate rotation of the first and second components relative to each other and/or inhibit rotation of these components beyond a predetermined angle. For example, the second component 220 may optionally include a semicircular recess 560, and the first component may optionally include a protrusion 561 aligned with the recess 560. When the second component 220 and the first component 230 are rotated relative to each other to a first limiting position (e.g., corresponding to a first corner), protrusion 561 engages the first end of recess 560, thereby preventing relative rotation of the first and second components beyond that position. When the second component 220 and the first component 230 are rotated in a different direction from each other into a second limiting position (eg, corresponding to a second corner), the protrusion 561 comes into contact with the second end of the recess 560, thereby preventing the first and second components from rotating relatively beyond the limits. this position.

The cartridge 250 shown in FIG. 3A-8B, is easy to assemble. In the case of the second component 220, the assembly of the inner casing 237, capillary material(s) 331, 332, heater assembly containing elements 333, 336, optional gas permeable element 334, inner cover 335, hinge joint 226, outer cover 225, and connectors 251 may be described as a complete atomizer. First of all, assemble the atomizer assembly. The atomizer assembly is then slid into the outer housing 221. Optionally, a pair of tabs 228 on the outer cover 225 snap into corresponding holes or slots 227 on the outer housing 221 to secure the inner housing 237 to the outer housing 221. In the case of the first component 230, the air outlet 236 may include a protrusion that can be inserted into the tubular joint 237, a seal joint 321 can be inserted into a recess 322 in the mouthpiece cap 239, and the mouthpiece cap 239 can be inserted into the housing 231. Optionally, the mouthpiece cap 239 can include a pair of projections 338 that snap into corresponding holes or slots 238 on the housing 231 for securing the mouthpiece cap to the housing 231. The chamber 233 holding the aerosol-forming substrate may be formed by the housing 231, and optionally the mouthpiece cap 239. The housing 231 may contain liquid (or other condensed phase) the aerosol-forming substrate prior to attaching the mouthpiece cap 239. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate chamber may be filled after the mouthpiece cap 239 is secured to the housing 231 through a fill port (not shown). The connection 240 may be mounted on an axle 244 of the first component 230, and the axle is brought into contact with an opening 245 of the second component 220 to rotatably secure the first component 230 and the second component 220 to each other. The device 210 may be removably coupled to the cartridge 250 via a second component 220. Each of the various portions of the first components, second components, connections, and devices provided herein may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as metal or durable plastic materials, such as heat-resistant plastic materials and/or elastomeric plastic materials.

The cartridge shown in FIG. 3A-8B operates as described in relation to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B.

In fig. 9 depicts the flow of operations in the aerosol generating method 80 in accordance with the present invention. The steps of method 80 may be implemented using system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B, and/or the system 100 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B, and/or the cartridge 520 described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B, but are not limited to them.

Method 90 shown in FIG. 9 includes providing a first component including a first fluid passage and a first air flow passage (step 91). For example, the first component 2 described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B may include a first fluid passage 4 and a first air flow passage 5. Or, for example, the first component 30 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B may include first fluid passage(s) 37 and first air flow passage(s) 34. Or, for example, the first component 230 described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B may include first fluid passage(s) 343 and first air flow passage(s) 234.

Method 90 shown in FIG. 9 also includes providing a second component including a second fluid passage and a second air flow passage (step 92). For example, the second component 3 described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B may include a second passage 6 for fluid and a second passage 7 for air flow. Or, for example, the second component 20 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B may include a second fluid passage(s) 22 and a second passage 24 for air flow. Or, for example, the second component 220 described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B may include a second fluid passage(s) 543 and a second passage 224 for air flow.

Method 90 shown in FIG. 9 also includes providing a connection connecting the first component to the second component in a rotatable manner (step 93). For example, compound J described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B may connect the first component 2 to the second component 3 in a rotatable manner. Or, for example, connection 40 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B may pivotally connect the first component 30 to the second component 20. Or, for example, connection 240, described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B may pivotally couple the first component 230 to the second component 220.

Method 90 shown in FIG. 9 may also include rotating by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner with respect to each other to connect the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connect the first air flow passage to the second air passage (step 94). For example, the first component 30 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B may be rotated from the first corner to the second corner relative to the second component 20 to connect the first fluid passage 37 to the second fluid passage 22 and connect the first air flow passage 34 to the second air flow passage 24. Or, for example, the first component 230 described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B may be rotated from a first corner to a second corner relative to the second component 220 to connect the first fluid passage(s) 343 to the second fluid passage(s) 543 and connect the first air flow passage 234 to the second air flow passage 224 air flow. Such connection of fluid channels may allow fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact, between an aerosol generating substrate that may be present in a reservoir and an aerosol generating element such as a heater.

Optionally, method 90 depicted in FIG. 9 may also include rotating by connecting the first component and the second component from the second corner to the first corner relative to each other to disconnect the first fluid passage from the second fluid passage and disconnect the first air flow passage from the second air passage. For example, the first component 2 described with reference to FIG. 1A-1B, can be rotated from the second corner to the first corner relative to the second component 3 to disconnect the first fluid passage 4 from the second fluid passage 6 and disconnect the first air flow passage 5 from the second air flow passage 7 and thus , obstructing the air flow between the first and second air flow passages. For example, the first component 30 described with reference to FIG. 2A-2B may be rotated from the second corner to the first corner relative to the second component 20 to disconnect the first fluid passage 37 from the second fluid passage 22 and disconnect the first air flow passage 34 from the second air flow passage 24 and thus , obstructing the air flow between the first and second air flow passages. Or, for example, the first component 230 described with reference to FIG. 3A-8B may be rotated from the second corner to the first corner relative to the second component 220 to disconnect the first fluid passage(s) 343 from the second fluid passage(s) 543 and disconnect the first air flow passage 234 from the second air flow passage 224 air flow and thus obstructing the air flow between the first and second air flow passages. Such optional separation of the fluid channels may prevent fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact, between an aerosol generating substrate that may be present in the reservoir and an aerosol generating element such as a heater.

Optionally, the first component (e.g., 30 or 230) further includes a first air inlet (e.g., 35 or 235) and a first air outlet (e.g., 36 or 236), with a first passage (34 or 234) extending therebetween. for air flow. Additionally, the first component may include a reservoir (eg, 33 or 233) holding the aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first fluid passage (eg, 37 or 343) is connected to the reservoir. Optionally, the second component (e.g., 20 or 220) further comprises a second air inlet (e.g., 25 or 325, 326, or 337) and a second air outlet (e.g., 26 or 536), with a second passage (e.g., 26 or 536) extending between them. 24 or 224) for air flow. Additionally, the second component may include an aerosol generating element (eg, 23 or 333) connected to the second fluid path. Optionally, rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner with respect to each other connects the second air outlet to the first air inlet to form an extended air flow passage between the second air inlet and the first air outlet and connects the first fluid path to the second fluid path so that an aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir can be in fluid communication, such as in direct or indirect contact with the aerosol generating element, via the first and second fluid paths to generate an aerosol carried into the extended air flow passage. Optionally, rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the second corner to the first corner with respect to each other disconnects the second air outlet from the first air inlet and thereby prevents the flow of air between the second air inlet and the first air outlet , and disconnects the first fluid path from the second fluid path and thereby prevents fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact, between the aerosol generating element and the reservoir.

Exemplary configurations including such embodiments are presented with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B and 3A-8B.

Optionally, the aerosol generating element (eg, 23 or 333) includes a heating element. The heating element may not necessarily be liquid permeable. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element optionally includes a mesh. The mesh is optionally formed from wire having a diameter of from about 10 µm to 100 µm.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating substrate optionally contains nicotine.

Additionally or alternatively, the first component optionally includes a mouthpiece (eg, an end of component 30 containing an air outlet 36 or a mouthpiece cap 239).

Additionally or alternatively, the second component optionally includes an inner casing (eg, 237) containing an aerosol generating element.

Additionally or alternatively, the second component optionally further comprises a chamber, wherein one side of the aerosol generating element (eg, 333) is in fluid communication, for example, in direct or indirect contact with the second fluid passage (eg, 543), and the opposite side of the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the chamber (eg, the space immediately above 333). Optionally, the second component further comprises a gas permeable element (eg, 334). Optionally, one side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the chamber, and the opposite side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication, such as direct or indirect contact with the second air flow passage. Optionally, the inner casing further includes a cover (eg, 335), with a gas-permeable element located between the cover or the aerosol generating element.

Additionally or alternatively, the first angle is optionally approximately 180 ^° relative to the second angle.

Additionally or alternatively, the device portion (eg 10 or 210) is provided to include a power supply unit (eg 12) and a control circuit (eg 13) coupled to the power supply, wherein the device connection elements are coupled to the second component (eg , using connections 251, 252) to enable power supply from the power supply to the aerosol generating element.

It will be clear from the examples described that the aerosol generating element may accordingly be located in any suitable part or parts of the system. For example, both the reservoir and the aerosol generating element may be located in the first system component, and the second system component may include one or more fluid passages and one or more air flow passages. Rotation of the first component relative to the second component by means of a coupling may fluidly couple the reservoir to the aerosol generating element through one or more fluid passages such that the aerosol generating substrate in the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating element , to convert into an aerosol. Additionally, such rotation of the first component relative to the second component may fluidly couple the aerosol generating element to an air flow passage through which the aerosolized aerosol generating substrate may pass into the user's mouth. It should also be clear that the shape and size of the air flow channel and, in particular, the spray chamber can be varied to provide certain desired properties of the aerosol delivered to the user.

It should be understood that although some of the described examples use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, providing a gas-permeable element is advantageous in systems that use other forms of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate, which is in the form of a solid or gel at room temperature, may still release volatile components that condense into liquid form in the spray chamber. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the form of a gel tablet. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain loose or cut tobacco.

It should also be understood that while the examples describe the use of a resistive heating element to generate an aerosol, providing a rotatable connection is advantageous in systems that operate using other types of heating elements, such as an induction heated heating element. The heating element need not be a fluid-permeable heating element located between the aerosol-forming substrate and the extended air flow passage. The heating element may be a furnace heater that heats the walls of the aerosol substrate chamber to generate steam. Steam may pass into the air flow passage through the heating element. Providing a rotatable connection may further be beneficial for systems that generate aerosol by means other than heating.

Claims (30)

1. An aerosol generating system containing: a first component comprising a first fluid passage, a first air flow passage, and a reservoir holding an aerosol generating substrate, the first fluid passage being in fluid communication with the reservoir; a second component comprising a second fluid passage and a second air flow passage; a connection connecting the first component to the second component in a rotatable manner, wherein rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner relative to each other connects the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connects the first air flow passage to the second air flow passage; And a destructible element connected to the first component and the second component, wherein rotation of the first component and the second component relative to each other destroys the destructible element. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first component further comprises a first air inlet and a first air outlet, with a first air flow passage extending therebetween; the second component further comprises a second air inlet and a second air outlet, a second air flow passage extending therebetween, and an aerosol generating element connected to the second fluid passage; connecting the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage connects the second air outlet to the first air inlet to form an extended air flow passage between the second air inlet and the first air outlet, and coupling the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage allows the aerosol generating substrate from the reservoir to be in fluid communication with the aerosol generating element through the first and second fluid passages to generate an aerosol carried into the extended aerosol passage air flow. 3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the rotation by connecting the first component and the second component from the second corner to the first corner relative to each other: disconnects the second air outlet from the first air inlet to prevent air flow between the second air inlet and the first air outlet, and disconnects the first fluid path from the second fluid path to prevent fluid communication between the aerosol generating element and the reservoir. 4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the aerosol generating element contains a heating element. 5. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-4, characterized in that the heating element is permeable to liquid. 6. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-5, characterized in that the aerosol-generating substrate contains nicotine. 7. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-6, characterized in that the second component contains an internal casing that holds the aerosol generating element. 8. The system according to any one of paragraphs. 2-7, characterized in that the second component further comprises a chamber, wherein one side of the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with the second fluid channel, and the opposite side of the aerosol generating element is in fluid communication with a camera. 9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the second component additionally contains a gas-permeable element. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein one side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication with the chamber, and the opposite side of the gas-permeable element is in fluid communication with the second passage for air flow. 11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the inner casing further comprises a lid, with a gas-permeable element located between the lid and the aerosol generating element. 12. The system according to any of the previous paragraphs, characterized in that the first angle is 180° relative to the second angle. 13. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that it further comprises a device part containing a power supply and a control circuit connected to the power supply, the device part being connected to the second component. 14. A method for generating an aerosol, including: providing a first component comprising a first fluid passage, a first air flow passage, and a reservoir holding an aerosol generating substrate, the first fluid passage being in fluid communication with the reservoir; providing a second component comprising a second fluid passage and a second passage for air flow; providing a frangible element connected to the first component and the second component; providing a connection rotatably connecting the first component to the second component; And rotating by connecting the first component and the second component from the first corner to the second corner relative to each other to destroy the rupture element, connecting the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage and connecting the first air flow passage to the second air flow passage.

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