RU2826214C2 - Steam supply systems - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medical equipment.

SUBSTANCE: invention is related to a device for generating an inhalable medium, a receiver for a flavoring material for flavoring an inhalable medium, a means for generating an inhalable medium and a method for imparting an aroma to an inhalable medium generated by a device for generating an inhalable medium. The inhalable medium generating device comprises a flavoring material receptacle for flavoring the inhalable medium generated by the device. The receptacle includes a wall for retaining flavoring material, containing holes for passing air flow and a non-flat area. The holes are located in the non-flat area, and the non-flat region has a recess in the wall towards the center of the receptacle. Means for generating an inhalable medium contains a receiver for flavoring material for flavoring the inhaled medium. The method includes providing a receptacle for a flavoring material for flavoring an inhaled medium. The method involves passing an inhalable medium through a receiver to flavor the inhaled medium.

EFFECT: improvement of characteristics of the device for generating the inhaled medium.

18 cl, 17 dwg

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention relates to vapor supply systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes, etc.).

State of the art

Electronic vapor supply systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically include a vapor precursor material, such as a receptacle with a source liquid, which is a composition typically including nicotine, or a solid material, such as a tobacco-based product, from which vapor is generated for inhalation by the user, for example, by thermal evaporation. Thus, the vapor supply system typically includes a vapor generation chamber containing an evaporator, such as a heating element, designed to vaporize a portion of the precursor material to generate vapor in the vapor generation chamber. When the user inhales through the device and electrical energy is supplied to the evaporator, air is drawn into the device through inlet openings and into the vapor generation chamber, where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material and forms a condensation aerosol. There is a flow path between the vapor generation chamber and the opening in the mouthpiece, so that incoming air drawn through the vapor generation chamber passes along the flow path to the opening of the mouthpiece, taking with it a portion of the vapor/condensation aerosol, and exits through the opening of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user. Some electronic cigarettes may also contain a flavoring material in the flow path through the device to impart additional flavors. Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavoring material may, for example, include a portion of tobacco placed in the air path between the vapor generation chamber and the mouthpiece, so that the vapor/condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

This paper describes various approaches that are intended to provide improved performance for the device described above.

Disclosure of invention

According to a first aspect of some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol supply system is proposed, comprising a device for generating an inhalable medium, comprising a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhalable medium generated by the device, wherein the receptacle comprises a wall for holding the flavoring material, having a plurality of openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are located in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol supply means is proposed, comprising a means for generating an inhalable environment, comprising a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhalable environment generated by the means for generating an inhalable environment, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall for holding the flavoring material, having a plurality of openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are located in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a receptacle for a flavoring material is provided for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall for holding the flavoring material, wherein the side wall has a plurality of openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are located in the non-planar region.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a method is proposed for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the method comprises providing a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhaled environment, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall for holding the flavoring material, wherein the side wall has a plurality of openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are located in the non-planar region, and wherein the method further comprises passing the inhaled environment through the receptacle for imparting a flavor to the inhaled environment.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol supply system is proposed, comprising a device for generating an inhaled environment, including a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhaled environment generated by the device, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall comprises a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to pass through said cavity, and wherein the inlet wall and the outlet wall are mounted on the side wall in such a way as to compress the flavoring material in said cavity between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a receptacle for a flavoring material is proposed for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall has a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to pass through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall and the outlet wall are mounted on the side wall in such a way as to compress the flavoring material in said cavity between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a means for generating an inhaled environment is proposed, comprising a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by the means for generating an inhaled environment, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall has a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to pass through said cavity, and wherein the inlet wall and the outlet wall are mounted on the side wall so as to compress the flavoring material in said cavity between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a method is proposed for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the method involves providing a receptacle for a flavoring material, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall comprises a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to pass through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall and the outlet wall are mounted on the side wall in such a way as to compress the flavoring material in said cavity between the inlet wall and the outlet wall, and wherein the method further involves passing the inhaled environment through the receptacle to impart a flavor to the inhaled environment.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the receptacle comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall has a plurality of openings allowing air flow to pass through the cavity, and wherein the method comprises: providing a side wall with either an inlet wall or an outlet wall mounted thereon, placing the flavoring material in the cavity; and mounting the other of the inlet wall or the outlet wall on the side wall so as to compress the flavoring material between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, an aerosol supply system is proposed, comprising a device for generating an inhaled medium, comprising a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhaled medium generated by the device, wherein the receptacle has a housing comprising a mouthpiece, a side wall and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow, wherein the mouthpiece, the side wall and the outlet wall are formed as a single component.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a receiver for a flavoring material is proposed for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the receiver has a housing comprising a mouthpiece, a side wall and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow, wherein the mouthpiece, the side wall and the outlet wall are formed as a single component.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a means for generating an inhaled environment is proposed, comprising a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by the means for generating an inhaled environment, wherein the receptacle has a body comprising a mouthpiece, a side wall and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow, wherein the mouthpiece, the side wall and the outlet wall are formed as a single component.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a method is proposed for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the method involves providing a device comprising a receiver for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by the inhaled environment generating device, wherein the receiver has a body comprising a mouthpiece, a side wall and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow, wherein the mouthpiece, the side wall and the outlet wall are formed as a single component, and wherein the method further involves passing the inhaled environment through the receiver to impart a flavor to the inhaled environment.

According to another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a method is proposed for manufacturing a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, wherein the method involves forming a mouthpiece, a side wall and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece as a single component with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow.

Additional relevant aspects and distinctive features are defined by the attached claims.

The preceding paragraphs are provided as a general introduction and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims that follow. The embodiments described, together with additional advantages, will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description, given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply system in some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are perspective views of a receptacle for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 3A and 3B are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, of a receiver for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 4A and 4B are a perspective view and a sectional view, respectively, of another receptacle for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 5-13 are schematic cross-sectional views of additional examples of receivers for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a receptacle containing a flavoring material for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 15A-15C - schematically shows a method for filling a receiver in the example shown in Fig. 14 with a flavoring material in some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a receiver containing a flavoring material for use with an aerosol delivery system in some embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a method for manufacturing a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Implementation of the invention

This section discusses/describes aspects and distinctive features of some examples and embodiments of the invention. Some aspects and distinctive features of some examples and embodiments of the invention can be implemented by conventional methods, and in the interest of brevity, they are not discussed/described in detail. Thus, it is understood that the aspects and distinctive features of the device and methods discussed herein, which are not described in detail, can be implemented in accordance with any conventional technologies for implementing such aspects and distinctive features.

The present invention relates to vapor supply systems, also referred to as aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, including hybrid devices. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "e-cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it should be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with the terms vapor supply system/device, electronic vapor supply system/device, vapor providing system/device, electronic vapor providing system/device, vapor delivery system/device, electronic vapor delivery system/device, aerosol delivery system/device, and electronic aerosol delivery system/device. In addition, as is common in the art, the terms "vapor" and "aerosol" and related terms such as "evaporation", "volatilization" and "aerosolization" may generally be used interchangeably.

Aerosol delivery systems are often, although not always, a modular assembly that includes both a reusable portion (also referred to as a control unit) and a replaceable/disposable cartridge (also referred to as a consumable portion). Often, the replaceable cartridge contains the aerosolized material and the vaporizer, while the reusable portion contains a power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery), an activation mechanism (e.g., a button or puff sensor), and a control circuit. However, it should be understood that these distinct portions may also contain additional elements depending on the functionality. For example, for a so-called hybrid device, the cartridge may also contain additional flavoring material or an aerosol modifying agent. For example, the flavoring material may be a portion of tobacco in the form of an insert ("capsule") for adding flavor to the aerosol generated elsewhere in the system. The flavoring material or aerosol modifier may be a substance capable of modifying the aerosol upon use. The agent may modify the aerosol in such a way as to produce a physiological or sensory effect on the human body. Examples of aerosol modifying agents include active substances, flavoring materials, and sensates. A sensate creates an organoleptic sensation that can be perceived by the senses, such as a cool sensation or a sour odor.

The flavoring material may be removable so that it can be replaced, for example, to change the taste or because the shelf life of the flavoring material is shorter than the service life of the cartridge components that generate the aerosol. The reusable part of the device often also contains additional components, such as a user interface, for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "flavor" and "flavoring material" refer to materials that, if local regulations permit, may be used to impart a desired taste or aroma to a product for adult consumers. In some examples, flavoring materials may include tobacco materials or materials containing tobacco extracts and/or nicotine. In some examples, the flavoring materials may include extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, magnolia japonica leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, anise, cinnamon, grass, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, mint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, pepper, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or any type of mint oil from the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor blockers, activators or sensory receptor stimulants, sugar and/or sugar substitutes (e.g. sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol) and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals or breath freshening agents. These may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

For modular devices, the cartridge and control unit may be electrically and mechanically connected to each other for use, for example by means of a screw thread, snap-fitting or bayonet connection with appropriate electrical contacts. When the vapor precursor material in the cartridge runs out or the user wishes to switch to another cartridge having a different vapor precursor material, the cartridge may be separated from the control unit and replaced with a replacement cartridge.

Aerosol delivery systems, including devices consisting of several components, are usually of an elongated shape, and, for the purpose of providing a specific example, some embodiments of the invention described herein will be considered as representing an overall elongated, multi-part device that uses disposable cartridges that contain an aerosolizable material, a medium for imparting a flavor, and an electric heater for vaporizing the aerosolizable material to form a condensation aerosol for inhalation by the user during use. Such vapor delivery systems may be called, for example, hybrid systems or hybrid electronic cigarettes. In some cases, the flavor insert itself may be removable from the disposable cartridge, so that it can be replaced separately from the cartridge or reusable part, for example, to change the flavor or because the life of the flavor insert is different from the life of the cartridge components that generate the vapor. The flavor insert may be contained within a receptacle. In the following description, the terms "capsule", "receptacle", "container" or "insert" may sometimes be used, but it should be understood that all of these terms may be used interchangeably. In some examples, the capsule may be reusable, and the user may access the flavor insert to replace it. In other examples, the capsule may be disposable, and the user is discouraged from removing the flavor insert or attempting to replace it. Use of a capsule may provide an enhanced user experience in terms of, for example, optimal placement of the flavor insert in the air flow path and/or changing the parameters of the flavor insert (e.g., volume, consistency, packing density, etc.)

It should be understood that the basic principles described herein may be equally adapted to various configurations of aerosol delivery systems, such as devices that conform to other general shapes, such as those based on so-called high-performance box devices, which typically have a more box-like shape, or smaller devices, such as so-called box-mod devices. More generally, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention may be based on aerosol delivery systems configured to use the principles described herein, regardless of the specific format of other aspects of such aerosol delivery systems.

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of an exemplary electronic cigarette 1 in some embodiments of the present invention. The electronic cigarette 1 consists of three main components, namely a reusable part 2, a replaceable/disposable cartridge 4 and a means for imparting flavor 8, such as a removable receptacle containing a portion of a flavoring material 36 (for example, shredded, reconstituted or extruded tobacco) inside the insert body. However, the fact that this example is a hybrid device consisting of several parts does not in itself have a direct bearing on the activation function of the device, described below.

In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge 4 are releasably connected to each other at the interface 6. When the cartridge is exhausted (i.e. when the aerosolizable material, such as liquid, in the cartridge is exhausted or substantially exhausted) or the user simply wants to switch to another cartridge, the cartridge can be separated from the reusable part and a replaceable cartridge can be installed in its place. The interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and air path connection between the two parts and can be provided in accordance with conventional technologies, for example, based on a screw thread, a snap-in mechanism or a bayonet connection with appropriately located electrical contacts and openings for establishing an electrical connection and an air path connection between the two parts, if necessary. The specific manner in which the cartridge 4 is mechanically secured to the reusable part 2 is not important for the principles described in this document, but for the purposes of a specific example it is assumed that a locking mechanism is used here, for example, the cartridge is placed in a corresponding slot in the reusable part with interacting latch engagement elements (not shown in Fig. 1). It is also understood that the interface 6 in some embodiments may not support an electrical connection between the corresponding parts. For example, in some embodiments, the evaporator may be provided by the reusable part and not the cartridge, or the transmission of electrical energy from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (for example, based on electromagnetic induction), so that a galvanic connection between the reusable part and the cartridge is not required.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge 4 may be generally conventional. In Fig. 1, the cartridge 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 made of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2. The cartridge housing typically has a circular symmetry about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge is connected to the reusable part 2. In this example, the cartridge has a length of about 4 cm and a diameter of about 3 cm. However, it is understood that the specific geometry and, more generally, the general shapes and materials used may differ in different implementations.

Inside the body 42 of the cartridge there is a receptacle 44 containing a liquid material - a precursor of the vapor. The liquid material - a precursor of the vapor can be conventional and can be called an electronic liquid. The receptacle 44 for the liquid in this example has a ring shape with an outer wall defined by the body 42 of the cartridge, and an inner wall 58 of the cartridge, which defines an air path 52 in the cartridge 4. The receptacle 44 is closed at each end by end walls for holding the electronic liquid. The receptacle 44 can be formed in accordance with conventional technologies, for example, it can be made of a plastic material and molded integrally with the body 42 of the cartridge.

In normal use, the cartridge 4 and the receiver 8 are detachably connected to each other at the interface 10. When the flavoring material 36 in the receiver 8 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to another receiver and/or flavoring material, the receiver can be separated from the cartridge and the flavoring material inside the receiver can be replaced or another receiver can be attached to the cartridge. The interface 10 provides a structural connection and an air path connection between the two parts and can be installed in accordance with conventional technologies, for example, based on a screw thread, a snap mechanism or a bayonet connection with appropriately located electrical contacts and openings for establishing an electrical connection and an air path connection between the two parts, if necessary. The particular manner in which the cartridge 4 is mechanically secured to the receptacle 8 is not important for the principles described in this document, but in these and other examples, the retention and positioning of the receptacle 8 may be provided by friction and/or clamps, projections and other elements within the air path 52. For example, the input portion 38 of the receptacle 8 may be inserted into the receiving portion 54 provided at the open end of the air path 52 opposite the end of the cartridge 4 that is connected to the control unit 2. The input portion 38 and/or the receiving portion 54 may have surface projections (e.g., bumps or ridges) for frictional retention of the receptacle 8 within the cartridge 4.

It is also understood that the interface 10 in some embodiments may provide an electrical connection between the corresponding parts. For example, the receiver 8 may include a heater for heating the flavoring material 36.

In the example shown, the receptacle 8 has a housing or side wall 32 that defines a channel or cavity 34 within which a flavoring material 36 can be placed or held. The side wall 32 of the receptacle 8 can also have two open ends. During normal use, air or another inhalable medium can pass from one end of the cavity to the other end (e.g., during a puff) to allow air drawn in through the air path 52 during use to pass through the flavoring material 36 and thus capture flavors (e.g., tobacco flavors) before exiting the receptacle through the outlet opening 50 (i.e., through the mouth or passage) of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user. In order to hold or position the flavoring material 36, the receiver can have an inlet wall 40 of the channel (i.e. the lower or upstream wall) and an outlet wall 70 of the channel (i.e. the upper or downstream wall) mounted on the wall 32 of the channel, so that each of the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel closes the open end, respectively. Each of the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel has a plurality of holes, openings or apertures for the passage of an air flow. For example, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be formed by a mesh, a perforated part of the wall or an air-permeable screen. The inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be provided in the direction of opposite ends of the wall of the channel 34. For example, one or both walls can be located at the ends of the wall of the channel 34, or one or both walls can be inserted from the end of the wall of the channel 34 (for example, to a depth of 2% to 20% of the length of the wall of the channel 34, and preferably to a depth of 5% to 15% of the length of the wall of the channel 34).

The inlet wall 40 of the channel (i.e. the lower or upstream wall) and the outlet wall 70 of the channel (i.e. the upper or downstream wall) can either be removably mounted on the wall 32 of the channel or be rigidly mounted on the wall 32 of the channel. Removable mounting means that the receptacle 8 is configured in such a way that the walls can be detached if necessary (e.g. to allow replacement or refilling of the receptacle 8 with a flavoring material). Rigid mounting means that the receptacle 8 is configured in such a way that the walls cannot be detached (e.g. any detachment may require destruction of the receptacle 8). It should be borne in mind that in some examples it may be useful to rigidly mount one wall (e.g. the inlet wall 40) on the side wall 32 and removably mount the other wall (e.g. the outlet wall 70) on the side wall 32.

The input wall 40 and/or the output wall 70 can be mounted on the side wall using a specific engagement mechanism, such as a snap-fit, a bayonet connection, a tight fit, or a threaded connection. The side wall 32 can have corresponding elements that ensure the connection. It is understood that the use of a snap-fit, a bayonet connection, a tight fit, and a threaded connection typically represent reversible engagement mechanisms; to create a fixed fastening or engagement after the initial connection by means of the engagement mechanism, an adhesive connection and/or ultrasonic welding can be used to create a permanent connection. In other examples, ultrasonic welding, gluing, or another method of rigidly attaching one or both walls 40, 70 to the side wall 32 can be used without any engagement mechanisms described above. In some other examples, one of the walls 40, 70 may be formed integrally with the side wall 32, so that the selected one of the walls 40, 70 is initially rigidly mounted on the side wall 32. Other methods of mounting either the inlet wall 40 or the outlet wall 70 will be described in more detail below.

It should be understood that the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel do not necessarily have to be located symmetrically with respect to the central point of the receiver 8. In some examples, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be configured substantially differently. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the inlet wall 40 of the channel can have a flat or planar shape, while the outlet wall 70 of the channel can have a curved or non-flat shape. In addition, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be made of different materials. For example, the inlet wall 40 of the channel can be made of a metallic material, and the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be made of a plastic material, or vice versa. In some examples, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and/or the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be made of the same material as the side wall 32; For example, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and/or the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be made of the same plastic material as the side wall 32. In some examples, one of the inlet wall 40 of the channel or the outlet wall 70 of the channel can be formed as a single component with the side wall 32 of the receiver (for example, by molding the components as a single component). The side wall 32 of the receiver, the inlet wall 40 of the channel and/or the outlet wall 70 of the channel can comprise or consist of a plastic material. Examples of materials include copolyester (Tritan), polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyphthalamide (Grivori), and polypropylene.

In some examples, the side wall 32 of the receiver 8 may define or otherwise include a mouthpiece. For example, the side wall 32 may be configured to provide an outer surface that is shaped to facilitate the formation of a seal by the user's lips during use. In other examples, not shown in the drawings, the mouthpiece may be attached downstream of the receiver 8.

The cartridge further comprises a wick 46 and a heater (evaporator) 48 located closer to the end of the receiver 44 opposite the receiver 8. In this example, the wick 46 extends across the air path 52 of the cartridge, and its ends enter the receiver 44 with the liquid for electronic cigarettes through openings in the inner wall of the receiver 44. The openings in the inner wall of the receiver 44 have a size that generally corresponds to the dimensions of the wick 46 in order to provide a reasonable seal against liquid leakage from the receiver into the air path of the cartridge without excessive compression of the wick, which can harm its ability to transport the fluid.

The wick 46 and the heater 48 are located in the air path 52 of the cartridge in such a way that the area of the air path 52 of the cartridge around the wick 46 and the heater 48 essentially defines the vapor generation zone or evaporation zone of the cartridge. The electronic liquid in the receiver 44 penetrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick that continue into the receiver 44 and is drawn along the wick due to surface tension/capillary action (i.e., absorption). The heater 48 in this example is an electrical resistive wire wound on the wick 46. In this example, the heater 48 is a wire made of chromium-nickel alloy (Cr20Ni80), and the wick 46 is a fiberglass bundle, but it should be understood that the specific configuration of the evaporator does not matter for the principles described in this document. During use, electrical energy may be supplied to the heater 48 to vaporize some of the e-liquid (vapor precursor material) drawn by the wick 46 into close proximity to the heater 48. The vaporized e-liquid may then be captured by air drawn through the air path of the cartridge from the vaporization region through the channel 34 of the receiver 8 and the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

The rate of evaporation of the e-liquid by the evaporator (heater) 48 depends on the amount (level) of energy supplied to the heater 48 during use. Thus, electrical energy can be supplied to the heater for selectively generating vapor from the e-liquid in the cartridge 4, and, moreover, the rate of vapor generation can be changed by changing the amount of energy supplied to the heater 48, for example, by means of pulse width and/or frequency modulation.

The specific methods of operation of the various aspects of the vapor supply system are not directly related to the principles underlying the examples described herein. For example, while the above-described embodiments primarily relate to devices having an evaporator based on an electric heater for heating a liquid vapor precursor material, the same principles apply to evaporators based on other technologies, such as piezoelectric vibrator-based evaporators or optically heated evaporators, as well as to devices based on other aerosol precursor materials, such as solid materials such as plant-based materials, such as tobacco-based materials, or other forms of vapor precursor materials such as gel, paste or foam-based vapor precursor materials.

The reusable part 2 has an outer housing 12 with an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the electronic cigarette, a battery 26 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 14, an inhalation sensor 16 (puff detector), which in this example is a pressure sensor located in a pressure sensor chamber 18, and a visual display 24.

The outer housing 12 may be made, for example, of plastic or metal material and in this example has a circular cross-sectional area generally corresponding to the shape and size of the cartridge 4 in order to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6. In this example, the reusable part has a length of about 6 cm, so the total length of the electronic cigarette, when the cartridge and the reusable part are connected together, is about 10 cm. However (as noted above) it should be understood that the overall shape and scale of the electronic cigarette implementing one of the embodiments of the invention are not important for the principles described in this document.

The air inlet 28 is connected to the air path 30 via the reusable part 2. The air path 30 of the reusable part, in turn, is connected to the air path 52 of the cartridge via the interface 6, when the reusable part 2 and the cartridge 4 are connected together. The pressure sensor chamber 18, containing the pressure sensor 16, is in fluid communication with the air path 30 in the reusable part 2 (i.e. the pressure sensor chamber 18 branches off from the air path 30 in the reusable part 2). Thus, when the user inhales through the opening 50 of the mouthpiece, a pressure drop occurs in the chamber 18 of the pressure sensor, which can be detected by the pressure sensor 16, and air is drawn through the air inlet 28 along the air path 30 of the reusable part through the interface 6, through the vapor generation area near the atomizer 48 (where the vaporized e-liquid is entrained by the air flow when the evaporator is active), along the air path 52 of the cartridge and out through the opening 50 of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user.

The battery 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as the type commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time. The battery 26 may be charged via a charging connector in the housing 12 of the reusable part, such as via a USB connector.

The user input button 14 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example, comprising a spring-loaded component that can be pressed by the user to establish an electrical contact. In this regard, the input button can be considered as a manual input mechanism for the terminal device, but the specific way of implementing the button is not important. For example, in other embodiments of the invention, various forms of a mechanical or touch button (for example, based on capacitive or optical technologies) can be used. The specific way of implementing the button can, for example, be selected taking into account the desired aesthetic appearance.

The display 24 is designed to provide the user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, such as information about the current power settings, the remaining battery charge, and so on. The display can be implemented in various ways. In this example, the display 24 is a conventional pixel liquid crystal screen that can be used to display the desired information in accordance with conventional technologies. In other embodiments, the display can be one or more discrete indicators, such as light-emitting diodes, which are designed to display the desired information, such as using certain colors and / or flash sequences. More generally, the way in which the display is implemented and the information is displayed to the user using the display does not matter for the principles described in this document. Some embodiments may not have a visual display and may include other means of providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the electronic cigarette, such as using an audio signal or tactile feedback, or may not include any means of providing the user with information related to the operating characteristics of the electronic cigarette.

The control circuit 20 is configured/programmed accordingly to control the operation of the electronic cigarette in order to provide the functionalities according to the embodiments of the invention, as described further in this document, as well as to provide the usual operating functions of the electronic cigarette in accordance with the established technologies for controlling such devices. The control circuit (processor circuit) 20 can be considered as logically comprising various sub-blocks/circuit elements associated with various aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette, in accordance with the principles described in this document and other conventional aspects of the operation of electronic cigarettes, such as the display control circuit and the user input detection circuit. It should be noted that the functionality of the control circuit 20 can be provided in various ways, for example, using one or more accordingly programmed programmable computers and/or one or more suitable configurations of specialized integrated circuits/circuits/chip sets configured to provide the desired functionality.

In this example, the vapor delivery system 1 comprises a user input button 14 and an inhalation sensor 16. The control circuit 20 may be configured to receive signals from the inhalation sensor 16 and to use this signaling to determine whether the user is inhaling through the electronic cigarette, and to receive signals from the input button 14 and to use this signaling to detect a press of the input button by the user (i.e., activation). These aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette (e.g., detecting a puff and detecting a press of the button) may themselves be performed in accordance with established technologies (e.g., using traditional inhalation sensor and methods for processing signals of the inhalation sensor and using traditional input button and methods for processing signals of the input button). Another example of vapor delivery systems may have either only the user input button 14 or only the inhalation sensor 16. In further examples, the vapor supply system may not have either a user input button or an inhalation sensor, depending on the configuration and operation of the system.

According to embodiments of the invention, the cross-sectional area of the air path at a certain location can be defined as the area of the surface perpendicular or transverse to the central or middle axis of the air path at this location. The area can be limited by at least one wall, such as the inner wall 58 of the cartridge or the side wall 32, or other structural elements. In use, air passes in the direction of the central axis from the air inlet 28 to the air outlet 50. Therefore, the cross-sectional area is a measure of the transverse area available for air to pass during use. In some examples, the cross-section of the air path can have a substantially circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, or a rounded polygonal shape. The cross-sectional area of the air path is the area of the shape at this location. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape can differ in different locations.

In Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are shown perspective views of the receptacle in the example of the steam supply system shown in Fig. 1. The receptacle 8 is formed by a side wall 32. The outer surface of the side wall 32 is configured to provide an outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece and an input portion 38 for insertion into a corresponding receiving portion 54 of the cartridge 4 (not shown in the drawing). The side wall 32 has a flared and rounded shape near the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece and is configured to accommodate the lips of the user during use. It should be understood that in other examples not shown in the drawings, the side wall 32 may have a different shape; for example, the side wall 32 may have flat surfaces rather than rounded surfaces. Furthermore, in other examples, the side wall 32 may not flare.

The side wall 32 defines a channel 34 in which the flavoring material 36 can be placed or held. The housing of the receiver 8 also has two ends defining an input and an output of the channel 34 to allow the inhaled medium (for example, a vapor, an aerosol and/or air) passing through the air path 52 during use to pass through the flavoring material 36 and thus capture aromas (for example, tobacco aromas) before exiting the receiver through the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece for inhalation by the user. The housing is further provided with a plurality of projections 64 to ensure contact with the surface of the receiving area 54. The housing is also provided with a recess 62 for gripping by the user when removing the receiver 8 from the cartridge or when connecting the receiver 8 to the cartridge.

The receiver 8 shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C comprises a mouthpiece, a side wall 32 and an outlet wall 70 made as a single component. The said component made as a single component can be manufactured by molding the mouthpiece, the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 using a single mold. The said component can be manufactured by injection molding or using any other traditional process. For example, the component can be manufactured as a single component in an additive layer-by-layer process, such as top-down or bottom-up three-dimensional printing using a suitable material. In some examples, a casting process can be used.

The outlet wall 70 has a plurality of openings that allow air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. The outlet wall 70 is provided at the end of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece of the channel 34 formed by the side wall 32. The outlet wall 70 can be slightly spaced from the end of the channel 34 and can have a flat surface. As shown in Fig. 2B, the plurality of openings can be formed by creating a row or array of parallel rods. The second row or set of parallel rods can be located next to and perpendicular to the first row of parallel rods to provide an array of openings in the form of a grid. It should be understood that the rods of the first and second rows can be spaced evenly, and that the openings defined by the rods can have a regular pattern (for example, a regular interval), depending on the periodicity of the rods of the first and second rows.

The angle between the two sets of rods determines the shape of the openings. For example, if the angle is 90°, the openings will be square or rectangular, and if the angle is less than 90°, the openings will be in the shape of parallelograms. It should be understood that various configurations of rods can be used to form openings of different shapes in the outlet wall, and that embodiments are not limited to openings in the shape of squares, rectangles, or parallelograms. In some examples, curved parallel rods can be provided. Curved parallel rods can form openings with curved edges, and also have corners at the intersections of the rods.

In some examples, the outlet wall 70 can be configured to obtain openings with a diameter of 0.2 mm to 1 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, and most preferably 0.4 mm. The outlet wall 70 in these examples can allow the steam to pass through the flavoring material 36, wherein the flavoring material (for example, loose tobacco or tobacco beads) is retained inside the receptacle 8. It should be understood that the preferred diameter of the openings depends on the size and configuration of the flavoring material 36 that is to be retained inside the receptacle 8. For example, the size and configuration of the openings can depend on whether the flavoring material 36 is provided as a single piece or as a plurality of pieces, and on the sizes of the piece or pieces. In the example where the flavoring material 36 is provided as a plurality of pieces, the size of the openings can be less than 90% of the size of a piece of the plurality of pieces, and preferably less than 95% of the size of a piece.

The side wall 32 can be further configured to define a retention mechanism 60 for retaining the inlet wall 40 of the channel (not shown in the drawings) inside the end of the channel 34 opposite the end of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece. The retention mechanism means a mechanism for retaining the inlet wall 40 of the channel inside the channel 34. In other words, the retention mechanism 60 blocks or otherwise prevents the inlet wall 40 of the channel from exiting the channel 34 after insertion. It should be noted that the inlet wall 40 of the channel cannot exit the channel 34 through the end having the outlet wall 70 of the channel, due to the presence of the outlet wall 70 of the channel and/or due to the presence of a flavoring material that may be present in the channel 34 during normal use.

As shown in Fig. 2B and 2C, the retention mechanism 60 may be a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upward when pressure (and possibly heat) is applied so that they face inward toward the center of the channel 34. In use, the inlet wall 40 is inserted into the channel 34 formed by the side wall 32, and then the retention mechanism 60 is adjusted so as to narrow the diameter of the channel 34 upstream of the inlet wall, so that the inlet wall 40 is prevented from exiting the channel 34. It should be understood that the inlet wall 40 has a shape that is small enough to be inserted into the channel 34, but large enough to be retained by the retention mechanism 60 after it has been cocked/activated/modified. For example, the lower opening of the channel 34 may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of 1.00 cm and a major axis diameter of 2.00 cm. The tabs of the retention mechanism 60 may be bent inward, as described, to form an opening that has an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of 0.80 cm and a major axis diameter of 1.80 cm. For such an example, the inlet wall 40 may have an elliptical shape with a minor axis diameter of approximately 0.95 cm and a major axis diameter of 1.95 cm.

In other examples (not shown in the drawings), the retention mechanism 60 can be formed in accordance with conventional technologies, for example, based on a screw thread, a clamp or a snap-lock mechanism. In an alternative or additional embodiment, glue or ultrasonic welding can be used as the retention mechanism 60 to attach the inlet wall 40 to the housing. They can be used instead of the tabs shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C, or in addition to them.

As described above, the receiver 8 can be formed by a single integral side wall 32 defining the mouthpiece, the side walls of the channel 34 and the outlet wall 70, as well as a separate inlet wall 40. This allows for a simplified manufacturing process in which only two components (the side wall 32 and the inlet wall 40) need to be combined after the flavoring material 36 is placed in the channel 34, instead of combining a greater number of components in a complex manufacturing process.

Fig. 3A and 3B show a receptacle 8 in accordance with the example of the vapor delivery system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3A is a perspective view, and Fig. 3B is a sectional view of the receptacle 8, wherein the sectional plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlike the receptacle 8 shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C, the side wall 32 of the receptacle 8 shown in Fig. 3A and 3B has a shape that defines a liquid collection area intended for collecting liquid. Aspects of Fig. 3A and 3B that are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C will not be described in detail.

The vapor remaining in the receptacle may condense into liquid on the flavoring material 36 or on the side walls defining the channel 34. For example, when the user stops inhaling through the device, the vapor may stop moving toward the outlet 50 of the mouthpiece and may begin to cool. The condensed liquid may adhere to the surface of the walls of the receptacle 8 due to surface tension. The liquid may be drawn into the user's mouth during inhalation. The liquid may collect in areas where the flow of liquid is difficult; for example, due to an impermeable wall. As shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, a place or area for collecting liquid may be provided in the channel 34 near the outlet 50 of the mouthpiece, which is made in the form of a recess or groove 90. For example, the recess 90 may be formed by the intersection of the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70.

The receptacle 8 (for example, the outlet wall 70 of the receptacle 8) can form a recess in the direction of the center of the receptacle, which is substantially in line with the air flow direction during use. This air flow direction can coincide with the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 8. By recess is meant that the central region of the receptacle 8 is closer to the center of the receptacle 8 than its peripheral region. As shown in Fig. 3A, the peripheral region of the end of the mouthpiece of the receptacle 8 can have an oval shape, which can define an outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece. In the flat part of the outlet wall 70, in the central region of the recess, a plurality of openings can be provided perpendicular to the air flow direction. The recess has an inner surface (i.e., an upstream surface facing the inside of the receptacle) and an outer surface (i.e., a downstream surface visible to the user during normal use).

As shown in Fig. 3B, the recess 90 can be formed in the form of a trough (for example, a U-shaped trough or a V-shaped trough) formed by the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 of the channel. The section of the outlet wall 70 of the channel that forms the trough can be an inner surface of the recess that forms a peripheral region that does not contain any of the plurality of openings. In some examples, the trough or recess 90 can be formed at the intersection of the outlet wall 70 of the channel with the side wall 32. For example, the section of the outlet wall 70 can intersect the side wall 32 at an angle of less than 90°. It should be understood that having an angle of less than 90°, the V-shape can be considered as defined by the outlet wall 70 and the side wall 32. In other examples, the intersection between the outlet wall 70 and the side wall 32 can be smoothed or rounded, so that a shape closer to a U-shape is provided. In additional examples, the outlet wall 70 and the side wall 32 can include parallel sections, so that a U-shaped groove is provided. It should be understood that the groove or recess 90 can have various shapes.

In some examples, the groove or recess 90 can be formed only in the area of the intersection between the outlet wall 70 of the channel and the side wall 32. For example, the second circumferential length of the outlet wall 70 can have an intersection angle of or more than 90 (in a section that does not form the first length, and/or having openings from a plurality of openings adjacent to the intersection in the second length, so that the liquid can flow substantially unimpeded to the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece. In these examples, the liquid collection area can be a groove having an elongated configuration, or can be a recess having the shape of a bowl. The curvature of the walls surrounding the groove or recess 90 can promote the flow of liquid condensate to the groove or recess 90. In some examples, the groove or recess 90 can be formed around the entire intersection of the outlet wall 70 of the channel and the side wall 32 (in other words, around the entire circumference of the outlet wall 70 of the channel).

The recess 90 is open on one side to allow liquid to enter the recess (e.g., from an upstream side). In some examples, the recess 90 may have a depth, generally parallel to the direction of air flow, of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. The recess may have a capacity of 0.2 ml to 1 ml, preferably 0.3 ml to 0.5 ml.

The channel 34 can be configured to provide one or more internal ridges or channels 80 for directing the liquid. The ridges or channels 80 help or facilitate the flow of liquid within the receiver 8 to the recess 90 and/or from the plurality of openings. It should be understood that the terms ridge and channel can be used interchangeably when describing the liquid direction elements. For example, a channel for directing the liquid can be considered as formed by the facing edges of two liquid-directing ridges, and, similarly, a ridge for directing the liquid can be considered as formed by the facing edges of two liquid-directing channels.

The ridges or channels 80 are typically arranged parallel to the direction of air flow during normal use, as shown in Fig. 3B. In other examples not shown in the drawings, the side wall 32 can be configured to form ridges and channels 80 that are not parallel. In some other examples, the channel 34 can be configured to create curved ridges and channels. In most examples, the ridges or channels 80 end inside or near the recess 90. Curved channels can be advantageous if the recess or groove 90 is provided only around some portion of the outlet wall 70 of the channel, so that the liquid can be directed into the recess or groove 90. In some examples, the outer surface of the side wall 32 adjacent to the outlet wall 70 of the channel can have outer channels 82 (that is, channels on the outer surface of the receiver). In some examples, the outlet wall 70 of the channel may also be provided with channels 80 and/or external channels 82. The liquid-guiding channels 80 of the outlet wall 70 of the channel may also facilitate or assist the flow or movement of the liquid toward the recess and/or groove 90.

Fig. 4A and 4B show a receptacle 8 corresponding to the example of the steam delivery system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4A is a perspective view, and Fig. 4B is a sectional view of the receptacle 8, wherein the sectional plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlike the receptacle 8 shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, the outlet wall 70 of the channel of the receptacle 8 shown in Fig. 4A and 4B is formed in a non-planar region 72 of the receptacle 8, so that a plurality of openings of the outlet wall 70 of the channel are provided on the non-planar surface. Aspects of Fig. 4A and 4B that are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 3A and 3B are not described in detail.

The configuration of the housing 23 with a non-planar region 72 provides an increased surface area compared to a flat region. For example, it should be understood that a circular surface has a surface area of πR ² , while a hemispherical surface has a surface area of 2πR ² . Due to the provision of a three-dimensional surface, the surface area of the outlet wall 70 of the channel increases compared to the outlet wall of the channel having a two-dimensional surface, depending on the extent of the surface in the third dimension.

The non-planar region 72 is limited by the peripheral region of the mouthpiece outlet 50. The non-planar region 72 may have a continuously curved surface. The non-planar region may define a surface that continuously curves within the boundaries of the peripheral region, so that the non-planar region and the peripheral region form a bowl or a concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region may vary and may be determined by a radius of curvature. In some examples, the non-planar region 72 may have a larger radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a smaller radius of curvature away from the peripheral region. In addition, in some examples, the non-planar region 72 may have different radii of curvature in the first plane and in the second plane. For example, as shown in Fig. 4A, the mouthpiece outlet 50 may have an elliptical shape. The radius of curvature in the plane defined by the major axis of the ellipse and the direction of air flow is less than the radius of curvature in the plane defined by the minor axis of the ellipse and the direction of air flow.

In some examples, the radius of curvature of the non-planar region lies in a range selected from the group including from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, where this is the radius of curvature in the first plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow during normal use. In some examples, the first plane can be determined by the shape axis of the peripheral section of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece, as well as the air flow direction axis. For example, the shape axis can be a major or minor axis of an ellipse defined by the peripheral section.

In some examples, the second radius of curvature of the non-planar region lies in a range selected from the group consisting of from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, wherein this second radius of curvature is about an axis perpendicular to both the direction of air flow during normal use and the first plane (for example, it can be considered that the direction of air flow defines the first axis, the normal to the first plane defines the second axis, and the third axis is perpendicular to the first and second axes, wherein the second radius of curvature is defined relative to the third axis). It should be understood that in some examples, the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite relative to the second axis, so that the non-planar surface is planar or not actually curved about an axis perpendicular to both the direction of air flow during normal use and the first plane.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlike the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 4B, the side wall 32 does not form a recess, but instead the non-planar surface 72 of the outlet wall 70 of the channel of the receiver 8 in Fig. 5 is curved outwardly from the center of the receiver 8. The aspects shown in Fig. 5, which are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 4B, are not described in detail.

The outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece of the receiver 8, shown in Fig. 5, has a convex shape relative to the inner region of the receiver 8. Like Fig. 4A and 4B, the configuration of the side wall 32, defining the non-planar region 72, provides an increased surface area compared to the flat region. Unlike Fig. 4A and 4B, the side wall 32 defines the outer surface of the mouthpiece, including a central region, the most distant from the center of the receiver 8, and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The peripheral region can be located approximately near the end of the channel 34 and/or the recess 90 for collecting liquid.

The recess 90 may be in the form of a trough (for example, a U-shaped trough or a V-shaped trough) surrounding either the entire circumference of the channel 34 or a portion thereof. The intersection of the outlet wall 70 of the channel and the side wall 32 may form a recess. The outlet wall 70 of the channel may be positioned at an angle to the side wall 32, so that the recess is limited by the outlet wall 70 of the channel and the side wall 32, wherein the recess 90 is open on one side to allow liquid to enter the recess. In some examples, the recess may be limited by additional wall elements extending either from the outlet wall 70 or from the side wall 32. In some examples, the recess 90 may have a depth, typically parallel to the direction of air flow, of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm, and most preferably 3 mm. The recess may have a capacity of 0.2 ml to 1 ml, preferably 0.3 ml to 0.5 ml.

In some examples, as shown in Fig. 5, the radius of curvature of the non-planar region lies in a range selected from the group including from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, where this is the radius of curvature in the first plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow during normal use. In some examples, the first plane can be determined by the shape axis of the peripheral section of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece, as well as the axis of the air flow direction. For example, the shape axis can be a major or minor axis of an ellipse defined by the peripheral part.

In some examples, as shown in Fig. 5, the second radius of curvature of the non-planar region lies in a range selected from the group consisting of from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm, wherein this is the second radius of curvature relative to an axis perpendicular to both the direction of air flow during normal use and the normal to the first plane. It should be understood that in some examples, the second radius of curvature of the continuously curved surface is substantially infinite relative to the second axis, so that the non-planar surface does not actually bend about an axis perpendicular to both the direction of air flow during normal use and the normal to the first plane.

Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the vapor delivery system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlike the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 4B, the side wall 32 does not have a recess 90 for collecting liquid. The aspects shown in Fig. 6, which are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 4B, are not described in detail.

In Fig. 6, the non-flat region 72 having a plurality of openings may extend to the edge of the channel 34, so that a depression for collecting liquid is not formed. As a result, a large surface area is provided for the plurality of openings. In addition, this may contribute to a more uniform distribution of the air flow along the channel 34 and the elimination of a concentration of the air flow in the central region.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlike the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 4B, the receiver 8 comprises a side wall 32, a mouthpiece and an inlet wall 40 (not an outlet wall 70) formed as a single component. The aspects shown in Fig. 6, which are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 4B, are not described in detail.

Similar to the above examples, the component formed as a single unit may be formed by integrally molding the mouthpiece, side wall and inlet wall 40 using a single mold. The component may be formed using an injection molding method or any other conventional process. For example, the component may be formed as a single component in a layer-by-layer additive manufacturing process, such as top-down or bottom-up 3D printing using a suitable material. In some examples, a casting process may be used.

As shown in Fig. 7, the inlet wall 40 may comprise a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of openings. The configuration of the body 23 with the non-planar region 72 provides an increased surface area compared to a flat region. For example, it should be taken into account that a circular surface has an area of πR ² , while the area of a hemispherical surface is equal to 2πR ² . By providing a three-dimensional surface, the surface area of the inlet wall 40 of the channel increases compared to the area of the inlet wall of the channel having a two-dimensional surface continuing in two dimensions, and depends on the extension of the surface in the third dimension.

The non-planar region 72 is limited by the peripheral region at the base of the input section 38. The non-planar region 72 can have a continuously curved surface. The non-planar region can define a surface that continuously curves within the boundaries of the peripheral region, so that the non-planar region and the peripheral region form a bowl or a concave shape. The curved surface of the non-planar region can vary and can be determined by a radius of curvature. In some examples, the non-planar region 72 can have a larger radius of curvature closer to the peripheral region and a smaller radius of curvature further from the peripheral region. In addition, in some examples, the non-planar region 72 can have a different radius of curvature in the first and second planes.

The outlet wall 70 can be inserted after filling the receiver 8 with the aromatic material 36. The side wall 32 can be further configured to define a retention mechanism 60 for retaining the outlet wall 70 of the channel (not shown in the drawing) inside the end of the channel 34 opposite to the end having the outlet wall 70 of the channel. The retention mechanism is understood to mean a mechanism for retaining the outlet wall 70 of the channel inside the channel 34. In other words, the retention mechanism 60 blocks or prevents the outlet wall 70 from exiting the channel 34 after insertion. It should be understood that the outlet wall 70 of the channel cannot exit the channel 34 from its end having the inlet wall 40 of the channel, due to the presence of the inlet wall 40 of the channel.

Similar to the retention mechanism shown in Fig. 2B and 2C, the retention mechanism 60 may comprise a plurality of tabs. The tabs are configured to fold upward when pressure (and possibly heat) is applied so that they face inward toward the center of the channel 34. In use, the outlet wall 70 is inserted into the channel 34 formed by the side wall 32, and then the retention mechanism 60 is adjusted so as to reduce the diameter of the channel 34 so that the outlet wall 70 cannot exit the channel 34. It should be understood that the outlet wall 70 has a shape that is small enough to be inserted into the channel 34, but large enough to be retained by the retention mechanism 60.

In other examples not shown in the drawings, the retention mechanism 60 may be implemented in accordance with traditional technologies, for example, based on a screw thread, a clamping or a snap-on mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, glue or ultrasonic welding may be used as the retention mechanism 60 to attach the inlet wall 40 to the housing. They may be used instead of the tongues shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 4B, the non-planar region 72 having a plurality of openings has a planar or flat central region 73 and a curved region 74. The aspects shown in Fig. 8, which are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 4B, are not described in detail.

Examples of the non-planar region 72 may include a flat region 73 and at least one other curved adjacent region 74 bordering the flat region 73. As shown in Fig. 8, the flat region 73 is a central portion of the outlet wall 70, and at least one adjacent curved region 74 surrounds or borders at least a portion of the central portion. In some examples, the flat region 73 defines a central circular or elliptical portion of the non-planar region 72, and the non-planar adjacent region defines a non-planar surface extending from the edge of the circular or elliptical surface. As an example, the curved adjacent region 74 may be a ring surrounding the central circular portion of the flat region 73.

In other examples, the flat section 73 may be a surface that has a polygonal shape with multiple edges (for example, the surface may be square). The curved surface 74 extends from the edge of the flat surface 73. The second adjacent curved surface 74 may extend from another edge of the surface, for example, the opposite edge of the surface (i.e., from the parallel edge of the square). In some examples, adjacent curved surfaces or sections 74 may not adjoin each other. For example, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may be connected by a wall that does not contain any of the plurality of openings of the non-flat region 72.

Although in the example of Fig. 8, the central region of the outlet wall 70 has a planar or flat surface; in other examples, the central region may have a curved surface, and one or more adjacent regions may have a flat surface. It should be understood that the outlet wall 70 may be configured to provide a variety of different curved and flat surfaces depending on specific requirements.

Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device. In contrast to the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 4B, the non-planar region 72 having a plurality of openings comprises a plurality of flat regions 73, each of which defines a surface, the normal to which is not parallel to the normal to any other surface of the plurality of flat regions 73. The aspects shown in Fig. 9, which are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 4B, are not described in detail.

In some examples, the non-planar portion 72 may be formed by a plurality of planar portions, each of which defines a surface having a plane that is different from the planes defined by the surfaces of the other portions.

In other examples, the flat section 73 may be a surface that has a polygonal shape with several edges (for example, the surface may be square). The adjacent curved surface 74 extends from the edge of the surface. The second adjacent curved surface 74 may extend from another edge of the surface, for example, the opposite edge of the surface (that is, from the parallel edge of the square). In some examples, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may not adjoin each other. For example, adjacent curved surfaces 74 may be connected by a wall that does not have any of the plurality of openings of the non-flat region 72.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the receiver 8 in the example of the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 9. The aspects shown in Fig. 10, which are essentially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 9, are not described in detail. The term "top view" means that in normal use, the view is in a plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow. In other words, this is a view in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 8.

In the example shown, the non-planar section 72 is a set of seven flat sections 73. The central flat section defines a surface that has a hexagonal shape. From each of the six sides of the hexagonal central section, one of the six other flat sections extends. Each of the flat sections 73 defines a surface that extends from the central flat section to the edge of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece, defined by the side wall 32. The planes of each of the flat sections surrounding the central section are located at an angle to the central section, so that none of the flat sections 73 defines a normal that is parallel to the normal to any of the other flat sections 73.

In some examples, the plurality of openings of the non-flat region 72 may be uniformly distributed over each of the flat sections 73. In other examples, one or more flat sections 73 may have a higher density of openings. For example, the flat section 73 provided in the center of the non-flat surface may have a higher or lower density of openings compared to the flat section around the outer section of the non-flat region 72. It should be understood that in other examples not shown in the drawings, other configurations of the flat sections 73 may be used to provide the non-flat region 72. For example, the central region may be absent or the central region may have a different number of edges, such as from 3 to 12 edges.

Fig. 11 shows a top view of the receiver 8 in the example of the receiver 8 shown in Fig. 8. The aspects shown in Fig. 11, which are essentially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 8, are not described in detail. The term "top view" means that in normal use, the view is in a plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow. In other words, it is a view in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 8.

As shown, the plurality of openings of the non-planar region 72 may be arranged concentrically with the center of the non-planar region 72. The center of the non-planar region 72 may be the center of the longitudinal axis of the device, with respect to which there is at least one degree of symmetry. In some examples, the longitudinal axis may also be the center of the air flow during normal use. In some examples, the density of openings may be constant in the non-planar region. In other examples, the density of openings may increase or decrease with distance from the center.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the mouthpiece outlet 50 and side wall 32 in the exemplary steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Some aspects of Fig. 12 are substantially similar to aspects shown in the previous drawings and will not be described in detail again.

The example of the mouthpiece outlet opening 50 shown in Fig. 12 demonstrates the position of a plurality of openings in the non-planar region 72. As mentioned above, the outlet wall 70 has a plurality of openings allowing air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. The outlet wall 70 is provided at the end of the mouthpiece outlet opening 50 of the channel 34 formed by the side wall 32. The outlet wall 70 is slightly spaced from the end of the channel 34.

The side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 may further define a recess 90 for retaining liquid.

As shown, the outlet wall 70 comprises a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes or openings 77. Each of the openings is made parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 8. The longitudinal axis substantially coincides with the direction of air flow through the receiver 8 during normal use.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the mouthpiece outlet 50 and the side wall 32 in the example steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Some aspects of Fig. 13 are substantially similar to aspects shown in the previous drawings and will not be described in detail again.

The example of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece shown in Fig. 13 shows the position of a plurality of openings in the non-planar region 72. As mentioned above, the outlet wall 70 has a plurality of openings that allow air to pass from one side of the outlet wall to the other side of the outlet wall. The outlet wall 70 is provided at the end of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece of the channel 34, formed by the side wall 32. The outlet wall 70 is slightly spaced from the end of the channel 34. The side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 can further define a recess 90 for holding liquid.

As shown, the outlet wall 70 comprises a non-planar region 72 having a plurality of holes or openings 77. Each of the openings 77 is a through opening in the outlet wall, and the opening has a longitudinal axis parallel to the normal to the non-planar region at the location of the corresponding opening. This can facilitate the flow of air from the peripheral regions of the flavoring material 36.

Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the receiver 8 in the example of the steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 8. Aspects of Fig. 14 that are substantially similar to aspects shown in the previous drawings are not described in detail.

The side wall 32 may comprise a shelf or projection 120 configured to prevent the inlet wall 40 from moving in any direction. For example, the inlet wall 40 may be inserted into the channel 34 from the end of the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece. The inlet wall 40 may move inside the channel 34 between the outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece and the projection 120, but the inlet wall 40 cannot move beyond the projection 120. In essence, the inlet wall 40 may be mounted on the side wall 32 by means of the projection 120.

The projection or shelf 120 may be formed by one or more projections extending inward from the side wall 32 forming the channel 34. In essence, the projection or shelf 120 is configured to block the movement of the inlet wall 40 and hold it within the channel, thereby maintaining the position of the inlet wall 40 within the receiver 8. In some examples, the inlet wall 40 may be further connected to the side wall 32 using ultrasonic welding, glue or any other traditional technology to further hold the inlet wall 40 in place.

In other examples, the side wall 32 and the inlet wall 40 may be formed as a single unit, such as by injection molding using a single mold or by three-dimensionally printing a single component. In these other examples, the receptacle 8 may or may not include the projection 120. In addition, although the inlet wall 40 in Fig. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples, the inlet wall 40 may be non-planar and may, for example, have the configuration shown in Fig. 7 and described in the corresponding embodiments.

The receiver 8 comprises a side wall 32, a mouthpiece 110, an outlet wall 70 and an inlet wall 40. The mouthpiece 110 is either made integral with the outlet wall 70 or is otherwise connected to it. For example, the mouthpiece 110 can be made as a single component with the outlet wall 70 using a single casting mold, or the mouthpiece 110 and the outlet wall 70 can be formed separately and connected to form a single component by ultrasonic welding, glue or any other traditional technology. The receiver 8 comprises a side wall 32, limiting a channel 34, inside which a flavoring material 36 can be located.

In the example shown in Fig. 14, the outlet wall 70 comprises a channel entry portion 130 which is inserted into the channel 34 of the receiver 8 when the outlet wall 70 is attached to the side wall 32 (for example, when the mouthpiece 110 is attached to the side wall 32). As shown, the outlet wall 70 can be provided at the base of the channel entry portion 130. The channel entry portion 130 is configured to have a shape close in shape to and slightly smaller than the channel 34 into which it is inserted, so that when the channel entry portion 130 is inserted into the channel, the channel entry portion 130 fits tightly against the side walls of the channel 34 (that is, is press-fitted so that it fits tightly). As an example, the channel inlet section 130 and the channel 34 can be cylindrical, and the diameter of the channel inlet section 130 can be only slightly smaller than the diameter of the channel 34. The outlet wall 70 can be formed as a circular section that closes the cylinder formed by the channel inlet section 130. It should be understood that the configuration of the channel 34 and the channel inlet section 130 can be provided in various corresponding shapes, nevertheless ensuring the possibility of a tight fit of the channel inlet section 130 in the channel 34. In addition, although the outlet wall 70 in Fig. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples the outlet wall 70 can be non-planar and can be configured, for example, as shown in Fig. 4A, 4B, 5, 6 and 8-13 and described in the corresponding embodiments.

In some examples, the side wall 32 and the mouthpiece 110 may be removably connected together. When the flavoring material 36 in the receiver 8 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to another flavoring material, the mouthpiece 110 may be disconnected from the side wall 32 and the flavoring material 36 in the channel 34 may be replaced. The side wall 32 and the mouthpiece 110 may be connected together in such a way that a structural connection is established between these two parts. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the retention of the mouthpiece 110 on the side wall 32 is facilitated by means of locking elements or clamps 150 and corresponding locking elements 160 for receiving the locking elements 150.

The mouthpiece 110 may comprise a pair of locking elements 150. The two locking elements 150 are arranged opposite each other, one on each side of the mouthpiece 110. The locking element 150 comprises a tab 152 and a leg 151. In the example under consideration, the leg 151 is a substantially elongated element, and the tab 152 is an element protruding from the end of the leg 151 substantially at an angle of 90 degrees to the elongated axis of the leg 151. The flexibility of the leg 151 allows the tab 152 to move relative to the rest of the mouthpiece 110 (for example, relative to the insertion section 130 into the channel), when an external force is applied to the leg 151. The movement of the leg 151 (and therefore the tab) can be considered a hinge movement, which increases or decreases the angle of inclination of the leg 151 relative to the rest of the mouthpiece 110 in the rest position. The elasticity of the leg 151 returns it to the original angle when the force is removed, whereby the locking element takes the usual shape.

The fixing element 150 is attached to the side wall 32 in such a way that the leg 151 and the tab 152 extend beyond the upper surface of the housing. In other words, the section of the side wall 32 and at least the leg 151 overlap in the longitudinal direction of the receiver 8. The locking element 150 can be attached by engaging the tab 152 with the locking element 160. The tab 152 usually lies in the plane of the locking elements 160. The locking element 160 has a shape for receiving the tab 152, for example, there is an opening or a recess formed by the projections of the locking element 160, continuing from the lateral edge of the side wall 32, into which the tab 152 is inserted. For example, the side wall 32 can be molded together with or otherwise include shaped parts formed from a rigid plastic material, which engage with the tab in order to receive it and, therefore, hold it in place.

In other examples, not shown in the drawings, the mouthpiece 110 may be mechanically or chemically connected to the side wall 32 using conventional technologies, for example, based on screw threads, a locking mechanism, or holes for a bayonet connection to establish an electrical connection and an air path connection between the two parts, if necessary. In some examples, the tab 152 may be secured to the side wall 32 by screws or rivets passing through the locking element 150, or by gluing or welding to the body. It should be understood that in these examples, the side wall 32 and the mouthpiece 110 may not be intended to be removably connected to each other.

Fig. 15A-15C are a series of sectional views of the example receptacle 8 shown in Fig. 14, showing the filling of the receptacle with a flavoring material and the attachment of the mouthpiece 110 to the side wall 32. Aspects of Fig. 15A-15C that are substantially similar to the aspects shown in Fig. 14 are not described in detail.

The receptacle 8 is configured to hold the flavoring material 36 in the channel 34 between the inlet wall 40 and the outlet wall 70. As shown in Fig. 15A, the receptacle 8 is designed to be filled with a certain amount of the flavoring material 36 after the inlet wall 40 is installed inside the channel 34. The inlet wall 40 can be held in the channel 34, for example, by the orientation of the receptacle 8 and the projection 120 (i.e., under the action of gravity) or by any other means (for example, glue or welding). Then, the flavoring material 36 can be fed into the receptacle 8 through the open outlet end of the channel 34. Filling the receptacle 8 with the flavoring material 36 can be facilitated by a funnel 170, a chute or a similar element for directing the flavoring material.

Then, as shown in Fig. 15B, the mouthpiece 110 can be attached to the side wall 32 using the fixing elements 150 and the corresponding fixing elements 160. When the mouthpiece 110 is attached to the side wall 32, the channel entry portion 130 is inserted into the channel 34.

As shown in Fig. 15C, attaching the mouthpiece 110 to the side wall 32 causes the channel input portion 130 to compress the flavoring material 36 inside the channel 34. The channel input portion 130 can compress the flavoring material 36, effectively reducing or removing the empty space in the cavity defined by the side walls of the channel 34, the input wall 40 and the output wall 70. The receiver can be configured to compress the volume of the flavoring material relative to its uncompressed volume in a range selected from the group including from 5% to 40%, from 10% to 35%, 15% to 30% and from 20% to 30%.

In addition, the cavity defined by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the opening at the outlet end of the channel limited by the side walls can have a volume in the range selected from the group including from 2 cm ³ to 10 cm ³ , from 3 cm ³ to 9 cm ³ , from 4 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ and from 5 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ . The cavity defined by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 (when the mouthpiece 110 is attached to the side wall 32) can have a volume in the range selected from the group including from 1 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ , from 2 cm ³ to 7 cm ³ , from 2.5 cm ³ to 6 cm ³ and from 3 cm ³ to 5 cm ³ . In addition, the cavity defined by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the opening at the outlet end of the channel limited by the side walls can be filled with uncompressed flavoring material to 50%-95%, 60%-85%, 65%-80% or 70%-80% of its volume.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of a receiver 8 according to the example of a steam supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1, wherein the sectional plane is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 8. In contrast to the receiver shown in Fig. 14, the receiver in Fig. 16 includes a fastening element 180 comprising an inlet wall 40 and a locking element 150 configured to connect to a side wall 32. Aspects of Fig. 16 that are substantially similar to aspects shown in the previous drawings are not described in detail.

The receiver 8 comprises a side wall 32, an outlet wall 70 and an inlet wall 40. The side wall 32 is configured to form an outlet opening 50 of the mouthpiece, as well as a channel 34 in which a flavoring material 36 can be located, and, in some cases, an outlet wall. The outlet wall 70 can be attached to the side wall 32 separately (for example, by ultrasonic welding or glue) or by means of a projection, as described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. A shelf or projection 120 for use in the receiver shown in Fig. 16 can be configured to prevent the outlet wall 70 (and not the inlet wall) from moving in any direction. The outlet wall 70 can move within the channel 34 between the inlet end of the channel 34 and the projection 120, however, the outlet wall 70 cannot move beyond the projection 120. Alternatively, the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 (and any other components of the housing) can be formed as a single component, for example, by injection molding using a single mold or by another method, as described above. The side wall 32 can also define an input section 38 of the receptacle 8 for insertion into the receiving section 54 provided at the open end of the air path 52 opposite the end of the cartridge 4 that connects to the control unit 2. The input section can be formed integrally with the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70. In addition, although the outlet wall 70 in Fig. 14 is planar or flat, in other examples, the outlet wall 70 may be non-planar and may, for example, have the configuration shown in Fig. 4A, 4B, 5, 6 and 8-13 and described in the corresponding embodiments.

In the example shown in Fig. 16, the inlet wall 40 is provided as part of the fastening element 180, which also includes a channel entry section 130, which is inserted into the channel 34 of the receiver 8, when the inlet wall 40 is attached to the housing. The inlet wall 40 is provided at the base of the channel entry section 130. The channel inlet section 130 is configured to have a shape close in shape to and slightly smaller than the channel section 34 into which it is inserted, so that when the channel inlet section 130 is inserted into the channel, the channel inlet section 130 fits tightly against the side walls of the channel 34. As an example, the channel inlet section 130 and the channel 34 can be cylindrical, and the diameter of the channel inlet section 130 can be only slightly smaller than the diameter of the channel 34. The inlet wall 40 can be made in the form of a circular part that closes the cylinder formed by the channel inlet section 130. It should be borne in mind that the configuration of the channel 34, the channel inlet section 130 can have different shapes, nevertheless ensuring the possibility of a tight fit of the channel inlet section 130 in the channel 34.

In some examples, the side wall 32 and the fastening element 180 may be removably connected to each other. When the flavoring material 36 inside the receiver 8 is exhausted or the user simply wishes to switch to another flavoring material, the fastening element 180 may be disconnected from the side wall 32, and the flavoring material 36 in the channel 34 may be replaced. The side wall 32 and the fastening element 180 may be connected to each other in such a way that a structural connection is established between the two parts. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the retention of the fastening element 180 on the side wall 32 is facilitated by means of fixing elements or clamps 150 and corresponding fixing elements 160 for receiving portions of the fixing elements 150.

The fastening element 180 may comprise a pair of locking elements 150. The two locking elements 150 are located opposite each other, one on each side of the mouthpiece 110. The fastening element 150 comprises a tab 152 and a leg 151. In the current example, the leg 151 is a substantially elongated element, and the tab 152 is an element protruding from the end of the leg 151 substantially at an angle of 90 degrees to the elongated axis of the leg 151. The flexibility of the leg 151 allows the tab 152 to move relative to the rest of the fastening element 180 (for example, relative to the insertion section 130 into the channel), when an external force is applied to the leg 151. The movement of the leg 151 (and therefore the tab) can be considered as a hinge movement, which increases or decreases the angle of inclination of the leg 151 relative to the angle of inclination of the rest of the fastening element 180 in the rest position. The elasticity of the leg 151 returns the angle to its original value when the force is removed, returning the locking element to its normal shape.

The fixing element 150 is attached to the side wall 32 in such a way that the leg 151 and the tab 152 extend beyond the upper surface of the housing. In other words, the section of the side wall 32 and at least the leg 151 overlap in the longitudinal direction of the receiver 8. The locking element 150 can be fixed by engaging the tab 152 with the locking element 160. The tab 152 usually lies in the plane of the locking elements 160. The locking element 160 has a shape that allows it to receive the leg 152, for example, it has an opening or a recess formed by projections of the locking element 160 extending from the lateral edge of the side wall 32, into which the leg 152 is inserted. For example, the side wall 32 can be molded together with or otherwise include shaped parts formed from a rigid plastic material that engage with the leg in order to receive it and, therefore, hold it in place.

In other examples, not shown in the drawings, the mouthpiece 120 may be mechanically or chemically connected to the side wall 32 using conventional technologies, such as based on screw threads, a latching mechanism, or bayonet mounting holes to establish an electrical connection and an air path connection between the two parts, depending on the need. In some examples, the tab 152 may be secured to the side wall 32 by screws or rivets passing through the fastening element 150, or by gluing or welding to the body. It should be noted that in these examples, the side wall 32 and the fastening element 180 may not be intended to be removably connected to each other.

In the filling process, the receptacle 8 is filled with a certain amount of the aromatic material 36 after the outlet wall 70 is installed inside the channel 34. The outlet wall 70 can be held in the channel 34, for example, by the orientation of the receptacle 8 and the projection 120 (i.e., under the action of gravity) or by any other means (for example, by gluing or welding). Then, the receptacle 8 can be filled with the aromatic material 36 through the open inlet end of the channel 34. Filling the receptacle 8 with the aromatic material 36 can be facilitated by a funnel, a chute or a similar element for guiding the aromatic material. The fastening element 180 can be attached to the side wall 32 by means of the fixing elements 150 and the corresponding fixing elements 160. When the fastening element 180 is attached to the side wall 32, the channel input portion 130 is inserted into the channel 34. The attachment of the fastening element 180 to the side wall 32 causes the channel input portion 130 to compress the flavoring material 36 inside the channel 34. The channel input portion 130 can compress the flavoring material 36, effectively reducing or eliminating the empty space in the cavity defined by the side walls of the channel 34, the inlet wall 40 and the outlet wall 70. As described in detail above, the receiver can be configured to compress the flavoring material relative to its uncompressed volume in a range selected from the group including from 5% to 40%, from 10% to 35%, from 15% to 30%. and from 20% to 30%.

In addition, the cavity defined by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the opening at the outlet end of the channel defined by the side walls can have a volume in the range selected from the group consisting of from 2 cm ³ to 10 cm ³ , from 3 cm ³ to 9 cm ³ , from 4 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ and from 5 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ . The cavity defined by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the outlet wall 70 (when the mouthpiece 110 is attached to the side wall 32) can have a volume in the range selected from the group consisting of from 1 cm ³ to 8 cm ³ , from 2 cm ³ to 7 cm ³ , 2.5 cm ³ to 6 cm ³ and from 3 cm ³ to 5 cm ³ . In addition, the cavity, limited by the inlet wall 40, the side wall 32 and the opening at the outlet end of the channel, limited by the side walls, can be filled with uncompressed flavoring material by 50%-95%, 60%-85%, 65%-80% or 70%-80% of its volume.

Fig. 17 schematically shows a method for producing a receptacle for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device according to some embodiments of the present description. The receptacle includes a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for the flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall comprises a plurality of openings allowing an air flow to pass through the cavity, and the method includes a first step S1 of providing a side wall with either an inlet or an outlet wall mounted thereon; a second step S2 of filling the cavity with the flavoring material; and a third step S3 of mounting the other of the outlet or inlet walls on the side wall to compress the flavoring material between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

Thus, the present document describes an aerosol supply system comprising an air path extending from a steam generation region in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user, to a flavor imparting region of a receiver for capturing a flavor transfer medium for imparting flavor to the steam; wherein the receiver comprises a wall for holding a flavoring material, wherein the wall has a plurality of openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the plurality of openings are located in the non-planar region.

Furthermore, an aerosol supply system is described, comprising an air path continuing from a steam generation region, in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user, to a flavoring region of a receiver for capturing a medium that imparts flavor, for imparting flavor to the steam; wherein the receiver comprises a side wall, an outlet wall and an inlet wall, wherein the side wall defines a cavity for a flavoring material, and each of the inlet wall and the outlet wall has a plurality of openings for passing an air flow through the cavity, and wherein the inlet wall and the outlet wall are mounted on the side wall in such a way as to compress the flavoring material in the cavity between the inlet wall and the outlet wall.

In addition, an aerosol supply system is described, comprising an air path continuing from a steam generation region, in which steam is generated for inhalation by the user, to a flavoring region of a receiver for capturing a medium for flavoring for flavoring the steam generated by the aerosol delivery system; wherein the receiver is a body comprising a mouthpiece, side walls and an outlet wall in the mouthpiece with a plurality of openings for passing an air flow, wherein the mouthpiece, side walls and outlet wall are formed as a single component.

In addition, an aerosol supply system is described, comprising an air path continuing from a steam generation region, in which steam is generated for inhalation by a user, to a flavoring region of a receiver for capturing a medium for flavoring for flavoring the steam; wherein the receiver has a body comprising side walls and a projection continuing inward from the side walls for holding one of the inlet wall and the outlet wall of the receiver.

While the embodiments discussed above with reference to Fig. 1 focus to some extent on devices comprising a liquid aerosolizable material for generating an inhalable environment, as noted, the same principles may be used in devices based on other aerosolizable materials, such as solid materials such as plant-derived materials, such as tobacco-based materials, or other forms of aerosolizable materials such as a gel, paste or foam based on aerosolizable materials. Thus, the aerosolizable material may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavoring materials. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may be an "amorphous solid," which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can hold a certain amount of a fluid, such as a liquid. In some embodiments, the aerosolizable material may, for example, contain from about 50 wt.%, 60 wt.%, or 70 wt.% of an amorphous solid to about 90 wt.%, 95 wt.%, or 100 wt.% of an amorphous solid.

The aerosolizable material (which may also be referred to as an aerosol-generating material or an aerosol precursor material) may, in some embodiments, comprise a vapor- or aerosol-generating agent or a humectant. Examples of such agents include glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. A composition comprising one or more aerosol-generating agents may be referred to herein as an active substance.

In addition, as already noted, it should be understood that the above-described approaches can be implemented in aerosol delivery systems, such as in electronic smoking articles, having a general design different from the design shown in Fig. 1. For example, the same principles can be used in an aerosol delivery system that does not have a modular design consisting of two parts, but instead is a device consisting of one part, such as a disposable (i.e., non-rechargeable and non-refillable) device. Moreover, in some embodiments of a modular device, the arrangement of components can be different. For example, in some embodiments, the control unit can also include an evaporator with a replaceable cartridge that is a source of aerosolizable material that the evaporator can use to generate an aerosol.

Moreover, in some examples, the receptacle (flavor insert/capsule) located in the air flow path through the device may be located upstream of the evaporator rather than downstream of the evaporator.

As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring material" and related terms refer to materials that, if local regulations permit, may be used to impart a desired taste or aroma to a product for adult consumers. The materials referred to may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof. The material referred to may be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid or powder.

In order to solve various problems and to provide progress in the art, the present disclosure shows by means of illustrations various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) can be implemented in practice. The advantages and distinctive features of the invention relate only to a representative example of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to facilitate understanding and familiarization with the claimed invention(s). It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, distinctive features, structures and/or other aspects of the invention should not be considered limitations of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations of equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments can be used and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The various embodiments may accordingly comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein, and it is thus understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly set forth in the claims. The invention may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims (18)

1. A device for generating an inhaled environment, comprising a receiver for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by the device, in which the receiver comprises a wall for holding the flavoring material, comprising openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the openings are located in the non-planar region, and the non-planar region has a recess in the wall in the direction of the center of the receiver. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the non-planar region has a continuously curving surface. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first radius of curvature of the non-planar region in the first plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow during normal use is in a range selected from the group consisting of from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. 4. The device according to claim 3, in which the second radius of curvature of the non-planar region in the second plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow during normal use is in a range selected from the group consisting of from 0.3 cm to 3.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.5 cm, from 0.3 cm to 2.0 cm, from 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm and from 0.3 cm to 1.0 cm. 5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the non-planar region is not curved in the second plane, perpendicular to the direction of air flow during normal use, and the first plane. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the openings are arranged in a regular pattern. 7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the openings are located concentrically to the center of the non-planar region. 8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the openings extends through the wall in a direction parallel to the common axis. 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the openings extends through the wall in a direction parallel to the local normal to the wall. 10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the receiver comprises a side wall at least partially defining a cavity for the flavoring material. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein at least a section of the wall intersects the side wall at an angle inward of the receiver that is less than 90°. 12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the receiver comprises one or more liquid guide channels formed in the side wall and/or the wall and intended to direct condensed liquid into the receiver in the direction of the intersection of the wall and the side wall. 13. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the receiver comprises a second wall having openings allowing air flow through the cavity, and wherein the wall and the second wall are mounted on the side wall so as to compress the flavoring material between the wall and the second wall. 14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising a mouthpiece, in which the wall having openings is an outlet wall in the mouthpiece, and in which the mouthpiece, the side wall and the outlet wall are formed as a single component. 15. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising an aerosolizable material, a heater configured to selectively aerosolize the aerosolizable material to generate an inhalable medium, and an air flow channel for directing the inhalable medium toward the inlet of the receiver. 16. A receiver for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by an inhaled environment generating device, comprising a wall for holding the flavoring material, the wall comprising openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, in which the openings are located in the non-planar region, and the non-planar region has a recess in the wall in the direction of the center of the receiver. 17. A means for generating an inhalable environment, comprising a receiver for a flavouring material for imparting a flavour to the inhalable environment generated by the means for generating the inhalable environment, wherein the receiver comprises a wall for holding the flavouring material, having openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the openings are located in the non-planar region, and the non-planar region has a recess in the wall in the direction of the centre of the receiver. 18. A method for imparting a flavor to an inhaled environment generated by a device for generating an inhaled environment, comprising providing a receiver for a flavoring material for imparting a flavor to the inhaled environment, wherein the receiver comprises a wall for holding the flavoring material, having openings for passing an air flow and a non-planar region, wherein the openings for passing an air flow are located in the non-planar region, and the non-planar region has a recess in the wall in the direction of the center of the receiver, and wherein the method further comprises passing the inhaled environment through the receiver for imparting a flavor to the inhaled environment.