CN116998774A - Aerosol supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generating system and an aerosol generating method. The aerosol supply device includes: a main housing forming a heating chamber; and a removal mechanism at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and, in use, magnetically retained to the main housing to form the heating chamber. a receiving portion of the chamber, wherein an aerosol-generating article is in use at least partially inserted into said receiving portion of said heating chamber, and wherein said removal mechanism is completely removable from said main housing so as to be removed from said heating chamber. The heating chamber removes the aerosol-generating article.

Description

Aerosol supply device

Technical field

The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol generating system and an aerosol generating method.

Background technique

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars, etc. burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these preparations by creating products that release the compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called "heat not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products that release compounds by heating but not burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol delivery systems covering the above mentioned devices or products are known. Common systems use heaters to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium, which is then inhaled by the user. Often, the medium used needs to be replaced or modified to provide a different aerosol for inhalation. It is known to use induction heating systems as heaters to generate aerosols from suitable media. Induction heating systems typically include a magnetic field generating device for generating a changing magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material that can be heated by penetration with the changing magnetic field to heat a suitable medium.

A conventional aerosol supply device includes a cylindrical heating chamber into which a rod-shaped consumable is inserted.

It would be desirable to provide an improved aerosol delivery device.

Contents of the invention

According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising:

the main housing, forming the heating chamber; and

a removal mechanism at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and magnetically retained in use to the main housing to form a receiving portion of the heating chamber, wherein the aerosol-generating article is at least partially inserted into the receiving portion of the heating chamber , and wherein the removal mechanism is completely removable from the main housing to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

According to various embodiments, a removal mechanism is provided that is particularly beneficial in removing spent aerosol-generating articles retained on a heating element at the end of a period of use. The heating element may, for example, comprise a resistive pin heating element. The removal mechanism may include a tubular portion and a base portion, wherein the heating element extends through an aperture provided in the base portion. The removal mechanism can be withdrawn from the main housing of the aerosol delivery device, and in doing so, the base portion can engage the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. When the removal mechanism is withdrawn, the base portion of the removal mechanism will pull the spent aerosol-generating article away from the heating element. The removal mechanism may also capture any portion of the used aerosol-generating article that becomes separated during the removal process.

Alternatively, the removal mechanism may include a first magnet or magnetizable material and the main housing may include a second magnet or magnetizable material.

Optionally, the aerosol delivery device may also include a heating element attached to the main housing.

Optionally, the heating element can extend into the heating chamber.

Alternatively, the aerosol-generating article may, in use, be secured to the heating element such that the heating element at least partially penetrates into the aerosol-generating article.

Optionally, the removal mechanism may include a tubular portion and a base portion at least partially surrounding the heating element.

Optionally, the heating element extends through the base portion of the removal mechanism when the removal mechanism is magnetically held to the main housing.

Optionally, the base portion of the removal mechanism may be arranged to contact the distal end of the aerosol-generating article when the removable mechanism is detached from the main housing, so as to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

Optionally, the removal mechanism may be arranged to push or otherwise force the aerosol-generating article to slide along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the heating element when the aerosol-generating article is removed from the heating chamber.

According to another aspect, an aerosol generating system is provided, including:

an aerosol supply device as described above; and

Aerosol-generating articles.

According to another aspect, a method of generating an aerosol is provided, comprising:

An aerosol supply device is provided, the aerosol supply device comprising a main housing forming a heating chamber and a removal mechanism at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and magnetically retained to the main housing to form a receptacle of the heating chamber. part;

inserting the aerosol-generating article at least partially into the receiving portion of the heating chamber; and

Completely disassemble the removal mechanism from the main housing to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.

Description of the drawings

Various embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an aerosol supply device located within the charging unit;

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol supply device;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device according to one embodiment, and illustrates an L-shaped airflow path through the aerosol supply device;

Figure 4 shows a corrugated surface on the outer surface of the tubular wall of the main housing of the aerosol supply device;

Figure 5 shows different views of the corrugated surface on the outer surface of the tubular wall of the main housing of the aerosol feed device;

Figure 6 shows a portion of the main housing of an aerosol delivery device and passage through a removal mechanism according to one embodiment;

Figure 7 shows the channel formed in the removal mechanism;

Figure 8 shows different views of the air flow channels formed in the removal mechanism;

Figure 9 shows the longitudinal channels formed in the removal mechanism and the channels formed in the removal mechanism;

10 illustrates a base portion of the removal mechanism, illustrating the base portion of the removal mechanism contacting a distal end of the aerosol-generating article, and wherein four radial airflow channels are disposed in the base portion; and

11A shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device according to another embodiment and shows a C-shaped air flow path through the aerosol supply device, and FIG. 11 B shows a cross-sectional view showing an annular air flow path.

Detailed ways

According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol delivery system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to the user. supply system.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-aerosol supply system, for example, an energized non-aerosol supply system.

In some embodiments, the non-aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required.

In some embodiments, the non-aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, a non-aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, wherein one or more aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, a mixing system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Generally, a non-aerosol supply system may include a non-aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-aerosol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include an aerosol-generating material and are configured for use with a non-aerosol delivery device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles of manufacture in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-aerosol delivery system, such as a non-aerosol delivery device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical source or a heat-generating power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to the aerosol-generating material or heat transfer material proximate the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, a non-aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-aerosol supply device may include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol-generating area, Housings, packaging materials, filters, mouthpieces, and/or aerosol modifiers.

An aerosol-generating material is, for example, a material capable of generating aerosols when heated, irradiated or excited in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (eg gel), which may or may not contain active substances and/or flavours.

Aerosol-generating materials may include adhesives and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, active agents and/or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent, such as water, is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially tobacco-free.

The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. Aerosol-generating films may be formed by combining a binder (e.g., a gelling agent) with a solvent (e.g., water), an aerosol-forming agent, and one or more other ingredients (e.g., active materials) to form a slurry, The slurry is then heated to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form an aerosol-generating film. The slurry can be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating membrane may be a continuous membrane or a discontinuous membrane, such as an arrangement of discrete portions of the membrane on a support. The aerosol-generating film can be substantially tobacco-free.

The aerosol-generating film may comprise flakes or may be flakes that may optionally be shredded to form shredded flakes.

Aerosol-generating materials may include one or more actives and/or fragrances, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause the generation of aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject an aerosol-generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

A consumable article is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol-generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material delivery component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which in use emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by being penetrated with a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material such that it is penetrated by a varying magnetic field resulting in inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material such that it is penetrated by a changing magnetic field causing hysteretic heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be electrically conductive and magnetic, allowing the susceptor to be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

The non-aerosol delivery system may include a modular assembly including a reusable aerosol delivery device and a replaceable aerosol-generating article. In some implementations, the non-aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit). The power source may include, for example, a power source such as a battery or rechargeable battery. In some implementations, the non-aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other implementations, an aerosol-generating article may partially or completely include aerosol-generating components.

Induction heating is a process that heats electrically conductive objects called susceptors by penetrating the object with a changing magnetic field. This method is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and means for passing a varying electrical current (eg, alternating current) through the electromagnet. When an electromagnet and an object to be heated are positioned appropriately relative to each other so that the resultant changing magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electric current, and when this eddy current is generated in the object, its flow against the resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule heating, ohmic heating or resistive heating.

Hysteresis heating is the process of heating an object made of magnetic material by penetrating it with a changing magnetic field. Magnetic materials can be thought of as consisting of many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates this material, the magnetic dipoles align with the field. Therefore, when a changing magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field generated by an electromagnet) penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the changing applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles results in the generation of heat in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a changing magnetic field can cause Joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object. Additionally, the use of magnetic materials enhances the magnetic field, which enhances Joule heating.

Various embodiments will now be described in greater detail.

Figure 1 illustrates an aerosol generation system according to one embodiment, which system includes an aerosol supply device 100, which is shown located within a cavity of a charging unit 101. The aerosol supply device 100 is arranged to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating article which, in use, is insertable into the aerosol supply device 100 .

The aerosol delivery device 100 is an elongated structure extending along a longitudinal axis. Additionally, the aerosol delivery device has a proximal end that when used by the user will be closest to the user (eg, the user's mouth) for inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol delivery device 100 and a distal end that when used by the user The remote end will be furthest from the user. The proximal end may also be referred to as the "oral end." The aerosol delivery device 100 accordingly also defines a proximal direction which, when in use, is directed towards the user, ie in a distal to proximal direction. Furthermore, the aerosol delivery device 100 likewise defines a distal direction that is directed away from the user during use, ie in a proximal to distal direction.

The aerosol supply device 100 can be removably inserted into the charging unit 101 to be charged. The charging unit 101 includes a cavity for receiving the aerosol supply device 100 . The aerosol supply device 100 can be inserted into the cavity via the opening. The cavity may also include longitudinal openings. A portion of the aerosol delivery device 100 may include the first side. One or more user-operable control elements, such as buttons 106 , operable to operate the aerosol delivery device 100 , may be provided on the first side of the aerosol delivery device 100 . The first side of the aerosol supply device 100 may be received in a longitudinal opening provided in the charging unit 101 .

According to one embodiment, the cavity of the charging unit 101 may have a cross-sectional profile that only allows the aerosol supply device 100 to be inserted into the charging unit 101 in a single orientation. According to one embodiment, the outer contour of the aerosol supply device 100 may include an arcuate portion and a linear portion. The cross-sectional profile of the cavity provided in the charging unit 101 may also include similar arcuate and linear portions. The linear portion of the cross-sectional profile of the cavity may correspond to the longitudinal opening.

The aerosol supply device 100 includes an opening to the heating chamber. A rod-shaped aerosol-generating article including an aerosol-generating material may be inserted through the opening and may be retained within the heating chamber of the aerosol supply device 100 . The aerosol-generating article can be heated by the heating element such that an aerosol or other inhalable medium can be generated, which can then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol delivery device 100 .

The charging unit 101 may include a slidable cover 103 . When the aerosol supply device 100 is inserted into the charging unit 101 for recharging, the slidable cover 103 can be closed so as to cover the opening in the aerosol supply device 100 . Charging unit 101 may include a user interface such as display 108 .

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol supply device 100 according to one embodiment. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a main housing 200 forming a heating chamber 201 . The main housing 200 may include a wall 200a, which is a tubular wall 200a, that may extend along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol feed device 100 and surround the heating chamber 201. Wall 200a may at least partially define heating chamber 201 of aerosol delivery device 100 as a volume enclosed within tubular wall 200a. Wall 200a may be of a shape other than tubular, and may be of any shape that surrounds (eg, surrounds) and defines heating chamber 201 within. The heating element 202 may be disposed in a portion of the main housing 200 and the heating element 202 may extend or protrude into the heating chamber 201 . Heating element 202 may include a base portion 202a, which may be located in a recess provided in a portion of main housing 200.

Heating element 202 may include a resistive heating element. According to one embodiment, the heating element 202 includes a pin which, in use, is insertable into the distal end of an aerosol-generating article received within the heating chamber 201 to internally heat the aerosol-generating article.

Other embodiments are contemplated in which heating element 202 may comprise a resistive blade heating element having a flat portion and a tip portion. The tip portion of the resistive blade heating element may be arranged to be inserted into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article in use so as to internally heat the aerosol-generating article.

Other embodiments are contemplated in which the heating element 202 may comprise an inductive heating element that may be arranged to internally heat the aerosol-generating article. Induction heating elements may similarly include pins or vanes. In additional embodiments, the heating element of the aerosol delivery system may be part of the aerosol-generating article rather than part of the aerosol delivery device 100 .

The aerosol delivery device 100 also includes a removal mechanism 204 that can be removably retained to the main housing 200 of the aerosol delivery device 100 . Removal mechanism 204 may be retained to main housing 200 such that at least a portion of removal mechanism 204 extends into heating chamber 201 . Removal mechanism 204 may include a longitudinal portion, such as tubular portion 207a, and a base portion 207b. The base portion 207b may have an aperture 206 through which the heating element 202 may extend. To retain the removal mechanism 204 to the main housing 200, the removal mechanism 204 is pushed into engagement with the main housing 200 in a distal direction (ie, toward the distal end of the main housing 200) until the removal mechanism 204 cannot remain in the main housing 200. Move further in the distal direction. In the following description, when the removal mechanism 204 is referred to as being "held to" the main housing 200, this is when the removal mechanism 204 is engaged with the main housing 200 and cannot move further in the distal direction.

The tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may together define and surround an article chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The article chamber includes an interior surface configured to contact the aerosol-generating article, the interior surface including a longitudinally extending portion provided by tubular portion 207a, and an end portion provided by base portion 207b. When the aerosol-generating article is received in the heating chamber, it may contact both the longitudinally extending portion of the inner surface and the end portion of the inner surface. In particular, the article chamber (i.e., tubular portion 207a and base portion 207b) may be configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article in the form of a longitudinally extending and cylindrical rod such that the longitudinal axis of the article is parallel to (optionally) aligned) the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 when received in the work-in-progress chamber.

The product room may also be called the receiving section. When the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200, in use, the product chamber of the removal mechanism 204 is at least partially disposed within the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be arranged to extend into the product chamber through an aperture 206 provided in the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 204 . Accordingly, the removal mechanism 204 is configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article in use.

According to one embodiment, the removal mechanism 204 may include a first magnet or magnetizable material 208 . Main housing 200 may include a second magnet or magnetizable material 209 . In use, the removal mechanism 204 may be magnetically retained to the main housing 200 by the interaction of the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 .

According to various embodiments, the removal mechanism 204 is completely detachable from the main housing 200 . The removal mechanism 204 may be retained to the main housing 200 by magnetic attraction between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 . The removal mechanism 204 can be detached from the main housing 200 by overcoming the magnetic force between the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 . Alternatively, the removal mechanism 204 may be removably retained to the main housing 200 by other means. For example, the removal mechanism 204 may be configured to be removably retained to the main housing 200 through an interference fit with the main housing.

The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), alnico, ceramic or ferrite magnets.

Other embodiments are contemplated, and the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include magnetizable components or temporary magnets, which may be made of iron, iron alloys, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, gadolinium , gadolinium alloy, dysprosium or dysprosium alloy.

Other embodiments are contemplated in which the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and/or the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may include electromagnets.

Removal mechanism 204 may include an internal component (including tubular portion 207a and base portion 207b) and an outer cap portion 210, wherein outer cap portion 210 encapsulates (eg, covers) main housing 200 when retained to main housing 200. At least a portion, such as the wall 200a of the main housing. Tubular portion 207a, base portion 207b, and outer cap portion 210 may comprise unitary (eg, unitary) components (eg, formed by molding). Alternatively, the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b may comprise a first component, and the outer cap portion 210 may comprise a separate second component. The first part and the second part can then be secured together.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of an aerosol delivery device 100 according to one embodiment and shows the main housing 200 with the heating element 202 extending into the heating chamber 201 and with the removal mechanism 204 removable. ground to the main housing 200. Removal mechanism 204 surrounds heating element 202 . The aerosol-generating article 300 is shown at least partially located within the article chamber, and thus also with the heating chamber 201 , such that the aerosol-generating article 300 is positioned over the heating element 202 .

When retained to the main housing 200 , the outer cap portion 210 forms part of the outer housing of the aerosol delivery device 100 . The outer cap portion 210 may radially surround the tubular element 207a with a gap provided between the inner element (eg, the tubular element 207a) and the outer cap 210, the gap extending along a portion of the length of the removal mechanism 204, and configured to A portion of main housing 200 is received, such as wall 200a. The removal mechanism 204 may define an opening 203 to the article chamber through which the aerosol-generating article 300 must be inserted in a first direction in order to be inserted into the article chamber. This first direction is a distal direction and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 . In embodiments, this opening 203 is configured to contact the aerosol-generating article 300 such that air is substantially prevented from passing through the opening 203 when the aerosol-generating article 300 is inserted through the opening 203 and into the article chamber.

The first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 may be located in the main housing 200 and the removal mechanism 204 , respectively, so that they are sufficiently close to each other to when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200 An attractive force is created between each other such that the removal mechanism 204 is magnetically retained to the main housing 200 . For example, the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 may be located at the proximal end of the portion of the main housing 200, such as at the proximal end of the wall 200a, which is the proximal end of the portion of the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200. inserted into the gap within the removable mechanism 204 (ie, between the outer cap 210 and the inner elements 207a, 207b), with the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 located at a corresponding location in the removable mechanism 204, for example, such that When the removal mechanism 204 is engaged to the main housing 200, the second magnet or magnetizable material 209 is positioned sufficiently close to the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 such that the first magnet or magnetizable material 208 and the second magnet or magnetizable material 208 The attraction between the materials 209 holds the removal mechanism 204 secured to the main housing 200 .

Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the main housing 200, specifically the wall 200a. As shown, wall 200a is tubular and has a corrugated outer surface 240, ie, it is arranged on the radially outer surface of wall 200a. The main housing 200 also includes a ledge 241 disposed distally of the corrugated outer surface 240 and configured to contact the outer cap 210 (e.g., its distal end) of the removal mechanism 204 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200 . ). The corrugated outer surface 240 extends around a portion of the circumference of the wall 200a, and in other embodiments may extend around the entire circumference of the wall 200a. Corrugated outer surface 240 includes a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges, for example having lengths <10mm, 10-20mm, 20-30mm, 30-40mm, 40-50mm, 50-60mm, 60-70mm, 70-80mm, 80-90mm , 90-100mm, 100-110mm, 110-120mm, 120-130mm, 130-140mm, 140-150mm, 150-160mm, 160-170mm, 170-180mm, 180-190mm, 190-200mm or >200mm, and the ridge Spacing <0.5mm, 0.5-1.0mm, 1.0-2.0mm, 2.0-3.0mm, 3.0-4.0mm, 4.0-5.0mm or >5.0mm.

Additionally, main housing 200 includes one or more protrusions 242 , such as ledges 241 , extending in a proximal direction and configured to be removed by corresponding one or more detents (not shown) in removal mechanism 204 take over. These one or more protrusions 242 may provide rotational locking of the removal mechanism 204 relative to the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200 . The one or more protrusions 242 may include a plurality of protrusions 242 arranged at different circumferential positions and configured to be received by corresponding one or more detents in the removal mechanism 204 .

Figure 5 shows the embodiment of the main housing 200 of Figure 4 from an alternative perspective, depicting the non-circular portion 250 of the wall 200a. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5 , non-circular portions 250 are configured to receive corresponding non-circular portions of internal elements of removal mechanism 204 to prevent removal of mechanism 204 and the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200 . relative rotational motion of the body 200.

In use, a user may insert or partially insert the aerosol generating article 300 into the aerosol delivery device 100 through the opening 203 . The aerosol-generating article 300 is received within the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204, and thus the aerosol-generating article 300 is received in the article chamber defined by the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b, and further in the heating chamber 201. The heating element 202 may be arranged to pierce the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300 such that the heating element 202 is located within the aerosol-generating article 300 and is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating article 300 via internal heating.

Referring back to Figure 3, once the aerosol generating article 300 has been inserted into the aerosol supply device 100, the user may proceed for a period of time. During this time, aerosol-generating article 300 may be heated by heating element 202 . It will be understood that the usage period may last several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, the use period may last 2-3 minutes, 3-4 minutes, or 4-5 minutes.

At the end of the use period, the user may wish to remove the used aerosol-generating article 300 from the aerosol supply device 100 and optionally replace the used aerosol-generating article 300 with a fresh aerosol-generating article 300 . According to one embodiment, to remove the used aerosol-generating article 300 after this period of use, the user may do so by applying force to the removal mechanism 204 in order to overcome the first magnet 208 disposed in the removal mechanism 204 and the main magnet 208 disposed in the main body. The magnetic attraction force between the second magnets in the housing 200 detaches the removal mechanism 204 from the main housing 200 .

Aerosol delivery device 100 includes a flow path 220 configured to support airflow. The flow path 220 extends through one or more air inlets 221 of the aerosol delivery device 100 positioned on the lateral sides of the aerosol delivery device 100 and distal to the proximal end of the aerosol delivery device 100 , wherein the aerosol delivery device 100 The lateral side of 100 is an outer surface of the aerosol delivery device 100 that extends between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol delivery device 100 and may face away from and outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the device. The one or more air inlets 221 allow air around the periphery of the device to be drawn into the flow path 220 , i.e. it is arranged to optionally direct air in the inlet direction from the peripheral area of the aerosol supply device 100 to the aerosol. In the supply device 100 , the inlet direction is a radial direction toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 . These one or more air inlets 221 may be arranged on the far side of the heating chamber 201 .

Furthermore, the one or more air inlets 221 may be disposed distally of the removal mechanism 204 . In embodiments, the one or more air inlets 221 include one or more openings defined between the distal end of the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204 and the main housing 200 when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing. This opening exists when the body 200 is present. In particular, the one or more air inlets 221 may include one or more detents defined between the one or more protrusions 242 (see Figures 4 and 5) and the one or more detents in the outer cap of the removal mechanism. corresponding opening or openings. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more air inlets 221 may correspond to one or more openings through the outer cap 210 or one or more openings in the main housing 200 .

After starting at the one or more air inlets 221, the flow path 220 then extends in a second direction through the one or more first air channels 222 toward the proximal end of the device (see Figures 4 and 5). This second direction may be a proximal direction, and the one or more first air channels 222 may extend to the proximal end of the main housing 200, ie, to the proximal end of the wall 200a. As such, the one or more first air channels 222 are arranged to optionally direct air in a second direction from the one or more air inlets 221 to the proximal end of the main housing 200 . In embodiments, the one or more first air channels 222 longitudinally overlap the heating element 202 and optionally extend beyond the proximal end of the heating element 202 . The one or more first air channels 222 are arranged radially outward from the product chamber and heating chamber 201 .

The second direction is at an angle to the inlet direction, for example perpendicular to the inlet direction, and the air can therefore be said to be arranged to follow an L-shaped path through the one or more air inlets 221 and along the one or more first air channels 222 . By directing air along this L-shaped path and then distally through the aerosol-generating article, as will be discussed in more detail below, air is drawn from an area away from the proximal or "oral end" of the device, so that the air Can be less hot and less likely to include user exhalation. Furthermore, by drawing this air along an L-shaped path through the aerosol supply device 100, the air can be cooler and cleaner and therefore useful within the aerosol supply device 100 (especially in conjunction with the heating element 202 and the heating chamber 201 in adjacent areas) provides a cooling effect.

In embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the one or more first air passages 222 may include a gap defined between the wall 200 a of the main housing 200 and the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204 , the gap is formed when the removal mechanism 204 is retained to the main housing 200 . By using the corrugated outer surface 240 to define the one or more first air channels 222, suction resistance and pressure drop can be imposed on the air flowing along the air path. Additionally, the high surface area of the corrugated outer surface 240 may serve to provide efficient heat exchange, enabling cooling of the removal mechanism 204.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more first air channels 222 (see Figure 3) may extend within the main housing 200, or within the removal mechanism (eg, within the outer cap 210).

Referring to FIG. 3 , after extending through the one or more first air channels 222 , the flow path then extends in a third direction through the one or more second air channels 223 . These one or more second air channels 223 extend in a radially inward third direction and are arranged to direct air from the one or more first air channels 222 in a third direction towards the aerosol supply The longitudinal axis of device 100. In embodiments, the one or more second air channels 223 extend into the article cavity, however, they may extend into the heating chamber 201 , or alternatively to a radially outward location of the heating chamber 201 .

Figure 6 shows an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a main housing 200 and a removal mechanism 204. In particular, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is depicted as a wireframe to allow viewing of the interior portions (including the tubular portion 207a). As discussed above, the tubular portion 207a of the removal mechanism extends within the heating chamber defined by the wall 200a of the main housing 200 and includes a radially extending portion 261 at the proximal end of the tubular portion 207a, wherein the radially extending portion 261 is configured to abut the proximal end of main housing 200, ie, the proximal end of wall 200a, when removal mechanism 204 is retained to main housing 200.

The one or more second air channels 223 include one or more openings in the removal mechanism 204 . In particular, the one or more second air channels 223 include one or more openings defined between the inner portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism 204 . By defining these one or more openings between the inner portion 207a of the removal mechanism 204 and the outer cap 210, the removal mechanism 204 can be made simpler to manufacture. The one or more openings may include one, two, three, four, five, six or more openings. The one or more openings may be arranged equidistant from each other to enable uniform circumferential flow of air therethrough. The one or more openings extend radially inwardly from the one or more first air channels 222 to the product chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more second air channels 223 may extend within the main housing 200, or within the removal mechanism (eg, within the outer cap 210).

After extending through the one or more second air channels 223 , the flow path then extends in a fourth direction through the one or more third air channels 224 . The one or more third air channels 224 are arranged to guide air from the one or more second air channels 223 in a fourth direction and extend in a fourth direction towards the aerosol supply device 100 the distal end, and optionally extends in the distal direction. This fourth direction may be opposite and parallel to the second direction. These one or more third air channels 224 are arranged to direct air towards the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100 to the distal end of the product chamber, the distal end of the heating chamber 201 or in a distal direction beyond the heating chamber 201 .

When the aerosol-generating article 201 is received by an interior surface in the article chamber, the one or more third air channels 224 include those defined between the interior surface of the article chamber and the aerosol-generating article 300 (e.g., between the tubular portion 207a and the aerosol-generating article 300). between products 300). Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the aerosol delivery device 100 in which the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b defining the article chamber are visible. As shown in Figure 6, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is shown in wireframe to allow viewing of the interior portions (including the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b). The inner surface of the product chamber (specifically, tubular portion 207a) includes one or more longitudinal recesses 271 that extend in a distal direction along the inner surface of the product chamber and that extend from the proximal portion of tubular portion 207a. Length from end to base portion 207b. These longitudinal recesses 271 may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100, but this is not always necessary. Each of the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 is configured to receive air from the corresponding one or more second air channels 223 .

When the aerosol-generating article 300 is received by the interior surface of the article chamber, the aerosol-generating article 300 engages the interior surface such that the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the aerosol-generating article 300 together define the one or more third air channels 224, that is, by covering each of the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 such that the one or more third air passages 224 include the inner surface between the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the aerosol-generating article 300 gap. The one or more longitudinal recesses 271 may include one, two, three, four, five, six or more longitudinal recesses 271 . These one or more longitudinal recesses 271 may be arranged equidistantly from each other to enable uniform circumferential flow of air therethrough. The interior surface also includes one or more longitudinal protrusions 272 disposed on the interior surface of the tubular portion 207a and configured to engage the aerosol-generating article 300 received in the article chamber to maintain the aerosol-generating article 300 in the article chamber. Compression is applied to the product at the appropriate location within the product chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more third air passages 224 may extend within the main housing 200 or within the removal mechanism 204 .

After extending through the one or more third channels 224, the flow path reaches the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 201 and extends in a fifth direction, optionally through the one or more fourth channels, the one The fourth channel(s) are arranged to direct air from the third channel(s) 224 in a fifth direction. The fifth direction is radially inward toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 . An aerosol-generating article 300, such as a rod, can be configured such that air can enter and exit the article at the proximal and distal ends. In this manner, the flow path then extends into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300, through the article, and out of the article (optionally through the proximal end) for inhalation by the user. When air is directed along the flow path through the article, the vapor or aerosol that has been generated by applying heat to the aerosol-generating article 300 using the heating element 202 may be combined with the air that has entered the device through the one or more air inlets 221 is carried and directed along the flow path to be delivered with the air to the user.

8 and 9 illustrate an embodiment of an aerosol delivery device 100 including a main housing 200 and a removal mechanism 204. As shown in Figure 6, the outer cap 210 of the removal mechanism is depicted in wireframe to allow viewing of the interior portions (including the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b). The base portion 207b of the removal mechanism includes one or more radial recesses 281 defined between one or more stepped protrusions 282 in the base portion 207b. The one or more radial recesses 281 are arranged in fluid communication with the corresponding one or more longitudinal recesses 271 where the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b meet, and the one or more radial recesses 281 extend from the base portion 207b The radial extent of extends radially inwardly (i.e., from the tubular portion 207a). Optionally, each of the one or more radial recesses 281 extends from the radial extent of the base portion 207b towards the longitudinal axis of the product chamber. The one or more stepped protrusions 282 extend in a proximal direction such that when the aerosol-generating article 300 is inserted into the article chamber, it contacts the one or more stepped portions 282 and covers the one or more stepped portions 282 . radial recesses 281 to form one or more fourth air passages.

Figure 10 illustrates one embodiment of the removal mechanism 204 in which both the tubular portion 207a and the base portion 207b are depicted in a wireframe to allow viewing of the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the one or more radial recesses. toward the recess 281. When the aerosol-generating article 300 is inserted into the article chamber, the one or more longitudinal recesses 271 and the one or more radial recesses 281 are surrounded to form the one or more third air channels and the one or more third air channels, respectively. Multiple fourth air channels. The one or more third air channels are arranged to direct air towards a distal end of the article chamber (ie, base portion 207b) towards the distal end of the aerosol supply device 100, and the one or more fourth air channels are arranged to This air is directed radially inwardly towards the longitudinal axis 100 of the aerosol feed device.

Accordingly, the flow path 220 of the embodiment depicted in Figure 3 is arranged to direct air through the one or more air inlets 221 into the aerosol supply device 100 in an inlet direction and towards the aerosol supply device 100 in a second direction. The proximal end is guided through one or more first channels 222 , in a third direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 through one or more second channels 223 , and then in a fourth direction towards the aerosol delivery device 100 The distal end is directed through one or more third channels 224 and then through one or more fourth air channels in a fifth direction towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol feed device 100 . Starting from the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300, the flow path 220 is then arranged to direct air through the aerosol-generating article 300 and to the user for inhalation.

Accordingly, this flow path 220 through the aerosol supply device 100 is tortuous, and when extending along the second direction through the one or more first air channels 222 and when extending along the fourth direction through a or a plurality of third air passages 224, this flow path may extend longitudinally through the heating element 202. As such, this flow path may be well suited to provide higher pressure drop and resistance to user draw, as well as provide cooling and ventilation in areas of the device adjacent the heating chamber 201 (particularly the heating element 202).

It should be noted that although flow path 220 is discussed in the context of aerosol supply device 100 including both main housing 200 and removal mechanism 204 removably retained by main housing 200, this is not required. Conversely, this flow path 220 may be applied to arrangements in which the aerosol delivery device 100 does not include a removal mechanism 204 removably retained by the housing. In this arrangement, the article chamber may correspond to the heating chamber 201 such that the interior surface contacting the aerosol-generating material is the interior surface of the heating chamber 201; which may have all the same characteristics of the interior surface of the article chamber. Furthermore, and more generally, this flow path 220 may be applied to any aerosol delivery device 100 having a heating element 202 and a heating chamber 201 configured to receive an aerosol-generating article 300 .

Another embodiment is shown in Figures 11A and 11B. In this case, the aerosol supply device 100 includes a heating chamber 401 for receiving the aerosol-generating article 300, and a heating element 402 for heating the aerosol-generating article 300, each of which may have the features described above with respect to Figures 2 and Any of those features discussed in Figure 3. Additionally, the aerosol delivery device 100 may also include a main housing 400 and a removal mechanism 404 having any of the features discussed above.

With the exception of the flow path, all features of the aerosol delivery device 400 depicted in Figures 11A and 11B may be as discussed above with respect to Figures 1, 2, and 3; in this embodiment, the aerosol delivery device is Arranged in different manners, and this aerosol delivery device 100 also includes a flow path 420 configured to support airflow. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B , the aerosol delivery device 100 includes one or more air inlets 421 , which may have the same features as the one or more air inlets 221 discussed with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 . In particular, the one or more inlets 421 are positioned on a lateral side of the aerosol supply device 100 and distal to the proximal end of the aerosol supply device 100 , where the lateral side of the aerosol supply device 100 is the aerosol supply device 100 An outer surface extending between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol delivery device 100 and may be directed away from and outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the device 100 . The one or more air inlets 421 allow air to be drawn around the periphery of the device 100 into the flow path 420 , i.e. it is arranged to optionally direct air in the inlet direction from the peripheral area of the aerosol supply device 100 to In the aerosol supply device 100 , the inlet direction is a radial direction toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 . These one or more air inlets 421 may be arranged on the far side of the heating chamber 401 .

After starting at the air inlet(s) 421 , the flow path then reaches the first channel(s) 411 . The one or more first channels 411 may include a circulation chamber 411 . The one or more first channels 411 may extend radially outward beyond the radial extent of the heating chamber 401 and may extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol feed device 100 . In embodiments where the one or more first channels 411 include a circulation chamber 411, the circulation chamber 411 may be annular.

The one or more first channels 411 may be in fluid communication with one or more air outlets 422 arranged to direct air out of the one or more first channels 411 . In this way, the one or more first channels 411 are arranged to guide air from the one or more air inlets 421 to the one or more air outlets 422, for example in a circumferential direction. In other words, the flow path 420 extends from the one or more air inlets 421 , through the one or more first channels 411 , to the one or more air outlets 422 . Just as the one or more air inlets 421 may be arranged to direct air towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 , the one or more air outlets 422 may also be configured to direct air towards the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 . Furthermore, the one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged radially inside the one or more air inlets 421 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11A , circulation chamber 411 is annular and extends longitudinally, longitudinally overlapping heating element 402 and extending beyond the proximal extent of heating element 402 . In this way, the air reaching the circulation chamber 411 can be circulated longitudinally, so that a cooling effect can be provided in the area of the aerosol supply device 100 adjacent to the heating element 402 and the heating chamber 401.

Alternatively, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11B , the one or more first channels 411 do not substantially extend longitudinally, eg, they do not longitudinally overlap the heating chamber 401 , such that the airflow through the circulation chamber 411 is longitudinally restricted. This may enable higher suction resistance to be provided.

The one or more air inlets 421 and the one or more air outlets 422 are arranged such that when the air is directed along the flow path, the air flows in a circumferential direction at substantially all circumferential positions within the circulation chamber 411 . This may be accomplished by arranging the one or more air outlets 422 such that each of the one or more air outlets 422 is circumferentially displaced from each of the one or more air inlets 421 . This may be achieved, for example, by arranging the one or more air inlets 421 and the one or more air outlets 422 such that they are rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 . By providing a circumferential distance through which airflow travels, suction resistance and pressure drop can be increased.

The one or more air inlets 421 and the one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged alternately with each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the one or more air inlets 421 may be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, for example such that the angle between each air inlet 421 and a circumferentially adjacent air inlet 421 about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100 is the same. of. Likewise, the one or more air outlets 422 may be evenly distributed in the circumferential direction, such that the angle between each air outlet 422 and a circumferentially adjacent air outlet 422 about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol feed device 100 is the same. of. Additionally, each of the one or more air outlets 422 may be arranged circumferentially away from any of the one or more air inlets 421 , optionally such that it is circumferentially adjacent to the one or more air inlets 421 are equidistant.

After passing through the one or more air outlets 422, the flow path may then pass through one or more second air channels corresponding to the heating chamber 401 and the product chamber. One or more base openings 423 in the base of the chamber. The one or more base openings 423 may be evenly distributed in the base of the product chamber and arranged to direct air into the product chamber in a proximal direction.

Thus, after extending through the one or more base openings 423, the flow path reaches the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300. The aerosol-generating article 300 (eg, rod) can be configured such that air can enter and exit the article 300 at the proximal and distal ends. In this manner, the flow path then extends into the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 300, through the article, and out of the article (optionally through the proximal end) for inhalation by the user. As air is directed through the article 300 along the flow path, the vapor or aerosol generated by applying heat to the aerosol-generating article 300 using the heating element 202 may be combined with the air that has entered the device through the one or more air inlets 221 are carried together and directed along the flow path to be delivered with the air to the user.

When the removal mechanism 404 is detached from the main housing 400 and then withdrawn from the main housing 400, the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism will engage the distal face of the aerosol-generating article 300, with the result that the base portion of the removal mechanism 204 Seat portion 207b will pull aerosol-generating article 300 away from and away from heating element 402. As a result, the aerosol generating article 300 can be completely removed from the aerosol supply device 100 by the removal mechanism 404 . In particular, the aerosol-generating article 300 can be removed from the aerosol supply device 100 with the risk that the aerosol-generating article 300 breaks apart or that a portion of the aerosol-generating article remains attached to the heating element 402 is significantly reduced.

Furthermore, in the event that any used aerosol-generating material or any other portion of the aerosol-generating article 300 does become detached or fragmented, the base portion 207b of the removal mechanism 404 may be arranged to capture any fragments of the aerosol-generating article 300 chips or other parts, and ensure that the chips are collected by the base portion 207b and thus removed with the removal mechanism 204.

Once the removal mechanism 404 has been removed from the aerosol delivery device 100, the removal mechanism 404 may be emptied and/or cleaned. Removing the removal mechanism 404 from the body 400 of the aerosol delivery device 100 also facilitates access to the heating element 402, in particular enabling the heating element 402 to be cleaned by a cleaning tool.

The various embodiments described herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding and teaching of the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative sample of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims. , other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any suitable combination of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., in addition to those specifically described herein. Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (11)

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising: the main housing, forming the heating chamber; and a removal mechanism, at least partially inserted into the heating chamber, and in use magnetically retained to the main housing to form a receiving portion of the heating chamber, wherein the aerosol-generating article is at least partially in use Inserted into the receiving portion of the heating chamber, and wherein the removal mechanism is completely removable from the main housing for removal of the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber. 2. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the removal mechanism includes a first magnet or magnetizable material and the main housing includes a second magnet or magnetizable material. 3. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol delivery device further includes a heating element attached to the main housing. 4. The aerosol delivery device of claim 3, wherein the heating element extends into the heating chamber. 5. An aerosol supply device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an aerosol-generating article is in use secured to the heating element such that the heating element at least partially penetrates the aerosol-generating article . 6. An aerosol delivery device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the removal mechanism includes a tubular portion and a base portion at least partially surrounding the heating element. 7. The aerosol delivery device of claim 6, wherein the heating element extends through the base of the removal mechanism when the removal mechanism is magnetically held to the main housing. part. 8. An aerosol supply device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the base portion of the removal mechanism is arranged to contact an aerosol generating article when the removal mechanism is detached from the main housing. to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber. 9. An aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein the removal mechanism is arranged to push or otherwise force the aerosol-generating article along the path when the aerosol-generating article is removed from the heating chamber. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the heating element slides. 10. An aerosol generating system, comprising: An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims; and Aerosol-generating articles. 11. A method of generating aerosols, comprising: An aerosol feed device is provided, the aerosol feed device comprising a main housing forming a heating chamber and a removal mechanism at least partially inserted into the heating chamber and magnetically retained to the main housing to forming a receiving portion of said heating chamber; inserting an aerosol-generating article at least partially into the receiving portion of the heating chamber; and The removal mechanism is completely disassembled from the main housing to remove the aerosol-generating article from the heating chamber.