KR20240099492A - aerosol generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating component comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.3 mm or less.

Description

aerosol generation system

The present invention relates to provision systems, in particular non-combustible aerosol provision systems and components of the aerosol provision systems.

Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically include an aerosol generating component capable of converting aerosolizable material into an aerosol. In some instances, the aerosol produced is a condensation aerosol, whereby aerosolizable material is preferentially evaporated and then condensed into the aerosol. In other examples, the aerosol produced is an aerosol that results from atomization of an aerosolizable material. Such atomization is mechanically induced, for example, by vibrating the aerosolizable material to form small particles of the material that are entrained in the air stream. Alternatively, such atomization may be induced electrostatically or in other ways, such as by using pressure or the like.

Because such aerosol delivery systems are intended to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user, the properties of the generated aerosol must be taken into consideration. These characteristics may include the size of the particles of the aerosol, the total amount of aerosol produced, etc.

When an aerosol delivery system is used to simulate the smoking experience, such as an e-cigarette or similar product, control of these various properties is particularly important because the user may anticipate a particular sensory experience that will result from use of the system. Because you can.

It would be desirable to provide aerosol delivery systems with improved control of these properties.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating component comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.3 mm or less.

The width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.25 mm or less. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is from 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm, or from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm, or from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, or from 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is about 0.2 mm.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is substantially flat.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component includes multiple elongated slits as defined herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit includes multiple elongated slit sections.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit section is substantially straight.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit section is curved. In some examples, the curved portion is in a substantially flat plane of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are not parallel to each other.

In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined at an angle relative to each other.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is open at the periphery of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is surrounded by a perimeter of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component may include an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and an aerosolization section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

The aerosolizing section can be characterized as the section that experiences a temperature within 50%, or within 60%, or within 70%, or within 80%, or within 90% of the maximum temperature reached by the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolization section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit does not extend into the aerosolizable material feed section. In other words, one, more than one, or each elongated slit may be limited to the aerosolization section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is connected to an elongated slot.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolization section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot does not extend into the aerosolizable material feed section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolizable material feed section.

In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm, or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm. mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.55 mm. It is less than ㎜. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is from 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or from 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or from 0.4 mm to It is 0.5 mm.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component includes one or more electrical connectors.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a porous material.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from an electrically conductive material. In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component may be a woven or weave structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pored fiber structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam ( foam) or open-pore deposition structures.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an article for use as part of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is provided, the article comprising: an aerosol generating component according to previous aspects of the disclosure; and one or more of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is provided, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising: an article according to a previous aspect of the disclosure; and a device including one or more of a power source and a controller.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an aerosol generating component is provided that includes at least one curved elongated aperture.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component includes multiple curved elongated apertures as defined herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture increases in curvature from one end of the aperture toward the other end of the aperture.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along at least a portion of its length. A portion of the curved aperture may be provided towards the periphery of the aerosol generating component. This can help reduce the occurrence of “hot spots” when used in locations where “hot spots” are not required. A portion of the curved aperture may be provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along substantially its entire length.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is substantially flat.

In some examples, the curved portion of one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is in a substantially flat plane of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture includes a curved portion connected to a straight portion.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion.

In some examples, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm.

In some examples, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm, or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most It is 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is from 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or from 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm.

In some examples, the width of the slit portion is at most 0.3 mm.

The width of the slit portion is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, the slit portion has a width of up to 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is about 0.2 mm.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is open around the perimeter of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is surrounded by a perimeter of the aerosol generating component.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component may include an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and an aerosolization section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and the one, more than one, or each slot portion is provided to an aerosolizing section.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and the one, more than one, or each slit portion is provided in an aerosolizable material supply section.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component includes one or more electrical connectors.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a porous material.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from an electrically conductive material.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a woven or woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fibrous structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam, or an open-pore deposited structure.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an aerosol generating component according to the previous aspect; and an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is provided, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising: an article according to the previous aspect; and a device including one or more of a power source and a controller.

In one aspect of the disclosure, an article for use in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is provided, the article comprising: a housing; and a substantially flat aerosol generating component having at least one elongated slot, wherein the aerosol generating component is at least partially housed within a housing, the housing having a capillary gap allowing aerosolizable material to be supplied to the aerosol generating component. capillary gap), and the capillary gap does not overlap with one, more than one, or each elongated slot.

A substantially flat aerosol generating component may include a plurality of elongated slots as defined herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot is provided inside the capillary gap.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongate slot is connected to an elongate slit to provide at least one elongate aperture.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit and capillary gap overlap.

In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is at most 0.3 mm, or at most 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit is about 0.2 mm.

In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm, or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm. mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.55 mm. It is less than ㎜. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot is from 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or from 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or from 0.4 mm to It is 0.5 mm.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is substantially flat.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component may include an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and an aerosolization section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each slot is provided in the aerosolization section.

In some examples, the aerosolization section and capillary gap do not overlap.

In some examples, the aerosolizing section is provided inside the capillary gap.

In some examples, the aerosolizable material supply section and the capillary gap overlap.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit to provide at least one elongated aperture, and one, more than one, or each slit is connected to an elongated slit in an aerosolizable material supply section. provided.

In some examples, the housing includes a first carrier component and a second carrier component spaced apart to define a capillary gap between the first carrier component and the second carrier component.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component includes one or more electrical connectors.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a porous material.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from an electrically conductive material.

In some examples, the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer.

In some examples, the aerosol generating component is formed from a woven or woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fibrous structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam, or an open-pore deposited structure.

In some examples, the article includes one or more of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is provided, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising: an article according to a previous aspect of the disclosure; and a device including one or more of a power source and a controller.

It is possible to configure the system so that the air flow channel(s) and/or aerosol generating chamber(s) and/or aerosol generating component(s) are separable. For example, the article may be provided in modular form in which the air flow channel(s) and/or aerosol generating chamber(s) and/or aerosol generating component(s) are separable.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the following is provided:

A1. An aerosol generating component comprising at least one curved elongated aperture.

A2. The aerosol generating component of item A1, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture increases in curvature from one end of the aperture toward the other end of the aperture.

A3. The aerosol generating component of item A1 or item A2, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is curved along at least a portion of its length.

A4. The aerosol generating component of any one of items A1 to A3, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is curved substantially along its entire length.

A5. The aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1-A4, wherein the aerosol-generating component is substantially flat.

A6. The aerosol generating component of any one of items A1 to A5, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture comprises a curved portion connected to a straight portion.

A7. The aerosol generating component of any of items A1 to A6, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture includes a slot portion connected to a slit portion.

A8. The aerosol-generating component of item A7, wherein the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and the width of the slit portion is less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

A9. The aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1 to A8, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component.

A10. The aerosol generating component of any one of items A1 to A9, wherein one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture is surrounded by a periphery of the aerosol generating component.

A11. The aerosol generating component of any one of items A1 through A10 includes: an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and an aerosolization section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

A12. The aerosol generating component of item A11, wherein the one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture comprises a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and the one, more than one, or each slot portion provides an aerosolizing section. do.

A13. The aerosol generating component of item A11 or item A12, wherein the one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture comprises a slot portion connected to a slit portion, and the one, more than one, or each slit portion comprises an aerosol generating component. Available materials are provided in the supply section.

A14. The aerosol-generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A13 comprises one or more electrical connectors.

A15. The aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1 to A14, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed of a porous material.

A16. The aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1 to A15, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed of an electrically conductive material.

A17. The aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1 to A16, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer.

A18. The aerosol generating component of any one of items A1 to A17, wherein the aerosol generating component has a woven or woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fibrous structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam or an open structure. -It is formed with a pore deposition structure.

A19. The article comprises the aerosol-generating component of any one of items A1 to A18; and one or more of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

A20. Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems include the articles of item A19; and a device including one or more of a power source and a controller.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the following is provided:

B1. Articles for use in non-flammable aerosol delivery systems include: a housing; and a substantially flat aerosol generating component having at least one elongated slot, the aerosol generating component being at least partially housed within a housing, the housing having a capillary gap allowing aerosolizable material to be supplied to the aerosol generating component. provided that the capillary gap does not overlap with one, more than one, or each elongated slot.

B2. The article of item B1 wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slot is provided inside the capillary gap.

B3. The article of item B1 or item B2, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slot is connected to an elongated slit to provide at least one elongated aperture.

B4. The article of any one of items B1 to B3, wherein one, more than one, or each of the elongated slits and the capillary gap overlap.

B5. The article of any one of clauses B1 to B4, wherein the aerosol generating component is substantially flat.

B6. The article of any one of items B1 to B5, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises: an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and an aerosolization section configured to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

B7. In the article of item B6, one, more than one, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolizing section.

B8. In the article of item B6 or item B7, the aerosolizing section and the capillary gap do not overlap.

B9. The article of any one of clauses B6 to B8, wherein the aerosolizing section is provided inside the capillary gap.

B10. The article of any one of items B6 through B9, wherein the aerosolizable material feed section and the capillary gap overlap.

B11. The article of any one of items B6 to B10, wherein one, more than one, or each elongate slot is connected to an elongate slit to provide at least one elongate aperture, and one, more than one, or each elongate slot is connected to an elongate slit to provide at least one elongate aperture A slit is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

B12. The article of any one of items B1 to B11, wherein the housing includes a first carrier component and a second carrier component spaced apart to define a capillary gap.

B13. The article of any one of clauses B1 to B12, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises one or more electrical connectors.

B14. The article of any one of items B1 to B13 comprises at least one of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material.

B15. The article of any one of clauses B1 to B14, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed of a porous material.

B16. The article of any one of clauses B1 to B15, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed of an electrically conductive material.

B17. The article of any one of clauses B1 to B16, wherein the aerosol generating component is formed from a single layer.

B18. The article of any one of items B1 to B17, wherein the aerosol generating component is a woven or woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fibrous structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam or an open-pore structure. It is formed as a vapor deposition structure.

B19. The non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprises the article of any one of items B1 to B16; and a device including one or more of a power source and a controller.

The features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to and may be used appropriately with the embodiments of the invention according to the other aspects of the invention. It will be understood that combinations may occur and that we are not limited to the specific combinations described above.

Various embodiments will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol delivery system according to the present disclosure.
2A is a diagram of an article for use as part of an aerosol delivery system according to the present disclosure.
Figure 2b is a diagram of a portion of the article of Figure 2a.
Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 2A.
Figure 2D is a front view of the article of Figure 2A.
Figure 2E is a rear view of the article of Figure 2A.
3A-3C are diagrams of exemplary aerosol generating components for use in the article of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary aerosol generating component for use in the article of FIG. 2.

Aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and are not discussed/described in detail for the sake of brevity. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods discussed herein, which are not described in detail, may be implemented according to any conventional technique for implementing such aspects and features.

As mentioned above, the present disclosure relates to non-flammable aerosol delivery systems and devices that generate aerosol from aerosol-generating material (also referred to herein as aerosolizable material) without combusting the aerosol-generating material, It is not limited to this. Examples of such systems include electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating systems, and hybrid systems (which use a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate an aerosol). In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement of the present disclosure. It is noteworthy. In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-non-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system. In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials in such a hybrid system may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, the hybrid 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.

Throughout the following description, the terms “e-cigarette” and “electronic cigarette” may be used at times. However, it will be understood that these terms may be used interchangeably with non-flammable aerosol (vapour) delivery systems or devices as described above.

In some examples, the present disclosure relates to consumables configured for retaining aerosol-generating materials and for use in non-flammable aerosol providing devices. These supplies may be referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

Non-flammable aerosol delivery systems typically include device parts (also referred to herein as devices) and consumable/article parts (also referred to herein as articles). The device portion typically includes a power source and controller. The power source may typically be a power source, such as a rechargeable battery.

In some examples, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system may include an area for receiving or engaging a consumable/article, an aerosol generator (which may or may not be within the consumable/article), and an aerosol generating area (which may be within the consumable/article). present), a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some examples, consumables/articles for use in a non-flammable aerosol delivery device include an aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (also referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosolizable material), an aerosol-generating material delivery component ( wicks, such as pads), aerosol generators (also referred to herein as aerosol generating components), aerosol generating regions (also referred to herein as aerosol generating chambers), housings, wrappers, filters, mouthpieces, and/or aerosols. -May contain modifiers.

Systems described herein typically generate inhalable aerosols by evaporation of aerosol-generating materials. The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

Aerosol-generating materials may, for example, be in the form of solids, liquids or gels, which may or may not contain active substances and/or flavoring agents. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material may include an “amorphous solid,” which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e., non-fibrous). In some examples, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some examples, the aerosol-generating material can include, for example, about 50%, 60%, or 70% amorphous solids by weight to about 90%, 95%, or 100% amorphous solids by weight.

As used herein, the term “active agent” may relate to a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active substances may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more ingredients, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other herbal medicine.

Aerosol-forming materials may include one or more ingredients capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples, aerosol-forming materials include glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate. , diethyl subareate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate. It can be included.

One or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

As used herein, the term "component" means a part, section, unit, module, assembly of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an external housing or wall. Or it is used to refer to something similar. An electronic cigarette may be formed or manufactured from one or more such components, which may be removably or separably connected to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacturing to define the entire electronic cigarette. The present disclosure relates to two components that are separably connectable to each other and configured as a consumable/article component (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomizer) capable of holding, for example, an aerosol-generating material and extracting vapor from the aerosol-generating material. Applicable to (but not limited to) systems that include a device/control unit with a battery to provide power to operate the element for generating.

1 is a very schematic diagram (not necessarily to scale) of an exemplary aerosol/vapour delivery system, such as an e-cigarette 10. The e-cigarette 10 has a generally cylindrical shape extending along the longitudinal axis indicated by the dashed line and has two main components: a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a device) and and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an article, consumable, cartomizer, or cartridge) that operates as a vapor generating component.

The cartridge assembly 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to as a reservoir) 3 that holds an aerosolizable material comprising (e.g.) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol containing (e.g.) nicotine will be generated. For example, the aerosolizable material may include about 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder approximately propylene glycol, and possibly water or flavorings. Also includes other components. The storage compartment 3 takes the form of a storage tank, a container or receptacle in which the aerosolizable material can be stored so that the aerosolizable material moves and flows freely (if liquid) within the boundaries of the tank. Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibers that retains the aerosolizable material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so that the aerosolizable material can be disposed of after consumption, or it may have an inlet port or other opening that allows new aerosolizable material to be added. Cartridge assembly 30 also includes an electrical aerosol generating component 4 located external to the storage tank 3 for generating an aerosol by evaporation of aerosolizable material. In many examples, the aerosol generating component may be a heating element (heater) that is heated (via resistive or inductive heating) by the passage of an electric current to raise the temperature of the aerosolizable material until the aerosolizable material evaporates. there is. A liquid conduit arrangement, such as a wick or other porous element (not shown), may be provided to convey aerosolizable material from the storage compartment (3) to the aerosol generating component (4). The wick is one positioned inside the storage compartment (3) so as to be capable of absorbing aerosolizable material and delivering the aerosolizable material by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the wick that are in contact with the aerosol generating component (4). It can have the above parts. Thereby, this aerosolizable material can be evaporated and replaced by new aerosolizable material, which is delivered by the wick to the aerosol generating component 4 .

A heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomizer or atomizer assembly. Various designs are possible, where the parts may be arranged differently compared to the very schematic representation in Figure 1. For example, the wick may be a completely separate element from the aerosol generating component, or the aerosol generating component may be porous and configured to perform the wicking function directly (e.g. by taking the form of a suitable electrically resistive mesh or capillary body). there is.

In some cases, the conduit for conveying liquid for vapor generation may be formed at least in part by one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol generating component, which transport the source liquid to the storage compartment. It is narrow enough to support capillary action to draw it outward and transport it for evaporation. Generally, an atomizer has an aerosol-generating component capable of generating vapor from an aerosolizable material delivered to the atomizer, and an atomizer capable of conveying or transporting liquid by capillary force from a storage compartment or similar liquid reservoir to the aerosol-generating component. It can be considered as a conduit (pathway) for liquid.

Typically, the aerosol generating component is located at least partially within an aerosol generating chamber forming part of the air flow channel through the electronic cigarette/system. The vapor generated by the aerosol generating component is discharged into this chamber, and air flows over and around the aerosol generating element and passes through the chamber, collecting the generated vapor and condensing it to form the desired aerosol. do.

Returning to FIG. 1 , the cartridge assembly 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet that allows the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating component 4 and delivered through the air flow channel. ) includes.

The power component 20 comprises a cell 5 (also referred to herein as a battery and may be rechargeable) to provide power to the electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, particularly the aerosol generating component 4. Includes. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronic devices or circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette. The control electronics/circuitry directs the vapor generating element 4 to the battery when vapor is required, e.g., in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor (not shown) that detects intake on system 10. Connected to (5), during inhalation air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the power component 20 to flow along the air flow channel. When the aerosol generating component 4 receives power from the battery 5, the aerosol generating component 4 vaporizes the aerosolizable material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate an aerosol, which is then supplied to the mouthpiece ( 35) is inhaled by the user through the opening. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along an air flow channel (not shown) connecting the air inlet 26 to the air outlet when the user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. Accordingly, the air flow path through the electronic cigarette is defined between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be within the power component) and the atomizer and onto the air outlet of the mouthpiece. In use, the direction of air flow along this air flow path is from the air inlet towards the air outlet, so the atomizer can be described as being placed downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.

In this particular example, the power section 20 and cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts that are removable from each other by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as indicated by the solid arrows in Figure 1. Components 20, 30 are cooperating with engaging elements 21, 31 (e.g., screw, magnetic, or bayonet fittings) that provide mechanical and electrical connections between power section 20 and cartridge assembly 30. This ensures that the devices 10 are coupled together when in use. However, this is only an example arrangement, and various components may be distributed differently between the power section 20 and cartridge assembly section 30, and other components and elements may be included. The two sections can be connected together end-to-end, in a longitudinal configuration as in Figure 1, or in a different configuration, such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement. The system may or may not be generally cylindrical and/or may have a generally longitudinally elongated shape. Either or both of the sections may be intended to be discarded and replaced when depleted (e.g., the reservoir is empty or no battery), or when recharging a reservoir, recharging a battery, or replacing an atomizer. It may be intended for a variety of uses made possible by such actions. Alternatively, the e-cigarette 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are incorporated into a single body or housing. included within. Examples of the invention are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

As mentioned, the types of aerosol-generating components that can be utilized in the atomizing portion of an electronic cigarette (the portion configured to generate vapor from the source liquid), such as a heating element, are both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous. It combines the functions of heating and liquid transfer. Note that references to being electrically conductive (resistive) refer to components that have the ability to generate heat in response to the flow of electrical current within them. This flow can be imparted through so-called resistive heating or inductive heating. Examples of suitable materials for this are electrically conductive materials such as metals or metal alloys formed in sheet-like form, i.e. in a planar shape with a thickness much smaller than its length or width. Examples related to this may be mesh, web, grill, etc. The mesh can be formed from metal wires or fibers that are woven together, or alternatively, gathered into a non-woven structure. For example, the fibers can be brought together by sintering, where heat and/or pressure is applied to the collection of metal fibers to compress them into a single porous mass. It is possible for a planar aerosol generating component to define a curved plane, and in these examples, reference to a planar aerosol generating component forming a plane means a hypothetical flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.

These structures can provide appropriately sized pores and gaps between metal fibers to provide capillary forces for wicking liquid. Accordingly, these structures can also be considered porous because they provide for absorption and distribution of liquid. Furthermore, due to the presence of voids and crevices between the metal fibers, it is possible for air to penetrate through the structures. Additionally, metals are electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby an electric current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat. However, these types of structures are not limited to metals. Other conductive materials can be formed from fibers and fabricated into mesh, grill or web structures. Examples include ceramic materials, which may or may not be doped with materials intended to match the physical properties of the mesh.

A flat sheet-like porous aerosol generating component of this kind can be arranged within an electronic cigarette so as to lie within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of the air flow channel. The aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow through the chamber can flow in a surface direction, i.e. generally substantially parallel to the plane of the flat sheet-like aerosol generating component. An example of this configuration can be found in WO2010/045670 and WO2010/045671, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Here air can flow over the heating element and collect vapor. Thereby, aerosol generation is achieved very effectively. In alternative examples, the aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow through the chamber can flow in a direction substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. generally substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flat sheet-like aerosol generating component. You can. An example of this configuration can be found in WO2018/211252, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The aerosol generating component may have any of the following structures and/or may be formed in any of the following structures: woven or woven structures, mesh structures, fabric structures, open-pore fiber structures. , open-pore sintered structures, open-pore foams or open-pore deposited structures. These structures are particularly suitable for providing a high degree of porosity in aerosol generating components. A high degree of porosity can ensure that the heat generated by the aerosol generating component is mainly used to evaporate the liquid and that high efficiencies can be obtained. Porosity greater than 50% can be envisioned with these structures. In one embodiment, the porosity of the aerosol generating component is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%. The open-pore fibrous structure can, for example, be composed of a non-woven fabric that can be arbitrarily compressed and can be additionally sintered to improve cohesion. Open-pore sintered structures can be composed of granular, fibrous or flocculent sintered composites produced, for example, by film casting processes. Open-pore deposition structures can be produced, for example, by CVD processes, PVD processes or by flame spraying. Open-pore foams are in principle commercially available and are also obtainable in thin micro-pore designs.

In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component is formed from a single layer. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating component has at least two layers, the layers comprising at least one of the following structures: plate, foil, paper, mesh, woven structure, fabric, open-pore fiber structure, open- Pore sintered structures, open-pore foams or open-pore deposited structures. For example, an aerosol generating component may be formed by an electrically heated resistor comprised of a metal foil combined with a structure comprising a capillary structure. If the aerosol generating component is considered to be formed of a single layer, such layer may be formed of a metal wire fabric, or a non-woven metal fiber fabric. The individual layers are advantageously, but not necessarily, connected to each other by heat treatment, such as sintering or welding. For example, the aerosol generating component can be designed as a sintered composite composed of one or more layers of stainless steel foil and stainless steel wire fabric (materials such as AISI 304 or AISI 316). Alternatively, the aerosol generating component can be designed as a sintered composite composed of at least two layers of stainless steel wire fabric. The layers may be connected to each other by spot welding or resistance welding. The individual layers can also be mechanically connected to each other. For example, a double-layer wire fabric can be made by simply folding a single layer. Instead of stainless steel, for example, the use of heating conductor alloys - especially NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys (“Kanthal”) - which have a much higher specific electrical resistance than stainless steel can also be made. The material connection between the layers is obtained by heat treatment, with the result that the layers remain in contact with each other even under adverse conditions, for example during heating by an aerosol-generating component and consequently induced thermal expansions. Alternatively, the aerosol generating component can be formed by sintering a plurality of individual fibers together. Accordingly, the aerosol generating component may be composed of sintered fibers, such as sintered metal fibers.

The aerosol-generating component may comprise an electrically conductive thin layer of an electrically resistive material such as, for example, platinum, nickel, molybdenum, tungsten or tantalum, which thin layer is deposited on the evaporator by a PVD or CVD process, or any other suitable process. applied to the surface of In this case, the aerosol-generating component may comprise an electrically insulating material, for example ceramic. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include stainless steels such as AISI 304 or AISI 316 and DIN material numbers 2,4658, 2,4867, 2, 4869, 2,4872, 1,4843, 1,4860, 1,4725, 1, Heating conductor alloys such as 4765 and 1,4767 - especially NiCr alloys and CrFeAl alloys ("Kanthal").

As mentioned above, the aerosol generating component may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material and may be in the form of a sheet. This type of material can be considered a mesh or irregular grid, and is produced by sintering together a randomly aligned arrangement or array of spaced metal fibers or strands. A single layer of fibers may be used, or several layers may be used, such as up to five layers. By way of example, the metal fibers may have a diameter of 8 to 12 μm, arranged to provide a 0.16 mm thick sheet, and have a weight of 100 g/m2 to 1500 g/m2, such as 150 g/m2 to 1000 g/m2, They can be spaced to produce a material density of 200 g/m2 to 500 g/m2, or 200 to 250 g/m2, and a porosity of 84%. The sheet thickness may also range from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, such as 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. Specific thicknesses include 0.10 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.13 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.15 mm or 0.1 mm. Typically, the aerosol-generating component has a uniform thickness. However, it will be understood from the discussion below that the thickness of the aerosol generating component may also vary. This may be, for example, because some parts of the aerosol generating component undergo compression. Different fiber diameters and thicknesses can be selected to vary the porosity of the aerosol generating component. For example, the aerosol generating component can have a porosity of at least 66%, or at least 70%, or at least 75%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 86%.

The aerosol-generating component can form a generally planar structure comprising first and second surfaces. The generally flat structures can take the form of any two-dimensional shape, such as circles, semicircles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and/or polygons. Typically, the aerosol-generating component has a uniform thickness.

The width and/or length of the aerosol generating component can be from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. For example, the width and/or length of the evaporator may be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm. The width may generally be less than the length of the aerosol generating component. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the aerosol generating component may vary.

If the aerosol-generating component is formed of an electrically resistive material, an electric current flows through the aerosol-generating component, generating heat (so-called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol-generating component can be appropriately selected. For example, the aerosol-generating component may be 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, For example, it may have an electrical resistance of 1.0 ohms or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less. Parameters of the aerosol generating component such as material, thickness, width, length, porosity, etc. can be selected to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, relatively low resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the source, which may be advantageous for producing high rates of aerosolization. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low as to compromise the integrity of the aerosol generator. For example, the resistance may not be less than 0.5 ohms.

Planar aerosol generating components, such as heating elements suitable for use in the systems, devices, and articles disclosed herein, can be formed by stamping or cutting (e.g., laser cutting) the desired shape from a larger sheet of porous material. there is. This may include stamping out, cutting away or otherwise removing material to create openings in the aerosol generating component. These openings can affect both the ability of air to pass through the aerosol generating component and the tendency of electrical current to flow in certain areas.

2A-2C show diagrams (not to scale) of an exemplary article 100 for use in a non-flammable aerosol/vapor delivery system 10, according to the present disclosure. Generally, article 100 includes housings 101 and 102 that may contain a carrier assembly. The carrier assembly may include a first carrier component (101) and a second carrier component (102). Article 100 may include an aerosol generating component 103 (see FIG. 2B). Aerosol generating component 103 may be housed at least partially within housings 101 and 102 (eg, within a carrier assembly). The housing (and in this example the first and second carrier components 101 , 102 ) serves to support the aerosol generating component 103 . Therefore, for convenience and taking into account the orientation represented in the figures, the first and second carrier components 101, 102 are also regarded as lower cradle component 101 and upper cradle component 102. It can be. The housing may define a gap G (see FIG. 2A ) through which aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol generating component 103 . In this example, the first and second carrier components 101, 102 are separated by a distance d. This separation provides a gap G through which aerosolizable material can be supplied to the aerosol generating component 103 when in use (e.g., from a reservoir not shown in the figures). Gap G provides capillary channels (one on each side) extending along both sides of the aerosol generating component 103. In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 is a substantially planar heating element 103.

Article 100 may include first and second electrical contact elements for connecting to aerosol generating component 103 (e.g., corresponding first and second electrical connectors of aerosol generating component 103). . The first and second electrical contact elements may be formed of sheet metal material comprising metallic strips formed to a suitable shape taking into account the shape and configuration of the other elements of the device, for example according to conventional manufacturing techniques, or of conventional flexible May include gender wiring. It will be appreciated that in embodiments where electrical energy is inductively coupled to the aerosol generating component, such contact elements are not required.

The carrier assembly, e.g., the first and second carrier components 101, 102, is configured to provide improved stiffness and resistance to high temperatures, e.g., temperatures on the order of 230 degrees Celsius (e.g., about 50% or more of) can be molded from plastic materials with a high glass fiber content.

The first and second carrier components 101, 102 may be provided in various shapes and dimensions. The carrier assembly is such that when two carrier components (101, 102) are joined together to sandwich the aerosol-generating component (103) between them, the aerosol-generating component (103) is at least partially disposed and the carrier components (101) , 102) is configured to form a carrier assembly with an air flow path 110 running down the interior of the carrier assembly. Air flow path 110 includes an aerosol generation chamber. The carrier assembly may take an elongated form, or may have similar width and length dimensions. Additionally, the shape and dimensions of the air flow path may be changed.

2A-2C, the first carrier component 101 has an upstream portion 104, a downstream portion 105 (shown in FIG. 2A), and two side edges 106 (the right edge is shown in FIG. 2A). 2a). As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C , the second carrier component 102 has an upstream portion 107 , a downstream portion 108 , and two side edges 109 . The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 have substantially the same width (measured from side edge to side edge). An air inlet 113 is provided in the upstream part 104 of the first carrier component 101 (see Figure 2c), and an air outlet 114 is provided in the downstream part 108 of the second carrier component 102. (See Figures 2b and 2c). In particular, it can be seen from FIG. 2C that in use, air flows into the air inlet 113, along the air flow path 110, and through the outlet 114.

The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may be attached together by any suitable means, such as by gap fit, transition fit or interference fit. Other attachments are envisioned. In some examples, such as the specific example of FIG. 2 , first carrier component 101 and second carrier component 102 may be attached together by a snap fit. For example, one or more of the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may be connected to a corresponding portion of the other carrier component of the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 (e.g., It may include one or more protrusions configured to engage (via a snap fit). In the example of FIGS. 2A to 2E , the first carrier component 101 includes a pair of protrusions 120 provided towards its downstream part 105, which protrusions 120 have a snap-fit ( configured to engage with the corresponding ledge 121 of the second carrier component 102 via a snap-fit; The second carrier component 102 includes a protrusion 122 provided on its upstream part 107, which protrudes 122 for snap-fit with a corresponding ledge 123 of the first carrier component 101. It is configured to engage through. It will be appreciated that the nature of the attachment between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may vary.

Aerosol generating component 103 may be formed of a porous material. For example, aerosol generating component 103 may be formed of a conductive material. For example, aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a single layer. For example, the aerosol generating component 103 can be formed into a woven or woven structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pore fiber structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam or an open-pore deposited structure. For example, aerosol generating component 103 may generally be in the form of a sheet. For example, aerosol generating component 103 may be formed from a sintered metal fiber material and may generally be in the form of a sheet. It will be appreciated that other porous conductive materials may equally be used.

For example, the aerosol generating component 103 may include a main portion having electrical connectors for connecting to respective electrical contacts. For example, the main portion of the aerosol generating component may be generally rectangular with a longitudinal dimension of about 20 mm (i.e., in the direction running between the electrical contact extensions 103B) and a width of about 8 mm. Other dimensions are envisioned.

For example, the longitudinal dimension may correspond to the direction of air flow through the vaporization chamber (note that in other examples, the longitudinal dimension need not be the longest dimension of the aerosol generating component 103). The thickness of the sheet containing the aerosol generating component 103 may be approximately 0.15 mm. Other dimensions are envisioned.

Aerosol generating component 103 may include one or more apertures 200 (eg, elongated apertures). In some examples, aperture(s) 200 may include one or more elongated apertures extending inward from each of the longer sides (sides parallel to the longitudinal direction). For example, elongated apertures 200 may extend inwardly by approximately 4.8 mm. For example, the inwardly extending elongated apertures may be separated from each other by approximately 5.4 mm on each side of the aerosol generating component 103, with the slots extending inwardly from opposite sides being separated from each other by approximately half of this spacing. is offset. In other words, the slots may be positioned alternately along the longitudinal sides. Other configurations and dimensions are envisioned. The result of this arrangement of the slots 200 in the aerosol generating component 103 is that the current flow along the aerosol generating component 103 takes a substantially meandering path resulting in a concentration of current and therefore power around the ends of the slots. It means that you are forced to follow a meandering path. In this regard, and due to the presence of elongated apertures, the aerosol-generating component 103 may be designed such that some regions of the aerosol-generating component 103 (in this example the meandering path) are more prone to current flow than other regions. It can be configured to be large.

By having the current follow a meandering path, a greater number of hot zones ( (also referred to as “hot spots”) are more evenly distributed throughout the aerosol generating component 103. In this way, the risk of combustion of aerosolizable material and/or unintentional drying of the aerosol generating component 103 can be reduced. Additionally, more even heat distribution and therefore more consistent aerosolization (eg, more consistent particle size) can be achieved.

In some examples (e.g., see FIGS. 3A-3C ), aerosol-generating component 103 is rotationally symmetric about an axis passing through the center of a plane of aerosol-generating component 103 and is perpendicular to that plane.

Those skilled in the art will understand that article 100 can be manufactured in a variety of different ways and that the examples described herein serve as representative examples. For example, the way the aerosol generating component 103 is arranged in the housing, for example between the second carrier component 102 and the first carrier component 101 , can vary.

2A-2E, the article 100, once assembled in the aerosol generating system 10 (e.g., an electronic cigarette), is a carrier assembly 101 having an air flow path 110 that includes an aerosol generating chamber. , 102), wherein the air flow path 110 extends in the system 10 between the air inlet(s) and the air outlet(s) of the mouthpiece.

It will be appreciated that, in use, the article 100 of Figure 2 may be surrounded on both sides by a reservoir for aerosolizable material (not shown in the figures). As discussed, the distance between the first and second carrier components 101, 102 corresponds to the gap G. This gap G is in fluid communication with the reservoir and provides capillary channels (one on each side) extending along both sides of the aerosol generating component 103. For example, in use, aerosolizable material is fed through gap G and enters the pores (if present) of the aerosol generating component 103 for vaporization and generating vapor in the aerosol generating chamber. When a user draws in system 10, the passing air collects vapor and creates an aerosol, which is drawn out of the aerosol generating chamber and into an air outlet along a further portion of the air flow path through system 10. exit.

When installed in the electronic cigarette 10, the article 100 has the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating component 103 corresponding to the direction of air flow through the article 100 from the upstream end to the downstream end, as in the example of FIG. In the case of an end-to-end system, such as, in a side-by-side system with the devices aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette 10, or arranged on the side of the article 100, the devices is at least parallel to the longitudinal axis. However, this is not essential, and in this description the term "longitudinal" refers to the dimensions and orientation of the atomizer, particularly from the atomizer inlet at the upstream end of the atomizer through the vaporization chamber to the atomizer outlet at the downstream end of the atomizer. It is intended to refer to the dimensions of the aerosol generating component along the air flow path of.

Exemplary aspects of the disclosure are described below.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating component is disclosed comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.3 mm or less. The inventors have identified that the use of slots (which in the present context are wider than slits), as found in prior art aerosol generating components, can lead to unintended leakage of aerosolizable material through them. . In particular, these slots can act as leak paths for aerosolizable materials. The inventors have found that the use of slits with a narrower width than the slot can reduce the risk of unintentional leakage of aerosolizable material through the aerosol generating component. At the same time, the use of slits can provide an additional current path and thus uniform heat distribution over the aerosol generating component. In this way, more consistent particle size, and therefore improved aerosolization, can be achieved.

3A-3C and 4 illustrate example aerosol generating components 103 including at least one elongated slit 200 (not all numbered for clarity). In this aspect, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is 0.3 mm or less. As discussed above, this width is effective in reducing the risk of leakage of aerosolizable material while providing effective heating and heat distribution.

The width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 has a width of 0.25 mm or less. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is between 0.05 mm and about 0.3 mm, or between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is about 0.2 mm. A width of about 0.2 mm has been found to be particularly effective in reducing the risk of unintentional leakage of aerosolizable material.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is substantially straight. For example, in the examples of FIGS. 3A and 3B, each elongated slit 200 is substantially straight.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit is curved.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 is substantially flat. Although this configuration is shown in the drawings, it will be understood that different geometric shapes are envisioned.

It will also be appreciated that the shape of the elongated slit or each elongated slit 200 may vary. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 includes multiple elongated slit sections. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit section is substantially straight. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit section is curved (e.g., in the plane of the substantially flat aerosol generating component 103 as shown in FIG. 4 ).

In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are angled relative to each other. In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections may be non-parallel to each other. In some examples, at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined at an angle relative to each other. For example, as shown in Figure 3C, each of two of the elongated slits 200 includes two slit sections, which are inclined at an angle relative to each other.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is open around the perimeter of the aerosol generating component 103 . This configuration is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B, 3C, and 4. That is, in FIGS. 3B , 3C and 4 respectively, two slits 200 are open around the aerosol generating component 103 . Advantageously, this configuration assists in providing areas of higher current density, while being less likely to result in unintentional leakage of aerosolizable material.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is surrounded by a perimeter of the aerosol generating component. This configuration is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3A , 3C and 4 , where a number of elongated slits 200 are surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol generating component 103 . Because the elongated slit 200 is enclosed, the elongated slit 200 is also less likely to form a leak path for aerosolizable material.

Aerosol generating component 103 may include (e.g., at least one) aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive aerosolizable material (e.g., by capillary forces). Aerosolizable material supply sections 103F are illustrated, for example, in Figure 4, where the sections outside each of the dashed lines correspond to aerosolizable material supply sections 103F.

Aerosol generating component 103G may include (eg, at least one) aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material. The aerosolized section 103G is illustrated, for example, in Figure 4, where the section depicted between each dashed line corresponds to the aerosolized section 103G. It should be understood that in use, only the aerosolizing section 103G can reach a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosolizable material.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 has a porous and/or permeable structure that allows entry of aerosolizable materials. As such, in some examples, the aerosol generating component 103 may absorb aerosolizable material, such that the aerosolizable material is supplied from the aerosolizable material supply section 103F to the aerosolization section 103F. and becomes aerosolized.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 does not extend into the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. By providing the slit(s) in this manner, the risk of unintentional leakage of aerosolizable material is reduced. At the same time, the slit(s) provide an additional current path, resulting in additional hot spots. As the total number of hot spots increases and the intensity of each hot spot decreases, heat distribution across the aerosol generating components improves. This can result in more consistent particle size, and thus improved aerosolization.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongate slit 200 is connected to an elongate slot 201 . In such examples, elongated slit 200 connected to elongated slot 201 may form an elongated aperture. In such examples, slit 200 and slot 201 may be referred to as “slit portion” 200 and “slot portion” 201, respectively.

It should be understood that slits and slots are forms of aperture. Additionally, it should be understood that slots are wider than slits.

In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is greater than 0.3 mm, or at least 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or less than or equal to 0.3 mm. It is greater than or equal to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or It is 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot 200 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G. Accordingly, the use of slit(s) 200 in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F reduces the risk of leakage of aerosolizable material (compared to the use of slot(s)). Additionally, the use of slit(s) 200 in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F increases the storage amount of aerosolizable material in the aerosol generating component 103 (compared to the use of slot(s)). This is possible because less material is removed from the aerosol generating component 103 (compared to the slot(s)). Additionally, the use of slit(s) 200 in the aerosolizable material feed section eliminates the need for means to prevent leakage of aerosolizable material through the slits. In contrast, in some aerosol generating components where the slot extends through the aerosolizable material supply section (and, for example, to the periphery of the aerosol generating component), means may be required to prevent leakage of aerosolizable material through the slot. there is.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 extends into the aerosolization section.

In the example of Figure 4, elongated slits 200 are connected to respective elongated slots 201 to form respective elongated apertures. Elongated slits 200 are (at least partially) provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F and elongated slots 201 are provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103G.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, elongated slot 201 may taper into slit 200 . It will also be appreciated that different configurations of slit(s) 200 and slot(s) 201 may be envisioned.

Aerosol generating component 103 may include one or more electrical connectors 103C. An aerosolizing section may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

The aerosol generating component may include any other features as defined herein.

An article (100) for use as part of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system (10) is also disclosed, the article (100) comprising an aerosol generating component (103) as defined herein; and an aerosol formation chamber (190) and a reservoir (121) for aerosolizable material.

Also disclosed is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system (10), comprising: an article (100) as defined herein; and a device 20 including one or more of a power source and a controller.

System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

According to one aspect, an aerosol generating component is disclosed including at least one curved elongated aperture. Due to its curved shape, the aperture can cover a larger surface area (between a given length) than a straight, elongated aperture. In this way, the use of at least one curved elongated aperture can improve the amount and/or distribution of aerosol production. For example, aerosols can be generated over an increased surface area.

It should be understood that “curved” means that at least one curved elongated aperture is at least partially curved. That is, the at least one curved elongated aperture need not necessarily be curved along its entire length, but may include partial curves (as well as straight portions, for example). A portion of the curved aperture may be provided towards the periphery of the aerosol generating component. This can help reduce the occurrence of “hot spots” when used in locations where “hot spots” are not required. A portion of the curved aperture may be provided in the aerosolizable material supply section.

Referring to Figure 4, the aerosol generating component 103 includes at least one curved elongated aperture 200, 201. In some examples, one, more than one, or each of the curved elongated apertures 200, 201 has increasing curvature from one end of the apertures 200, 201 toward the other end of the apertures 200, 201. do. The increase in curvature may be continuous. The increase in curvature may begin about halfway along the apertures 200 and 201.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 is curved along at least a portion of its length.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 is curved along substantially its entire length.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 is substantially flat.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 has a substantially constant width.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a curved portion (or at least partially curved portion) connected to a substantially straight portion.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, there are four apertures 200 and 201. Two of the apertures 200, 201 each include an at least partially curved portion 201 connected to a substantially straight portion 200. The other two of the apertures 200, 201 each include an at least partially curved portion 200 connected to a substantially straight portion 201.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a slot portion 201. In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 includes a slit portion 200. In some examples, one, more than one, or each of the curved elongated apertures 200, 201 includes a slot portion 201 connected to the slit portion 200. It should be understood that the slot portion 201 has a larger width than the slit portion 200 .

It should be understood that slot portions (also referred to as “slots”) are wider than slit portions (also referred to as “slits”).

In some examples, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is at most 0.35 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm, or at most 2 mm, or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm, or at most It is 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.6 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.55 mm. In some examples, the width of the slot portion is from 0.25 mm to about 1 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.8 mm, or from 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm, or from 0.35 mm to 0.55 mm, or from 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm.

In some examples, the width of the slit portion is at most 0.3 mm. The width of the slit portion is greater than 0 mm. In some examples, the slit portion has a width of up to 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is at least 0.05 mm, or at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.15 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, or between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm. In some examples, the width of the slit portion is about 0.2 mm.

It will be appreciated that the coupling/connection between each slot portion 201 and the slit portion 200 may be of various widths intermediate the slot portion 201 and the slit portion 200.

Aerosol generating component 103 may include a plurality of curved elongated apertures. Each curved elongated aperture may be as defined herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200, 201 is open around the perimeter of the aerosol generating component 103. As shown in Figure 4, two of the apertures 200, 201 are open around the periphery of the aerosol generating component 103.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each curved elongated aperture 200 , 201 is surrounded by a perimeter of the aerosol generating component 103 . As shown in Figure 4, two of the apertures 200, 201 are surrounded by the periphery of the aerosol generating component 103.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes an aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive aerosolizable material (e.g., by capillary forces).

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes an aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each slot portion 201 is provided in the aerosolizing section 103G. In some examples, one, more than one, or each slot portion 201 does not extend into the aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each slit portion 200 is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. In some examples, one, more than one, or each slit portion 200 extends into the aerosolization section.

For example, in Figure 4, each slot portion 201 is provided in the aerosolization section 103G, and two slit portions 200 are provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F and the aerosolization section 103G. ), and the two slit portions 200 are provided almost entirely in the aerosolizable material supply section 103F. Variations on this configuration are envisioned.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes one or more electrical connectors 103C. An aerosolizing section 103G may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

Aerosol generating component 103 may include any other features as defined herein.

An article (100) for use as part of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system (10) is also disclosed, the article (100) comprising an aerosol generating component (103) as defined herein; and one or more of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

Article 100 may be configured such that aerosolizable material can be supplied from storage to aerosolization section 103G through aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

Also disclosed is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system (10), comprising: an article (100) as defined herein; and a device 20 including one or more of a power source and a controller.

System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

According to one aspect, an article for use in a non-flammable aerosol delivery system is disclosed, the article comprising: a housing; and an aerosol generating component having at least one elongated slot, the aerosol generating component being at least partially housed within a housing, the housing defining a capillary gap allowing aerosolizable material to be supplied to the aerosol generating component, The capillary gap and one, more than one, or each elongated slot do not overlap.

By providing the elongated slot and capillary gap so that they do not overlap, the potential for leakage of aerosolizable material through the elongated slot is reduced. For example, leakage of aerosolizable material may be more evident when the capillary gap coincides with or overlaps the elongated slot.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is provided inside the capillary gap. In this way, an elongated slot 201 is provided towards the center of the aerosol generating element 103 and away from the capillary gap. This configuration further reduces the risk of leakage of aerosolizable materials.

In some examples, the capillary gap provides a capillary channel that coincides with and/or overlaps the perimeter of the aerosol generating component 103. In some examples, the capillary gap provides a capillary channel that coincides with and/or overlaps a side edge of the aerosol generating component 103. In some examples, the capillary gap provides two capillary channels that coincide with and/or overlap respective side edges of the aerosol generating component 103.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongate slot 201 forms part of an elongate aperture of the aerosol generating component 103 (in this case, the elongate slot is an “elongate slot portion”) (may be referred to as ). Accordingly, the aerosol generating component 103 may include at least one elongated aperture with at least one elongated slot 201 .

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes at least one elongated slit 200. In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 may form part of an elongated aperture of the aerosol generating component 103 (in this case, the elongated slit is an “elongated slit”). may be referred to as “part”).

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongate slot 201 is connected to an elongate slit 200 . This may be to form an elongated aperture (200, 201). This configuration is illustrated in Figure 4 and described elsewhere herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 and capillary gap overlap and/or coincide. Providing an elongated slit at this location can provide an additional current path, increase resistance, and improve heating, while maintaining a reduced risk of leakage through the aerosol generating component 103.

The elongated slot or respective elongated slot 200 and the elongated slit or respective elongated slit 200 may be as defined elsewhere herein.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes an aerosolizable material supply section 103F configured to receive aerosolizable material (e.g., by capillary forces).

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes an aerosolizing section 103G configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material. In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 is substantially flat. The substantially flat aerosol generating component 103 may include a number of elongated slots 201 as defined herein.

The aerosolizable material supply section 103F and aerosolization section 103G may be as described elsewhere herein.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slot 201 is provided in the aerosolization section 103F.

In some examples, one, more than one, or each elongated slit 200 is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section 103G.

In some examples, aerosolization section 103G and the capillary gap do not overlap.

In some examples, the aerosolizable material supply section 103F and the capillary gap overlap.

It will be appreciated that the housing may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, the housing can include a carrier assembly. A housing, such as a carrier assembly, may include a first carrier component 101 and a second carrier component 102. The first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 may define a capillary gap. For example, the capillary gap may be defined by the gap between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102, for example when the first and second carrier components 101, 102 are attached together. . The aerosol generating component 103 may be arranged at least partially between the first carrier component 101 and the second carrier component 102 . First carrier component 101 and second carrier component 102 may be described elsewhere herein.

In some examples, aerosol generating component 103 includes one or more electrical connectors 103C. An aerosolizing section 103G may be provided between the electrical connectors 103C.

Article 100 may include one or more of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for aerosolizable material.

Article 100 may be configured such that aerosolizable material can be supplied from storage to aerosolization section 103G through aerosolizable material supply section 103F.

Also disclosed is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system (10), comprising: an article (100) as defined herein; and a device 20 including one or more of a power source and a controller.

System 10 may include any other features as defined herein.

The drawings herein are schematic and not drawn to scale. The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to teach and aid in understanding the claimed features. These embodiments are provided merely as samples of representative embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not limitations on the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims, or equivalents of the claims. It should not be considered limitations to, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include or consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. in addition to those specifically described herein. Or, these may be included as essential components (consist essentially of). Additionally, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (26)

An aerosol generating component comprising:
An aerosol-generating component comprising at least one elongated slit, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.3 mm or less. According to claim 1,
An aerosol-generating component wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of at least 0.05 mm. According to claim 1 or 2,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit has a width of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein the aerosol-generating component is substantially flat. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit comprises multiple elongated slit sections. According to clause 5,
An aerosol generating component wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit section is substantially straight. According to claim 5 or 6,
One, more than one, or each elongated slit section may be a curved, aerosol-generating component. According to any one of claims 5 to 7,
An aerosol generating component, wherein at least two of the elongated slit sections are non-parallel to each other. According to any one of claims 5 to 8,
An aerosol generating component, wherein at least two of the elongated slit sections are inclined at an angle relative to each other. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit is open at the periphery of the aerosol-generating component. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit is closed by the periphery of the aerosol-generating component. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
an aerosolizable material supply section configured to receive an aerosolizable material; and
An aerosol generating component comprising an aerosolizing section configured to aerosolize an aerosolizable material.
According to claim 12,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolizing section. The method of claim 12 or 13,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit does not extend into the aerosolizable material feed section.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit is connected to an elongated slot.
According to claim 15,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slot is provided in the aerosolizing section. The method of claim 15 or 16,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit is provided in the aerosolizable material supply section. The method of claim 16 or 17,
An aerosol generating component, wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slit extends into the aerosolizing section. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18,
An aerosol generating component wherein one, more than one, or each elongated slot has a width greater than 0.3 mm. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19,
An aerosol generating component comprising one or more electrical connectors. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed of a porous material. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed of an electrically conductive material. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22,
An aerosol-generating component, wherein the aerosol-generating component is formed from a single layer. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
The aerosol generating component may be a woven or weave structure, a mesh structure, a fabric structure, an open-pored fiber structure, an open-pore sintered structure, an open-pore foam or An aerosol-generating component formed from an open-pore deposited structure. An article for use as part of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, comprising:
The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 24; and
An article for use as part of a non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising at least one of an aerosol forming chamber and a reservoir for an aerosolizable material. A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising:
Article 25 Articles; and
A non-flammable aerosol delivery system comprising a device comprising one or more of a power source and a controller.