CN118139539A - Aerosol generating device with restricted airflow path - Google Patents
Aerosol generating device with restricted airflow path Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN118139539A CN118139539A CN202180103403.7A CN202180103403A CN118139539A CN 118139539 A CN118139539 A CN 118139539A CN 202180103403 A CN202180103403 A CN 202180103403A CN 118139539 A CN118139539 A CN 118139539A
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- aerosol
- generating device
- channel portion
- airflow channel
- airflow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 title description 21
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 69
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 51
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 60
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 60
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 27
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 19
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 19
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 9
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 9
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 7
- -1 platinum group metals Chemical class 0.000 description 7
- 239000012876 carrier material Substances 0.000 description 6
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 5
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000012827 research and development Methods 0.000 description 5
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 3
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 2
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N gold Chemical compound [Au] PCHJSUWPFVWCPO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052737 gold Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010931 gold Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910052715 tantalum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N tantalum atom Chemical compound [Ta] GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 2
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- GYHNNYVSQQEPJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Gallium Chemical compound [Ga] GYHNNYVSQQEPJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Manganese Chemical compound [Mn] PWHULOQIROXLJO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910018487 Ni—Cr Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004220 aggregation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003125 aqueous solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012298 atmosphere Substances 0.000 description 1
- YXTPWUNVHCYOSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis($l^{2}-silanylidene)molybdenum Chemical compound [Si]=[Mo]=[Si] YXTPWUNVHCYOSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium nickel Chemical compound [Ni].[Cd] OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VNNRSPGTAMTISX-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium nickel Chemical compound [Cr].[Ni] VNNRSPGTAMTISX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- CKFRRHLHAJZIIN-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt lithium Chemical compound [Li].[Co] CKFRRHLHAJZIIN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013355 food flavoring agent Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052733 gallium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000499 gel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000227 grinding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052735 hafnium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N hafnium atom Chemical compound [Hf] VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000003906 humectant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000953 kanthal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GELKBWJHTRAYNV-UHFFFAOYSA-K lithium iron phosphate Chemical compound [Li+].[Fe+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O GELKBWJHTRAYNV-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 229910052748 manganese Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011572 manganese Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052987 metal hydride Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021343 molybdenum disilicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229930014626 natural product Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 229910052758 niobium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010955 niobium Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N niobium atom Chemical compound [Nb] GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052697 platinum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000010298 pulverizing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon carbide Chemical compound [Si+]#[C-] HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910010271 silicon carbide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000601 superalloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007740 vapor deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
- A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24D—CIGARS; CIGARETTES; TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS; MOUTHPIECES FOR CIGARS OR CIGARETTES; MANUFACTURE OF TOBACCO SMOKE FILTERS OR MOUTHPIECES
- A24D1/00—Cigars; Cigarettes
- A24D1/20—Cigarettes specially adapted for simulated smoking devices
Landscapes
- Nozzles (AREA)
Abstract
An aerosol-generating device (100), comprising: an air inlet (116); a cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; and an air flow channel (118) defining an air flow path extending between the air inlet and the chamber; wherein the airflow channel comprises a first airflow channel portion (118 a) and a second airflow channel portion (118 b), the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow channel portion, such that the aerosol-generating device is configured to restrict the airflow in the first airflow channel portion.
Description
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a hand-held electrically operated aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol and for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article.
Background
Aerosol-generating devices that heat an aerosol-forming substrate to produce an aerosol without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art and are commonly referred to as heated non-combustion devices. The aerosol-forming substrate is typically disposed within the aerosol-generating article along with other components such as a filter. The aerosol-generating article may have a strip shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The heating element is typically arranged in or around the cavity for heating the aerosol-forming substrate upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. In use, the heating element heats an aerosol-generating article inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. In many such devices, the consumer draws the aerosol from the end of the aerosol-generating article that protrudes from the aerosol-generating device.
For the consumer, "resistance to draw" (RTD) is a key quality parameter of the aerosol-generating article and is a measure of the pressure drop across the aerosol-generating article. In other words, this is a measure of how much suction the consumer has to apply to draw air through the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol generated. In aerosol-generating articles for heating non-combustible devices, it is desirable to attempt to replicate the RTD of a conventional cigarette being smoked. Acceptable RTDs for consumer comfort for conventional cigarettes are typically in the range of 60 to 100 millimeters of water (mmWg).
There are several methods to customize the RTD of aerosol-generating articles. For example, the RTD may be adjusted by changing the density or size of the tobacco components within the tobacco rod. Alternatively or additionally, the element may be provided at the proximal or distal end of the consumable, which restricts the airflow and thus creates a pressure drop. For example, similar to a filter. Furthermore, the RTD parameter tolerances of the various components of the aerosol-generating article are significant, especially for strips made from natural products, such as tobacco strips made from finely cut and only slightly compressed tobacco leaves. For example, tobacco rods having a length of 10mm may vary in RTD between 10mmWg and 25 mmWg. This variation has an impact on the performance of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol delivered to the consumer. Furthermore, once components of the aerosol-generating article, such as the filter segments or tobacco rods, have been produced, it is less likely that the RTD will be further adjusted. Thus, consumers may need to provide different suction forces for different aerosol-generating articles, which may adversely affect the consumer experience.
Disclosure of Invention
As used herein, the terms "distal", "upstream", "proximal" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. An aerosol-generating article and device according to the present disclosure has a proximal end through which, in use, aerosol exits the article or device for delivery to a consumer, and an opposite distal end. In use, a consumer draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The terms upstream and downstream are relative to the direction of movement of the aerosol or air through the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating device when a consumer draws on the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article is downstream of the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article.
It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that is less dependent on the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article to provide a satisfactory and consistent consumer experience. In particular, it is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that provides a more stable and repeatable RTD.
According to an example of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device is provided. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a chamber for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow channel defining an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the cavity. The airflow channel may include a first airflow channel portion and a second airflow channel portion. The cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow path portion may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow path portion. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to restrict the airflow in the first airflow channel portion.
According to an example of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an air inlet, a chamber for receiving an aerosol-generating article, and an airflow channel defining an airflow path extending between the air inlet and the chamber. The airflow channel includes a first airflow channel portion and a second airflow channel portion. The cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow channel portion, such that the aerosol-generating device is configured to restrict the airflow in the first airflow channel portion.
Advantageously, in the above examples, the larger amount of RTD is generated in the aerosol-generating device rather than just in the aerosol-generating article. This means that the aerosol-generating device is less dependent on the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article to provide the necessary RTD. The RTD is generated by providing a first airflow channel portion having an airflow path with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the rest of the airflow channel. The reduced cross-sectional area limits the air flow. Since the size of the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device is fixed and the same for each use, the RTD value is relatively constant. Thus, during the consumer experience, each suction requires substantially the same suction from the consumer. Furthermore, RTDs are repeatable and stable over the lifetime of the aerosol-generating device and during use of the individual aerosol-generating articles.
The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be greater than 50 millimeters of water. The suction resistance through the air flow channel is between 20 and 100 mm water column. The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be between 25 and 95 mm water. The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be between 30 and 90 mm water column. The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be between 35 mm water column and 85 mm water column. The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be between 40 and 80 mm water column. The suction resistance through the airflow channel may be between 45 and 75 mm water column. The resistance to suction through the airflow channel may be between 50 and 70 mm water column.
Unless specified otherwise, the Resistance To Draw (RTD) of an aerosol-generating device or a component of an aerosol-generating article or both is measured according to ISO 6565-2015. RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the entire length of the component. The term "pressure drop" or "pumping resistance (DRAW RESISTANCE)" of a component or article may also refer to "pumping resistance (RESISTANCE TO DRAW)". Such terms generally refer to measurements according to ISO6565-2015 typically performed in a test at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 milliliters per second at the output or downstream end of the measurement component at a temperature of about 22 degrees celsius, a pressure of about 101kPa (about 760 torr), and a relative humidity of about 60%.
An end of the first air flow channel portion may be arranged at the air inlet to restrict the air flow path at the air inlet.
The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the air flow path in the second air flow channel portion to the cross-sectional area of the air flow path in the first air flow channel portion may be between 10:1 and 100:1, and preferably between 10:1 and 20:1. These ratios have been found to be particularly effective in providing the desired RTD.
The airflow passage may comprise a tubular housing. The inner surface of the tubular shell may define an airflow path.
The first air flow channel portion of the tubular shell may have an internal width or diameter of between 0.5 and 2 millimeters and preferably between 0.75 and 1.5 millimeters. These dimensions have been found to be particularly effective in providing the desired RTD.
The second airflow channel portion of the tubular shell may have an internal width or diameter of between 4 and 6 millimeters.
The ratio of the length of the second airflow channel portion to the length of the first airflow channel portion may be between 5:1 and 1:1, and preferably between 4:1 and 2:1. These ratios have been found to be particularly effective in providing the desired RTD.
The first air flow channel portion has a length of between 5 and 25 millimeters, preferably between 12 and 18 millimeters, more preferably between 14 and 16 millimeters, and still more preferably about 15 millimeters. These dimensions have been found to be particularly effective in providing the desired RTD.
The first air flow channel portion may be tapered. The first airflow channel portion may have an outlet width or diameter (at the upstream end of the first airflow channel portion) that is less than the inlet width or diameter (at the downstream end of the first airflow channel portion). The outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may be 5% to 15% smaller than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion, or preferably about 10% smaller. The width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may decrease linearly between the upstream and downstream ends of the first air flow channel portion. The width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may decrease non-linearly between the upstream and downstream ends of the first air flow channel portion.
The first air flow channel portion may have an inlet width or diameter of between 1 and 2 millimeters, preferably between 1 and 1.5 millimeters, and more preferably about 1.3 millimeters. The first air flow channel portion may have an outlet width or diameter of between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.25 mm, and more preferably about 1.2 mm.
The first airflow channel portion may have an outlet width or diameter (at the upstream end of the first airflow channel portion) that is greater than an inlet width or diameter (at the downstream end of the first airflow channel portion). The outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may be 5% to 15%, or preferably about 10%, greater than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion. The width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may increase linearly between the upstream and downstream ends of the first air flow channel portion. The width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion may increase non-linearly between the upstream and downstream ends of the first air flow channel portion.
The first air flow channel portion may have an outlet width or diameter of between 1 and 2 millimeters, preferably between 1 and 1.5 millimeters, and more preferably about 1.3 millimeters. The first airflow channel portion may have an inlet width or diameter of between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 1.25 mm, and more preferably about 1.2 mm.
The first air flow passage portion and the second air flow passage portion may be integrally formed in the tubular case. This helps to reduce part count and simplify manufacture of the aerosol-generating device.
The first air flow channel portion may comprise a removable plug. The removable plug may be configured to connect to the second airflow channel portion. The removable plug may have a through bore extending between opposite ends thereof to define an airflow path through the plug. Advantageously, in this arrangement, the removable plug provides the RTD. Different removable plugs having through holes of different cross-sectional areas may be used to enable a consumer to configure the aerosol-generating device with a preferred RTD. The removable plug may have an RTD of about 20 millimeters of water, or about 30 millimeters of water, or about 40 millimeters of water, or about 50 millimeters of water, or about 60 millimeters of water.
The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article in the cavity.
The heater may comprise one or more electrical heating elements. The electrical heating element may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, timetal TM、KanthalTM, and other iron-chromium-aluminum alloys, as well as iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in an insulating material, encapsulated by an insulating material or coated by an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties. Alternatively, the electric heater may comprise one or more infrared heating elements, photon sources, or induction heating elements.
The one or more heating elements may be formed using a metal or metal alloy having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. The heating element formed in this way can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.
The heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material or substrate. The heating element may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic or glass. The heating element may be sandwiched between two insulating materials.
The heater may comprise an internal heater or an external heater, or both, wherein "internal" and "external" refer to positions relative to the aerosol-forming substrate.
The internal heater may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heater may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a sleeve or substrate having different conductive portions, or a resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heater may be one or more heated pins or strips extending through the centre of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, for example, ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, gold, silver, tungsten or alloy wires or heating plates.
The external heater may take any suitable form. For example, the external heater may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (such as polyimide). The flexible heating foil may be shaped to conform to the perimeter of a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. Alternatively, the external heater may take the form of a heating coil, one or more metal grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a Molded Interconnect Device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a suitably shaped substrate using a coating technique such as plasma vapor deposition.
The heater may be a tubular heater arranged to receive the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article within the interior space of the tube. The tubular heater may include a tubular support or base plate having a heating element disposed thereon or therein. The heating element may be provided on the inner surface of the tube or on the outer surface of the tube. In one embodiment, the heater may comprise an alumina ceramic tube having a kanthai TM heating element surrounding the outer cylindrical surface of the tube.
The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a power supply or power source for supplying power to the internal and external heaters. The power supply may be any suitable power supply, such as a DC voltage source. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate or lithium polymer battery.
The aerosol-generating device is preferably a handheld aerosol-generating device that is comfortably held between the fingers of a single hand by a consumer.
The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a control circuit configured to control the supply of electrical power to the heater assembly. The control circuit may comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The control circuit may comprise further electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, the control circuitry may include any of a sensor, a switch, a display element. The power may be supplied to the heater assembly continuously after the device is activated, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a mouthpiece-by-mouthpiece basis. The power may be supplied to the heater assembly in the form of current pulses, for example by means of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM).
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article. The housing may include a heater, an electrical power supply, and a control circuit. The housing may include an air inlet. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.
According to another example of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising any of the above-described aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate.
According to an example of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising any of the above-described aerosol-generating devices, and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming substrate.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when heated in an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article is separate from and configured for combination with an aerosol-generating device for heating the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongate.
The aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of between about 30mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of between about 10mm and about 18 mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-forming substrate may be between about 5mm and about 12mm in diameter. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter segment. The filter segment may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter segments may be cellulose acetate filter segments. The length of the filter segments is about 7mm in one embodiment, but may have a length of between about 5mm to about 12 mm.
In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article may have an overall length of about 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7.3mm, but may have an outer diameter of between about 7.0mm and about 7.4 mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 12 mm. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 16 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. Furthermore, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a separator between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter segment. The separator may be about 21mm or about 26mm, but may be in the range of about 5mm to about 28 mm. The partition may be provided by a hollow tube. The hollow tube may be made of cardboard or cellulose acetate.
The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both a solid component and a liquid component. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.
If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: a powder, granule, pellet, chip, strand, ribbon or sheet comprising one or more of herb leaf, tobacco rib, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds that are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules that include, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.
As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5 percent on a dry weight basis. The homogenized tobacco material may alternatively have an aerosol former content of between 5 wt.% and 30 wt.% on a dry weight basis. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise pulverizing one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco leaf stems. Alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more of tobacco dust, shredded tobacco, and other particulate tobacco byproducts formed during, for example, the handling, manipulation, and transportation of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include one or more intrinsic binders that are endogenous binders to the tobacco, one or more extrinsic binders that are exogenous binders to the tobacco, or a combination thereof to help agglomerate the particulate tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include other additives including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an agglomerated crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "curled sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. This advantageously facilitates the aggregation of the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. However, it will be appreciated that the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations disposed at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material, the aggregated sheet being textured substantially uniformly over substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregated curled sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.
Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, strips, ribbons or sheets. Alternatively, the support may be a tubular support with a thin layer of solid matrix deposited on its inner surface or on its outer surface or on both its inner and outer surfaces. Such tubular carriers may be formed from, for example, paper, or paper-like materials, nonwoven carbon fiber mats, low mass open mesh wire screens, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymer matrix.
The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavour delivery during use.
Although reference is made above to a solid aerosol-forming substrate, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other forms of aerosol-forming substrate may be used with other embodiments. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. If a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is provided, the aerosol-generating device preferably comprises means for retaining liquid. For example, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in a container or liquid storage portion. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be imbibed into a porous carrier material. The porous carrier material may be made of any suitable absorbent rod or body, for example, foamed metal or plastic material, polypropylene, polyester, nylon fiber or ceramic. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be held in the porous carrier material prior to use of the aerosol-generating device, or alternatively, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate material may be released into the porous carrier material during or shortly before use. For example, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the capsule. The shell of the capsule preferably melts upon heating and releases the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the porous carrier material. The capsules may optionally contain solids in combination with liquids.
Alternatively, the carrier may be a nonwoven fabric or tow that already includes the tobacco component. The nonwoven fabric or tow may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulosic fibers, or cellulose derivative fibers.
Drawings
Several examples will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the interior of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-generating device according to an example of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-generating device according to another example of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 2A depicted by dashed box a.
Fig. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article received within the aerosol-generating device according to another example of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device of fig. 3A depicted by a dashed box B.
Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol-generating article for use with the aerosol-generating device of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
Referring to fig. 1, a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of an aerosol-generating device 100 and an aerosol-generating article 200 received within the aerosol-generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol-generating device 100 and the aerosol-generating article 200 together form an aerosol-generating system. In fig. 6, the aerosol-generating device 100 and the aerosol-generating article are shown in a simplified manner. In particular, the elements of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the aerosol-generating article 200 are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, elements not relevant for understanding the aerosol-generating device 100 are omitted.
The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a housing 102, an electrical power supply 104, a control circuit 106, a heater housing 108, a heating chamber 110 and a tubular housing 112. The heating chamber 110 defines a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article 200 and has a flexible heating element (not shown) arranged therearound for heating the heating chamber 110 and in turn the aerosol-generating article 200. The heater housing 108 surrounds the heating chamber 110 and prevents the aerosol generated within the heating chamber 110 from leaking into the aerosol-generating device 100. The heater housing 108 may also include insulation (not shown) to reduce heat loss from the heating chamber 110 to the housing 102. The power supply 104 comprises a battery, and in this example is a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The control circuit 106 is connected to both the power supply 104 and the heating element and controls the supply of electrical energy from the power supply 104 to the heating element to regulate the temperature of the heating element.
The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises an opening 114 formed in the housing 102 at a proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device 100 through which the aerosol-generating article 200 may be inserted into the heating chamber 110. The aerosol-generating article 200 is longer than a cavity defined in part by the heating chamber 110 inside the aerosol-generating device and thus the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article 200 protrudes from the aerosol-generating device 100 when the aerosol-generating article 200 is fully inserted.
The aerosol-generating article 200 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 202 arranged in the aerosol-generating article such that the aerosol-forming substrate 202 is located within the heating chamber 110 when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the aerosol-generating device. As will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 4A and 4B, the aerosol-generating article 200 may also comprise other components arranged along the length of the aerosol-generating article 200.
The aerosol-generating device 100 further comprises an air inlet 116 formed in the housing 102 at the distal end of the aerosol-generating device 100. The tubular housing 112 has a hollow interior and provides an airflow passage 118 defining an airflow path extending between the air inlet 116 and the heating chamber 110. The airflow channel 118 provides fluid communication between the external atmosphere at the air inlet 116 and the aerosol-generating article 200 located in the heating chamber 110. The tubular housing 112 has a flange 120 that is connected to the heater housing 108 to provide an airtight seal between the tubular housing 112 and the heater housing 108.
The airflow channel 118 includes a first airflow channel portion 118a and a second airflow channel portion 118b. The first airflow channel portion 118a has an inner diameter D of 1 millimeter and the second airflow channel portion 118b has an inner diameter D of 4.2 millimeters. Thus, the internal cross-sectional area of the first airflow channel portion 118a is more than sixteen times smaller than the internal cross-sectional area of the second airflow channel portion 118b. The smaller internal cross-sectional area of the first air flow channel portion 118 creates a restriction of the air flow path in the first air flow channel portion 118 a.
The first air flow channel portion 118a extends a length of 15 millimeters in the downstream direction from the air inlet 116, where the first air flow channel portion meets the increased diameter D of the second air flow channel portion 118 b. This arrangement restricts the air flow at the air inlet 116. The inventors have observed that a restriction of 1mm diameter and 15mm length generates an RTD of 60 mm water column. However, it should be understood that these dimensions may be varied to achieve different RTDs.
Thus, the aerosol-generating device 100 generates an RTD similar to a conventional cigarette. This means that the aerosol-generating device 100 is less dependent on the characteristics of the aerosol-generating article 200 to provide the necessary RTD, since a larger amount of the RTD is generated by the aerosol-generating device 100. Furthermore, since a large amount of the RTD is generated by the aerosol-generating device 100, the size and structure of the aerosol-generating device is fixed, and thus the RTD value is relatively constant and repeatable. In addition, the aerosol-generating article 200 may be configured such that it has a significantly lower RTD than the aerosol-generating device 100 such that a majority of the RTD is generated by the aerosol-generating device 100. This also means that the aerosol-generating article 200 does not significantly increase the RTD when it is used with the aerosol-generating device 100.
In use, a consumer inserts the aerosol-generating article 200 into the aerosol-generating device 100 via the opening 114, which positions the aerosol-forming substrate 202 within the heating chamber 110. The consumer then activates the aerosol-generating device 100, which causes the control circuit 106 to supply electrical power from the power supply 104 to the heating elements arranged around the heating chamber 110 to controllably heat the aerosol-forming substrate 202 located within the heating chamber 110. This releases volatile compounds within the aerosol-forming substrate 202 and forms an aerosol. The consumer draws the aerosol from the end of the aerosol-generating article 200 that protrudes from the aerosol-generating device 200. By applying suction to the aerosol-generating article 200 with their mouth, the consumer creates a pressure drop within the aerosol-generating article 200 that is in fluid communication with the air inlet 116 of the aerosol-generating device 100 via the airflow channel 118. The pressure drop causes air to be drawn into the aerosol-generating device 100 via the air inlet 116 and to flow to the aerosol-generating article 200 via the airflow channel 118. Air passes through the aerosol-generating article 200, entraining the aerosol, which is then delivered to the consumer.
Fig. 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of another aerosol-generating device 300, in which the aerosol-generating article 200 has been received. The structure of the aerosol-generating device 300 and the aerosol-generating article 200 of fig. 2A is identical to that of fig. 1, except that the first air flow channel portion 318a of the air flow channel 318 is tapered. Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device 300 of fig. 2A depicted by the dashed box a, showing the first airflow channel portion 318a in more detail. The taper of the first air flow channel portion 318a has been exaggerated in fig. 2A and 2B to more clearly illustrate the features.
Similar to the aerosol-generating device 100 of fig. 1, the first air flow channel portion 318a and the second air flow channel portion 318 of the aerosol-generating device 300 of fig. 2A and 2B are formed in the tubular shell 312. The first airflow channel portion 318a has an outlet diameter d1 at the downstream end of the first airflow channel portion 318a that is smaller than an inlet diameter d2 at the upstream end of the first airflow channel portion 318 a. The first air flow channel portion 318a has an outlet diameter d1 of 1.20 millimeters and an inlet diameter d2 of 1.32 millimeters. Thus, the outlet diameter d1 is about 9% to 10% smaller than the inlet diameter d2. Both the outlet diameter D1 and the inlet diameter D2 are less than the diameter D of 4.2 millimeters of the second airflow passage portion 318 b. Thus, the smaller internal cross-sectional area of the first airflow channel portion 318a creates a restriction of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion 318 a. The diameter of the first air flow channel portion 318a decreases linearly between the upstream and downstream ends of the first air flow channel portion 318 a.
The first air flow channel portion 318a extends a length of 15 millimeters in the downstream direction from the air inlet 316, where the first air flow channel portion meets the increased diameter D of the second air flow channel portion 318 b. This arrangement restricts the air flow at the air inlet 316. The arrangement of fig. 2B has been found to provide an effective RTD for the aerosol-generating device 300. However, it should be understood that the dimensions may be varied to achieve different RTDs.
Fig. 3A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the interior of another aerosol-generating device 400 in which the aerosol-generating article 200 has been received. The structure of the aerosol-generating device 400 and the aerosol-generating article 200 of fig. 3A is identical to that of fig. 1, except that the first air flow channel portion 418a of the air flow channel 418 comprises a removable plug 420. Fig. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerosol-generating device 400 of fig. 3A depicted by the dashed box B, showing the removable plug 420 in more detail.
Similar to the aerosol-generating device 100 of fig. 1, the second air flow channel portion 418B of the aerosol-generating device 400 of fig. 3A and 3B is formed in the tubular housing 412. As described above, the first air flow channel portion 418a includes a removable plug 420. The removable plug 420 has a through hole 422 extending between opposite ends thereof to define an airflow path through the removable plug 420. The through hole 422 formed in the removable plug 420 has an inner diameter d of 1 mm. The second air flow passage portion 418b formed in the tubular case 412 has an inner diameter D of 4.2 mm. Thus, the smaller internal cross-sectional area of the through-hole 422 creates a restriction of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion 318a formed by the removable plug 420.
The removable plug 420 has a narrower insertion portion 424 configured to be inserted into the distal end of the tubular housing 412 to connect the through hole 422 to the second airflow passage portion 418b. The removable plug 420 is held in place in the tubular housing by an interference fit between the tubular housing 412 and the insertion portion 424. The removable plug 420 has a length of 15 millimeters. The distal end of the through hole 422 forms the air inlet 416, and thus the narrower through hole 422 restricts the air flow at the air inlet 416. The arrangement of fig. 3B has been found to provide an effective RTD for the aerosol-generating device 400. However, it should be understood that the dimensions may be varied to achieve different RTDs. Indeed, different removable plugs having through holes of different cross-sectional areas may be used to enable a consumer to configure the aerosol-generating device with a preferred RTD.
Fig. 4A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article 500 for use with any of the foregoing aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating article 500 comprises an end plug 504, an aerosol-forming substrate 502, a hollow tube 506, a mouthpiece filter 508. Each of the aforementioned components of the aerosol-generating article 500 is a substantially cylindrical element, each having substantially the same diameter. The components are sequentially arranged in abutting coaxial alignment and are defined by an outer wrapper 510 to form a cylindrical bar. The aerosol-forming substrate 502 is a tobacco rod or rod comprising an aggregated sheet of crimped homogenized tobacco material defined by a wrapper (not shown). The crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material comprises glycerin as an aerosol former. End plug 504 and mouthpiece filter 508 are formed from cellulose acetate fibers.
Fig. 4B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol-generating article 600 for use with any of the foregoing aerosol-generating devices. The aerosol-generating article 600 comprises a tobacco rod 601 and a downstream section 605 disposed downstream of the tobacco rod. The tobacco rod 601 includes an aerosol-forming substrate 602 packaged in a rod wrapper 603. The aerosol-forming substrate 602 comprises tobacco cut filler impregnated with about 12% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerin. The cut filler comprises 90% by weight of tobacco lamina. The cut width of the cut filler was about 0.7 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate 12 comprises about 130mg of tobacco cut filler.
The downstream section 605 comprises a hollow tubular element 606 located immediately downstream of the tobacco rod 601 of aerosol-generating substrate. The hollow tubular element 606 is longitudinally aligned with the tobacco rod 601 and combined with the tobacco rod 601 by means of the outer wrapper 607. In the embodiment of fig. 4B, the upstream end of the hollow tubular element 606 abuts the downstream end of the tobacco rod 601.
Hollow tubular member 606 comprises a hollow cylindrical tube made of cellulose acetate or cardboard, such as paper having a grammage of at least about 90 grams per square meter. Hollow tubular member 606 defines an interior lumen 608 extending from an upstream end of hollow tubular member 606 all the way to a downstream end of hollow tubular member 606. Lumen 608 is substantially empty and thus enables substantially unrestricted airflow through lumen 608.
The tobacco rod 1 has an RTD of about 18 mm water. Hollow tubular element 606 has a negligible RTD. Thus, the hollow tubular element 606 does not substantially contribute to the overall RTD of the aerosol-generating article 10, which is substantially the same as the RTD of the tobacco rod 601. Thus, the aerosol-generating article 600 has an RTD that is significantly lower than the RTD of the aerosol-generating device such that a majority of the RTD is generated by the aerosol-generating device. This also means that the aerosol-generating article 600 does not significantly increase the RTD when it is used with an aerosol-generating device.
For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Moreover, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges therein that may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number a is understood to be a± 5%A. In this context, the number a may be considered to include values within a general standard error for the measurement of the property of the modification of the number a. In some cases, as used in the appended claims, the number a may deviate from the percentages recited above, provided that the amount of deviation a does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention.
Claims (60)
1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:
An air inlet;
A cavity for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article; and
An air flow channel defining an air flow path extending between the air inlet and the cavity;
Wherein the airflow channel comprises a first airflow channel portion and a second airflow channel portion, the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion being smaller than the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow channel portion, such that the aerosol-generating device is configured to restrict airflow in the first airflow channel portion.
2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is greater than 50 mm water.
3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 20 and 100 mm water.
4. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 3 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 25 and 95 mm water.
5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 30 and 90 mm water.
6. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 5 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 35 and 85 mm water.
7. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 6 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 40 and 80 mm water column.
8. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 7 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 45 and 75 mm water.
9. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 8 in which the resistance to draw through the airflow channel is between 50 and 70 mm water.
10. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein an end of the first airflow channel portion is arranged at the air inlet to restrict the airflow path at the air inlet.
11. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow channel portion to the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion is between 10:1 and 100:1.
12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the second airflow channel portion to the cross-sectional area of the airflow path in the first airflow channel portion is between 10:1 and 20:1.
13. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the airflow channel comprises a tubular shell, an inner surface of the tubular shell defining the airflow path.
14. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, wherein the first airflow channel portion of the tubular shell has an internal width or diameter of between 0.5 and 2 mm.
15. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 14, wherein the first airflow channel portion of the tubular shell has an internal width or diameter of between 0.75 and 1.5 mm.
16. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second airflow channel portion of the tubular shell has an internal width or diameter of between 4 and 6 mm.
17. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the length of the second airflow channel portion to the length of the first airflow channel portion is between 5:1 and 1:1.
18. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 17, wherein the ratio of the length of the second airflow channel portion to the length of the first airflow channel portion is between 4:1 and 2:1.
19. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first airflow channel portion has a length of between 5 and 25 mm.
20. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 19, wherein the first air flow channel portion has a length of between 12 and 18 mm.
21. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 20, wherein the first air flow channel portion has a length of between 14 and 16 mm.
22. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 21, wherein the first air flow channel portion has a length of about 15 mm.
23. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first airflow channel portion is tapered.
24. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the first air flow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter at a downstream end of the first air flow channel portion that is smaller than an inlet width or diameter at an upstream end of the first air flow channel portion.
25. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 24, wherein the outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion is 5% to 15% smaller than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion.
26. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 25, wherein the outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion is about 10% smaller than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion.
27. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the width or diameter of the first airflow channel portion decreases linearly between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first airflow channel portion.
28. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the width or diameter of the first airflow channel portion decreases non-linearly between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first airflow channel portion.
29. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 28, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of between 1 and 2 mm.
30. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 29, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of between 1 and 1.5 mm.
31. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 30, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of about 1.3 mm.
32. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm.
33. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 32, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of between 1 and 1.25 mm.
34. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 33, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of about 1.2mm.
35. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 23, wherein the first air flow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter at a downstream end of the first air flow channel portion that is greater than an inlet width or diameter at an upstream end of the first air flow channel portion.
36. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 35, wherein the outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion is 5% to 15% greater than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion.
37. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 36, wherein the outlet width or diameter of the first air flow channel portion is about 10% greater than the inlet width of the first air flow channel portion.
38. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the width or diameter of the first airflow channel portion increases linearly between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first airflow channel portion.
39. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 35 to 37, wherein the width or diameter of the first airflow channel portion increases non-linearly between an upstream end and a downstream end of the first airflow channel portion.
40. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 35 to 39, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of between 1 and 2 mm.
41. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 40, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of between 1 and 1.5 mm.
42. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 41, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an outlet width or diameter of about 1.3 mm.
43. An aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 35 to 42, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of between 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm.
44. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 43, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of between 1 and 1.25 mm.
45. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 44, wherein the first airflow channel portion has an inlet width or diameter of about 1.2mm.
46. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the first air flow channel portion and the second air flow channel portion are integrally formed in the tubular shell.
47. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 13 to 45, wherein the first airflow channel portion comprises a removable plug configured to be connected to the second airflow channel portion, the plug having a through-hole extending between opposite ends of the plug to define an airflow path through the plug.
48. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 47, wherein the removable plug has a resistance to draw of about 20mm water.
49. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 47, wherein the removable plug has a resistance to draw of about 30mm water.
50. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 47, wherein the removable plug has a resistance to draw of about 40 mm water.
51. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 47, wherein the removable plug has a resistance to draw of about 50mm water.
52. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 47, wherein the removable plug has a resistance to draw of about 60mm water.
53. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a heater for heating the aerosol-generating article in the cavity.
54. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.
55. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 54, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 50% of the resistance to draw of an airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device.
56. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 55, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 40% of the resistance to draw of the airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device.
57. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 56, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 30% of the resistance to draw of an airflow channel of the aerosol-generating device.
58. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 54 to 57, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 30 mm water.
59. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 58, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 25 millimeters of water.
60. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 59, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a resistance to draw of less than 20 millimeters of water.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2021/126131 WO2023070270A1 (en) | 2021-10-25 | 2021-10-25 | Aerosol-generating device having a restricted airflow pathway |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN118139539A true CN118139539A (en) | 2024-06-04 |
Family
ID=78621586
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202180103403.7A Pending CN118139539A (en) | 2021-10-25 | 2021-10-25 | Aerosol generating device with restricted airflow path |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| KR (1) | KR20240090686A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN118139539A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023070270A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG11201403810SA (en) * | 2012-01-03 | 2014-10-30 | Philip Morris Products Sa | An aerosol generating device and system with improved airflow |
| GB2513639A (en) * | 2013-05-02 | 2014-11-05 | Nicoventures Holdings Ltd | Electronic cigarette |
| TWI693031B (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2020-05-11 | 瑞士商菲利浦莫里斯製品股份有限公司 | Aerosol-generating article comprising a detachable freshener delivery element with high degree of ventilation |
| JP7357776B2 (en) * | 2019-09-19 | 2023-10-06 | フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム | Induction heater allowing lateral airflow |
| JP2023508291A (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2023-03-02 | フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム | Aerosol generator with vented chamber |
-
2021
- 2021-10-25 CN CN202180103403.7A patent/CN118139539A/en active Pending
- 2021-10-25 KR KR1020247016844A patent/KR20240090686A/en unknown
- 2021-10-25 WO PCT/CN2021/126131 patent/WO2023070270A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR20240090686A (en) | 2024-06-21 |
| WO2023070270A1 (en) | 2023-05-04 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20230113967A1 (en) | Heater for an electrically heated aerosol generating system | |
| US20210186105A1 (en) | Electrically heated smoking system having a liquid storage portion | |
| CN110022704B (en) | Aerosol-generating system having a cartridge with a side orifice | |
| CN109152893B (en) | Aerosol-generating device with integrated heater assembly | |
| US10178880B2 (en) | Aerosol generating device with a capillary interface | |
| KR101679489B1 (en) | An aerosol generating device and system with improved airflow | |
| JP5739800B2 (en) | Method for controlling the formation of smoke components in an electric aerosol generation system | |
| CN111449293B (en) | Aerosol-forming article comprising magnetic particles | |
| CN109152421B (en) | Heater and core assembly for an aerosol-generating system | |
| CN109982590B (en) | Aerosol-generating system comprising a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates and a piercing element | |
| CN111356378A (en) | Aerosol-generating device and method for controlling a heater of an aerosol-generating device | |
| CN107205491A (en) | Apparatus for aerosol creation with grappling heater | |
| KR20230042542A (en) | An electrically heated aerosol-generating system with end heater | |
| CN113710115A (en) | Aerosol-generating system and haptic output element for an aerosol-generating system | |
| US20220015434A1 (en) | An atomiser and an aerosol-generating system comprising an atomiser | |
| CN112822953A (en) | Aerosol-generating article, aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system | |
| CN118139539A (en) | Aerosol generating device with restricted airflow path | |
| KR102317840B1 (en) | Aerosol generating article, device and system | |
| CN118317705A (en) | Aerosol generating device with sealed internal airflow passage |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication |