EP4225080A1 - Aerosol generation device - Google Patents
Aerosol generation deviceInfo
- Publication number
- EP4225080A1 EP4225080A1 EP21786491.7A EP21786491A EP4225080A1 EP 4225080 A1 EP4225080 A1 EP 4225080A1 EP 21786491 A EP21786491 A EP 21786491A EP 4225080 A1 EP4225080 A1 EP 4225080A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- aerosol generation
- tray
- substrate
- generation device
- aerosol
- 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 claims abstract description 147
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 89
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 13
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 10
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 10
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000004696 Poly ether ether ketone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004734 Polyphenylene sulfide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003779 heat-resistant material Substances 0.000 description 2
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001707 polybutylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920002530 polyetherether ketone Polymers 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000139 polyethylene terephthalate Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005020 polyethylene terephthalate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229920000069 polyphenylene sulfide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N triacetin Chemical compound CC(=O)OCC(OC(C)=O)COC(C)=O URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 1
- OVOUKWFJRHALDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2-[2-(2-acetyloxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OCCOCCOCCOC(C)=O OVOUKWFJRHALDD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N D-Glucitol Natural products OC[C@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-FSIIMWSLSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N D-glucitol Chemical compound OC[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO FBPFZTCFMRRESA-JGWLITMVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DOOTYTYQINUNNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Triethyl citrate Chemical compound CCOC(=O)CC(O)(C(=O)OCC)CC(=O)OCC DOOTYTYQINUNNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001298 alcohols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 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
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019658 bitter taste Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000711 cancerogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000315 carcinogenic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005485 electric heating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920006351 engineering plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003349 gelling agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002314 glycerols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000001087 glyceryl triacetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013773 glyceryl triacetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000002334 glycols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003906 humectant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004310 lactic acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000014655 lactic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000600 sorbitol Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019505 tobacco product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229960002622 triacetin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000001069 triethyl citrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- VMYFZRTXGLUXMZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethyl citrate Natural products CCOC(=O)C(O)(C(=O)OCC)C(=O)OCC VMYFZRTXGLUXMZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013769 triethyl citrate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCOCCOCCO ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 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
-
- 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
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- 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
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
-
- 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
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
Definitions
- the aerosol generation chamber 15 may simply be an interior volume of the housing 2, but the aerosol generation chamber 15 is preferably enclosed by an insulating enclosure within the housing 2, so that additional components such as control circuitry and an electrical power source (not shown) are insulated from heat provided within the aerosol generation chamber 15.
- the housing may generally be made from any rigid material such as a thermoplastic or a metal (e.g. aluminium).
- the insulating enclosure may be made from a heat-resistant material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide (PA) in order to prevent thermal deformation or melting.
- the heat resistant material may be a super engineering plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
- Aerosol generation device 1 may also comprise securing means 25 which are configured to secure lid 7 with respect to housing 2 when lid 7 is in closed position as can be seen in Fig. 10.
- fixing means 25 may be provided as a pair of magnets securing lid 7 to housing 2 while providing haptic feedback to a user of the device.
- Figure 9 depicts the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1 with the lid 7 being in between the open and closed position. As can be seen, if only one bolt 14 is provided, only one end of the sliding element is translated towards heating element 10, which means only one edge of the substrate 11 may be pressed towards heating element 10 by means of the bolt. A second edge maybe pressed towards heating element 10 by means of securing means 25 which ensures that the whole surface of substrate 11 is pressed towards heating element 10.
Landscapes
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to form an aerosol. More specifically, an aerosol generation device comprises: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element; a cover which can be in a closed position covering an aperture in the device, and in an open position exposing said aperture; and a tray for receiving and holding the substrate.
Description
Aerosol Generation Device
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation device in which an aerosol generating substrate is heated to form an aerosol. The disclosure is particularly applicable to a portable aerosol generation device, which may operate at low temperature. Such devices may heat, rather than burn, tobacco or other suitable aerosol substrate materials by conduction, convection, and/or radiation, to generate an aerosol for inhalation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The popularity and use of aerosol generation devices (also known as e- cigarettes and heat-not-burn products) has grown rapidly in the past few years. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm aerosolisable substances as opposed to burning tobacco in conventional tobacco products.
[0003] Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol substrate that typically comprises moist leaf tobacco or other suitable solid aerosolisable material to a temperature typically in the range 150 °C to 350 °C. Heating such an aerosol substrate, but not combusting or burning it, releases an aerosol that comprises the components sought by the user but not the toxic and carcinogenic byproducts of combustion and burning. Furthermore, the aerosol produced by heating the tobacco or other aerosolisable material does not typically comprise the burnt or bitter taste resulting from combustion and burning that can be unpleasant for the user and so the substrate does not therefore require the sugars and other additives that are typically added to such materials to make the smoke and/ or vapour more palatable for the user. In such devices, the aerosol substrate is heated by a heating element, for example in a heating chamber. The aerosol substrate is consumed through generation of the aerosol and must be regularly replaced. It is therefore desirable to provide a convenient way of replacing the
aerosol substrate in the heating chamber.
[0004] Additionally, it is desirable to generate more aerosol from a given quantity of aerosol substrate, and therefore it is desirable to provide a device that can heat the aerosol substrate to generate aerosol more efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first aspect, the following disclosure provides an aerosol generation device comprising: An aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element; an oblong housing; a tray configured to receive and hold the substrate; and a lid which is connected to the tray and which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber; wherein when the lid is in the open position, the tray is located at least partially outside of the aerosol generation chamber and can receive a substrate, or a substrate held by the tray can be removed from the tray by the hand of the user, and when the lid is in the closed position, the substrate is contained in the aerosol generation chamber; and the lid is configured to transition from the open to the closed position by translating towards the aerosol generation chamber in a longitudinal direction of the housing, whereby the tray is translated in the longitudinal direction into the aerosol generation chamber and a substrate held by the tray is pressed against the heating element.
[0006] The tray provides an intuitive and robust way to replace the aerosol substrate consumable by removing a used substrate from the tray and putting an unused substrate on the tray. By moving the lid from the open position to the closed position, the substrate is then moved into the aerosol generation chamber, providing a simple and intuitive way for a user to place the substrate in the right position. Additionally, by movement of the tray into the aerosol generation chamber, the substrate is put in contact with the heating element, thereby improving aerosol generation efficiency.
[0007] In a second aspect of the invention according to the first aspect of the invention, the tray comprises at least one bolt that is configured to be placed inside a guide rail.
[0008] This allows for the tray to be guided along a specific track along a guide rail, which improves intuitive handling and ensures the correct positioning of the substrate relative to the heating element, thereby improving aerosol generation efficiency.
[0009] In a third aspect of the invention according to the second aspect of the invention, the bolt consists of or comprises a pair of studs.
[0010] Providing two studs on the sides of the tray rather than one continuous bolt extending from both sides of the tray reduces material usage and improves the device’s cost efficiency.
[0011] In a fourth aspect of the invention according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, the aerosol generation device comprises a guide rail configured to receive the bolt and guide the tray during translation into or out of the aerosol generation chamber.
[0012] This allows for exact control of the distance of the tray to the heating element. Thus, aerosol generation efficiency can be improved.
[0013] In a fifth aspect of the invention according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, the tray during translation in the longitudinal direction into the aerosol generation chamber is also translated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and towards the heating element.
[0014] This ensures that when the lid is in closed position, the substrate is in direct contact with the heating element, thereby improving aerosol generation efficiency.
[0015] In a sixth aspect of the invention according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the guide rail tapers in the longitudinal direction when approaching the heating element, thereby causing or contributing to the translation of the tray in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions.
[0016] The tapering of the guide rail forces the tray and therefore the substrate to get closer to the heating element as the tray moves into the aerosol generation chamber. Eventually, the substrate can be pressed against the heating element, which ensures continuous contact between the substrate and the heating element during consumption of the substrate. This improves the aerosol generation efficiency.
[0017] In a seventh aspect of the invention according to any of the fourth to the sixth aspect of the invention, the guide rail is mounted movably in the aerosol generation device and is guided by a second guide rail by means of at least one second bolt, such that the two guide rails form a telescopic mechanism.
[0018] The second guide rail stabilizes the tray when the lid is in open position. Furthermore, the second guide rail allows for longer translation of the tray out of the aerosol generation chamber, thus easing a user’s access to the substrate.
[0019] In an eighth aspect of the invention according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the second bolt consist of or comprises a second pair of studs.
[0020] Providing two studs on the sides of the tray rather than one continuous bolt extending from both sides of the tray reduces material usage and improves the device’s cost efficiency.
[0021] In a nineth aspect of the invention according to any one of the seventh or the eighth aspect of the invention, the second guide rail tapers by means of an inclination along the edge further away from the heating element.
[0022] The tapering of the guide rail forces the tray and therefore the substrate to get closer to the heating element as the tray moves into the aerosol generation chamber. Eventually, the substrate can be pressed against the heating element, which ensures continuous contact between the substrate and the heating element during consumption of the substrate. This improves the aerosol generation efficiency.
[0023] In a tenth aspect of the invention according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the lid comprises a securing mechanism for securing the position of the lid with respect to the aerosol generation chamber in closed position.
[0024] This fixes the lid in the closed position to prohibit undesired opening of the lid. Furthermore, the means for fixing may provide a second fixpoint in addition to the first fixpoint which is provided by the bolt in the guide rail. Thus, by means of the fixing means, a tilted tray may be brought into a horizontal position parallel to the heating element. Lastly, the fixation means provides haptic feedback to a user as to when the lid is in place and the substrate is in the correct position inside the aerosol generation chamber.
[0025] In an eleventh aspect of the invention according to the tenth aspect of the invention, the securing is realized by magnetic force.
[0026] Using magnetic force for the securing is easy to realize and is no subject to deterioration, making the device more durable. Furthermore, magnetic force provides eve better haptic feedback to a user as to when the lid is in place and the substrate is in the correct position inside the aerosol generation chamber.
[0027] In a twelfth aspect of the invention according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, the lid comprises a recess portion located at an end of the lid which faces the aerosol generation chamber.
[0028] This allows for easy and intuitive handling of the device for a user.
[0029] In a thirteenth aspect of the invention according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, the substrate has the shape of a plate, pad, or disk.
[0030] A substrate having such a shape is substantially flat and can easily be put in contact with a substantially flat heating element, ensuring permanent contact and improving aerosol generation efficiency. Also, the ratio between the surface in contact with the heating element and the volume of the substrate is relatively large, thereby further increasing aerosol generation efficiency.
[0031] In a fourteenth aspect of the invention according to any one of the preceding aspects of the invention, the tray comprises a recess, configured to receive and hold the substrate.
[0032] A recess in the tray secures the substrate on the tray and prohibits movement of the substrate relative to the tray during translation of the tray into the aerosol generation chamber. This ensures that the substrate can be brought into the correct position relative to the heating element, and aerosol generation efficiency is improved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] Figure 1 shows a top view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the open position.
[0034] Figure 2 shows a top view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the closed position.
[0035] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the open position.
[0036] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in between the open position and the closed position.
[0037] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional top view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the closed position.
[0038] Figure 6 shows a side view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the closed position.
[0039] Figure 7 shows a side view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the open position.
[0040] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the open position.
[0041] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in between the open position and the closed position.
[0042] Figure 10 shows a close-up view of the tray.
[0043] Figure 11 shows a close-up view of a guide rail.
[0044] Figure 12 shows a close-up view of a second guide rail.
[0045] Figures 13 to 15 show close-up views of a sliding element.
[0046] Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of the aerosol generation device, with the lid in the closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[OO47] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions and the like maybe different from the actual ones.
[0048] The aerosol generation device 1 is configured to work with a substantially cuboid substrate 11, preferably having a flat shape. In a typical example, the size of the substrate 11 is 18 x 12 x 1.2 mm. Generally, the length of the substrate in the preferred embodiments is between 40 and 10 mm, preferably between 30 and 12 mm, more preferably between 25 and 14 mm, and most preferably between 22 and 15 mm. The width of the substrate in the preferred embodiments is between 30 and 6 mm, preferably between 25 and 8 mm, more preferably between 20 and 9 mm, and most preferably between 16 and 9 mm. The height of the substrate in the preferred embodiments is between 3 and 0.5 mm, preferably between 2 and 0.6 mm, more preferably between 1.8 and 0.8 mm, and most preferably between 1.6 and 0.9 mm.
[0049] The aerosol substrate may for example comprise nicotine, tobacco and/ or an aerosol former. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and/or reconstituted tobacco. Suitable aerosol formers include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating agent may be glycerol, propylene glycol, or a mixture of glycerol and propylene glycol. The substrate may also comprise at least one of a gelling agent, a binding agent, a stabilizing agent, and a humectant. The aerosol substrate may be porous such that air can flow through the substrate and collect aerosol as it does so. The substrate may for example be a foam, or packed strands or fibres. The substrate maybe formed through an extrusion and/or rolling process into a stable shape. The aerosol generating substrate may be shaped to provide one air flow channel or multiple air flow channels. These can be aligned with the air flow channel of the aerosol generating device in order to increase air flow through the heating chamber. The
substrate is exposed with a bare external surface. Alternatively, the substrate may comprise an air-permeable wrapper covering at least part of a surface of the aerosol generating substrate. The wrapper may, for example, comprise paper and/ or nonwoven fabric.
[0050] The aerosol generation chamber 15 may simply be an interior volume of the housing 2, but the aerosol generation chamber 15 is preferably enclosed by an insulating enclosure within the housing 2, so that additional components such as control circuitry and an electrical power source (not shown) are insulated from heat provided within the aerosol generation chamber 15. The housing may generally be made from any rigid material such as a thermoplastic or a metal (e.g. aluminium). The insulating enclosure may be made from a heat-resistant material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polyamide (PA) in order to prevent thermal deformation or melting. The heat resistant material may be a super engineering plastic such as polyimide (PI), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) or polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
[0051] The substrate 11 is positioned in the aerosol generation chamber 15 by inserting a tray 5 carrying the substrate 11 into the aerosol generation chamber 15. The substrate can be placed onto the tray when the lid is in the open position. When the tray 5 is inserted into the aerosol generation chamber 15, the tray 5 is guided into a position where the substrate 11 is held in the aerosol generation chamber 15, as depicted in Fig. 10. However, as shown in Figs. 3 and 8, the tray 5 may also be in a second position, where the substrate 11 can be placed onto or removed from the tray 5.
[0052] During or after a time at which the substrate 11 is heated to generate the aerosol, air is driven towards the mouthpiece 3 to provide the aerosol to a user. In some embodiments, the air is driven by a user inhaling. In other embodiments, the aerosol generation device 1 may comprise a pump for pumping air towards the mouthpiece 3 to provide the aerosol.
[0053] Referring to Fig. 1, an aerosol generation device 1 is illustrated. The device may comprise an oblong housing 2, and a mouthpiece 3 which can be used to suck the generated aerosol out of the device. In the open position, as is illustrated in Fig. 1, the tray 5 is located outside the aerosol generation chamber and exposed to a user, because lid 7 is in open position. The tray 5 may comprise a recess 6 or other
means to fixate a substrate which may be inserted by a user. The lid 7 may be translated into the closed position by sliding it along the longitudinal direction 8 of the housing 2.
[0054] Figure 2 depicts the same embodiment of the aerosol generation device 1 as Figure 1. However, in Figure 2, the cover 7 is in closed position. From the closed position, the cover can be translated back to the open position by sliding it in the opposite direction of longitudinal direction 8.
[0055] Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional top view of the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1, with the lid 7 in open position. The tray 5 is slidably held by sliding element 4 which itself is held in guide rail 12, forming a telescopic mechanism. Sliding element 4 is preferably U-shaped, however, in some embodiments may have different shapes such as parallel bars or the like. Depicted in Fig. 4 is the same embodiment of aerosol generation device 1, wherein the lid 7 is in between the open and the closed position. Therein, sliding element 4 is located inside the housing, while tray 5 is still located partly outside of the housing. Fig. 5 shows the same embodiment of aerosol generation device 1 with lid 7 in closed position. Here, tray 5 is fully contained inside the housing and substrate 11 is therefore located inside the aerosol generation chamber.
[0056] Figure 6 depicts a side view of the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1, with the lid 7 in open position. The tray 5 may be connected to the lid 7 by means of screwing, adhering or the like, ensuring that the tray 5 is always in a fixed position relative to the lid 7. This means that when the lid 7 is slid from the open to the closed position in the longitudinal direction 8 of the housing 2, the tray is translated in the same direction. In some embodiments, the lid and the tray may be manufactured as one piece.
[0057] Figure 7 depicts a side view of the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1, with the lid 7 in closed position. From the closed position, the lid can be translated into the open position by moving the lid in the opposite direction of the longitudinal direction 8 of the housing. To ease handling of a user, a recess 16 may be provided at the lid 7, configured to improve a user’s grip to the lid by receiving a user’s finger.
[0058] Figure 8 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1 with lid 7 in open position. Tray 5 is located mostly outside of housing 2 with substrate 11 located outside of aerosol generation chamber 15. Sliding
IO element 4 is placed inside guide rail 12 by means of bolt 14. In a preferred embodiment, there are two guide rails 12 placed on both sides of aerosol generation chamber 15. However, in some embodiments, there may be only one guide rail 12 provided, for instance centrally underneath sliding element 4.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, guide rail 12 has a shape as depicted in Figure 12. When lid 7 is in open position, bolt 14 is located in a first portion 21 of guide rail 12. When lid 7 is in closed position, bolt 14 is located in a second portion 22 of guide rail 12. By means of inclination portion 23 bolt 14 is guided upwards and towards a level 20 of heating element 10. By this movement, sliding element 4 is also guided upwards towards level 20 of heating element 10.
[0060] Tray 5 is connected to sliding element 4 by means of bolts 24 which will be specified closer with reference to Fig. 10. Bolts 24 are configured to be placed inside guide rail 32 in sliding element 4. Thus, tray 5 is movable with respect to sliding element 4 by means of guide rail 32, said sliding element 4 being movable with respect to housing 2 by means of guide rail 12.
[0061] The aerosol generation chamber 15 comprises one or more heating elements 10 configured to heat and generate aerosol from a substrate 11. The heating elements are preferably electric heating elements, such as resistive heating elements, but any type of heating element suitable for supplying heat to the aerosol generation chamber 15 may be used. The heating element 10 preferably has a substantially flat configuration but may have different shapes in some embodiments.
[0062] The heating element 10 may be powered by an electrical power source such as a removable batteiy, a rechargeable battery or the like. The electrical circuitiy needed for powering the heating element is known to the skilled person and is not discussed here.
[0063] Aerosol generation device 1 may also comprise securing means 25 which are configured to secure lid 7 with respect to housing 2 when lid 7 is in closed position as can be seen in Fig. 10. In some embodiments, fixing means 25 may be provided as a pair of magnets securing lid 7 to housing 2 while providing haptic feedback to a user of the device.
[0064] Figure 9 depicts the embodiment of aerosol generation device 1 with the lid 7 being in between the open and closed position. As can be seen, if only one bolt 14 is provided, only one end of the sliding element is translated towards heating element 10, which means only one edge of the substrate 11 may be pressed towards heating element 10 by means of the bolt. A second edge maybe pressed towards heating element 10 by means of securing means 25 which ensures that the whole surface of substrate 11 is pressed towards heating element 10.
[0065] In another embodiments, more than one guide rail and more than one bolt may be provided to ensure full contact of the substrate 11 with heating element 10. For instance, two pairs of guide rails maybe provided longitudinally spaced from each other. Sliding element 4 may then comprise two bolts, wherein a first bolt is laced in a first pair of guide rails and a second bolt is placed in a second pair of guide rails.
[0066] In yet another embodiment, bolt 14 may have an elongate shape with a width substantially equal to the width of a second portion 22 of guide rail 12 and a length being at least twice as large as the width of a second portion 22 of guide rail 12, preferably at least thrice as large as the width of a second portion 22 of guide rail 12, more preferably at least four times as large as the width of a second portion 22 of guide rail 12. As such an elongate bolt is moved into the second portion 22 of guide rail 12, it arranges the sliding element 4 substantially parallel to heating element 10. Thus, the whole surface of substrate 11 is in contact with heating element 10.
[0067] As illustrated in Fig. 10, tray 5 has a recess 6 for receiving and holding the substrate 11. A depth D2 of the recess 6 is smaller than a height Di of the substrate 11 such that, when the substrate 11 is arranged in the recess 6, the substrate 11 partly protrudes out of the recess 6. The tray comprises one or more bolts 24, which are longer than the width of the tray and arranged such that they project out of both sides of tray 5. In some embodiments, each bolt maybe provided as merely a pair of studs projecting out of the sides of the tray. The bolts 24 are configured to be placed inside the guide rail 32 in sliding element 4.
[0068] Figure 12 depicts an alternative embodiment of a guide rail 112. Herein, a bolt may be translated from a first portion 121 of guide rail 112 to a second portion 122 of guide rail 112. It may then be shifted towards a level 20 of heating element 10 by means of inclination portion 123. Despite the different shape of guide rail 112, the comments made with regard to the functionality of guide rail 12 also apply.
[0069] Figs. 13 to 15 depict different embodiments of sliding element 4. As depicted in Fig. 13, in some embodiments, sliding element 4 may comprise a guide rail 32 configured to receive bolts 24, having substantially the same shape as guide rail 12. In other embodiments, as depicted in Fig. 14, sliding element may comprise a guide rail 132 configured to receive bolts 24, which has substantially the same shape as guide rail 112. In yet some other embodiments, as depicted in Fig. 15, sliding element 4 may comprise a guide rail 232 configured to receive bolts 24, guide rail 232 being substantially straight, therefore not causing an additional movement of tray 5 towards level 20 of heating element 10.
[0070] As the skilled person will understand, all configurations of guide rails are equally functional and may be provided exchangeable without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0071] Fig. 16 illustrates the aerosol generation device 1 in a state ready to generate aerosol, where the cover 7 is in the closed position, and the substrate 11 is inside the aerosol generation chamber 15. The substrate herein is heated by heating element 10 and an aerosol can be generated. The aerosol may then be provided to a user through mouthpiece 3.
[0072] List of reference signs:
1 Aerosol generation device
2 Housing
3 Mouthpiece
4 Sliding element
5 Tray
6 Recess
7 Lid
8 Longitudinal direction
10 Heating element
11 Substrate
12 Guide rails
14 Bolt(s)
15 Aerosol generation chamber
20 Level of the heating element
21 First portion of a guide rail
22 Second portion of a guide rail
23 Inclination between portions
24 Bolt(s)
25 Securing means
32 Guide rail
112 Guide rail
121 First portion of a guide rail
122 Second portion of a guide rail
123 Inclination between portions
132 Guide rail
232 Guide rail
Claims
1. An aerosol generation device comprising: an aerosol generation chamber configured to receive and heat a substrate to generate aerosol, the aerosol generation chamber comprising at least a heating element; an oblong housing; a tray configured to receive and hold the substrate; and a lid which is connected to the tray and which can be in a closed position covering the aerosol generation chamber and in an open position exposing the aerosol generation chamber; wherein when the lid is in the open position, the tray is located at least partially outside of the aerosol generation chamber and can receive a substrate, or a substrate held by the tray can be removed from the tray by the hand of the user, and when the lid is in the closed position, the substrate is contained in the aerosol generation chamber; and the lid is configured to transition from the open to the closed position by translating towards the aerosol generation chamber in a longitudinal direction of the housing, whereby the tray is translated in the longitudinal direction into the aerosol generation chamber and a substrate held by the tray is pressed against the heating element.
2. The aerosol generation device according to the claim i, wherein the tray comprises at least one bolt that is configured to be placed inside a guide rail.
3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the bolt consists of or comprises a pair of studs.
4. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide rail configured to receive the bolt and guide the tray during translation into or out of the aerosol generation chamber.
5. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray during translation in the longitudinal direction into the aerosol generation chamber is also translated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and towards the heating element.
6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the guide rail tapers in the longitudinal direction when approaching the heating element, thereby causing or contributing to the translation of the tray in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal directions.
7. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the guide rail is mounted movably in the aerosol generation device and is guided by a second guide rail by means of at least one second bolt, such that the two guide rails form a telescopic mechanism.
8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the second bolt consist of or comprises a second pair of studs.
9. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the second guide rail tapers by means of an inclination along the edge further away from the heating element.
10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein the lid comprises a securing mechanism for securing the position of the lid with respect to the aerosol generation chamber in closed position.
16
11. The aerosol generation device according to claim io, wherein the securing is realized by magnetic force.
12. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lid comprises a recess portion located at an end of the lid which faces the aerosol generation chamber.
13. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substrate has the shape of a plate, pad, or disk.
14. The aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray comprises a recess, configured to receive and hold the substrate.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20200350 | 2020-10-06 | ||
PCT/EP2021/077290 WO2022073928A1 (en) | 2020-10-06 | 2021-10-04 | Aerosol Generation Device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4225080A1 true EP4225080A1 (en) | 2023-08-16 |
Family
ID=72752814
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21786491.7A Pending EP4225080A1 (en) | 2020-10-06 | 2021-10-04 | Aerosol generation device |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240016208A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4225080A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023544034A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20230080427A (en) |
TW (1) | TW202228537A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022073928A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8881737B2 (en) * | 2012-09-04 | 2014-11-11 | R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company | Electronic smoking article comprising one or more microheaters |
GB2534210B (en) * | 2015-01-19 | 2017-07-19 | Ngip Res Ltd | Aerosol-generating article |
PL3167728T3 (en) * | 2015-11-12 | 2020-10-05 | Fontem Holdings 1 B.V. | Electronic smoking device with cavity for liquid reservoir |
-
2021
- 2021-10-04 JP JP2023520100A patent/JP2023544034A/en active Pending
- 2021-10-04 TW TW110136929A patent/TW202228537A/en unknown
- 2021-10-04 US US18/030,417 patent/US20240016208A1/en active Pending
- 2021-10-04 WO PCT/EP2021/077290 patent/WO2022073928A1/en active Application Filing
- 2021-10-04 KR KR1020237012362A patent/KR20230080427A/en active Search and Examination
- 2021-10-04 EP EP21786491.7A patent/EP4225080A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW202228537A (en) | 2022-08-01 |
JP2023544034A (en) | 2023-10-19 |
KR20230080427A (en) | 2023-06-07 |
US20240016208A1 (en) | 2024-01-18 |
WO2022073928A1 (en) | 2022-04-14 |
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