Vapor supply system with air flow channel

Abstract

The present application discloses a component for a vapor supply system, comprising: a chamber for accommodating an atomizer configured to generate vapor; a first air flow channel passing through the component and bypassing the chamber; and a vapor flow channel leading from the chamber to a junction with the air flow channel to deliver vapor generated in the aerosol supply chamber into the air flow channel to mix with air flowing in the air flow channel to form an aerosol. The invention further discloses a steam supply system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a component for a vapor supply system having an air flow passage, and a vapor supply system including such a component. Background Art

[0002] Many electronic vapor supply systems (such as electronic cigarettes) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems that deliver nicotine via vaporized liquids utilize atomizers to generate vapor. Atomizers typically include a heater in the form of one or more electric heating elements that applies heat to an atomizable base material (usually in liquid form) to evaporate the liquid. The vapor produced is entrained in an airflow through the system, which is produced by the user sucking air into the system by suction to form an aerosol for delivery to the user through an aerosol outlet at the mouthpiece of the system. The atomizer is located in a chamber, and the airflow is along an air flow channel passing through the chamber, and the air collects vapor in the air flow channel. The air is heated, which is partly due to the combination of air and high temperature vapor, and also due to the air flowing on and around the heater, and in some designs, the air also passes through the heater. The aerosol thus produced and delivered for suction is hot.

[0003] For the comfort and safety of the user, vapor supply systems are typically designed so that the temperature of the aerosol at the mouthpiece should be limited to about 70 degrees Celsius. However, this temperature is often exceeded, for example, if the heater operating temperature is increased due to a reduction in the amount of substrate available for vaporization, or if the user puffs on the system in an unconventional manner, or if the user modifies or adjusts the system, such as by replacing the heater or switching to a substrate that vaporizes at a different temperature. Such increased aerosol temperature may be detrimental to safety and user experience.

[0004] Therefore, methods to reduce the aerosol temperature at the mouthpiece are of interest. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a component for a vapor supply system, the component comprising: a chamber for accommodating an atomizer configured to generate vapor; a first air flow channel passing through the component and bypassing the chamber; and a vapor flow channel leading from the chamber to a junction with the air flow channel, thereby delivering vapor generated in an aerosol supply chamber to the air flow channel to mix with air flowing in the air flow channel to form an aerosol.

[0006] According to a second aspect of some embodiments described herein, there is provided a steam supply system comprising the component according to the first aspect.

[0007] These and other aspects of certain embodiments are set forth in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. It will be understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with each other and with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the methods described herein are not limited to specific embodiments such as those set forth below, but include and contemplate any suitable combination of the features presented herein. For example, a component or a steam supply system including a component may be provided according to the method described herein, which method appropriately includes any one or more of the individual features described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary steam supply system to which aspects of the present disclosure may be applied;

[0010] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cartridge for a vapor supply system according to the prior art;

[0011] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first exemplary component according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second exemplary component according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a third exemplary component according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] Fig. 6A shows a simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary component according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6B A simplified schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary component according to an aspect of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that the aspects and features of the devices discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0017] As described above, the present disclosure relates to an electronic aerosol or vapor supply system (such as an electronic cigarette). Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used; however, it will be understood that these terms can be used interchangeably with an aerosol (vapor) supply system or device. The system is intended to generate a smokeable aerosol by evaporating an aerosol-forming matrix in the form of a liquid or gel, which may or may not contain nicotine. In addition, a hybrid system may include a liquid or gel matrix and a solid matrix that is also heated. The solid matrix may be, for example, a tobacco product or other non-tobacco product, which may or may not contain nicotine. The term "atomizable matrix material" as used herein is intended to refer to a matrix material that can form an aerosol by applying heat or some other means. The term "aerosol" can be used interchangeably with "vapor".

[0018] As used herein, the term "component" is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or the like of an electronic cigarette or similar device, which includes a smaller part or element that may be located within an external housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or constructed by one or more such parts, and these parts may be removably or detachably connected to each other, or may be permanently combined together during manufacturing to define the entire electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to, but not limited to, a system including two parts, which are detachably connected to each other and configured to, for example, hold a liquid or another atomizable substrate material atomizable substrate material bearing part (smoke cartridge, atomizing cigarette cartridge or consumables) and a control unit or device part having a battery for providing power to operate an element generating vapor from a substrate material. In order to provide a specific example, in the present disclosure, a smoke cartridge or atomizing cigarette cartridge is described as an example of an atomizable substrate material bearing part or part, but the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect, and is applicable to any configuration of an atomizable substrate material bearing part or part. In addition, such parts may include more or less parts than the parts included in the example.

[0019] The present disclosure relates to a vapor supply system and components thereof that utilizes an atomizable base material in liquid or gel form, which is held in a reservoir, tank, container, or other receptacle included in the system. An arrangement for delivering a base material from a reservoir is included to provide the base material for vapor / aerosol generation. The terms "liquid," "gel," "fluid," "source liquid," "source gel," "source fluid," and the like may be used interchangeably with "atomizable base material" and "base material" to refer to an atomizable base material in a form that can be stored and delivered according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of a general example of an aerosol / vapor supply system (such as an electronic cigarette 10), the purpose of which is to show the relationship between the various parts of a typical system and to illustrate the general principles of operation. The electronic cigarette 10 has a generally elongated shape in this example, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and includes two main components, namely, a control or power component, a section or unit 20 and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (sometimes called an atomizer cartridge or transparent atomizer), which carries an atomizable substrate material and operates as a vapor generating component.

[0021] Atomizer cartridge 30 includes reservoir 3, which contains source liquid or other atomizable matrix materials, which contains a preparation such as liquid or gel from which aerosol is generated, for example, nicotine. As an example, the source liquid can contain about 1% to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, and the remainder contains roughly equal amounts of water and propylene glycol, and may also contain other components, such as flavorings. Nicotine-free source liquids can also be used, such as conveying flavorings. A solid matrix (not shown) passed through by the vapor generated by the liquid can also be included, such as a part of tobacco or other flavor elements. Reservoir 3 has the form of a storage tank, which is a container or a receiving portion, and source liquid can be stored therein so that liquid moves freely and flows within the range of the tank. For consumable atomizer cartridges, reservoir 3 can be sealed after filling during manufacturing so that it can be discarded after the source liquid is exhausted, or the reservoir can have an entry port or other opening, and a user can add a new source liquid through the entry port or other opening. Atomizing cigarette cartridge 30 also includes an electric heating element or heater 4 outside reservoir tank 3, for generating aerosol by evaporating source liquid by heating. Liquid transfer or delivery device (liquid delivery element) such as core or other porous element 6 can be provided, so that source liquid from reservoir 3 is delivered to heater 4. Core 6 can have one or more parts located inside reservoir 3, or otherwise communicate with liquid fluid in reservoir 3, so that source liquid can be drawn and the source liquid is delivered to core 6 by wicking or capillary action, and other parts adjacent to or in contact with heater 4. The liquid is thus heated and evaporated, and replaced by a new source liquid from reservoir for delivery to heater 4 by core 6. Core can be regarded as a bridge, path or pipeline between reservoir 3 and heater 4, and the bridge, path or pipeline delivers or delivers liquid from reservoir to heater. The terms including pipeline, liquid pipeline, liquid delivery path, liquid delivery path, liquid delivery mechanism or element and liquid delivery mechanism or element can be used interchangeably herein, to refer to core or corresponding parts or structures.

[0022] The combination of a heater and wick (or similar) is sometimes referred to as an atomizer or atomizer assembly, and the reservoir with its source liquid plus the atomizer may be collectively referred to as an aerosol source. Other terms may include a liquid delivery assembly or a liquid transfer assembly, where in this context these terms may be used interchangeably to refer to the vapor generating element (vapor generator) and a wick or similar component or structure (liquid transfer element) that delivers or transfers liquid obtained from the reservoir to the vapor generator for generating vapor / aerosol. A variety of designs may be made, including Figure 1 Compared with the height schematic diagram of the embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of each part may be different.For example, the core 6 can be an element completely separated from the heater 4, or the heater 4 can be configured to be porous and can directly perform at least a part of the wicking function (for example, a conductive mesh, such as a metal mesh).In an electrical or electronic device, the steam generating element can be an electric heating element operated by ohm / resistance (joule) heating or by induction heating.Therefore, in general, the atomizer can be regarded as one or more elements realizing the function of steam generation or evaporation element and liquid transmission or delivery element, and the steam generation or evaporation element can generate steam from the source liquid delivered to it, and the liquid transmission or delivery element can be delivered or delivered to the steam generator from the reservoir or similar liquid storage portion by wicking / capillary force.The atomizer is usually contained in the atomizing cigarette bomb component of the steam generating system.In some designs, liquid can be directly distributed to the steam generator from the reservoir without other wicking or capillary elements.The embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to all and any such configurations consistent with the examples and descriptions herein.

[0023] Return to Figure 1 The atomizer cartridge 30 also includes a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion 35 having an opening or aerosol outlet, through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the atomizer 4.

[0024] The power component or control unit or, in simpler terms, the device or device component 20 includes a battery or battery 5 (hereinafter referred to as a battery, and which may be rechargeable) to provide power for the electrical components of the electronic cigarette 10, in particular for operating the heater 4. In addition, there is a controller 28 for controlling the electronic cigarette as a whole, such as a printed circuit board and / or other electronic devices or circuits. When vapor is required, the control electronics / circuitry 28 uses power from the battery 5 to operate the heater 4, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) detecting a puff on the system 10, during which air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the control unit 20. When the heating element 4 is operated, the heating element 4 vaporizes the source liquid delivered from the reservoir 3 by the liquid delivery element 6 to generate an aerosol, and the aerosol is then inhaled by the user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. When the user draws on the mouthpiece 35, the aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 from the aerosol source along one or more air flow channels (not shown), which connect the air inlet 26 to the aerosol source and connect the aerosol outlet. Since in this example, the air inlet 26 of the system is located in the device part 20, the atomizer cartridge 30 itself has an air inlet that is in airflow communication with the device part 20, so that the air inhaled through the device air inlet 26 can reach the interior of the atomizer cartridge 30 and the atomizer. In other designs, the air inlet can be located in the outer wall of the atomizer cartridge 30, so that the air enters the atomizer cartridge 30 directly, rather than reaching the atomizer cartridge via the device part 20.

[0025] In this example, the device component (control unit) 20 and the atomizer cartridge (cartridge assembly) 30 are separate connectable parts that can be connected by moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (e.g. Figure 15, and the power section 20 and the smoke cartridge assembly 30 are separated and detachable from each other. When the device 10 is in use, the components 20 and 30 are combined together by matching engagement elements 21 and 31 (for example, bolts or snap fittings), which provide a mechanical connection between the power section 20 and the smoke cartridge assembly 30 and provide an electrical connection in some cases. If the heater 4 is operated by ohmic heating, an electrical connection is required so that when the heater is connected to the battery 5, the current can pass through the heater 4. In a system using induction heating, if there is no part that requires electricity in the atomizer cartridge 30, the electrical connection can be omitted. The induction working coil can be housed in the power section 20 and powered by the battery 5, and the atomizer cartridge 30 and the power section 20 are shaped so that when they are connected, the heater 4 is appropriately exposed to the magnetic flux generated by the coil so as to generate a current flow in the material of the heater. Moreover, an orifice for airflow from the device component 20 to the atomizer cartridge 30 is included at the junction of the two components 20 and 30. Figure 1 The design of is only an exemplary arrangement, and various parts and features may be distributed differently between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly section 30, and may include other components and elements. The two sections may be arranged in a manner such as Figure 1 The system 10 may be connected end to end in a longitudinal configuration in, or in different configurations, such as parallel side-by-side arrangements. The system may or may not be substantially cylindrical and / or may or may not have a substantially longitudinal shape. One or both of the sections or components may be intended to be discarded and replaced when exhausted (e.g., the reservoir is empty or the battery is low on power), or intended to be used for a variety of purposes that can be achieved by actions such as refilling the reservoir and recharging the battery. In other examples, the system 10 may be integral, wherein a portion of the control unit 20 and a portion of the atomizer cartridge 30 are included in a single housing and cannot be separated. The embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these and other configurations that will be known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] Figure 2A highly simplified schematic diagram of a cartridge or atomizing cartridge component according to an existing exemplary design of a steam supply system is shown, with particular reference to the airflow through such a system. The cartridge 20 includes an outer housing, in which a reservoir 3 for storing atomizable matrix material is provided, which is delivered to the atomizer 5 and evaporated by the atomizer. In this example, the reservoir 3 has an annular shape, and a central through hole passes through and is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 20 along its length. Moreover, in this example, the atomizer 5 includes an elongated core or other porous element 6 and a heater 4, which is in the form of a wire coil electric heating element wound around the core 6. Both ends of the core 6 are located inside the reservoir 3, so that the core 6 spans the through hole surrounded by the annular reservoir 3, and the core 6 absorbs the matrix material from the reservoir and carries the matrix material to the vicinity of the heater 4 for heating and evaporation, thereby generating a vapor v. The atomizer is accommodated in a chamber 14 defined in the through hole. The air flow channel 11 extends from an air inlet 12 at one end of the cartridge through the cartridge 30 to an aerosol outlet 13 at the opposite end of the cartridge 30, the aerosol outlet 13 being defined in a mouthpiece or mouthpiece portion 35 of the cartridge 30. The direction of air flow along the air flow channel 11 is from the air inlet 12 to the aerosol outlet 13, such that the air flow inlet is located upstream of the aerosol outlet 13 relative to the direction of air flow through the cartridge 30. The chamber 14 is located at a midpoint along the air flow channel 11, such that the interior of the chamber 14 forms a portion of the air flow channel 11. Thus, when a user draws at the mouthpiece 35, the air a drawn into the cartridge 30 through the air inlet 12 passes along a first upstream portion of the air flow channel 11 before entering the chamber 14. Inside the chamber 14, the air a collects the vapor v generated by the atomizer 5, and the mixed air a and vapor v form an aerosol A, which flows out of the chamber 14 and into the second downstream portion of the air flow channel 11 to reach the aerosol outlet 13. Here, the aerosol A leaves the cartridge 30 and is delivered to the user's mouth for inhalation.

[0027] The air inhaled through the air inlet 12 is heated during its passage through the chamber 14, by mixing with the vapor v, and also by interacting with the atomizer, because the air a passes through, through, around, and near the heater 4. Therefore, the aerosol A delivered at the mouthpiece 35 may be much hotter than the incoming air a. Although the vapor supply system will generally be designed to keep the aerosol temperature at the mouthpiece below about 70 degrees Celsius for the safety and comfort of the user, the operation of the vapor supply system under various circumstances may easily lead to an elevated and potentially undesirable or unsafe aerosol temperature at the mouthpiece.

[0028] The present disclosure proposes to solve this problem by configuring a cigarette cartridge, atomizing cigarette cartridge or other components of a steam supply system, wherein the atomizer is positioned so that the airflow does not directly interact with the atomizer. Therefore, the incoming air will not be heated by the heater, and the aerosol temperature at the mouthpiece can be reduced or minimized. This is achieved by arranging an air flow channel through the components, which bypasses the chamber accommodating the atomizer. Therefore, the chamber is not included in the air flow channel, and the air passing through the components along the air flow channel does not flow through the chamber. A separate steam flow channel is provided to connect the chamber to the air flow channel. The steam generated in the chamber flows along the steam flow channel and is transported to the air flow flowing along the air flow channel. Steam and air are mixed at the position of the junction between the steam flow channel and the air flow channel and in the air flow channel downstream to form a desired aerosol.

[0029] Figure 3 A highly simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary component, such as a cartridge 30 configured according to the proposed method, is shown. An air flow channel 11 is provided from an air inlet 12 (which may or may not be the main air inlet of the vapor supply system, for example if the main air inlet is located at a position such as Figure 1 The device components of the system shown in the example) extend through the component 30 to the aerosol outlet 13. The air flow direction along the air flow channel 11 is Figure 3The arrow in indicates, from the upstream end U located at the air inlet 12 to the downstream end D located at the aerosol outlet 13. The air flow channel 11 is in air flow communication with the air inlet 12 and the aerosol outlet 13, so that an air flow or airflow can pass through the component 30 along the air flow channel 11. The atomizer 5 is located or contained in a chamber 14 within the component 30. The chamber 14 is separated from the air flow channel 11, and the air inlet 12 is located outside the chamber 14 and does not provide any air inlet into the chamber 14. The atomizer 5 (which is only schematically depicted) can be configured in any manner obvious to a person skilled in the art for vaporizing an atomizable base material stored in a reservoir of the system (not shown, and which may or may not be located with the component 30). For example, the atomizer 5 may include a heater (one or more electric heating elements) having an associated wick or other porous member that carries the matrix material from the reservoir to the heater by capillary action, or the atomizer may include a porous resistive member (such as a metal mesh) that can perform both a heating function and a wicking function. A vapor flow channel 15 is provided that extends between the outlet of the chamber 14 and the air flow channel 11, thereby joining the air flow channel 11 at the junction 16. Thus, the vapor flow channel 15 connects the interior of the chamber 14 and the interior of the air flow channel 11, so that the vapor v generated by the atomizer 5 can leave the chamber 14, flow along or through the vapor flow channel 15, and enter the air flow channel 11. In this way, the vapor v can be combined with the air a flowing through the air flow channel 11 to form an aerosol A, which is inhaled along the air flow channel 11 and transported through the aerosol outlet 13.

[0030] This arrangement allows the air converted into an aerosol to pass through the component without interacting with the heater, which is achieved by the air flow channel 11 bypassing the chamber 14 containing the atomizer 5. This is in contrast to known designs (such as the Figure 3 By avoiding the heater, the air drawn through the component is not heated by any interaction with the heater and remains at the temperature of the environment in which it enters the component. The only heat input to the air comes from the vapor. Moreover, the vapor flow channel 15 allows the vapor to pass for some time before it reaches the air flow in the air flow channel, during which time the vapor can cool slightly, thereby heating the air less when the vapor and air mix together to form the aerosol. Therefore, the temperature of the aerosol is reduced compared to an arrangement where the air passes through a heater. Unsafe and uncomfortable high aerosol temperatures at the mouthpiece can be eliminated.

[0031] Another benefit of moving the airflow away from the heater is that the air cannot have a cooling effect on the heater. Therefore, the temperature of the heater can be more accurately and more efficiently maintained at the desired operating temperature, making the operation of the heater more efficient. This saves battery power in the steam supply and extends battery life.

[0032] The vapor can simply diffuse to the air flow channel 11 along the vapor flow channel 15, but in order to improve the delivery of the vapor to the air flow, a narrowed or contracted air flow channel 11 can be provided at the location of the junction 16 where the vapor flow channel 15 meets the air flow channel 11. The cross-sectional area of ​​this contraction portion 17 of the air flow channel 11 (in which the cross section of the air flow channel is reduced or restricted) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the adjacent portions of the air flow channel 11 located upstream and downstream of the junction 16. This reduced cross section increases the speed of the air flow through the contraction portion, and the static pressure of the flowing air is reduced accordingly. This is in accordance with the Bernoulli principle. Therefore, a reduced air pressure is formed at the junction 16 compared to the air pressure in the chamber 15. This pressure difference is used to draw or inhale the vapor in the chamber 14 through the vapor flow channel 15 and into the air flow channel 11.

[0033] While any reduction in the size of the air flow passage 11 at the junction 16 can help inhale the vapor by reducing the air pressure, a more extreme narrowing will produce a greater pressure drop and a correspondingly greater pressure differential, and thus help maintain a steady flow of incoming vapor from the chamber 14. It is proposed that the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow passage at the contraction 17 can be half or less of the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow passage at other locations in the air flow passage. For example, the cross-sectional area at the contraction can be 0.5 times, 0.4 times, 0.3 times, 0.25 times, 0.2 times or 0.1 times the minimum cross-sectional area at other locations. However, it may be necessary to balance the amount of narrowing with the corresponding inhalation resistance experienced by the user when sucking on the mouthpiece, so that the inhalation resistance does not increase to a level that makes the use of the steam supply system inconvenient. Therefore, a more useful lower limit of the size of the contraction can be 0.2 times the minimum cross-sectional area at other locations. Thus, in some instances, the cross-sectional area of ​​the contraction can be in the range of 0.2 times to 0.5 times the next minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow passage. However, ratios outside this range are not excluded, so in other examples, the constriction may be less than 1 times the next smallest cross-sectional area but greater than 0.5 times the next smallest cross-sectional area.

[0034] As to the actual size of the constricted portion of the air flow passage, this will depend to some extent on the width selected for the wider portion of the air flow passage and the ratio of the constricted portion to the wider portion, which is determined to provide for the purpose of reducing the air pressure at the junction. However, in some examples, the cross-sectional area of ​​the constricted portion of the air flow passage may be 5 mm 2 or smaller, such as 5mm 2 , 4.5mm 2 , 4mm 2 , 3.5mm 2 , 3mm 2 or 2.5mm 2 However, advantageously, the cross-sectional area is preferably not less than 0.5 mm 2 , but smaller values ​​may be tolerated in some designs.

[0035] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the vapor flow channel 15 is depicted as being inclined, i.e., the vapor flow channel joins the air flow channel 11 at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the air flow channel and the air flow direction along the air flow channel 11. The vapor flow channel 15 is angled to be more directed to the downstream end of the air flow channel 11. This angled or inclined arrangement (although not required) helps to keep the inhalation resistance along the air flow channel low, while on the contrary, the situation where the joint between the two channels 11, 15 forms a right angle or the situation where the vapor flow channel 15 points to the upstream direction will tend to increase the inhalation resistance. Therefore, it is proposed that the vapor flow channel 15 converges toward the air flow channel 11 (towards the downstream direction of the air flow) at an acute angle. Advantageously, for example, the angle can be 60 degrees or less (but larger angles are not excluded). The smaller the angle, the less inhalation resistance, so the angle can be, for example, 50 degrees or less, or 40 degrees or less, or 30 degrees or less. In general, the size of the chamber 14 and the relative position and relative size of the chamber 14 and the air flow channel 11 will help determine the feasible angle size. For example, the outlet of the introduced vapor flow channel 15 of the chamber 14 is located in the upper wall of the chamber 14 (the downstream wall of the chamber, closest to the aerosol outlet 13), rather than in the upper wall of the chamber 14. Figure 3 In the side walls of the chamber 14 depicted in FIG. 1 , a more acute angle may be helpful. The relative acute angle between the air flow channel 11 and the vapor flow channel 15 is shown as Figure 3 θ in θ, and the relevant acute angle is the angle between the air flow passage 11 and the vapor flow passage 15 on the upstream side of the joint 16.

[0036] In order to increase the amount of cooling of the aerosol before the aerosol reaches the aerosol outlet 13, it is advantageous for the junction 16 to be located upstream of the aerosol outlet 13, rather than the vapor flow channel 11 delivering the vapor directly to the air flow at the aerosol outlet 13. Note that some cooling will still be performed in such an arrangement, because the hot vapor will still be combined with the unheated air. However, if the aerosol flows along the downstream portion of the air flow channel 11 after the junction 16, more cooling can occur, and this also provides more space and time for aerosol formation. Therefore, the junction 16 can be located at a distance of at least 10 mm upstream of the aerosol outlet. However, other distances are not excluded, and the possible value of the distance will also be determined according to the total length of the component and the longitudinal position of the chamber 14 in the component. The position of the chamber 14 closer to the upstream end of the component (close to the air inlet 12) will maximize the separation of the junction 16 from the aerosol outlet 13. The maximum feasible distance will depend on the position of the chamber 14 and the vapor flow channel. In order to achieve a smoother flow of the aerosol, the position of the joint 16 can be higher (more upstream) than the vapor outlet of the chamber 14, so that the vapor flow channel is inclined toward the upstream direction. The distance from the joint 16 to the aerosol outlet 13 is usually no more than 100 mm, but in some designs, it can have a higher value. Therefore, in general, the useful range of this distance is 10 mm to 100 mm.

[0037] Similarly, the downstream portion of the air flow channel 11, which is long compared to the length of the vapor flow channel 15, can also help provide a greater distance for the aerosol to form and cool before the aerosol reaches the mouthpiece. Therefore, in some examples, the length of the air flow channel 11 between the junction 16 and the aerosol outlet 13 is longer than the length of the vapor flow channel 15, which is defined as the distance between the vapor outlet of the chamber (where the vapor flow channel 15 begins) and the junction 16. For example, the length of the air flow channel 11 between the junction 16 and the aerosol outlet 13 can be at least twice the length of the vapor flow channel 15. However, other values ​​are not excluded.

[0038] Similarly, a shorter upstream portion of the air flow channel 11 before the junction 16 (compared to the length of the vapor flow channel 15) can also help provide a longer downstream portion of the air flow channel 11 to allow for greater cooling for a given overall length of the air flow channel (as this is limited by the overall size of the components and / or the vapor supply system). Thus, in some examples, the length of the air flow channel 11 between the air inlet 12 and the junction 16 is half or less of the length of the vapor flow channel. However, other values ​​are not excluded.

[0039] Moving the atomizer chamber out of the air flow path can also help reduce leakage in the vapor supply system. Liquid may leave the reservoir via the porous member of the atomizer at a higher rate than the atomizer can evaporate the liquid, or the liquid may be forced to leave the reservoir around the porous member due to air pressure changes or pressure fluctuations in the reservoir. This may cause excess liquid at the atomizer to drip from the atomizer. Moreover, vapor that is not carried away by the flowing air may condense back into liquid form. These factors may produce free liquid in the chamber. In existing configurations where the air flow path passes through the chamber (such as Figure 3 ), free liquid can travel along the air flow channel and leak from the vapor supply system at the air inlet or aerosol outlet, or can reach the electrical connections or electrical components, causing damage or malfunction. However, in the proposed configuration, any free liquid in the chamber cannot easily reach the air flow channel and is therefore trapped in the chamber.

[0040] In some examples, the chamber 14 itself may also have a dedicated air inlet 18, which is separate from the air inlet 12 leading to the air flow channel 11. Therefore, the air inlet 18 of the chamber is not intended to increase the amount of airflow along the air flow channel 11, and can be regarded as a secondary or secondary air inlet. The secondary air inlet 18 allows a smaller amount of air to enter the chamber 14, which can help maintain the pressure in the chamber during vapor generation. If the vapor is drawn along the vapor flow channel 15 and into the air flow channel 11 at a rate greater than the rate at which new vapor is formed by the atomizer, the pressure in the chamber 14 may drop. This reduced pressure may create a pressure difference between the chamber 14 and the reservoir, so that excess liquid is drawn from the reservoir into the chamber 14, which excess liquid may not be evaporated and will form free liquid in the chamber 14. The air entering through the secondary air inlet 18 can eliminate this situation by rebalancing the pressure in the chamber 14. The air entering the chamber 14 can also help reduce the condensation of the generated vapor back into the liquid. Therefore, the presence of the secondary air inlet 18 can help reduce leakage by minimizing the free liquid accumulated inside the chamber. However, any free liquid formed may be at risk of leaking out through the secondary air inlet 18. Therefore, it is proposed that if a secondary air inlet is included, the secondary air inlet can be configured to prevent liquid from being discharged from the chamber via the secondary air inlet. This can be achieved by setting the size of the secondary air inlet too small so that the liquid (under normal circumstances) cannot easily pass through the secondary air inlet and leave the chamber. For example, the width of the secondary air inlet can be 4mm or less, such as 3mm, 2.5mm, 2mm, 1.5mm, 1mm or less than 1mm. Alternatively, a larger secondary air inlet can be covered or spanned by a structure that itself prevents liquid from flowing through the structure (and therefore through the secondary air inlet), but allows air to flow inwardly. For example, the structure can be a net with an orifice that is too small to allow liquid to pass through, or a breathable but liquid-impermeable membrane.

[0041] Figure 4 A highly schematic diagram of another exemplary component according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. In this example, the vapor flow channel 15 is reduced to a minimum length. The chamber 14 is adjacent to the air flow channel 11, and the vapor flow channel 15 takes the form of an orifice in one or more walls separating the chamber 14 from the air flow channel 11 and located at the junction 16. Therefore, the length of the vapor flow channel 15 corresponds to the thickness of the one or more walls defining the orifice. This arrangement reduces the space required to accommodate the vapor flow channel 15 in the component 30. However, the minimum length of the vapor flow channel 15 provides less opportunity for cooling of the vapor before the vapor mixes with the air in the air flow channel 11. Moreover, the air flow channel is less separated from the chamber, so that some advantages provided by bypassing the chamber as discussed above may be reduced.

[0042] In other exemplary components, it is proposed that a second air flow channel may be provided which also bypasses the vapor chamber.Thus, in the above description, the air channel may alternatively be designated as the first air flow channel.

[0043] Figure 5 A highly simplified schematic diagram of an exemplary component, such as a cartridge configured with a second air flow channel, is shown. Component 30 has: a chamber 14 that houses atomizer 5 (and has an optional secondary air outlet 18); a first air flow channel 11 that is located between a first air inlet 12 and a first aerosol outlet 13; and a first vapor flow channel 15 that connects chamber 14 to first air flow channel 11 at a first junction 16, all as described in reference Figure 3 As described. In addition, a second air flow channel 11a is provided, which extends through the component 30, bypasses the chamber 14, and is in air flow communication with a second air inlet 12a located at the upstream end of the component 30 outside the chamber and a second aerosol outlet 13a located at the downstream end of the component 30. The second vapor flow channel 15a extends from the chamber 14 to a second junction 16a with the second air flow channel 11a, which is located at a contraction 17a of the second air flow channel 11a. In this example, the second vapor flow channel 15a leaves the chamber 14 from a second vapor outlet different from the first vapor outlet leading to the first vapor flow channel 15, but alternatively, both vapor flow channels 15, 15a can share a single outlet from the chamber 14.

[0044] Component 30 with Figure 3 The embodiment operates in the same manner, except that the vapor generated by the atomizer 5 leaves the chamber 14 via both vapor flow passages 15, 15a, so that the vapor is delivered into two air flows, one in each air flow passage 11, 11a. This can increase the amount of cooler air mixed with the vapor, thereby increasing the cooling effect on the aerosol when the aerosol reaches the mouthpiece.

[0045] like Figure 5 As depicted in FIG, component 30 includes two aerosol outlets 13, 13a, one for each air flow channel 11, 11a. If desired, these aerosol outlets may be present separately in or at the mouthpiece of the vapor supply system so that two aerosol streams are delivered to the user. Alternatively, the two aerosol streams may be combined before delivery to the user. Figure 5The configuration of the components may be such that an additional mouthpiece portion may be connected downstream of the components, the additional mouthpiece portion receiving aerosol flows from each aerosol outlet 13, 13a and combining these aerosol flows into a single channel with a single mouthpiece outlet for use by the user. Alternatively, the component 30 may be configured so that the first air flow channel 13 and the second air flow channel 13a are combined or converged into a single air flow channel leading to a single aerosol outlet. The two air flow channels are combined downstream of the aerosol outlet. In any configuration and similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, the mouthpiece portion may be integrally formed with the component, or may be a separate portion that is coupled to the component or otherwise located downstream of the component.

[0046] exist Figure 5 In the example, the first air flow channel 11 and the second air flow channel 11a bypass the chamber 14 on opposite sides of the chamber. An air flow channel is provided on each side of the chamber 14, which are closer to the outer surface of the component 30, and the chamber 14 is centrally arranged in a transverse cross-section of the component 30 (wherein the transverse cross-section is orthogonal to the airflow direction along the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel 11, 11a). Although this is not necessary for providing two air flow channels in the component, it provides a symmetrical arrangement of the various parts within the component, thereby providing a balanced component that can feel more comfortable in the hand of the user. Similarly, the first vapor flow channel and the second vapor flow channel can also have a symmetrical arrangement, such as Figure 5 The vapor flow channel may be led from vapor outputs arranged on opposite sides of the chamber, which may enable the vapor to be more evenly distributed between the two air flow channels, so that each air flow channel provides a similar amount of aerosol and a similar amount of cooling. Figure 5 As shown in , this symmetrical configuration provides a mirrored arrangement of vapor flow channels and air flow channels on each side of the component.

[0047] Fig. 6A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary component having two air flow channels and a single aerosol outlet is shown. Figure 5In the example shown, the component 30 includes two air inlets 12, 12a, each of which provides an air inlet to a separate (first and second) air flow channel 11, 11a, which air flow channels each bypass the chamber 14. The chamber 14 has a first associated vapor flow channel and a second associated vapor flow channel 14, 14a, each of which transports vapor from the chamber 14 to a respective one of the first and second air flow channels 11, 11a. Downstream of the junction (not shown) where the vapor flow channel 14, 14a joins the air flow channels 11, 11a, the air flow channels 11, 11a are combined at the air flow convergence point 40 to form a single combined air flow channel 11b that carries aerosol from both air flow channels 11, 11a. The combined air flow channel 11b has an aerosol outlet 13, which is located in the integral mouthpiece portion 41 of the component 30, through which a single aerosol stream is delivered to the user's mouth. The air inlet 12, 12a, the air flow channels 11, 11a and the vapor flow channels 14, 14a are symmetrically arranged on each side of the chamber 14, and the combined air flow channel 11b is centrally arranged relative to the transverse cross-section of the component 30. The component is configured as a cartridge or consumable component so that the lower (as depicted) downstream end of the component can be connected to a device component (not shown) containing a battery for powering the atomizer and electronic devices for controlling the atomizer to form a complete vapor supply system. The space within the upper part of the component 30 surrounding the first and second air flow channels 11, 11a and the combined air flow channel 11b and defined by the outer wall of the component 30 forms a reservoir 3 for an atomizable base material, which is supplied to the atomizer in the chamber via one or more liquid flow paths between the reservoir 3 and the chamber 14.

[0048] Figure 6B A longitudinal cross-sectional view of another exemplary component having two air flow passages is shown. This example is similar to Fig. 6A but differs in that this example also includes a secondary air inlet 18 for the chamber 14 .

[0049] In another example (not depicted), the component may have a single air inlet into a single air flow channel that is then split into two bifurcated air flow channels that both bypass the chamber and combine downstream of the junction with the vapor flow channel back into a single air flow channel leading to a single aerosol outlet. Alternatively, the two air flow channels may not combine downstream of the junction, but each lead to a separate aerosol outlet.

[0050] In other examples, more than two air flow channels may be provided. Each air flow channel may have a separate air inlet, or each air flow channel may be separated from a single air flow channel supplied by a single air inlet. Similarly, multiple air flow channels may be combined into a single air flow channel with a single aerosol outlet, or may all continue to separate aerosol outlets.

[0051] In still other examples, the component may be a subcomponent of a cartridge component or a device component, and the component is configured to be assembled with other parts to form a complete component, which can be coupled with another component to form a vapor supply system. Alternatively, the component may be a subcomponent of a vapor supply system, which is configured to be assembled with other parts to form a complete integrated vapor supply system.

[0052] In summary, in order to solve various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure shows by way of illustration that multiple embodiments of the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are only representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. These embodiments are proposed only to help understand and teach the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be regarded as limitations on the disclosure defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalent substitution of the claims, and other embodiments can be used and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. Each embodiment may appropriately include various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, means, etc., composed of various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, means, etc., or substantially composed of various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, means, etc., rather than those specifically described herein. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A component for a steam supply system, comprising: a chamber for housing an atomizer configured to generate vapor; a first air flow passage passing through the component and bypassing the chamber; as well as A vapor flow channel leads from the chamber to a joint with the air flow channel, so as to transport vapor generated in the aerosol supply chamber to the air flow channel to mix with air flowing in the air flow channel to form an aerosol.

2. The component according to claim 1, wherein The joint is located at a contraction portion of the first air flow passage, and the contraction portion reduces air pressure at the joint so as to draw the vapor along the vapor flow passage.

3. The component according to claim 2, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the first air flow passage at the contraction portion is half or less of the minimum cross-sectional area at other positions in the first air flow passage.

4. A component according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the contraction portion of the first air flow passage is 5 mm 2 or smaller.

5. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein At the joining portion, the vapor flow channel converges onto the first air flow channel at an acute angle.

6. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein: At the joint portion, the vapor flow channel converges on the first air flow channel at an angle of 60 degrees or less.

7. A component according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a first air inlet located outside the chamber, through which air can enter the component; and an aerosol outlet through which aerosol can be delivered for inhalation, the first air flow passage being in air flow communication with the first air inlet and the aerosol outlet.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein The junction is located upstream of the aerosol outlet by a distance ranging from 10 mm to 100 mm.

9. A component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The length of the first air flow channel between the joining portion and the aerosol outlet is longer than the length of the vapor flow channel.

10. The component according to claim 9, wherein The length of the first air flow channel between the joining portion and the aerosol outlet is at least twice the length of the vapor flow channel.

11. A component according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein A length of the first air flow channel between the first air inlet and the joining portion is half or less of a length of the vapor flow channel.

12. The component according to any one of claims 7 to 11, further comprising: a second air flow passage passing through the member and bypassing the chamber; and a second vapor flow passage extending from the chamber to a second joining portion with the second air flow passage.

13. The component of claim 12, further comprising a second air inlet located outside of the chamber, the second air flow passage being in air flow communication with the second air inlet and the aerosol outlet.

14. A component according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The first air flow channel and the second air flow channel combine upstream of the aerosol outlet.

15. A component according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage bypass the chamber on opposite sides of the chamber.

16. A component according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein The first air flow passage and the second air flow passage are symmetrically arranged within the component.

17. A component according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mouthpiece, the aerosol outlet being located in the mouthpiece.

18. A component according to any preceding claim, further comprising a secondary air inlet into the chamber.

19. The component according to claim 18, wherein The secondary air inlet is configured to prevent liquid from escaping from the chamber.

20. A component according to any preceding claim, further comprising an atomiser housed in the chamber.

21. The component according to claim 20, wherein The atomizer includes a heater and a porous member that carries an atomizable base material to the heater.

22. The component according to claim 21, wherein The atomizer includes a conductive mesh configured for heating and wicking functions.

23. A component according to any one of claims 20 to 22, further comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming substrate to be vaporised by the nebuliser.

24. A component according to any preceding claim, wherein The component is a cartridge component configured to connect with a device component housing a battery to form the vapor supply system.

25. A steam supply system comprising a component according to any preceding claim.

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