Aerosol collecting device

Abstract

The invention provides an aerosol collecting device which is used for collecting aerosol generated by an aerosol generating system and comprises an aerosol input connector used for being connected into the aerosol generating system so as to input the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system; a plurality of impact collectors arranged in series from upstream to downstream; in use, aerosol input from the aerosol connector sequentially flows through the plurality of impact collectors, and part of particles of the aerosol are collected by the impact collectors by impacting the impact collectors; the impinging collector further comprises a spout arranged downstream for ejecting the aerosol particles that are not collected by the impinging collector downstream. According to the aerosol collection device, collection of aerosol particles with different particle sizes is achieved based on multi-stage impact sampling, and the aerosol particles are used for particle size analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of aerosol particle size sampling and detection, and in particular, to an aerosol collection device. Background Art

[0002] Smoking products (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. People have tried to replace these tobacco-burning products by making products that release compounds without burning. Examples of such products are so-called aerosol generating systems. These aerosol generating systems usually contain a liquid that is heated to vaporize it, thereby producing an inhalable aerosol.

[0003] In order to further analyze and detect the aerosol generated by the above aerosol generating system, there are aerosol particle size analysis instruments, such as laser particle size analyzers based on the principle of laser diffraction. Typical equipment of such laser particle size analyzers includes the Mastersizer 3000 laser particle size analyzer of Malvern, UK. Summary of the invention

[0004] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol collection device for collecting aerosol generated by an aerosol generating system, comprising:

[0005] An aerosol input connector, used for connecting to the aerosol generating system to input aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system;

[0006] A plurality of impact collectors are arranged in series from upstream to downstream; in use, the aerosol input from the aerosol joint flows sequentially through the plurality of impact collectors, and impacts the impact collectors so that part of the aerosol particles are collected by the impact collectors; the impact collector also includes a nozzle arranged toward the downstream, so as to spray aerosol particles not collected by the impact collector toward the downstream.

[0007] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device is arranged to allow the aerosol input via the aerosol input connector to flow through the plurality of impact collectors sequentially without being substantially diluted.

[0008] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0009] The air pump is arranged downstream of the impact sampling mechanism and is used to continuously generate suction force to drive the aerosol to flow through the multiple impact collectors in sequence.

[0010] In some embodiments, the air pump is configured to generate suction at an air flow rate of 0.8 L / min to 1.2 L / min.

[0011] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0012] An air input connector is used to input air to the multiple impact collectors; a porous filter element is arranged in the air input connector to filter the input air and prevent the aerosol generating system from being connected to the air input connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device is configured not to simultaneously input aerosol through the aerosol input connector and input air through the air input connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, the nozzles of the plurality of impact collectors arranged in series are gradually reduced.

[0015] In some embodiments, the impact collector comprises:

[0016] The collecting surface is arranged toward the upstream and is used for being impacted by the aerosol flowing in from the upstream.

[0017] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0018] The filter membrane is arranged at the nozzle of the most downstream impact collector, and is used to partially collect aerosol particles that are not collected by the most downstream impact collector.

[0019] In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device comprises seven of the impact collectors.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of impact collectors are arranged to collect aerosol particles having a particle size of 0.29 μm to 4.96 μm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the number of the aerosol input connectors is multiple;

[0022] The aerosol collecting device is configured to control the plurality of aerosol input connectors to input aerosol one after another without interruption.

[0023] The above aerosol collection device achieves the capture of aerosol particles of different particle sizes based on multi-stage impact sampling for particle size analysis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system provided by an embodiment from one perspective;

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a view of the aerosol generating system;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol collection device provided by an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a perspective of the impact sampling mechanism;

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the impact sampling mechanism from another perspective;

[0030] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an impact collector;

[0031] Figure 7 is a graph of aerosol particle size distribution obtained by sampling an aerosol collection device in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system provided by yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application is described in more detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0034] An embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol collection device for detecting aerosol generated by an aerosol generating system.

[0035] The aerosol generating system is used to generate aerosol by atomizing a liquid or solid matrix material that can form an aerosol. Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aerosol generating system 10 for aerosolizing a liquid substrate to generate an aerosol is shown in one embodiment.

[0036] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an implementation, the aerosol generating system 10 comprises:

[0037] The aerosol generating system 10 comprises several components disposed within an outer body or housing (which may be referred to as a shell). The overall design of the outer body or housing may vary, and the type or configuration of the outer body, which may define the overall size and shape of the aerosol generating system 10, may vary. In general, the elongated body may be formed from a single integral shell, or the elongated shell may be formed from two or more separable bodies.

[0038] For example, the aerosol generating system 10 can have a control body at one end having a housing containing one or more reusable components (e.g., a battery such as a rechargeable battery and / or a rechargeable supercapacitor, and various electronic devices for controlling the operation of the article) and an outer body or housing for suction at the other end.

[0039] exist Figure 1 to Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol generating system 10 comprises:

[0040] The housing, which substantially defines the outer surface of the aerosol generating system 10, has a proximal end 110 and a distal end 120 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction; in use, the proximal end 110 is the end close to the user for inhalation; the distal end 120 is the end away from the user. In some examples, the housing may be formed of a metal or alloy such as stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Other suitable materials include various plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), metal-plating over plastic, ceramics, etc.

[0041] according to Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the housing of the aerosol generating system 10 comprises:

[0042] A first housing 11 is arranged near the proximal end 110 in the longitudinal direction and defines the proximal end 110 of the housing;

[0043] The second shell 12 is arranged near the distal end 120 in the longitudinal direction and defines the distal end 120 of the housing; Figure 1 to Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are both tubular or cylindrical in shape with an inner cavity; and the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 are substantially coaxially arranged and have substantially the same outer contour shape and size. And after assembly, the first shell 11 is at least partially inserted into or embedded in the second shell 12 for fixation. And in use, the first shell 11 at least partially defines a nozzle for a user to suck.

[0044] In terms of internal structure and functional components, the first shell 11 is a heating space for storing liquid matrix and heating it for atomization; the second shell 12 is mainly an electronic space for installing and storing electronic devices, such as battery cells 18 for power supply and circuit boards (not shown in the figure).

[0045] In terms of external structure, the first housing 11 is provided with a mouthpiece 111 at the proximal end 110 for the user to inhale. The second housing 12 is provided with an air inlet 121 at the distal end 120 for external air to enter the aerosol generating system 10 during inhalation.

[0046] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the aerosol generating system 10 comprises:

[0047] A liquid storage chamber 14 for storing liquid matrix, and an atomizing assembly for drawing liquid matrix from the liquid storage chamber 14 and heating and atomizing the liquid matrix. To facilitate vaporization and output, the liquid storage chamber 14 and the atomizing assembly are both arranged near the proximal end 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first housing 11 is provided with:

[0048] The aerosol output tube 13 is arranged in the longitudinal direction; in practice, the aerosol output tube 13 at least partially extends in the liquid storage chamber 14, and the liquid storage chamber 14 is formed by the space between the outer wall of the aerosol output tube 13 and the inner wall of the first housing 11. The end of the aerosol output tube 11 opposite to the proximal end 110 is connected to the mouthpiece 111 to output the aerosol generated by the atomization assembly to the mouthpiece 111 for inhalation.

[0049] according to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the atomizing assembly includes:

[0050] The liquid guiding element 15 is made of a capillary material or a porous material, such as a sponge, cotton fiber, a porous body such as a porous ceramic body, etc. The liquid guiding element 15 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating system 10, and the liquid guiding element 15 at least partially extends from the liquid storage chamber 14 to the aerosol output tube 13, thereby being able to absorb and store liquid matrices such as liquid matrices through capillary infiltration. Figure 5 As shown by the arrow R1;

[0051] The heating element 16 is located in the aerosol output tube 13 and surrounds the liquid guiding element 15, so as to heat at least part of the liquid matrix in the liquid guiding element 15 to generate aerosol and release it to the aerosol output tube 13. In the preferred embodiment, the heating element 16 is a spiral heating wire coil surrounding the liquid guiding element 15.

[0052] Alternatively, in some other implementation variations, the liquid-conducting element 15 may also be configured to have various regular or irregular shapes, and partially be in fluid communication with the liquid storage chamber 14 to receive the liquid matrix. Alternatively, in other implementation variations, the liquid-conducting element 15 may have more regular or irregular shapes, such as a polygonal block, a groove shape with grooves on the surface, or an arch shape with a hollow channel inside.

[0053] Or in some other variations of implementation, the heating element 16 may be combined with the liquid-conducting element 15 by printing, deposition, sintering or physical assembly. In some other variations of implementation, the liquid-conducting element 15 may have a plane or a curved surface for supporting the heating element 16, and the heating element 16 is formed on the plane or the curved surface of the liquid-conducting element 15 by mounting, printing, deposition or the like. Or in some other variations of implementation, the heating element 16 is a conductive track formed on the surface of the liquid-conducting element 15. In implementation, the conductive track of the heating element 16 may be in the form of a printed circuit formed by printing. In some implementations, the heating element 16 is a patterned conductive track. In some other implementations, the heating element 16 is planar. In implementation, the heating element 16 is a conductive track that extends in a circuitous, meandering, reciprocating or bending manner.

[0054] See also Figure 2 As shown, a flexible sealing element 17 is also provided in the housing 11; the sealing element 17 at least partially supports the aerosol output tube 13 and seals the liquid storage chamber 14. After assembly, the opening of the liquid storage chamber 14 defined by the aerosol output tube 13 near the distal end 120 is sealed by the sealing element 17. In addition, the shape of the sealing element 17 is basically adapted to the opening of the liquid storage chamber 14 toward the distal end 120. In addition, a flange is also provided on the sealing element 17, and the end of the aerosol output tube 13 is plugged into the flange of the sealing element 17 during assembly, so that the aerosol output tube 13 and the sealing element 17 are assembled.

[0055] Furthermore, the sealing element 17 further defines an air passage 171 which penetrates the sealing element 7 in a longitudinal direction, so as to allow external air to pass through the sealing element 17 and enter the aerosol output tube 13 during inhalation.

[0056] See also Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating system 10 further comprises:

[0057] The battery cell 18 is at least partially contained and retained in the second shell 12; and is used to supply power to the heating element 16. And in the implementation, the battery cell 18 is located between the sealing element 17 and the distal end 120. Specifically, the two ends of the heating element 16 are connected by welding leads, and the leads penetrate the sealing element 17, and then establish a conductive connection with the battery cell 18. In some specific implementations, the aerosol generating system 10 also includes: a circuit board (not shown in the figure), which is integrated with a circuit; and the circuit board is arranged against or in parallel with the battery cell 18; the circuit board, such as a PCB board, extends along the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating system 10, and is substantially parallel to and against or in contact with the battery cell 18. And the circuit board is conductively connected to the battery cell 18; the two ends of the heating element 16 are connected to the circuit board by welding leads, and the leads penetrate the sealing element 17, and then the circuit board guides the current between the battery cell 18 and the heating element 16.

[0058] See also Figure 2 As shown, in the airflow path design for suction, refer to the arrow R2; the distal end 120 of the aerosol generating system 10 is provided with an air inlet 121 for allowing external air to enter the aerosol generating system 10 during suction. Also, there is a gap between the battery cell 18 and the second shell 12, so that the air entering the air inlet 121 can enter the air channel 171 of the sealing element 17 through the gap between the battery cell 18 and the second shell 12, and then pass through the aerosol output tube 13 and carry the aerosol generated by heating the heating element 16 to be output to the mouthpiece 111. In use, the airflow channel shown by the arrow R2 described above defines an airflow path from the air inlet 121 through the atomizer assembly to the mouthpiece 111, so as to output the aerosol generated by the atomizer assembly to the mouthpiece 111.

[0059] See also Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating system 10 further comprises:

[0060] Airflow sensor 19, such as a microphone or a pressure difference sensor; Figure 2 The airflow sensor 19 is located between the battery cell 18 and the distal end 120 and is arranged adjacent to the air inlet 121. The airflow sensor 19 is used to sense the airflow flowing through the aerosol generating system 10 during inhalation; the circuit on the circuit board, such as the PCB board, controls the supply of power or electricity to the heating element 16 according to the sensing result of the airflow sensor 19.

[0061] An aerosol collection device provided in one embodiment of the present application is based on Figures 3 to 6 As shown, it is used to detect the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system 10. In some embodiments, the aerosol collection device is an aerosol particle size collection and detection device based on multi-stage impact sampling. Among them, multi-stage impact sampling is based on the principle of inertial impact to separate and collect particles; specifically, in the aerosol collection device, when the airflow changes direction, the particles are removed from the airflow based on the inertia of the particles in the aerosol, and the inertia of the particles varies with the particle size and speed. When particles above a certain size have a lot of momentum so that they cannot follow the airflow and therefore hit the collection surface of the sampler to form retention, the collection surface of the sampler can be used for later mass and composition analysis of the retained aerosol particles. Means of mass and composition analysis of retained aerosol particles include weighing, gas chromatography, etc.

[0062] exist Figures 3 to 6In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol collection device is a device that generates suction to suck out aerosol from the mouthpiece 111 of the aerosol generating system 10 and detects it. And in implementation, the functional mechanisms of the aerosol collection device are arranged in sequence from upstream to downstream along the flow path of the sucked aerosol. As used herein, the terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' are used to describe the relative positions of the functional mechanisms or elements of the aerosol collection device with respect to the aerosol flow direction when the aerosol collection device sucks the aerosol of the aerosol generating system 10 for collection and capture during its use. Or in an embodiment, the aerosol collection device includes an upstream side and a downstream side; the aerosol enters the aerosol collection device from the upstream side and is then collected or processed on the downstream side.

[0063] according to Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the aerosol collection device comprises:

[0064] A plurality of input connectors 210 are used to connect or engage with the aerosol generating system 10 to be detected. Figure 3 As shown by the middle arrow P1, after being joined, it is connected with the mouthpiece 111 of the aerosol generating system 10, so as to be used to absorb the aerosol from the mouthpiece 111 of the aerosol generating system 10;

[0065] The impact sampling mechanism 300 samples the aerosol inputted from the input connector 210 based on multi-stage impact sampling; the impact sampling mechanism 300 includes an inlet 311 located upstream and an outlet 331 located downstream; wherein the inlet 311 is connected to the input connector 210 through the delivery pipeline 220, and the outlet 331 is used to discharge the exhaust gas after passing through the impact sampling mechanism 300;

[0066] The tail gas collection mechanism 250 is located at the downstream side of the impact sampling mechanism 300, and is used to collect the sampled aerosol tail gas discharged from the outlet 331 of the impact sampling mechanism 300; specifically, Figure 3 In the embodiment, the exhaust gas collection mechanism 250 is connected to the outlet 331 of the impact sampling mechanism 300 by a rubber hose 240; in some implementations, the exhaust gas collection mechanism 251 includes an adsorber 251 having a porous material, such as an activated carbon bag, for adsorbing or collecting the discharged exhaust gas;

[0067] The air pump 260 is located downstream of the exhaust gas collection mechanism 250 and is used to generate suction to absorb aerosol from the aerosol generating system 10 received at the input connector 210 and transfer it to the impact sampling mechanism 300; alternatively, the air pump 260 generates suction or negative pressure to form an air flow from the upstream input connector 210 through the impact sampling mechanism 300 to the downstream exhaust gas collection mechanism 250.

[0068] In use, when the air pump 260 is controlled to generate suction, the aerosol is output from the nozzle 111 of the aerosol generating system 10 received at the input connector 210, passes through the input connector 210 and the delivery pipe 220, and then enters the impact sampling mechanism 300 to be collected. Figure 3 Then, the gas hits the sampling mechanism 300 and enters the exhaust gas collection mechanism 250 to be absorbed, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown by the arrow R33.

[0069] according to Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the impact sampling mechanism 300 includes:

[0070] An upper cover 310 , arranged upstream, and defining an inlet 310 for aerosol to enter the impact sampling mechanism 300 ;

[0071] A lower cover 330 is arranged downstream and defines an outlet 331 for outputting exhaust gas;

[0072] The housing 320 is connected between the upper cover 310 and the lower cover 330 and supported or held by the upper cover 310 and the lower cover 330;

[0073] A plurality of impact collectors 340 (eg, five, six, or more) are arranged in series within the housing 320 from upstream to downstream.

[0074] In use, the airflow carrying the aerosol is introduced into the impact sampling mechanism 300, and the airflow sequentially flows through the plurality of impact collectors 340, and aerosol particles of different particle sizes are successively collected on each impact collector 340, such as Figure 4 As shown by the arrow R32.

[0075] according to Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the impact collector 340 includes:

[0076] The main body 341 is basically annular or sheet-shaped; a nozzle 343 is arranged on the main body 341 and penetrates along the axial direction;

[0077] The shielding portion 342 is connected to the main body 341 or supported by the main body 341; the shielding portion 342 is located upstream of the main body 341 and shields the nozzle 343; the shielding portion 342 defines a collection surface facing upstream for allowing the airflow flowing from the upstream to collide with and thereby collect aerosol particles;

[0078] The channel 344 is defined between the shielding portion 342 and the main body 341 , and provides a flow path for the airflow to bypass the shielding portion 342 and flow from between the shielding portion 342 and the main body 341 to the nozzle 343 .

[0079] In the impact sampling mechanism 300 having a plurality of impact collectors 340 arranged in series from upstream to downstream, the aerosol or airflow in the channel 344 suddenly changes direction when passing through the nozzle 343 and ejecting toward the downstream, which accelerates the airflow, and aerosol particles below a certain particle size and therefore have a sufficiently low inertia to remain suspended in the airflow, while larger particles with a higher inertia impact on the collection surface of the shielding portion 342 of the impact collector 340, and the remaining uncollected aerosol particles are output toward the downstream from the nozzle 343. The size limit of the aerosol particles that can be collected by the impact collector 340 depends on the diameter of the nozzle 343 and the flow rate.

[0080] In the impact sampling mechanism 300, the smaller the nozzle 343 of the impact collector 340, the higher the velocity of the airflow or aerosol particles ejected from the nozzle 343; the higher the velocity, the smaller the particles collected on the collection surface of the shielding portion 342 of the impact collector 340 immediately downstream. Therefore, the nozzles 343 of the plurality of impact collectors 340 connected in series are gradually reduced, so that aerosol particles with gradually reduced particle sizes can be collected on each successive impact collector 340.

[0081] In the impact sampling mechanism 300, particles larger than the size limit of aerosol particles that can be collected by the impact collector 340 impact on the collection surface of the impact collector 340, and smaller particles leave the nozzle 343 with the airflow and are ejected toward the next impact collector 340. This process continues in the downstream direction in multiple impact collectors 340 of the impact sampling mechanism 300. The closer the airflow is to the downstream, the greater the speed is, and the smaller the size of the particles collected on the impact collector 340 is.

[0082] In some embodiments, the impact sampling mechanism 300 further includes:

[0083] The filter membrane 350 is located downstream of the plurality of impact collectors 340 to collect finer aerosol particles that are not collected by the plurality of impact collectors 340. For example, when the particle size of the aerosol particles is smaller than the minimum limit size diameter of the most downstream impact collector 340, the filter membrane 350 collects the aerosol particles below the minimum limit size diameter of the most downstream impact collector 340.

[0084] In a specific embodiment, the filter membrane 350 is arranged on the nozzle 343 of the most downstream impact collector 340 , so that the particle size of the aerosol particles sprayed out of the nozzle 343 of the most downstream impact collector 340 is limited by the filtering capacity of the filter membrane 350 .

[0085] In some embodiments, filter membrane 350 comprises a porous quartz filter membrane.

[0086] In some embodiments, the impact sampling mechanism 300 includes seven impact collectors 340 arranged therein, so that the aerosol particles remaining in the airflow after passing through the seventh impact collector 340 are further filtered by the filter membrane 350 and the aerosol particles below the minimum limit size are collected and then discharged from the outlet 331 to the exhaust gas collection mechanism 250.

[0087] In some embodiments, the size of the nozzle 343 of the seventh impact collector 340 located at the most downstream is large, so that the aerosol particle size with the minimum critical size is finally provided by the filter membrane 350 .

[0088] In some specific embodiments, the air pump 260 is a reciprocating piston pump; and in the test, the air pump 260 is configured to continuously generate suction according to a predetermined time.

[0089] In some specific embodiments, the airflow velocity generated by the air pump 260 when inhaling and flowing through the impact sampling mechanism 300 is 0.8 to 1.2 L / min; to prevent the aerosol input from the input connector 210 from being diluted by using a large airflow velocity. In a more specific embodiment, the airflow velocity generated by the air pump 260 when inhaling and flowing through the impact sampling mechanism 300 is 1.1 L / min. Alternatively, the airflow velocity generated by the air pump 260 when inhaling and flowing through the impact sampling mechanism 300 is 18.333 mL / s.

[0090] In some embodiments, one of the input connectors 210 is configured to input air only, while blocking access to the aerosol generating system 10 to prevent input of aerosol.

[0091] For example, in some specific embodiments, the aerosol collection device includes:

[0092] There are 16 input connectors 210, one of which is blocked, blocked or filled by a porous filter element such as cotton or filter fiber; so that in use, 15 of the input connectors 210 are used for connection to the aerosol generating system 10 and then inputting aerosol; the input connector 210 blocked or blocked by cotton or filter fiber prevents the aerosol generating system 10 from connecting, and is only used to input clean or purified air filtered by cotton or filter fiber.

[0093] For example, in some specific embodiments, a plurality of input connectors 210 are selectively turned on and off by a switch device such as an electromagnetic valve; and in an embodiment of the present application, the operation of the aerosol collection device is configured as follows:

[0094] S10, controlling the air pump 260 to continuously and non-interruptedly generate suction, for example, generating suction at an airflow rate of 18.333 mL / s; according to a first predetermined conduction time, conducting the input connector 210 for inputting clean or purified air, so that the aerosol collection device gradually runs to a steady state after being turned on, and passes through the internal channel of the air cleaning device; wherein steady state is a common term in the field of equipment, and in this application can be used to characterize the state in which each electronic device in the aerosol collection device is in an initial state set after the device is turned on and runs to a balanced and unchanged state;

[0095] S20, closing the input connector 210 for inputting air, and continuously and sequentially connecting the input connectors 210 connected to the aerosol generating system 10 one by one, so as to continuously and uninterruptedly input the aerosol to be detected to the impact sampling mechanism 300; any two of the input connectors 210 connected to the aerosol generating system 10 are not connected at the same time;

[0096] And in this step S20, the conduction of the input connector 210 connected to the aerosol generating system 10 is carried out one by one in sequence according to the predetermined conduction time; for example, in a specific embodiment, according to the predetermined conduction time of each input connector 210 being turned on for 3s, the conduction of the input connector 210 connected to the aerosol generating system 10 is switched or controlled one by one; that is, each input connector 210 is turned on for 3s and then disconnected, and the next input connector 210 is immediately connected and turned on without interval.

[0097] In the above embodiments, based on the suction force of the air pump 260 generating a very small air flow rate (for example, 0.8 to 1.2 L / min, specifically 1.1 L / min), the air pump 260 is kept to continuously generate suction force during the input of the aerosol to be measured, and the input of the aerosol to be measured must be continuously connected to prevent or avoid measurement errors caused by discontinuous input resulting in the aerosol to be measured being diluted by air and causing particle volatilization.

[0098] In the above embodiments, when the input connector 210 is driven by the suction of the air pump 260 to input the aerosol to be measured, the suction of the air pump 260 is constant; or, the air flow velocity of the aerosol to be measured generated by the suction of the air pump 260 is constant.

[0099] In the above embodiments, when the aerosol to be tested is input through the input connector 210, the input connector 210 for inputting air is not opened or the input connector 210 for inputting air is not turned on at the same time, so that the input aerosol to be tested is basically not diluted by air during the process of being delivered to the impact sampling mechanism 300.

[0100] In the above embodiment, each input connector 210 is turned on for a predetermined time of 3 seconds, and the aerosol inputted by each input connector 210 is controlled to be 55 mL.

[0101] In combination with the above aerosol input method with a low airflow velocity, in some specific embodiments, including an impact sampling mechanism 300 having seven impact collectors 340 and a filter membrane 350, the minimum particle size limit of the aerosol particles ejected from the nozzles 343 of the multiple impact collectors 340 is as follows:

[0102]

[0103] And in the embodiment, the minimum retention size of the adopted quartz filter membrane 350 is 0.29 μm, so that in use, the impact sampling mechanism 300 can collect aerosol particles with a particle size of 0.29 μm to 4.96 μm.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the multi-stage impact sampling mechanism 300 with a specially customized small airflow velocity with a specific boundary size is used to collect aerosols, while achieving undiluted sampling, which is beneficial for improving accuracy.

[0105] In some embodiments, more relevant results related to the aerosol sampled by the impact sampling mechanism 300 can be obtained through analytical means such as weighing and gas chromatography, such as the measured particle size distribution of a portion of the aerosol. Figure 7 FIG. 2 shows a graph of the aerosol particle size distribution obtained by analysis and calculation in a specific embodiment; in the test, the air pump 280 drives 10 aerosol generating systems 10 to input the aerosol to be tested one by one at an air flow rate of 1.1 L / min, specifically, each input connector 210 is controlled to be turned on for a predetermined time of 3 seconds, and the inputs connected to the aerosol generating system 10 are switched or controlled one by one; and then the aerosol particle size distribution result sampled by the impact sampling mechanism 300 is analyzed as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in Figure 2, the particle size of most aerosol particles is in the range of 0.51 to 1.98 μm. Figure 7 By analyzing the test results, more relevant information can be obtained, such as when Figure 7 If the particle size of some aerosols in the test results is significantly larger than the average particle size, it means that the liquid matrix is ​​not fully atomized, or if the average particle size is too large, it means that the aerosol is not fine, etc. All of the above situations can be based on Figure 7 The results were further compared and analyzed.

[0106] or Figure 8A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 10a of another embodiment is shown; the aerosol generating system 10a of this embodiment generates an aerosol for inhalation by heating a solid aerosol generating article 1000. For example, further reference may be made to Figure 8 As shown, the aerosol generating system 10a comprises:

[0107] a chamber having an opening 15a; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can be removably received in the chamber through the opening 15a of the chamber;

[0108] A heating element 16a extending at least partially within the chamber, inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 for heating when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received in the chamber, so that the aerosol generating article 1000 releases a plurality of volatile compounds, and these volatile compounds are formed only by the heating process; when the aerosol generating article 1000 is partially received in the chamber for heating to generate an aerosol, a portion of the aerosol generating article 1000, such as the filter mouthpiece, is exposed, so as to be used for outputting or inhaling the aerosol;

[0109] Battery cell 18a, used for power supply;

[0110] The circuit 17a is used to conduct electric current between the battery cell 18a and the heating element 16a.

[0111] In some optional embodiments, the DC supply voltage provided by the battery cell 18a is in the range of about 2.5V to about 9.0V, and the ampere of the DC current provided by the battery cell 18a is in the range of about 2.5A to about 20A.

[0112] In some optional embodiments, the heating element 16a is generally in the shape of a pin, a needle, a rod, a bar, a column, a sheet, or a plate, which is advantageous for insertion into the aerosol generating article 1000; at the same time, the heating element 16a can have a length of approximately 12 to 25 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 2 to 4 mm.

[0113] In some optional embodiments, the aerosol generating product 1000 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from the matrix when heated; or it can also be a non-tobacco material that can be heated and suitable for electric heating and smoking. The aerosol generating product 1000 preferably uses a solid matrix, which can include one or more of powder, particles, fragments, strips, or sheets of one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, and expanded tobacco; or, the solid matrix can contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated. In some specific implementations, the aerosol generating product 1000 can have the appearance of a cigarette. And when the aerosol generating product 1000 is received in the chamber for heating, part of the aerosol generating product 1000 is exposed outside the aerosol generating system 10a, for example, the filter mouthpiece is exposed outside the aerosol generating system 10a, which is beneficial for the user to inhale.

[0114] In some optional embodiments, the heating element 16a may generally include a resistive heating element and an auxiliary substrate for assisting the fixation and preparation of the resistive heating element. For example, in some implementations, the resistive heating element is in the shape or form of a spiral coil. Or in some other implementations, the resistive heating element is in the form of a conductive track bonded to a substrate. Or in some other implementations, the resistive heating element is in the shape of a thin sheet. And in some implementations, the heating element 16a may also include an induction heating element that generates heat by being penetrated by a changing magnetic field; or, the heating element 16a may also include an infrared heating element that can heat by radiating infrared rays.

[0115] Accordingly, when an aerosol collection device is used to sample and detect the aerosol input by the aerosol generating system 10a, the shape of the input connector 210 is correspondingly adjusted to fit with the exposed portion of the aerosol generating article 1000, such as the filter mouthpiece, so as to input the aerosol to be tested.

[0116] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are given in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification. Furthermore, it is possible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to make improvements or changes based on the above description, and all such improvements and changes should fall within the scope of protection of the claims attached to the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol collecting device for collecting aerosol generated by an aerosol generating system, characterized in that: include: An aerosol input connector, used for connecting to the aerosol generating system to input aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system; A plurality of impact collectors are arranged in series from upstream to downstream; During use, the aerosol input from the aerosol joint flows sequentially through the multiple impact collectors, and impacts the impact collectors so that part of the aerosol particles are collected by the impact collectors; the impact collector also includes a nozzle arranged toward the downstream, so as to spray aerosol particles that are not collected by the impact collector toward the downstream.

2. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The aerosol collecting device is arranged to allow the aerosol input through the aerosol input joint to flow through the plurality of impact collectors sequentially without being substantially diluted.

3. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The air pump is arranged downstream of the impact sampling mechanism and is used to continuously generate suction force to drive the aerosol to flow through the multiple impact collectors in sequence.

4. The aerosol collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air pump is configured to generate suction at an air flow rate of 0.8 L / min to 1.2 L / min.

5. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: an air input connector for inputting air to the plurality of impact collectors; A porous filter element is arranged in the air input connector to filter the input air and prevent the aerosol generating system from being connected to the air input connector.

6. The aerosol collection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The aerosol collection device is configured not to simultaneously input aerosol through the aerosol input connector and input air through the air input connector.

7. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The nozzles of the plurality of impact collectors arranged in series are gradually reduced.

8. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The impact collector comprises: The collecting surface is arranged toward the upstream and is used for being impacted by the aerosol flowing in from the upstream.

9. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also includes: The filter membrane is arranged at the nozzle of the most downstream impact collector, and is used to partially collect aerosol particles that are not collected by the most downstream impact collector.

10. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The aerosol collecting device comprises seven impact collectors.

11. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The plurality of impact collectors are arranged to collect aerosol particles with a particle size of 0.29 μm to 4.96 μm.

12. The aerosol collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The number of the aerosol input connectors is multiple; The aerosol collecting device is configured to control the plurality of aerosol input connectors to input aerosol one after another without interruption.

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