Aerosol delivery device

Abstract

An aerosol delivery device for a smoking replacement system. The aerosol delivery device includes a vaporizer for vaporizing a vaporizable liquid and a pair of contact pins for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power source. The contact pins are embedded in a base portion of the aerosol delivery device, and each of the contact pins has a circular cross-section.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol delivery devices and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an aerosol delivery device having a vaporizer and a pair of contact pins for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power source. Background Art

[0002] Smoking tobacco is generally considered to expose the smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally believed that a large number of potentially harmful substances are generated by the heat caused by the burning of tobacco and / or combustion, as well as by the components of the burned tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.

[0003] It is known that the combustion of organic materials such as tobacco produces tar and other potentially harmful by-products. In order to avoid smoking tobacco, various smoking alternative systems have been proposed.

[0004] Such a smoking replacement system may form part of a nicotine replacement therapy for people wishing to stop smoking and overcome dependence on nicotine.

[0005] Smoking replacement systems, which may also be referred to as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may include electronic systems that allow a user to simulate the act of smoking by generating an aerosol (also referred to as "vapor") that is inhaled through the mouth into the lungs (inhaled), and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically carries nicotine and / or flavoring agents without or with less odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

[0006] Generally, smoking alternative systems are designed to provide an alternative to the smoking habit while offering users a similar experience and satisfaction as those experienced with traditional smoking and combustible tobacco products.

[0007] In the past few years, the popularity and use of smoking alternative systems have grown rapidly. Some smoking alternative systems are designed to be similar to traditional cigarettes and are cylindrical with a nozzle at one end. Other smoking alternative systems are generally not similar to cigarettes (e.g., the smoking alternative system can have a generally box-like form). There are many different types of smoking alternative systems, each of which uses a different smoking alternative method. The smoking alternative method corresponds to the method by which the user operates the alternative system.

[0008] One method is the so-called "vaporization" method, in which a vaporizable liquid, often referred to as (and referred to herein as) "e-liquid," is heated by a heating device to produce an aerosol vapor that is inhaled by the user. E-liquids typically include a base liquid and nicotine and / or flavorings. The resulting vapor therefore also typically contains nicotine and / or flavorings. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin.

[0009] A typical vaporization alternative device includes a nozzle, a power source (usually a battery), and a tank or reservoir for containing the e-liquid. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to a heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapor") that is inhaled by the user through the nozzle.

[0010] Vaporized smoking substitute devices can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there is a "closed system" vaporized smoking substitute system that typically has a sealed tank and a heating element. The tank is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by the end user. A subset of closed system vaporized smoking substitute systems includes a body that includes a power source, wherein the body is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including a tank and a heating element. In this way, when the tank of the consumable has been emptied, the consumable is discarded. The body can be reused by connecting it to a new, replacement consumable. Another subset of closed system vaporized smoking substitute systems is completely disposable and is for one-time use only.

[0011] There are also "open system" vaporized smoking replacement systems, which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by the user. In this way, the entire device can be used multiple times.

[0012] An exemplary vaporized smoking alternative system is myblu TM e-cigarette. myblu TM The e-cigarette is a closed system that includes a main body and a consumable. The main body and the consumable are physically and electrically connected by pushing the consumable into the main body. The main body includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a nozzle, a sealed tank containing the e-liquid, and a heater, which for the device is a heating wire coiled on a portion of the core. The core is partially immersed in the e-liquid and the e-liquid is transported from the tank to the heating wire. When the microprocessor on the main body detects that the user inhales through the nozzle, the device is activated. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power supply to the heating device, which heats the e-liquid from the tank to produce vapor, which is inhaled by the user through the nozzle.

[0013] Another exemplary vaporized smoking alternative device is the blu PRO TM e-cigarette. blu PRO TMThe e-cigarette is an open system device comprising a body, a (refillable) tank and a nozzle. The body and tank are physically and electrically connected by screwing one to the other. The nozzle and refillable tank are physically connected by screwing one to the other, and removing the nozzle from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid. The device is activated by a button on the body. When the device is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power supply to the vaporizer, which heats the e-liquid from the tank to produce vapor, which is inhaled by the user through the nozzle.

[0014] There may be a need for improved designs of smoking replacement systems, particularly with respect to providing improved electrical connections between the body and the consumables.

[0015] In view of the above considerations, the present disclosure has been designed. Summary of the invention

[0016] In its most general form, the present invention relates to an aerosol delivery device for a smoking replacement system in which a pair of contact pins having a circular cross-section extend through a base of the aerosol delivery device to electrically connect a vaporizer to a power source.

[0017] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device for a smoking replacement system, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a vaporiser for vaporising a vaporisable liquid; and

[0018] A pair of contact pins for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power source, wherein the contact pins are embedded in a base portion of the aerosol delivery device and each of the contact pins has a circular cross-section.

[0019] Providing contact pins embedded within the base portion of the aerosol delivery device can provide stability to the contact pins, thereby ensuring a reliable electrical connection between the power source and the vaporizer contained within the aerosol delivery device. Such a configuration can simplify the assembly process of the aerosol delivery device, and can even allow for simple automation of the assembly of the vaporizer with the base portion of the aerosol delivery device. The circular cross-section of each of the pair of contact pins can help to improve and simplify the assembly process of the aerosol delivery device, and can also provide an improved seal between the contact pins and the base portion; thereby reducing the possibility of leakage (of the vaporizable liquid) through the base portion.

[0020] Optional features of the present disclosure will now be described. These may be applied alone or in any combination with any aspect of the present disclosure.

[0021] The device has an upper end including an outlet and a lower end including at least one inlet. The base portion is disposed at the lower end of the device. The device has a longitudinal axis extending between the upper end and the lower end. The term "downstream" as used herein is intended to refer to the longitudinal direction of the device toward the outlet. The term "upstream" as used herein is intended to refer to the longitudinal direction of the device away from the outlet.

[0022] The device comprises a device airflow path extending from at least one (upstream) inlet to a (downstream) outlet.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "lateral" and "laterally" are intended to refer to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a device.

[0024] The contact pins may extend in a generally longitudinal direction. As such, they may be considered "unfolded" contact pins. Unfolded contact pins may generally be considered to have a longitudinal axis without any deflection greater than 90 degrees or 80 degrees or 70 degrees or 60 degrees or 50 degrees or 40 degrees or 30 degrees or 20 degrees or 10 degrees. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the contact pin has no deflection, i.e. the contact pin is substantially linear. The contact pin may extend from a lower (upstream) face through the base portion to an upper (downstream) face of the proximal end of the vaporizer.

[0025] The contact pins may be formed, for example, of plated metal. They may be formed of gold-plated metal. By providing spread-out contact pins, the plating may be less susceptible to wear.

[0026] The pins (eg upper faces of the pins) may be aligned with each other in a lateral direction.

[0027] The vaporizer may be elongated laterally, for example, it may include a laterally elongated wick and a heating element. The contact pin may be electrically connected to the heating element. The pin (e.g., the top of the pin) may be laterally aligned parallel to the vaporizer (e.g., parallel to the wick). The laterally aligned pin (e.g., the laterally aligned top of the pin) may be aligned with the vaporizer in the axial (longitudinal) direction of the aerosol delivery device, such that the wick covers the contact pin (i.e., the top of the contact pin), wherein the wick is located downstream of the pin.

[0028] The vaporizer may be positioned such that the vaporizer covers the axial center of the base portion (eg, it extends transversely to intersect the longitudinal axis of the device). The axial center of the base portion may be located between the two contact pins.

[0029] Thus, the contact pins (eg the upper faces of the contact pins) may be equally spaced in a transverse direction on either side of a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device.

[0030] The lowermost (upstream) surface of the base portion may have a generally rectangular profile with opposing lateral edges spaced apart by opposing front and rear edges (with the front-to-rear direction of the device extending perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral directions).

[0031] The contact pin (e.g., the lower (upstream) face of the contact pin) can be equally spaced from the leading edge and the trailing edge on the lowermost surface of the base portion. The lateral spacing between the first of the pair of contact pins (e.g., the first of the lower faces of the pin) and the proximal (first) lateral edge can be equal to the lateral spacing between the second of the pair of contact pins (e.g., the second of the lower faces of the pin) and the proximal (second) lateral edge.

[0032] The at least one inlet may be provided on the lowermost surface of the base portion.Two air inlets may be provided on the lowermost surface of the base portion.

[0033] The heating element of the vaporizer may include a wire, and each end of the wire may be electrically connected to a corresponding contact pin (eg, electrically connected to the top of the contact pin). Specifically, the wire may extend between the pair of contact pins.

[0034] The filaments may extend helically around the core.The contact pins (eg the upper face of each contact pin) may be electrically connected to respective ends of the filaments upstream of the core.

[0035] The contact pins (ie the upper side of each contact pin) may be directly physically and electrically connected to the wire. Optionally, the contact pins may be connected to the wire by crimping, welding or compression.

[0036] The contact pin may have a circular cross section along its entire length. Alternatively, the contact pin may have a circular cross section only along a portion of its length.

[0037] Each contact pin may be substantially cylindrical. In other words, the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional area of ​​each contact pin may be substantially equal along the entire length of each respective contact pin. The contact pins may have substantially the same shape and / or size as each other.

[0038] Each contact pin may taper along at least a portion of its length toward the top and / or bottom of each corresponding contact pin. In particular, the size of each contact pin may taper toward the top (i.e., such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the top of the contact pin is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bottom of the contact pin). In this way, the vaporizer may be more easily electrically and physically connected to each contact pin.

[0039] Each contact pin may include an electrical interface underneath for connecting to a corresponding electrical interface of the main body of the smoking replacement system.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery device may further include a vaporization chamber. The vaporizer may be disposed in the vaporization chamber, and the upper surface of the contact pin may be exposed in the vaporization chamber.

[0041] In these embodiments, the device gas flow paths include: at least one inlet gas flow path extending from at least one inlet in a corresponding inlet channel (on the lowermost surface of the base portion) to the vaporization cavity; and at least one cavity gas flow path extending through the cavity.

[0042] The device airflow path may bypass the vaporizer. Specifically, the cavity airflow path may bypass the vaporizer in the vaporization cavity. In this way, the device airflow path may not pass through the vaporizer. Therefore, the possibility of unvaporized liquid from the vaporizer being entrained in the airflow and thereby entering the user's mouth through the outlet of the device can be reduced or eliminated.

[0043] In some embodiments, the opening or each opening from the inlet channel to the vaporisation chamber (and the inlet or each inlet on the lowermost surface of the device) is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device, for example in the front-to-back direction of the device (which is perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions).

[0044] In the case of two inlet airflow paths, the openings from the inlet passage into the vaporization chamber (and each inlet on the lowermost surface of the device) may be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-back direction of the device. They may be equally spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device on either side of the central longitudinal axis in the front-to-back direction. They may be aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction of the device.

[0045] The opening of the inlet channel / each inlet channel into the vaporisation chamber may be offset from the vaporiser in the fore-aft direction of the device.The opening of the inlet channel / each inlet channel may be located axially downstream of the vaporiser (ie closer to the outlet of the device).

[0046] In this manner, airflow in the inlet airflow path may enter the vaporization chamber downstream of the vaporizer, which may further help reduce the amount of unvaporized liquid entrained in the chamber airflow path toward the device outlet.

[0047] The opening of the or each inlet channel may be elongated in a transverse direction such that it / they extend substantially parallel to the carburettor (i.e. the wick of the carburettor). Thus, the or each inlet channel may have a transversely elongated cross-sectional profile. The or each inlet on the lowermost surface of the base portion may be elongated in a transverse direction such that it / they extend parallel to the front and rear edges of the lowermost surface of the base portion (and substantially parallel to the transverse axis of (the lower surface of) the contact pin aligned on the lowermost surface of the base portion).

[0048] The aerosol delivery device may include a tank (reservoir) for containing a vaporizable liquid (e.g., e-liquid), wherein the vaporizer is in fluid communication with the tank. For example, the e-liquid may include a base liquid and, for example, nicotine. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and / or vegetable glycerin.

[0049] The tank may be defined by a tank housing. At least a portion of the tank housing may be transparent. For example, the tank may include a window to allow a user to visually assess the amount of e-liquid in the tank. If the tank includes a window, it may be referred to as a "clearomimzer", or if the tank does not include a window, it may be referred to as a "cartomizer".

[0050] The base portion may be a base insert defining an inlet. The base insert may be inserted into the open lower end of the can to seal against the inner surface of the can housing. The base insert may include a sleeve extending longitudinally inside a wall defining a vaporization chamber. The base insert may be configured to support the vaporizer within the vaporization chamber. The base insert may define an inlet passage. The base insert may be formed of silicone.

[0051] The vaporization chamber may comprise opposing parallel side walls substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, and a downstream wall extending transversely between the side walls. The walls of the vaporization chamber (e.g. the front wall and the rear wall) may have at least one step formed therein, such that a portion of each (front / rear) wall is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. The step may be arranged downstream of the vaporizer in the vaporization chamber. The opening of the inlet channel / each inlet channel may be formed in a step of a wall of the vaporization chamber (i.e. the opening of the inlet channel / each inlet channel may be formed in a stepped portion of a wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device).

[0052] The aerosol delivery device may include a passage extending to an outlet of the device, such as at a nozzle of the aerosol delivery device. The passage may extend from a passage opening in the vaporization chamber to the outlet. In this regard, a user may draw a fluid (e.g., air) from the inlet, through the inlet passage, through the vaporization chamber, into the passage opening, and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e., using the nozzle).

[0053] The passage may include a passage wall extending within the canister such that the canister may surround the passage. The passage opening may be formed in a downstream wall of the vaporization cavity. The inner sleeve of the base insert may seal against the passage wall.

[0054] The core may comprise a porous material. The core may be elongated and extend laterally across the vaporization chamber between the walls (e.g., sidewalls) of the vaporization chamber. The core may also include one or more portions that contact the liquid stored in the tank. For example, the opposite lateral ends of the core may extend into the tank, and the center portion (between the lateral ends) may extend across the vaporization chamber. Thus, fluid may be drawn from the reservoir along the core (e.g., by capillary action) to the center portion of the core.

[0055] The filaments can be wound around the central portion of the core. In operation, a power source can supply power to the filaments (i.e., apply voltage) so as to heat the filaments. This can cause the liquid stored in the core (i.e., drawn from the canister) to be heated, thereby forming vapor and being entrained into the device airflow path. The vapor can then cool to form an aerosol in the passageway.

[0056] The aerosol delivery device may be in the form of a consumable item.

[0057] In a second aspect, there is provided a smoking replacement system comprising: the aerosol delivery device of the first aspect; and a body comprising a power source, wherein a pair of contact pins electrically connects the heating element to the power source.

[0058] The consumable can be configured to engage with the body (i.e., to form a closed smoking replacement system). For example, the consumable can constitute a disposable component of the system, and the body can constitute a non-disposable or non-consumable component (e.g., power source, controller, sensor, etc.) that helps the consumable deliver the aerosol. In such embodiments, the aerosol precursor (e.g., vaporizable e-liquid) can be replenished by replacing the used consumable with an unused consumable.

[0059] The body and the consumables may be configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the consumables may be at least partially contained in a recess of the body so that there is an interference fit (e.g., a snap fit) between the body and the consumables. Alternatively, the body and the consumables may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other or by a bayonet fitting.

[0060] Therefore, the aerosol delivery device may include one or more engagement portions for engaging with the main body. In this way, the lower end (eg base portion) of the aerosol delivery device may be coupled to the main body, while the upper end of the aerosol delivery device may define the mouthpiece of the smoking replacement system.

[0061] When engaged with the body, the power source may be electrically connected (or connectable) to the vaporizer of the aerosol delivery device. The power source may be a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). A connector, e.g., in the form of a USB port, may be provided for charging the battery.

[0062] The consumable may include an electrical interface for connecting to a corresponding electrical interface of the main body. As described above, each contact pin may include an electrical interface for connecting to a corresponding electrical interface of the main body below. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Electrical contacts may be provided below the contact pins. Therefore, when the main body is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electricity from a power source to a heating element of the consumable. The electrical interface may also be used to identify an aerosol delivery device from a list of known types. For example, the consumable may have a certain concentration of nicotine, and the electrical interface may be used to identify this. When the consumable is connected to the main body, the electrical interface may be used additionally or alternatively for identification.

[0063] The main body may include an interface, which may be in the form of an RFID reader, a barcode or a QR code reader, for example. The interface is capable of identifying the characteristics (e.g., type) of the consumables engaged with the main body. In this regard, the consumables may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or a QR code, or a memory having an identifier therein and accessible via the interface.

[0064] The aerosol delivery device or body may include a controller, which may include a microprocessor. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the vaporizer of the aerosol delivery device (e.g., via electrical contacts). A memory may be provided, and the memory may be operably connected to the controller. The memory may include a non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions that, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

[0065] The body or aerosol delivery device may include a wireless interface that may be configured, for example, to communicate with the user via Wireless communication with other devices (such as mobile devices). To this end, the wireless interface may include Antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces (such as The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0066] A suction sensor (i.e., airflow sensor) may be provided that is configured to detect suction (i.e., inhalation by a user). The suction sensor may be operably connected to the controller so that a signal indicating the suction state (i.e., suction or no suction) can be provided to the controller. The suction sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. That is, the controller may control the power supplied to the heater of the consumable in response to the suction detection of the sensor. The controller may be in the form of activating the vaporizer in response to the detected suction. That is, the aerosol delivery device may be configured to be activated when the suction sensor detects suction. The suction sensor may form part of the consumable or the body.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the device may be a non-consumable device, in which the aerosol precursor of the system (e.g., e-liquid) may be replenished by refilling the tank of the device (rather than replacing the consumable). In this embodiment, the consumable may instead be a non-consumable component integral with the body. Thus, the device may include the features of the body described above. In this embodiment, the only consumable part may be the e-liquid contained in the tank of the device. Access to the tank (for refilling of the e-liquid) may be provided via, for example, an opening of the tank that may be sealed with a closure (e.g., a lid).

[0068] According to a second aspect, there is provided a smoking replacement system comprising: the aerosol delivery device of the first aspect; and a body comprising a power supply, wherein a pair of contact pins electrically connects the heating element to the power supply.

[0069] The invention includes any combination of aspects and preferred features described, unless such a combination is obviously impossible or clearly avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] In order that the present invention may be understood, and in order that other aspects and features of the present invention may be appreciated, embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1A is a front view schematic diagram of a smoking replacement system;

[0072] Figure 1B It is a front view schematic diagram of the main body of the system;

[0073] Figure 1C is a front view schematic diagram of the consumables of the system;

[0074] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram of the components of the subject;

[0075] Figure 2B It is a schematic diagram of the components of the consumables;

[0076] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the consumables;

[0077] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a base portion of a consumable;

[0078] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A another perspective view of a base portion of ; and

[0079] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the base portion of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] Figure 1A A first embodiment of a smoking replacement system 100 is shown. In this example, the smoking replacement system 100 includes a body 102 and an aerosol delivery device in the form of a consumable 104. The consumable 104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod," "cartridge," or "cartomizer." It should be understood that in other examples (i.e., open systems), the body may be integrated with the consumables so that the aerosol delivery device is incorporated into the body. In such systems, the canister of the aerosol delivery device may be accessed for refilling the device.

[0082] In this example, the smoking replacement system 100 is a closed system vaporization system, wherein the consumable 104 comprises a sealed canister 106 and is for single use only. The consumable 104 is removably coupled to the body 102 (ie, for removal and replacement). Figure 1A The smoking replacement system 100 is shown with a body 102 physically coupled to a consumable 104. Figure 1B The main body 102 of the smoking replacement system 100 is shown without the consumable product 104, and Figure 1C The consumable 104 of the smoking replacement system 100 is shown without the main body 102 .

[0083] The body 102 and the consumable 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the body 102 such that there is an interference fit between the body 102 and the consumable 104. In other examples, the body 102 and the consumable 104 may be coupled by threading one onto the other or by a bayonet fitting.

[0084] The consumable 104 includes a nozzle at an upper end 109 of the consumable 104 (at Figure 1A , Figure 1B or Figure 1C ), and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the nozzle so that air can be inhaled and passed through the consumable 104 when the user inhales through the nozzle. The tank 106 containing the e-liquid is located at the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.

[0085] The tank 106 includes a window 112 that allows for visual assessment of the amount of e-liquid in the tank 106. The body 102 includes a slot 114 so that when the consumable 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the body 102, the window 112 of the consumable 104 can be seen while obscuring the rest of the tank 106 from view.

[0086] The lower end 110 of the body 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g., an LED) located behind a small translucent cover. The light 116 can be configured to emit light when the smoking replacement system 100 is activated. Although not shown, the consumable 104 can identify itself to the body 102 via an electrical interface, an RFID chip, or a barcode.

[0087] Figure 2A and 2B 1 is a schematic diagram of the main body 102 and the consumables 104. Figure 2A As shown, the body 102 includes a power source 118 , a controller 120 , a memory 122 , a wireless interface 124 , an electrical interface 126 , and optionally one or more additional components 128 .

[0088] The power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery. The controller 120 may include, for example, a microprocessor. The memory 122 preferably includes a non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions that, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of the method.

[0089] The wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with other devices (eg, mobile devices), for example, via Bluetooth. To this end, the wireless interface 124 may include Antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces (such as The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.

[0090] The electrical interface 126 may be located in the base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the body 102. The electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer power from the power source 118 to the consumable 104 when the body 102 is physically coupled to the consumable 104 (ie, when the smoking replacement system 100 is activated).

[0091] The electrical interface 126 can be configured to receive power from the charging station when the main body 102 is not physically connected to the consumable 104 but is connected to the charging station. The electrical interface 126 can also be used to identify the consumable 104 from a known list of consumables. For example, the consumable 104 can be a specific flavor and / or have a specific concentration of nicotine (which can be identified by the electrical interface 126). When the consumable 104 is connected to the main body 102, this can be indicated to the controller 120 of the main body 102. In addition or alternatively, a separate communication interface can be provided in the main body 102 and a corresponding communication interface can be provided in the consumable 104, so that when connected, the consumable 104 can identify itself to the main body 102.

[0092] Additional components 128 of the body 102 may include the light 116 discussed above.

[0093] The additional components 128 of the body 102 may also include a charging port (e.g., a USB or micro-USB port) configured to receive power from a charging station (i.e., when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). The charging port may be located at the lower end 110 of the body 102. Alternatively, the electrical interface 126 discussed above may be configured to function as a charging port configured to receive power from a charging station, such that a separate charging port is not required.

[0094] If the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery, the additional components 128 of the main body 102 may include a battery charging control circuit for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, the battery charging control circuit may also be located in the charging station (if present).

[0095] The additional components 128 of the main body 102 may include a sensor, such as an airflow (i.e., puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking replacement system 100, such as caused by a user inhaling through the nozzle 136 of the consumable 104. The smoking replacement system 100 may be configured to be activated when the airflow sensor detects airflow. Alternatively, the sensor may be included in the consumable 104. The airflow sensor may be used to determine, for example, how hard the user puffs on the nozzle or how many times the user puffs on the nozzle within a specific time period.

[0096] The additional components 128 of the body 102 may include a user input, such as a button. The smoking replacement system 100 may be configured to be activated when the user interacts with the user input (e.g., presses a button). This provides an alternative to an airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking replacement system 100.

[0097] like Figure 2B As shown, the consumable 104 includes a canister 106 , an electrical interface 130 , a vaporizer 132 , one or more air inlets 134 , a nozzle 136 , and one or more additional components 138 .

[0098] When the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the main body 102 (such as Figure 1A ), the electrical interface 126 of the main body 102 and the electrical interface 130 of the consumable 104 are configured to contact each other, thereby electrically connecting the main body 102 to the consumable 104. In this way, electrical energy (e.g., in the form of electric current) can be supplied from the power source 118 in the main body 102 to the vaporizer 132 in the consumable 104.

[0099] The vaporizer 132 is configured to heat and vaporize the e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using the electrical energy supplied by the power source 118. As will be further described below, the vaporizer 132 includes a heating wire and a wick. The wick draws the e-liquid from the tank 106, and the heating wire heats the e-liquid to vaporize the e-liquid.

[0100] Air inlet 134 ( Figure 4B The air inlet 134 is preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking replacement system 100 when the user inhales through the nozzle 136. When the consumable 104 is physically connected to the body 102, the air inlet 134 receives air flowing toward the air inlet 134 along the gap between the body 102 and the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.

[0101] In operation, as described above, a user activates the smoking replacement system 100, for example by interacting with a user input forming part of the body 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece 136. Upon activation, the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 118 to the vaporizer 132 (via the electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the vaporizer 132 to heat the e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce vapor, which is inhaled by the user through the mouthpiece 136.

[0102] An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the consumable 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the consumable 104. As described above, the interface can be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface capable of identifying the consumable. Thus, the consumable 104 can include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode, or a QR code, or a memory having an identifier therein and accessible via an electrical interface in the body 102.

[0103] It should be understood that Figures 1A to 2B The smoking replacement system 100 shown in is only one exemplary embodiment of a smoking replacement system. For example, the system may also be in the form of a fully disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the can is refillable (rather than replaceable).

[0104] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the above-mentioned consumable 104. The consumable 104 includes a tank 106 for storing e-liquid, a nozzle 136, and a passage 140 extending along the longitudinal axis of the consumable 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the passage 140 is in the form of a tube with a generally circular cross-section (i.e., transverse to the longitudinal axis). The tank 106 surrounds the passage 140 so that the passage 140 extends centrally through the tank 106.

[0105] The canister housing 142 of the canister 106 defines the housing of the consumable 104, while the passage wall 144 defines the passage 140. The canister housing 142 extends from the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 to the nozzle 136 at the upper end 109 of the consumable 104. At the junction between the nozzle 136 and the canister housing 142, the nozzle 136 is wider than the canister housing 142 so as to define a lip 146 that protrudes from the canister housing 142. This lip 146 acts as a stop feature when the consumable 104 is inserted into the body 102 (i.e., by contacting the upper edge of the body 102).

[0106] The tank 106, the passage 140 and the nozzle 136 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component. The component may be formed by an injection molding process and may be formed, for example, from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.

[0107] Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, the tank housing 142 tapers such that the thickness of the tank housing 142 decreases in a downward direction away from the nozzle 136. This means that, except for a small amount of indentations that provide a physical connection between the consumable 104 and the body 102, the thickness of the tank housing 142 decreases as the distance away from the nozzle 136 increases. In particular, the tank housing 142 tapers in this manner because the inner and outer surfaces of the tank housing 142 are angled relative to the downward direction away from the nozzle 136. This taper helps form the tank housing 142 and the passage wall 144 as a single (i.e., unitary) component.

[0108] Similar to the tank shell 142, the passage wall 144 is also tapered such that the thickness of the passage wall 144 decreases in a downward direction away from the nozzle 136. Again, because the inner and outer surfaces of the passage wall 144 are angled relative to the downward direction, the thickness of the passage wall 144 decreases. Due to the tapering of the passage wall 144, the inner diameter of the passage 140 increases in the downstream direction (i.e., Figure 3 For example, the passage 140 has an internal width of less than 4.0 mm and greater than 3.0 mm (e.g., about 3.6 mm) at the upstream end of the passage 140. On the other hand, the passage 140 has an internal width of less than 3.8 mm and greater than 2.8 mm (e.g., about 3.4 mm) at the downstream end of the passage 140.

[0109] The nozzle 136 includes a nozzle hole 148 that defines the outlet of the passage 140. Although not shown in the drawings, the nozzle hole 148 has an inner surface directed radially inward that engages the outer surface of the nozzle 136 (i.e., the surface that contacts the user's lips in use) at the outer edge of the nozzle hole 148. At this outer edge, the angle between the inner surface of the nozzle hole 148 and the outer surface of the nozzle 136 (i.e., the "nozzle angle") is greater than 90 degrees. This may be due to the outer edge being rounded. The edge may also be chamfered or beveled.

[0110] The vaporizer 132 is located in a vaporizer cavity 156 of the consumable 104. The vaporizer cavity 156 is located downstream of the plurality of device air inlets 134 of the consumable 104 and is fluidly connected to the nozzle aperture 148 (i.e., outlet) through the passage 140. In particular, the passage 140 extends between the nozzle aperture 148 and an opening 158 of the cavity 156. The opening 158 is formed in a downstream (i.e., upper) wall 160 of the cavity 156.

[0111] The lower end 111 (ie, the base) of the consumable 104 connected to the body 102 is defined by the base insert 170. The base insert 170 is inserted into the open lower end of the can 106 so as to be sealed against the can housing 142.

[0112] The vaporizer 132 includes a porous core 162 and a heating wire 164 ( Figure 3 Not shown, but the following combination FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The core 162 extends transversely across the cavity 156 between side walls of the cavity 156 that form part of an inner sleeve 168 of the base insert 170 .

[0113] The inner sleeve 168 extends into the tank 106 and is sealed with the passage 140 (around the passage wall 144) so ​​as to separate the cavity 156 from the e-liquid in the tank 106. The lateral ends of the wick 162 extend into the tank 106 so as to contact the e-liquid in the tank 106. In this way, the e-liquid is transported along the wick 162 (e.g., by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 162 that is exposed to airflow through the cavity 156. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heating wire 164 (when activated, for example, by detecting inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporized and entrained in the air flowing through the wick 162. This vaporized liquid can cool to form an aerosol in the passage 140, which can then be inhaled by the user.

[0114] Figure 4A A base insert 170 of the consumable product 104 is illustrated. Figure 4A A coiled heating wire 164 is also illustrated, but the core 162 is not shown. A pair of contact pins 200 having a circular cross section in the longitudinal direction are embedded in the base portion 170. Figure 4CAs more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , the contact pin 200 extends through the base portion 170 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 104 .

[0115] The upper (downstream) face 202 of each of the pair of contact pins 200 is electrically connected to the corresponding end of the heating wire 164. The upper face 202 of each of the pair of contact pins 200 is also physically connected to the corresponding end of the heating wire 164. The upper face 202 of the contact pin 200 can be connected to the heating wire 164 by crimping, welding or compression.

[0116] like Figure 4B , the lower (upstream) face 204 of each contact pin 200 includes an electrical interface 130 for connecting to a corresponding electrical interface 126 on the body 102. Thus, when the consumable 104 is engaged with the body 102, the lower face 204 of the contact pin 200 contacts the corresponding electrical contact on the body 102. When the body electrical contacts are electrically connected to the power source 118, the body 102 can supply power to the filament 164 via the contact pin 200 so as to heat the filament 164.

[0117] The contact pins 200 are aligned with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the device. The contact pins 200 are also aligned transversely parallel to the transversely extending core 162. The core 162 covers the contact pins 200 in the longitudinal direction.

[0118] In addition, if Figure 4C As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , the connection between the upper face 202 of each contact pin 200 and the heating wire 164 is located upstream of the heating wire 164 and the core 162 .

[0119] like Figure 4C , the heating wire 164 and the core 162 are positioned to cover the axial center of the base insert 170. Therefore, the heating wire 164 and the core 162 are positioned in the center of the consumable 104 in a transverse plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the consumable 104, so that the central longitudinal axis 210 of the consumable 104 intersects the heating wire 164 and the core 162.

[0120] Each contact pin 200 is spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis 210 of the consumable 104 in the lateral direction. Specifically, each contact pin 200 is spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis 210 of the consumable 104 by the same distance on either side of the central longitudinal axis 210.

[0121] Each contact pin 200 is substantially cylindrical. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C As shown in FIG. 1 , each contact pin 200 tapers toward an upper face 202 connected to the heating wire 164 .

[0122] The contact pin 200 may be formed of a metal / metal alloy having high electrical conductivity, such as silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, nickel, graphite, or molybdenum.

[0123] As previously described, the heating wire 164 and the wick 162 are positioned within the vaporization chamber 156. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , a pair of inlet channels 220 extend through the base insert 170 into the vaporization chamber 156. The inlet channels 220 extend in the general longitudinal direction of the device. They allow air to flow from the device inlet 134 at the lowermost surface 111 of the consumable 104 (i.e., the lowermost surface of the base portion 170), through the base insert 170, and into the vaporization chamber 156 through the opening 224. Thus, through the suction nozzle 136, the user can draw air, which passes through the device inlet 134, the inlet channels 220, the vaporization chamber 156, the passage 140, and exits through the outlet 148 in the nozzle 136.

[0124] exist FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , the two openings 224 of the inlet channel 220 are laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis 210 of the consumable 104 on either side of the central longitudinal axis 210 in the front-to-back direction. The two openings 224 of the inlet channel 220 are equally spaced from the central longitudinal axis 210 of the aerosol delivery device on either side of the central longitudinal axis 210. They are aligned with each other in the front-to-back direction.

[0125] The opening 224 of the inlet passage 220 is formed in vertical steps 230 in the front and rear walls of the vaporization chamber 156. The steps 230 in the front and rear walls and therefore the opening 224 of the inlet passage 220 are located axially downstream of the heating wire 164 and the core 162.

[0126] The openings 224 of the inlet channels 220 are elongated in the transverse direction such that they extend substantially parallel to the transversely extending core 162. The device inlets 222 at the lowermost surface 111 of the base portion 170 are also elongated in the transverse direction such that they extend substantially parallel to the transverse axis passing through the underside 204 of the contact pins 200 on the lowermost surface of the base portion.

[0127] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the appended claims or in the drawings, expressed in their specific form or as means for performing the disclosed functions, or as methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, as the case may be, may be used alone or in any combination of such features to realize the invention in its various forms.

[0128] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the above exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when present disclosure is given. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0129] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0130] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0131] Throughout the specification, including the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "having", "comprises", "comprising" and "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or steps or groups of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0132] It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When a range is expressed in this manner, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "about", it is understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

[0133] As used herein, the words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, it should be understood that other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure or the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol delivery device for a smoking replacement system, the aerosol delivery device comprising: a vaporizer accommodated in the vaporization chamber for vaporizing the vaporizable liquid; as well as A pair of contact pins for electrically connecting the vaporizer to a power source, wherein the contact pins are embedded in a base portion of the aerosol delivery device and each of the contact pins has a circular cross-section, and wherein the base portion is configured to support the vaporizer in the vaporization chamber.

2. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the contact pin extends in a substantially longitudinal direction of the device.

3. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the contact pin is deployed.

4. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 3, wherein the contact pins are formed of electroplated metal.

5. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the contact pins are aligned with each other in a lateral direction.

6. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the vaporizer is laterally elongated and the contact pin is aligned laterally parallel to the vaporizer.

7. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vaporizer covers the contact pin downstream in the longitudinal direction of the device.

8. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the vaporizer is positioned such that the vaporizer covers an axial center of the base portion.

9. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contact pins are equally spaced in a transverse direction on either side of a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device.

10. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein the vaporizer comprises a filament, and each end of the filament is electrically connected to a corresponding contact pin.

11. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the contact pin is directly physically and electrically connected to the wire.

12. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 1, wherein the contact pin has a circular cross-section along its entire length.

13. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the contact pin is tapered along at least a portion of its length.

14. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside of each contact pin comprises an electrical interface for connecting to a corresponding electrical interface of a body of the smoking replacement system.

15. The aerosol delivery device of claim 1, wherein an airflow path extends from at least one inlet of the device to an outlet of the device, and the airflow path bypasses the vaporizer.

16. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base portion is a base insert defining at least one inlet at a lower end of the device, the base insert comprising a sleeve extending longitudinally inside the wall defining the vaporization chamber.

17. An aerosol delivery device as described in claim 1 further includes a can housing, which defines a can for containing the vaporizable liquid, wherein the base portion is a base insert defining at least one inlet at a lower end of the can so as to seal against the inner surface of the can housing.

18. A smoking replacement system, including: The aerosol delivery device of claim 1; as well as Including the main body of the power supply, A pair of contact pins electrically connects the heating element to the power source.

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