Aerosol supply system and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention disclose an aerosol supply system and method, the system comprising a housing, the housing comprising: a liquid storage region configured to store an aerosol-generating substrate; the aerosol generating area comprises a heater and a liquid conveying mechanism; the liquid buffer area is arranged between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generation area; wherein the liquid buffer zone is configured to deliver the aerosol-generating substrate of the liquid storage zone to the liquid delivery mechanism; the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol-generating substrate from the liquid buffer to the heater such that the heater, in use, atomizes the aerosol-generating substrate to produce an aerosol. Through the embodiment of the invention, the technical problem of how to store more aerosol generating matrixes under the condition of no leakage is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of aerosol supply, and particularly to an aerosol supply system and method. Background Art

[0002] In the e-cigarette industry, an aerosol supply system usually includes a part for storing an aerosol generating matrix. During use, a user inhales on the device to activate a heating element, and the heating element atomizes the aerosol generating matrix, which is then converted into an aerosol for the user to inhale.

[0003] If the existing storage part stores a pure liquid aerosol generating matrix, there is always a leakage problem. For this reason, most existing liquid storage solutions are to fill the storage part with absorbent materials to store the pure liquid aerosol generating matrix without leakage. However, due to the limited space inside the storage part, if the inside is completely filled with absorbent materials, the amount of the stored liquid aerosol generating matrix will be greatly reduced, thus reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this purpose, the present invention provides an aerosol supply system and method to solve the technical problem of how to store more aerosol generating matrix without leakage.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol supply system, including a housing, and the housing includes:

[0006] A liquid storage area configured to store an aerosol generating matrix;

[0007] An aerosol generation area including a heater and a liquid delivery mechanism; and

[0008] A liquid buffer area provided between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generation area; wherein, the liquid buffer area is configured to deliver the aerosol generating matrix in the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism; the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol generating matrix from the liquid buffer area to the heater so that the heater atomizes the aerosol generating matrix to generate an aerosol during use.

[0009] In a technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0010] The liquid buffer includes a barrier member and / or a liquid buffering element. The barrier member is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage area and the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffering element; the liquid buffering element is configured to absorb the aerosol-forming substrate and deliver it to the liquid delivery mechanism. Based on the barrier member and / or the liquid buffering element isolating the liquid storage area from the aerosol generation area, the aerosol-forming substrate slowly enters the liquid delivery mechanism, preventing leakage, and at the same time ensuring that the liquid storage area can store a certain amount of the aerosol-forming substrate. Specifically:

[0011] In the solution where the liquid buffer includes a barrier member, the liquid storage area and the liquid delivery mechanism are in fluid communication through the barrier member. The flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage area into the liquid delivery mechanism is slowed down by the barrier member, so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate enters the liquid delivery mechanism along a preset path, preventing it from reaching positions in other parts of the aerosol supply system where it is not needed, and reducing the risk of leakage;

[0012] In the solution where the liquid buffer includes a barrier member and a liquid buffering element, the barrier member is configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage area and the liquid buffering element. The liquid buffering element absorbs the aerosol-forming substrate from the barrier member and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism. The aerosol-forming substrate first enters the liquid buffering element after the flow rate is slowed down by the barrier member, and then the flow rate into the liquid delivery unit is further reduced by the liquid buffering element. Moreover, the liquid buffering unit can effectively control the amount of the aerosol-forming substrate entering the liquid delivery unit, and it has a certain liquid storage function. Therefore, the problem of leakage during the delivery process can be effectively prevented;

[0013] In the solution where the liquid buffer includes a liquid buffering element, the liquid buffering unit absorbs the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage area and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism. The liquid buffering unit can reduce the flow rate of the aerosol-forming substrate entering the liquid delivery mechanism, and can also store a certain amount of the aerosol-forming substrate, reducing the risk of leakage.

[0014] In a technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0015] One or more holes are provided on the barrier member, and the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffering element through the holes. The barrier member can isolate the liquid storage area from the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffering element, and fluid communication is generated between the two through the holes to meet the delivery requirements.

[0016] In a technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0017] The barrier is provided with a flow guide channel, and the aerosol generating substrate in the liquid storage area is transported to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the flow guide channel. The partition can isolate the liquid storage area from the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, and fluid communication is established between the two through the flow channel design, and the aerosol generating substrate is transported according to the preset flow path.

[0018] Furthermore, the barrier is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, and one or more interconnected grooves are opened on the outer wall of the barrier, and the grooves are in contact with the shell to form a guide channel, and the aerosol-generating matrix in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the guide channel. The barrier is arranged in the shell relative to the periphery of the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, and while isolating the two areas, a flow channel is formed with the shell by opening a groove on the outer wall. Since there is no need to open another channel inside the barrier, it can not only save the space occupied by the barrier inside the shell, but also make it easier to open molds for manufacturing.

[0019] Further, one end of the diversion channel connected to the liquid storage area is configured as a first diversion port, and one end of the diversion channel connected to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element is configured as a second diversion port, and the area of ​​the second diversion port is greater than the area of ​​the first diversion port. The port connected to the liquid storage area is designed to be smaller in order to slow down the delivery speed of the aerosol generating substrate, which can effectively reduce the delivery rate, but the place below that contacts the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element needs to ensure that the aerosol generating substrate is supplied in sufficient quantity. Therefore, the contact port area is appropriately increased to ensure the supply demand of the aerosol generating substrate. In the present invention, the orientation of the first diversion port is arranged in accordance with the longitudinal axis direction of the shell, and the first diversion port is arranged in a stepped manner and with a decreasing area in the direction of the diversion channel, so that the aerosol is gradually decelerated and transported in the first diversion port, reducing the delivery pressure of the liquid at the first diversion port, and preventing the aerosol generating substrate from leaking out at the first diversion port due to the delivery pressure.

[0020] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned aerosol supply system,

[0021] A baffle is provided between the liquid buffer element and the liquid delivery mechanism, and one or more flow guide holes are provided on the baffle, through which the liquid buffer element delivers the aerosol generating substrate to the liquid delivery mechanism. The baffle can effectively reduce the direct contact area between the liquid buffer element and the liquid delivery mechanism, thereby reducing the transmission speed of the aerosol generating substrate between the two.

[0022] In one technical solution of the above-mentioned aerosol supply system,

[0023] The liquid delivery mechanism is disposed around the heater, and the liquid buffer element is disposed around the liquid delivery mechanism. The liquid delivery mechanism is configured as an oil guiding element in contact with the heater, and the aerosol generating matrix from the liquid buffer element or the barrier is supplied to the heater through the oil guiding element. Therefore, in order to meet the supply demand of the heater and fully atomize to generate aerosol, the oil guiding unit is disposed around the heater, and the buffer element is disposed around the delivery mechanism. Further, there are at least two liquid buffer elements, which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the liquid delivery mechanism, which can save the number of buffer elements, meet the supply at the same time, and the spaced arrangement is equivalent to reducing the contact area, which helps to slow down the transmission speed of the aerosol generating matrix, improve the internal balance, and prevent leakage.

[0024] In one technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0025] The liquid buffer element is provided by an absorbent material, which has liquid storage and contact conductivity. The absorbent material includes at least one of cotton or glass fiber.

[0026] In one technical solution of the above aerosol supply system,

[0027] The liquid storage area and the aerosol generation area are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer area is disposed around the aerosol generation area. The longitudinal arrangement helps the liquid in the liquid storage area to drop by gravity into the liquid buffer area, and then be transported from the body fluid buffer area to the aerosol generation area.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol supply method, which is applied to the aerosol supply system as described in any one of the first aspects. The method includes:

[0029] Transport the aerosol generating matrix in the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism through the liquid buffer area;

[0030] Supply the aerosol generating matrix from the liquid buffer area to the heater through the liquid delivery mechanism;

[0031] Atomize the aerosol generating matrix through the heater to generate aerosol.

[0032] One or more of the above technical solutions of the present invention have at least one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0033] In implementing the technical solution of the present invention, by configuring a liquid buffer area between the liquid storage area and the aerosol generation area with a heater, the liquid aerosol generating matrix can slowly enter the liquid delivery mechanism, avoiding liquid leakage. At the same time, more liquid aerosol generating matrix can be loaded into the liquid storage area without absorbent material.

[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description, become apparent in part from the following description, or be learned through the practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present invention will become more readily understood. It is readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, like numerals in the figures are used to represent like components, where:

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer includes a barrier);

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer includes a barrier and a liquid buffer element);

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the barrier from another angle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of an aerosol supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention (the liquid buffer includes a liquid buffer element);

[0043] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid buffer element and an aerosol production area according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a baffle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] In the figure, the markings are: 100, housing; 101, liquid storage area; 102, aerosol generation area; 1021, heater; 1022, liquid delivery mechanism; 103, liquid buffer area; 1031, barrier member; 1032, diversion channel; 1033, groove; 1034, liquid buffer element; 1035, first diversion port; 1036, second diversion port; 104, first seal; 105, second seal; 106, baffle; 1061, diversion hole. Detailed implementation manners

[0046] Some implementation manners of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these implementation manners are only used to explain the technical principle of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0047] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover a system that delivers at least one substance to a user during use, and includes:

[0048] Combustible aerosol supply systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for self-rolling or self-making cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes, or other smokable materials);

[0049] Non-combustible aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-forming materials without burning the aerosol-forming materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems, to generate aerosols using combinations of aerosol-forming materials; and

[0050] Non-aerosol delivery systems that deliver at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or otherwise without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0051] According to the present disclosure, a "combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol-forming materials of the aerosol supply system (or its components) burn or ignite during use to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0052] In some implementation manners, the delivery system is a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of cigarettes, cigarillos, and cigars.

[0053] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a component for a combustible aerosol supply system, such as a filter tip, a filter rod, a filter tip segment, a tobacco rod, an overflow, an aerosol modifier release component (such as a capsule, a wire or a bead), or a paper (such as a forming paper, a tipping paper or a cigarette paper).

[0054] According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol-forming material of the aerosol supply system (or its components) does not burn or ignite and delivers at least one substance to the user.

[0055] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as, for example, a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not necessary.

[0057] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-forming material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0058] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-forming materials to generate an aerosol, where one or more of the aerosol-forming materials can be heated. Each aerosol-forming material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, a liquid or a gel, and can contain or can not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material can include, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

[0059] Generally, a non-combustible aerosol supply system can include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol-forming material and is configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to in the present disclosure as articles.

[0061] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustible aerosol supply device, can include a power source and a controller. The power source can be, for example, a power supply or a heat source. In some embodiments, the heat source includes a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-forming material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the heat source.

[0062] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system can include an area for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0063] In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device can include an aerosol-forming material, an aerosol-forming material storage area, an aerosol-forming material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0064] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-aerosol delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally, or in another manner without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to lozenges, chewing gums, patches, articles including inhalable powders, and oral products (such as oral tobacco including snuff or moist snuff), wherein the at least one substance may or may not include nicotine.

[0065] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can be an aerosol-forming material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, either material can include one or more active components, one or more flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0066] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance. As used herein, an active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance can be selected, for example, from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactive substances. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theobromine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin or its components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0067] In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0068] As described herein, the active substance can include or be derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives, or extracts. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, hulls, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material can include an active compound naturally present in a plant, which is obtained synthetically. The material can be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, fines, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0069] Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp plants, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red leaf tea plants, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, laurel, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green tea or black tea), thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, peppermint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, holly, perilla plants, turmeric, turmeric powder, sandalwood, coriander leaves, bergamot, neroli, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish pepper, mace, damar resin, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, kanna, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, Mentha c.v., Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint c.v., peppermint c.v., spearmint, Mentha cordifolia, Mentha longifolia, pineapple mint, Mentha pulegium, spearmint c.v., and apple mint.

[0070] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, and cocoa.

[0071] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or their components, derivatives or extracts, and the plant is selected from red leaf tea plants and fennel.

[0072] In some embodiments, the material to be transported includes flavorants. As used herein, the terms "flavorant" and "spice" refer to materials that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used to create the taste, aroma, or other somatic sensations desired by adult consumers in a product. It can include naturally occurring flavorant materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, anise (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, pitaya, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter skin, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, sorghum, betel leaf, coriander, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, mustard, green pepper, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, adzuki bean, flax, ginkgo leaf, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green tea or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, costmary, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, blackcurrant, valerian, Spanish sweet pepper, mace, damiana, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, wild leek, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitter receptor site blockers, sensory receptor site activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It can be a mimetic, synthetic, or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It can be in any suitable form, e.g., a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0073] In some embodiments, the flavorant includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes flavorant components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavorant includes flavorant components extracted from tobacco.

[0074] In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of aromatic or gustatory nerves, flavorants may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatosensation typically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve) by chemicals, and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable heat-effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, cineole, WS-3.

[0075] An aerosol-forming material is a material that is capable of forming an aerosol when heated, irradiated, or electrified in any other way, for example. The aerosol-forming material may be in solid, liquid, or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "mass solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include, for example, from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% of amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solid.

[0076] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming agent materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0077] The aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, glycerol diacetate mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0078] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH regulator, a colorant, a preservative, an adhesive, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0079] The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may be or include, for example, paper, card, cardboard, hardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a receptor. In some embodiments, the receptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the receptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0080] A consumable is an article that includes or consists of an aerosol - forming material, with part or all of the aerosol - forming material intended to be consumed by a user during use. The consumable can include one or more other components, such as an aerosol - forming material storage area, an aerosol - forming material delivery component, an aerosol - forming area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. The consumable can also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol - forming material to generate an aerosol. The heater can include, for example, a combustible material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

[0081] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration with a varying magnetic field (such as an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor can be a conductive material such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the material. The heating material can be a magnetic material such that penetration by the varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. In this document, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic - field generator.

[0082] An aerosol modifier is a substance that is typically located downstream of the aerosol - forming area and is configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavor, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier can be provided in an aerosol - modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier. For example, the aerosol modifier can be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can include one or more of a flavoring, a coloring agent, water, and a carbon adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier can be in the form of a powder, a wire, or a granule. The aerosol modifier can be free of a filter material.

[0083] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol - forming material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater that is configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to thermal energy in order to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol - forming material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol - forming material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol - forming material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0084] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system (which may also be referred to as a vapor delivery system), such as an atomizer or an electronic cigarette. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "e-cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Further, as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "atomization", and "aerosolization" are generally used interchangeably.

[0085] An aerosol delivery system (e-cigarette) typically (although not always) includes modular components, which include a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge component. Generally, the replaceable cartridge component will include an aerosol generating material and an evaporator (which may be collectively referred to as an "atomizer"), and the reusable device portion will include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and a control circuit. It will be understood that these different portions may include additional elements depending on their functions. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable cartridge device portion includes a temperature sensor for assisting in temperature control in some cases. The cartridge is electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example, using a thread, a bayonet, or a magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts. When the aerosol generating material in the cartridge is depleted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge can be removed from the reusable component, and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Systems and devices that conform to this type of two-piece modular configuration are generally referred to as two-piece systems / devices.

[0086] Electronic cigarettes generally have a substantially elongated shape. To provide a specific example, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a substantially elongated two-piece system with a disposable cartridge. However, it will be understood that the basic principles described herein may equally apply to different configurations, such as a one-piece system or a modular system including more than two components, a refillable device and a single-use disposable item, and other overall shapes, such as those based on the so-called box-mod high-performance devices that are generally box-shaped. More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on an aerosol delivery system that is operationally configured to provide functions in accordance with the principles described herein, and the construction of the system configured to provide the functions of certain embodiments of the present disclosure is not of primary importance.

[0087] As described in the background art, there is always a leakage problem with cartridges having a heater storing a liquid aerosol generating matrix, while filling with absorbent materials will reduce the storage capacity. Based on this, the present invention proposes an aerosol supply system that can avoid leakage of the aerosol generating matrix and meet the storage requirements.

[0088] Refer to the appendix Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate an example of an aerosol supply system, Figure 2 which is Figure 1 a sectional view. The aerosol supply system includes a housing 100, and the housing 100 includes: a liquid storage area 101 and an aerosol generation area 102. The liquid storage area 101 stores an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generation area 102 has a heater 1021 and a liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The liquid delivery mechanism 1022 supplies the aerosol generating substrate to the heater 1021 so that the heater 1021 atomizes the aerosol generating substrate during use to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid buffer zone 103 between the liquid storage area 101 and the aerosol generation area 102, so that the aerosol generating substrate in the liquid storage area 101 is transported to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 through the liquid buffer zone 103, thereby slowing down the speed of the liquid aerosol generating substrate entering the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 and avoiding liquid leakage. At the same time, more liquid aerosol generating substrate can be loaded into the liquid storage area 101 without an absorbent material.

[0089] It should be noted that Figure 1 and Figure 2 are merely schematic diagrams showing multiple components that can be included in the housing 100, and are not intended to convey the specific positions and fixed structural patterns of various components. For example, the liquid buffer zone 103 may include any structure that can slow down the liquid flow rate. The housing 100 may contain an integrated or detachable base, etc., and is not limited to the illustrated structure. It should also be understood that the aerosol supply system and the housing 100 may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 other components not shown in

[0090] Hereinafter, the technical solutions of the present invention will be described through specific examples. For the convenience of understanding, in the examples of the present invention, the liquid storage area 101 and the aerosol generation area 102 are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer zone 103 is arranged around the aerosol generation area 102. Other arrangements of areas with the same buffering effect should be within the protection scope of the present invention without departing from the concept of the technical solution.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] As Figure 3As shown, the liquid buffer 103 includes a barrier 1031, and the liquid storage area 101 and the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 are fluidically connected via the barrier 1031. The barrier 1031 isolates the liquid storage area 101 and the aerosol generating area 102. At the same time, the flow design slows down the speed at which the aerosol generating matrix enters the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 from the liquid storage area 101, thereby reducing the risk of leakage.

[0093] In one embodiment, one or more holes are provided on the barrier 1031, and the aerosol-generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 through the holes to achieve fluid communication.

[0094] In one embodiment, the barrier 1031 is provided with a guide channel 1032, and the aerosol-generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 is transported to the liquid transport mechanism 1022 through the guide channel 1032 to achieve fluid communication. It should be noted that the position, length, curvature and other structural parameters of the guide channel 1032 can be designed according to actual use. Figure 3 It is only an exemplary display, not a specific limitation on its structure, and the aerosol generating matrix is ​​transported along a preset path through the guide channel 1032. In this example, the barrier 1031 is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, and one or more interconnected grooves 1033 are opened on the outer wall of the barrier 1031. The grooves 1033 are in contact with the shell 100 to form the guide channel 1032. One end of the guide channel 1032 is connected to the liquid storage area 101, and the other end is connected to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The guide channel 1032 formed by the outer groove 1033 is easy to operate and can effectively slow down the fluid velocity of the aerosol generating matrix from the liquid storage area 101 from the periphery, improve the internal and external air pressure balance, and prevent leakage.

[0095] Example 2

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid buffer 103 includes a barrier 1031 and a liquid buffer element 1034. The barrier 1031 can establish fluid communication between the liquid storage area 101 and the liquid buffer element 1034. The liquid buffer element 1034 absorbs the aerosol-generating matrix from the barrier 1031 and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The flow rate of the aerosol-generating matrix is ​​slowed down by the flow design of the barrier 1031. The liquid buffer element 1034 has a certain liquid storage function, which further slows down the flow rate of the liquid entering the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. At the same time, it improves the balance with the liquid storage area 101 to prevent liquid leakage due to the internal and external pressure difference.

[0097] In one embodiment, one or more holes are provided on the barrier 1031, and the aerosol-generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 is transported to the liquid buffer element 1034 through the holes to achieve fluid communication.

[0098] In one embodiment, a diversion channel 1032 is provided on the barrier member 1031, and the aerosol generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 is transported to the liquid buffer element 1034 through the diversion channel 1032 to achieve fluid communication. It should be noted that the structural parameters such as the position, length, and curvature of the diversion channel 1032 can be designed according to actual use. Figure 4 Only an exemplary display is shown herein, and it is not a specific limitation on its structure. The aerosol generating matrix is transported along a preset path through the diversion channel 1032. In this example, the barrier member 1031 is arranged around the liquid buffer element 1034, and one or more interconnected slots 1033 are formed on the outer wall of the barrier member 1031. The slots 1033 are in contact with the housing 100 to form the diversion channel 1032. One end of the diversion channel 1032 communicates with the liquid storage area 101, and the other end communicates with the liquid buffer element 1034. Forming the diversion channel 1032 by slotting on the outside is convenient for mold opening, effectively reducing the area occupied by the barrier member 1031 in the liquid buffer area 103 and increasing the area of the liquid buffer element 1034. Thus, the liquid buffer element 1034 can store more aerosol generating matrix, improving the balance with the liquid storage area 101 and preventing leakage.

[0099] Based on Figure 3 and Figure 4 the example, for the diversion channel 1032 formed by slotting on the outside of the barrier member 1031, as Figure 5 shown, the diversion channel 1032 connects the liquid storage area 101 with the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 or the liquid buffer element 1034. One end of the diversion channel 1032 that communicates with the liquid storage area 101 is the first diversion port 1035, and one end of the diversion channel 1032 that communicates with the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 or the liquid buffer element 1034 is the second diversion port 1036. Among them, the area of the second diversion port 1036 can be designed to be larger than the area of the first diversion port 1035 to form a fluid trend of slow up and sufficient down, which helps the internal and external balance when the internal liquid descends and prevents liquid leakage. Further, the first diversion port 1035 is arranged in a stepped manner and the area decreases in the direction of the diversion channel 1032, so that the aerosol gradually descends in the first diversion port 1035. Furthermore, as Figure 6As shown, the opened diversion channels 1032 can be transmitted by a first diversion port 1035 and second diversion ports 1036 arranged on both sides below, increasing the contact with the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 or the liquid buffer element 1034. Moreover, a barrier member 1031 is arranged around the liquid buffer element 1034 or the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, and diversion channels 1032 can be opened on both sides, ensuring the supply demand, making full use of the space inside the housing 100, and contributing to the balance between the upper and lower parts. It should be noted that the opening direction, quantity, and size of the diversion channels 1032 can be designed according to the actual product requirements and are only shown in the figure for illustration purposes. Meanwhile, the orientations and sizes of each port can also be determined according to actual needs and are not limited in the present invention.

[0100] Example 3

[0101] As Figure 7 shown, the liquid buffer area 103 includes a liquid buffer element 1034, which absorbs the aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage area 101 and delivers it to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The liquid buffer element 1034 directly reduces the risk of liquid leakage while ensuring a certain liquid storage capacity.

[0102] Based on Example 2 and Example 3, for the liquid buffer element 1034, in order to further reduce the liquid transmission speed between the liquid buffer element 1034 and the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, the contact area between the liquid buffer element 1034 and the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 can be reduced. Specifically, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, a baffle 106 is arranged between the liquid buffer element 1034 and the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, and one or more diversion holes 1061 are provided on the baffle 106. The liquid buffer element 1034 delivers the aerosol-forming substrate to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 through the diversion holes 1061.

[0103] In Example 2 and Example 3, as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 is arranged around the heater 1021, the liquid buffer element 1034 is arranged around the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, and the liquid buffer element 1034 can also be arranged at intervals around the liquid delivery mechanism 1022, as long as one side has a contact relationship with the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. If the other side is transmitted through the diversion channels 1032, the position of the output port of the diversion channels 1032 needs to be matched.

[0104] In Example 2 and Example 3, the liquid buffer element 1034 is provided by an absorbent material, which has a certain liquid storage function and transmits the aerosol-forming substrate through the contact absorption with the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The absorbent material includes cotton or fiberglass, etc.

[0105] In Examples 1-3, the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 is an oil guide element in contact with the heater 1021. Through contact absorption, the aerosol generating matrix from the liquid buffer element 1034 or the barrier 1031 is supplied to the heater 1021. The material of the oil guide element is one or more of natural sponge, synthetic sponge, cotton wadding, glass fiber wadding, wool, porous plastic, porous polymer fiber, and non-woven fiber. The heater 1021 includes one or more resistance wires, which are in the form of a sheet-like porous member or a mesh structure. By contacting the oil guide element to absorb the aerosol generating matrix, the aerosol is heated and atomized to generate aerosol.

[0106] Furthermore, in Examples 1-3, as Figures 3 - 7 shown, a first seal 104 is provided between the liquid storage area 101 and the barrier 1031 or the liquid buffer element 1034. The first seal 104 can improve the sealing performance between the liquid storage area 101 and the liquid buffer area 103, preventing the aerosol generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 from leaking outside the flow channel. The first seal 104 can be designed to fit with the barrier 1031; at the lower end of the liquid buffer area 103 and the aerosol generating area 102, that is, the installation end in contact with the bottom of the housing 100, a second seal 105 is also provided to prevent the aerosol generating matrix from leaking out from the bottom of the housing 100. The materials of the first seal 104 and the second seal 105 can be silica gel. It should be noted that the seal in the examples of the present invention is not a specific limitation on its structure, and its actual structure, material, and size are designed according to the product structure and requirements, as long as the bottom sealing condition is satisfied.

[0107] Based on Examples 1-3, the present invention realizes pure liquid storage at the top of the heater 1021. The liquid storage area 101 without absorbent material at the upper part can hold more liquid aerosol generating matrix; a liquid buffer area 103 is provided around the liquid delivery mechanism 1022. The liquid buffer area 103 realizes the isolation between the liquid storage area 101 and the aerosol generating area 102 through the barrier 1031 or the liquid buffer element 1034, and slows down the flow rate of the aerosol generating matrix entering the aerosol generating area 102, reduces the pressure difference between the liquid inside and the outside during internal liquid delivery, realizes the pressure balance of liquid flow, and thus avoids the leakage of the aerosol generating matrix. At the same time, the design of the flow channel is more conducive to balancing the liquid flow pressure, enabling the aerosol generating matrix to slowly flow into the aerosol generating area 102.

[0108] Furthermore, the present invention also provides an aerosol supply method. Based on the aerosol supply system described above, the method includes:

[0109] The aerosol - generating matrix in the liquid storage area 101 is transported to the liquid delivery mechanism 1022 through the liquid buffer 103;

[0110] The aerosol - generating matrix from the liquid buffer 103 is supplied to the heater 1021 through the liquid delivery mechanism 1022;

[0111] The aerosol - generating matrix is atomized by the heater 1021 to generate aerosol.

[0112] The aerosol supply system generates aerosol through the above - mentioned method. Users inhale the generated aerosol by using the above - mentioned aerosol supply system. For the description of the principles and functional effects of each part of the specific aerosol supply system, reference can be made to the content in Examples 1 - 3. Repeated parts will not be elaborated.

[0113] It should be noted that although the above - mentioned embodiments describe the various steps in a specific order, those skilled in the art can understand that in order to achieve the effects of the present invention, different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in other orders, and these variations are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0114] Those skilled in the art can understand that the various modules in the system can be adaptively split or combined. Such splitting or combining of specific modules will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principle of the present invention. Therefore, the technical solutions after splitting or combining will all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0115] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above - mentioned terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0116] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "a plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically and clearly defined.

[0117] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified or defined, terms such as "installed", "connected", "linked", "fixed", etc. shall be construed in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0118] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply system, characterized in that, Comprising a housing, the housing comprising: A liquid storage area configured to store an aerosol - generating substrate; An aerosol - generating area comprising a heater and a liquid delivery mechanism; and A liquid buffer area provided between the liquid storage area and the aerosol - generating area; wherein, the liquid buffer area is configured to deliver the aerosol - generating substrate in the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism; the liquid delivery mechanism is configured to supply the aerosol - generating substrate from the liquid buffer area to the heater so that the heater atomizes the aerosol - generating substrate during use to generate an aerosol.

2. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid buffer area includes a barrier member and / or a liquid buffer element, the barrier member being configured to enable fluid communication between the liquid storage area and the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element; the liquid buffer element is configured to absorb the aerosol - generating substrate and deliver it to the liquid delivery mechanism.

3. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein One or more holes are provided on the barrier member, and the aerosol - generating substrate in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the holes.

4. The aerosol supply system according to claim 2, wherein A diversion channel is provided on the barrier member, and the aerosol - generating substrate in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the diversion channel.

5. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The barrier member is disposed around the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element, and one or more mutually - communicating grooves are formed on the outer wall of the barrier member. The grooves contact the housing to form a diversion channel, and the aerosol - generating substrate in the liquid storage area is delivered to the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element through the diversion channel.

6. The aerosol supply system according to claim 4, wherein One end of the diversion channel communicating with the liquid storage area is configured as a first diversion port, and one end of the diversion channel communicating with the liquid delivery mechanism or the liquid buffer element is configured as a second diversion port. The area of the second diversion port is larger than the area of the first diversion port.

7. The aerosol supply system according to claim 6, wherein The orientation of the first diversion port is arranged to be consistent with the longitudinal axis direction of the housing, and the first diversion port is arranged in a stepped manner and with a decreasing area in the direction of the diversion channel.

8. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that A baffle is provided between the liquid buffer element and the liquid delivery mechanism, and one or more diversion holes are provided on the baffle. The liquid buffer element delivers the aerosol - generating substrate to the liquid delivery mechanism through the diversion holes.

9. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The liquid delivery mechanism is disposed around the heater, and the liquid buffer element is disposed around the liquid delivery mechanism.

10. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, There are at least two liquid buffer elements, which are spaced at intervals in the circumferential direction around the liquid delivery mechanism.

11. The aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 2-7, characterized in that, The liquid buffer element is provided by an absorbent material.

12. The aerosol supply system according to claim 11, wherein The absorbent material includes at least one of cotton or glass fiber.

13. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid delivery mechanism is configured as an oil - guiding element in contact with the heater.

14. The aerosol supply system according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid storage area and the aerosol - generating area are arranged along a common longitudinal axis, and the liquid buffer area is disposed around the aerosol - generating area.

15. An aerosol supply method, characterized in that, Applied to the aerosol supply system according to any one of claims 1 - 14, the method includes: Transport the aerosol - generating substrate in the liquid storage area to the liquid delivery mechanism through the liquid buffer area; Supply the aerosol - generating substrate from the liquid buffer area to the heater through the liquid delivery mechanism; Atomize the aerosol - generating substrate through the heater to generate an aerosol.

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