Aerosol supply system, device and method

Abstract

An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply device comprising: a vent for air to enter or exit the aerosol supply device during use; a suction sensor for detecting a user's suction; and a channel defined within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the vent and the aspiration sensor, where the channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion held together to form the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol supply systems and devices. Background Art

[0002] Aerosol supply systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and tobacco heating products typically contain an aerosol-generating material, such as a source liquid or tobacco rod that may contain an active substance and / or flavoring, which generates an aerosol or vapor from the aerosol-generating material, for example by thermal evaporation or other means, for the user to inhale. Therefore, the aerosol supply system will typically include an aerosol generator (such as a heater) that is arranged to evaporate or aerosolize a portion of the aerosol-generating material to generate a vapor or aerosol in an aerosol-generating chamber. When the user draws on the system, air is drawn into the system through the air inlet and into the aerosol-generating chamber, where the air mixes with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn out of the system for the user to inhale.

[0003] Many aerosol delivery systems include a puff sensor for detecting when a user takes a puff on the system. The puff sensor is typically housed in a cavity in a sensor housing that has an opening that connects to an airflow path in the system, such that changes in pressure when a user takes a puff on the system are communicated to the puff sensor. Signaling from the puff sensor can be used to activate the aerosol generator and / or can be used to track usage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply device comprising: an air pore for allowing air to enter or leave the aerosol supply device during use; a puff sensor for detecting inhalation by the user; and a channel defined within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the air pore and the puff sensor, wherein the channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion held together to form the channel.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol supply device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and comprising an aerosol generating material.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an air hole for allowing air to enter or leave the aerosol supply device during use; providing a puff sensor for detecting inhalation by the user; and connecting a first channel portion to a second channel portion to provide a channel within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the air hole and the puff sensor.

[0007] According to some examples, the first channel portion and the second channel portion may meet at an interface extending in the same direction as the channel.

[0008] According to some examples, the channel may have multiple branches to guide air from the multiple holes to the puff sensor.

[0009] According to some examples, the first channel portion may extend in the same direction as the channel and have the form of a channel open on one side. In some examples, the cross-section of the first channel portion may be substantially U-shaped.

[0010] According to some examples, the second channel portion can extend in the same direction as the channel and include a substantially planar surface.

[0011] According to some examples, at least one of the first channel portion and the second channel portion may include an elastic material.

[0012] According to some examples, the first channel portion and the second channel portion can have different stiffnesses. In some examples, the first channel portion can have a lower stiffness than the second channel portion.

[0013] According to some examples, the first channel portion and the second channel portion may be held together using a mechanical coupling.

[0014] According to some examples, the mechanical coupling may be a snap-fit ​​coupling.

[0015] According to some examples, the first channel portion and the second channel portion may be releasably connected to each other.

[0016] According to some examples, at least one of the first channel portion and the second channel portion can have at least one rib arranged to facilitate an interference fit between the first channel portion and the second channel portion. The at least one rib can, for example, include a series of protrusions that extend at least partially around the periphery of the first channel portion and / or the second channel portion.

[0017] According to some examples, the first channel portion and the second channel portion may be held together using an adhesive.

[0018] According to some examples, the aerosol supply device may further include a first side wall and a second side wall extending away from the second channel portion and arranged to accommodate at least a portion of the first channel portion between the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0019] In some examples, the first and second sidewalls and the second channel portion may be integrally formed.

[0020] According to some examples, the aerosol supply device may include a cover portion arranged to engage with the first and second side walls and thereby hold the first and second channel portions together / hold the first channel portion against the second channel portion.

[0021] In some examples, the cover portion may be arranged to engage with the first and second side walls using a mechanical coupling, such as a snap-fit ​​coupling.

[0022] In some examples, the cover portion may be integrally formed with the first channel portion.

[0023] According to some examples, the aerosol supply device may include a rechargeable power source and a charging circuit for recharging the rechargeable power source, wherein the charging circuit and the puff sensor may be disposed on a common circuit board assembly.

[0024] According to some examples, the air vent and the puff sensor can be spaced apart. In some examples, the air vent and the puff sensor can be positioned near opposite ends of the aerosol supply device. That is, the air vent can be positioned near a first end of the aerosol supply device (i.e., the air vent is closer to the first end of the aerosol supply device than to the second end of the aerosol supply device), and the puff sensor can be positioned near a second end of the aerosol supply device (i.e., the puff sensor is closer to the second end of the aerosol device than to the first end of the aerosol device).

[0025] In some examples, the aerosol supply device may include an electrical connection port for connecting an external power source to the aerosol supply device, wherein the electrical connection port may be located near the same end of the aerosol supply device as the puff sensor (i.e., located in the same half of the device). In some examples, the aerosol supply device may include an interface for coupling to an article including an aerosol-generating material, wherein the interface is located near the same end of the aerosol supply device as the air hole (i.e., located in the same half of the device).

[0026] According to some examples, the channel can be arranged to provide a sealed interface with the suction sensor.

[0027] According to some examples, the puff sensor may include a pressure sensor for detecting pressure changes during a user's puff.

[0028] It will be appreciated that the features and aspects of the invention described above with respect to the first and other aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be appropriately combined with, the embodiments of the invention according to its other aspects, and not just in the specific combinations described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an aerosol supply system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the portion marked "A" in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system taken along line I shown in FIG;

[0033] Figure 4 Some other embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the portion marked "A" in FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system taken along line III shown in FIG;

[0035] Figure 6 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the portion marked "A" in FIG.

[0036] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system taken along line IV shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 8 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system taken along line II shown in FIG;

[0038] Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 Is a Figure 8 Schematic cross-sectional view of a first channel portion of an alternative geometry;

[0039] Figures 12a to 12c Schematic stereoscopic 3D views of a second channel portion, a first channel portion, and a cover portion, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 13a and Figure 13b Shown are the assembled Figure 12a The second channel portion and Figure 12b Schematic stereoscopic 3D view of the first channel section and the assembled Figure 12a The second channel part, Figure 12b The first channel portion and Figure 12c a schematic stereoscopic 3D view of the cover portion of ; and

[0041] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked "A" in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

[0043] As used herein, the term "supply system" (which may also sometimes be referred to as "delivery system") is intended to encompass systems that deliver / provide at least one substance to a user when in use, and includes non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the aerosol-generating materials, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products and hybrid systems to generate aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.

[0044] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0045] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol delivery system, such as a powered non-flammable aerosol delivery system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporizer or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not required. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a system for heating the aerosol-generating material, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol delivery system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosol-generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol-generating material can, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, and / or amorphous solid, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system can, for example, include a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material can, for example, include tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0047] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable that includes an aerosol generating material and is configured for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. Throughout the disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles, cartridges, or atomizer cartridges, and these terms should be understood herein as being interchangeable. The term "consumable" reflects that the component includes materials that are consumed during use. The consumable can be completely disposable and discarded as a whole after the consumable material in the consumable has been consumed, or in other cases, the consumable material can be replenished after the consumable material has been consumed, and the consumable is retained for further use.

[0048] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system (such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof) may include a power source and a controller.

[0049] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system can include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device can include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage region, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorants, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0051] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered can include an active substance. As used herein, the active substance can be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance physiological reactions. The active substance can, for example, be selected from a nutrient, a nootropic, and / or a psychoactive substance. The active substance can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, cannabinoids, or a composition, derivative, or combination thereof. The active substance can include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant.

[0052] As described herein, the active substance may include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes. As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. 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, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound naturally occurring in a plant, which is obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc.

[0053] Exemplary plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (such as green or black tea), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, Lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, wintergreen, basil, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, damson, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guana tea, chlorophyll, baobab, or any combination thereof. The mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint cultivar, Egyptian mint, peppermint, mint cultivar, peppermint cultivar, spearmint, heartleaf spearmint, longleaf mint, pineapple mint, lip calyx mint, mint cultivar, and apple mint.

[0054] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, and cannabis. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants, or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from rooibos and fennel.

[0055] As described above, in some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring. As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavoring" refer to materials that can be used to produce the taste, fragrance or other somatic sensations desired by adult consumers in products, where permitted by local regulations. It can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grape Durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Durling, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, mint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter bean peel, 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, cilantro, coffee, mint oil from any species of the mint family, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, yerba mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, mace, dami The present invention also provides a kind of beverage that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as skin inflammation, rash ...

[0056] In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises a flavoring component of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises a flavoring component extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavoring comprises a flavoring component extracted from.

[0057] In some embodiments, in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, flavoring agents may include sensates intended to achieve somatic sensations typically chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0058] An aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when heated, irradiated or excited in any other way, for example. The aerosol generating material may be in the form of a solid, a liquid, a gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may comprise an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "monolithic solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, comprise from about 50 wt%, 60 wt% or 70 wt% amorphous solid to about 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 100 wt% amorphous solid.

[0059] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0060] The aerosol-forming material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetyl glycerols, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0061] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer, and / or an antioxidant.

[0062] The material may be present on or within a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may, for example, be or include paper, cardboard, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0063] Therefore, consumables are products comprising or consisting of an aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. Consumables may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material conveying component (e.g., a wicking element), an aerosol-generating area, a housing, a wrapping paper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat in use so that the aerosol-generating material generates an aerosol. For example, the heater may include a material or a susceptor that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0064] A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration of a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor can be a conductive material, so that penetration of the varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heated material. The heated material can be a magnetic material, so that penetration of the varying magnetic field causes hysteresis heating of the heated material. The susceptor can be both conductive and magnetic, allowing it to be heated by both heating mechanisms. Herein, a device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator.

[0065] An aerosol modifier is a substance typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region that is configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavoring, acidity, or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier can be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component 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 colorant, 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 particles. The aerosol modifier can be free of filter material.

[0066] An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased or decreased pressure, or electrostatic energy. As is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms (such as "evaporation", "atomization" and "aerosolization") are generally used interchangeably.

[0067] Aerosol delivery systems typically (though not always) comprise a modular assembly comprising a reusable device portion and a replaceable (disposable / consumable) cartridge portion. For systems with liquid aerosol-generating material, the consumable / cartridge will sometimes comprise a reservoir of liquid aerosol-generating material and an aerosol generator (although in other examples the aerosol generator may be in the device), and for systems with solid aerosol-generating material, the consumable / cartridge will sometimes comprise a cigarette-like tobacco rod heated by a heater (aerosol generator) in the device (although in other examples the aerosol generator may be at least partially in the consumable, such as in the form of a susceptor (heating element) in the tobacco rod).

[0068] If the consumable includes an aerosol-generating material and a vaporizer / atomizer / aerosol generator, it may sometimes be referred to as a "mist cartridge". The reusable device portion may include a power source (e.g., a rechargeable power source) and a control circuit. It should be understood that these different parts may include additional elements depending on the function. For example, the reusable device portion will typically include a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operating status characteristics, and the replaceable consumable device portion may include a temperature sensor for helping to control temperature in some cases. The consumable is typically electrically coupled and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use using, for example, a thread, a bayonet, or a magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts, but in other examples, the consumable may not include a mechanical coupling (e.g., it may simply be located in a predetermined position for use, such as for tobacco stick consumables) and / or may not include an electrical coupling (e.g., electricity may be transmitted wirelessly, such as by induction heating or by heat conduction, or the aerosol generator may not be electric, or it may be located in the reusable device portion). When the aerosol generating material in the consumables is exhausted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different consumable with a different aerosol generating material, the consumable can be removed from the reusable part (device) and the replacement consumable (smoke cartridge) is attached in place. Systems that conform to this type of two-piece modular configuration can generally be referred to as "two-piece" systems. The aerosol supply system can alternatively include a single unit that does not include a consumable part and a separate reusable device part that is configured to be detachably connected together by the user. Such an aerosol supply system can be referred to as a "single-piece" aerosol supply system or device. In such a system / device that is discarded without refilling or recharging the device after the power supply in the battery and / or the supply of aerosol generating material supplied with the system / device is exhausted, the components including the reservoir of aerosol generating material, the aerosol generator, the power supply (e.g., battery) and the control circuit can all be contained within a single housing. Such an aerosol supply system or device can be referred to as "disposable".

[0069] Electronic cigarettes typically have a generally elongated shape. To provide a specific example, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be considered to include such a generally elongated two-piece system employing disposable consumables. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equally applicable to different configurations, such as a one-piece system or a modular system comprising more than two parts, a refillable device and a single-use disposable product, and other overall shapes, such as a so-called box-shaped high-performance device based on a box-shaped design. More generally, it should be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on an aerosol supply system that is operatively configured to provide new functionality according to the principles described herein, and that other structural aspects of the system are configured to provide new functionality that is not particularly important.

[0070] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken through an exemplary aerosol supply system 100 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 includes two main components, namely, a device portion 2 and a consumable portion 4. The device portion 2 may also be referred to alternatively as a reusable portion / control unit / aerosol supply device, etc., and the consumable portion 4 may also be referred to alternatively as a replaceable portion / disposable portion / cartridge / atomizer cartridge, etc. The device portion 2 and the consumable portion 4 together may be referred to as a system (e.g., an aerosol supply system / aerosol delivery system). The fact that this example is a two-piece device is not itself directly important for the function of the system as further described herein.

[0071] In normal use, the device 2 and the consumable 4 are releasably coupled together at the interface 6. When the consumable is exhausted, or the user simply wishes to switch to a different consumable, the consumable can be removed from the device and a replacement consumable attached to the device in its appropriate position. The interface 6 provides a structural connection, an electrical connection, and an air path connection between the two parts, and can be established in accordance with conventional techniques, such as threads, latching mechanisms, magnetic, friction, or bayonet fixation based on appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings that appropriately establish an electrical connection and an air flow path between the two parts. The specific manner in which the consumable 4 is coupled to the device 2 is not important to the principles described herein, but for the sake of concrete example, it is assumed here that a resilient latching mechanism is included, for example, a portion of the consumable is engaged by cooperating latching elements ( Figure 1 The device (not shown) is received in a corresponding receiving portion in the device. It should also be understood that in some implementations, the interface 6 may not support electrical connection between the corresponding parts. For example, in some implementations, the vaporizer may be provided by the device rather than in the consumable, or the power transmission from the device to the consumable may be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction), so that no electrical connection between the device and the consumable is required.

[0072] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the consumables 4 may be generally conventional. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the consumable 4 includes a consumable housing 42 formed from a plastic material. The consumable housing 42 supports the other components of the consumable and provides a mechanical interface 6 with the device 2. In this example, the consumable housing is generally circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the consumable is coupled to the device 2. In this example, the consumable has a length of approximately 4 cm and a diameter of approximately 2 cm. However, it should be understood that the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shape and materials used, may vary in different implementations.

[0073] A reservoir 44 is provided within the consumable housing 42, which contains a liquid aerosol generating material (vapor precursor material). The liquid aerosol generating material may be conventional and may be referred to as an e-liquid. In this example, the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape having an outer wall defined by the consumable housing 42 and an inner wall 58 defining an airflow path 52 through the consumable 4. The reservoir 44 is closed at each end with an end wall to accommodate the e-liquid. The reservoir 44 may be formed according to conventional techniques, for example, it may comprise a plastic material and be integrally molded with the consumable housing 42.

[0074] The consumable 4 also includes a wick 46 and an aerosol generator (vaporizer) 48 in the form of a heater, which in this example is positioned near the end of the reservoir 44 opposite the mouthpiece outlet 50. In this example, the wick 46 extends laterally across the consumable airflow path 52, with its end extending into the e-liquid reservoir 44 through an opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. The size of the opening in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 is set to substantially match the size of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal to prevent leakage from the liquid reservoir into the consumable airflow path without over-compressing the wick, which may be detrimental to its fluid delivery performance.

[0075] The core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the consumable airflow path 52 so that the area of ​​the consumable airflow path 52 around the core 46 and the aerosol generator 48 actually defines an aerosol generating area or evaporation area for the consumable. The electronic liquid in the reservoir 44 penetrates the core 46 through the end of the core extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the core by surface tension / capillary action (i.e., wicking). In this example, the aerosol generator 48 includes a resistive wire wrapped around the core 46. In this example, the aerosol generator 48 includes a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the core 46 includes a glass fiber bundle, but it should be understood that the specific aerosol generator construction is not important to the principles described herein. For example, in some cases, the aerosol generator may include a resistive heater track that is deposited on a porous ceramic block that is fluidly connected to the reservoir of liquid aerosol generating material.

[0076] In use, for example in response to detecting a user puff, power may be selectively supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporize a quantity of e-liquid (aerosol-generating material) drawn into proximity with the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. The vaporized e-liquid may then be entrained in air drawn from the vaporization region and expelled from the mouthpiece outlet 50 along the consumable airflow path for puffing by the user.

[0077] The rate at which the aerosol-generating material is vaporized by the aerosol generator (heater) 48 will depend on (among other things) the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48 during use. Thus, power can be applied to the aerosol generator to selectively generate vapor from the aerosol-generating material in the consumable 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be varied by varying the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example, through pulse width and / or frequency modulation techniques.

[0078] The device 2 includes an outer housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the system, a battery 26 for providing operating power, control circuitry 20 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the system, user input buttons 14, a puff sensor (inhalation detector) 16 (which in this example comprises a pressure sensor 16 located in a pressure sensor housing 18), and a visual display 24. The pressure sensor is configured to detect changes in pressure during a user's puff.

[0079] The outer housing 12 can be made of, for example, a plastic or metal material and, in this example, has a circular cross-sectional area that generally conforms to the shape and size of the consumable 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6. In this example, the device has a length of approximately 6 cm, so when the consumable and the device are coupled together, the total length of the system is approximately 10 cm. However, and as already noted, it should be understood that the overall shape and size of the device implementing embodiments of the present disclosure are not critical to the principles described herein.

[0080] The air inlet 28 is connected to the air flow path 30 through the device 2 and allows air to enter the device 2 during use. When the device 2 and the consumable 4 are connected together, the device air flow path 30 is in turn connected to the consumable air flow path 52 at the interface 6. The pressure sensor housing 18, which houses the pressure sensor 16, is in fluid communication with the air flow path 30 in the device 2 (i.e., the pressure sensor housing 18 is located on a branch of the air flow path 30 in the device 2). Therefore, when a user draws on the mouthpiece opening 50, there is a pressure drop in the pressure sensor housing 18 that is detectable by the pressure sensor 16, and in addition, air is drawn through the air inlet 28, along the device air flow path 30, across the interface 6, through the vapor generation region near the aerosol generator 48 (in which aerosol generation region, when the aerosol generator is operating, vaporized aerosol-generating material is entrained in the air flow), along the consumable air flow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for the user to draw.

[0081] In this example, battery 26 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as that commonly used in systems and other applications requiring the supply of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time. In some implementations, device 2 can include a charging circuit for recharging a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery. The charging circuit and the puff sensor can be disposed on a common circuit board assembly (PCB) 31. The charging circuit can be recharged via a charging connector 22 (e.g., a USB connector) in device housing 12.

[0082] In some implementations, the air inlet 28 and the puff sensor 16 can be spaced apart within the device 2. For example, the air inlet 28 and the puff sensor 16 can be positioned near opposite ends of the aerosol supply device 2, that is, they can be located on opposite sides of the midpoint along the length of the device / in different halves of the device. In other words, the air inlet can be closer to the end of the aerosol device that is coupled to the consumable 4 than the other end, while the puff sensor can be farther away from the end of the aerosol device that is coupled to the consumable 4 than the other end. In some examples, the aerosol supply device 2 can include a circuit for connecting an external power source ( Figure 1The aerosol supply device 2 is connected to an electrical connection port or charging connector 22 (not shown) of the aerosol supply device 2. In these examples, the electrical connection port may be located near the same end of the aerosol supply device 2 as the puff sensor 16.

[0083] In this example, the user input button 14 is a conventional mechanical button, for example, comprising a spring-mounted component that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this respect, the input button can be considered a terminal device that provides a manual input mechanism, but the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, in other implementations, different forms of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) can be used. The specific manner in which the button is implemented can be selected, for example, based on a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0084] A display 24 is provided to give the user a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the system, such as current power setting information, remaining battery power, etc. The display can be implemented in a variety of ways. In this example, the display 24 includes a conventional pixelated LCD screen that can be driven to display the desired information according to conventional techniques. In other implementations, the display may include one or more discrete indicators, such as LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example, by a particular color and / or flashing sequence. More generally, the manner in which the display is provided and used to display information to the user is not important to the principles described herein. Some embodiments may not include a visual display and may include other devices for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the system to the user, for example using audio signaling or tactile feedback, or may not include any devices for providing information related to the operating characteristics of the system to the user.

[0085] The control circuit 20 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the system in accordance with established techniques for controlling such devices. The control circuit (processor circuit) 20 can be considered to logically include various subunits / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the system operation in accordance with the principles described herein, as well as other conventional operating aspects of the system, such as display driver circuitry and user input detection. It will be appreciated that the functionality of the control circuit 20 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chip sets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0086] The control circuit 20 is configured to receive signaling from the puff sensor 16 and use this signaling to determine whether the user has taken a puff on the system and to control the operation of the device 2, for example, to power the aerosol generator accordingly. This aspect of the operation of the system (i.e., the processing of the signal from the puff sensor 16) can be performed in accordance with established techniques.

[0087] although Figure 1 The example of the aerosol supply system 100 is a two-piece system, but in other embodiments, the aerosol supply system 100 may include a single-piece device, wherein the power supply, control circuitry, atomizer cartridge / aerosol generator, and aerosol-generating material may be provided in a single housing. It should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure not related to the interface between the reusable device portion 2 and the consumable portion 4 are equally applicable to the single-piece device embodiment.

[0088] It should be understood that in Figure 1 In the two-piece device shown in the example of , the aerosol generator can be located in the device portion 2 or the consumable portion 4. For example, the aerosol generator (e.g., a heater) can be located in the reusable device portion and be in proximity to a portion of the aerosol generating material in the consumable portion when the consumable is engaged with the reusable device portion. In some examples, the aerosol generator can actually be divided into the device portion and the consumable portion. For example, the aerosol generator can include an inductive drive coil in the device portion that is configured to electromagnetically couple with a susceptor (heating element) within the consumable.

[0089] As mentioned above, the reusable device portion 2 includes a puff sensor 16 that is electrically connected to the control circuit 20. The puff sensor 16 may be referred to as an "inhalation sensor" because the puff sensor 16 is used to detect when a user inhales on the system.

[0090] In some embodiments, the puff sensor can include a switch located in the electrical path that provides power from the battery 26 to the aerosol generator 48. In such embodiments, the puff sensor 16 typically includes a pressure sensor that is configured to close a switch when subjected to a specific level of pressure or a change in the pressure level. Therefore, if the pressure near the puff sensor 16 drops below a threshold, or the downward change in pressure exceeds a threshold within a given time, current can be supplied from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48, depending on the specific implementation of the processing of the puff sensor signaling. In any case, a suitable threshold value can be determined empirically during the design phase of the system to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the start of the user's inhalation. In other embodiments, rather than using a simple switch, the control circuit 20 can be arranged to control the power supply from the power supply 26 to the aerosol generator 48 so that the amount of power depends on the signal received by the control circuit 20 from the puff sensor 16. However, as described above, the specific manner in which the control circuit 20 uses the signal output from the puff sensor 16 (which may include a measurement of the capacitance, resistance or other characteristics of the puff sensor, depending on its underlying technology) to control the supply of power from the battery 26 to the aerosol generator 48 may be performed according to any method known to those skilled in the art.

[0091] exist Figure 1 In the example shown in , the puff sensor 16 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31, as further described herein, but this may not be the case in other examples. The puff sensor 16 may include any sensor capable of detecting when a user puffs on the system, for example, the puff sensor 16 may be a pressure sensor or a transducer (e.g., a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), and may be a combined temperature and pressure sensor. In this example, the puff sensor 16 is a microphone-type puff sensor (e.g., an electret-type microphone) that is sensitive to changes in air pressure. The puff sensor 16 is located within the pressure sensor housing 18, and as described above, in this example, the puff sensor 16 is mounted to the PCB 31, and the PCB 31 actually comprises a wall of the sensor housing 18.

[0092] for Figure 1 Aerosol delivery systems of the type shown in may impose constraints on the placement of components within the system, for example due to a desire to achieve a particular external profile or a desire to simplify construction. Thus, it is possible that the puff sensor 16 may need to be located away from the air inlet 28, such that a dedicated channel is required to provide fluid communication between the puff sensor and the air inlet 28 so that the puff sensor 16 can respond to a pressure drop when a user puffs on the system.

[0093] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG, the puff sensor 16 and the charging connector 22 are mounted to a common printed circuit board 31, but the charging connector 22 is not adjacent to the air inlet 28. Therefore, the puff sensor 16 is spaced apart from the air inlet 28, and an air passage 60 is provided to provide fluid communication between the puff sensor 16 and the air inlet 28.

[0094] The channel 60 is at least partially defined by a first channel portion 62 and a second channel portion 64 held together to form the channel 60 as further described herein. By providing the channel as two separate parts, some limitations on the potential shape of the channel that may occur with one-piece molding may be overcome.

[0095] exist Figure 1In the example shown in FIG, the air inlet 28 is located approximately midway along the system 100, and is typically located near one end of the device 2. On the other hand, the puff sensor 16 is typically located near the other end of the device 2. A passageway 60 in the device 2 provides fluid communication between the sensor housing 18 (which houses the puff sensor 16) and the air inlet 28. Thus, a pressure drop in the airflow path 30 through the device 2 caused by a user puffing on the mouthpiece opening 50 is transmitted via the passageway 60 to the sensor housing 18 and detected by the puff sensor 16. Thus, the passageway 60 enables detection of a user's puff using the puff sensor 16 located in the device 2 away from (i.e., spaced apart from) the air inlet 28.

[0096] Figure 2 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked "A" in FIG. Figure 2 Only the portion of the reusable part 2 of the aerosol supply system 100 that is adjacent to the channel 60 is shown. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system 100 taken along line I shown in FIG.

[0097] As described above, the channel 60 includes a first channel portion 62 and a second channel portion 64. The first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 meet at an interface 65, which extends in the same direction as the channel, and the two portions are held together at this interface to form the channel 60. It has been recognized that by providing the channel 60 as two separate parts, manufacturing complexity can be reduced and the design freedom of the channel 60, and therefore the design freedom of the aerosol supply device 2, can be increased, for example, in terms of the path that the channel 60 follows within the device 2. In some implementations, the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 can be releasably connected to each other, for example to facilitate cleaning, repair, or replacement of the channel portions 62, 64.

[0098] The first channel portion 62 is shaped to define an open channel (ie, open on one side) extending in the direction of the channel 60. Figure 3 As can be seen, the cross-section of the first channel portion 62 can be generally U-shaped (the U-shape is inverted in this orientation). Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the first channel portion 62 can be considered to form an inverted groove extending along the channel 60. The first channel portion 62 can be made of a resilient (i.e., compressible) material and, in this example, is formed of silicone, although other resilient materials can be used in other examples.

[0099] The second channel portion 64 is made of a plastic material and, in this sense, has different stiffnesses than the first channel portion 62, wherein in this example, the first channel portion 62 has a lower stiffness than the second channel portion 64. The second channel portion 64 includes a substantially planar surface extending in the same direction as the channel 60. The first and second side walls 67 are integrally formed with the second channel portion 64 so that they extend away from the substantially planar surface of the second channel portion 64 to form a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the first channel portion 62, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 What I see.

[0100] Therefore, when the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 are assembled together, and as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, the generally planar surface of the second channel portion 64 meets the first channel portion 62 at an interface 65 to seal the open side of the open channel provided by the first channel portion 62, thereby forming a closed channel 60.

[0101] In this example, the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 are held together at least in part by an interference fit caused by friction between the outer wall of the first channel portion 62 and the sidewalls 67. The friction fit can be enhanced by the resiliency of the first channel portion 62. For example, the first and second sidewalls 67 can be separated by a distance less than the width of the first channel portion 62, so that when the resilient first channel portion 62 is inserted into the space between the sidewalls 67, it will be in slight compression, thereby providing increased friction. In some cases, the first channel portion 62 can be provided with ribs 63 to enhance the interference fit between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64. If the ribs 63 are continuous, they can also help provide an airtight seal between the first channel portion 62 and the sidewalls 67 to help seal the channel 60 relative to the interior of the device 2. More generally, at least one of the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 may include at least one rib 63 that is arranged to facilitate an interference fit between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64, and the at least one rib 63 may include a series of protrusions extending at least partially around the periphery (e.g., along the side) of the first channel portion 62 and / or the second channel portion 64.

[0102] like Figure 363, the first channel portion 62 is provided with a protrusion 61 along each of its edges, which rest on top of the corresponding sidewall 67. This can help maintain the first channel portion 62 in a desired position relative to the second channel portion 64, and can also help provide an airtight seal for the channel 60. In fact, in some cases, the airtight seal for the channel 60 may be provided primarily by the protrusions 61 and / or ribs 63, such that the interface 65 between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 does not itself form an airtight seal.

[0103] In other implementations, as discussed further below, the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 can be held together using a mechanical coupling, such as a snap-fit ​​coupling. This can replace or additionally provide an interference fit between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64. In still other examples, an adhesive can be used to hold the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 together. Again, this can replace or additionally provide an interference fit between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64, and can be used with or without a mechanical coupling.

[0104] exist Figure 2 In the example of FIG, the channel 60 is generally L-shaped in the plane of the figure. The first end portion ( Figure 2 The rightmost end of the channel 60 forms a chamber 70 shaped to receive the sensor housing 18 . Figure 2 The leftmost portion of the second passage portion 64 is coupled to a nozzle portion 68 that opens through the device to the airflow path 30 so that pressure changes at the air inlet 28 are communicated via the nozzle portion 68 to the passage 60 and ultimately to the puff sensor 16. The nozzle portion 68 and the second passage portion 64 may in some cases be integrally formed.

[0105] As described above, the first channel portion 62 is made of a resilient material that helps form a substantially airtight seal when the two channel portions 62, 64 are held together to form the channel 60. It should be understood that in some examples, the second channel portion 64 may instead or additionally be made of a resilient material to help form a seal between the two channel portions 62, 64 at their interface 65.

[0106] In some implementations, the end of the first channel portion 62 shaped to receive the sensor housing 18 can be configured to include ribs 69 along the inner wall of the chamber 70. Thus, the resilient ribs 69 can help provide a sealed interference fit between the channel 60 and the sensor housing 18.

[0107] Figure 4 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1An enlarged schematic diagram of the portion marked "A" in FIG. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system 100 taken along line III shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Elements and features of the arrangement shown in FIG are identified with corresponding reference numerals and are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity. The elements and features of the arrangement are functionally equivalent to those of FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Corresponding elements and features of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are similar and can be understood therefrom.

[0108] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the arrangement shown in , the aerosol supply device includes a cover portion 66 that mechanically engages with a side wall 67 of the second channel portion 64, in this example using snap-fit ​​latches / tabs, to help hold together the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64. Thus, when the cover portion 66 engages with the side wall 67, the first channel portion is effectively sandwiched between the cover portion 66 and the second channel portion 64. The mechanical coupling between the cover portion 66 and the side wall 67 can be a releasable coupling so that the cover portion 66 can be easily separated from the first channel portion 62, and so the first channel portion 62 can be easily separated from the first channel portion, for example to facilitate cleaning, repair or replacement of the channel portions 62, 64 or the cover portion 66.

[0109] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in , the cover portion 66 includes a face portion 71 with tabs 73 extending orthogonally from two opposing edges of the face portion 71. The spacing of the tabs 73 matches the spacing of the side walls 67 of the second channel portion 64 so that the planar tabs 73 are aligned with the outer surfaces of the side walls 67, respectively. Latch elements 74 are provided on the side walls 67, which are shaped to engage corresponding latch elements 72 on the planar tabs 73. The latch elements 72, 74 may include any geometric shape known to those skilled in the art, for example, an arrangement having lugs on one of the side walls 67 or the cover portion 66 that lock into matching recesses on the other of the side walls 67 or the cover portion 66. For the sake of a specific example, in Figure 5 6, a latching element 72 comprising a lug is shown on the outer surface of the side wall 67 into which a latching element 74 comprising a slot on the cover portion 66 can engage. More than one pair of latching elements 72, 74 can be provided on the side wall 67 and tab 73 along the direction of the channel 60 to provide additional engagement and pressure at the interface 65 between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64. In some implementations, the cover portion 66 and the first channel portion 62 can be formed integrally to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process.

[0110] Figure 6 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the portion marked "A" in FIG. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system 100 taken along line IV shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Elements and features of the arrangement shown in FIG are identified with corresponding reference numerals and are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity. The elements and features of the arrangement are functionally equivalent to those of FIG. Figures 2 to 5 Corresponding elements and features of the apparatus shown in are similar and can be understood therefrom. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the construction, the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 have interlocking features that cooperate with each other, which can be used instead of using an interference fit and / or a cover portion 66, or in addition to using an interference fit or a cover portion, to hold the two channel portions 62, 64 together.

[0111] Therefore, if Figure 7 As shown in the example of FIG, the second channel portion 64 similarly has first and second sidewalls 167 extending from a generally planar portion to the second channel portion 64 to form an open channel. However, in this example, the sidewalls 167 do not form a space for receiving the first channel portion 62, but rather serve as walls for the channel 60, with the first channel portion 62 positioned atop the sidewalls 167 so that an airtight seal is formed at the interface 165 between the two channel portions 62, 64. The sidewalls 167 are provided with rims 75 extending outwardly therefrom. The first channel portion 62 is also made of a resilient material and has a generally C-shape formed by a planar upper surface 76 and a lip 77 along each edge. The lip is arranged to clamp onto the rims 75 of the sidewalls 167, thereby holding the two channel portions 62, 64 together. When the first channel portion 62 is joined with the second channel portion 64 in this manner, the channel 60 is formed.

[0112] Figure 8 Shown along some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the channel arrangement of the aerosol supply system 100 taken along line II shown in FIG. Figure 8 In the cross section of FIG, the channel 60 provided by the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 follows a straight path. As described above, using the disclosed method of forming a channel from two channel portions, channels of this shape and other more complex shapes can be easily manufactured.

[0113] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first channel portion 62 is shown, with Figure 8 Compared to the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG, the first channel portion has an alternative and more complex shape. Specifically, the channel 60 provided by the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 follows a path with a right-angle bend 78 to form a generally L-shaped channel. For example, in some implementations, this may be desirable so that the channel 60 can be routed around other components in the device, and the method of forming the channel from two separate channel portions allows this to be achieved in a simple and easily manufactured manner.

[0114] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first channel portion 62 is shown, with Figure 8 Compared to the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG, the first channel portion has an alternative and more complex shape. Specifically, the channel 60 provided by the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 follows a path having two right-angle bends 78 to form an overall tortuous shape. In some implementations, this may also be desirable so that the channel 60 can be routed around other components in the device, and as already noted, the method of forming the channel from two separate channel portions allows this to be achieved in a simple and easily manufactured manner.

[0115] Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of the first channel portion 62 is shown, with Figure 8 Compared to the schematic cross-sectional view of , the first channel portion has an alternative and more complex shape. Figure 11 The example includes turns and Figure 10 The example of is somewhat similar, but here the turn 79 is more gradual than a right angle. Once again, this may also be desirable to allow the channel 60 to be routed around other components in the device 2.

[0116] Although various arrangements have been discussed above in conjunction with various schematic cross-sectional views, Figures 12a to 12c as well as Figure 13a and Figure 13b Stereoscopic 3D views of certain components are schematically shown to further assist in understanding the relationships between the components.

[0117] therefore, Figure 12a An example of a second channel portion 64 is shown, Figure 12b An example of a first channel portion 62 is shown, and Figure 12c An example of a cover portion 66 is shown. Figure 13a Shown assembled Figure 12a The second channel portion 64 and Figure 12b The first channel portion 62, and Figure 13b Shown assembled Figure 12aThe second channel portion 64 and Figure 12b The first channel portion 62, and wherein Figure 12c The cover portion 66 is in place.

[0118] An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user from an aerosol-generating material is also described, the aerosol supply device comprising: an air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol supply device during use; a puff sensor for detecting a puff by the user; and a channel defined within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the air inlet and the puff sensor, wherein the channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion held together to form the channel in combination with an aerosol-forming substrate.

[0119] Although the above description primarily focuses on configurations in which a channel extends between the suction sensor and an air hole for allowing air to enter the device (i.e., the air inlet of the device), in other examples, such as those discussed below, the channel extends between the suction sensor and an air hole for allowing air to leave the device (i.e., the air outlet of the device).

[0120] Figure 14 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked "A" in FIG. Figure 14 Elements and features of the apparatus shown in FIG are identified with corresponding reference numerals and are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity, and are functionally equivalent to those of the apparatus shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 7 Corresponding elements and features of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are similar and can be understood therefrom.

[0121] exist Figure 14 In the configuration of , the air inlet 128 is arranged at the end of the aerosol supply 2 opposite the consumable 4, ie relatively closer to the puff sensor 16 than in the above-described example. Figure 14 In the example shown, the air inlet 128 is arranged at the end wall 134 of the second channel portion 64. The opening 132 is further arranged in the end of the first channel portion 62 at a position aligned with the air inlet 128 in the end wall 134 of the second channel portion 64. In some implementations, the air channel 60 can be connected to multiple inlets 128 at the end of the device 2. Therefore, the first channel portion 62 can have multiple openings 132 corresponding to the positions of the multiple inlets 128. This can increase the amount of airflow into the device 2 and make it easier for the user to draw on the system 100. In addition, multiple air inlets with smaller diameters are more beneficial than a single air inlet with a larger diameter because the small air inlet can act as a filter to prevent dust particles and contaminants from being drawn into the device 2, and particularly into the air channel 60.

[0122] When a user draws on the mouthpiece opening of the consumable 4, air is drawn into the device 2 via the air inlet 128, through the airflow path 30 (formed by the air inlet 128) comprising the channel 60 and the nozzle portion 68. Figure 14 ), and then exits the device 2 at the air hole 130. At the same time, the user draws on the suction, causing a pressure drop that can be detected by the suction sensor 16 located in the chamber 70.

[0123] although Figure 14 The air inlet 128 is shown disposed at the end of the device 2, but it should be understood that the air inlet 128 can be located anywhere along the air passage on the outer housing of the device. In such a case, the hole or opening can be configured to be located on the bottom wall of the second passage portion 64, or on the side walls of the first and second passage portions 62, 64.

[0124] Figure 15 Shows some other embodiments according to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of the area marked "A" in FIG. Figure 15 Elements and features of the arrangement shown in FIG are identified with corresponding reference numerals and are not discussed in detail for the sake of brevity, and are functionally equivalent to the elements and features of the arrangement shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 7 and Figure 14 Corresponding elements and features of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 are similar and can be understood therefrom.

[0125] exist Figure 15 In the example of FIG. 1 , the puff sensor 16 is arranged near an intermediate position between the air inlet 128 and the air hole 130. The first air channel 160 is arranged to connect the chamber 70 to the air inlet 128. In addition, the second air channel 161 is arranged to connect the chamber 70 to the consumable 4 via the air hole 130 in a manner similar to that of FIG. Figures 2 to 7 The air inlet 128 is arranged at the end of the device 2 opposite to the consumables part, for example at the end wall 134 of the second channel part 64.

[0126] according to Figures 2 to 7In the embodiment described in [ 1 ], first air channel 160 and second air channel 161 are formed by first channel portion 62 and second channel portion 64, respectively. Specifically, first channel portion 62 can have a substantially U-shaped cross-section in the region of channels 160 and 161, and second channel portion 64 can include a substantially planar surface. First channel portion 62 and second channel portion 64 are held together to form channels 160 and 161 by a mechanical connection, an adhesive, or a cover portion 66. In the event that air inlet 128 deviates from the longitudinal axis of nozzle portion 68 and, therefore, from second channel 161, an inclined first channel 160 can be configured to route the air path from air inlet 128 to second channel 161. For example, first channel 160 can be formed by assembling first channel portion 62 having an inclined opening channel and second channel portion 64 having a correspondingly inclined surface.

[0127] In some implementations, the first channel portion 62 can be provided with ribs 169 to enhance the interference fit between the first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 .

[0128] The first channel portion 62 and the second channel portion 64 may be held together by a mechanical connection, an adhesive, or a cover portion 66 over the first channel 161, as in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the channel portions 62 , 64 may be held together by a component, such as the charging port 22 , thereby pressing the first channel portion 62 against the second channel portion 64 over the area of ​​the second channel 160 .

[0129] In some implementations, the first channel 160 can be connected to the plurality of inlets 128 at the end of the device 2 to increase airflow during a user's puff. Additionally, the smaller diameter air inlets 128 can act as a filter to prevent dust particles and contaminants from being drawn into the device 2 (and particularly the air channels 160, 161).

[0130] When a user draws on the mouthpiece opening of the consumable 4, air enters the device 2 via the air inlet 128, passes through the airflow path 30 (composed of the first channel 160, the second channel 161 and the nozzle portion 68), and Figure 15 ), and then exits the device 2 at the air hole 130. At the same time, air is drawn from the chamber 70 into the second channel 161, causing a pressure drop that can be detected by the suction sensor 16 located within the chamber 70.

[0131] In some aspects, in addition to the relatively long air path between the air inlet 128 and the chamber 70 of the puff sensor 16, Figure 15 The layout and Figure 14However, the relatively long air path between the air inlet 128 and the chamber 70 does not affect the passage 161 between the puff sensor 16 and the air hole 130 (i.e., the air outlet of the device) as described above. Figures 1 to 14 The manner in which the principles discussed are arranged.

[0132] Thus, an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user has been described, the aerosol supply device comprising: an pore for allowing air to enter or leave the aerosol supply device during use; a puff sensor for detecting a puff by the user; and a channel defined within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the pore and the puff sensor, wherein the channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion held together to form the channel.

[0133] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative samples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, the various embodiments of the present invention may appropriately include appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, components, etc., be composed of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, components, etc., or be substantially composed of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, components, etc. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. The delivery system described herein can be implemented as a flammable aerosol supply system, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, or an aerosol-free delivery system.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material for inhalation by a user, the aerosol supply device comprising: an air hole for allowing air to enter or leave the aerosol supply device during use; a puff sensor for detecting a user's puff; as well as A channel is defined within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the air hole and the puff sensor, wherein the channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion held together to form the channel.

2. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1, wherein The first channel portion and the second channel portion meet at an interface extending in the same direction as the channel.

3. The aerosol supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first channel portion extends in the same direction as the channel and has the form of a channel that is open on one side.

4. The aerosol supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The first channel portion is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

5. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second channel portion extends in the same direction as the channel and includes a substantially planar surface.

6. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least one of the first channel portion and the second channel portion comprises an elastic material.

7. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The first channel portion and the second channel portion have different stiffnesses.

8. The aerosol supply device according to claim 7, wherein: The first channel portion has a lower stiffness than the second channel portion.

9. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first channel portion and the second channel portion are held together using a mechanical coupling.

10. The aerosol supply device according to claim 9, wherein: The mechanical connection is a snap-fit ​​connection.

11. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first channel portion and the second channel portion are releasably connected to each other.

12. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: At least one of the first channel portion and the second channel portion has at least one rib arranged to facilitate an interference fit between the first channel portion and the second channel portion.

13. The aerosol supply device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one rib comprises a series of protrusions extending at least partially around the periphery of the first channel portion and / or the second channel portion.

14. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The first channel portion and the second channel portion are held together using an adhesive.

15. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a first side wall and a second side wall extending away from the second channel portion, and the first side wall and the second side wall are arranged to accommodate at least a portion of the first channel portion between the first side wall and the second side wall.

16. The aerosol supply device according to claim 15, wherein: The first side wall, the second side wall and the second channel portion are integrally formed.

17. An aerosol supply device according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a cover portion arranged to engage with the first side wall and the second side wall to thereby hold the first channel portion and the second channel portion together.

18. The aerosol supply device according to claim 17, wherein: The cover portion is arranged to engage with the first side wall and the second side wall using a mechanical coupling.

19. The aerosol supply device according to claim 18, wherein: The cover portion is arranged to engage with the first and second side walls using a snap-fit ​​coupling.

20. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The cover portion and the first channel portion are formed integrally.

21. The aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: The air hole and the puff sensor are respectively positioned near two opposite ends of the aerosol supply device.

22. The aerosol supply device according to claim 21, further comprising an interface for coupling with an article comprising the aerosol generating material, wherein The interface is located proximate the same end of the aerosol supply device as the air hole.

23. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein: The channel is arranged to provide a sealed interface with the puff sensor.

24. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein: The puff sensor includes a pressure sensor for detecting pressure changes during a user's puff.

25. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein: The air hole is an air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol supply device.

26. An aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein: The air hole is an air outlet for letting air leave the aerosol supply device.

27. An aerosol supply system comprising an aerosol supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 26 and comprising an aerosol generating material.

28. A method of manufacturing an aerosol supply device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material for inhalation by a user, the method comprising: providing an air hole for allowing air to enter or leave the aerosol supply device during use; providing a puff sensor, the puff sensor being used to detect a user's puff; as well as A first channel portion is coupled to a second channel portion to define a channel within the aerosol supply device to provide fluid communication between the air hole and the puff sensor.

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