Aerosol-generating device with sealed compartment

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (12) is provided that includes a housing (14) defining at least one interior compartment (16), where the housing (14) is waterproof. The aerosol-generating device (12) further includes a power source (18), an electric heater (32), and a haptic feedback device (26), each positioned within the at least one internal compartment (16).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Aerosol Generating Apparatus with Sealed Chamber", with an international filing date of December 14, 2016, international application number PCT / EP2016 / 081057, and national application number 201680073242.0. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an aerosol generating device including a waterproof housing and an aerosol generating system including said aerosol generating device. This invention is particularly suitable for use as an electrically operated smoking device. Background Technology

[0003] One type of aerosol generation system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically include an aerosol generation device comprising a battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol generation article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generation device. In some instances, the aerosol generation article includes an aerosol generation matrix, such as a tobacco stick or tobacco plug, and when the aerosol generation article is inserted into the aerosol generation device, a heater contained within the aerosol generation device is inserted into or surrounds the aerosol generation matrix. In alternative electrically operated smoking systems, the aerosol generation article may include a capsule containing an aerosol generation matrix, such as loose tobacco.

[0004] Typically, aerosol generating devices can be used to generate multiple disposable or refillable aerosol products for reuse. Therefore, purchasing an aerosol generating device represents a larger consumer investment compared to purchasing a single aerosol product. Consequently, when comparing known aerosol generating devices, it is desirable to find one with improved reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising a housing defining at least one internal compartment, wherein the housing is waterproof. The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a power source, an electric heater, and a haptic feedback device, each positioned within the at least one internal compartment.

[0006] The term "waterproof" is used in this document to refer to a liquid ingress protection rating of at least 6 when measured according to IEC standard 60529. That is, a waterproof housing provides this level of protection against liquids entering the internal compartments.

[0007] Advantageously, the aerosol generating device according to the invention includes a haptic feedback device. The aerosol generating device includes a waterproof housing defining an internal compartment in which a power source or an electric heater, or both, is positioned. Compared to known aerosol generating devices, the waterproof housing advantageously improves the reliability of the aerosol generating device according to the invention by protecting the power source and heater from water immersion. The use of the haptic feedback device helps to waterproof the housing because the haptic feedback device can be completely sealed within the housing. This contrasts with known aerosol generating devices, which typically use at least one of light and a speaker to provide feedback to the user. Lights and speakers typically require at least one opening in the housing to facilitate sufficient transmission of light or sound through the housing to provide the desired feedback to the user, which prevents waterproofing of the housing.

[0008] The aerosol generating apparatus according to the invention may further include an input device located in at least one internal compartment. Providing the input device enables a user to control one or more functions of the aerosol generating apparatus. The input device enables the user to control at least one of the following: starting the electric heater, de-starting the electric heater, the duration of the heating cycle, electronic locking to prevent the starting of the electric heater, electronic unlocking to allow the starting of the electric heater, and combinations thereof. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to provide feedback to the user via a haptic feedback device in response to user input through the input device.

[0009] Advantageously, the input device is positioned within an internal compartment, ensuring that it does not compromise the housing's waterproofing. The input device may include at least one of a capacitive sensor, an electro-optic sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and combinations thereof. Such an input device facilitates its positioning within an internal compartment. This contrasts with push-button input devices used in known aerosol generating devices, which can prevent or compromise the housing's waterproofing. Typically, push-button input devices extend through apertures in the housing, providing a pathway for moisture or other contaminants to directly enter the housing.

[0010] In embodiments where the input device includes a capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor is preferably positioned on the inner surface of the housing. Positioning the capacitive sensor on the inner surface improves its sensitivity to stimuli from outside the housing. For example, positioning the capacitive sensor on the inner surface of the housing helps detect a user's finger when it is positioned close to or against the outer surface of the portion of the housing covering the capacitive sensor. The portion of the housing covering the capacitive sensor may have a reduced thickness compared to adjacent portions of the housing to optimize the sensitivity of the capacitive sensor. The housing may have one or more markings on its outer surface to indicate the location of the capacitive sensor.

[0011] In embodiments where the input device includes an electro-optic sensor, at least a portion of the housing is preferably substantially transmissive to at least one wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation that the electro-optic sensor is sensitive to.

[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the haptic feedback device may include at least one of an eccentric rotating mass motor, a linear resonant actuator, and a piezoelectric device. Advantageously, such haptic feedback devices can be relatively small and have relatively low power requirements, and are therefore particularly suitable for use in the aerosol generation apparatus according to the invention.

[0013] Preferably, the housing is hermetically sealed. The term "hermetically sealed" is used herein to refer to a liquid ingress protection level of at least 7 when measured according to IEC standard 60529. Advantageously, aerosol generating devices including hermetically sealed housings are resistant to water immersion without subjecting the power supply, haptic feedback device, electric heater, and any other electrical components located in at least one internal compartment to water immersion.

[0014] In any of the above embodiments, the electric heater may include at least one of a resistance heater and an inductive heater. Preferably, the electric heater is an inductive heater. Advantageously, an inductive heater positioned in at least one internal compartment can be operated to heat an aerosol-generating article positioned outside at least one internal compartment without significantly heating the housing or other components of the aerosol-generating device.

[0015] The aerosol generating apparatus may define a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generated article. Preferably, at least a portion of at least one internal compartment is external to at least a portion of said cavity. Preferably, the electric heater is an inductive heater external to at least a portion of said cavity. Preferably, the inductive heater has a substantially annular shape.

[0016] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further include a wireless data connector positioned within at least one internal compartment. Advantageously, the wireless data connector facilitates data communication between the aerosol generating device and an external device without compromising the waterproofness of the housing. The wireless data connector may be configured to transmit data from the aerosol generating device, receive data from an external device, or both transmit and receive data.

[0017] The wireless data connector can be configured to transmit operational data related to the use of the aerosol generating apparatus. For example, the operational data may include information related to at least one of the following: the number of times the electric heater is activated, the total duration of the electric heater's operation, the number and type of aerosol-generated articles used in the aerosol generating apparatus, and the remaining power in the power supply.

[0018] The wireless data connector can be configured to receive data related to software updates.

[0019] The wireless data connector can be configured to use at least one wireless protocol selected from near-field communication, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband for wireless communication.

[0020] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a data storage device. The data storage device may be configured to store operational data related to the use of the aerosol generating apparatus. The data storage device may be configured to store operational data before transmission via the wireless data connector. The data storage device may be configured to store data received by the wireless data connector. Preferably, the data storage device includes a flash memory data storage medium.

[0021] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further include a wireless power connector positioned within at least one internal compartment. Advantageously, the wireless power connector facilitates the transfer of electrical power between an external power source and the aerosol generating device without compromising the waterproofness of the housing. Preferably, the power source is rechargeable and the wireless power connector is configured to charge the power source using electrical power received inductively from the external power source. Preferably, the wireless power connector is an inductive charging coil.

[0022] The power source can be a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for one or more smoking experiences; for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow for the continuous generation of aerosols within a cycle of approximately six minutes (corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a regular cigarette) or within multiples of six minutes. In another instance, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activation of the electric heater.

[0023] In any of the above embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may further include a controller located in at least one internal compartment. The controller may be configured to control at least one of a power supply, a haptic feedback device, and an electric heater. If present, at least one of an input device, a wireless data connector, and a wireless power connector may be controlled by the controller.

[0024] The shell can be elongated. The shell may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0025] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length between approximately 30 mm and approximately 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter between approximately 5 mm and approximately 30 mm.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in any of the above embodiments, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation article and an aerosol generation apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0027] Aerosol-generating articles include aerosol-forming matrices heated during use by an electric heater of an aerosol-generating device.

[0028] An electric heater can indirectly heat the aerosol-forming matrix. The electric heater can be an inductive heater, and the aerosol-forming article may further include a sensor in thermal communication with the aerosol-forming matrix. During use, the sensor is heated by the inductive heater, and the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​heated by the sensor. The sensor may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming matrix by at least one of conductive heat transfer, convective heat transfer, radiative heat transfer, and combinations thereof.

[0029] The housing of the aerosol generating device can be defined as a cavity for receiving aerosol-generated products.

[0030] The aerosol-generating article may include a liquid storage portion and a liquid aerosol-forming matrix stored within the liquid storage portion. During use, an electric heater heats a small portion of the liquid aerosol-forming matrix to cause it to evaporate. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix preferably includes tobacco-containing material, which includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the liquid upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid aerosol-forming matrix may include non-tobacco materials. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix may contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. Preferably, the liquid aerosol-forming matrix further includes an aerosol-forming agent.

[0031] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of aerosols during use. Suitable aerosol forming agents are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-forming article. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0032] The aerosol generation system may further include a capillary wick in communication with a liquid storage portion. The capillary wick is arranged to contact a liquid aerosol forming matrix within the liquid storage portion. During use, the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​transferred from the liquid storage portion along the capillary wick by capillary action, wherein the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated by an electric heater. In embodiments where the electric heater includes an inductive heater, the aerosol generation system may further include a sensor. During use, the inductive heater heats the sensor, and the liquid aerosol forming matrix is ​​transferred from the liquid storage portion to the sensor through the capillary wick.

[0033] Aerosol-generating articles may include an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the matrix upon heating. The aerosol-forming matrix may also include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming matrix may include both tobacco-containing and tobacco-free materials.

[0034] The aerosol forming matrix may contain at least one aerosol forming agent. Suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono-, di-, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate.

[0035] Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, with glycerol being the most preferred.

[0036] The aerosol forming matrix may include a single aerosol forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol forming matrix may include a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents.

[0037] The aerosol forming matrix may have an aerosol forming agent content of more than 5% on a dry weight basis.

[0038] The aerosol forming matrix may have an aerosol forming agent content between about 5% and about 30% on a dry weight basis.

[0039] The aerosol forming matrix may have an aerosol forming agent content of approximately 20% by dry weight.

[0040] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming matrix, said aerosol-forming matrix comprising: a first aerosol-forming matrix including a nicotine source; and a second aerosol-forming matrix including an acid source. In use, an electric heater heats the first and second aerosol-forming matrices to cause the nicotine and acid to volatilize, causing the nicotine and acid to react together in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

[0041] Nicotine sources may include one or more of nicotine, nicotine bases, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine hydrochloride, nicotine tartrate, or nicotine ditartrate) or nicotine derivatives.

[0042] Nicotine sources can include natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

[0043] Nicotine sources may include pure nicotine, nicotine solutions in aqueous or non-aqueous solvents, or liquid tobacco extracts.

[0044] Nicotine sources may further include electrolyte-forming compounds. These electrolyte-forming compounds may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof.

[0045] For example, nicotine sources may include electrolyte-forming compounds selected from the group consisting of: potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium oxide, barium oxide, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, ammonium sulfate, and combinations thereof.

[0046] In some embodiments, the nicotine source may include an aqueous solution of nicotine, nicotine base, nicotine salt, or nicotine derivative and an electrolyte forming a compound.

[0047] Nicotine sources may further include other components, including but not limited to natural flavors, artificial flavors, and antioxidants.

[0048] The acid source may include organic acids or inorganic acids. Preferably, the acid source includes organic acids, more preferably carboxylic acids, and most preferably lactic acid, α-keto acid, or 2-oxyacid.

[0049] Preferably, the acid source includes acids selected from the group consisting of: lactic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate, pyruvate, 2-oxovalerate, 4-methyl-2-oxovalerate, 3-methyl-2-oxobutyric acid, 2-oxooctanoic acid, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the acid source includes lactic acid or pyruvate. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 An aerosol generation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0053] Figure 3 An aerosol generation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Figure 1 An aerosol generation system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol generation system 10 includes an aerosol generation device 12, which includes a housing 14 defining an internal compartment 16. The housing 14, and therefore the internal compartment 16, is waterproof.

[0055] The aerosol generating device 12 includes a power supply 18, a wireless power connector 20, a wireless data connector 22, a data storage device 24, a haptic feedback device 26, a controller 28, an input device 30, and an electric heater 32, all located within an internal compartment 16. In use, the controller 28 controls the electrical power supply from the power supply 18 to the other electrical components located within the internal compartment 16. The electric heater 32 is a ring-shaped inductive heater.

[0056] The aerosol generation system 10 further includes an aerosol generation article 40, which is housed within the cavity 34 of the aerosol generation device 12 during use. The aerosol generation article 40 includes an aerosol forming matrix 42, a hollow acetate tube 44, a polymer filter 46, a mouthpiece 48, and an outer packaging material 50. The aerosol forming matrix 42 includes receptors dispersed within the tobacco plug, and the mouthpiece 48 includes a plug made of cellulose acetate fibers.

[0057] During use, controller 28 supplies current from power source 18 to electric heater 32 to inductively heat the receptors within aerosol forming matrix 42. As the receptors are heated, the tobacco within aerosol forming matrix 42 is heated, and volatile compounds are released from the tobacco for delivery to the user. Current is also supplied from power source 18 to tactile feedback device 26 to provide tactile feedback to the user, indicating the start and end of the heating cycle.

[0058] Figure 2 An alternative aerosol generation system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol generation system 100 includes an aerosol generation device 12, which is connected to a reference... Figure 1 The aerosol generating apparatus 12 described is identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts, and the two aerosol generating apparatuses 12 have the same function.

[0059] Figure 2 The aerosol generation system 100 shown includes an aerosol generation article 102, which includes a cylinder 104 defining a first compartment 106 containing a nicotine source and a second compartment 108 containing an acid source. The nicotine source may include an adsorption element, such as a PTFE core, on which nicotine is adsorbed. The acid source may include an adsorption element, such as a PTFE core, on which acid is adsorbed. The acid may be, for example, lactic acid.

[0060] The aerosol generating article 102 further includes a sensor 110 positioned between the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108. The aerosol generating article 102 further includes a third compartment 112 positioned downstream of the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108. The third compartment 112 is in fluid communication with the first compartment 106 and the second compartment 108.

[0061] During use, controller 28 supplies current from power source 18 to electric heater 32 to inductively heat sensor 110 within aerosol generating article 102. Heating sensor 110 heats first compartment 106 and second compartment 108, thereby causing nicotine and acid vapors in the first and second compartments, respectively. The nicotine and acid vapors mix and react in third compartment 112 to form an aerosol comprising nicotine salt particles for delivery to the user. Current is supplied from power source 18 to haptic feedback device 26 to provide haptic feedback to the user, indicating the start and end of the heating cycle.

[0062] Figure 3 An alternative aerosol generation system 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol generation system 200 includes an aerosol generation device 12, which is connected to a reference... Figure 1 and 2 The aerosol generating apparatus 12 described is identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts, and the function of each aerosol generating apparatus 12 is the same.

[0063] Figure 3 The aerosol generation system 200 shown includes an aerosol generation article 202, which includes a cylinder 204 housing a liquid storage portion 206 and a sensor 208. A liquid aerosol forming matrix 210 is stored within the liquid storage portion 206, and a capillary wick 212 extends between the liquid storage portion 206 and the sensor 208. The capillary wick 212 substantially surrounds the sensor 208.

[0064] During use, the liquid aerosol forming matrix 210 is transferred from the liquid storage section 206 to the sensor 208 via capillary action along the capillary wick 212. The controller 28 supplies current from the power source 18 to the electric heater 32 to inductively heat the sensor 208 within the aerosol forming article 202. Heating of the sensor 208 heats the liquid aerosol forming matrix 210 from the capillary wick 212 and causes the liquid aerosol forming matrix 210 to evaporate for delivery to the user. Current is supplied from the power source 18 to the tactile feedback device 26 to provide tactile feedback to the user, indicating the start and end of the heating cycle.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: a housing defining at least one internal compartment, wherein the housing is waterproof; a power source positioned within the at least one internal compartment; an electric heater positioned within the at least one internal compartment, the electric heater being an inductive heater; and a haptic feedback device positioned within the at least one internal compartment, wherein the aerosol-generating device defines a cavity for receiving an aerosol- generating article; wherein at least a portion of the at least one internal compartment circumscribes at least a portion of the cavity; and wherein the electric heater circumscribes at least a portion of the cavity.

2. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising an input device positioned within the at least one internal compartment.

3. The aerosol-generating device of claim 2, wherein the input device comprises at least one of a capacitive sensor, an electro-optical sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and combinations thereof.

4. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback device comprises at least one of an eccentric rotating mass motor, a linear resonant actuator, and a piezoelectric device.

5. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed.

6. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless data connector positioned within the at least one internal compartment.

7. The aerosol-generating device of claim 6, wherein the wireless data connector is configured to wirelessly communicate using at least one wireless protocol selected from near field communication, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband.

8. The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless power connector positioned within the at least one internal compartment.

9. The aerosol-generating device of claim 8, wherein the power source is rechargeable, and wherein the wireless power connector is an inductive charging coil configured to recharge the power source using electrical power received inductively from an external power source.

10. An aerosol-generating system comprising: the aerosol-generating device of any one of claims 1 to 9; and an aerosol-generating article comprising a liquid storage portion and a liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the liquid storage portion, wherein the electric heater heats the liquid aerosol-forming substrate during use.

11. An aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; and the aerosol-generating device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing defines the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article, and wherein the electric heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate during use when the aerosol-generating article is received within the cavity.

12. The aerosol-generating system of claim 11, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. a first aerosol-forming substrate comprising a source of nicotine; and a second aerosol-forming substrate comprising a source of an acid. ​ 13. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises: ​ ​

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