Aerosol generating device and method for generating an aerosol

Abstract

The invention relates to an aerosol generation device (1) and a method for generating an aerosol. The aerosol generation device (1) comprises a container with a tank formed therein for storing a liquid (3) to be sprayed.The container has an outlet opening, an ultrasonic generator (40) by means of which the aerosol can be generated from the liquid (3), a mouthpiece attached to the container (10) adjacent to its outlet opening, which has an outlet opening for releasing the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator (40), and a wick (20) arranged in the outlet opening of the container for transporting the liquid (3) from the tank to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the wick (20) has an inlet end arranged inside the tank for receiving the liquid (3) stored in the tank and an outlet end (22) arranged adjacent to the ultrasonic generator (40) for providing the liquid (3) to the ultrasonic generator (40).It is provided that a liquid (3) with which the aerosol is generated is a water-based nicotine liquid, wherein the liquid (3) contains antimicrobial substances and has a surface tension with which an accumulation of liquid (3) forms at the outlet end (22) of the wick (20) for transfer to the ultrasonic generator (40).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol according to the preamble of claim 1, and a corresponding method for generating an aerosol.

[0002] In recent years, the use of aerosols generated through non-combustion techniques has become increasingly popular. Electric cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes) are typically electrically heated devices for vaporizing a consumable, particularly a flavored liquid (also called liquid). These devices usually consist of a tank, an atomizer, and a battery. Tank systems are divided into cartomizers, drippers, clearomizers, and cartridges. In a cartomizer, the heating coil is surrounded by a nonwoven fabric or cotton that serves as a liquid reservoir. A dripper is technically a cartomizer with a very small storage volume. The consumable is dripped by the user directly onto the wicks, which also serve as liquid reservoirs, and must be reapplied by the user after a few puffs.A clearomizer consists of a tank containing the liquid, free from any carrier material and encapsulated by the atomizer. All of the above-mentioned systems have in common that the user must regularly refill the tank with consumables. With cartridge systems, cartridges filled with liquid are inserted into the e-cigarette. The atomizer unit is used to atomize the liquid. Typically, no combustion process takes place in an e-cigarette atomizer. Instead, the liquid is drawn from a tank to an atomizer unit, usually in the form of a heating coil, primarily through the capillary action of a wick. As soon as the user creates a vacuum within the atomizer by inhaling, a stream of air flows around the atomizer unit, and the resulting aerosol is inhaled by the user due to the suction effect.The vaporization unit is typically powered by a battery pack equipped with rechargeable batteries or batteries. Several different interfaces for connecting a battery pack to a vaporizer are known in the prior art. Vaporizers of the type mentioned above are available in a variety of different designs.

[0003] Users are adapting to the use of aerosols generated without combustion to avoid known adverse effects of combustion, such as those found in traditional cigarettes, where one end is lit to burn tobacco or other ingredients to produce smoke. Non-combustion aerosol generators, also known as personal vaporizers, inhalers, and e-cigarettes, are becoming increasingly popular. Such aerosol generators use electrical heating or ultrasonic techniques to aerosolize a liquid stored inside the aerosol generator.

[0004] A major disadvantage of these previously known vaporizers is that after inhalation, the environment is polluted with residual amounts of the vaporized liquid when exhaling.

[0005] In ultrasonic technology, which is known e.g. from DE 202018000122 U1, US 2020 / 245692 A1, WO 2021 / 081009 A1, EP 3247435 A1, US 2020 / 0245692 A1, WO 2021 / 081009 A1 or EP 3 247 435 B1, an ultrasonic generator (also called ultrasonic actuator or transducer) with piezoceramic is used, which generates ultrasound to efficiently aerosolize or atomize the liquid.

[0006] In this prior art, a wick is directly (or indirectly, cf. EP 3 247 435 B1) adjacent to or in contact with the ultrasonic element. Contact of the wick with the ultrasonic element prevents the free oscillation of the ultrasonic element, causing frequency interference in the ultrasonic element and thus hindering aerosol formation. When the aerosol generator is not actively used to generate aerosol, vapors from the liquid stored in the aerosol generator settle on an underside of the ultrasonic generator (i.e., the side facing the reservoir) and form droplets (e.g., through condensation), which accumulate in various places, including on an upper side of the ultrasonic generator (i.e., the opposite side or back of the underside). The droplets prevent efficient and rapid restart of the nebulization when the ultrasonic generator is in use.

[0007] A similar problem arises when liquid escapes from the aerosol generator toward the ultrasonic generator due to capillary action and deposits on the ultrasonic generator, particularly on the top surface of the ultrasonic generator. Liquids, especially water-based liquids, that remain in the openings of the ultrasonic element due to capillary action cause corrosion of the ultrasonic element due to their pH value.

[0008] The contamination of such an aerosol generator using a water-based liquid is also a very serious problem that must be prevented at all costs. To this end, these liquids are adapted, for example, by the addition of alcohol to prevent contamination. However, the addition of substances such as alcohol reduces the surface tension of water. The surface tension of a liquid affects the interface between the liquid and the air. It arises due to the attractive forces between the molecules of the liquid at the surface. Alcohol molecules have a weaker attractive force than water molecules, which means they can disrupt the attractive forces at the surface of the water. When alcohol is added to water, this reduces the surface tension because the alcohol molecules are placed between the water molecules and weaken the attractive forces.

[0009] Due to one or more of the problems mentioned above, aerosol generation is disrupted or delayed. Shaking or striking the device is necessary to knock the droplets off the ultrasonic generator and assist aerosol generation. If the corrosion is severe, the function of the ultrasonic generator is no longer guaranteed.

[0010] The above-mentioned problems of evaporation and condensation and / or leakage are further exacerbated when the liquid stored in the aerosol generator contains components such as water.

[0011] Thus, an aerosol generation technique is desired that reduces or avoids one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0012] Accordingly, the invention is based on the object of providing an aerosol generating device and a method for generating aerosol, wherein unintentional accumulation of the liquid on the ultrasonic generator and corrosion of the ultrasonic element are reduced or prevented. A further object of the present invention is to enable the use of liquid (for aerosolization) with a high water content by reducing or preventing unintentional accumulation of the liquid on the ultrasonic generator and corrosion of the ultrasonic element.

[0013] The above object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 18. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] An aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol according to the present invention may be a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette, or an e-cigarette. The aerosol generating device may be a portable and / or pocket-sized device. The aerosol generating device (hereinafter also referred to as an aerosol generator or simply a device) comprises a container (also referred to as a reservoir), a wick (also referred to as a capillary element), an ultrasonic generator (also referred to as an ultrasonic probe, transducer, actuator), and a mouthpiece.

[0015] An aerosol generating device according to the present invention is used to generate an aerosol and comprises a container with a tank formed therein for storing a liquid to be sprayed, the container having: an outlet opening, an ultrasonic generator, by means of which the aerosol can be generated from the liquid, a mouthpiece attached to the container adjacent to its outlet opening, which mouthpiece has an outlet opening for releasing the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator, and a wick arranged in the outlet opening of the container for transporting the liquid from the tank to the ultrasonic generator, the wick having an inlet end arranged inside the tank for receiving the liquid stored in the tank and an outlet end arranged adjacent to the ultrasonic generator for providing the liquid to the ultrasonic generator.The ultrasonic generator is located between the mouthpiece's outlet opening and the wick. Characteristic features of the invention include, among others, that the liquid is a water-based nicotine liquid and that the liquid has a surface tension that allows a pool of liquid to form at the outlet end of the wick for transfer to the ultrasonic generator.

[0016] Likewise, the present invention also provides a method for generating an aerosol using an aerosol generating device with a wick, which aerosol generating device may be the aforementioned device according to the invention. In any case, the method according to the invention provides that a liquid used to generate the aerosol is a water-based nicotine liquid, the liquid having a surface tension that allows a collection of liquid to form at the outlet end of the wick for transfer to the ultrasonic generator.

[0017] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the liquid can contain antimicrobial substances. In this case, according to the invention, the aforementioned liquid advantageously prevents contamination based on antimicrobial properties. This is achieved by the liquid containing antimicrobial substances. According to the invention, the feature "antimicrobial substances" is to be understood to mean that this can be at least one substance with which contamination is at least inhibited or even prevented.

[0018] In other words, a characteristic feature of the present invention is, among other things, that the liquid is a water-based nicotine liquid, wherein other liquid components which prevent contamination of the aerosol generating device do not reduce the surface tension of the liquid to such an extent that there is no longer an accumulation of liquid at the outlet end of the wick.

[0019] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the said antimicrobial substances or other liquid components with which the desired prevention of contamination is achieved can contain or be formed from the following substances: - Hydrogen peroxide: This substance has an oxidizing effect and can effectively kill microorganisms; and / or - Essential oils: Some oils, such as tea tree oil, have natural antimicrobial properties; and / or - Silver ion solutions: Silver has the property of an antimicrobial agent and thus also contributes to the prevention of microbial contamination; and / or: - Sodium chloride: This substance also has a preservative property and can help prevent contamination.

[0020] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the liquid contains nicotine in an amount selected from a range of 0.05 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the liquid can contain sodium chloride in an amount of 0.5 to 3 percent by weight, based on the proportion of water. The liquid can expediently contain 0.9 percent by weight of sodium chloride (based on the proportion of water). According to the invention, sodium chloride has two effects on the properties of the liquid to be nebulized: On the one hand, it has preservative properties and, as already explained, can help prevent microbial contamination. Furthermore, sodium chloride also advantageously increases the surface tension of the liquid. This leads, for example, to a desired accumulation of liquid at the outlet end of the wick, which is then suitably absorbed and aerosolized or nebulized by the ultrasonic generator when it is set into vibration.

[0022] For the purposes of the present invention, it is understood that the aforementioned substances can be contained in the liquid either alone or in combination, each in various suitable concentrations. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to suitably introduce these substances into the wick, through which the liquid flows, as explained, in order to make it available to the ultrasound generator. As the liquid flows through the wick, it absorbs the substances previously introduced into the wick, so that these substances are then dissolved or absorbed into the liquid and exert the aforementioned effect of preventing microbial contamination.

[0023] For the above-mentioned variant of the invention, according to which at least one of the substances mentioned is suitably introduced into the wick, it is to be understood according to the invention that it is then possible for this substance (or preferably all of these substances, if there are several), to be released into the liquid if the wick is flowed through by the liquid as a result of its capillary action or wicking action.

[0024] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the liquid contains: 85 volume percent water, 15 volume percent ethanol, 0.5 mg / ml nicotine, 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride (based on the proportion of water).

[0025] The container of the aerosol generating device according to the invention has a tank for storing or holding a liquid to be aerosolized. The wick transports the liquid from the tank (i.e., the liquid stored in the tank) to the ultrasonic generator. The wick has an inlet end for receiving the liquid from the tank into the wick. The inlet end is arranged inside the container, i.e., in the tank, to receive the liquid. The wick has an outlet end that does not have direct contact with the ultrasonic generator. The outlet end of the wick supplies the liquid to the ultrasonic generator through its capillary. An arcuate water droplet forms at the end of a capillary when the surface tension of the water prevails over capillarity. Surface tension arises due to the attractive forces between the water molecules at the interface between the water and the air.In the capillary, water rises due to capillarity due to adhesion (attraction between water and the capillary wall) and cohesion (attraction between the water molecules themselves).

[0026] According to the invention, the capillarity of the wick relative to the surface tension of the water-based solution is selected such that the surface tension of the water-based solution dominates, whereby an arc-shaped water droplet forms at the end of the capillary.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the second part of the ultrasonic generator is positioned so far away from the wick that the oscillating second part of the ultrasonic generator only dips into the water droplet, but without touching the wick itself. This prevents any negative frequency influence on the ultrasonic generator, at least with respect to its oscillating second part, and aerosolization can proceed as desired. As a result, unwanted droplet coalescence in the aerosol, which would then impede inhalation to the alveoli in the lungs, does not occur.

[0028] The ultrasonic generator applies ultrasound to the liquid drawn into the outlet end of the wick, nebulizing the liquid and creating an aerosol. The mouthpiece releases the generated aerosol to an external surface of the device, such as when a user inhales it.

[0029] The tank, the wick, and the mouthpiece together define a fluid path for transporting the liquid from the tank to the ultrasonic generator and for transporting the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator to the mouthpiece. For example, the ultrasonic generator is positioned directly between the mouthpiece—i.e., an outlet opening of the mouthpiece—and the wick. The fluid path also runs through the ultrasonic generator.

[0030] The container has an outlet opening. The wick is arranged in the outlet opening such that the wick at least partially or completely fills the outlet opening.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, aerosol generation may also be referred to as nebulization, aerosolization, atomization, atomization and similar terms.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, the feature "arranged in contact" in the sense of the present invention can have the same meaning as "arranged in direct contact", "arranged in direct physical contact" or "arranged in surface contact".

[0033] Unless otherwise stated, the term "fillings" within the meaning of the present invention can have the same meaning as "completely filled," "crammed," "clamped," or "occupies an entire cross-sectional area." The cross-sectional plane or area is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and / or the tank and / or the guide.

[0034] The operation of the aerosol generating device according to the invention can be understood as follows: The liquid from the tank is drawn into the wick via the inlet end of the wick. The drawn-in liquid migrates through the wick to its outlet end as a result of the capillary action or wicking of the wick. The outlet end of the wick provides the liquid to the ultrasonic generator, whereby, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, there is no direct contact between the outlet end of the wick and the second part of the ultrasonic generator. In any case, the outlet end of the wick supplies the ultrasonic generator with the liquid to be nebulized through the capillary. In this process, an arcuate water droplet forms at the end of a capillary due to the surface tension of the water-based liquid.Surface tension arises due to the attractive forces between water molecules at the interface between water and air. In the capillary, the water rises due to capillarity, which is caused by adhesion and cohesion. The capillarity of the wick is chosen relative to the surface tension of the water-based solution so that the surface tension of the water-based solution dominates, resulting in the formation of an arcuate water droplet at the end of the capillary, i.e., at the outlet end of the wick.

[0035] The ultrasonic generator generates ultrasound, e.g. when actuated or controlled or activated by a user of the device, e.g. when supplied with electrical energy from a battery or power source. The generated ultrasound atomizes the liquid provided by the outlet end of the wick, creating the aerosol, which is then delivered to an exterior of the device via the mouthpiece. The atomization and subsequent removal of the liquid from the outlet end of the wick by the action of the ultrasonic generator provides a suction force or maintains a capillary or wicking action in which the liquid is drawn or transported from a container into the inlet end of the wick and from there to the outlet end of the wick.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wick can be arranged at a distance from the surface of the ultrasonic generator and can be spatially sealed in such a way that, apart from the liquid transported by the wick, no other liquid can enter the ultrasonic generator. In other words, the liquid can reach the ultrasonic generator exclusively via the capillary element or the wick.

[0037] The wick can be made of woven or non-woven fabric, such as cotton.

[0038] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the wick can have the following features: - The wick may have a fibrous structure or a spongy structure. - The wick may contain ceramic or graphite-based materials. - The wick may contain at least one of cellulose acetate, polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon fibers. - The wick can also be made of natural plant and animal fibers, such as cotton, linen, hemp, silk or wool.

[0039] Any conduction or movement or transport of the liquid through the wick and / or in the wick and / or within the wick may be due to wicking or capillary action, e.g., if forced or effected or brought about by aerosolization of the liquid at the outlet end of the wick by the ultrasound generated by the ultrasonic generator.

[0040] The wick material can be such that the wick's capillaries hold the liquid, preventing the liquid from escaping on its own, i.e., in the absence of the wicking force generated by the operation (i.e., the generation of ultrasound) of the ultrasonic generator. Only through the vibrations of the ultrasonic generator can the liquid in the wick escape from the capillaries of the wick.

[0041] A position and / or orientation of the wick may be located or fixed with respect to the container, in particular with respect to the outlet opening of the container, for example, but not exclusively, by means of a press fit or interference fit.

[0042] The above-mentioned fluid conduction path can be understood in the sense of the present invention as comprising at least two sections or parts or segments - a first section or segment, which can be referred to as a liquid transport section or segment, and a second section or segment, which can be referred to as an aerosol transport section or segment.

[0043] The liquid transport section can be defined at least by the wick, for example, by the inlet end of the wick, the outlet end of the wick, and the intermediate or middle part of the wick (i.e., the part of the wick extending between the inlet end and the outlet end of the wick). The liquid is transported from the tank to the ultrasonic generator via the liquid transport section. The liquid transport section extends from the tank to the ultrasonic generator.

[0044] The aerosol transport section can be defined by at least one space, a chamber, or a channel between the ultrasonic generator and an outlet opening (i.e., a discharge opening) of the mouthpiece. The aerosol generated at and by the ultrasonic generator is transported to the outlet opening of the mouthpiece via the aerosol transport section.

[0045] The outlet opening may be an opening in the mouthpiece through which or via which the aerosol is ultimately discharged or released from the mouthpiece and / or the aerosol generating device, for example to a user.

[0046] The liquid transport section and the aerosol transport section are connected to each other or overlap continuously or partially, with these two sections together forming the fluid conduction path.

[0047] The fluid conduction path also passes through the ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator may have a receiving surface (also referred to as the first surface or bottom surface or wick-side surface or bottom surface) and an exit surface (also referred to as the second surface or top surface or discharge opening-facing surface or top surface).

[0048] The ultrasonic generator may comprise a first part, for example, a piezoelectric or piezoceramic part or element, and a second part, for example, a mesh or metal grid part, or a part with a plurality of passages formed therein, or a perforated part. In other words, the ultrasonic generator may comprise a first part comprising a piezoelectric element and a second part having a plurality of passages (for example, a mesh or a perforated plate) for allowing the fluid to pass through.

[0049] The receiving surface and the exit surface of the ultrasonic generator (for example its second part) may be inverted sides or surfaces, i.e. opposite sides or surfaces of the ultrasonic generator.

[0050] The receiving surface of the ultrasonic generator faces the wick. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, this receiving surface is not in direct physical contact (surface contact) with the wick, i.e., with the outlet end of the wick.

[0051] When the ultrasonic generator is vibrated, the receiving surface of the ultrasonic generator collects the liquid from an arc-shaped drop that forms on or at the outlet end of the wick.

[0052] The exit surface of the ultrasonic generator faces the exit opening of the mouthpiece.

[0053] The aerosol generated on and by the ultrasonic generator leaves the ultrasonic generator from its exit surface towards the exit opening of the mouthpiece.

[0054] The ultrasonic generator can be configured to operate at a frequency in the range of 1.4 kHz to 3 MHz.

[0055] The aerosol generating device, in particular the ultrasonic generator, can be configured to generate aerosol from a water-based liquid (i.e., a liquid containing 80% by weight or more of water), the aerosol comprising droplets with a size or mean size of 10 µm or less, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm, and / or equal to or greater than 1 µm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 µm, and / or without heating at least one of the fluids, the liquid and the aerosol (i.e., by maintaining a temperature of the liquid, a temperature of the aerosol can correspond to the temperature of the liquid). The aerosol can comprise a plurality of droplets with a size distribution with a mean or mean value less than or equal to 10 µm, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm.

[0056] At this point, it should be emphasized again that, according to the invention, the outlet end of the wick is not in contact with the second part of the ultrasonic generator. Consequently, the outlet end of the wick is also not in contact with the passages formed in the second part of the ultrasonic generator. This provides the advantage of the invention that the vibrations of this second part of the ultrasonic generator are not influenced or impaired by the wick during operation of the aerosol generating device.

[0057] The second part of the ultrasonic generator can be set into vibration by its first part.

[0058] The second part of the ultrasonic generator can be disc-shaped or circular. A diameter of the second part of the ultrasonic generator can be equal to or greater than a diameter of the outlet opening of the container and / or a diameter of the outlet end of the wick (which, as explained above, is not in contact with the second part).

[0059] The second part of the ultrasonic generator can have a flat shape or a curved shape that protrudes towards or relative to the wick - for example, a concave or convex shape, such as a concave or convex dome shape.

[0060] A shape of the wick at the outlet end, i.e., the shape of the outlet end of the wick, may correspond to the shape of the second part of the ultrasonic generator. For example, if the second part of the ultrasonic generator has a planar shape, the shape of the outlet end of the wick may also be planar. Alternatively, the second part of the ultrasonic generator may have a curved shape that protrudes toward or relative to the wick—for example, a concave or convex shape, such as a concave or convex dome shape.

[0061] The shape of the outlet end of the wick can also have a curved shape.

[0062] Example: A concave or convex shape, e.g., a concave or convex dome shape. Simply put, the shape of the outlet end of the wick and the shape of the second part of the ultrasonic generator can be matched, identical, similar, or complementary. However, direct contact between the outlet end of the wick and at least the second part of the ultrasonic generator should be prevented.

[0063] The second part of the ultrasonic generator can be surrounded by the first part.

[0064] The first part of the ultrasonic generator may have an annular shape, for example an annular circular or disc shape, and the second part may be arranged at or in the center of the annular shape.

[0065] The receiving surface and the exit surface of the ultrasonic generator can be surfaces of its second part.

[0066] The receiving surface and the exit surface of the ultrasound generator may be in fluid communication with each other via the tissue or the passages or perforations of the second part.

[0067] The fluid conduction path may extend through the second part of the ultrasound generator, i.e., through the fabric or the passages or perforations of the second part from the receiving surface to the exit surface of the ultrasound generator. In other words, the passages or mesh or perforations may form a part, segment, or portion of the fluid conduction path.

[0068] A portion or segment of the fluid conduction path, i.e. the portion disposed in or within or through the ultrasonic generator, may be surrounded by the first part of the ultrasonic generator.

[0069] The first part of the ultrasonic generator may have an annular shape, for example an annular circular or disc shape, and the fluid conduction path may extend or pass through the center of the annular shape.

[0070] The wick can fill the outlet opening in such a way that the container is leak-proof or sealed with regard to the liquid stored therein.

[0071] The container can be leak-proof if the wick is positioned in and fills the outlet opening.

[0072] The wick can fill the outlet opening of the container in such a way that a contact area between the wick and the opening is so leak-proof that the container is leak-proof and thus tight.

[0073] The wick may comprise at least two sections or parts or segments, an inner or first section of the wick arranged to project out of the outlet opening and into the tank, and an opening section or second section of the wick arranged in or within the outlet opening (ie not projecting from any side of the outlet opening or simply being confined or flush with the outer and inner surfaces of the container).

[0074] The two sections or parts or segments of the wick may be formed as one piece.

[0075] In addition, the wick may optionally comprise a third portion or part or segment - an outer portion of the wick disposed protruding from the outlet opening of the container to the outside thereof, i.e. disposed outside the tank and outside the outlet opening.

[0076] When inserting the wick into the outlet opening, the wick can be pressed into the outlet opening, i.e. by walls or surfaces (of the container) which define the outlet opening, whereby the wick thus assumes the cross-sectional shape and / or size (e.g. diameter) of the outlet opening.

[0077] A standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g., the opening portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening may be the same, e.g., both may be circular. Alternatively, a standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g., the opening portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening may be different, and the wick is pressed into the outlet opening upon insertion into the outlet opening, thus assuming the cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening. A standard cross-sectional shape of the wick can be understood as a cross-sectional shape of the wick before it is inserted into the outlet opening.

[0078] A standard cross-sectional area of ​​the wick, e.g., the opening section of the wick, may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening. A preset cross-sectional area of ​​the wick can be understood as the cross-sectional area of ​​the wick before it is inserted into the outlet opening.

[0079] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the container, except for its outlet opening, is designed to be liquid-tight or fluid-tight, so that the liquid from the tank is transported to the ultrasonic generator only via the wick. This has the advantage of preventing unwanted leaks of liquid from the container and allowing the liquid stored in the tank to reach the ultrasonic generator exclusively through the wick. The accumulation of liquid, which forms at the outlet end of the wick due to its surface tension, then ensures that the liquid is absorbed by the second part of the ultrasonic generator when this second part is set into vibration and deforms towards the outlet end of the wick.

[0080] Except for its outlet opening, the container, for example the tank defined by the container, may be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or fluid-tight, in particular for the flow of liquid from an interior of the container (i.e., from the tank) to an exterior of the container (i.e., outside an exterior surface of the container). This means that, except for its outlet opening, the container is liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or fluid-tight, so that the liquid from the tank is transported to the ultrasonic generator only via the wick arranged in the outlet opening.

[0081] The outlet opening of the container may be the only exit or drainage opening from the tank to an exterior of the container.

[0082] The outlet opening of the container can be completely filled with the wick or packed or crammed by the wick. In other words, the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening is occupied by the wick, so that the liquid in the tank flows through the outlet opening only over or through the wick. This means that the wick is arranged through or in the outlet opening such that no gap or air gap or spatial gap remains in the outlet opening, i.e., between an outer surface (e.g., an outer peripheral surface) of the wick and a surface of the container defining the outlet opening. Since there is no space or channel or gap between the outer surface of the wick and the surface of the container defining the outlet opening, any unintentional flow of liquid or vapor out of the container is reduced or eliminated.

[0083] The wick may be inserted or pressed into the outlet opening, for example in such a way that the entire circumferential surface of the outlet opening is in direct contact (or in surface-to-surface contact) with an outer peripheral surface of the wick.

[0084] Additionally and optionally, the wick may comprise a solid body configured to exhibit capillary action or wicking.

[0085] An inner surface of the container defines the reservoir. This reservoir may have a volume of 3 ml or less, particularly 2 ml or less.

[0086] The container may have a tubular guide extending from the outlet opening of the container into the tank. The guide and the container may be formed integrally.

[0087] The guide may have a receiving space. The wick is accommodated in the receiving space.

[0088] The guide (including the receiving space) may only occupy a portion of the tank. For example, the guide may occupy between 10 and 90 percent of the total tank volume, or between 20 and 80 percent of the total tank volume, or between 30 and 70 percent of the total tank volume, or between 10 and 30 percent of the total tank volume.

[0089] The receiving space may be continuously connected to the outlet opening and / or be in fluid communication with the outlet opening.

[0090] The receiving space may be formed sequentially with the outlet opening.

[0091] The outlet opening can preferably be in fluid communication with the tank exclusively via the receiving space.

[0092] The receiving space can be concentric and / or coaxial with the outlet opening.

[0093] A cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving space can be filled by the wick. The cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving space can be equal to or smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving space can be constant along a longitudinal axis thereof.

[0094] An entire or complete internal volume of the guide may be filled by the wick or completely filled or packed.

[0095] The receiving space can be completely or completely packed (in cross-section and lengthwise) or completely packed by the wick.

[0096] The standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g., the inner section of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the receiving space may be identical, e.g., both may be circular. Alternatively, the standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g., the inner section of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the receiving space may be different, and the wick, when inserted into the receiving space, may be pushed through a peripheral wall (which defines the receiving space) of the guide, thus assuming the cross-sectional shape of the receiving space.

[0097] The standard cross-sectional area of ​​the wick, e.g. the inner section of the wick, may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving space.

[0098] In other words, with the exception of the outlet opening and the associated receiving space, the container, for example the tank defined by the container, can be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or fluid-tight.

[0099] The outlet opening and the associated receiving space may define or form the only exit from the tank to the outside of the container.

[0100] The outlet opening and / or the receiving space can be completely filled with the wick, or can be stuffed or packed by the wick. In other words, the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening and / or the receiving space is occupied by the wick, so that the liquid in the tank flows through the outlet opening and / or the receiving space only via the wick, or through an interior of the wick, or through a body of the wick, or through capillary channels or interstices of the wick. Simply put, the wick can be arranged through or in the outlet opening and / or the receiving space such that no gap, air gap, or air channel remains in the outlet opening and / or the receiving space between an outer surface, e.g., an outer peripheral surface, of the wick and the surface of the container defining the outlet opening and / or the peripheral wall of the guide defining the receiving space.Since there is no space or channel or gap between the outer surface of the wick and the surface of the container defining the outlet opening and / or the peripheral wall of the guide defining the receiving space, any unintended flow of liquid or vapor out of the container is reduced or eliminated.

[0101] In simple terms, the container can be liquid-tight except for the outlet opening and the associated receiving space, so that the liquid from the tank is transported to the ultrasonic generator only or exclusively via the wick arranged through the receiving space and the outlet opening.

[0102] The guide may have an inlet end with an inlet or inlet hole. The inlet end of the wick may be in fluid communication with the tank via the inlet of the guide.

[0103] The guide may have a circumferential wall extending between the inlet end of the guide and an outlet end of the guide. The outlet end of the guide may have an outlet or outlet hole communicating with the outlet opening. The outlet of the guide may have the same diameter and / or cross-sectional area as the outlet opening of the container.

[0104] The outlet end of the guide can be connected or coupled to the inner surface of the container. The coupling can be fluid-tight or liquid-tight.

[0105] The surrounding wall of the guide can be so liquid-tight that the liquid in the receiving space only enters the wick via the inlet of the guide.

[0106] A gap may be defined between the guide, i.e., the inlet end of the guide, and the inner surface of the container. The liquid stored in the tank is absorbed into the wick through the gap.

[0107] The wick may be arranged such that it projects from the guide, ie from the inlet end of the guide, into the tank.

[0108] The wick may be arranged such that it projects from the guide, ie from the inlet end of the guide, into the gap.

[0109] The guide can hermetically separate the receiving space of the container from the ultrasonic generator, except through the receiving space.

[0110] The wick may protrude from or from the outlet opening to the ultrasonic generator. This means that the outlet opening may be spaced from the ultrasonic generator. The wick may protrude from the outlet opening and extend beyond an outer surface of the container. In other words, the protruding portion or outer portion or part of the capillary element or wick may be located entirely outside the container.

[0111] A length of the guide extending from the outlet opening of the container into the tank may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of a length of the tank, or equal to or greater than 70 percent of a length of the tank, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of a length of the tank, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of a length of the tank.

[0112] A length of the wick extending from the outlet opening of the container into the tank may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of a length of the tank, or may be equal to or greater than 70 percent of a length of the tank, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of a length of the tank, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of a length of the tank.

[0113] The (total) length of the wick may be greater than the length of the guide and / or may be greater than the combined length of the guide and the outlet opening. The length of the guide may be measured from an edge of the outlet opening facing the receiving space.

[0114] The length of the tank may be measured from an edge of the outlet opening facing the tank to a bottom surface of the tank. That is, a surface of the bottom wall of the tank that defines the tank.

[0115] The guide may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. the shape of a right circular cylinder, , and may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

[0116] The wick may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. the shape of a right circular cylinder, and may have various cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

[0117] The container may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. the shape of a right circular cylinder or a cuboid, and may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

[0118] The container may also have different parts or sections with different shapes - such as a first part or segment with a cylindrical shape and a second part or segment with a frustoconical or cuboidal or frustoconical shape.

[0119] The guide and / or wick may extend along a longitudinal axis of the container and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0120] The guide and / or wick may be coaxial and / or concentric with the container and / or with the aerosol generating device.

[0121] The guide and / or the wick may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the container and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0122] The longitudinal axis may be a central longitudinal axis of the container and / or the aerosol generating device.

[0123] The container may comprise a body. The body may be formed as a single piece, e.g., molded or 3D-printed in one piece. Alternatively, the body may be formed in multiple parts. The parts may be connectable to one another with a fluid-tight joint to form the body of the container. The parts may be molded or 3D-printed.

[0124] The container may have an inlet opening for filling or refilling the liquid into the tank.

[0125] The container may have a closure for closing the inlet opening.

[0126] The closure may be a seal or a lid made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, that can be detached from the opening to refill the tank. Alternatively, if the closure is attached to the inlet opening, it can be intentionally penetrated by a refilling device (e.g., a syringe needle) to refill the tank.

[0127] The closure can be a valve, e.g. a one-way valve or a filling valve (filling valve or refilling valve).

[0128] The container may have a seal or sealing element at the outlet opening and in contact with an outer surface of the wick. The sealing element may be disposed inside the outlet opening or outside the outlet opening. The sealing element may protrude into the outlet opening. An example of the sealing element may be a gasket, e.g., a gasket formed from an elastic material such as a rubber gasket.

[0129] The device may further comprise a holding element arranged between the mouthpiece and the container and / or arranged on or at the container to support or mount or fix the ultrasonic generator.

[0130] The ultrasonic generator can be mounted on the holding element or accommodated in it.

[0131] The holding element may, for example, be formed from an elastic or elastomeric material, such as silicone or rubber, and may be a cushion to hold and support the ultrasonic generator.

[0132] The support member may be configured to dampen the vibrations and / or noise generated by the ultrasonic generator transmitted to the container and / or the mouthpiece and / or an external surface of the device.

[0133] The container may include a container connecting element, and the holding element may include a holding element connecting element. The container connecting element and the holding element connecting element may correspond to each other and may engage with each other to fix or couple the container and the holding element to the ultrasonic generator mounted thereon. The coupling may be releasable or reversible.

[0134] The mouthpiece, ultrasonic generator and wick can be aligned axially or linearly, i.e. in a straight line.

[0135] For example, the ultrasonic generator can be stacked in a straight line on the outlet of the container and the wick; and the mouthpiece can be stacked in a straight line on the ultrasonic generator.

[0136] In the aerosol generating device, one or more of the following arrangements may be implemented in an assembled state of the device: (i) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator and a longitudinal axis of the wick 20 may be coaxial or overlapping or the same. (ii) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece may be coaxial or overlapping or equal. (iii) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick, a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and a longitudinal axis of the container may be coaxial or overlapping or the same. (iv) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator and a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide may be coaxial or overlapping or equal. (v) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide, and a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece may be coaxial or overlapping or the same. (vi) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide, a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and a longitudinal axis of the container may be coaxial or overlapping or the same.

[0137] According to any of the above aspects (i)-(vi), the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator may mean a longitudinal axis of the first part and the second part of the ultrasonic generator. The first part and the second part may have the same longitudinal axis.

[0138] According to any of the above aspects (i) - (vi), the longitudinal axis of the guide may mean the longitudinal axis of the receiving space of the guide.

[0139] According to each of the above aspects (i) - (vi), the longitudinal axis of the container may mean the longitudinal axis of the receiving space of the container.

[0140] The wick can be placed in the tank without completely filling the tank.

[0141] A section or portion of the sub-volume or segment of the tank may be free of wick or absorbent material and may be a free space or volume to receive and hold the liquid in a free form or state (i.e., without being adsorbed or held by the wick or any absorbent material). This allows at least a portion of the tank to be used exclusively to hold the liquid to be nebulized, which can then be transported via the wick to the ultrasonic generator.

[0142] Alternatively, the wick can be arranged within the tank and fill a cross-section of the tank or the entire tank. In such a structure or arrangement, the guide can optionally be omitted.

[0143] In other words, the wick can be arranged in the tank such that it fills a cross-section of the tank, i.e., is in contact with the inner surface of the tank. The outlet opening can have a diameter and / or a shape and / or a cross-sectional area corresponding to that of the receiving space. The wick can be arranged such that it fills a cross-sectional area of ​​a first portion of the tank. A second portion of the tank can be between the wick and a bottom region of the tank. The second portion is free of wick material and / or capillary material. Alternatively, the wick can fill the entire tank.

[0144] The container may comprise a guide segment that defines the receiving space or may be formed entirely by this guide segment.

[0145] The wick can be arranged in the outlet opening, wherein the guide segment is arranged such that the wick fills or completely fills the outlet opening and / or the receiving space of the guide segment.

[0146] The guide segment can absorb the liquid adsorbed in the arranged wick.

[0147] The guide segment can form the entire tank.

[0148] Additionally and optionally, the container may comprise a reservoir segment in addition to the guide segment. The reservoir segment does not contain the wick or is free of the wick, i.e., it is not filled by the wick and can accordingly absorb the liquid therein.

[0149] The reservoir segment of the tank may be free of the wick or any absorbent material and may be a free space or volume to receive and hold the liquid in a free form or state (i.e., without being adsorbed or held by the wick or any absorbent material). Consequently, the reservoir segment may be used exclusively to receive the liquid to be aerosolized, which can then be transported to the ultrasonic generator via the wick disposed in the guide segment, as explained.

[0150] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is provided that the tank, the wick and the mouthpiece define a fluid line path for transporting the liquid from the tank to the ultrasonic generator and for transporting the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator to the mouthpiece, preferably that the fluid line path runs through the ultrasonic generator and the container, further preferably that the wick is arranged in the outlet opening of the container and fills the outlet opening.

[0151] The present invention also provides a method for generating an aerosol. In this method, the aerosol is generated by an aerosol generating device according to the invention according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, such as a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette, or an e-cigarette. In any case, in the method according to the invention, a liquid can be stored in the tank of the container, and the stored liquid is aerosolized by the ultrasonic generator of the aerosol generating device. The liquid consists of water and ethanol. For example, the amount of water in the liquid can be equal to or greater than 80 percent by weight (i.e., 80 wt%).

[0152] The liquid may contain at least one additional ingredient, e.g. tobacco extract, nicotine extract, flavoring such as mint extract, clove extract, etc.

[0153] An amount of ethanol and / or at least one additional component in the liquid may be equal to or greater than 10% by weight and equal to or less than 20% by weight.

[0154] The liquid must not contain one or more or all of the following substances: glycerin, propylene glycol, and oil. The liquid must not contain at least one or all of glycerin, propylene glycol, and oil, preferably with the exception of essential oils and / or flavor additives.

[0155] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the liquid has a pH value between 4 and 9.5, more preferably a pH value between 4 and 8, more preferably a pH value between 5 and 7. The pH value of the liquid can be adjusted to the above-mentioned pH value by the addition of a food additive, for example in the form of lactic acid.

[0156] For aerosolization, i.e., the generation of aerosol from a liquid, the temperature of the liquid and the temperature of the aerosol can be the same. Thus, no heating effect is performed by the ultrasonic generator. In particular, due to the low surface tension of aqueous liquids with a water content of 80 wt% or more, no heating effect is required to convert the liquid into an aerosol.

[0157] No heating action shall be carried out at the time and / or place of aerosolization, i.e. the generation of aerosol from the liquid.

[0158] When using the device according to the invention or when carrying out the method according to the invention, the ultrasonic generator can oscillate at a frequency of less than or equal to 3.5 MHz (megahertz) or less than or equal to 3 MHz, in particular at a frequency in the range from 1.4 kHz to 3 MHz.

[0159] When using the device according to the invention or when carrying out the method according to the invention, a diameter of the droplets of the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator can be less than or equal to 10 µm, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm and / or equal to or greater than 1 µm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 µm.

[0160] Droplet size can be measured by light diffraction, e.g., laser light diffraction, or by light scattering, e.g., laser light scattering. Examples of suitable droplet size measurement systems include the Spraytec™ from Malvern Panalytical Ltd or the LS 13 320 XR particle analyzer from Beckmann Coulter GmbH.

[0161] The term "liquid-tight" in the context of the present invention means impermeable to any fluid, including a gas, vapor, or liquid, e.g., impermeable to the liquid stored in the tank or to the vapor generated from the liquid stored in the tank.

[0162] The feature “liquid-tight” in the sense of the present invention means: impermeable to any liquid, e.g. impermeable to the liquid stored in the tank.

[0163] The terms 'upstream', 'downstream', 'top', 'upper', 'bottom', 'bottom' and similar expressions may be understood to refer to a direction or path of the liquid (to be aerosolized) from the tank to the ultrasonic generator and of the aerosol from the ultrasonic generator to the mouthpiece.

[0164] Unless otherwise stated, all references to "radial", "circumferential", and similar expressions shall be understood as referring to a central axis of the component to which reference is made.

[0165] By means of the device and method according to the present invention, the unintentional accumulation of droplets on the surface of the ultrasonic generator facing the outlet opening of the container, i.e., the inner surface or underside of the ultrasonic generator, is reduced or prevented. Consequently, any migration of the liquid through the ultrasonic generator, e.g., through the opening or passages or meshes of the ultrasonic generator to the top of the ultrasonic generator, is reduced or stopped, thus reducing or stopping droplet formation on the top of the ultrasonic generator.

[0166] In addition, the above-mentioned effect not only increases the speed and efficiency of restarting and nebulization, but also enables the use of liquid with high water content.

[0167] The above-mentioned properties and other features and advantages of the present invention and the manner in which they are achieved will become clear from the following description of advantageous embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0168] Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to a simplified schematic drawing. They show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating device in the assembled state; Fig. 3 the aerosol generating device of Fig. 1 or Fig. 2 in a disassembled state; Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c each shows schematic cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a container of the aerosol generating device for storing a liquid to be aerosolized; Fig. 5a. 5b each show schematic cross-sectional views of the container of Fig. 4a or Fig. 4b, which are provided with a wick; Fig. 6a and 6b are schematic cross-sectional views of the container along the line II and II-II of Fig. 5a or Fig. 5b; Fig. 7 schematically shows a plan view of an ultrasonic generator which is part of the aerosol generating device according to the invention according to Fig. 1-3 is, Fig. 8 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement of a seal on the wick of Fig. 5a; Fig. 9a and 9b are schematic cross-sectional views of the container of Fig. 5a or Fig. 5b, which are equipped with an ultrasonic generator; Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generating device; Fig. 11 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the part of the aerosol generating device from Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generating device; Fig. 13 schematically shows the dimensions of the structures / components of an aerosol generating device according to the invention; Fig. 14 a schematic representation of further dimensions of the structures / components of the aerosol generating device according to the invention, Fig. 15 is a partial view of the arrangement between an ultrasonic generator and an outlet end of the wick in the rest state of the ultrasonic generator, and Fig. 16 a partial view of the arrangement between the ultrasonic generator of Fig. 15 and the outlet end of the wick in the oscillating state of the ultrasonic generator.

[0169] Below, with reference to the Fig. 1-16, preferred embodiments of an aerosol generating device 1 and a method for generating an aerosol according to the present invention are explained in detail. Identical features in the drawings are provided with the same reference numerals. It is specifically noted that the drawings are merely simplified and, in particular, are not drawn to scale.

[0170] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as device) in an assembled state.

[0171] Fig. 3 shows the aerosol generating device 1 of Fig. 1 in a disassembled or dismantled state.

[0172] The aerosol generating device according to the invention Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 may be a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette, or an e-cigarette. It should be noted that, although the device 1 is illustrated in the present description as having a structure that can be assembled and disassembled, the device of the present technique is not limited thereto. This means that the device 1 according to the invention may have a unitary structure, i.e., it cannot be assembled and disassembled, or it may have a structure that can be assembled and disassembled but differs from the structure according to Figs. 1-3.

[0173] The device 1 can extend along a longitudinal axis 1x (cf. Fig. 2, Fig. 11).

[0174] The device 1 may have a linear shape extending along the longitudinal axis 1x, such as a rod shape or bar shape.

[0175] The device 1 may comprise a main part (or handpiece) 8 and a cartridge part 9 (hereinafter always referred to as “cartridge”). For example, the cartridge 9 is Fig. 3 when it has been dismantled from the main part 8, ie removed therefrom.

[0176] The device 1, e.g., its main body 8, may accommodate a power supply (not shown), such as a battery pack for powering an ultrasonic generator (not shown in Figures 1-3, described later) and / or other electronic components.

[0177] The device 1 may also include a control device (not shown) for controlling operation of the power supply and the ultrasonic generator and / or other components of the device 1.

[0178] The device 1 may further include a charging port 82 for charging the power supply of the device 1 by providing an external power supply or one or more indicators such as LED indicators 84, 88. These indicators serve to indicate the operating state of the device 1 and / or a charging state of the device 1, e.g., a fully charged state, a low battery state, a state in which the ultrasonic generator is powered to generate ultrasound, or a standby state.

[0179] The device may include a user interface 88 (see Fig. 1), e.g., a button, such as an ON / OFF button, that a user can actuate, e.g., press, to control the function or operation of the device 1, such as, e.g., inputting a user command to implement the power supply of the ultrasonic generator to generate or produce ultrasound for aerosol. Optionally, the device 1 may have a surface feature 89, such as a logo or branding or a non-slip surface modification.

[0180] The device 1, e.g., the cartridge 9, may be a reservoir or a container (not included in the Fig. 1 - 3, but explained later) for containing a liquid to be nebulized to produce an aerosol, and a mouthpiece 50 for delivering the aerosol thus produced to an outside of the device 1.

[0181] The main part 8 and the cartridge 9 may be formed as one body or may have a structure which can be connected to one another by means of engaging parts 8x, 9x which are provided on the main part 8 and the cartridge 9 (cf. Fig. 3), can be assembled and disassembled.

[0182] In particular, the main part 8 can contain a main engagement part 8x and the cartridge 9 can contain a cartridge engagement part 9x (cf. Fig. 3). The main engagement part 8x can be reversibly engaged with and released from the cartridge engagement part 9x to connect or separate the main part 8 and the cartridge 9. In this way, the device 1 with its components, main part 8 and cartridge 9, can be assembled or disassembled again if necessary.

[0183] Electrical contacts or connections 9y (cf. Fig. 3) be provided to electrically or signal-technically connect the power supply (contained in the main part 8) and the ultrasonic generator 40 (contained in the cartridge 9) to each other.

[0184] In the following, with reference to the Fig. 4a - 10 an arrangement and structure of various components of the cartridge 9 of the device 1 is described.

[0185] The device 1, ie the cartridge 9, comprises a container 10 as shown in the Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c, with an outlet opening 12, a wick 20 fitted into the outlet opening 12, as shown in the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the ultrasonic generator 40 (also referred to as ultrasonic transducer or probe or head or actuator) arranged with the wick 20 as shown in the Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b is shown.

[0186] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic generator 40, which is part of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the invention and is mounted in the cartridge 9. The ultrasonic generator 40 can have a first part 42 comprising a piezoelectric element; and a second part 44 having a plurality of passages 44p or a mesh 44p, e.g., a metallic mesh. The passages 44p or the mesh 44p make the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 permeable to liquid and in particular to the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator 40. Further details on the ultrasonic generator 40 and its interaction with the wick 20 are explained separately below.

[0187] According to the Fig. 7, the first part 42 of the ultrasonic generator 40 may have an annular shape, wherein the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 may be arranged in a center of the annularly shaped first part 42.

[0188] The second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 has two opposite or inverted sides or surfaces - a receiving surface and an exit surface - which are in fluid communication with each other via the mesh 44p or the passages 44p.

[0189] According to the invention, the receiving surface of the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 can be understood as the surface of the second part 44 facing the outlet opening 12 and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20. Furthermore, the exit surface of the second part 44 can be understood as the surface of the second part 44 facing the mouthpiece 50 or facing an exit opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50.

[0190] The Fig. 10, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show an exemplary embodiment of the device 1, in which the container 10, the wick 20, the ultrasonic generator 40 and the mouthpiece 50 are shown in their arrangement relative to one another.

[0191] The container 10 may include a guide 30 as shown in Fig. 4b and Fig. 4c, or the guide 30, as shown in Fig. 4a, not included. The Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 with the guide 30. However, the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 can be applied mutatis mutandis to the device 1 without the guide 30.

[0192] Fig. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 without the guide 30.

[0193] The above-mentioned components of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0194] As in the Fig. 4a - 4c, the container 10 comprises a liquid reservoir in the form of an accommodation space 10s (hereinafter always referred to as "tank"). This tank 10s serves to store or hold a liquid 3 (in Fig. 10 symbolized by three dots) that is to be sprayed.

[0195] The container 10 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic.

[0196] The container 10 may have at least a part or segment that is transparent and allows a view of an interior of the container 10, ie the tank 10s, whereby a user can see the level of the liquid present in the tank 10s.

[0197] The container 10 may include a body 11. The body 11 may include the outlet opening 12.

[0198] The body 11 may be formed in one part, ie it may be formed in one piece, as in Fig. 4c; or may be formed by a plurality of parts 11a, 11b, as shown in the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, such as a first body segment or part 11a, e.g., a main container body 11a, and a second body segment or part 11b, e.g., a container lid 11b.

[0199] The parts 11a, 11b can be connected with a liquid-tight connection 11x therebetween to form or completely assemble the body 11 of the container 10. The parts 11a, 11b can be reversibly connected with the liquid-tight connection 11x, i.e., they can be coupled and decoupled from each other.

[0200] The liquid-tight connection 11x can be a screw and thread connection or a press-fit connection, etc.

[0201] The container 10 - regardless of whether it is formed in one part, as in Fig. 4c, or composed of several interconnectable parts, as shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b - may define the tank 10s fluid-tight or liquid-tight or hermetically sealed with respect to an exterior of the container 10, except for the outlet opening 12 or adjacent areas thereof.

[0202] In other words, the tank 10s of the container 10 is in fluid communication with an outside of the container 10 to allow the liquid to flow from the tank 10s to the outside of the container 10 only via the outlet opening 12.

[0203] The container 10 or the body 11 of the container 10 may have the guide 30 extending from the outlet opening 12 into the tank 10s.

[0204] The guide 30 may have a hollow tubular shape and define a receiving space 30s.

[0205] The guide 30 may be attached to or contact a portion of the inner surface of the container 10 that surrounds or circumscribes the outlet opening 12. In other words, the outlet opening 12 may be located on an inner side of the container 10 within the guide 30 or within a peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30. A contact interface or portion 38 between the guide 30 and the inner surface 10a of the container 10 may be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed. For example, the guide 30 may be formed integrally with the portion of the inner surface of the container 10 that surrounds or circumscribes the outlet opening 12.

[0206] In particular, the guide 30 may comprise a hollow, tubular body having an outlet end 32 connected to the inner surface 10a of the container 10, surrounding or surrounding the outlet. The outlet end 32 of the guide 30 may have an outlet 32h in fluid communication with the outlet opening 12.

[0207] The hollow, tubular body of the guide 30 may have an inlet end 31 (cf. Fig. 4b, Fig. 4c) which is arranged inside the tank 10s and from the inner surface 10a of the container 10 (or in the embodiment of Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b: is spaced from the container lid 11b) by a gap 4. Thus, a sufficiently large volume for the tank 10s formed within the container is ensured to receive or store the liquid 3.

[0208] The inlet end 31 of the guide 30 can have an inlet 31h (cf. Fig. 4c) which is in fluid communication with the tank 10s.

[0209] The peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30 may extend longitudinally between the inlet end 31 and the outlet end 32 of the guide 30.

[0210] In other words, the tank 10s of the container 10 is in fluid communication with an outside of the container 10 to allow the liquid to flow from the tank 10s to the outside of the container 10 only via the guide 30 and the outlet opening 12, for example only via the inlet 31h, the tank 30s, the outlet 32h and the outlet opening 12 arranged one behind the other.

[0211] The guide 30 may be arranged within the tank 10s in a cantilevered arrangement and may be connected to the inner surface 10a of the container 10 only at one end of the guide 30, ie, the outlet end 32 of the guide 30.

[0212] The peripheral wall 35 and the inlet 31 of the guide 30 may be spaced from the inner surface 10a of the container 10.

[0213] The container 10 may further comprise an inlet opening 18 and a lid 19 (cf. Fig. 4c) that covers or seals the inlet opening 18. The inlet opening 18 and / or the lid 19 must only allow liquid to flow into the tank 10s from an outside of the container, i.e., the liquid from the tank 10s must not flow out of the tank 10s via the inlet opening 18 and / or the lid 19. The inlet opening 18 and / or the lid 19 can be used to fill or refill the liquid into the tank 10s.

[0214] Fig. 5a shows the wick 20 which is inserted into and through the outlet opening 12 of the Fig. 4a shown container 10 is inserted, and Fig. 9a shows the ultrasonic generator 40, which is adjacent to the Fig. 5a shown wick 20 is arranged.

[0215] Fig. Figure 5b shows the wick 20 inserted into and through the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 of the container 10 inserted into Fig. 4b and Fig. 9b. Furthermore, Fig. 9b the ultrasonic generator 40, which is adjacent to the Fig. 5b shown wick 20 is arranged.

[0216] The wick 20 may have a rigid tubular shape and may be configured to transport liquid by capillary action or wicking.

[0217] The wick 20 transports the liquid from the tank 10s to the ultrasonic generator 40 via the outlet opening 12 (if the container 10 does not contain the guide 30) or via the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 (if the container 10 contains the guide 30).

[0218] According to the Fig. 10, the wick 20 has an inlet end 21 for receiving the liquid 3 from the tank 10s into the wick 20. The inlet end 21 is arranged within the container 10, ie, in the tank 10s, for receiving the liquid 3.

[0219] The wick 20 has an outlet end 22 on its opposite end, which is located opposite the ultrasonic generator 40, which is not arranged in contact with the ultrasonic generator 40. In any case, the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 supplies the ultrasonic generator 40 with the liquid 3.

[0220] In an arrangement where the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is disposed within the outlet opening 12 (i.e., does not extend beyond the outer surface 10b of the container 10 or is not flush with the outer surface 10b of the container 10), the ultrasonic generator 40 may be shaped to extend into the outlet opening 12 without directly contacting the outlet end 22. For example, a second portion (described later) of the ultrasonic generator 40 may be shaped to extend into the outlet opening 12.

[0221] The ultrasonic generator 40 applies ultrasound to the liquid received from the outlet end 22 of the wick, thereby spraying the liquid 3 and generating the aerosol 2 from the liquid 3 (as shown in Fig. 10). The mouthpiece 50 delivers the generated aerosol 4 to an exterior of the device 1, for example, when it is pulled or sucked in by a user.

[0222] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the tank 10s, the wick 20 and the mouthpiece 50 together define a fluid conduction path 5 for transporting the liquid 3 from the tank 10s to the ultrasonic generator 40 and for transporting the aerosol 2 generated by the ultrasonic generator 40 to the mouthpiece 50.

[0223] The ultrasonic generator 40 is arranged, e.g., directly, between the mouthpiece 50 and the wick 20. The fluid conduction path 5 also runs through the ultrasonic generator 40.

[0224] As can be seen from the Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a, Fig. 6a and Fig. As can be seen from Figure 9a, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 such that the wick 20 fills the outlet opening 12, ie completely fills it.

[0225] At the Fig. 6a is a cross section along line II of Fig. 5a. As can be seen from the Fig. 6a, an outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20 may directly contact an entire peripheral surface defining the outlet opening 12.

[0226] In other words, the outlet opening 12 can be completely filled or stuffed by the wick 20. Simply put, the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening 12 is occupied by the wick 20 such that the liquid in the tank 10s flows through the outlet opening 12 only via the wick 20.

[0227] As can be seen from the Fig. 4b, Fig. 5b, Fig. 6b and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 9b, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 such that the wick 20 fills or completely fills the outlet opening 12 and / or the receiving space 30 of the guide 30.

[0228] As in Fig. 6b, which is a cross-section along the line II-II of the Fig. 5b, the outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20 can directly contact an inner surface 30a of the peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30 at least around a lateral cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide 30.

[0229] Preferably, the wick 20 occupies an entire volume or space of the receiving space 30s of the guide 30.

[0230] In other words, the outlet opening 12 and / or the receiving space 30 of the guide 30 can be completely filled or stuffed by the wick 20.

[0231] The wick 20 can be received in the outlet opening 12 and / or the receiving space 30s of the guide 30 by fitting it into the outlet opening 12 and / or the receiving space 30s of the guide 30.

[0232] To further improve the seal between the wick 20 and the outlet opening 12, a sealing element 12s, e.g., a rubber seal, as used for example in Fig. 8, may be arranged at the outlet opening 12. The seal 12s may contact the outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20.

[0233] The outlet end 22 of the wick 10 is not in direct contact with the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40, as will be explained separately below.

[0234] The device 1 can further comprise a holding element 60 (cf. Fig. 10) arranged between the mouthpiece 50 and the container 10.

[0235] The ultrasonic generator 40 can be mounted on the support member 60 or received in the support member 60 to support, mount, or fix the ultrasonic generator 40 between the mouthpiece 50 and the container 10.

[0236] The container may comprise a container connecting element 15 (as shown for example in Fig. 8), and the holding element 60 may have a holding element connecting element (not shown). The container connecting element 15 and the holding element connecting element may correspond to each other and may engage with each other to fix or couple the container 10 and the holding element 60 with the ultrasonic generator 40 mounted thereon. This is shown in the Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b. The coupling can be detachable or reversible.

[0237] Fig. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device 1, in which the wick 20 can be arranged directly in the tank 10s, ie in contact with the inner surface 10a of the tank 10s, and occupies the tank 10s - completely or partially.

[0238] The container 10 may have a guide segment 10g that defines the receiving space 30s.

[0239] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 and the guide segment 10g such that the wick 20 fills or completely fills the outlet opening 12 and / or the receiving space 30s of the guide segment 10g. The guide segment 10g can absorb the liquid 3 adsorbed in the wick 20 arranged therein.

[0240] The guide segment 10g can form the entire tank 10s.

[0241] Additionally and optionally, the container 10 may comprise a reservoir segment 10f in addition to the guide segment 10g. The reservoir segment 10f does not encompass the wick 20, i.e., it is not filled by the wick 20 and can hold the liquid 3 therein (cf. Fig. 12).

[0242] Referring to Fig. 13, the wick 20 may have a full length FL between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example 19 mm.

[0243] A total length PL of the guide 30 and the outlet opening 12 can be between 12 mm and 18 mm, for example 16 mm.

[0244] With reference to Fig. 14, the wick 20 may comprise at least two sections or parts or segments - an inner section 24, i.e., a first section of the wick 20, which is arranged outside the outlet opening 12 and in the tank 10s, and an opening section 25, i.e., a second section, of the wick 20, which is arranged entirely in or inside the outlet opening 12, i.e., which does not protrude from the outlet opening 12 on any side. In addition, the wick 20 may optionally comprise a third section or part or segment - an outer section or an outer section 26 of the wick, which is arranged protruding from the outlet opening 12 to the outside of the container 10, i.e., arranged outside the tank 10s and outside the outlet opening 12.

[0245] The wick 20 may protrude on both sides, ie the inlet end 21 of the wick 20 may protrude from the guide 30 into the tank 10s and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 may protrude from the outlet opening 12 to an outside of the container 10 or the tank 10s.

[0246] With reference to the Fig. 14, the following dimensions of the container 10 and of components of the aerosol generating device according to the invention mounted therein are shown and explained below as follows: - A length Lw of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may be less than or equal to a length Lc of the tank 10s and / or between 0 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm. - A length Lh of the outlet opening 12 and / or the opening portion 25 of the wick 20 can be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 3.2 mm. - A length Lp1 of the outer portion 26 of the wick 20 may be 0 mm or between 0 mm and 3.5 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. - A length Lc of the tank 10s can be between 10 mm and 60 mm, in particular between 15 and 50 mm. - A part, for example an inner protruding part, of the inner section 24 of the wick 20 can protrude from the guide 30 into the tank 10s. - A length Lp2 of the inner protruding part of the inner section 24 of the wick 20 may be equal to a difference between the length Lw of the inner section 24 of the wick 20 and the length Lg of the guide 30. The length Lp2 of the inner protruding part of the inner section 24 of the wick 20 may be 0 mm or may be between 0 mm and 15 mm or between 5 and 10 mm. - A length Lg of the guide 30 extending from the outlet opening 12 into the tank 10s may be 0 mm, or may be greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to the length Lc of the tank 10s, in particular between 0 mm and 45 mm or between 10 mm and 30 mm. - The length Lw of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, or equal to or greater than 70 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s. - The length Lg of the guide 30 may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 70 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of the length Lc of the tank 10s. - A diameter D1 of the receiving space 30s of the guide 30 and / or the outlet opening 12 can be between 6 mm and 9 mm, for example, 7.5 mm. Considering that the wick 20 is completely accommodated in the receiving space 30s with respect to its circumference, it should be understood that the diameter D1 also simultaneously denotes the outer diameter of the wick. - A diameter D2 of the guide 30 can be between 8 mm and 11 mm, for example 9.5 mm.

[0247] The following are based on the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 further details regarding the ultrasonic generator 40 and its operation and interaction with the wick 20 are explained in detail: In Fig. Figure 15 shows the arrangement between the ultrasonic generator 40 and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 in the idle state of the ultrasonic generator 40. Due to the surface tension of the liquid 3, an accumulation of the liquid 3 forms as an arcuate droplet on or at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20.

[0248] At this point, it is specifically pointed out that, according to the invention, the surface tension of the liquid 3 is selected to be sufficiently high or has a sufficiently high value that an accumulation of the liquid 3 forms as an arc-shaped drop on or at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 (cf. Fig. 15). In this context, it is specifically noted that the invention ensures that any germ-inhibiting substances or other liquid components contained in the liquid 3 that prevent contamination of the aerosol generating device 1 do not reduce the surface tension of the liquid 3 to such an extent that an accumulation of liquid 3 at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 no longer occurs.

[0249] The outlet end 22 of the wick 20 has a distance of 90 (cf. Fig. 15) to the passages 44p formed in the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40. This distance 90 can be achieved by stops, edges, spacer discs or spacer rings (not shown), or any other structural means for creating a distance.

[0250] The Fig. Figure 16 shows a partial view of the arrangement between the ultrasonic generator 40 and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 while the second part 44 (with its passages 44p) is vibrated.

[0251] The second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 can be set into vibration by its first part 42.

[0252] When the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 is deformed downward in its oscillating state, i.e., toward the wick 20, the passages 44p formed in the second part 44 touch or dip into the liquid 3 at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20, so that these passages 44p fill with the liquid 3. Due to the high frequency of the oscillations, the liquid 3 then emerges as an aerosol from the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 on its opposite side.

[0253] The outlet end 22 of the wick 30 is exposed to an outer side of the outlet opening 12 and can either be flush with the outer surface 10b of the container 10 or protrude outwardly from the outer surface 10b of the container 10 or be arranged within the outlet opening 12.

[0254] In connection with the oscillation state of the ultrasonic generator 40, it is specifically emphasized at this point that the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is not in direct contact with the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40. In other words, the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is not in contact with the passages 44p or the mesh 44p formed in or by the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40.

[0255] The outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is not in direct contact with the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 at its receiving surface. The liquid 3 is supplied through the outlet end 22 of the wick and absorbed by the receiving surface of the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40. The first part 42 of the ultrasonic generator 40 oscillates due to piezoelectric action and then implements or transmits the oscillations to the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40, for example, by being in direct contact with the second part 44. As a result, the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 also oscillates. As a result of this high-frequency oscillation of the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40, the liquid absorbed by the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is suitably nebulized and then discharged at the opposite outlet surface of the second part 44 as an aerosol 2 (cf. Fig. 10) into the aerosol chamber 50s and towards the outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50.

[0256] The generated aerosol 2 (cf. Fig. 10) then leaves the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 at or from the exit surface of the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40, ie on its side opposite the wick 20.

[0257] As already explained above, the surface tension of the liquid 3 is selected or set sufficiently high so that a collection of liquid 3 always forms at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20, opposite the ultrasonic generator 40 and its second part 44. According to the invention, this collection of liquid 3 serves, as explained, for transfer to the ultrasonic generator 40 and its second part 44, particularly when the latter is set into vibration during its actuation.

[0258] The generated aerosol 2 is discharged from the exit surface of the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 into an aerosol chamber 50s (cf. Fig. 10) defined between the outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50 and the ultrasonic generator 40, and then directed outward to the device 1 via the outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50.

[0259] The present invention also provides a method for generating an aerosol 2. The aerosol 2 can be generated by an aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment(s) explained above. In any case, in the method according to the invention, a liquid can be stored or held in the tank 10s of the container 10, wherein the thus stored liquid 3 is suitably aerosolized or nebulized by actuating the ultrasonic generator 40 of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0260] According to an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the liquid 3 can be stored in the tank 10s of the container 10 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the invention, wherein the thus stored liquid 3 is aerosolized by the ultrasonic generator 40 upon its activation. The liquid 3 consists of water and ethanol. The amount of water can be equal to or greater than 80 wt.%. In this context, it should be emphasized that substances or liquids that prevent microbial contamination of the aerosol generating device 1 can reduce the surface tension of the liquid 3. However, a reduction in the surface tension has a significant impact on the transport of the liquid 3 through the wick 20. If the surface tension of the liquid 3 is too low, the liquid 3 will not sufficiently accumulate on the outlet end 22 of the wick 20.Thus, according to the invention, the liquid 3 is a water-based nicotine liquid, whereby other liquid components that prevent contamination of the aerosol generating device 1 do not reduce the surface tension of the liquid 3 to such an extent that an accumulation of liquid 3 at the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 no longer occurs. According to the invention, this can be achieved by using the substances hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution, and / or sodium chloride, which are contained in the liquid and / or suitably incorporated into the wick.

[0261] Furthermore, additional substances and / or liquids can be added to the water-based liquid 3, for example, a food additive in the form of lactic acid. The desired pH value can be adjusted through all components of the water-based liquid 3. According to the invention, the pH value of the water-based liquid 3 should be adjusted such that corrosion at the passages 44p of the ultrasonic generator 40 is avoided.

[0262] With regard to the aforementioned pH value of liquid 3, it is specifically noted that by adding a food additive, for example lactic acid, it is possible to adjust the pH value of liquid 3 to between 4 and 9.5. By modifying the concentration of lactic acid, the pH value of liquid 3 can also be in the range between 4 and 8, more preferably also in a range between 5 and 7. In other words, for the latter variant, the pH value of liquid 3 is in the range 5-7. In any case, by combining with the added lactic acid from liquid 3 (e.g., a water-based nicotine liquid), a nicotine lactate is formed. List of reference symbols 1 device for generating aerosols 1x longitudinal axis of the device 2 aerosols 3 Liquid to be sprayed 4 gap 5 Fluid line path 6 wire 8 Main part 8x main engagement part 9 cartridges 9x cartridge engagement part 9y Electrical connections 10 containers 10a Inner surface of the container 10 10b Outer surface of the container 10 10s tank 10f Reservoir section of container 10 10g guide segment of the container 10 11 Body of the container 10 11a first part of the body 11 11b second part of the body 11 11x fluid-tight connection 12 Outlet opening 12c Inner surface of the outlet opening 12 12s seal 15 Container connecting element 18 Inlet opening 19 lids 20 wicks 20a Top of the wick 20 20b Underside of the wick 20 20c Outer surface of the wick 20 21 Inlet end of the wick 20 22 Outlet end of the wick 20 24 Inner section of the wick 20 25 Opening section of the wick 20 26 Outer section of the wick 20 30 Guide 30a Inner surface of the guide 30 30b Outer surface of the guide 30 30s recording room 31 Admittance of the tour 30 31h Entrance to the tour 30 32 omissions of the leadership 32h Exit of tour 30 35 Perimeter wall of the guide 30 38 Contact part 40 Ultrasonic generator 42 first part of the ultrasonic generator 44 second part of the ultrasonic generator 44p passes 50 mouthpiece 50h Mouthpiece outlet opening 50 50s aerosol chamber 60 holding element 82 Charging port 84 Display 86 User interface / button 88 LED display 89 Logo 90 distance PL Combined Length FL full length of the wick 20 D1 Inner diameter of the guide 30 or the outlet opening 22 D2 Outer diameter of the guide 30 or the outlet opening 22 Lc length of the tank 10s Lg Length of the guide 30 (from outlet opening 22) Lw Length of the wick 20 (from the outlet opening 22) Lp1 Length of the wick 20 (outside the container 10) Lp2 Length of the wick 20 (outside the guide 30) QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202018000122 U1

[0005] US 2020 / 245692 A1

[0005] WO 2021 / 081009 A1

[0005] EP 3247435 A1

[0005] US 2020 / 0245692 A1

[0005] EP 3 247 435 B1 [0005, 0006]

Claims

[1] Aerosol generating device (1) for generating an aerosol (2), comprising: - a container (10) with a tank (10s) formed therein for storing a liquid (3) to be sprayed, the container (10) having an outlet opening (12), - an ultrasonic generator (40) by means of which the aerosol (2) can be generated from the liquid (3), - a mouthpiece (50) attached to the container (10) adjacent to its outlet opening, which has an outlet opening (50h) for releasing the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40), and - a wick (20) arranged in the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) for transporting the liquid (3) from the tank (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the wick (20) has an inlet end (21) arranged inside the tank (10s) for receiving the liquid (3) stored in the tank (10s) and an outlet end (22) arranged adjacent to the ultrasonic generator (40) for providing the liquid (3) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the ultrasonic generator (40) is arranged between the outlet opening (50h) of the mouthpiece (50) and the wick (20), characterized by , that the liquid (3) is a water-based nicotine liquid, and that the liquid (3) has a surface tension with which an accumulation of liquid (3) forms at the outlet end (22) of the wick (20) for transfer to the ultrasonic generator (40). [2] Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains germ-inhibiting substances. [3] Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the container (10) is liquid-tight except for its outlet opening (12), so that the liquid (3) from the tank (10s) is only transported via the wick (20) to the ultrasonic generator (40). [4] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container (10) has in its interior a tubular guide (30) which extends from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) parallel to a longitudinal axis (1x) of the device (1) into the tank (10s) and has a receiving space (30s), wherein the wick (20) is received in the receiving space (30s), preferably that a cross-sectional area of the receiving space (30s) is filled by the wick (20). [5] Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 4, characterized bythat a circumferential wall (35) of the guide (30) is liquid-tight, and / or that the inlet end (21) of the wick (20) is arranged to project from the guide (30) into the tank (10s), and / or that a gap (4) is defined between the guide (30) and an inner surface (10a) of the container (10) for receiving the liquid (3) from the tank (10s) into the wick (20), wherein the inner surface (10a) of the container (10) defines the tank (10s). [6] Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that a length (Lg) of the guide (30) extending from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) into the tank (10s) is equal to or greater than 50% or equal to or greater than 70% of a length (Lc) of the tank (10s). [7] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized bythat the guide (30) is formed integrally with the container (10); and / or that an inner diameter of the guide (30) is equal to a diameter of the outlet opening (12) of the container (10). [8] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a length (Lw) of the wick (20) extending from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) into the tank (10s) is equal to or greater than 50% or equal to or greater than 70% of a length (Lc) of the tank (10s); and / or that a diameter (D1) of the wick (20) and / or a diameter of the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) and / or an inner diameter of the guide (30) is or are greater than or equal to 5 mm or greater than 8 mm. [9] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the ultrasonic generator (40) comprises a first part (42) with a piezoelectric element and a second part (44) with a plurality of passages (44p) through which the liquid (3) can pass, wherein the outlet end (22) of the wick (20) is spaced from the second part (44) of the ultrasonic generator (40). [10] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the tank (10s), the wick (20) and the mouthpiece (50) define a fluid line path (5) for transporting the liquid (3) from the tank (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40) and for transporting the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40) to the mouthpiece (50), preferably that the fluid line path (5) runs through the ultrasonic generator (40) and the container (10), further preferably that the wick (20) is arranged in the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) and fills the outlet opening (12). [11] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains nicotine in an amount selected from a range of 0.05 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml. [12] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains at least one substance formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and sodium chloride as a germ-inhibiting substance, preferably that the liquid (3) contains a combination of substances formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and / or sodium chloride as a germ-inhibiting substance. [13] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one substance formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and sodium chloride is introduced into the wick (20) as a germ-inhibiting substance, preferably that a combination of substances formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and / or sodium chloride is introduced into the wick (20) as a germ-inhibiting substance. [14] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains sodium chloride in an amount of 0.5 to 3 percent by weight based on the proportion of water. [15] Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by that the liquid contains 0.9% by weight of sodium chloride based on the proportion of water. [16] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the liquid (3) contains: 85% by volume water, 15% by volume ethanol, 0.5 mg / ml nicotine, 0.9% by weight sodium chloride based on the proportion of water. [17] Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid (3) has a pH value between 4 and 9.5, preferably that the liquid (3) has a pH value between 4 and 8, further preferably that the liquid (3) has a pH value between 5 and 7. [18] Method for generating an aerosol (2) using an aerosol generating device (1) with a wick (20), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the method provides that a liquid (3) with which the aerosol (2) is generated is a water-based nicotine liquid, wherein the liquid (3) has a surface tension with which an accumulation of liquid (3) is formed at the outlet end (22) of the wick (20) for transfer to the ultrasonic generator (40). [19] Method according to claim 18, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains germ-inhibiting substances. [20] Method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains nicotine in an amount selected from a range of 0.05 mg / ml to 20 mg / ml. [21] Method according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized bythat the liquid contains at least one substance formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and sodium chloride as a germ-inhibiting substance, preferably that the liquid contains a combination of substances formed from the group of hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, silver ion solution and / or sodium chloride. [22] Method according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains sodium chloride in an amount of 0.5 to 3 percent by weight based on the proportion of water, preferably that the liquid (3) contains 0.9 percent by weight of sodium chloride based on the proportion of water. [23] Method according to one of claims 1822, characterized by that the liquid (3) contains: 85% by volume water, 15% by volume ethanol, 0.5 mg / ml nicotine, and 0.9% by weight sodium chloride based on the proportion of water. [24] Method according to one of claims 18 to 23, characterized by that a pH value of between 4 and 9.5 is set for the liquid (3) by adding a food additive, in particular in the form of lactic acid, preferably that a pH value of between 4 and 8 is set for the liquid (3) by adding a food additive, in particular in the form of lactic acid, further preferably that a pH value of between 5 and 7 is set for the liquid (3) by adding a food additive, in particular in the form of lactic acid.

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