Aerosol generating device and set

Abstract

The present invention provides an aerosol generating device configured to operate with a replaceable article (16) including a storage compartment, comprising: a container (10) extending along a container axis (A), defining an inner container side and configured to receive the replaceable article (16); and a heating system configured to heat the replaceable article (16) when the replaceable article (16) is received in the container (10), wherein the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the inner container side includes at least one protrusion (14) protruding from the inner container side and configured to compress a portion of the air flow path of the storage compartment to reduce its cross-sectional area when the replaceable article (16) is received in the container (10), wherein the or each protrusion (14) defines a protrusion surface adjacent the inner container side and forming an angle with the inner container side that is greater than 100° along the entire protrusion (14) in the air flow direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating set that includes the device and a replaceable item that includes a vaporizable material. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, aerosol generating devices such as electronic cigarettes have become popular as an alternative to traditional smoking devices. In such devices, vaporizable material such as tobacco is heated. This can occur, for example, by a susceptor that is embedded in the vaporizable material and heated by one or more coils that surround a container adapted to contain an exchangeable item. In other words, the susceptor is used in an induction heating device that is heated by eddy currents that are created by the surrounding coil and induced in the susceptor.

[0003] In this context, firstly, uniform heat distribution within the vaporizable material is an issue, since cold air is continuously supplied from the inlet. Secondly, the temperature is usually particularly high immediately around the susceptor, which is usually elongated and generally extends in the airflow direction between the inlet and the outlet. This also applies to other heating methods, such as those involving heated tracks, cups, and / or blades. In these cases, the vaporizable material does not include a heating element like a susceptor, but the above-mentioned temperature gradient across the vaporizable material between the inlet and the outlet remains essentially unchanged. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In view of the above, it is an underlying objective of the present invention to provide an aerosol generating device and set, which allows for more uniform heating of vaporizable material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This is achieved by the aerosol generating system as claimed in claim 1.

[0006] It is configured to operate with a replaceable article, such as a tobacco stick, including a storage compartment containing a vaporizable material, such as tobacco, the storage compartment defining an air flow path extending between an air inlet and an air outlet through the vaporizable material. The aerosol generating device includes a container extending along a container axis, defining an interior container side, and configured to receive the replaceable article within a space bounded by the interior container side such that the air flow path extends along the container axis. Further, a heating system is provided that is configured to heat the replaceable article received within the container.

[0007] According to the invention, the interior surface of the container includes at least one protrusion protruding from the interior surface of the container and configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of ​​the container when an item is received within the container so as to compress a portion of the air flow path of the storage compartment.

[0008] The or each protrusion defines a protrusion surface adjacent the container inner side surface that forms an angle with the container inner side surface greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion in the air flow direction. Alternatively, the or each protrusion defines a protrusion surface adjacent the container inner side surface that forms an angle with the container inner side surface greater than 100 degrees along at least the rising / rising portion of the protrusion in the air flow direction. This avoids undesirable turbulence and recirculating eddies or vortices downstream of the protrusion, which are disadvantageous because steam can become stuck in the vortex and condensation. A smooth shape also helps to maintain good contact between the container and the replaceable article, which is advantageous when, for example, resistive heating is utilized at the wall of the container. A preferred angle range at the point where the protrusion emerges from the inner wall, as seen in a longitudinal cut view, is 100-175 degrees, with 130-170 degrees being preferred.

[0009] The feature that the protrusion surface forms an angle with the interior container surface in the airflow direction that is greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion may mean that the angle value remains greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion in the airflow direction. For example, this feature may suggest that the protrusion surface will be shallower along the airflow direction compared to the angle at the point where the protrusion emerges from the interior wall, as long as the angle remains greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion in the airflow direction.

[0010] In particular, the feature that the protrusion surface forms an angle with the container inner surface greater than 100 degrees along the entire protrusion in the air flow direction may mean that the angle between a straight line (tangent) at each point of the protrusion profile in the cross section of the protrusion along the air flow direction and the container inner surface is greater than 100 degrees. For example, if the protrusion has an ascending portion, an upper portion, and a descending portion, the straight line may be close to parallel to the container inner surface in this case when viewed along the air flow direction, so that the angle between the straight line at a point close to the top of the protrusion and the container inner surface may be close to 180° and therefore may be greater than 100 degrees. Further aspects related to the feature regarding the angle between the protrusion surface and the container inner surface will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings of the preferred embodiment.

[0011] In general, the airflow direction may be understood as the direction in which air flows during use of the aerosol generating device, from the air inlet to the air outlet. The airflow direction may be parallel to the container axis.

[0012] The described angles further provide a "smooth" shape of the projections, which allows, for example, inserting and removing the replaceable article from the container without damage. Furthermore, the effect on which the invention is based is similar to that of a Venturi tube, since the compression or reduction of the cross-sectional area of ​​the air flow passage leads to an acceleration of the air flowing through the replaceable article. This, for example, removes heat from particularly hot areas and transfers it in the form of heated air to cooler areas. This makes the heating more uniform, which is advantageous with regard to the efficient use of vaporizable material. The projections additionally have the advantageous effect of fixing the replaceable article in place. The projections may have the same or different dimensions in the radial and / or axial and / or circumferential directions, and / or constant or varying heights, and the projections may be provided with an axial and / or circumferential offset or in a staggered position. Furthermore, the projections with a longitudinal extension may be oriented with this extension parallel to the container axis or at an angle to this axis. Currently, it is anticipated that the maximum number of projections is 64. The shape of the protrusions can also be described as aerodynamic.

[0013] Preferred embodiments are set forth in the further claims.

[0014] A first simulation shows that the desired effect of accelerating the flow while still promoting laminar or transitional flow can be obtained in particular when the or each protrusion has a maximum height, measured along an axis perpendicular to the container axis, of 2 to 15% of the container diameter, with 5 to 10% of this diameter being preferred. In other words, the space available for exchangeable articles such as tobacco sticks is reduced by the mentioned values, and the available cross-sectional area is contracted. In particular, the cross-sectional area can be reduced by 1 to 15%, preferably 2 to 8%. The mentioned values ​​appear to be particularly suitable for typical dimensions of containers with a diameter of 7 to 7.5 mm, in particular 7.1 mm, and a length of 37 to 38 mm, in particular 37.5 mm.

[0015] It is currently also anticipated to be advantageous when the maximum length of the or each projection measured along the container axis is between 5 and 75% of the container length measured along the container axis, preferably between 10 and 65% of this length, more preferably between 15 and 55%. The most preferred length may be about 20% of said container length.

[0016] The desired "smooth" shape of the or each protrusion may be obtained in particular when the protrusion has a rising portion, an upper portion and a falling portion.

[0017] In this context, the, or each, protrusion may typically be symmetrical with respect to the upper portion, with respect to the ascending and descending portions. Notwithstanding the above, asymmetric shapes may also be selected.

[0018] Additionally, advantageous shapes are envisaged for the ascending portion defining a transverse dimension that gradually increases from the interior vessel surface to the top, and / or the descending portion defining a transverse dimension that gradually decreases from the top to the interior vessel surface.

[0019] In particular, the shape as claimed in claim 7 is expected to show advantageous effects.

[0020] While a single protrusion already has the desired effect, an increased effect can be achieved when multiple protrusions are provided, the multiple protrusions being axially and / or circumferentially disposed on the inner vessel surface.

[0021] According to the observation that temperatures are particularly high at the exhaust outlet of the storage compartment, it is preferred that the or each projection is located adjacent the exhaust outlet.

[0022] The or each protrusion may be provided on the container inner side in a fixed manner, in particular integral with the container wall, but at least one protrusion may also be movable along the container axis. Furthermore, the protrusion may be snapped into place by the user after the item has been inserted into the container. This helps to prevent damage to the bottom of replaceable items, in particular stick-shaped items, which are inserted into a container with a bottom at the front.

[0023] Thus, to achieve the aforementioned effect, the or each protrusion may also be movable along an axis perpendicular to the container axis. In any case, it is sufficient that the protrusion projects from the inner container surface. Typically, the protrusion forms part of the inner surface and is smoothly connected to the inner surface, i.e. avoiding sharp edges and implying a radius of curvature.

[0024] As indicated above, the present invention is particularly useful in connection with induction heating systems, in which the storage compartment for replaceable articles comprises at least one susceptor. In this context, it is currently preferred that the number of protrusions is equal to the number of susceptors.

[0025] Furthermore, when the replaceable article is received within the vessel, heating may be consolidated when the or each protrusion has an upper portion facing the downstream end and / or hottest portion of the corresponding susceptor.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the heating system may include one or more heating elements extending along at least a portion of the inner vessel surface and a contact surface of the at least one protrusion.

[0027] Finally, the above-mentioned advantages may be particularly obtained when the aerosol generating device described herein is combined with a replaceable item such that the aerosol generating device is adapted to cooperate with the replaceable item.

[0028] The invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof as shown in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of the third embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13A and 13B are side and plan views of a further embodiment of a protrusion. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of a further embodiment with an interchangeable item inserted. [Figure 7] 7 is a cutaway side view of a further embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of yet another embodiment of the aerosol generating device showing further portions thereof. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of a protrusion, supporting the meaning of the angle between the protrusion surface and the interior vessel surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the container 10 of the aerosol generating device is essentially tubular in shape and is adapted to accommodate a replaceable item such as a tobacco stick. As indicated by arrow A, air flows through the tobacco stick essentially along the container axis and enters the container 10 at the air inlet 12 in an essentially cool state. Along the air flow path, the tobacco stick is heated and includes a susceptor adapted to cooperate with one or more induction coils (not shown) around the container to transfer heat to the surrounding tobacco. In the illustrated embodiment, two protrusions 14 are formed at the same position along the axial direction and at diametrically opposite positions along the circumferential direction. Similar to a Venturi tube, the air flow is accelerated in the protrusion area where the tobacco stick is correspondingly compressed, whereby the heated air can be rapidly transported from a particularly hot area surrounding the susceptor.

[0031] As can be particularly seen from Figure 2, the protrusions have a smooth cross-sectional geometry which prevents undesirable turbulence from being generated and allows the tobacco stick to be inserted by sliding between the protrusions without risking damage to the tobacco stick.

[0032] This also applies to the embodiment of Figure 3, which differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 both in terms of the shape and the number of the projections. Firstly, the projections have an asymmetric shape, viewed in the flow direction, with a steeper ascending portion and a less steep descending portion. This allows in particular an easy insertion of a tobacco stick in the direction opposite to the flow direction. Secondly, in contrast to Figures 1 and 2, a number of projections, for example 12 projections, are provided at equal intervals along the circumference of the container. Moreover, the transverse dimensions of the ascending portions increase, viewed in the flow direction, with a greater gradient than the gradient at which these dimensions decrease in the descending portions, which can be seen in the central part of Figure 3, similar to the drop shape.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, multiple protrusions may also be provided at different axial positions, which may be considered as a staggered arrangement. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions at different axial positions are additionally offset in the circumferential direction. It goes without saying that multiple protrusions may also be provided at more than two axial positions, and the distance between the circumferential protrusion positions may be the same or may vary around the circumference. Furthermore, any arrangement of protrusions shown in the figures may be selected with symmetrical protrusions as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 4, as well as asymmetrical protrusions as shown in FIG. 3, including any further shape shown in FIG. 5. In this context, when multiple protrusions are present, they may all have the same or different shapes.

[0034] As can be seen from FIG. 5, additional smooth and / or aerodynamic shapes such as chevrons (A), arrowheads (B), asymmetric fillets combined with chamfers as risers (C), symmetric fillets (D), asymmetric fillets (E), symmetric chamfers (F), and asymmetric chamfers (D) are suitable. Chevrons and arrowheads essentially have a point at one end, and their shape as seen in plan view can be described as essentially a triangle. In contrast to the arrowhead, which corresponds very closely to a triangle in plan view, the chevrons have a notch on the opposite side of the point as seen in plan view. A chamfer has an essentially flat inclined surface as seen in cross section, and a fillet is essentially an ellipse or oval as seen in plan view. The flow direction is typically from right to left in FIG. 5.

[0035] As shown in particular in Figures 1 to 4, the protrusion or protrusions may be formed by thickening the container wall. Alternatively, the container wall may have a uniform wall thickness and the protrusion or protrusions may be formed as a convex shape on the inside of the container corresponding to a concave shape on its outside. As can be seen in particular in Figures 2 to 5, each protrusion has a protrusion surface adjacent to the container inner side surface that forms an angle α with the container inner side surface that is greater than 100°, and in particular in the embodiment of Figures 2, 4 and 5 except for Figure 5B, this angle is significantly greater than 100° and remains large along the entire protrusion as viewed from the air flow direction. In other words, each protrusion does not have any surface that extends "steeply" towards the container inner side surface that would generate undesirable turbulence.

[0036] The measurement and determination of the angle α between the protrusion surface and the inside container surface is shown in detail in Figures 9A and 9B, respectively, which show two different configurations of the protrusion 14. In Figure 9A, the protrusion 14 has a roof-like shape with a linear rise (including point A) and a linear fall (including point B) along the airflow direction (indicated by the arrow). In Figure 9B, the protrusion 14 has a semicircular shape with a gradually shallower rise (including point A) and a gradually steeper fall (including point B) along the airflow direction (indicated by the arrow). In relation to Figures 9A and 9B, the feature that the protrusion surface forms an angle α with the inside container surface greater than one hundred degrees (100°) along the entire protrusion 14 in the airflow direction means that the angle between the straight line (tangent) at each point of the outline of the protrusion 14 in the cross section of the protrusion along the airflow direction and the inside container surface is greater than 100°. In Figures 9A and 9B, such straight lines (tangents) are exemplarily shown by dashed lines at points A and B. In the ascending section (the section including point A), the angle α is measured with respect to the upstream inner vessel surface of the protrusion 14 with respect to the airflow direction. In the descending section (the section including point B), the angle α is measured with respect to the downstream inner vessel surface of the protrusion 14 with respect to the airflow direction. The angle α does not change at each point of the protrusion 14 in the ascending section of Figure 9A, but the angle α changes, i.e. becomes larger, as one proceeds along the airflow direction in the ascending section of the protrusion 14 shown in Figure 9B.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a container 10 with two diametric projections 14 similar to those of Figure 5D or Figure 5F. Figure 6 additionally shows an exchangeable article 16, such as a tobacco stick, housed in the container 10 and correspondingly compressed in the region of the projections 14. This compression firstly causes the tobacco strands 18 to move closer together in the region of the projections 14 and secondly causes the susceptors 20 housed in the exchangeable article 16 to bend. These susceptors 20 may already have a curved convex shape in the original state, i.e. without being compressed by the projections 14. In particular, the convex shapes of two or more susceptors may face each other towards the center of the exchangeable article 16. Alternatively or additionally, the convex shape shown in the figure may result from compression in the region of the projections 14.

[0038] In any event, as better shown in Figure 7, the cross-sectional area of ​​the replaceable article 16 is smaller in the region of the protrusions 14, thereby increasing the flow rate and transferring heat faster than in the inlet and outlet regions of the illustrated replaceable article. The location of the susceptors, which are typically thin strands of material that can be heated by surrounding coils (not shown), may correspond to the location of the protrusions 14 and may be essentially symmetrical therewith, as shown in Figure 6, or the susceptors may also be shifted slightly toward the inlet 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the inlet end of each susceptor is somewhat closer to the inlet 12 of the vessel 10 than the inlet end of each protrusion 14, and the susceptors cover approximately two-thirds of the longitudinal extension of the protrusions. As mentioned above, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the positions of the susceptors 20 are symmetrical to the positions of the protrusions 14, with their inlet ends being slightly further from the inlet 12 of the vessel than the inlet ends of the protrusions 14, and their outlet ends being slightly further from the outlet of the vessel than the outlet ends of the protrusions 14.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, due to the asymmetric position of the susceptors, the susceptors are closer together at their outlet ends than at their inlet ends.

[0040] The above-mentioned effect of compressing the replaceable article 16 to quickly remove heat, especially from high-temperature areas, is also achieved by the embodiment of FIG. 8. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the protrusions 14 are provided at the outlet end of the vessel and are formed as heating elements. In other words, unlike the previously described embodiment, the replaceable article 16 is not heated from the inside, such as by means of the susceptor 20, but not from the vessel wall. The principle underlying the invention, namely providing the protrusions to compress or contract the air flow path, remains unchanged. It should also be mentioned that when induction heating is used instead of external heating as in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the susceptor can be located in the area corresponding to the protrusions 14 shown in FIG. 8. For the sake of completeness, FIG. 8 shows a support 22 with an air path 24 downstream of the outlet end of the vessel 10, and a filter 26 downstream of the support 22.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating device configured to operate with a replaceable article (16) including a storage compartment containing a vaporizable material, comprising: the storage compartment defines an air flow path extending through the vaporizable material between an air inlet (12) and an air outlet; The aerosol generating device comprises: a container (10) extending along a container axis (A), defining an interior container surface, and configured to receive the replaceable item (16) within a space bounded by the interior container surface such that the air flow path extends along the container axis (A); a heating system configured to heat the replaceable item (16) when the replaceable item (16) is received within the container (10); Equipped with the aerosol generating device is characterized in that the interior surface of the container includes at least one protrusion (14) protruding from the interior surface of the container and configured to reduce a cross-sectional area of ​​the container when the replaceable item (16) is received in the container (10) so as to compress a portion of the air flow path of the storage compartment; the or each projection (14) defines a projection surface adjacent to the container inner side surface and forming an angle with the container inner side surface greater than 100° along the entire projection (14) in the direction of air flow; Aerosol generating devices.

2. the maximum height of the or each projection (14), measured along an axis perpendicular to the container axis (A), is comprised between 2% and 15% of the diameter of the container, preferably between 5% and 10% of said diameter; 10. The aerosol generating device of claim 1.

3. the maximum length of the or each projection (14), measured along the container axis (A), is comprised between 5% and 75% of the length of the container, measured along the container axis (A), preferably between 10% and 65% of said length; 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the or each projection (14) defines an ascending portion, an upper portion and a descending portion; The ascending portion extends from the inner surface of the container to the upper portion, and the descending portion extends from the upper portion to the inner surface of the container.

3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the ascending portion is symmetrical to the descending portion with respect to the upper portion; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

6. the raised portion defines a transverse dimension that gradually increases from the interior surface of the container to the top; and / or the descending portion defines a transverse dimension that gradually decreases from the top to the interior surface of the container; The aerosol generating device according to claim 4.

7. The shape of the or each projection (14) is Chevron Shape Arrowhead shape Asymmetrical fillets and chamfers Symmetrical Fillet Asymmetrical fillet Symmetrical chamfer Asymmetric chamfer selected from the group consisting of 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The container includes a plurality of protrusions (14) arranged axially and / or circumferentially on the inner surface of the container according to the container axis (A), 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. when the replaceable item (16) is received within the container (10), the or each projection (14) is positioned adjacent the exhaust outlet of the storage compartment; 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the or each projection (14) is movable along the container axis (A); 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the or each projection (14) is movable along an axis perpendicular to the container axis (A) between an engaged position and a disengaged position; The replaceable item (16) the or each projection (14) being freely movable within said container (10) along said container axis (A) when said projection (14) is in said disengaged position; when the or each projection (14) is in the engaged position it is locked within the container (10); 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the heating system being an induction heating system including a coil configured to generate a magnetic field; the storage compartment for the replaceable item (16) includes at least one susceptor (20) extending along the air flow path between an upstream end and a downstream end and capable of generating heat when placed in the magnetic field generated by the coil; the or each projection (14) is arranged to at least partially face a susceptor (20) of the storage compartment of the replaceable item (16) when the replaceable item (16) is received within the container (10); Preferably, the number of said projections (14) is chosen equal to the number of said susceptors (20).

3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. the or each projection (14) defines an upper portion arranged to face the downstream end of the corresponding susceptor (20) when the replaceable article (16) is received within the vessel (10); 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. the heating system includes one or more heating elements extending along at least a portion of the inner vessel surface and a contact surface of the or each protrusion (14); 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A replaceable article (16) including a storage compartment containing a vaporizable material, a replaceable article (16) having a storage compartment defining an air flow path extending through said vaporizable material between an air inlet (12) and an air outlet; An aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to operate with the replaceable item (16); Equipped with Aerosol generator set.

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