Aerosol generating device including a gas sensor and related aerosol generating assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

The aerosol generation device (12) includes a reservoir (20) configured to accommodate a consumable storing a vaporizable material, the reservoir (20) extending along a device axis (X) between an open end (30) and a bottom end (32); a first heating system (60) configured to heat at least a portion of the reservoir (20) to form an aerosol on the open end (30) when the consumable is within the reservoir (20); and a gas sensing compartment (22) including a gas sensor (36), wherein the reservoir (20) is configured to conduct a vapor flow from the vapor inlet (26) through the consumable to the open end (30) in a vaping mode, and the reservoir (20) is configured to conduct an exhalation flow from the open end (30) to the gas sensing compartment (22) in a sensing mode.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating assembly including such an aerosol generating device and a consumable. [Background technology]

[0003] Various types of aerosol generating devices are already known in the art. In general, such aerosol generating devices include a reservoir for storing a vaporizable material or for housing a consumable for storing such a vaporizable material. The vaporizable material may include, for example, a liquid or a solid. The heating system is formed of one or more electrically actuated resistive heating elements configured to heat the vaporizable material to generate an aerosol. The aerosol is emitted into a flow path extending between an inlet and an outlet of the aerosol generating device.

[0004] Generally, aerosol generating devices are designed to be easily portable by the user, who typically carries the aerosol generating device with them for most of the day so that it is readily available for use.

[0005] Typically, such aerosol generating devices are used frequently throughout the day. For example, smokers often use such devices during breaks or after meals, for example to relax and reduce stress and / or anxiety. These devices are used when or after a change in the user's mental or physical health state occurs, although the user may barely notice the extent of the change.

[0006] Monitoring the changes could be of great help to the user in becoming more aware of his or her own physical and psychological state. Thus, there is a need for a simple method of providing a user with data regarding the state of their mental and physical health. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that provides better information regarding the health status of a user of the aerosol generating device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To this end, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, comprising: a reservoir configured to contain a consumable having a vaporizable material stored therein, the reservoir extending along an axis of the device between an open end and a bottom end; a first heating system configured to heat at least a portion of the reservoir to at least a first temperature when the consumable is contained in the reservoir to form an aerosol on the open end; a gas sensing section capable of being in fluid communication with the reservoir and including a gas sensor for detecting at least a gas; Including, the reservoir is configured, in a vaping mode, to conduct a vaping flow from the vaping inlet through the consumable to the open end; the reservoir is configured, in a sensing mode, to conduct discharge flow from the open end to the gas sensing compartment; This relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0009] The aerosol generating device is used during certain short periods of the day when certain changes occur in the user's metabolism. For example, the user may use the aerosol generating device after a meal when metabolism changes drastically. The user may use the device during breaks to relax. Emotions and moods also affect the user's metabolism. At the very least, a gas sensor in the device is used to detect the gas exhaled by the user. For example, the aerosol generating device provides a way to analyze the user's metabolism and provides information about it. Monitoring the user's metabolic parameters can be of great help in improving the user's mental and physical well-being by providing the user with very important information and enabling the user to take action accordingly.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a sensing valve disposed between the gas sensing compartment and the reservoir; the sensing valve is movable between an open position in which the gas sensing compartment is in fluid communication with the reservoir and a closed position in which the gas sensing compartment is isolated from the reservoir; The sensing valve is in an open position in the sensing mode and in a closed position in the vaping mode.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a vaping valve disposed between the vaping inlet and the reservoir; the vaping valve is movable between an open position in which the vaping inlet is in fluid communication with the reservoir and a closed position in which the vaping inlet is sealed; The vaporizing valve is in an open position in the vaporizing mode and in a closed position in the sensing mode.

[0012] These features allow the device to be used between a typical vaping mode and a sensing mode in which the device analyzes the gas exhaled by the user. This simple fluid circuit allows the device to switch between both modes in a simple manner.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a control module and a switch system, the control module configured to control the device between a detection mode and a vaping mode, and the switch system designed to be manipulated by a user to instruct the control module.

[0014] These features allow the user to easily select the desired mode.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the reservoir is configured to receive the consumable through an open end.

[0016] According to some embodiments, in the sensing mode, the reservoir is configured to conduct the dispense flow when the reservoir is empty of consumables.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the vaping inlet is located at a bottom end of the reservoir.

[0018] Thanks to these features, common components of the aerosol generating device are used to deliver the exhaled stream to the gas sensing compartment, and the device remains easy to manufacture.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the first heating system is further configured to, in the sensing mode, heat the discharge flow through the reservoir to at least a second temperature.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a second heating system configured to heat the exhaled stream entering the gas sensing zone to at least a second temperature in the sensing mode.

[0021] These features heat the discharge stream to facilitate easier analysis performed by the gas sensor.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the first heating system and / or the second heating system include a hollow cylindrical component, and in the sensing mode, the discharge flow passes through the cylindrical component towards the gas sensor.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the cylindrical component includes, from radially inside to outside, a layer of Teflon filled with a hydrocarbon fill material, a copper layer, and a heater film.

[0024] Thanks to these features, the heating system is still simple and efficient. The hollow cylindrical component is part of the circuit that carries the discharge flow to the gas sensor. The copper layer allows good thermal conduction of the heat generated by the heater film.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the second temperature is selected to cause sequestration of at least one predetermined component from the discharge stream, the second temperature being preferably between 80°C and 100°C, advantageously approximately equal to 90°C.

[0026] Thanks to these features, the analysis performed by the sensor is as accurate as possible (eg, with respect to a particular gas component).

[0027] According to some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further includes a communications module connected to the gas sensor, the gas sensor configured to generate sensed data representative of the exhaled flow, and the communications module configured to transmit the sensed data to an external device.

[0028] Thanks to these features, the sensing data generated by the aerosol generating device can be conveyed to an external device, where it can then be displayed in a simple manner, for example, allowing the user to review information about their own metabolism.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the gas sensed by the gas sensor comprises a component selected from the group consisting of acetone, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.

[0030] These features allow the user to access information regarding important components of the human metabolism.

[0031] The present invention also provides An aerosol generating device as described above; a consumable configured to operate with the aerosol generating device; and The present invention relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generating device according to the present invention and an external device, in which the aerosol generating device is in detection mode and transmitting detection data to the external device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation assembly according to the present invention, the aerosol generation assembly including the aerosol generation device of FIG. 1 and a consumable item inserted into the reservoir of the device, the device being in vaping mode. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device of FIG. 2 without the consumables, the device being in sensing mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Before the present invention is described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction set forth in the following description, as it will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0034] The term "aerosol generating device" or "device" as used herein may encompass a vaping device that delivers an aerosol, including a vaping aerosol, to a user by means of an aerosol generating unit (e.g., an aerosol generating element that generates vapor, which condenses into an aerosol, which is delivered to an outlet of the device (e.g., in a mouthpiece) to be inhaled by the user). The device may be portable. "Portable" may mean a device that is held and used by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol (as opposed to a fixed amount of aerosol) (e.g., by activating a heater system for a variable length of time), the generation of which may be controlled by a trigger. The trigger may be user-activated, such as a vaping button and / or an inhalation sensor. The inhalation sensor may be sensitive to the intensity of inhalation as well as the duration of inhalation to allow a variable amount of vapor to be provided (to mimic the smoking effect of a conventional combustible smoking article, such as a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, etc.). The apparatus may include a temperature regulation control to drive the temperature of the heater and / or heated aerosol generating material (aerosol precursor) to a particular target temperature and then maintain the temperature at the target temperature that enables efficient generation of the aerosol.

[0035] The term "aerosol" as used herein may include a suspension of vaporizable material that may be one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gas. The suspension may be in a gaseous state, including air. Aerosol as used herein may generally refer to / include vapor. The aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0036] The terms "vaporizable material" or "precursor" or "aerosol-forming substance" or "substance" are used herein to refer to any material that can be vaporized in air to form an aerosol. Vaporization is generally obtained by raising the temperature to the boiling point of the vaporizable material, such as a temperature below 400°C, preferably up to 350°C. The vaporizable material may comprise or consist of, for example, an aerosol-generating liquid, a gel, a wax, a foam, an aerosol-generating solid, such as a rod, including treated tobacco material, a crimped sheet or oriented strip of reconstituted tobacco (RTB), or any combination thereof. The vaporizable material may include one or more of nicotine, caffeine, or other active ingredients. The active ingredient may be carried by a carrier, which may be a liquid. The carrier may include propylene glycol or glycerin. Flavorings may also be included. Flavorings may include ethyl vanillin (vanilla), menthol, isoamyl acetate (banana oil), or the like.

[0037] The term "external device" as used herein may refer to a device capable of establishing a wireless data connection with the aerosol generating device as described herein. Such an external device may be, for example, a mobile device such as a mobile phone. Furthermore, such an external device may be a smart device capable of processing at least some data received from the aerosol generating device or intended to be transmitted to the aerosol generating device. Such a smart device may be a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet computer, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other smart object (e.g., implemented according to IoT ("Internet of Things") technology).

[0038] An aerosol generation assembly 10 is shown in Figure 1. For example, the aerosol generation assembly 10 is designed to operate in conjunction with an external device 1, as shown in Figure 1.

[0039] The aerosol generation assembly 10 includes an aerosol generation device 12 and a consumable 14 configured to operate with the aerosol generation device 12 .

[0040] The consumable 14 stores a vaporizable material. In the particular example shown in FIG. 2, the consumable 14 is a stick or tobacco rod having a cylindrical shape and a circular or elliptical cross section. The stick may have a length of 69 mm to 100 mm and a diameter of 5 mm to 8 mm. In a variant, the consumable 14 may have a different shape. For example, the stick is a pre-made cigarette. According to another example, the stick has a flat shape and a rectangular cross section. According to yet another example, the consumable 14 may contain a vaporizable material in liquid form.

[0041] The consumable 14 may have a mouthpiece portion designed to contact the mouth / lips of the user and a vaporizable material storage portion designed to store the vaporizable material. The vaporizable material storage portion is designed to be heated by a heater (more on this later) or at least in fluid communication with the heater. The heater is configured to heat the vaporizable material at least to a heating temperature and may be at least partially integrated into the consumable 14 and / or the device 12. In the example of these figures, the heater is fully integrated into the device 12. The heating temperature of the vaporizable material depends on the nature of the heating material and may be, for example, below 400°C, preferably between 200°C and 390°C. More generally, in the case of solid vaporizable materials, the heating temperature is selected to only heat the vaporizable material without burning it. In the case of liquid vaporizable materials, the heating temperature is selected to vaporize the vaporizable material.

[0042] The aerosol generation device 12 extends along an axis X (hereinafter referred to as the "device axis X"). In the following description, the term "length" refers to the dimension of an element of the aerosol generation device 12 measured along the device axis X.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 12 is configured to operate between a vaporizing mode and a detection mode. In the vaporizing mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to deliver an aerosol to a user. In the detection mode, the aerosol generating device is configured to detect at least gas in the exhaled stream of the user. These modes are described in more detail below.

[0044] The aerosol generating device 12 includes a casing 18 and internal components disposed within the casing 18 .

[0045] The internal components include a reservoir 20 configured to contain the consumable 14, a gas sensing compartment 22, preferably a sensing passageway 24 through which compartment 22 can be in fluid communication with reservoir 20, and a vaping inlet 26.

[0046] The reservoir 20 extends along the device axis X between an open end 30 and a bottom end 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the reservoir 20 is configured to receive the consumable 14 through the open end 30. Specifically, the reservoir 20 is configured to conduct a vaping flow from the vaping inlet 26 through the consumable 14 to the open end 30 in a vaping mode. The length of the reservoir 20 is, for example, shorter than the length of the consumable 14, such that a mouth of the consumable 14 protrudes from the open end 30 when the consumable 14 is inserted into the reservoir 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the reservoir 20 is configured to conduct an exhalation flow from the open end 30 to the gas sensing section 22 in a sensing mode (e.g., when the reservoir 20 does not contain the consumable 14). Specifically, in the sensing mode, a user exhales an exhalation flow from the open end 30 into the reservoir 20.

[0047] The gas sensing section 22 is disposed on an opposite side of the device 12 from the reservoir 20 along the device axis X. The gas sensing section 22 includes a gas sensor 36 that detects at least a gas. For example, the gas detected by the gas sensor 36 includes a component selected from the group consisting of acetone, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.

[0048] The gas sensor 36 is configured to generate sensed data representative of the exhaled flow, for example, the sensed data representative of the sensed gas, which advantageously includes information about the concentration of the gas within the exhaled flow.

[0049] The sensing channel 24 extends from the reservoir 20 to the gas sensing zone 22, providing fluid communication between the reservoir 20 and the gas sensing zone 22. In the sensing mode, exhaled fluid from a user into the reservoir 20 flows from the reservoir 20 through the sensing channel 24 to the gas sensing zone 22. The sensing channel 24 is defined by a peripheral wall 39 that radially separates the sensing channel 24, a first transverse wall 40, and a second transverse wall 42.

[0050] A first transverse wall 40 separates the sensing channel 24 from the reservoir 20 and extends, for example, in a plane generally perpendicular to the device axis X. The first transverse wall 40 provides at least a first through hole 44 connecting the reservoir 20 and the sensing channel 24.

[0051] The second transverse wall 42 is located between the first transverse wall 40 and the gas sensing section and extends, for example, in a plane substantially perpendicular to the device axis X. The second transverse wall 42 presents at least one second through hole 46. According to the example of Figures 2 and 3, the second transverse wall 42 presents several second through holes 46 arranged radially around the second transverse wall 42.

[0052] The vaping inlet 26 connects the reservoir 20 to the outside of the device 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vaping inlet 26 is advantageously located at a bottom end 32 of the reservoir 20 and opens onto a side wall of the device 12. In vaping mode, fresh air enters the reservoir 20 through the vaping inlet 26 as a user inhales air at the open end 30.

[0053] Optionally, the internal components of the device 12 further include a sensing valve 50 disposed between the gas sensing section 22 and the reservoir 20 and a vaping valve 52 disposed between the vaping inlet 26 and the reservoir 20.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the sensing valve 50 controls the flow through the sensing flow passage 24. The sensing valve 50 is movable between an open position (Figure 3) in which the gas sensing compartment 22 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 20 and a closed position (Figure 2) in which the gas sensing compartment 22 is isolated from the reservoir 20. Advantageously, the sensing valve 50 is in the open position in the sensing mode and in the closed position in the vaping mode. According to the example of Figures 2 and 3, the sensing valve 50 includes a plug 56 that is translationally movable along the device axis X between an upper position (Figure 2) and a lower position (Figure 3). When the sensing valve 50 is in the closed position, the plug 56 is in the upper position. In the upper position, the plug 56 seals the first through hole 44 of the first transverse wall 40 such that the sensing flow passage 24 and the gas sensing compartment 22 are isolated from the reservoir 20. When the sensing valve 50 is in the open position, the plug 56 is in the lower position. In the lower position, the plug 56 is spaced from the first through-hole 44 such that the reservoir 20 is in communication with the gas sensing section 22 through the first through-hole 44 and each of the second through-holes 46 .

[0055] 2 and 3, the vaping valve 52 controls flow through the vapor inlet 26. The vaping valve 52 is movable between an open position (FIG. 2), in which the vapor inlet 26 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 20, and a closed position (FIG. 3), in which the vapor inlet 26 is sealed. Advantageously, the vaping valve 52 is in the open position in the vaping mode and in the closed position in the sensing mode.

[0056] The internal components of the apparatus 12 further include a first heating system 60 and an optional second heating system 62 .

[0057] The first heating system 60 is configured to heat at least a portion of the reservoir 20 to at least a first temperature to form an aerosol on the open end 30 when the consumable 14 is contained in the reservoir 20. For example, the first temperature is approximately equal to the heating temperature. Advantageously, the first heating system 60 is further configured to heat the discharge flow through the reservoir 20 to at least a second temperature in the detection mode. For example, the second temperature is selected to cause sequestration of at least one predetermined component from the discharge flow, i.e., from the detected gas. The second temperature is preferably between 80°C and 100°C, advantageously approximately equal to 90°C. For example, the first heating system 60 is arranged at least partially around the reservoir 20.

[0058] The second heating system 62 is configured to heat the exhaust flow entering the gas sensing zone 22 to at least a second temperature in the sensing mode. For example, the second heating system 62 is at least partially disposed within the gas sensing zone 22 and heats the exhaust flow before it reaches the gas sensor 36. In one variation, the second heating system 62 may be at least partially disposed within the sensing flow path 24.

[0059] For example, the first heating system 60 and / or the second heating system 62 may comprise a hollow cylindrical component through which, in the sensing mode, the discharge flow passes toward the gas sensing section 22. For example, each of the first heating system 60 and the second heating system 62 may comprise such a hollow cylindrical component. Advantageously, the cylindrical component may comprise, from radially inward to outward, a Teflon layer filled with a hydrocarbon filler, a copper layer, and a heater film. For example, the first heating system 60 and / or the second heating system 62 may be an electrically actuated resistive heating element.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1, optionally, the internal components include a control module, a switch system, and a communication module (not shown).

[0061] The control module 66 is configured to control the device 12 between the sensing mode and the vaping mode. In particular, the control module 66 is configured to control the operation of the first heating system 60, and / or ultimately the second heating system 62, in each of these modes.

[0062] The switch system 68 is designed to be manipulated by a user to instruct the control module 66. For example, the switch system 68 includes a switch movable between a sensing position and a vaping position. When the switch is in the sensing position, the switch system 68 instructs the control module 66 to place the device 12 in a sensing mode. When the switch is in the vaping position, the switch system 68 instructs the control module 66 to place the device 12 in a vaping mode. The switch may be, for example, a mechanical switch, an electronic switch, or an electromechanical switch. Advantageously, the switch is a tactile switch.

[0063] Alternatively, the switch system 68 may be configured to detect whether a consumable 14 is contained in the reservoir 20 and automatically activate the vaping mode or the detection mode accordingly.

[0064] 1, the communication module 70 is connected to the gas sensor 36. The communication module 70 is configured to receive sensory data from the gas sensor 36. The communication module 70 is further configured to transmit the sensory data to the external device 1. As an example, the transmission of the sensory data to the external device 1 is performed via Bluetooth.

[0065] The internal components may further include other elements that perform various functions of the device, which are well known per se and will not be described in detail here.

[0066] As mentioned above, the external device 1 is configured to communicate with the aerosol generation assembly 10 (in particular with the aerosol generation device). For example, the external device 1 includes a display system. The external device 1 is advantageously configured to display information on its display system based on the sensory data received from the communication module 70. For example, the information relates to the user's metabolic rate, advice on exercise to be performed, dietary recommendations. The external device 1 is for example a connected device. It is for example a smartphone, a smartwatch or a tablet.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device (12), comprising: a reservoir (20) configured to contain a consumable (14) storing a vaporizable material, said reservoir (20) extending along a device axis (X) between an open end (30) and a bottom end (32); a first heating system (60) configured to heat at least a portion of the reservoir (20) to at least a first temperature to form an aerosol on the open end (30) when the consumable (14) is contained in the reservoir (20); a gas sensing compartment (22) capable of being in fluid communication with the reservoir (20) and including a gas sensor (36) for sensing at least a gas; Including, the reservoir (20) is configured to conduct a vapor flow from a vapor inlet (26) through the consumable (14) to the open end (30) in a vaping mode; The reservoir (20) is configured to conduct discharge flow from the open end (30) to the gas sensing compartment (22) in a sensing mode. An aerosol generator (12).

2. a sensing valve (50) disposed between the gas sensing compartment (22) and the reservoir (20); the sensing valve (50) is movable between an open position in which the gas sensing compartment (22) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (20) and a closed position in which the gas sensing compartment (22) is isolated from the reservoir (20); The sensing valve (50) is in the open position in the sensing mode and in the closed position in the vaping mode.

2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1.

3. a vaping valve (52) disposed between the vaping inlet (26) and the reservoir (20); the vaping valve (52) is movable between an open position in which the vaping inlet (26) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (20) and a closed position in which the vaping inlet (26) is sealed; The vaping valve (52) is in the open position in the vaping mode and in the closed position in the detection mode.

2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1.

4. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, further comprising a control module (66) and a switch system (68), wherein the control module (66) is configured to control the aerosol generating device (12) between the detection mode and the vaping mode, and the switch system (68) is designed to be manipulated by a user to instruct the control module (66).

5. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, wherein the reservoir (20) is configured to receive the consumable product (14) through the open end (30).

6. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, wherein the storage portion (20) is configured to conduct the discharge flow when there is no consumable (14) in the storage portion (20) in the detection mode.

7. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, wherein the vaping inlet (26) is located at the bottom end (32) of the reservoir (20).

8. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, wherein the first heating system (60) is further configured to heat the discharge flow passing through the storage section (20) to at least a second temperature in the detection mode.

9. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, further comprising a second heating system (62) configured to heat the discharge flow entering the gas detection section (22) to at least a second temperature in the detection mode.

10. 10. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 9, wherein the first heating system (60) and / or the second heating system (62) comprise a hollow cylindrical component, and in the detection mode, the discharge flow passes through the cylindrical component and flows toward the gas sensor (36).

11. 11. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 10, wherein the cylindrical component comprises, from radially inside to radially outside, a Teflon layer filled with a hydrocarbon filler, a copper layer, and a heater film.

12. 9. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 8, wherein the second temperature is selected to cause sequestration of at least one predetermined component from the discharge stream.

13. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1 further includes a communication module (70) connected to the gas sensor (36), the gas sensor (36) configured to generate detection data representative of the discharge flow, and the communication module (70) configured to transmit the detection data to an external device (1).

14. 2. The aerosol generating device (12) of claim 1, wherein the gas sensed by the gas sensor (36) comprises a component selected from the group consisting of acetone, carbon dioxide, and ethanol.

15. An aerosol generating device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a consumable (14) configured to operate with the aerosol generating device (12); 1. An aerosol-generating assembly comprising:

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