An aerosol generating device having a residue prevention surface

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device (100) comprising a heating cavity (120) and an electric heating system (130) including at least one heater (134) configured to heat an aerosol generating article (1) received in the heating cavity (120). According to the present invention, the heating cavity (120) includes at least one active surface (190) having photocatalytic properties as a residue prevention surface.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device, also commonly known as a non-combustion heated (HNB) electronic cigarette, has recently become increasingly used as an alternative to regular cigarettes.

[0003] An aerosol generating device typically includes a heating cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of an insertable consumable aerosol generating article, and a heater for heating the heating cavity and thus the article received within the heating cavity.

[0004] The aerosol generating article includes a tobacco substrate containing an aerosol forming substance (such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol) that vaporizes during heating to create a vapor that extracts nicotine and flavor components from the tobacco substrate. The aerosol forming substance is heated to 200 - 400 °C, which is lower than the normal combustion temperature of a conventional cigarette.

[0005] Volatile compounds and aerosols released during heating of the tobacco substrate deposit on the surface of the aerosol generating device. Also, fragments or particles of the aerosol generating article itself, such as fragments or particles from its packaging or substrate, may flake off during operation or use of the article.

[0006] All such residues deposit particularly on the sides and / or bottom of the heating cavity. They can further accumulate and / or be partially removed by friction of the inserted aerosol generating article.

[0007] Such residues impede the optimal use of the aerosol generating device. When accumulating on the walls of the heating cavity, the residues may reduce or block the necessary air flow of the device. The residues may also affect the optimal flavor perception of the aerosol. In fact, contaminating pieces or particles may give the user an unpleasant flavor or bitterness. Also, the heater may be damaged depending on how and where the residues deposit.

[0008] Today, users generally clean their devices themselves using dedicated cleaning tools such as brushes, according to a cleaning frequency recommended by the manufacturer based on statistical knowledge of the average contamination level of the heating cavity according to the frequency of use of the device. However, predictions regarding contamination may be insufficiently reliable as they may be distorted by individual usage habits, and the heater may be damaged by too much or too little cleaning work using such cleaning tools. This solution also represents a heavy burden on the user.

[0009] It is also known to partially reduce contamination by using a pyrolysis method that heats the heater to a temperature high enough to burn any residues. However, this method has not been proven to be sufficiently effective.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to improve the management of residues in the aerosol generating device, enhance the user experience during vaping and maintenance operations, and overall increase the sustainability of said device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0011] This is - a heating cavity extending along a longitudinal axis and having an opening at one insertion end, adapted to receive at least a part of an aerosol generating article inserted through said opening; - An electric heating system including a power source and at least one heater configured to be powered by the power source and heat an aerosol-generating article received in the heating cavity. The aerosol-generating device is achieved by the aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating cavity includes at least one active surface having photocatalytic properties.

[0012] Residues formed within the heating cavity of the aerosol-generating device are generally carbon-based residues. These residues are, for example, volatile compounds and aerosols released during the heating of the tobacco substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article and / or particles of the aerosol-generating article itself. The present invention is based on the fact that such carbon-based residues can be decomposed and separated by the photocatalytic effect, regardless of whether they are in solid form or gaseous form.

[0013] When activated by electromagnetic radiation, the photocatalytic material generates electron-hole pairs, thereby generating free radicals, enabling a redox reaction in which organic molecules are absorbed and decomposed by the photocatalytic material.

[0014] The heating cavity of the aerosol-generating device according to the present invention includes at least one active surface having such photocatalytic properties (i.e., made of a photocatalytic material) as a residue-preventing surface.

[0015] Residues accumulated on the active surface of the cavity are decomposed by the photocatalytic reaction during irradiation. When decomposed, the residues are prevented from adhering to the active surface or, if already deposited on the surface, can be easily removed.

[0016] The active surface of the heating cavity can define the heating cavity (i.e., can form, for example, the side and / or bottom surface of the heating cavity) and / or can be accommodated by the heating cavity (i.e., can be a part of an element protruding into the cavity).

[0017] At least one active surface is typically part of a photocatalytic structure formed of a photocatalytic material that defines a heating cavity and / or houses a photocatalytic structure within said cavity.

[0018] In this context, the photocatalytic structure can be a rigid or self-supporting element, or part of such an element, such as any of its layers. Alternatively, the photocatalytic structure can also be a coating or a film.

[0019] The photocatalytic material can include at least one photocatalyst selected from any one of, for example, TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, Fe2O, WO2, In2O3, C3N4.

[0020] According to one example, at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 75% by weight of the photocatalytic material can be formed of the photocatalyst.

[0021] According to one example, the at least one active surface forms at least a part of the side surface and / or the bottom surface of the longitudinal heating cavity, preferably at least 20% of the side surface and the bottom surface of the longitudinal heating cavity, and even more preferably at least 50% of the side surface and the bottom surface of the longitudinal heating cavity.

[0022] In particular, the active surface may cover a predetermined longitudinal portion of the cavity.

[0023] In the present application, the side surface of the cavity is understood as the surface that defines the cavity in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the bottom surface is understood as the surface that defines the cavity longitudinally at the end opposite to the insertion end.

[0024] The side surface of the heating cavity is, for example, a surface of a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. The bottom surface is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0025] The active surface is advantageously provided at a location in the cavity where residues are more likely to accumulate, typically in the vicinity of the heater.

[0026] The heater may include, for example, a heater body and, if applicable, at least one heating element such as a heating electrode or an induction coil.

[0027] According to one example, the heating cavity may be at least partially surrounded or defined by the heater. For example, the heater body may take the form of a sleeve, and the heating cavity may be formed in the internal volume of the sleeve.

[0028] As an alternative, the heater may project into the heating cavity. For example, the heater body may be in the form of a stick protruding into the cavity from the bottom surface of the cavity.

[0029] At least one active surface may be at least partially aligned with the heater, in particular with the heater body, in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other words, at least a part of the active surface is preferably located in the longitudinal part of the cavity surrounded by the heater.

[0030] According to one example, the heater body may be at least partially formed of a photocatalytic material and may at least partially define the cavity. In such a case, the active surface may be the surface of the heater body itself.

[0031] Alternatively, the heater body may be coated with a photocatalytic coating, and thus the active surface is the surface of the coating.

[0032] The electromagnetic radiation required to cause the photocatalytic reaction may be supplied by a light source located outside the aerosol generating device, such as the sun. In such a case, the aerosol generating device may be configured such that the light rays emitted from the external light source are incident on the active surface. According to one example, the device may include an outer body having a window configured to transmit light from a light source located outside the device to the active surface.

[0033] According to another example, the aerosol generation device may include at least one light source configured to irradiate at least a portion of the active surface.

[0034] In the present application, the light source should be understood as an electromagnetic radiation source.

[0035] The light source may emit electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in the ultraviolet and / or visible (preferably blue) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example.

[0036] The light source may be selected from, for example, one of an LED, a semiconductor laser, and a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0037] The light source may also be a pulsed light source such as a pulsed LED or a pulsed semiconductor laser.

[0038] According to one example, several light sources may be arranged to irradiate different regions of the heating cavity.

[0039] At least one light source may be provided at one or each longitudinal end of the cavity. Additionally or alternatively, at least one light source may be arranged in the center of the heating cavity, or several light sources may be distributed along the heating cavity.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, a single light source may be provided, and the light source is configured to irradiate the entire cavity surface or at least its significant portion including the active surface.

[0041] Advantageously, the single light source may be located at or near the insertion end of the cavity.

[0042] If possible, the light source may also advantageously be movable in the longitudinal direction of the cavity relative to the heater.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a cleaning device for cleaning the heating cavity of the aerosol generation device as defined above, wherein the cleaning device comprises a rod and at least one light source attached to the rod.

[0044] Advantageously, the at least one light source is configured to emit light having a wavelength of less than 485 nm. A light source emitting a wavelength of less than 485 nm, preferably less than 450 nm, and even more preferably less than 380 nm has a high cleaning efficiency when combined with a photocatalytic material. The highest efficiency is obtained with a light source emitting in the ultraviolet region, i.e., having a wavelength of less than 380 nm.

[0045] Such a cleaning device enables the activation of the photocatalytic effect for the controlled decomposition of residues formed in the heating cavity. The cleaning device is particularly useful in combination with an aerosol generation device that does not have dedicated means such as a window to allow the built-in light source or external light to irradiate at least one photocatalytic structure. However, the cleaning device can also be used in combination with other light sources inside or outside the aerosol generation device to enhance the photocatalytic reaction.

[0046] According to an advantageous example, the cleaning device may further comprise at least one cleaning brush attached to the rod. The cleaning brush can peel off from the surface of the heating cavity and remove the residues decomposed by the photocatalytic effect.

[0047] The present invention further relates to a method for reducing the contamination of the heating cavity of the aerosol generation device as defined above, which at least includes the step of irradiating the photocatalytic structure with light provided by a light source or the environment of the device before, during, or after use of the aerosol generation device.

[0048] According to one example, the method is - A step of introducing the cleaning device defined above into the longitudinal heating cavity; - A step of operating at least one light source of the cleaning device in front of the at least one active surface; may further be included.

[0049] It should be understood that the different examples above can be implemented individually or in any technically compatible combination. In particular, the technical features described above and the technical features described below can be used not only in the shown combinations but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0050]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0051] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the drawings, the sizes of some elements may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may not be drawn to scale. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not correspond to the actual reduction for the implementation of the present invention.

[0052] In different figures, functionally identical elements are denoted by similar reference numerals that increase by 100 each.

[0053] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generation device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 includes an outer body 110 of any suitable shape that extends along an axis Z of length L1 and houses a longitudinal heating cavity 120 (hereinafter also referred to as a cavity) having an opening 122 at one insertion end 120a. The heating cavity 120 is adapted to receive at least a portion of the aerosol generation article 1 inserted through its opening 122.

[0054] The outer body 110 further houses an electric heating system 130 including a power source 132 and at least one heater 134 powered by the power source 132. The heater 134 is configured to heat the aerosol generation article 1 received in the heating cavity 120.

[0055] The heater 134 includes at least a heater body 140 in the form of a longitudinal metal sleeve having a length L2 substantially equal to the axis Z and L1 here. In the illustrated example, the heater 134 further includes at least one heating element 138, such as an electrode or an induction coil that contacts the heater body and may be incorporated in the layer in some cases. In the figure, the heating element 138 is in contact with the outer surface 1402 of the heater body 140. More generally, the heating element may be disposed inside and / or outside the heater body 140.

[0056] A photocatalytic structure 150 in the form of a coating made of a photocatalytic material is provided on the inner surface 1401 of the heater body 140, preferably on the entire inner surface 1401.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, the photocatalytic structure 150 may also be a photocatalytic film deposited on the inner surface 1401 of the heater body 140, or may be a rigid element disposed within the heater body 140.

[0058] Furthermore, although the photocatalytic structure 150 is defined in relation to FIG. 1 as covering the entire periphery of the cavity 120, such a structure 150 may also form only a part of the side surface 1201 and / or the bottom surface 1202 of the cavity. Furthermore, different photocatalytic structures may also be provided within the heating cavity 140.

[0059] The photocatalytic material constituting the photocatalytic structure 150 preferably contains at least one photocatalyst selected from any one of TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, Fe2O, WO2, In2O3, and C3N4.

[0060] Preferably, at least 20% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, and even more preferably at least 75% by weight of the photocatalytic material is formed of one or more photocatalysts of the above-described types.

[0061] According to this first embodiment, the heating cavity 120 is defined within the internal volume of the heater body 140 and is bounded transversely by the photocatalytic coating 150. Thus, the surface 190 of the coating 150 forms the side surface 1201 of the heating cavity 120.

[0062] At its end 120b opposite to the insertion end 120a, the cavity 120 is closed by a bottom wall 128, and the surface of the bottom wall 128 forms the bottom surface 1202 of the cavity, which is typically a plane extending transversely (throughout this specification, the adjective "transverse" or the adverb "transversely" shall indicate an element or direction orthogonal to or extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction Z).

[0063] The surface 190 forms an active surface having photocatalytic properties by the material from which it is formed.

[0064] When the aerosol-generating article 1 is inserted into the heating cavity 120 and the device 100 is activated by the user, current is supplied to the heating element 138 by the power source 132. The heating element 138 is heated, and the heat is transferred to the heater body 140 by heat conduction, and as a result, it is transferred to the article 1 surrounded by the heater body 140.

[0065] The aerosol-generating article 1 typically comprises a tobacco substrate containing an aerosol-forming substance (such as glycerin and / or propylene glycol) contained in a substantially cellulosic wrapping material. However, any other consumable article containing a material capable of generating an inhalable aerosol when heated may be used.

[0066] When heated, the aerosol-forming substance contained in the tobacco substrate of the article 1 vaporizes, generating a vapor that extracts nicotine and flavor components from the tobacco substrate.

[0067] The released volatile compounds and aerosols deposit on the surfaces 1201, 1202 of the heating cavity 120, forming residues. Also, fragments or particles of the aerosol-generating article 1 itself, such as fragments or particles from its wrapping material or substrate, may be detached during the operation or use of the article 1, potentially forming further residues on the surfaces 1201, 1202 of the cavity 120.

[0068] The residues are generally carbon-based composites and react with the photocatalyst present on the active surface 190 during irradiation.

[0069] The electromagnetic radiation required to initiate the photocatalytic reaction can be provided by at least one light source 160 provided in the aerosol-generating device 100 and emitting light into the cavity 120 to irradiate at least a portion of the active surface 190.

[0070] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a single light source 160 is provided at the lower end 120b of the cavity 120. As shown, the light source 160 can be incorporated, for example, into the bottom wall 128 of the cavity 120.

[0071] As an alternative, several light sources 160 may be arranged to irradiate different regions of the heating cavity 120.

[0072] Each light source 160 may be selected from, for example, one of an LED, a semiconductor laser, and a superluminescent diode (SLED).

[0073] Each light source 160 may emit electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths in, for example, the ultraviolet portion and / or the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, preferably the blue portion.

[0074] The light source 160 may also be a pulsed light source such as a pulsed LED or a pulsed semiconductor laser.

[0075] FIG. 2 shows an aerosol generation device 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of light sources are distributed along the longitudinal direction Z of the heating cavity 220.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, in particular, light sources 260 in a plurality of rows 261, 262 are provided along the longitudinal direction Z of the cavity 220, and the light sources 260 in each row are preferably distributed at regular intervals.

[0077] As shown, the light sources 260 in different rows 261, 262, preferably all rows, may be aligned in the transverse direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the different rows 261, 262 may be arranged axially symmetrically about the axis Z.

[0079] As an alternative, the light sources 260 in adjacent rows 261, 262 may also be arranged alternately.

[0080] FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generation device 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in which the active surface 390 extends over a limited longitudinal portion of the cavity 320 rather than over the entire length of the cavity 320.

[0081] In this third embodiment, the heater does not extend along the entire length L1 of the heating cavity 320.

[0082] As shown, the heating cavity 320 is here surrounded by a heater body 340 in a first longitudinal portion 324 on its bottom side and a non-heating body 370 in a second longitudinal portion 326 on its insertion side.

[0083] Since the residue is particularly important in the vicinity of the heater body 340, the photocatalytic structure 350 is provided mainly facing and / or adjacent to the heater body 340.

[0084] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the photocatalytic structure is in the form of a coating 350 applied to the first longitudinal portion 324 and ultimately to a limited portion of the second portion 326 adjacent to the first portion.

[0085] The active surface 390 of the coating 350 forms part of the side surface of the cavity 320.

[0086] As shown, the device may further include a light source 360 arranged in a suitable manner along the cavity for irradiating the active surface 390.

[0087] FIG. 4 shows an aerosol generating device 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in which a heater body 440 forms a side wall defining the heating cavity 420 in a transverse direction and the heater body 440 itself forms a photocatalytic structure 450.

[0088] Here, the heater body 440 is formed of a photocatalytic material. In particular, since the photocatalyst is incorporated into the material of the heater body 440 (or at least the material of the inner layer of the heater body 440), its inner surface forms an active surface 490 having photocatalytic properties.

[0089] Here, the active surface 490 forms the side surface of the longitudinal cavity 420.

[0090] Figure 5 shows an aerosol generating device 500 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the heater body 540 has the form of a stick protruding into the cavity 520 from the bottom wall 528 of the heating cavity 520.

[0091] In a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, or FIG. 3, a photocatalytic coating 550 is applied onto the heater body 540, thus forming an active surface 590 having photocatalytic properties on the heater body.

[0092] As an alternative embodiment, the photocatalytic coating 550 may be replaced by any photocatalytic structure having similar properties.

[0093] As another alternative embodiment (not shown), in a manner similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 4, the photocatalyst may also be included in the material of the heater body 540 itself, in which case the active surface is the surface of the heater body.

[0094] As an alternative or in addition, the side surface of the longitudinal cavity 520 or a part thereof may also be provided as an active surface.

[0095] Figure 6 shows an aerosol generating device 600 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the outer body 610 is provided with a window 680 configured to transmit sunlight or any light from a light source located outside the device to an active surface 690 formed within the heating cavity 620. The heating cavity 620 is shown with a configuration similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 3, but this is not to be construed as a limitation, and the only requirement is that if there are any elements located between the window 680 and the heating cavity 620, they should be able to transmit light towards the cavity. In the example shown, for instance, it is assumed that the heater body 640 and the photocatalytic structure 650 are made of a transparent material.

[0096] Depending on the configuration and requirements, the device 600 may or may not have one or more additional built-in light sources.

[0097] Figure 7 shows an aerosol generation device 700 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which has an active surface 790 in the cavity 720 but does not have dedicated means for transmitting the light source and external light toward the active surface.

[0098] Activation of the photocatalytic reaction between the residue and the photocatalyst present on the active surface 790 formed in the cavity 720 is carried out using a cleaning device 10 as shown in the figure.

[0099] The cleaning device 10 is designed and dimensioned to be introduced into the heated cavity 720, preferably reaching its lower end 720b.

[0100] The cleaning device 10 includes a rod 12 and at least one light source, preferably a plurality of light sources 14a, 14b, 14c, attached to the rod 12, preferably at its distal end 12a. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the light sources 14a, 14b, 14c is configured to emit light having a wavelength in the blue range of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e., 450 nm to 485 nm. More preferably, the light source emits light in the violet region, i.e., having a wavelength of 380 nm to 450 nm. Even more preferably, the light source emits light in the ultraviolet region, i.e., having a wavelength of less than 380 nm.

[0101] By operating the device 10 inside the cavity 720, the photocatalyst present on the active surface 790 is activated and the residue is absorbed and / or decomposed.

[0102] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning device may further comprise one or several brushes 16 at its distal end 12a for removing the residue detached from the surface of the heated cavity 720 by the photocatalytic reaction.

Claims

1. Aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700), - A heating cavity (120) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) and having an opening (122) at one insertion end (120a), which is adapted to receive at least a portion of the aerosol product (1) inserted through the opening (122), - An electric heating system (130) comprising a power source (132) and at least one heater (134) powered by the power source (132), wherein the heater (134) is configured to heat the aerosol product (1) received in the heating cavity (120), Includes, The heating cavity (120) is characterized by including at least one active surface (190) having photocatalytic properties. Aerosol generation device (100, ..., 700).

2. The aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one active surface (190) is part of a photocatalytic structure (150) formed of a photocatalytic material.

3. The aforementioned photocatalytic material is TiO ２ ZnO, SnO ２ Fe ２ O, WO ２ In ２ O ３ , C ３ N ４ The aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to claim 2, comprising at least one photocatalyst selected from any one of the following.

4. The aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to claim 2, wherein at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, and more preferably at least 75% by weight of the photocatalytic material is formed of a photocatalyst.

5. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300, 500, 600, 700) according to claim 2, wherein the photocatalytic structure (150) is a photocatalytic coating or film.

6. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one active surface (190) forms at least a portion of the side surface (1201) and / or bottom surface (1202) of the longitudinal heating cavity (120).

7. The aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one active surface (190) is at least partially aligned with the heater (134) in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Z).

8. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 1 further comprises at least one light source (160) configured to irradiate at least a portion of the active surface (190).

9. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 8, wherein the light source (160) is selected from one of an LED, a semiconductor laser, and a superluminescent diode.

10. The aerosol generating device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) according to claim 8, wherein the light source (160) is a pulsed light source.

11. The aerosol generating device (600) according to claim 1, comprising an outer body (610) having a window (680) configured to transmit light from a light source located outside the device to the active surface (690).

12. A cleaning device (10) adapted for cleaning a heating cavity (120) of an aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a rod (12) and at least one light source (14a, 14b, 14c) attached to the rod (12), wherein the at least one light source (14a, 14b, 14c) is configured to emit light having a wavelength of less than 485 nm, preferably less than 450 nm, and more preferably less than 380 nm. Cleaning device (10).

13. The cleaning device (10) according to claim 12, further comprising at least one brush (16) attached to the rod (12).

14. A method for reducing contamination of a heating cavity (120) of an aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least the step of irradiating the at least one active surface (190) with light provided by a light source (160, 14a, 14b, 14b) or the environment of the device (100, ..., 700) before use, during use, or after use of the aerosol generating device.

15. - A step of introducing a cleaning device (10) into the longitudinal heating cavity (120), wherein the cleaning device (10) is a cleaning device (10) adapted to clean the heating cavity (120) of the aerosol generating device (100, ..., 700), and comprises a rod (12) and at least one light source (14a, 14b, 14c) attached to the rod (12), wherein the at least one light source (14a, 14b, 14c) is configured to emit light having a wavelength of less than 485 nm, preferably less than 450 nm, and more preferably less than 380 nm. - A step of operating the at least one light source (14a, 14b, 14c) of the cleaning device in front of the at least one active surface (190), The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

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