Aerosol generating device having a humidity sensor and a humidifier

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device comprising an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn and through which the air flows through the device. The device further comprises one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, a controller configured to receive the outputs of the sensors and the vaporizer. The controller is configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor outputs. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating device and a method of humidifying air in an aerosol generating system.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] It is known to provide aerosol-generating devices for generating inhalable vapors. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into a cavity (such as a heating chamber) of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Additionally or alternatively, a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be attached to the aerosol-generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.

[0003] Aerosol generation can be affected by the humidity of the ambient air drawn into the device. In areas of low humidity or low temperature, aerosol generation can be adversely affected, especially if the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid, such as tobacco.

[0004] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation in low humidity environments. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation in low temperature environments. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided that may include an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn and flows through the device. The device may further include one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, and a controller configured to receive outputs of the sensors and the vaporizer. The controller may be configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor outputs.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn and flows through the device. The device further comprises a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor, a controller configured to receive outputs of the sensors and the vaporizer. The controller is configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor outputs.

[0007] Controlling the operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor output improves aerosol generation in the aerosol generating device. Particularly in cold or low humidity environments, the humidity of the ambient air drawn into the device can be increased by the vaporizer controlled by the controller. The air with increased humidity may then be more suitable for generating the desired aerosol in the aerosol generating device.

[0008] The temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the air in the airflow path.

[0009] Measuring the temperature may have the advantage that a low air temperature indicates that the air may have low humidity. As a result, the controller may operate the vaporizer to increase the humidity of the air, which may then be beneficial for aerosol generation in the aerosol generating device. The temperature may be configured to measure the temperature of the air adjacent to the air inlet of the device. As a result, the temperature of the air may correspond to the temperature of the ambient air. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be arranged to directly measure the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the aerosol generating device.

[0010] The aerosol generating device may include a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, and the controller may be configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the humidity sensor output and based on the temperature sensor output.

[0011] The reliability of the operation of the vaporizer controlled by the controller can be increased. In particular, by measuring both the humidity of the air and the temperature of the air, the controller can achieve optimal operation of the vaporizer. The optimal humidity of the air can be established for subsequent aerosol generation in the aerosol generating device, and the controller can control the vaporizer accordingly.

[0012] The humidity sensor may be configured to measure the humidity of the air in the airflow path, preferably located upstream of the vaporizer, and may be located adjacent to the air inlet of the aerosol generating device.

[0013] The temperature sensor may be configured as a capacitance sensor.

[0014] The apparatus may further comprise a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating chamber may be disposed at the downstream end of the airflow path. The vaporizer may be disposed upstream of the heating chamber.

[0015] The heating chamber may be configured as a cavity. The heating chamber may receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article that can be inserted into the cavity. By providing a vaporizer upstream of the heating chamber, the humidity of the air entering the heating chamber can be improved by the operation of the vaporizer. Since the air entering the heating chamber has optimal humidity for aerosol generation, aerosol generation in the heating chamber is then improved. The aerosol-forming substrate, which is heated by a heating element for aerosol generation, can generate the desired aerosol by flowing air with improved humidity through the heating chamber.

[0016] The vaporizer can be disposed between the heated chamber and one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor. As a result, one or both of the humidity and temperature of the ambient air flowing into the device are measured. Based on this measurement, the vaporizer operates to improve the humidity of the air. Downstream of the vaporizer, the air with improved humidity flows into the heated chamber for subsequent improved aerosol generation.

[0017] The controller may include a lookup table. The lookup table may include one or both of air humidity data and air temperature data. The controller may be configured to control the vaporizer by comparing one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor to stored data in the lookup table.

[0018] The humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor may be configured to continuously measure the humidity of the air in the airflow path and / or the temperature of the air in the airflow path in real time during operation of the device. Continuous measurement of the humidity and / or temperature may result in enhanced aerosol generation throughout the entire period of aerosol generation. Illustratively, the humidity or temperature of the ambient air may change during operation. Because the operation of the vaporizer may be controlled based on the changing parameter measurements, continuous measurement of these parameters may ensure that aerosol generation is within optimal parameters.

[0019] The vaporizer may be configured as a nebulizer. The nebulizer may include a vibrating microporous mesh. The vibrating microporous mesh may include a palladium perforated vibrating plate.

[0020] The vaporizer may be configured as a non-thermal vaporizer.

[0021] The vaporizer and humidity sensor may be disposed in a non-thermal aerosol-generating portion of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may further comprise a thermal aerosol-generating portion including a heating element. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be located upstream of the thermal aerosol-generating portion. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be a modular portion. The thermal aerosol-generating portion may be a modular portion. In addition, a main body of the aerosol-generating device may be provided. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be sandwiched between the main body and the thermal aerosol-generating portion. Providing a modular portion may allow the thermal aerosol-generating portion to be directly attached to the main body, if desired.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a method for humidifying air in an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: providing an aerosol generating device as described herein; measuring the humidity of the air in the airflow path with a humidity sensor; and controlling the vaporizer with the controller.

[0023] The present invention further relates to a method for humidifying air in an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: providing an aerosol generating device as described herein; measuring the humidity of the air in the airflow path with a humidity sensor; and controlling the vaporizer with the controller.

[0024] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and aerosol-forming substrate described herein. The aerosol-forming substrate may be heated in a heating chamber of the device. The heating chamber may be disposed downstream of the airflow path. The vaporizer may be disposed upstream of the heating chamber. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0025] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and aerosol-forming substrate described herein. The aerosol-forming substrate is heated in a heating chamber of the device. The heating chamber is disposed downstream of the airflow path. The vaporizer is preferably disposed upstream of the heating chamber. The aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0026] The aerosol generating device may include a receiving area configured to receive the cartridge.

[0027] The cartridge receiving area may include a liquid passageway. The liquid passageway may be arranged to establish a liquid connection between the aerosol generating device and the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The liquid passageway may be configured as an opening. The liquid passageway may have a circular cross section. The liquid passageway may be tubular.

[0028] The cartridge receiving area may include an opening element. The opening element may be configured to open the sealed cartridge when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving area. The opening element may be configured to tear or rupture the sealing foil of the cartridge. The opening element may include a piercing element configured to pierce the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The opening element may include a blade-like element configured to cut or slice the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The opening element may include a double blade configured to cut or slice the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The double blade may be configured to slice the sealing foil of the cartridge regardless of the direction of insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area.

[0029] The cartridge receiving area may include a connecting portion configured to establish a fluid connection with the cartridge. The orientation of the connecting portion may be defined by an extension plane of the connecting portion. The extension plane may be disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The liquid passage may be disposed at a center of the connecting portion.

[0030] The angle between the extension plane of the connecting portion and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device may be between 30° and 60°, preferably between 35° and 55°, more preferably between 40° and 50°, and most preferably about 45°.

[0031] The extension plane of the surface of the vaporizer surface may be parallel to the extension plane of the connecting portion. A tight connection may be established between the vaporizer and the connecting portion so that liquid from the cartridge can reach the vaporizer through the liquid passage.

[0032] The cartridge receiving area may be configured as a recess. The cartridge receiving area and the cartridge may be correspondingly shaped using the keyhole principle. The cartridge receiving area may include an asymmetric shape to allow insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area only for a unique spatial orientation of the cartridge relative to the device. The asymmetric shape of the cartridge receiving area may be asymmetric with respect to the cross-section of the device.

[0033] The cartridge receiving area may have an asymmetric shape that prevents the cartridge from being inserted into the cartridge receiving area in an undesired orientation, thereby ensuring that the cartridge is only inserted in the correct orientation so that the fluid outlet of the inserted cartridge can align with the connecting portion of the cartridge receiving portion.

[0034] The cartridge receiving area may be shaped to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the cartridge receiving area transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The cartridge receiving area may be shaped to allow insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area in only one direction, which may prevent the cartridge from being inserted upside down.

[0035] The cartridge receiving area may include a first cartridge receiving area sidewall and an opposing second cartridge receiving area sidewall. The first cartridge receiving area sidewall may have a different shape than the second cartridge receiving area sidewall. One or both of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may have an opening that allows the cartridge to be inserted laterally into the cartridge receiving area. The cartridge receiving area may include a cartridge receiving area top wall and a cartridge receiving area bottom wall. The cartridge receiving area top wall may have a different shape than the cartridge receiving area bottom wall.

[0036] The aerosol generating device may further include a sealing element. The sealing element may form part of the cartridge receiving area. The sealing element may be arranged to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil of the cartridge is pierced by the piercing element. The sealing element may be arranged to establish a liquid-tight seal between the cartridge and the cartridge receiving area when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is pierced by the piercing element. The sealing element may at least partially surround the opening element, and preferably completely surround the opening element. The sealing element may include a sealing ring. The sealing element may be a sealing ring. The sealing element may include an O-ring. The sealing element may be an O-ring.

[0037] The cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid sensory medium. The liquid reservoir may include a liquid sensory medium. The liquid sensory medium may include water. The liquid sensory medium may include a flavorant. The liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming substrate or may be an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0038] The cartridge may comprise a semi-elastic material, preferably the cartridge is made from a semi-elastic material, more preferably the cartridge is made from a polymer compound, most preferably the cartridge is made from one or more of cycloolefin copolymer (COC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), and polypropylene (PP).

[0039] The cartridge may include a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet of the cartridge may be sealed with a laminate foil ultrasonically welded to the cartridge. The foil may include or be made from a laminate layer of aluminum foil and one or more layers of polymer foil. The polymer foil may include one or more of the following: BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene), OPP (oriented polypropylene), PA (polyamide), PE (polyethylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride).

[0040] The orientation of the liquid outlet may be defined by the extension plane of the liquid outlet. The extension plane of the liquid outlet may be disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The angle between the extension plane of the liquid outlet and the longitudinal axis of the cartridge may be 30° to 60°, preferably 35° to 55°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and most preferably about 45°. The liquid outlet may be angled the same as the angle of the connecting portion to achieve improved fit between the connecting portion and the liquid outlet. When the cartridge is connected, the liquid outlet is aligned with the liquid passage so that liquid from the cartridge can flow to the vaporizer via the liquid outlet and the liquid passage.

[0041] The cartridge may include a first cartridge sidewall and an opposing second cartridge sidewall. The first cartridge sidewall may have a different shape than the second cartridge sidewall. The cartridge may include a top cartridge wall and a bottom cartridge wall. The top cartridge wall may have a different shape than the bottom cartridge wall. The cartridge may be shaped to allow insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area in only one orientation. The cartridge may be shaped to allow insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area in only one direction. The cartridge may have an asymmetric shape.

[0042] The walls of the cartridge may be transparent, so that the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir may be visible from the outside. A user may distinguish between different liquids based on the color of the liquid. The walls of the cartridge may be transparent, so that the emptying of the liquid reservoir may be visible from the outside.

[0043] The cartridge may include one or more semi-open inlets, which may allow ambient air to enter the cartridge and the liquid storage portion. The one or more semi-open inlets may be semi-permeable membranes or one-way valves that are permeable to allow ambient air to enter the liquid storage portion and impermeable to substantially prevent air and liquid inside the liquid storage portion from exiting the liquid storage portion. The one or more semi-open inlets may allow air to pass into the liquid storage portion under certain conditions. A vacuum created when the cartridge is depleted may be prevented by the one or more semi-open inlets. The one or more semi-open inlets of the cartridge may include a one-way valve, which may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the liquid storage portion. The one-way valve may further prevent leakage of liquid from the one or more semi-open inlets.

[0044] The liquid reservoir of the cartridge may be refillable. Alternatively, the cartridge may be configured as a replaceable cartridge, such that when the initial cartridge is consumed, a new cartridge can be installed in the aerosol generating device.

[0045] The liquid outlet of the cartridge may include a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop within the liquid reservoir. The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the airflow path. The one-way valve may further prevent contamination of the liquid reservoir by preventing any residue from entering the liquid reservoir via the liquid outlet.

[0046] The aerosol-generating device may include a vaporizer. The vaporizer may be a humidifier. The vaporizer may be a nebulizer. The vaporizer may be a non-thermal vaporizer or a thermal vaporizer. A thermal vaporizer may include an electric heating element for generating the aerosol by heating and vaporizing a liquid sensory medium. The device may include two or more vaporizers selected from one or both of a non-thermal vaporizer and a thermal vaporizer. The device may include one non-thermal vaporizer and one thermal vaporizer. The one or more vaporizers may be part of the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion of the device.

[0047] The vaporizer includes a mesh element defining one or more nozzles, and the device is configured to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to one side of the mesh element. The mesh element can be vibrated relative to the supply of liquid sensory medium, forcing droplets of the liquid sensory medium through the nozzles to generate the aerosol. This configuration is sometimes referred to as an active mesh element. The mesh can be a vibrating microporous mesh including a palladium perforated diaphragm.

[0048] An alternative arrangement may include an actuator arranged to vibrate a supply of liquid sensory medium relative to the mesh element to force droplets of liquid sensory medium through the nozzles, this arrangement may be referred to as a passive mesh element.

[0049] The actuator may comprise any suitable type of actuator. In some embodiments, the actuator may include a piezoelectric element. In some embodiments, the actuator may include an ultrasonic sonotrode.

[0050] The vaporizer can be operated at a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency is a function of one or more of the following: the viscosity of the liquid sensory medium (which can be reduced by increasing its temperature above room temperature but below 100°C), the surface tension of the liquid sensory medium, the diameter and shape of the nozzle, the thickness or stiffness of the mesh, the rate of droplet ejection, the amplitude of actuation, and the mechanical properties of the vaporizer assembly. The resonant frequency can be calculated based on a combination of the above factors. Using a mesh such as that described above, it is possible to achieve the formation of droplets typically less than 3 micrometers in diameter. To reduce the diameter of the droplets formed, the viscosity of the liquid sensory medium can be reduced by increasing its temperature. To reduce the diameter of the droplets formed, an appropriate operating frequency can be used, such as the resonant frequency described above.

[0051] Vaporizers that include a mesh element exhibit the smallest droplet size that can be produced by the vaporizer for a particular liquid sensory medium. Generally, a small droplet size is desirable to maximize delivery of the aerosolized liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the lungs.

[0052] The mesh element may comprise any suitable material, for example, the mesh element may comprise a silicon-on-insulator wafer.

[0053] The mesh element may include a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of nozzles may extend between the first and second surfaces. The first surface may be at least partially coated with a hydrophilic coating, or the second surface may be at least partially coated with a hydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic coating may include either polyurethane (PU) or a superhydrophobic metal (such as a microporous metal or metal mesh). The microporous metal or metal mesh may be functionalized with carbon chains to render the microporous metal or metal mesh superhydrophobic. Exemplary superhydrophobic metals include copper and aluminum.

[0054] In some embodiments, the mesh element includes a hydrophilic coating on the inner surface. The mesh element may include a hydrophilic coating on at least one nozzle surface. The hydrophilic coating may include at least one of polyamide, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), cellulose acetate, cotton, and one or more hydrophilic oxides. Suitable hydrophilic oxides include silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, and tantalum pentoxide.

[0055] The mesh element may comprise an electric heating element positioned on a surface of the mesh element. Advantageously, the electric heating element may be used to heat the liquid being ejected through the nozzles of the mesh element. The electric heating element may be positioned to directly heat the liquid being ejected through the nozzles. The electric heating element may be positioned on an outer surface of the mesh element. The electric heating element may comprise any suitable type of heating element. For example, the electric heating element may comprise a microelectromechanical system heating element. The electric heating element may comprise one or more resistive heating tracks. The one or more resistive heating tracks may comprise a metal. The one or more resistive heating tracks may comprise at least one of platinum, nickel, and polysilicon.

[0056] The vaporizer may further include an elastically deformable element. The vaporizer may further include a cavity positioned between the mesh element and the elastically deformable element. The vaporizer may further include a liquid inlet for providing a supply of liquid to be atomized to the cavity. The cavity may contain the liquid to be atomized. The liquid outlet of the cartridge may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet of the vaporizer. The vaporizer may further include an actuator arranged to vibrate the elastically deformable element. The elastically deformable element may include any suitable elastically deformable material. For example, the elastically deformable element may include plastic, rubber, or silicon. In some preferred embodiments, the elastically deformable element includes silicon. In some embodiments, the elastically deformable element may include a metal or metal alloy, such as nickel, palladium, or an alloy of nickel and palladium.

[0057] A vaporizer can generate a vapor or aerosol dispersion. A vaporizer can generate a vapor or aerosol by heating a liquid sensory medium to vaporize or aerosolize at least a portion of the liquid sensory medium. A vaporizer can generate a vapor or aerosol dispersion without heating, such as by sonication, vibration, or a combination of sonication and vibration. For example, a nebulizer can include a vibrator or sonicator rod. A nebulizer can be an atomizer assembly, which can further include mechanical elements, such as one or more of a valve, a pump, a sprayer, or some combination thereof. One or more parts of the nebulizer, including the vibrator or sonicator rod, can exert a force on the liquid sensory medium to generate an aerosol dispersion. For example, the atomizer assembly can be configured to generate an aerosol through one or more of releasing a pressurized liquid sensory medium into a low-pressure environment, atomizing liquid sensory medium particles, or vaporizing a volatile liquid sensory medium into the environment.

[0058] The vaporizer may be a humidifier. The humidifier may be configured as a non-thermal humidifier. The humidifier may be configured as a nebulizer. The nebulizer may include a vibrating microporous mesh. The vibrating microporous mesh may include a palladium perforated diaphragm.

[0059] The aerosol generating device may include a humidity sensor configured to measure the humidity of the airflow path. The humidity sensor may be disposed within the airflow path. Preferably, the humidity sensor is disposed adjacent to an air inlet fluidly connected to the airflow path. Alternatively or additionally, the humidity sensor may measure the humidity of the ambient air surrounding the aerosol generating device. The humidity sensor may be disposed around the aerosol generating device to measure the ambient humidity. The humidity sensor may be configured as a bandgap sensor.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of air in the airflow path. The temperature sensor may be disposed in the airflow path. Preferably, the temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to an air inlet fluidly connected to the airflow path. The temperature sensor may be configured as a capacitance sensor.

[0061] Alternatively, in addition to the temperature sensor, the device may include a heating temperature sensor. As used herein, the term "heating temperature sensor" refers to a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of a heated portion of the device. For example, the heating temperature sensor may sense the temperature of a heating chamber heated by a heating element during use of the device.

[0062] The humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor may be configured to continuously measure the humidity of the air in the airflow path and / or the temperature of the air in the airflow path during operation of the device. The controller may continuously control the vaporizer during operation of the device based on the sensor output. Thus, changes in humidity and / or temperature during operation of the device may be taken into account, improving the user experience.

[0063] The humidity sensor and / or temperature sensor may be positioned to measure humidity and / or temperature, respectively, adjacent the air intake of the device.

[0064] The device further includes a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating chamber may be disposed toward the downstream end of the airflow path. Alternatively or additionally, the heating chamber may be disposed downstream of the airflow path. In the latter case, the airflow path exits into the heating chamber. The humidifier may be disposed upstream of the heating chamber.

[0065] The humidifier may be positioned between the heated chamber and one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor.

[0066] The aerosol generating device may include a controller configured to receive the output of the humidity sensor. The controller may be configured to receive the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor and control operation of the humidifier based on the sensor outputs. In one embodiment, a humidity sensor is provided and a temperature sensor is provided. The controller may receive the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor and control operation of the humidifier based on the humidity sensor output or based on the temperature sensor output.

[0067] The controller may be configured to control operation of the humidifier based on one or both of the humidity sensor output and the temperature sensor output continuously during operation of the device.

[0068] The controller may include a lookup table. The lookup table may include one or both of air humidity data and air temperature data. The controller may be configured to control the humidifier by comparing one or both of the humidity and temperature sensors to stored data in the lookup table.

[0069] The aerosol generating device may have a modular design. The aerosol generating device may include one or more of a main module, a thermal aerosol-generating portion, and a non-thermal aerosol-generating portion. The thermal aerosol-generating portion may be configured as a heating portion. The thermal aerosol-generating portion may be configured as a heating module. The thermal aerosol-generating portion may be a module. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be configured as a vaporizer portion. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be configured as a vaporizer module. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may be a module. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion may comprise a non-thermal vaporizer. One or more portions may be part of a monolithic structure. One or more portions may be permanently attached to one another. One or more portions may be detachably connectable to one another.

[0070] The modular design may allow for several modes of operation, for example, either or both of the non-thermal and thermal aerosol-generating portions may be present according to different modes of operation.

[0071] The main module may contain the main electronic components of the device, the main module may contain the power source for the device, e.g., a rechargeable battery, and the main module may contain the control electronics for the device.

[0072] The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may include a vaporizer. The vaporizer may include or be a humidifier. The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may include a humidity sensor. The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may include a controller configured to receive the humidity sensor output and control operation of the humidifier based on the humidity sensor output, or the controller may be located within the main module. The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may include a cartridge-receiving area configured to receive a cartridge.

[0073] The thermal aerosol-generating portion includes a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating chamber including a heating element.

[0074] The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may be positioned as a central module sandwiched between the main module and the thermal aerosol-generation portion. The main module may be located at the distal end of the device. The thermal aerosol-generation portion may be located at the proximal end of the device. The non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may be located upstream of the thermal aerosol-generation portion.

[0075] The distal end of the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may be detachably connectable to the proximal end of the main module. The proximal end of the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion may be detachably connectable to the distal end of the thermal aerosol-generation portion.

[0076] Additionally, the proximal end of the main module may be directly connectable to the distal end of the thermal aerosol generation portion, thereby allowing for an alternative mode of operation in which the non-thermal aerosol generation portion is omitted.

[0077] The device may further include a removably connectable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be removably connectable to the proximal end of the thermal aerosol-generating portion. When the mouthpiece is connected to the thermal aerosol-generating portion, a user can draw directly on the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is not connected to the thermal aerosol-generating portion, a user can draw directly on the oral end of an aerosol-forming article at least partially inserted into the thermal aerosol-generating portion. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may be removably connectable to the proximal end of the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion. In one embodiment, the thermal aerosol-generating portion integrally includes or is configured as a mouthpiece.

[0078] Thus, the modular device may allow for various modes of operation in the presence of either or both the non-thermal and thermal aerosol-generating portions and the mouthpiece.

[0079] The removable connection means may include one or more of a magnetic connection, a threaded connection, a sliding connection, and a bayonet connection, or any other known connection.

[0080] The aerosol generating device may include a non-thermal aerosol generating portion consisting of a humidifier and a humidity sensor, and a thermal aerosol generating portion including a heating element, and the non-thermal aerosol generating portion may be positioned upstream of the thermal aerosol generating portion.

[0081] The aerosol generating device may include an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn and flows through the device. The airflow path may include a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion between the first and second portions. The first portion may be located upstream of the second portion.

[0082] The vaporizer, preferably a humidifier, may be configured to increase the humidity of air flowing through the airflow path. The vaporizer, preferably a humidifier, may be positioned adjacent to a transition portion of the airflow path. The transition portion of the airflow path may be positioned such that a second portion of the airflow channel downstream of the transition portion is offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device.

[0083] The transition portion may be positioned such that the direction of the airflow path changes from the first portion to the second portion. The vaporizer may be configured to generate vapor from the aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the transition portion of the airflow path.

[0084] The vaporizer and transition portion can be disposed in the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion. The second portion of the airflow path can be at least partially disposed in the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion. The second portion of the airflow path can be fluidly connected with a fitting. The fitting can be configured to fluidly couple the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion with the thermal aerosol-generation portion.

[0085] The fitting may be offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The fitting may be configured for releasable connection between the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion and the thermal aerosol-generating portion. The fitting may be configured as a luer fitting.

[0086] The second portion of the airflow path may be at least partially disposed in the thermal aerosol-generation section, and the second portion of the airflow path in the thermal aerosol-generation section may direct air at least partially toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device such that the second portion of the airflow path in the thermal aerosol-generation section runs at least partially along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device. Redirection of the air from the second portion running offset from the longitudinal axis to the portion of the second portion running along the longitudinal axis may be facilitated by a second transition portion disposed in the second portion of the airflow path. By providing the first and second transition portions, the total length of the airflow path may be increased from the humidifier to the heating chamber of the thermal aerosol-generation section. As a result, mixing of the aerosol generated by the vaporizer and ambient air is improved before the mixture reaches the aerosol-forming substrate of the thermal aerosol-generation section.

[0087] The second portion of the airflow path may be at least partially disposed in the thermal aerosol-generation portion, and the second portion of the airflow path of the thermal aerosol-generation portion may be fluidly connected at a fitting.

[0088] The transition section may be positioned such that the direction of the airflow path changes from the first section to the second section.

[0089] The aerosol generating device may include one or more air inlets. The one or more air inlets are preferably fluidly connected to an airflow path. The air inlets of the device may include one-way valves. The one-way valves may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the airflow path. In a closed state when there is no pressure drop in the airflow path, the one-way valves may prevent moisture, dust, or other contaminants from entering the device through the air inlets.

[0090] The aerosol generating device may include an air inlet, and the first portion of the airflow path may be located adjacent to the air inlet.

[0091] The first portion of the airflow channel may run transversely through the aerosol generation device relative to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device. The first portion of the airflow channel may run radially through the aerosol generation device relative to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device. The first portion of the airflow channel may fluidly connect the air inlet and a first transition portion of the airflow channel.

[0092] The second portion of the airflow channel may run at least partially axially through the aerosol generation device parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation device. The second portion of the airflow channel may be fluidly connected to the transition portion of the airflow channel. The second portion of the airflow channel may be fluidly connected to one or both of the first transition portion of the airflow channel and the second transition portion of the airflow channel.

[0093] One or both of the first transition section of the airflow channel and the second transition section of the second section of the airflow channel may change direction of the airflow path by 90 degrees.

[0094] The orientation of the vaporizer may be defined by a surface of the vaporizer. The surface may be defined by an extended plane. The extended plane may be disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The plane may be angled relative to both the first and second portions of the airflow path.

[0095] The angle between the extended plane of the vaporizer surface and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device may be 30° to 60°, preferably 35° to 55°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and most preferably about 45°. The angle between the extended plane of the vaporizer surface and the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the airflow path may be 30° to 60°, preferably 35° to 55°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and most preferably about 45°. The angle between the extended plane of the vaporizer surface and the longitudinal axis of the second portion of the airflow path may be 30° to 60°, preferably 35° to 55°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and most preferably about 45°.

[0096] The cross-sectional area of ​​the transition portion of the airflow channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first portion of the airflow channel.The cross-sectional area of ​​the transition portion of the airflow channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion of the airflow channel.

[0097] The aerosol-generating device may include a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating chamber may be part of the thermal aerosol-generating portion of the device. The heating chamber may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The heating chamber may be adapted to allow air to flow through the heating chamber. An airflow path may extend into the heating chamber. An opening, preferably a fluid outlet, of the cartridge may be fluidly connected to the heating chamber via the airflow path. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the heating chamber, and toward the user. The open proximal end of the heating chamber may include an air outlet. A mouthpiece may be located downstream of the heating chamber, or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly. The airflow path may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0098] The heating chamber includes a heating element, which may be disposed within or around the heating chamber.

[0099] In all aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. An example of a suitable doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties.

[0100] As described, in any of the aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element can be part of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can include an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both an internal and an external heating element, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element can take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element can take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater can take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive portions or an electrically resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element can be one or more heated needles or rods that pass through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heated wire or filament, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire or heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element can be disposed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element can be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed into tracks on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as glass. A heater formed in this manner may be used to both heat the heating element and monitor its temperature during operation.

[0101] The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit the periphery of the substrate receiving the heating chamber. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of metal grid(s), flexible printed circuit boards, molded circuit components (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or may be formed using coating techniques such as plasma deposition on a suitably shaped substrate. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal that has a well-defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used both to heat the external heating element and to monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0102] The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink or heat reservoir, which comprises a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and then releasing it to the aerosol-forming substrate over time. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material) or the ability to absorb heat and then release it via a reversible process (such as a high-temperature phase change). Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fiber, minerals, metals or alloys (such as aluminum, silver, or lead), and cellulosic materials (such as paper). Other suitable materials that release heat via a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, eutectic salt mixtures, or alloys. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be positioned in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and capable of transferring the stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, heat stored in a heat sink or heat store may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by a thermal conductor such as a metal tube.

[0103] The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by means of conduction. The heating element may be in at least partial contact with the substrate or at least partial contact with a carrier on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, heat from either an internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by a thermally conductive element.

[0104] In operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be completely contained within the aerosol-generating device, in which case the user may puff on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, in operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be partially contained within the aerosol-generating device, in which case the user may puff on the smoking article directly.

[0105] The heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, the susceptor is a material capable of generating heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, another effect that typically contributes to heating is commonly referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss is primarily caused by the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, as their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all of these changes, which occur at the nanoscale or below within the susceptor, generate heat within the susceptor and are therefore referred to as "hysteresis loss." Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and the generation of eddy currents contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses are the only means by which the susceptor will heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive, magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor. The susceptor then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate so that an aerosol is formed. Heat transfer may be primarily by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. When an induction heating element is employed, the induction heating element may be configured as an internal heating element as described herein or as an external heater as described herein. When the induction heating element is configured as an internal heating element, the susceptor element is preferably configured as a pin or blade for penetrating the aerosol-generating article. When the induction heating element is configured as an external heating element, the susceptor element is preferably configured as a cylindrical susceptor that at least partially surrounds or forms the sidewall of the heating chamber.

[0106] The aerosol generating device may be a handheld aerosol generating device.

[0107] The aerosol generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length along the longitudinal axis of the device of between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device of between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters. The outer diameter may be constant or may vary along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0108] The cross-sectional area can be of any desired shape. For example, the cross-sectional area can be oval, circular, or rectangular. The shape of the cross-sectional area can be constant or can vary along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0109] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and not brittle.

[0110] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include multiple air inlets. The air inlets are preferably fluidly connected to the airflow path.

[0111] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge as described herein for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article as described herein. The aerosol-forming substrate may be heated within a heating chamber of the device, the heating chamber may be located toward the downstream end of the airflow path, and the humidifier may be located upstream of the heating chamber.

[0113] The term "liquid sensory medium" as used herein refers to a liquid composition that has the ability to modify an airflow that contacts the liquid sensory medium. A vaporizer may be used to contact the liquid sensory medium with the airflow. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the airflow, filtering the airflow, and increasing the air humidity of the airflow.

[0114] For example, the liquid sensory medium can consist of water or can consist essentially of water. The liquid sensory medium can be dispersed in the airflow by a humidifier. Thus, the humidity of the airflow can be increased. The provision of a humidifier advantageously makes it possible to provide an airflow with a constant air humidity, regardless of the ambient air humidity. For example, this can compensate for situations in which the device is used in a low-temperature environment with low air humidity.

[0115] For example, the liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensory medium is or includes a flavorant.

[0116] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0117] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid storage portion. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid sensory medium held in a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0118] The aerosol-forming substrate described herein may be one or both of an aerosol-forming substrate contained within a liquid storage portion and an aerosol-forming substrate included within an aerosol-generating article. Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavorant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, while a solid tobacco-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the aerosol-generating article.

[0119] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0120] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

[0121] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably has an aerosol former content of 5 to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings.

[0122] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the user end of the device. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0123] The aerosol-generating article and the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device may be arranged so that the aerosol-generating article is partially received within the chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article may be arranged so that the aerosol-generating article is completely received within the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0124] The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-forming segment containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming segment may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming segment may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming segment may also have a length and a perimeter substantially perpendicular to the length.

[0125] As used herein, the term "liquid reservoir" refers to a reservoir that includes a liquid sensory medium and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0126] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating article and / or cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0127] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating article as further described and exemplified herein and an aerosol-generating device as further described and exemplified herein, in which the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0128] As used herein, the term "mouthpiece" refers to the portion of an aerosol generating device that is placed into the user's mouth for direct inhalation of aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device from an aerosol-generating article contained within a heated chamber of the device and / or from a liquid contained within a liquid storage portion of a cartridge.

[0129] Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on / off button and maintained for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The onset of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The onset may also be detected after the user activates the button.

[0130] The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor. When a user inhales on an aerosol generating device, a negative pressure or vacuum is created inside the device, and this negative pressure may be detected by a pressure sensor. The term "negative pressure" is understood as a pressure lower than the pressure of the ambient air. In other words, when a user inhales on the device, the air drawn through the device has a pressure lower than the pressure of the ambient air outside the device.

[0131] The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device, or a display that indicates the status of the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-forming substrate.

[0132] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply in an electric aerosol generating device.

[0133] As used herein, the term "proximal" of an aerosol generating device refers to the user end or mouth end, or a portion or section thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the region of the heating chamber nearest the open end, and the term "distal" refers to the region nearest the closed end.

[0134] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device during use.

[0135] Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example or embodiment described herein.

[0136] Example A An aerosol generating device, comprising: an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn and through which the air flows through the device; a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor; a controller configured to receive the output of the sensor; a vaporizer; The aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor output.

[0137] Example B The aerosol generating device of example A, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of air in the airflow path.

[0138] Example C An aerosol generating device described in any one of Examples A to B, wherein the aerosol generating device is equipped with a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the vaporizer based on the humidity sensor output and based on the temperature sensor output.

[0139] Example D An aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to C, wherein the humidity sensor is configured to measure the humidity of the air in the airflow path.

[0140] Example E The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to D, wherein the temperature sensor is configured as a capacitance sensor.

[0141] Example F The aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to E, wherein the humidity sensor is configured as a band gap sensor.

[0142] Example G An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to F, wherein one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor are arranged to measure one or both of the humidity and temperature adjacent the air intake of the device.

[0143] Example H An aerosol-generating apparatus according to any one of Examples A to G, wherein the apparatus further comprises a heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, the heating chamber being disposed downstream of the airflow path, and the vaporizer being disposed upstream of the heating chamber.

[0144] Example I The aerosol generating device of embodiment H, wherein the vaporizer is disposed between one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor and the heated chamber.

[0145] Example J An aerosol generating device as described in any of Examples A to I, wherein the controller comprises a lookup table, the lookup table including one or both of air humidity data and air temperature data, and the controller is configured to control the vaporizer by comparing the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor with stored data in the lookup table.

[0146] Example K An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to J, wherein one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor are configured to continuously measure one or both of the humidity of the air in the air flow path and the temperature of the air in the air flow path during operation of the device.

[0147] Example L An aerosol generating device as described in Example K, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the vaporizer based on one or both of the humidity sensor output and the temperature sensor output continuously during operation of the device.

[0148] Example M The aerosol generator according to any one of Examples A to L, wherein the vaporizer is configured as a nebulizer.

[0149] Example N The aerosol generating device of embodiment M, wherein the nebulizer comprises a vibrating microporous mesh.

[0150] Example O An aerosol generating device as described in Example N, wherein the vibrating microporous mesh includes a palladium porous vibrating plate.

[0151] Example P The aerosol-generating apparatus of any one of Examples A to O, wherein the vaporizer is configured as a non-thermal vaporizer.

[0152] Example Q An aerosol generating device described in any of Examples A to P, wherein the vaporizer and humidity sensor are arranged in a non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further comprises a thermal aerosol generating portion including a heating element, and the non-thermal aerosol generating portion is arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating portion.

[0153] [Example R] An aerosol generator according to any one of Examples A to Q, wherein the aerosol generator is a handheld aerosol generator.

[0154] Example S 1. A method for humidifying air in an aerosol generating device, comprising: providing an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples A to R; measuring the humidity of the air in the airflow path with a humidity sensor; and controlling the vaporizer with the controller.

[0155] Example T An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of the Examples and an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is heated in a heating chamber of the device, the heating chamber is arranged downstream of the airflow path, and the vaporizer is arranged upstream of the heating chamber, and preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0156] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the invention.

[0157] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0158] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0159] 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 may comprise a body 12. The body 12 comprises a power source in the form of a battery. The body 12 may further comprise an electrical circuit.

[0160] The aerosol-generating device 10 includes a non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14 is disposed adjacent to the body 12. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14 is configured to be removably attachable to the body 12 or to be integrally formed with the body 12.

[0161] A thermal aerosol-generating portion 16 is provided adjacent to the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14. The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14 is sandwiched between the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16 and the body 12 of the aerosol-generating device 10.

[0162] The non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14 is provided with a cartridge receiving area 18. The cartridge receiving area 18 is configured to receive a cartridge 20. The cartridge 20 contains a liquid sensory medium. Preferably, the cartridge 20 contains a nicotine-containing sensory medium. Alternatively, the cartridge 20 may contain purely water. The cartridge 20 may contain any suitable liquid sensory medium.

[0163] The cartridge 20 is configured as a removably attachable cartridge 20. After the liquid sensory medium in the cartridge 20 is depleted, the depleted cartridge 20 can be removed from the cartridge receiving area 18, and a new cartridge 20 can be attached to the cartridge receiving area 18. Alternatively, the cartridge 20 can be refillable after the liquid sensory medium from the cartridge 20 is depleted.

[0164] The cartridge receiving area 18 may be shaped to only allow one-way insertion of the cartridge 20 into the cartridge receiving area 18, thereby preventing mishandling or damage to the cartridge 20 in the cartridge receiving area 18.

[0165] An air inlet 22 is provided in the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14. Alternatively, multiple air inlets 22 or multiple air inlets 22 may be provided. The air inlets 22 are located around the periphery of the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14 and can draw ambient air into the aerosol-generation device 10.

[0166] An airflow path 24 is provided in fluid communication with the air inlet 22. The airflow path 24 extends from the air inlet 22 through the aerosol-generating device 10. Adjacent to the air inlet 22, the airflow path 24 passes through the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14. The airflow path 24 then continues through the thermal aerosol-generation portion 16.

[0167] A fitting 26 is provided between the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14 and the thermal aerosol-generation portion 16. The fitting 26 may allow the thermal aerosol-generation portion 16 to be removably attached to the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14, or vice versa. In an alternative embodiment, the fitting 26 is a fixed fitting 26 such that the thermal aerosol-generation portion 16 is permanently attached to the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14.

[0168] Airflow path 24 runs through fitting 26. In other words, fitting 26 facilitates fluid connection between non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14 and thermal aerosol-generation portion 16. Illustratively, fitting 26 may be a luer fitting 26.

[0169] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the aerosol-generating article 28 is inserted into a cavity of the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16. The cavity is configured as a heating chamber. A heating element is disposed in the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16. The heating element may be a resistive heating element in the form of a heating blade or pin that penetrates the aerosol-generating article 28 when the aerosol-generating article 28 is received in the cavity. Alternatively, the heating element may be disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity. The heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. In this case, the heating element comprises an induction coil surrounding a susceptor. The susceptor may be a tubular susceptor disposed at least partially surrounding the cavity.

[0170] The aerosol-generating article 28 includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity into which the aerosol-generating article 28 is inserted is located at the downstream end of the airflow path 24. The airflow path 24 terminates in the cavity. Air flows from the air inlet 22 through the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14, through the fitting 26, and through the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16 into the cavity. As the air flows into the cavity, it flows through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 28. The aerosol-generating article 28 is simultaneously heated by the heating element, resulting in the generation of an aerosol. The aerosol flows out of the aerosol-generating article 28 at the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 28.

[0171] To improve aerosol generation, the non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14 includes a humidity sensor 30. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the humidity sensor, a temperature sensor 30 may be provided. The humidity sensor 30 is configured to measure the humidity of air entering the airflow path 24 through the air inlet 22. The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of air entering the airflow path 24 through the air inlet 22. The temperature of the air may indicate the humidity of the air.

[0172] Aerosol generation in the thermal aerosol-generating section 16 is driven by a heating element that heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 28, and is dependent on the humidity of the incoming air. To improve the aerosol generated, it may be necessary to increase the humidity of the incoming air in dry or low-humidity climates.

[0173] For this reason, the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14 includes a vaporizer 32. The aerosol generation device 10 further includes a controller. The controller may be located in the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14. Alternatively, the controller may be part of an electrical circuit located in the main body 12 of the aerosol generation device 10. The controller is configured to control the operation of the vaporizer 32. The vaporizer 32 is configured to vaporize the liquid sensory medium from the cartridge 20. The vaporized air generated by the vaporizer mixes with ambient air flowing through the airflow path 24 so as to increase the humidity of the air. The vaporizer 32 is located adjacent to the airflow path 24.

[0174] The airflow path 24 includes a first portion 34 of the airflow path 24, a transition portion 36 of the airflow path 24, and a second portion 38 of the airflow path 24. The first portion 34 of the airflow path 24 is located adjacent to the air inlet 22. The humidity sensor 30 or the temperature sensor is preferably located in the first portion 34 of the airflow path 24. The transition portion 36 of the airflow path 24 is provided downstream of the first portion 34 of the airflow path 24. The transition portion 36 of the airflow path 24 may fluidly connect the first portion 34 of the airflow path 24 and the second portion 38 of the airflow path 24. The second portion 38 of the airflow path 24 is located partially in the non-thermal aerosol-generation portion 14 and partially in the thermal aerosol-generation portion 16.

[0175] Vaporizer 32 is positioned in a transition portion 36 of airflow path 24. Transition portion 36 of airflow path 24 has a cross-section that is larger than the cross-section of first portion 34 of airflow path 24 and the cross-section of second portion 38 of airflow path 24. Thus, the transition portion improves mixing of the aerosol generated by vaporizer 32 with the ambient air flowing through airflow path 24.

[0176] The transition section is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10. In other words, the transition section is disposed away from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10. As a result, the second portion 38 of the airflow path 24 is also offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10. As shown in FIG. 1 , air flows parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10 in the second portion 38 of the airflow path 24 of the non-thermal aerosol-generation section 14. This is due to the offset of the transition section 36 of the airflow path 24 and the offset of the second portion 38 of the airflow path 24. After passing through the fitting 26 and entering the thermal aerosol-generation section 16, the air with increased humidity passes through the second transition section 39 of the second portion 38 of the airflow path 24, redirecting the air to flow along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10. In other words, the second transition section 39 changes the direction of the airflow path 24 from parallel to and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10 to toward and along the longitudinal axis. The air with increased humidity then enters a cavity in which an aerosol-generating article 28, including an aerosol-forming substrate, is received. The cavity is preferably aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generation device 10.

[0177] As an alternative to the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16 having a cavity for receiving the thermal aerosol-generating article 28, the thermal aerosol-generating portion 16 may be configured as a mouthpiece without a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article 28 including a solid aerosol-forming substrate. This embodiment is preferred when the cartridge 20 contains a sensory medium including one or both of nicotine and a flavorant such that the generated aerosol is directly inhaled by the user.

[0178] The operation of the vaporizer 32 is improved by providing one or both of a humidity sensor 30 and a temperature sensor. In environments with high humidity ambient air, the sensor output may be utilized by the controller to operate the vaporizer 32 only slightly or to deactivate the vaporizer 32. However, in low humidity ambient air environments, there may be a greater need to increase the humidity of the air, and the controller may respond to the sensor output of the humidity sensor 30 and activate the vaporizer 32 accordingly.

[0179] Illustratively, the controller activates the vaporizer 32 when the humidity sensor 30 detects that the ambient air drawn into the airflow path 24 has low humidity.

[0180] A lookup table containing one or more humidity and temperature data may be provided. The controller may control operation of the vaporizer 32 in response to the detected output of one or both of the temperature sensor 30 and the humidity sensor and compare this output to the lookup table. Both the detected humidity of the air and the detected temperature of the air may be utilized by the controller to control the vaporizer 32 such that the humidity of the air is controlled for optimized aerosol generation.

[0181] 2 shows a more detailed view of non-thermal aerosol-generating portion 14. In particular, it can be seen that humidity sensor 30 is disposed adjacent air inlet 22 in first portion 34 of airflow path 24. A transition portion 36 of airflow path 24 is disposed downstream of humidity sensor 30. Also downstream of humidity sensor 30 is vaporizer 32. Vaporizer 32 is disposed adjacent transition portion 36 of airflow path 24.

[0182] The vaporizer 32 is in fluid communication with the liquid sensory medium stored in the cartridge 20 when the cartridge 20 is attached to the cartridge receiving area 18. The liquid sensory medium then flows out of the cartridge 20 and into the vaporizer 32, which can then vaporize the liquid sensory medium to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generated from the vaporizer can then mix with ambient air drawn through the airflow path 24 at a transition portion 36 of the airflow path 24. The mixture of vaporized liquid sensory medium and ambient air then flows through a second portion 38 of the airflow path 24 downstream from the transition portion 36 of the airflow path 24. The aerosol is generated with improved droplet size because the overall length of the airflow path 24 is increased by the offset of the airflow path 24. The offset of airflow path 24 is provided by first transition portion 36 and second transition portion 39 increasing the length of airflow path 24 between air inlet 22 and the cavity in which the aerosol-forming substrate contained in aerosol-generating article 28 is received. In other words, the length of airflow path 24 between air inlet 22 and the cavity is increased by disposing airflow path 24 at least partially away from the longitudinal axis of device 10.

[0183] 2, the operation of the vaporizer 32 is improved by providing a humidity sensor 30 upstream of the vaporizer 32 so that the humidity of the ambient air drawn into the airflow channel is measured. Depending on the humidity of the ambient air and the corresponding sensor output of the humidity sensor 30, the operation level of the vaporizer 32 can be controlled by a controller.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a heated cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article (28); an airflow path (24) through which ambient air is drawn and through the device to the heating cavity; one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor (30) disposed within the airflow path (24) providing an output indicative of the temperature within the airflow path (24); a controller configured to receive an output of the sensor (30); a vaporizer (32) in communication with the airflow path (24); The aerosol generating device, wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the vaporizer based on the sensor output to increase humidity of air in an airflow path (24).

2. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to measure a temperature of air in the airflow path.

3. 3. The aerosol generating device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating device is provided with the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to control the operation of the vaporizer based on the humidity sensor output and based on the temperature sensor output.

4. 4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity sensor is configured to measure the humidity of air in the airflow path.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature sensor is configured as a capacitance sensor.

6. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor are arranged to measure one or both of the humidity and temperature adjacent the air intake of the device, respectively.

7. 7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizer is disposed between the humidity sensor and / or the temperature sensor and the heated cavity.

8. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller comprises a look-up table, the look-up table including one or both of air humidity data and air temperature data, and the controller is configured to control the vaporizer by comparing the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor with stored data in the look-up table.

9. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor are configured to continuously measure one or both of the humidity of the air in the air flow path and the temperature of the air in the air flow path during operation of the device.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vaporizer is configured as a nebulizer, preferably the nebulizer includes a vibrating fine porous mesh, more preferably the vibrating fine porous mesh includes a palladium porous vibrating plate.

11. 11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizer is configured as a non-thermal vaporizer.

12. An aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the evaporator and the humidity sensor are arranged in a non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device further comprises a thermal aerosol generating portion including a heating element, and the non-thermal aerosol generating portion is arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating portion.

13. 1. A method for humidifying air in an aerosol generating device, comprising: Providing an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; estimating the humidity of air in the airflow path by one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor; and controlling, by the controller, the evaporator based on the sensor output to increase humidity of the air in the airflow path.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and an aerosol-forming substrate contained in an aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is heated in a heated cavity of the device, the heated cavity being arranged downstream of the airflow path, and the vaporizer being arranged upstream of the heated cavity, and preferably the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Images