Handheld aerosol generator with open elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handheld aerosol generating device that may include a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge. The cartridge may include a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge receiving area may include an opening element. The opening element may be configured to perforate the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device, and a method for attaching the cartridge to the aerosol generating device.

Description

Technology Field

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

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat an aerosol generating material to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol generating material volatilize without burning the aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for inserting the aerosol generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, a heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol generating material. Additionally or alternatively, a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol generating material may be attached to the aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may include a sealing foil configured to seal the liquid aerosol generating material of the cartridge during transport and before use. Before using the cartridge, the user may need to remove the sealing foil.

[0003] If the sealing foil is removed from the cartridge, the liquid aerosol-forming material may leak unintentionally from the cartridge before use. Undesirable leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming material can also be a problem while attaching the cartridge to the aerosol generator.

[0004] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generator with a leak prevention function. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generator that prevents leakage of the cartridge while attaching the aerosol generator and the cartridge. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that prevents leakage before use. It would be desirable to have a cartridge that prevents leakage while attaching the cartridge to the aerosol generator.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handheld aerosol generating device is provided that may include a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge. The cartridge may include a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge receiving area may include an opening element. The opening element may be configured to perforate the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handheld aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge. The cartridge comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge receiving area comprises an opening element. The opening element is configured to perforate the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area.

[0007] The cartridge may be equipped with a sealing foil during production or packing for shipping. Consequently, the cartridge will generally be purchased by the user with the sealing foil included. The sealing foil is arranged to prevent leakage of the liquid sense medium out of the cartridge before use. The liquid sense medium is a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Before use, the user will typically have to manually remove the sealing foil. This is cumbersome. Furthermore, leakage of the liquid sense medium from the cartridge may result from the user manually removing the sealing foil. Finally, leakage of the liquid sense medium from the cartridge may have occurred while the cartridge was being attached to the aerosol generator after the sealing foil had been removed by the user. All these problems are overcome by providing an open element in the cartridge receiving area of ​​the aerosol generator.

[0008] When the cartridge is received within the aerosol generator through the cartridge receiving area, the opening element will automatically open the cartridge's sealing foil. Consequently, the user does not need to manually remove the sealing foil from the cartridge before use. The user can simply insert the cartridge into the aerosol generator's cartridge receiving area without the hassle of the sealing foil. The opening element automatically opens the cartridge, allowing the liquid sensory medium to be supplied from the cartridge to the aerosol generator for aerosol generation.

[0009] The cartridge receiving area may include a liquid passage. The liquid passage may be configured to allow a liquid sensory medium from the cartridge to flow out of the cartridge and into the aerosol generator.

[0010] A liquid passage can be arranged to establish a liquid connection between a handheld aerosol generator and a cartridge when the cartridge is received in a cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is punctured by an opening element.

[0011] The open element can at least partially surround the liquid passage. The open element can completely surround the liquid passage. This has the advantage that after the open element opens the sealing foil from the cartridge, the liquid sensing medium from the cartridge will flow directly into the liquid passage. This will prevent leakage of the liquid sensing medium.

[0012] The opening element may include a blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. Thus, the opening element may be configured as a slicing element. The blade may be arranged to smoothly cut the sealing foil while inserting the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area.

[0013] The opening element may include a double blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The double blade may have two cutting edges, preferably two opposing cutting edges, more preferably two opposing cutting edges facing in opposite directions. The double blade may be configured to slice the sealing foil of the cartridge regardless of the insertion direction of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area. A first blade among the blades may be configured to cut the sealing foil when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving area in a first transverse direction. A second blade may be configured to cut the sealing foil when the cartridge is inserted into the cartridge receiving area in a second transverse direction opposite to the first transverse direction. The first and second blades may be part of a single opening element.

[0014] The opening element may be composed of a perforating element. The opening element may include a perforating element alternatively or additionally to any opening element configuration, such as a blade-type configuration. The perforating element may be composed of a pin or a needle. The opening element can facilitate different opening mechanisms, such as slicing, cutting, and perforating, simultaneously.

[0015] The handheld aerosol generator may further include a sealing element. The sealing element may be arranged to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol forming material when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by the perforating element.

[0016] The sealing element may at least partially surround the open element. The sealing element may completely surround the open 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.

[0017] The handheld aerosol generator may further include an evaporator. The evaporator may be configured as a sprayer. The sprayer may include a vibrating micro-perforated mesh. The vibrating micro-perforated mesh may include a palladium-perforated vibrating plate.

[0018] When the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by an opening element, the evaporator can be fluidly connected to the cartridge.

[0019] The evaporator can be fluidly connected to the cartridge through a liquid passage. After the opening element opens the sealing foil of the cartridge, the liquid sensing medium can flow out of the cartridge to the evaporator to be vaporized through the liquid passage in the cartridge receiving area.

[0020] The cartridge receiving area may be configured to receive a cartridge in a horizontal direction from either of the two sides of the device.

[0021] The cartridge receiving area and the opening element may be arranged in the non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the handheld aerosol generator. The handheld aerosol generator may further include a thermal aerosol generating portion comprising a heating element. The non-thermal aerosol generating portion may be arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating portion.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a handheld aerosol generating device as described herein and a handheld aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge as described herein, wherein the cartridge comprises an aerosol forming substrate as described herein.

[0023] The cartridge may include a liquid outlet that allows a liquid aerosol-forming material to flow out of the cartridge. The liquid outlet may be sealed by a sealing foil. The sealing foil may be arranged to be perforated by an opening element when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area.

[0024] The cartridge receiving area and the cartridge may be configured to allow lateral insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area from either side of the device.

[0025] The present invention further relates to a method for attaching a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol forming substrate to a handheld aerosol generating device, wherein the method may include the following steps:

[0026] Step of providing a handheld aerosol generating system as described herein,

[0027] A step of inserting the above cartridge into the cartridge receiving area of ​​the handheld aerosol generator,

[0028] A step of establishing a fluid connection between the cartridge and the handheld aerosol generator by perforating the sealing foil of the cartridge with the above-mentioned opening element.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for attaching a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol forming substrate to a handheld aerosol generating device, wherein the method may include the following steps:

[0030] Step of providing a handheld aerosol generating system as described herein,

[0031] A step of inserting the above cartridge into the cartridge receiving area of ​​the handheld aerosol generator,

[0032] A step of establishing a fluid connection between the cartridge and the handheld aerosol generator by perforating the sealing foil of the cartridge with the above-mentioned opening element.

[0033] The aerosol generating device may include a cartridge receiving area for receiving a cartridge.

[0034] The cartridge receiving area may include a liquid passage. The liquid passage may be arranged to establish a liquid connection between the aerosol generator and the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area. The liquid passage may be configured as a hole. The liquid passage may have a circular cross-section. The liquid passage may be tubular.

[0035] The cartridge receiving area may include an opening element. The opening element may be configured to open a sealed cartridge when a 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 perforating element configured to perforate the sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area. The opening element may include a blade-shaped element configured to cut the opening of the cartridge or slice the sealing foil when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area. The opening element may include a double blade configured to cut the opening of the cartridge or slice the sealing foil when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area. The double blade may be configured to slice the sealing foil of the cartridge regardless of the insertion direction of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area.

[0036] 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 arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. A liquid passage may be arranged in the center of the connecting portion.

[0037] The angle between the extension plane of the connecting part 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°.

[0038] The extension plane of the surface of the evaporator may be parallel to the extension plane of the connecting part. A tight-fitting connection may be established between the evaporator and the connecting part so that liquid from the cartridge can reach the evaporator through the liquid passage.

[0039] The cartridge receiving area may be configured as a recess. The cartridge receiving area and the cartridge may be shaped correspondingly using a lock-and-key principle. The cartridge receiving area may include an asymmetric shape to allow insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area only for a distinct spatial orientation of the cartridge with respect to the device. The asymmetric shape of the cartridge receiving area may be asymmetric with respect to the cross-section of the device.

[0040] The cartridge receiving area may have an asymmetrical shape to prevent the cartridge from being inserted into the cartridge receiving area in an unwanted orientation. Accordingly, it can be ensured that the cartridge is inserted only in the correct orientation so that the liquid outlet of the inserted cartridge aligns with the connection portion of the cartridge receiving area.

[0041] The cartridge receiving area may be shaped to allow insertion of a cartridge into the cartridge receiving area in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The cartridge receiving area may be shaped to allow insertion of a cartridge into the cartridge receiving area only in a unidirectional manner. By doing so, insertion of the cartridge upside down can be prevented.

[0042] The cartridge receiving area may include a first cartridge receiving area side wall and an opposing second cartridge receiving area side wall. The first cartridge receiving area side wall may have a shape different from the second cartridge receiving area side wall. One or both of the first side wall and the second side wall may have an opening in the transverse direction through which a cartridge can be inserted into the cartridge receiving area. The cartridge receiving area may include an upper cartridge receiving area wall and a lower cartridge receiving area wall. The upper cartridge receiving area wall may have a shape different from the lower cartridge receiving area wall.

[0043] The aerosol generating device may further include a sealing element. The sealing element may form a part of the cartridge receiving area. The sealing element may be arranged to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol forming material when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil of the cartridge is perforated by a perforating element. When the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by a perforating element, the sealing element may be arranged to establish a liquid-tight seal between the cartridge and the cartridge receiving area. The sealing element may at least partially surround the opening element, and preferably may 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.

[0044] The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid sensory medium. The liquid storage portion may include a liquid sensory medium. The liquid sensory medium may include water. The liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent. 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.

[0045] The cartridge may include a semi-elastic material, preferably the cartridge is made of a semi-elastic material, more preferably the cartridge is made of a polymer compound, and most preferably the cartridge is made of one or more of a cyclo-olefin copolymer (COC), a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), and polypropylene (PP).

[0046] The cartridge may include a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet of the cartridge may be sealed with a laminated foil ultrasonically welded to the cartridge. The foil may comprise a laminated layer of aluminum foil and one or more layers of polymer foil, or may be made of these. The polymer foil may comprise 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 (polyethene), PET (polyethene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride).

[0047] The orientation of the liquid outlet can be defined by the extension plane of the liquid outlet. The extension plane of the liquid outlet may be arranged at an angle with respect 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 to be equal to the angle of the connection part to achieve an improved fit between the connection part 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 evaporator through the liquid outlet and the liquid passage.

[0048] The cartridge may include a first cartridge sidewall and an opposing second cartridge sidewall. The first cartridge sidewall may have a shape different from the second cartridge sidewall. The cartridge may include an upper cartridge wall and a lower cartridge wall. The upper cartridge wall may have a shape different from the lower cartridge wall. The cartridge may be shaped to allow the cartridge to be inserted into the cartridge receiving area in a unidirectional manner. The cartridge may be shaped to allow only unidirectional insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area. The cartridge may have an asymmetrical shape.

[0049] The walls of the cartridge may be transparent so that the liquid contained in the liquid storage portion can be seen from the outside. The user can distinguish different liquids based on the color of the liquid. The walls of the cartridge may be transparent so that the emptying of the liquid storage portion can be seen from the outside.

[0050] The cartridge may include one or more semi-open inlets. This allows ambient air to enter the cartridge and the liquid storage section. 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 section and impermeable to substantially prevent air and liquid inside the liquid storage section from leaving the liquid storage section. The one or more semi-open inlets may allow air to pass into the liquid storage section under certain conditions. The vacuum generated while the cartridge is depleting may be prevented by the one or more semi-open inlets. The one or more semi-open inlets of the cartridge may include one-way valves. The one-way valves may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop within the liquid storage section. The one-way valves may further prevent liquid from leaking from the one or more semi-open inlets.

[0051] The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may be refillable. Alternatively, the cartridge may be configured as a replaceable cartridge. A new cartridge may be attached to the aerosol generator when the initial cartridge is consumed.

[0052] 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 storage portion. 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 storage portion by preventing any residue from entering the liquid storage portion through the liquid outlet.

[0053] The aerosol generating device may include an evaporator. The evaporator may be a humidifier. The evaporator may be a nebulizer. The evaporator may be a non-thermal evaporator or a thermal evaporator. A thermal evaporator may include an electric heating element for generating an aerosol by heating and evaporating a liquid sensing medium. The device may include two or more evaporators selected from one or both of a non-thermal evaporator and a thermal evaporator. The device may include one non-thermal evaporator and one thermal evaporator. One or more evaporators may be part of the non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the device.

[0054] The evaporator may include a mesh element defining one or more nozzles, and the device is arranged to supply a liquid aerosol-forming material to one side of the mesh element. The mesh element vibrates in response to the supply of the liquid-sensing medium to generate an aerosol by forcing a droplet of the liquid-sensing medium through the nozzle. This arrangement may be referred to as an active mesh element. The mesh may be a vibrating micro-perforated mesh comprising a palladium perforated vibrating plate.

[0055] An alternative arrangement may include actuators arranged to vibrate the supply of the liquid sensing medium against the mesh element to force droplets of the liquid sensing medium through the nozzle. Such an arrangement may be referred to as a passive mesh element.

[0056] The actuator may include 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.

[0057] The evaporator 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-sensing medium (possibly lowered by increasing the temperature above room temperature and below 100°C); the surface tension of the liquid-sensing medium; the nozzle diameter and geometry; the mesh thickness or stiffness; the velocity of the droplet discharge; the operating size; and the mechanical properties of the evaporator assembly. The resonant frequency can be calculated based on a combination of the above factors. With the mesh as described above, the formation of droplets with a diameter typically less than 3 μm can be achieved. To reduce the diameter of the formed droplets, the viscosity of the liquid-sensing medium can be lowered by increasing its temperature. To reduce the diameter of the formed droplets, an appropriate operating frequency, for example, the resonant frequency as described above, can be used.

[0058] An evaporator containing mesh elements will exhibit the minimum droplet size that can be generated by the evaporator for a specific liquid sensing medium. Typically, a small droplet size is desirable to maximize lung delivery of the aerosolized liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0059] The mesh element may include any suitable material. For example, the mesh element may include a silicon-on-insulator wafer.

[0060] A mesh element may include a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of nozzles may extend between the first surface and the second surface. 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 layer may include polyurethane (PU) or a superhydrophobic metal, such as a microporous metal or a metal mesh. The microporous metal or metal mesh may be functionalized with carbon chains to make the microporous metal or metal mesh superhydrophobic. Exemplary superhydrophobic metals include copper and aluminum.

[0061] In some embodiments, the mesh element comprises a hydrophilic coating layer on its inner surface. The mesh element may comprise a hydrophilic coating layer on at least one nozzle surface. The hydrophilic coating layer may comprise 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.

[0062] The mesh element may include an electric heating element located on the surface of the mesh element. Advantageously, the electric heating element may be used to heat a liquid to be discharged through a nozzle of the mesh element. The electric heating element may be arranged to directly heat the liquid to be discharged through a plurality of nozzles. The electric heating element may be located on the outer surface of the mesh element. The electric heating element may include any suitable type of heating element. For example, the electric heating element may include a microelectromechanical system heating element. The electric heating element may include one or more resistance heating tracks. One or more resistance heating tracks may include a metal. One or more resistance heating tracks may include at least one of platinum, nickel, and polysilicon.

[0063] The evaporator may further include an elastically deformable element. The evaporator may further include a cavity located between the mesh element and the elastically deformable element. The evaporator may include a liquid inlet for providing a supply of liquid to be sprayed into the cavity. The cavity may contain the liquid to be sprayed. The liquid outlet of the cartridge may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet of the evaporator. The evaporator may further include an actuator arranged to oscillate 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 silicone. In some preferred embodiments, the elastically deformable element includes silicone. In some embodiments, the elastically deformable element may include a metal or a metal alloy, such as nickel, palladium, or an alloy of nickel and palladium.

[0064] An evaporator may generate a dispersion that is a vapor or an aerosol. An evaporator may generate a vapor or an aerosol by heating the liquid sensing medium to evaporate or aerosolize at least a portion of the liquid sensing medium. An evaporator may generate a dispersion that is a vapor or an aerosol by non-heating, such as by ultrasonic treatment, vibration, or a combination of ultrasonic treatment and vibration. For example, a nebulizer may include a vibrator or an ultrasonic generator rod. A nebulizer may be an atomizer assembly, and the atomizer assembly may further include mechanical elements including one or more of a valve, a pump, a nebulizer, and some combination thereof. One or more parts of the nebulizer, including the vibrator or an ultrasonic generator rod, may apply force to the liquid sensing medium to generate a dispersion that is an aerosol. For example, the atomizer assembly may be configured to generate an aerosol by releasing the pressurized liquid sensing medium into a low-pressure environment, spraying liquid sensing medium particles, or evaporating the volatile liquid sensing medium into the environment.

[0065] The evaporator may be a humidifier. The humidifier may be configured as a non-thermal humidifier. The humidifier may be configured as an atomizer. The atomizer may include a vibrating micro-perforated mesh. The vibrating micro-perforated mesh may include a palladium-perforated vibrating plate.

[0066] The aerosol generator may include a humidity sensor configured to measure humidity within an airflow path. The humidity sensor may be arranged in the airflow path. Preferably, the humidity sensor is arranged 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 generator. The humidity sensor may be arranged around the periphery of the aerosol generator to measure ambient humidity. The humidity sensor may be configured as a band gap sensor.

[0067] The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the air within the airflow path. The temperature sensor may be arranged in the airflow path. Preferably, the temperature sensor is arranged adjacent to an air inlet fluidly connected to the airflow path. The temperature sensor may be configured as a capacitive sensor.

[0068] Alternatively or in addition to the temperature sensor, the device may include a heated temperature sensor. As used herein, the term 'heated temperature sensor' refers to a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of a heated part of the device. For example, the heated temperature sensor may detect the temperature of a heating chamber that is heated by a heating element during use of the device.

[0069] One or both of the moisture sensor and the temperature sensor may be configured to continuously measure one or both of the moisture and temperature of the air within the airflow path during the operation of the device. The controller may continuously control the evaporator during the operation of the device based on the sensor output. Thus, changes in one or both of the humidity and temperature during the operation of the device can be taken into account, and the user experience can be improved.

[0070] One or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor may be arranged to measure one or both of the humidity and temperature, respectively, adjacent to the air inlet of the device.

[0071] The device further includes a heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating chamber may be positioned toward the downstream end of the airflow path. Alternatively or additionally, the heating chamber may be positioned downstream of the airflow path. In the latter case, the airflow path will exit into the heating chamber. A humidifier may be positioned upstream of the heating chamber.

[0072] The humidifier can be arranged between the heating chamber and one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor.

[0073] The aerosol generator may include a controller configured to receive the output of a humidity sensor. The controller may be configured to receive the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor and to control the operation of the humidifier based on the sensor output. In one embodiment, a humidity sensor is provided and a temperature sensor is provided. The controller may be configured to receive the outputs of the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and the controller may be configured to control the operation of the humidifier based on the humidity sensor output and based on the temperature sensor output.

[0074] The controller may be configured to continuously control the operation of the humidifier based on one or both of the humidity sensor output and the temperature sensor output during the operation of the device.

[0075] 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 the output of one or both of the humidity sensor and the temperature sensor with the data stored in the lookup table.

[0076] The aerosol generator may have a modular design. The aerosol generator may include one or more of a main module, a thermal aerosol generating part, and a non-thermal aerosol generating part. The thermal aerosol generating part may be configured as a heating part. The thermal aerosol generating part may be configured as a heating module. The thermal aerosol generating part may be modular. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may be configured as an evaporator part. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may be configured as an evaporator module. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may be modular. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may include a non-thermal evaporator. One or more of the parts may have a monolithic structure. One or more of the parts may be permanently attached to each other. One or more of the parts may be detachably connected to each other.

[0077] The modular design can allow for various operating modes. For example, either or both of the non-thermal aerosol generating part and the thermal aerosol generating part may exist depending on different operating modes.

[0078] The main module may include the main electronic components of the device. The main module may include the power supply of the device, for example, a rechargeable battery. The main module may include the control electronics of the device.

[0079] The non-thermal aerosol generating part may include an evaporator. The evaporator may include a humidifier or may be a humidifier. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may include a humidity sensor. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may include a controller configured to receive the output of the humidity sensor and control the operation of the humidifier based on the humidity sensor output, or the controller may be arranged in the main module. The non-thermal aerosol generating part may include a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge.

[0080] The thermal aerosol generating portion may include a heating chamber for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating chamber may include a heating element.

[0081] The non-thermal aerosol generating part can be arranged as a central module sandwiched between the main module and the thermal aerosol generating part. The main module can be arranged at the distal end of the device. The thermal aerosol generating part can be arranged at the proximal end of the device. The non-thermal aerosol generating part can be arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating part.

[0082] The distal end of the non-thermal aerosol generating part may be detachably connected to the proximal end of the main module. The proximal end of the non-thermal aerosol generating part may be detachably connected to the distal end of the thermal aerosol generating part.

[0083] Additionally, the proximal end of the main module can be directly and detachably connected to the distal end of the thermal aerosol generating part, thereby allowing an alternative mode of operation in which the non-thermal aerosol generating part is omitted.

[0084] The device may further include a detachably connectable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be detachably connectable to the proximal end of the thermal aerosol generating portion. When the mouthpiece is connected to the thermal aerosol generating portion, the user may inhale directly on the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is not connected to the thermal aerosol generating portion, the user may inhale directly on the mouth end of the aerosol-forming article that is at least partially inserted into the thermal aerosol generating portion. Alternatively or additionally, the mouthpiece may be detachably connectable to the proximal end of the non-thermal aerosol generating portion. In one embodiment, the thermal aerosol generating portion integrally includes the mouthpiece or is configured as a mouthpiece.

[0085] Accordingly, the modular device can allow various operating modes in the presence of one or both of a non-thermal aerosol generating part, a thermal aerosol generating part, and a mouthpiece.

[0086] The detachable connection means may include one or more of a magnetic connection, a screw connection, a sliding connection, a bayonet connection, or any other known connection.

[0087] The aerosol generating device may include a non-thermal aerosol generating part including a humidifier and a humidity sensor and a thermal aerosol generating part including a heating element, and the non-thermal aerosol generating part may be arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating part.

[0088] The aerosol generating device may include an airflow path through which ambient air is drawn in and air flows into the device. The airflow path may include a first part, a second part, and a transition part between the first part and the second part. The first part may be arranged upstream of the central part.

[0089] An evaporator, preferably a humidifier, may be configured to increase the humidity of the air flowing through the airflow path. The evaporator, preferably a humidifier, may be arranged adjacent to a transition portion of the airflow path. The transition portion of the airflow path may be arranged so that a second portion of the airflow channel downstream of the transition portion is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0090] The transition section may be arranged so that the direction of the airflow path changes from the first section to the second section. The evaporator may be configured to generate steam from an aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the transition section of the airflow path.

[0091] The evaporator and the transition section may be arranged within the non-thermal aerosol generating section. A second section of the airflow path may be arranged at least partially within the non-thermal aerosol generating section. The second section of the airflow path may be fluidly connected to a coupling section. The coupling section may be configured to fluidly connect the non-thermal aerosol generating section with the thermal aerosol generating section.

[0092] The coupling portion may be offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. The coupling portion may be configured to enable detachable coupling between the non-thermal aerosol generating portion and the thermal aerosol generating portion. The coupling portion may be configured as a Luer coupling portion.

[0093] A second portion of the airflow path may be arranged at least partially in the thermal aerosol generating portion, and the second portion of the airflow path within the thermal aerosol generating portion may direct air at least partially toward the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating portion such that the second portion of the airflow path within the thermal aerosol generating portion is at least partially connected along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating portion. The diversion of air from the second portion connected at the offset toward the portion of the second portion connected along the longitudinal axis may be facilitated by a second transition portion arranged in the second portion of the airflow path. By providing the first transition portion and the second transition portion, the total length of the airflow path may be extended from the humidifier to the heating chamber of the thermal aerosol generating portion. Consequently, the mixing of the aerosol generated by the evaporator with the ambient air is improved before this mixture reaches the aerosol forming substrate within the thermal aerosol generating portion.

[0094] A second part of the airflow path may be arranged at least partially in a thermal aerosol generating part, and a second part of the airflow path within the thermal aerosol generating part may be fluidly coupled to a coupling part.

[0095] The transition section can be arranged so that the direction of the airflow path changes from the first section to the second section.

[0096] The aerosol generator 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 a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the airflow path. In a closed state where there is no pressure drop in the airflow path, the one-way valve can prevent moisture, dust particles, or other contaminants from entering the device through the air inlets.

[0097] The aerosol generating device may include an air inlet, and a first part of the airflow path may be arranged adjacent to the air inlet.

[0098] A first portion of the airflow channel may extend transversely through the aerosol generator with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. A first portion of the airflow channel may extend radially through the aerosol generator with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. A first portion of the airflow channel may fluidly connect an air inlet and a first transition portion of the airflow channel.

[0099] A second portion of the airflow channel may be axially at least partially connected through an aerosol generator parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The second portion of the airflow channel may be fluidly connected to a 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.

[0100] One or both of the first transition portion of the airflow channel and the second transition portion of the second portion of the airflow channel can change the direction of the airflow path by 90°.

[0101] The orientation of the evaporator can be defined by the surface of the evaporator. The surface can be defined by an extension plane. The extension plane can be arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The plane can be angled with respect to both the first and second parts of the airflow path.

[0102] The angle between the extended plane of the evaporator surface and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator 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 evaporator surface and the longitudinal axis of the first part 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 evaporator surface and the longitudinal axis of the second part of the airflow path may be 30° to 60°, preferably 35° to 55°, more preferably 40° to 50°, and most preferably about 45°.

[0103] The cross-sectional area of ​​the transition portion of the airflow channel may be larger 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 larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second portion of the airflow channel.

[0104] The aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber for heating an 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 configured so that air can flow through it. An airflow path may extend into the heating chamber. An opening of the cartridge, preferably a fluid outlet, may be fluidly connected to the heating chamber through the airflow path. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device, into the heating chamber, and toward the user. The proximal end of the opening of the heating chamber may include an air outlet. Downstream of the heating chamber, a mouthpiece may be arranged, or the user may inhale directly from the aerosol-generating article. An airflow path may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0105] The heating chamber may include a heating element. The heating element may be arranged within or around the heating chamber.

[0106] In all embodiments of the present invention, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials composed of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may comprise doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold-, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may be optionally embedded in the insulating material, encapsulated or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on energy transfer dynamics and required external physicochemical properties.

[0107] As described, in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, wherein “internal” and “external” refer to an aerosol forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electrically conductive parts, or an electrically resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, for example, nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires, or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then interposed within another insulating material, such as glass. A heater formed in this manner can be used to perform both heating a heating element and monitoring the temperature of the heating element during operation.

[0108] 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 housing the heating chamber. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), a ceramic heater, or a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed using a coating technique such as plasma vapor deposition on a substrate of a suitable shape. Additionally, the external heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used for both heating the external heating element and monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

[0109] The internal or external heating element may include a heat sink or heat reservoir comprising a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and subsequently releasing heat to the aerosol-forming substrate over a period of time. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material is a material having a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material) or capable of absorbing and subsequently releasing heat through 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 cellulose materials such as paper. Other suitable materials that release heat through a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, mixtures or alloys of eutectic salts. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be positioned to be in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and to directly transfer the stored heat to the substrate. Alternatively, heat stored in a heat sink or heat reservoir can be transferred to an aerosol-forming substrate by a thermal conductor such as a metal tube.

[0110] A heating element advantageously heats an aerosol-forming substrate by conduction. The heating element may be in at least partial contact with the substrate or the 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.

[0111] During operation, the aerosol-forming material may be completely contained within the aerosol generator. In this case, the user may puff on the mouthpiece of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, during operation, the smoking article containing the aerosol-forming material may be partially contained within the aerosol generator. In this case, the user may puff the smoking article directly.

[0112] A heating element can be configured as an induction heating element. An induction heating element may include an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a 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 generally referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because the magnetic orientation of the magnetic domain blocks aligns with the alternating magnetic induction field. Another effect contributing to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains grow or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes occurring in the susceptor at the nanoscale or smaller are referred to as "hysteresis loss" because they generate heat within the susceptor. Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and electrically conductive, both hysteresis loss and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss will be the only means by which the susceptor is heated when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be electrically conductive or magnetic, or both electrically conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor. Then, the susceptor transfers heat to an aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. Heat transfer may be primarily by conduction of heat. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. When an induction heating element is used, 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 the heating chamber or forms the side wall of the heating chamber.

[0113] The aerosol generator may be a handheld aerosol generator.

[0114] Preferably, the aerosol generator is portable. The aerosol generator may have a size similar to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may have a total length of 30 mm to about 150 mm along the longitudinal axis of the device. The aerosol generator may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 30 mm in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator. The outer diameter may be constant or may vary along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0115] The cross-sectional area can be any desired shape. For example, the cross-sectional area can be elliptical, circular, or rectangular. The shape of the cross-sectional area can be constant or variable along the longitudinal axis of the device.

[0116] The aerosol generating device may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials comprising one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic resins suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0117] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include more than one air inlet. The air inlets are preferably fluidly connected to an airflow path.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge is provided as described herein for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided that includes an aerosol generating device and an aerosol forming substrate as described herein. 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 arranged toward the downstream end of an airflow path, and a humidifier may be arranged upstream of the heating chamber.

[0120] As used herein, the term 'liquid sense medium' relates to a liquid composition capable of modifying an airflow in contact with the liquid sense medium. An evaporator may be used to bring the liquid sense medium into contact with the airflow. 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.

[0121] For example, the liquid sensing medium may consist of water or substantially water. The liquid sensing medium can be dispersed into the airflow by a humidifier. Consequently, the humidity of the airflow can be increased. The provision of a humidifier can advantageously provide an airflow with constant air humidity regardless of the ambient air humidity. For example, this allows the device to compensate for situations where it is used in a cold environment with low air humidity during use.

[0122] For example, the liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensory medium is a flavoring agent or contains a flavoring agent.

[0123] As used herein, the term 'aerosol-forming substrate' relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. These volatile compounds 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.

[0124] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid retained in a liquid storage portion. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid sensing medium retained 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.

[0125] The aerosol-forming material described herein may be one or both of an aerosol-forming material contained in a liquid storage portion and an aerosol-forming material contained in an aerosol-generating article. Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavoring agent containing the aerosol-forming material may be used in the liquid storage portion of a cartridge, whereas a solid cigarette containing the aerosol-forming material may be used in an aerosol-generating article.

[0126] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0127] The aerosol-forming substrate may include a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by aggregating finely divided tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a gathered crimped sheet of the homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term 'cramped sheet' refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or wavy folds.

[0128] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol upon use and substantially resists thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol and 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerin. If homogenized tobacco material is present, it may have an aerosol-forming agent content of 5% or more by weight based on dry weight, preferably 5% to 30% by weight based on dry weight. The aerosol-forming material may include other additives and components such as flavoring agents.

[0129] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming material capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, an aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol directly inhalable by a user inhaling or puffing a mouthpiece at the user end of the device. An aerosol generating article may be disposable.

[0130] The aerosol generating article and the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device may be arranged so that the aerosol generating article is partially accommodated within the heating 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 accommodated within the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

[0131] The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to this length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-forming segment containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming segment may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol-forming segment may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming segment may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to this length.

[0132] As used herein, the term 'liquid storage portion' refers to a storage portion comprising a liquid sensing medium and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol.

[0133] As used herein, the term 'aerosol generating device' refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol generating article and a cartridge that generates an aerosol.

[0134] As used herein, the term 'aerosol generating system' refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device as further described and illustrated herein and an aerosol generating article as further described and illustrated herein. In the system, one or both of the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating article, and the cartridge work together to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0135] As used herein, the term “mouthpiece” refers to a part of an aerosol generating device placed in the user’s mouth to directly inhale aerosols generated by the aerosol generating device from an aerosol generating article contained in the heating chamber of the device and / or from a liquid contained in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0136] The operation of the heating element can be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element is triggered by pressing an on-off button, and this press can be maintained for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system can be provided as a sensor and can be configured as an airflow sensor to measure airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air inhaled by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generator per hour. The initiation of a puff can be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation can also be detected when the user activates the button.

[0137] The sensor may be configured as a pressure sensor. When a user inhales the aerosol generator, negative pressure or a vacuum may be generated inside the device, where the negative pressure can be detected by a pressure sensor. The term "negative pressure" should be understood as a pressure lower than the pressure of the surrounding air. That is, when a user inhales the device, the air inhaled through the device has a pressure lower than the pressure of the surrounding air outside the device.

[0138] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, for example, a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or an aerosol forming substrate.

[0139] The aerosol generator may include additional components, such as a charging unit, for recharging the built-in electric power supply in the electric aerosol generator.

[0140] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouse end of an aerosol generator or a part thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the region closest to the open end of the heating chamber, and the term "distal" refers to the region closest to the closed end.

[0141] As used herein, the terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' are used to describe the relative positions of a component of an aerosol generator, or a part of a component, with respect to the direction in which the user inhales the aerosol generator during use.

[0142] A non-limiting, non-comprehensive list of examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other examples or embodiments described herein.

[0143] Example A: A handheld aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate, the cartridge receiving area comprises an open element, and the open element is configured to perforate a sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area.

[0144] Example B: A handheld aerosol generator in which, in Example A, the cartridge receiving area includes a liquid passage.

[0145] Example C: A handheld aerosol generator in which, in Example B, when the cartridge is received in a cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by an opening element, the liquid passage is arranged to establish a liquid connection between the handheld aerosol generator and the cartridge.

[0146] Example D: A handheld aerosol generator in Example C, wherein the open element at least partially surrounds the liquid passage, preferably completely surrounds the liquid passage.

[0147] Example E: A handheld aerosol generating device in any one of the above-described examples, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the opening element includes a blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge.

[0148] Example F: A handheld aerosol generator in any one of the above-described examples, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the opening element comprises a double blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge.

[0149] Example G: A handheld aerosol generating device in which, in Example F, the double blade is configured to slice the sealing foil of the cartridge regardless of the insertion direction of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area.

[0150] Example H: In any one of the above-described examples, the handheld aerosol generating device further comprises a sealing element.

[0151] Example I: A handheld aerosol generating device in which, in Example H, the sealing element is arranged to prevent leakage of a liquid aerosol forming substrate when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by the opening element.

[0152] Example J: A handheld aerosol generator in Example H or I, wherein the sealing element at least partially surrounds the open element, preferably completely surrounds the open element.

[0153] Example K: A handheld aerosol generating device in any one of Examples H to J, wherein the sealing element comprises a sealing ring, and preferably the sealing element is a sealing ring.

[0154] Example L: A handheld aerosol generator in any one of Examples H to K, wherein the sealing element comprises an O-ring, and preferably the sealing element is an O-ring.

[0155] Example M: ​​In any one of the above-described examples, the handheld aerosol generator further comprises an evaporator, wherein the evaporator is preferably configured as a sprayer, more preferably the sprayer comprises a vibrating micro-perforated mesh, and even more preferably the vibrating micro-perforated mesh comprises a palladium perforated vibrating plate.

[0156] Example N: A handheld aerosol generator in which, in Example M, the cartridge is received within a cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by the opening element, and the evaporator is fluidly connected to the cartridge.

[0157] Example O: A handheld aerosol generating device in which, in Example M or N, the evaporator is fluidly connected to the cartridge through a liquid passage of any one of Examples 2 to 4.

[0158] Example P: A handheld aerosol generator in which, in any one of the above-described examples, the cartridge receiving area is configured to receive the cartridge in a transverse direction from either of the two sides of the device.

[0159] Example Q: In any one of the above-described embodiments, the cartridge receiving area and the opening element are arranged in a non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the handheld aerosol generating device, wherein the handheld aerosol generating device further comprises a thermal aerosol generating portion including a heating element, wherein the non-thermal aerosol generating portion is arranged upstream of the thermal aerosol generating portion.

[0160] Example R: A handheld aerosol generating system comprising a handheld aerosol generating device and a cartridge according to any one of the above-described examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate.

[0161] Example S: In Example R, the cartridge comprises a liquid outlet that allows a liquid aerosol forming substrate to flow out of the cartridge, wherein the liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing foil, and wherein, when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the sealing foil is arranged to be perforated by the opening element, a handheld aerosol generating system.

[0162] Example T: A handheld aerosol generating system in Example R or S, wherein the cartridge receiving area and the cartridge are configured to allow lateral insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area from either side of the device.

[0163] Example U: A method of attaching a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol forming substrate to a handheld aerosol generating device, wherein the method comprises:

[0164] A step of providing a handheld aerosol generating system of any one of Examples R to T,

[0165] A step of inserting the above cartridge into the cartridge receiving area of ​​the handheld aerosol generator,

[0166] A method comprising the step of establishing a fluid connection between the cartridge and the handheld aerosol generator by perforating the sealing foil of the cartridge by means of the above-mentioned opening element.

[0167] The features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0168] The present invention will be further described merely by example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating device; FIG. 2 shows a non-thermal aerosol generating portion of an aerosol generator including a cartridge receiving area; and Figure 3 shows open elements arranged in the cartridge receiving area. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0169] FIG. 1 shows a handheld aerosol generator (10). The handheld aerosol generator (10) includes a main body (12). The main body (12) includes a power supply unit in the form of a battery. The main body (12) may further include an electrical circuit.

[0170] A handheld aerosol generating device (10) includes a non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14). The non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14) is arranged adjacent to the main body (12). The non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14) is configured to be detachably attached to the main body (12) or is formed integrally with the main body (12).

[0171] A thermal aerosol generating part (16) is provided adjacent to a non-thermal aerosol generating part (14). The non-thermal aerosol generating part (14) is sandwiched between the thermal aerosol generating part (16) and the main body (12) of the handheld aerosol generating device (10).

[0172] A cartridge receiving area (18) is provided in the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14). 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 pure water. The cartridge (20) may contain any preferred liquid sensory medium.

[0173] The cartridge (20) is configured as a detachably attachable cartridge (20). After the liquid sensory medium within 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) may be refillable after the liquid sensory medium from the cartridge (20) is depleted.

[0174] The cartridge receiving area (18) is shaped so that the cartridge (20) can be inserted into the cartridge receiving area (18) in only one direction. Accordingly, mishandling or damage to the cartridge (20) in the cartridge receiving area (18) is prevented.

[0175] An air inlet (22) is provided in the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14). Alternatively, more than one air inlet (22) or multiple air inlets (22) may be provided. The air inlets (22) are arranged around the periphery of the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14) so ​​that ambient air can be drawn into the handheld aerosol generating device (10).

[0176] An airflow path (24) is provided that is fluidly connected to an air inlet (22). The airflow path (24) extends from the air inlet (22) through a handheld aerosol generator (10). Adjacent to the air inlet (22), the airflow path (24) passes through a non-thermal aerosol generating section (14). Subsequently, the airflow path (24) continues through a thermal aerosol generating section (16).

[0177] A coupling portion (26) is provided between the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14) and the thermal aerosol generating portion (16). The coupling portion (26) may allow the thermal aerosol generating portion (16) to be detachably attached to the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14), or vice versa. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling portion (26) is a fixed coupling portion (26) such that the thermal aerosol generating portion (16) is permanently attached to the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14).

[0178] The airflow path (24) is connected through a coupling part (26). That is, the coupling part (26) facilitates fluid connection between the non-thermal aerosol generating part (14) and the thermal aerosol generating part (16). For example, the coupling part (26) may be a Luer coupling part (26).

[0179] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, an aerosol generating article (28) is inserted into a cavity of a thermal aerosol generating device (16). The cavity is configured as a heating chamber. A heating element is arranged within the thermal aerosol generating portion (16). The heating element may be a resistance heating element in the form of a heating blade or pin that penetrates into the aerosol generating article (28) when the aerosol generating article (28) is received within the cavity. Alternatively, the heating element may be arranged to at least partially surround the cavity. The heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. In this case, the heating element includes an induction coil that surrounds a susceptor. The susceptor may be a tubular susceptor arranged to at least partially surround the cavity.

[0180] The aerosol generating article (28) comprises a solid aerosol forming substrate. A cavity into which the aerosol generating article (28) is inserted is arranged at the downstream end of an airflow path (24). The airflow path (24) terminates within the cavity. Air flows into the cavity from an air inlet (22) through a non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14), through a connecting portion (26), and through a thermal aerosol generating portion (16). As 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 a heating element to generate an aerosol. The aerosol flows out of the aerosol generating article (28) at the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol generating article (28).

[0181] To improve aerosol generation, the non-thermal aerosol generation part (14) includes a humidity sensor. In addition to or alternative to the humidity sensor, a temperature sensor may be provided. The humidity sensor is configured to measure the humidity of the air flowing into the airflow path (24) through the air inlet (22). The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the air flowing into the airflow path (24) through the air inlet (22). The temperature of the air may indicate the humidity of the air.

[0182] Aerosol generation within the thermal aerosol generation section (16) is facilitated by a heating element that heats the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article (28) and depends on the humidity of the incoming air. To improve the generated aerosol, it may be necessary to increase the humidity of the incoming air in a dry climate or a low-humidity climate.

[0183] For this reason, the non-thermal aerosol generating part (14) includes an evaporator. The handheld aerosol generating device (10) further includes a controller. The controller may be arranged within the non-thermal aerosol generating part (14). Alternatively, the controller may be part of an electrical circuit arranged in the body (12) of the handheld aerosol generating device (10). The controller is configured to control the operation of the evaporator. The evaporator is configured to evaporate a liquid sensation medium from the cartridge (20). The evaporated air generated by the evaporator is mixed with ambient air flowing through the airflow path (24) to increase the humidity of the air. The evaporator is arranged adjacent to the airflow path (24).

[0184] The airflow path (24) includes a first part (34) of the airflow path (24), a transition part (36) of the airflow path (24), and a second part (38) of the airflow path (24). An evaporator is arranged next to the transition part (36). In FIG. 1, the evaporator is obscured by the transition part (36). The first part (34) of the airflow path (24) is arranged adjacent to the air inlet (22). A humidity sensor or a temperature sensor is preferably arranged in the first part (34) of the airflow path (24). Downstream of the first part (34) of the airflow path (24), the transition part (36) of the airflow path (24) is provided. The transition part (36) of the airflow path (24) fluidly connects the first part (34) of the airflow path (24) with the second part (38) of the airflow path (24). The second part (38) of the airflow path (24) is partially arranged in the non-thermal aerosol generating part (14) and partially arranged in the thermal aerosol generating part (16).

[0185] The evaporator is positioned at the transition section (36) of the airflow path (24). The transition section (36) of the airflow path (24) has a cross-section larger than that of the first section (34) of the airflow path (24) and the second section (38) of the airflow path (24). Thus, the transition section improves the mixing of the aerosol generated by the evaporator with the surrounding air flowing through the airflow path (24).

[0186] The transition portion is offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handheld aerosol generator (10). Consequently, the second portion (38) of the airflow path (24) is also offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handheld aerosol generator (10). As illustrated in FIG. 1, air flows parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handheld aerosol generator (10) in the second portion (38) of the airflow path (24) from the non-thermal aerosol generating portion (14). This is due to the offset of the transition portion (36) of the airflow path (24) and the offset of the second portion (38) of the airflow path (24). After passing through the connecting portion (26) and entering the thermal aerosol generating portion (16), the air with increased humidity passes through the second transition portion (39) of the second portion (38) of the airflow path (24) and is redirected so that the air flows along the longitudinal axis of the handheld aerosol generating device (10). Then, the air with increased humidity enters a cavity in which an aerosol generating article (28) containing an aerosol forming material is contained. The cavity is preferably located along the longitudinal axis of the handheld aerosol generating device (10).

[0187] As an alternative to the thermal aerosol generating portion (16) having a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article (28), the thermal aerosol generating portion (16) may be configured as a mouthpiece without having a cavity for receiving an aerosol generating article (28) comprising a solid aerosol forming substrate. This embodiment is preferred when the cartridge (20) comprises a sensory medium comprising one or both of nicotine and a flavoring agent so that the generated aerosol can be inhaled directly by the user.

[0188] The operation of the evaporator is improved by providing one or both of a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. In environments with high-humidity ambient air, the sensor output can be utilized by the controller to operate the evaporator only slightly or even disable it. However, in environments with low-humidity ambient air, where there may be a high need to increase the humidity of the air, the controller can respond to the humidity sensor output and activate the evaporator accordingly.

[0189] For example, when the humidity sensor detects that the ambient air drawn into the airflow path (24) has low humidity, the controller will activate the evaporator.

[0190] A lookup table containing one or more of humidity data and temperature data may be provided. The controller may control the operation of the evaporator in response to the detected output from one or both of the humidity sensors at the temperature sensor and compare this output with the lookup table. Both the humidity and the temperature of the air may be utilized to control the evaporator by the controller so that the humidity of the air is controlled for optimized aerosol generation.

[0191] FIG. 2 shows a cartridge receiving area (18) of a non-thermal aerosol generating part (14) of a handheld aerosol generating device (10). The cartridge receiving area (18) is shaped so that a cartridge (20) can be inserted in only one direction or, to the maximum, in only a first transverse direction and a second opposite direction.

[0192] FIG. 2 also shows an opening element (40) of the cartridge receiving area (18). The opening element (40) is configured to open a sealing foil (48) that blocks the liquid outlet (46) of the cartridge (20) before use. Typically, the sealing foil (48) must be manually removed from the cartridge (20) by the user before use, but the opening element (40) automatically opens the sealing foil (48) while inserting the cartridge (20) into the cartridge receiving area (18) of the aerosol generator.

[0193] FIG. 3 is a more detailed drawing of the opening element (40). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the opening element (40) is configured as a double blade. The two blades of this embodiment of the opening element (40) are arranged facing each other in different directions. Each blade is angled with respect to the insertion direction of the cartridge (20). Each blade is configured to slice the sealing foil (48) of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is inserted into the cartridge receiving area (18) in a specific transverse direction. For example, the first blade is configured to slice the sealing foil (48) of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is inserted in a first transverse direction, and the second blade is configured to slice the sealing foil (48) of the cartridge (20) when the cartridge (20) is inserted in a second transverse direction.

[0194] FIG. 3 further illustrates a liquid passage (42) arranged in the cartridge receiving area (18). The liquid passage (42) is configured as three individual holes arranged to surround the open element (40). Of course, the number of holes can be appropriately selected. For example, the liquid passage (42) can be configured as a single hole, as two holes, as four holes, or as multiple holes. The liquid passage (42) can be configured as holes surrounding the open element (40). Alternatively, the liquid passage (42) can be arranged in the center of the open element (40). The liquid passage (42) is in liquid communication with the evaporator of the non-thermal aerosol generating part (14), so that after the open element (40) opens the sealing foil (48), the liquid sensing medium from the cartridge is supplied to the evaporator through the liquid passage (42).

[0195] FIG. 3 further shows a sealing element (44) surrounding the cartridge receiving area (18). The sealing element (44) is configured as an O-ring. The sealing element (44) ensures that the liquid sensing medium does not leak from the cartridge (20) after the cartridge (20) is received within the cartridge receiving area (18) and the sealing foil (48) of the cartridge (20) is opened by the opening element (40).

Claims

Claim 1 A handheld aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge receiving area configured to receive a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate, the cartridge receiving area comprises an open element, the open element is configured to perforate a sealing foil of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area, and the cartridge receiving area is configured to receive the cartridge in a transverse direction from either side of the device. Claim 2 A handheld aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge receiving area includes a liquid passage. Claim 3 A handheld aerosol generator according to paragraph 2, wherein when the cartridge is received in a cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by an opening element, the liquid passage is arranged to establish a liquid connection between the handheld aerosol generator and the cartridge. Claim 4 A handheld aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the opening element includes a blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge. Claim 5 A handheld aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the opening element comprises a double blade for slicing the sealing foil of the cartridge. Claim 6 A handheld aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the double blade is configured to slice the sealing foil of the cartridge regardless of the insertion direction of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area. Claim 7 A handheld aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the handheld aerosol generating device further comprises an evaporator. Claim 8 A handheld aerosol generator according to claim 7, wherein when the cartridge is received within the cartridge receiving area and the sealing foil is perforated by the opening element, the evaporator is fluidly connected to the cartridge. Claim 9 A handheld aerosol generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the handheld aerosol generator further comprises an evaporator, and the evaporator is fluidly connected to the cartridge through the liquid passage. Claim 10 A handheld aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge receiving area and the opening element are arranged in a non-thermal aerosol generating portion of the handheld aerosol generator, the handheld aerosol generator 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. Claim 11 A handheld aerosol generating system comprising a handheld aerosol generating device and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate. Claim 12 A handheld aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge comprises a liquid outlet that allows a liquid aerosol forming material to flow out of the cartridge, wherein the liquid outlet is sealed by a sealing foil, and wherein, when the cartridge is received in the cartridge receiving area, the sealing foil is arranged to be perforated by the opening element. Claim 13 A handheld aerosol generating system according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge receiving area and the cartridge are configured to allow lateral insertion of the cartridge into the cartridge receiving area from either side of the device. Claim 14 A method for attaching a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol forming substrate to a handheld aerosol generating device, the method comprising: providing a handheld aerosol generating system of claim 11; inserting the cartridge into a cartridge receiving area of ​​the handheld aerosol generating device; and establishing a fluid connection between the cartridge and the handheld aerosol generating device by perforating a sealing foil of the cartridge by means of the opening element.

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