• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
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    • 专利摘要:
    aerosol delivery system, method of manufacturing an air channel wall, apparatus for manufacturing an air channel wall. an aerosol delivery system, such as an electric cigarette, comprising an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation, for example, containing nicotine. the system comprises an air channel disposed between the aerosol source and a mouth access opening through which a user inhales the aerosol during use. the air channel is defined by a wall and at least a portion of an interior surface of the wall is provided with a surface finish to increase surface wettability for the liquid formulation. for example, part or all of the interior surface of the air channel wall may be provided with a textured finish. the textured finish can be provided during a shaping process for the air channel component (or components) of the aerosol delivery system during manufacturing, for example. increasing air channel wettability can help reduce the likelihood that the aerosol will condense into droplets of the liquid formulation on the walls of the air channel and be drawn into a user's mouth from the air channel.
    公开号:BR112016029159B1
    申请号:R112016029159-0
    申请日:2015-06-11
    公开日:2022-01-04
    发明作者:Colin Dickens
    申请人:Nicoventures Trading Limited；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD
    [0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes). BACKGROUND
    [0002] Aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes, generally contain a reservoir of a source liquid that contains a formulation, typically including nicotine, for which an aerosol is generated, for example, through vaporization or other means. Thus, an aerosol source for an aerosol delivery system may comprise a heater coupled to a source liquid portion of the reservoir. When a user inhales into the device, the heater is activated to vaporize a small amount of the source liquid which is thereby converted to an aerosol for inhalation by the user. More particularly, such devices are normally provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from a mouth access of the system. When a user sucks on the mouthpiece, air is drawn in through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path that connects between the aerosol source and an opening in the buccal access so that air drawn past the aerosol source continues along the flow path to the buccal access opening, carrying some of the aerosol. of the aerosol source with the same. The aerosol carrying air exits the aerosol delivery system through the mouth access opening for inhalation by the user.
    [0003] A problem may arise in aerosol delivery systems of the type discussed above, where a portion of the aerosol may deposit (condense) on an interior wall of the flow path that connects the aerosol source to the mouth access opening. This can lead to accumulation of droplets from the source liquid formulation forming on the wall of the flow path. These droplets can then be entrained in the air flowing through the flow path and drawn into a user's mouth. This can detract from the user experience, for example due to the fact that droplets can be tasted. This problem may, in some respects, be termed mouth leakage.
    [0004] Some issues regarding the condensation of aerosol in an inhaler were previously considered in document No. U.S. 2011/0226236 [1]. In particular, document No. U.S.2011/0226236 [1] recognizes a desire to avoid frequent changes of buccal access that result from condensate buildup. To address this issue, document No. U.S. 2011/0226236 [1] proposes the use of an absorbent body in combination with a cooler to capture and store aerosol components that might otherwise condense in the mouth access. The approach of document No. U.S. 2011/0226236 has disadvantages in that it relies on a relatively complex two-stage solution that takes up space in the inhaler.
    [0005] Consequently, there remains a need for aerosol delivery systems that seek to alleviate some of the issues discussed above in relation to aerosol condensation. SUMMARY
    [0006] According to one aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol delivery system is provided that comprises an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation; and an air channel wall defining an air channel that connects between the aerosol source and an opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use; and wherein at least a portion of an interior surface of the air channel wall is provided with a surface finish to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0007] In accordance with one aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of manufacturing an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation and an air channel wall that defines an air channel that connects between the aerosol source and an opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use, the method comprising applying a surface finish to at least a portion of the air channel wall to increase its wettability to the liquid formulation.
    [0008] In accordance with one aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for fabricating an air channel wall for an aerosol delivery system comprising an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation and the air channel wall that defines an air channel that connects between the aerosol source and an opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use, wherein the apparatus comprises a mechanism for delivering an aerosol. surface finish to at least a portion of the air channel wall to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0009] The approach described in this document is not restricted to specific modalities such as those defined below, however, it includes and contemplates any appropriate combinations of features presented in this document. For example, an electronic aerosol delivery system may be provided in accordance with the approach described herein that includes any one or more of the various features described below as appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [00010] Various embodiments will now be described in detail by way of example with reference only to the following drawings:
    [00011] Figure 1 is a schematic (exploded) diagram of an aerosol delivery system such as an electronic cigarette in accordance with some embodiments;
    [00012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a main body portion of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 according to some embodiments;
    [00013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol source of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 according to some embodiments;
    [00014] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing certain aspects of an end of the main body portion of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 in accordance with some embodiments;
    [00015] Figures 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams of components of an aerosol delivery system according to some other embodiments;
    [00016] Figure 6 is a flow diagram schematically representing the steps in a method of manufacturing an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments; and
    [00017] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol delivery system in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [00018] Aspects and features of certain examples and modalities are discussed/described in this document. Some aspects and features of certain examples and modalities may be conventionally implemented and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interest of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such features and features.
    [00019] As described above, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system, such as an electronic cigarette. Throughout the description that follows, the term “electronic cigarette” is sometimes used; however, this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol (steam) delivery system.
    [00020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol/vapour delivery system, such as an electronic cigarette 10, in accordance with some embodiments (not to scale). The electronic cigarette has a generally cylindrical shape, which extends along a longitudinal geometric axis indicated by the dashed line LA and comprises two main components, namely a body 20 and a cartomizer 30. The cartomizer includes an internal chamber that contains a reservoir of a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated, e.g. containing nicotine and an aerosol generator. The source liquid and the aerosol generator can be collectively referred to as an aerosol source. The cartomizer 30 further includes a mouthpiece 35 which has an opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol source. The source liquid may be of a conventional type used in cigarettes, for example, comprising about 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising approximately equal measures of water and propylene glycol and possibly other components such as flavorings. The reservoir for the source liquid may comprise a foam matrix or any other structure within a housing to retain the source liquid until such time as it is necessary for it to be delivered to the aerosol generator/vaporizer. The aerosol generator includes a heater for vaporizing the source liquid to form the aerosol of the liquid formulation. The aerosol generator may further include a wick or similar apparatus for conveying a small amount of the source liquid from the reservoir to a heating location in or adjacent to the heater.
    [00021] The body 20 includes a rechargeable cell or battery to supply power to the electronic cigarette 10 and a circuit board to generally control the electronic cigarette. In use, when the heater receives battery power, as controlled by the circuit board, the heater vaporizes the source liquid at the heating site to generate the aerosol, which is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the access. oral. The aerosol is transported from the aerosol source to the mouth port along an air channel that connects the aerosol source to the mouth port opening as a user inhales into the mouth port.
    [00022] In this particular example, the body 20 and the cartomizer 30 are detachable from each other by separating, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis LA, as shown in Figure 1, however, they are connected to each other when the device 10 is in use by a connection, schematically indicated in Figure 1 as 25A and 25B, to provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the body 20 and the cartomizer 30. The electrical connector on the body 20 that is used to connect the cartomizer also serves as a socket. for connecting a charging device (not shown) when the body is detached from the cartomizer 30. The other end of the charging device can be plugged into an external power supply, eg a USB socket, to charge or recharge the cell/ battery in the electronic cigarette body. In other deployments, a cable may be provided for direct connection between the electrical connector on the body and the external power supply.
    [00023] Electronic cigarette 10 is provided with one or more holes (not shown in Figure 1) for air intake. These holes connect to an air passageway through the electronic cigarette 10 to the mouthpiece port 35. The air passageway includes a region around the aerosol source and a section comprising an air channel that connects from the source of aerosol to the mouth opening.
    [00024] When a user inhales through the mouthpiece 35, air is drawn into this air passage through one or more air inlet holes which are suitably located outside the electronic cigarette. This flow of air (or the resulting change in pressure) is detected by a pressure sensor, which in turn activates the heater to vaporize a portion of the liquid source to generate the aerosol. The airflow passes through the air passage and combines with the aerosol in the region around the aerosol source, and the resulting combination of airflow and aerosol then travels along the air channel connecting the aerosol source. to the mouthpiece 35 to be inhaled by a user. The cartomizer 30 can be detached from the body 20 and discarded when the source liquid supply is exhausted (and replaced with another cartomizer, if so desired). Alternatively, clients are perhaps rechargeable.
    [00025] It will be seen that the electronic cigarette 10 shown in Figure 1 is presented by way of example, and various other implementations can be adopted. For example, in some embodiments, the cartomizer 30 is provided as two separate components, namely, a cartridge comprising the source liquid reservoir and mouthpiece (which can be replaced when the source liquid in the reservoir is depleted) and a vaporizer/aerosol generator comprising a heater (which is generally retained). As another example, the charging apparatus can connect to an additional or alternate power source, such as a car cigarette lighter socket.
    [00026] Figure 2 is a (simplified) schematic diagram of the body 20 of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1. Figure 2 can generally be considered a cross-section in a plane through the longitudinal geometric axis LA of the electronic cigarette. Note that several body detail components, for example, such as wiring and more complex molding, have been omitted from Figure 2 for clarity.
    [00027] As shown in Figure 2, the body 20 includes a battery or cell 210 for powering the electronic cigarette 10, as well as a chip, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller for controlling the electronic cigarette 10. The ASIC may be positioned beside or at one end of the battery 210. The ASIC is attached to a sensor unit 215 to detect an inhalation at the mouthpiece 35 (or alternatively the sensor unit 215 may be provided on the ASIC itself). In response to such detection, the ASIC supplies power from the battery or cell 210 to the heater in the cartomizer to vaporize source liquid and introduce an aerosol into the air stream that is inhaled by a user.
    [00028] The body further includes a cap 225 to seal and protect the far (distal) end of the electronic cigarette. There is an air inlet hole provided in or adjacent to the cap 225 to allow air to enter the body and flow past the sensor unit 215 when a user inhales at the mouthpiece 35. This air flow therefore allows the sensor unit 215 to sensor 215 detects the user's inhalation and thus activates the aerosol generating element of the electronic cigarette.
    [00029] At the opposite end of the body 20 from the cover 225 is connector 25B for connecting the body 20 to the cartomizer 30. Connector 25B provides mechanical and electrical connectivity between the body 20 and the cartomizer 30. Connector 25B includes a body connector 240 which is metallic (silver plated in some embodiments) to serve as a terminal for electrical connection (positive or negative) to the cartomizer 30. Connector 25B further includes an electrical contact 250 to provide a second terminal for electrical connection to the cartomizer 30 of opposite polarity to the first terminal, namely the body connector 240. The electrical contact 250 is mounted on a helical spring 255. When the body 20 is attached to the cartomizer 30, the connector 25A on the cartomizer is pushed against the electrical contact 250 of such a way to compress the coil spring in an axial direction, that is, in a direction parallel to (co-aligned with) the longitudinal axis LA. In view of the resilient nature of spring 255, this compression biases spring 255 to expand, which has the effect of pushing electrical contact 250 firmly against connector 25A, thereby helping to ensure satisfactory electrical connectivity between body 20 and the cartomizer 30. The body connector 240 and the electrical contact 250 are separated by an easel 260 which is made of a non-conductor (such as plastic) to provide satisfactory insulation between the two electrical terminals. Easel 260 is molded to aid in mechanical engagement of connectors 25A and 25B.
    [00030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the cartomizer 30 of the electronic cigarette of Figure 1 according to some embodiments. Figure 3 can generally be considered a cross-section in a plane through the longitudinal geometric axis LA of the electronic cigarette. Note that several body detail components, for example, such as wiring and more complex molding, have been omitted from Figure 3 for clarity.
    [00031] The cartomizer 30 includes an air passage 355 that extends along the central (longitudinal) geometric axis of the cartomizer 30 from the mouth port 35 to the connector 25A for connecting the cartomizer to the body 20.
    [00032] A reservoir of source liquid 360 is provided around the air passage 335. This reservoir 360 can be implanted, for example, by supplying cotton or foam soaked in source liquid. The cartomizer also includes a heater 365 for heating the source liquid from the reservoir 360 so that it generates an aerosol to flow through the air passage 355 and out through an opening 369 in the mouthpiece 35 in response to a user's inhalation of the cigarette. electronic 10. The heater is powered through lines 366 and 367, which are in turn connected to opposite polarities (positive and negative, or vice versa) of battery 210 via connector 25A (the wiring details between the power lines 366 and 367 and connector 25A are omitted from Figure 3).
    [00033] A section of the air passage 355 between the heater 365 and the mouth access opening 369 provides an air channel along which the aerosol loaded air passes during use of the electronic cigarette. That air channel is defined by an air channel wall which, in this example, comprises a first portion 368 and a second portion 370. The first portion 368 of the air channel wall comprises an interior wall of the source liquid reservoir 360. which surrounds the air channel and the second portion 368 comprises an interior surface of the buccal port 35 which surrounds the air channel. As discussed further below, a significant aspect of the electronic cigarette in accordance with certain embodiments is that at least a portion of the surface of the interior wall 368; 370 which defines the air channel that connects between the aerosol source 360; 365 and the buccal access opening is provided with a surface finish to increase its wettability to the liquid formulation from which the aerosol is generated.
    [00034] Connector 25A includes an inner electrode 375 which may be silver plated or made of some other suitable metal. When the cartomizer 30 is connected to the body 20, the inner electrode 375 makes contact with the electrical contact 250 of the body 20 to provide a first electrical path between the cartomizer and the body. In particular, as connectors 25A and 25B are engaged, inner electrode 375 is pushed against electrical contact 250 so as to compress helical spring 255, thereby helping to ensure satisfactory electrical contact between inner electrode 375. and electrical contact 250.
    [00035] The inner electrode 375 is surrounded by an insulating ring 372 which may be made of plastic, rubber, silicone or any other suitable material. The insulating ring is surrounded by the cartomizer connector 370 which may be silver plated or made of some other suitable metal or conductive material. When the cartomizer 30 is connected to the body 20, the cartomizer connector 370 makes contact with the body connector 240 of the body 20 to provide a second electrical path between the cartomizer and the body. In other words, the inner electrode 375 and the cartomizer connector 370 serve as positive and negative terminals (or vice versa) to supply power from the battery 210 in the body to the heater 365 in the cartomizer via supply lines 366 and 367, as appropriate.
    [00036] The cartomizer connector 370 is provided with two handles or tabs 380A, 380B that extend in opposite directions away from the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette. These tabs are used to provide a bayonet fitting in combination with the body connector 240 to connect the cartomizer 30 to the body 20. This bayonet fitting provides a secure and robust connection between the cartomizer 30 and the body 20 so that the cartomizer and the body are kept in a fixed position relative to each other, without wobbling or bending, and the probability of any accidental disconnection is quite small. At the same time, the bayonet fitting provides quick and simple connection and disconnection through an insertion followed by a rotation to connect and a rotation (in the reverse direction) followed by extraction to disconnection. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may use a different form of connection between the body 20 and the cartomizer 30, such as a press fit or a threaded connection.
    [00037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of certain details of connector 25B at the end of body 20 according to some embodiments (but omitting, for the sake of clarity, most of the internal structure of the connector as shown in Figure 2 , such as easel 260). In particular, Figure 4 shows the outer housing 201 of the body 20 which is generally in the form of a cylindrical tube. Such an outer housing 201 may comprise, for example, an inner tube of metal with an outer covering of paper or the like.
    [00038] The body connector 240 extends from that outer housing 201 of the body 20. The body connector as shown in Figure 4 comprises two main portions, a stem portion 241 in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube that is sized to fit inside. of the outer housing 201 of the body 20 and a bead portion 242 that is inserted in a radially outward direction, away from the main longitudinal axis (LA) of the electronic cigarette. Around the stem portion 241 of the body connector 240, where the stem portion does not overlap with the outer housing 201, is a collar or sleeve 290 which is again shaped like a cylindrical tube. The collar 290 is retained between the lip portion 242 of the body connector 240 and the outer housing 201 of the body which together prevent movement of the collar 290 in an axial direction (i.e., parallel to the axis LA). However, collar 290 is free to rotate around shank portion 241 (and hence also axis LA).
    [00039] As mentioned above, the cap 225 is provided with an air inlet hole to allow air to flow past the sensor 215 when a user inhales at the mouthpiece 35. However, most of the air that enters the device when a user inhale flows through collar 290 and body connector 240 as indicated by the two arrows in Figure 4.
    [00040] As discussed above, a portion of the aerosol passing through the air channel 355 may condense on the interior surface of the wall 368, 370 that defines the air channel during use of the electronic cigarette. In a conventional electronic cigarette this aerosol condensation can aggregate on the wall of the air chamber to form droplets which the inventor has recognized, can be carried in the air stream passing through the air channel and exiting the mouth access opening 369 into the mouth of the mouth. a user, thus detracting from the user experience.
    [00041] To seek mitigation of this issue, at least a portion of the surface of the interior wall 368; 370 which defines the air channel that connects between the aerosol source 360; 365 and the buccal access opening 369 is provided with a surface finish to increase its wettability to the liquid formulation from which the aerosol is generated. Thus, according to certain exemplary embodiments, an aerosol delivery system (electronic cigarette) may be conventional separately from providing a surface finish applied to the wall (or walls) of an air channel that connects from the source of the aerosol. to buccal access to increase the wettability of these walls for the liquid formulation comprising the aerosol.
    [00042] By increasing the wettability of the air channel walls, the liquid formulation that condenses out of the aerosol onto the air channel walls is encouraged to spread and form a film (i.e. adopt a relatively low contact angle) in instead of droplet microspheres (i.e. adopting a relatively high contact angle). This can help to decrease the likelihood that the liquid formulation deposited on the air channel wall will be carried into (i.e., collected by) air drawn through the air channel as a user inhales into the aerosol delivery system during normal use. That is, the increased wettability of the walls reduces the contact angle of the liquid formulation that condenses on the walls of the aerosol air channel, thus making the liquid formulation less likely to detach from the wall and enter the air stream. in the air channel than would otherwise be the case (i.e. without a surface treatment to increase the wettability of at least a portion of the interior surface defining the air channel).
    [00043] There are a number of different surface finishes that can be applied (at least a portion of) to the interior wall of the air channel to increase its wettability relative to the liquid formulation. For example, the surface finish may comprise a plasma coating treatment provided in accordance with conventional techniques to enhance wettability. In another example, the air channel wall may comprise a substrate which is structurally well suited to form the air channel, e.g. in terms of manufacturing costs and simplicity, but which has relatively low wettability (high contact angle). /low adhesion) for the liquid formulation. Surface finish to enhance wettability may thus comprise a coating applied to the substrate, wherein the coating has a higher wettability (lower contact angle/higher adhesion) to the liquid formulation than the substrate. For example, the coating may comprise a material that has a relatively high solid surface free energy surface compared to the substrate.
    [00044] However, in the example of the electronic cigarette shown in Figures 1 to 4, the surface finish provided to increase the wettability of at least a portion of the interior surface of the air channel that connects between the aerosol source and the mouth access comprises surface texturing. The nature of surface texturing, for example in terms of the physical scale of the texture model, can be selected to provide the greatest wettability characteristics in accordance with established principles regarding how surface texturing affects wettability. Surface texturing can be provided in a number of different ways. For example, in some deployments, the surface texture may be applied by abrasively roughening the surface of the relevant air channel wall, for example by rubbing with an abrasive element. However, one approach that is probably simpler for large-scale fabrication is for the surface texture to be modeled on relevant parts of the aerosol delivery system (ie, the parts that define the air channel wall) during fabrication. The relevant parts of the aerosol delivery system that supply the air channel wall will typically be fabricated through a plastic molding process and therefore the surface texture can be readily applied using a mold that has a properly textured surface. An advantage of this approach is that it requires relatively few changes to an existing apparatus and manufacturing methods for the relevant components of aerosol delivery systems. Additionally, once the change has been made (i.e., once the relevant parts of the shaping apparatus are provided with the desired surface texture), the number of manufacturing steps associated with each individual aerosol delivery system and the manner in which that aerosol delivery system components are handled during manufacture, remain the same as for conventional aerosol delivery systems.
    [00045] The characteristics of a particular surface texture, eg in terms of spatial scale characteristic for structures comprising texturing, can in some cases be determined empirically. For example, the wettability of different samples of the material comprising the relevant part of the air channel wall can be measured for the liquid formulation over a range of different surface texture characteristics. A surface texture characteristic can then be selected from the test samples that relate to their observed wettability characteristics for the liquid formulation. As a specific example, in some embodiments, a surface roughness around, or at least a surface roughness corresponding to N10, N11 or N12 (according to the definition of ISO1312) may be used. However, other degrees of surface roughness/texture, for example around or at least N1, N2 or N3, could be used in other embodiments.
    [00046] A similar empirical approach to establishing appropriate surface finish characteristics can be adopted, similarly, when other techniques are used to increase surface wettability, for example, for deployments that use a surface coating finish.
    [00047] An approach of applying a surface finish to modify the wettability to an air channel of an aerosol delivery system to seek to reduce mouth leakage has been described above in the context of a relatively schematic electronic cigarette. It will, however, be found that these principles can be applied to many different types of aerosol/electronic cigarette delivery systems irrespective of the underlying technology (e.g. in terms of aerosol generation technique) and other design aspects (e.g. in terms of overall size and shape) underlying the aerosol delivery system.
    [00048] Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent in perspective view some aspects of part of an aerosol delivery system 500 according to some other embodiments. In particular, Figure 5A schematically represents a first component comprising an aerosol source 502, and Figure 5B schematically represents a second component 510 that comprises part of a housing for the aerosol delivery system 500. These two components of the aerosol delivery system aerosol dispenser 500 are shown separately in Figures 5A and 5B for ease of representation, whereas in normal use these two components are assembled together as shown schematically in Figure 5C. In the assembled state for that particular aerosol delivery system design, the aerosol source component 502 is fitted within the housing component 510. It will be appreciated that the aerosol delivery system 500 will generally comprise various other features, for example, a power supply, which are not shown in Figures 5A to 5C for the sake of simplicity. Such other features of the aerosol delivery system may be provided in accordance with conventional techniques. More generally, it will be appreciated that aspects and features of aerosol delivery systems described herein may be implemented in accordance with any established techniques, except where modified in accordance with the modalities described herein.
    [00049] The aerosol source component 502 comprises a reservoir body 506, which contains a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated, and an aerosol generator 504, for example, based on on a heater. The source liquid and aerosol generator 504 may be conventional. Reservoir body 506 is generally in the form of a circular cylinder with a flat face 508 running longitudinally along one side. Reservoir body 506 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example, comprising a molded plastic material.
    [00050] Housing member 510 is generally tubular and circularly symmetrical. Housing component 510 comprises a main housing component 512 and a mouth access component 514. These may be formed separately or integrally. Main housing member 512 and mouth access member 514 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example, comprising extruded aluminum or molded plastic. The main housing component 512 comprises a generally cylindrical tube that has an interior dimension that conforms to the exterior dimension of the aerosol source component 502. Thereby, the aerosol source component 502 can be received within the housing component 510 in a tight arrangement, as shown schematically in Figure 5C. It will be appreciated that housing member 510 will generally extend beyond that shown in Figure 5C so as to generally surround aerosol generator 504. Mouth access member 514 of housing member 510 is contoured to provide a transition from the shape of the main housing component to a shape that is ergonomically suitable to be received by a user's lips during use. Mouth access member 514 includes an opening 516 at the end through which a user can inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol source.
    [00051] As can be seen from the schematic representation in Figure 5C, when the aerosol source component 502 is inserted into the housing component 510, the provision of the flat surface 508 creates a gap between the outer wall of the reservoir body 506 and the inside wall of housing component 510. That region where the first component 502 and second component 510 of the aerosol delivery system 500 are spaced thus defines part of an air channel 520 that connects in the vicinity of the generator 504 to opening 516. Other parts of the air channel are defined by the interior of housing 510 that does not surround the aerosol source member 502 adjacent the mouthpiece 514 and the interior surface of the mouthpiece 514. In general, there may be additional structural elements of the aerosol delivery system in these regions to define the air channel 520. For example, restrictors and/or deflectors and/or flow switches can to be provided to govern the airflow in accordance with conventional techniques.
    [00052] The general operating principles of the aerosol delivery system 500 schematically depicted in Figures 5A to 5C may be similar to those described above for the aerosol delivery system depicted in Figures 1 to 4. Thus, in use, a user sucks the buccal port 514 which causes air to be drawn into the aerosol delivery system 500 through inlet openings at a distal end of the aerosol delivery system (not shown in the figures). An aerosol delivery system controller is configured to sense incoming air, for example, based on a change in pressure and activate the aerosol generator 504 in response to it. Thereby, an aerosol of the liquid formulation comprising the source liquid in the reservoir body 506 is generated in the region of the aerosol generator 504. As air is drawn through the aerosol delivery system, it passes the region of the aerosol generator 504 and carries part of the aerosol through air channel 520 to opening 516 in mouth port 514.
    [00053] In a manner similar to that described above, at least a portion of the interior wall of the air channel 520 is provided with a surface finish to increase the wettability of the air channel surface for the liquid formulation. In particular, in that exemplary deployment, the flat surface 508 of the first component 502 and a portion of the interior surface of the housing member 510 that define the air channel 520 in combination with the flat surface 508 are provided with a textured finish to increase wettability. these surfaces into the liquid formulation in accordance with the principles described above (the texture is schematically depicted on the flat surface 508 in Figures 5A and 5C). The effect of this, as described above, is a reduced probability that the liquid formulation that has condensed on the surface of the air channel 520 is carried into the air drawn through the air channel and out through the opening 516 into a user's mouth. . It will be appreciated that a surface finish to enhance wettability may instead, or also, be applied to other interior walls of the air channel, for example, those within the buccal port 514.
    [00054] In one exemplary implementation, surface finish to increase wettability can be applied relatively consistently across surfaces. However, in accordance with some embodiments, the surface finish may be varied across the air channel wall to provide areas of different wettability for the liquid formulation. For example, a surface texture (or other surface finish) can be applied to a first area that provides higher wettability than a surface texture (or other surface finish) applied to a second area that is adjacent to the first. area so that the liquid formulation can flow from between the two areas. The higher wettability of the first area means that liquid formulation that has condensed in the second area will have a tendency to be attracted to the first area. Thus, if the second area is arranged closer to an opening through which a user inhales the aerosol than the first area, this approach can help to encourage the condensed liquid formulation to move away from the end of the delivery system. of aerosol through which the user inhales. This can further reduce the likelihood that liquid formulation that has condensed on the air channel wall will be carried into the air stream and subsequently drawn into a user's mouth.
    [00055] In some exemplary implementations, the liquid formulation that has condensed on the interior wall of the air channel may be encouraged to flow out of the air channel. For example, the aerosol delivery system may be provided with what is effectively a storage (retention) surface that is in fluid communication with the air channel but which is outside the air channel. For example, the storage surface may comprise a thin-span surface provided in a wall of the air channel and extending in the opposite direction thereto. In this way, the liquid formulation that condenses on the wall of the air channel can be attracted into the gap and, consequently, out of the air channel, under capillary action.
    [00056] By way of example, the interface between the reservoir body 506 and the interior of the housing 510 schematically represented in Figure 5C which is in a region adjacent to the air channel 520 (i.e., in the vicinity of the curved surface of the reservoir 506 that is adjacent to flat surface 508) can provide this function. That is, the liquid formulation that condenses in the air channel 520 on the flat surface 508, or on the interior surface of the other housing 510 facing the flat surface 508, can be drawn into the gap between the curved surface of the reservoir body 506 and the housing component 510 under capillary action, as schematically represented by the series of arrows directed in the opposite direction to the air channel in Figure 5C. To further enhance this effect, regions of one or the other or both surfaces defining the gap adjacent to the air channel can be provided with a surface finish, e.g. surface texturing, to facilitate the flow of liquid formulation from the wall. from the air channel to the interface under capillary action. For example, with reference to the layout of Figures 5A to 5C, regions of the outer surface of the reservoir member 506 and the inner surface of the housing member 510 that are outside the air channel 520 may be provided with a surface finish, for example , surface texturing, which is the same or similar to that provided for regions of these surfaces that define the air channel 520. Furthermore, the surface finish applied to the gap adjacent to the air channel can provide greater wettability with increasing distance from the air channel. air so as to facilitate the attraction of the liquid formulation further into the gap, thus leaving room for more liquid formation to be attracted into the gap.
    [00057] Accordingly, examples of aerosol delivery systems have been described that can help alleviate the issues discussed above in relation to mouth leakage by providing increased wettability on an air channel surface of the aerosol delivery system. In this regard, according to other embodiments, methods and apparatus are provided for manufacturing such aerosol delivery systems.
    [00058] Figure 6 schematically represents some steps of a method of manufacturing an aerosol delivery system according to certain embodiments. Processing starts at step S1. In step S2, an air channel wall component (or components) is formed. The air channel wall component (or components) may be formed based, generally, in accordance with conventional techniques, for example, shaping or extrusion, which are related to the specific design of the aerosol delivery system that is manufactured. Thus, with respect to the exemplary aerosol delivery system shown in Figures 5A to 5C, step S2 may comprise the process of forming the reservoir body part 506 of the aerosol source component 502 and/or the housing component 510 and/or other parts of the aerosol delivery system used to define the air channel to which the surface finish is applied. In step S3, the relevant surface finish is applied to the wall of the air channel component (or components) formed in step S2. It will be seen that, although steps S2 and S3 are schematically represented as separate steps for purposes of explanation, they can, in general, be performed simultaneously. For example, this may be the case if the surface finish comprises a textured surface that is introduced during modeling of the relevant component (or components) of the aerosol delivery system that defines the air channel when assembled. However, the two steps could also be performed separately, for example, if the surface finish comprises providing a service texture through abrasive crimping or applying other surface finishes such as those discussed above.
    [00059] Figure 7 schematically represents an apparatus 700 for manufacturing an aerosol delivery system in accordance with certain embodiments. Apparatus 700 may be based on generally conventional techniques for manufacturing aerosol delivery system components, however, is modified to comprise a mechanism 702 for applying a surface finish to at least a portion of a component defining an air channel wall. to increase wettability for the liquid formulation to be used in the aerosol delivery system. In some examples, mechanism 702 may comprise a modified version of a conventional element of an apparatus for manufacturing an aerosol delivery system. For example, mechanism 702 may effectively comprise a mold for a component of an aerosol delivery system that is modified to provide a surface texture as discussed above, but is otherwise conventional. In other examples, the mechanism 702 may comprise a newly introduced component of an otherwise conventional apparatus, for example, a mechanism for applying abrasive creping or other surface finish to relevant components of the aerosol delivery system (i.e., components that define the air channel to which the surface finish is applied).
    [00060] Accordingly, an aerosol delivery system, such as an electric cigarette, has been described which comprises an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation, for example, containing nicotine. The system further comprises an air channel disposed between the aerosol source and a mouth access opening through which a user inhales the aerosol during use. The air channel is defined by a wall and at least a portion of an interior surface of the wall is provided with a surface finish to increase surface wettability for the liquid formulation. For example, part or all of the interior surface of the air channel wall can be provided with a textured finish. The textured finish can be provided during a shaping process to the air channel component (or components) of the aerosol delivery system during manufacturing, for example. Increasing air channel wettability can help reduce the likelihood that the aerosol will condense into droplets of the liquid formulation on the walls of the air channel and be drawn into a user's mouth from the air channel.
    [00061] While the modalities described above have, in some respects, focused on some specific exemplary aerosol delivery systems, it will be seen that the same principles can be applied to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies. That is, the specific way in which the aerosol source operates is not significant to the principles underlying certain aerosol source modalities and configurations, such as disclosed in US 2011/0226236 [1], can be used in other deployments.
    [00062] To resolve various issues and advance the technique, this disclosure shows, by way of illustration, various modalities in which the claimed invention (or inventions) may be practiced. Disclosure benefits and features are from a representative sample of modalities only and are not detailed and/or exclusive. They are presented only to aid understanding and to teach the claimed invention (or inventions). It is to be understood that advantages, modalities, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made. be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or essentially consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein and it will therefore be verified which features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly defined in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions that are not claimed at the present time, but which may be claimed in the future. REFERENCES
    [00063] [1] WO 2011/0226236
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    1. Aerosol delivery system (500) comprising: an aerosol source (504) for generating an aerosol from a source liquid (360) comprising a liquid formulation; and an air channel wall (520) defining an air channel that connects between the aerosol source and an opening (516) through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use; and wherein at least a portion (508) of an interior surface of the air channel wall is provided with a surface finish to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0002]
    2. Aerosol delivery system (500), according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface finish comprises a surface texture.
    [0003]
    3. Aerosol delivery system (500), according to claim 2, characterized in that the surface texture is modeled on the air channel wall.
    [0004]
    4. Aerosol delivery system, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the surface texture is provided through abrasive creping of the air channel wall.
    [0005]
    5. An aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the air channel wall comprises a substrate and the surface finish comprises a coating applied to the substrate, in that the coating has a higher wettability for the liquid formulation than the substrate.
    [0006]
    6. Aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the surface finish comprises a plasma coating treatment.
    [0007]
    An aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the surface finish is varied along the air channel wall to provide areas of different wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0008]
    8. Aerosol delivery system (500) according to claim 7, characterized in that the areas of different wettability for the liquid formulation comprise a first area adjacent to a second area, where the first area is closest to the opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol than the second area and wherein the second area has a higher wettability for the liquid formulation than the first area.
    [0009]
    9. Aerosol delivery system (500), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it also comprises a storage surface that is outside the air channel, however, in fluid communication with the air channel, where the storage surface is also provided with a surface finish to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0010]
    10. Aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the air channel is defined by a spacing between a first component (506) of the aerosol delivery system and a second component (512) of the aerosol delivery system.
    [0011]
    11. Aerosol delivery system (500) according to claim 10, characterized in that at least a portion of a surface of the first and/or second components of the aerosol delivery system at an interface therebetween and adjacent to the air channel is provided with a textured surface finish to facilitate the flow of liquid formulation from the air channel wall to the interface under capillary action.
    [0012]
    12. Aerosol delivery system (500), according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first component comprises a reservoir for the source liquid comprising the liquid formulation and the second component comprises a housing for the aerosol delivery system.
    [0013]
    An aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that an outer surface of the first component conforms to an inner surface of the second component away from the spacing therebetween.
    [0014]
    14. Aerosol delivery system (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the aerosol source comprises a heater in contact with the source liquid and wherein the aerosol delivery system aerosol further comprises a cell or battery for providing electrical power to the heater to heat the source liquid to generate an aerosol from the liquid formulation.
    [0015]
    15. Aerosol delivery system (500), according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the liquid formulation comprises nicotine.
    [0016]
    16. A method of manufacturing an air channel wall for an aerosol delivery system (500) characterized in that it comprises an aerosol source (504) for generating an aerosol from a source liquid (360) which comprises a liquid formulation and the air channel wall defining an air channel (520) that connects between the aerosol source and an opening (516) through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use, the The method comprises applying a surface finish to at least a portion (508) of the air channel wall to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
    [0017]
    17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that applying a surface finish comprises applying a surface texture.
    [0018]
    A method according to claim 17, characterized in that the surface texture is applied by shaping at least a portion of the air channel wall (520) using a textured mold.
    [0019]
    A method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the surface texture is applied by abrasive creping at least a portion of the air channel wall.
    [0020]
    20. Apparatus for manufacturing an air channel wall for an aerosol delivery system (500) comprising an aerosol source for generating an aerosol from a source liquid comprising a liquid formulation, wherein the air channel wall defining an air channel that connects between the aerosol source and an opening through which a user can inhale the aerosol during use, the apparatus comprising a mechanism for applying a surface finish to at least a portion of the air channel wall to increase its wettability for the liquid formulation.
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    公开号 | 公开日
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    JP6293313B2|2018-03-14|
    HUE042422T2|2019-06-28|
    PL3154614T3|2019-06-28|
    CA2949434C|2019-07-02|
    CA2949434A1|2015-12-17|
    AU2015273220B2|2018-08-09|
    AU2015273220A1|2016-12-01|
    RU2657186C1|2018-06-08|
    JP2017522934A|2017-08-17|
    CN106455725B|2019-03-22|
    BR112016029159A2|2017-08-22|
    KR101900275B1|2018-09-20|
    EP3154614A1|2017-04-19|
    US10159284B2|2018-12-25|
    PH12016502448A1|2017-03-06|
    US20170143038A1|2017-05-25|
    WO2015189623A1|2015-12-17|
    KR20170003971A|2017-01-10|
    TR201902758T4|2019-03-21|
    UA120054C2|2019-09-25|
    ZA201608007B|2019-04-24|
    EP3154614B1|2018-12-19|
    ES2712866T3|2019-05-16|
    GB201410562D0|2014-07-30|
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    法律状态:
    2020-03-31| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-07-13| B25A| Requested transfer of rights approved|Owner name: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED (GB) |
    2021-11-03| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-01-04| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 11/06/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    GB1410562.1|2014-06-13|
    GBGB1410562.1A|GB201410562D0|2014-06-13|2014-06-13|Aerosol provision system|
    PCT/GB2015/051722|WO2015189623A1|2014-06-13|2015-06-11|Aerosol provision system|
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