CN120036530A

CN120036530A - Aerosol supply device

Info

Publication number: CN120036530A
Application number: CN202311600801.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 代灯
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-24
Filing date: 2023-11-24
Publication date: 2025-05-27
Also published as: EP4559339A1

Abstract

An aerosol provision device comprises a plurality of electrical components (118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128). The device also includes a plastic body (116) including at least one conductive track (132A, 132B, 132C) configured to provide an electrical connection between at least two of the plurality of electrical components (118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128). The at least one conductive track (132A, 132B, 132C) is formed by a laser direct structuring technique.

Description

Aerosol supply device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol provision device and an aerosol provision system.

Background

Smoking articles (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, etc.) burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning articles by developing products that release the compounds without burning. Examples of such products are heating devices that release compounds by heating but not burning the material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol provision device comprising:

a plurality of electrical components, and

A plastic body comprising at least one conductive track configured to provide an electrical connection between at least two electrical components of the plurality of electrical components, wherein the at least one conductive track is formed by a laser direct structuring technique.

The use of a plastic body comprising at least one conductive track formed by laser direct structuring technology, which provides an electrical connection between at least two electrical components within the aerosol provision device, may reduce the number of cables required within the device. This may reduce the space required to route such cables, potentially allowing the aerosol supply device to be made more compact. The use of conductive tracks formed by laser direct structuring techniques may also simplify the manufacture and assembly of the aerosol provision device.

The plastic body may be configured to support at least one of the plurality of electrical components.

The plastic body may be configured to house at least one of the plurality of electrical components.

The aerosol provision device may comprise a housing and the plastic body may be contained within or at least partially define the housing.

The plastic body may be formed of modified Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

The plurality of electrical components may include at least one of an electrical power source (e.g., a battery), a heating device, a temperature sensor, a controller, a light source, a haptic device, and a speaker.

The aerosol provision device may comprise at least one electrical connector arranged to connect the conductive track to at least one of the plurality of electrical components.

The at least one conductive track may comprise a plurality of conductive tracks.

Furthermore, at least two of the plurality of conductive tracks may be electrically insulated from each other.

The plastic body may be made of a plastic material capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 200 ℃, such as at least 220 ℃, such as at least 250 ℃ for a prolonged period of time.

The duration of time may comprise at least 60 seconds, such as at least 2 minutes, such as at least 5 minutes.

The plastic body may be electrically insulating.

The plastic body may have high chemical resistance.

The at least one conductive track may extend in a plurality of different planes.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision device according to any of the above-described embodiments, and

An article comprising an aerosol-generating material.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a component for use in an aerosol supply device, the method comprising:

forming a plastic body;

irradiating the derailment on the plastic body using a laser;

the irradiated tracks are plated with a conductive material.

The step of plating the irradiated track with a conductive material may include plating the track with the conductive material multiple times.

The step of forming the plastic body may include forming the plastic body having a three-dimensional shape with support features for mounting the electrical component to the plastic body.

The step of forming the plastic body may include forming the plastic body from a material including an additive including a metal inorganic compound configured to be activated by a laser.

Drawings

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a side view of an aerosol provision system according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a plastic body of an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a portion of a plastic body including a conductive track including an electrical connector at an end thereof, and

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when energized in heat, radiation, or in any other manner. The aerosol-generating material may be in, for example, a solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain an active substance and/or a flavouring agent. The aerosol-generating material may comprise any plant-based material (such as a tobacco-containing material) and may comprise, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The aerosol-generating material may also comprise other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid, gel, wax, or the like. The aerosol-generating material may also be, for example, a combination or mixture of materials. The aerosol-generating material may also be referred to as a "smokable material".

The aerosol-generating material may comprise a binder and an aerosol-former. Optionally, active agents and/or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) is also present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in the solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise or may be an "amorphous solid". The amorphous solid may be a "monolithic solid". In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as a liquid) therein. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt%, or 70wt% amorphous solids to about 90wt%, 95wt%, or 100wt% amorphous solids, for example.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may comprise or be a sheet that may optionally be shredded to form fragments. The aerosol-generating sheet or fragment may be substantially free of tobacco.

According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol-supply system is an aerosol-supply system in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol-supply system (or components thereof) are not combusted or ignited and are capable of delivering at least one substance to a user. Any of the aerosol provision systems described herein may be non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also referred to as a heated non-combustion system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates aerosols using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials may be in the form of, for example, a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, a tobacco or non-tobacco product.

In general, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a non-combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a consumable comprising an aerosol-generating material and configured for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles of manufacture in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a non-combustible aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source (power source) and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or a exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon matrix that can be energized to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving a consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol modifier.

The aerosol provision device may receive an article comprising aerosol-generating material for heating. An "article" in the context of this is a component that in use comprises or contains an aerosol-generating material that is heated to volatilize the aerosol-generating material, and optionally other components in use. The user may first insert the article into the aerosol provision device and then heat the article to generate an aerosol, which the user then inhales. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, the article being configured to be placed within a heating chamber of the device, the heating chamber being sized to receive the article.

Referring to fig. 1, an aerosol provision system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The aerosol provision system 2 comprises an aerosol provision device 4 for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. The aerosol provision system 2 further comprises a replaceable article 6 comprising an aerosol generating material. In general terms, the aerosol-forming device 4 may be used to heat the article 6 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium that is inhaled by a user of the device 4.

The aerosol-forming device 4 comprises a body 8. The body may be considered to form a housing that encloses and accommodates the various components of the device 4. At one end of the body 8 is formed an article aperture 10 through which the article 6 may be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator 12.

The device 4 may also comprise a user operable control element 14, such as a button or switch, which when pressed operates the device 4. For example, the user may turn on the device 4 by operating the switch 14.

The aerosol generator 12 defines a longitudinal axis aligned with the axis of the article 6.

In use, the article 6 may be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator 12, where it may be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator 12.

The device 4 comprises means for heating the aerosol-generating material, i.e. an aerosol generator 12. The device comprises an aerosol-generating component, a controller (control circuit) and a power source. The device forms part of the body 8. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of the article 6 inserted through the article aperture 10 such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power source supplies electrical power to the aerosol-generating assembly, and the aerosol-generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries), nickel batteries (e.g., nickel cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

The power source may be electrically coupled to the aerosol-generating assembly to supply electrical power to heat the aerosol-generating material when required and under the control of the controller. The control circuit may be configured to enable and disable the aerosol-generating component based on user input. The user input may be via a button pressing or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering the consumable receiving container). The control circuit may be configured to automatically activate and deactivate, for example, upon insertion of the article.

The aerosol-generating assembly may comprise components to heat the aerosol-generating material via an induction heating process. Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conductive heating element, such as a susceptor, by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include an inductive element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and means for passing a varying current (such as alternating current) through the inductive element. The varying current in the inductive element generates a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field passes through a susceptor (heating element) suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element and eddy currents are generated inside the susceptor. The susceptor has an electrical resistance to eddy currents and thus the eddy currents resist the flow of the electrical resistance such that the susceptor is heated by joule heating. Where the susceptor comprises a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel or cobalt), heat may also be generated by hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material changing orientation due to their alignment with a changing magnetic field. In inductive heating, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating, as opposed to heating by conduction, for example. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the inductive element and the susceptor, allowing an increased degree of freedom of construction and application. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a resistive heating device.

The aerosol provision system 2 shown in fig. 1 may include any of the features of the various embodiments discussed below.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a plastic body 116, which may form part of the body 8 of the aerosol-generating device 4 shown in fig. 1. The plastic body 116 may house/support a number of electrical components including, but not limited to, an electrical power source 118 (e.g., a battery), a heating device 120 (e.g., a resistive or inductive heating device), a controller 122 (e.g., including a processor), a temperature sensor 124 (e.g., a thermistor), a haptic device 126, a speaker 126, and/or a light source 128 (e.g., an LED).

A plurality of electrical components may be housed within the plastic body 116. In some embodiments, the aerosol supply device may include a housing, and the plastic body 116 may at least partially define the housing of the aerosol supply device. For example, the plastic body 116 may form part of the body 8 shown in fig. 1. In some embodiments, the plastic body 116 may be housed within a housing. As such, the plastic body 116 may be an internal component of the aerosol provision device. In such an embodiment, the plastic body 116 may, for example, form part of an internal support structure defining the internal structure of the aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the plurality of electrical components may be supported by the plastic body 116. For example, the plastic body 116 may include a first support 130A and a second support 130B arranged to support the heating device 120. Similarly, the plastic body may include a third support 130C arranged to support the electrical power source 118 and a fourth support 130D arranged to support the temperature sensor 124. Any number of the first, second, third and fourth supports 130A, 130B, 130C and 130D may be integrally formed with the plastic body 116. The form of the support may depend on the component being supported. The support may be integrally formed with the plastic body 116, for example during the molding of the integral body. In some embodiments, the plastic body 116 may include a support that is attached or mounted to the plastic body 116 during manufacture/assembly of the device. Supporting the components by the plastic body 116 may advantageously provide a simple and effective means for supporting the electrical components within the device.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the plastic body 116 includes a plurality of conductive tracks (hereinafter "electrical tracks") including, for example, a first electrical track 132A, a second electrical track 132B, a third electrical track 132C, and a fourth electrical track 132D. The first electrical track 132A provides an electrical connection between the controller 122 and the heating device 120. The second electrical rail 132B provides an electrical connection between the electrical power source 118 and the controller 122. The third electrical track 132C provides an electrical connection between the controller 122 and the haptic 126. The fourth electrical rail 132D provides an electrical connection between the controller 122 and the temperature sensor 124. Although not shown, additional electrical tracks may be provided to provide electrical connection between the light source 128 and the speaker 126. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth electrical tracks 132A, 132B, 132C, 132D is formed by a laser direct structuring technique. Applicants have recognized that the use of conductive tracks formed on the plastic body 116 by laser direct structuring techniques may provide a convenient means for making electrical connections between various electrical components without the need to route cables within the device. Thus, this may reduce the amount of cabling space required within the device, which may minimize the size of the device or provide more space for other components within the device, such as more battery space.

As depicted in fig. 2, in some implementations, at least two of the conductive tracks 132A-132D are electrically insulated from each other. The electrical isolation of the conductive tracks 132A-132D may be achieved by proper placement of electrical components relative to the plastic body 116.

The specific form of the electrical track may depend on the plastic body or the portion of the plastic body forming the electrical track. In some implementations, as depicted in fig. 2, at least one electrical rail (e.g., first electrical rail 132A, second electrical rail 132B, third electrical rail 132C, or fourth electrical rail 132D) extends in a plurality (e.g., at least two) different planes. This may advantageously allow electrical connection between electrical components in the device that are not arranged in a single plane. Thus, such an arrangement may facilitate a more complex arrangement of electrical components within the device than would otherwise be possible, while still providing an electrical connection to the conductive tracks. In some embodiments, the plastic body 116 may be non-planar. In other words, the plastic body 116 may not be a flat plastic sheet, but may have a more complex three-dimensional form. The exact form may be determined by the use of the plastic body 116 as part of the device.

While the various electrical components and conductive tracks shown have been depicted and described above, it will be appreciated that any number of different electrical components and any suitable number of electrical tracks may be included.

The plastic body 116 may be made of any suitable plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic body is formed from, i.e., made from, modified Polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

At least some portions of the aerosol provision device may reach relatively high temperatures during use. Accordingly, it may be desirable for the plastic body 116 to be able to withstand such temperatures. In addition, during use of the aerosol provision device, the plastic body 116 may be subjected to such temperatures for a significant period of time. Thus, in some embodiments, the plastic body 116 may be made of a plastic material capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 200 ℃ (e.g., at least 220 ℃, such as at least 250 ℃) for a sustained period of time. This may help ensure that the plastic body 116 is able to withstand the elevated temperatures to which it may be exposed during use, thereby ensuring that it performs its function properly, for example as part of the housing of an aerosol supply device, or as a support component within the device. The duration of time may comprise at least 60 seconds, such as at least 2 minutes, such as at least 5 minutes.

The plastic body 116 may be electrically insulating, which may ensure that the electrical rails 132A-132D may perform their function properly. In some embodiments, the plastic body 116 has high chemical resistance. Having a high chemical resistance may advantageously ensure that the plastic body 116 does not deteriorate in the presence of chemicals, such as any chemicals forming part of or formed by an aerosol-generating article that may be inserted into an aerosol-supply device of which the plastic body 116 forms part.

In any of the embodiments discussed above, the electrical components 118-128 may be electrically connected to their respective electrical tracks 132A-132D by any suitable means. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical components 118-128 may be welded to their respective electrical rails 132A-132D. However, this is not required, and in some embodiments, the electrical components 118-128 may be connected via electrical connectors. Such an embodiment will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a portion of a plastic body 216 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the plastic body 216 includes conductive tracks 232. The electrical connector 234 is mounted to the conductive track, for example, at an end of the conductive track 232. The electrical connector 234 may be arranged to connect the conductive track 232 to an electrical component (e.g., any of the electrical components discussed above). The electrical connector 234 may thus facilitate connection of the electrical component to the conductive track 232. The electrical components may include corresponding electrical connectors configured to mate with the electrical connectors 234. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrical tracks may include an electrical connector. The presence of the electrical connector may improve the ease of mounting the electrical components into the aerosol provision device 4. The presence of such an electrical connector 234 may also make it easier to remove and replace electrical components within the device 4.

The electrical connector 234 may have any suitable form. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 234 includes at least one connector pin 236, such as two connector pins 236, that provide electrical connection with an electrical component attached thereto.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart depicting a method of forming a component for use in an aerosol provision device according to an embodiment of the invention. The method will be described with reference to the plastic body 116 shown in fig. 2, but it will be appreciated that the method may be used to form any suitable component having any suitable form for use in an aerosol supply device. In step S1, the method includes forming a plastic body, such as plastic body 116 as described above. The step S1 of forming the plastic body may include forming the plastic body having a three-dimensional shape with support features for mounting the electrical component to the plastic body. The support features may include supports 130A-130D, such as shown in fig. 2. The three-dimensional shape may be any non-planar shape.

Step S1 of forming the plastic body 116 may include forming the plastic body 116 from a material including an additive including a metal inorganic compound configured to be activated by a laser.

In step S2, the method includes irradiating an off-track, such as at least one of the tracks 132A-132D, on the plastic body 116 using a laser. Any suitable laser, such as an infrared laser, may be used.

In step S3, the method includes plating the irradiated track with a conductive material (e.g., a conductive metal). Step S3 may include plating the track with a conductive material a plurality of times.

At least method steps S2 and S3 may be performed multiple times to form a plurality of conductive tracks.

The above method of forming a component may advantageously form a component for use in an aerosol supply device, the component comprising at least one conductive track that may provide electrical connection between various electrical components within the device. This method of forming the component may form part of a larger method of manufacturing/assembling the device. By forming the components according to this method, further manufacturing/assembly steps (e.g. those steps related to the production and arrangement of cables for use in the device) may be minimized or even omitted entirely. Thus, this may make the manufacturing/assembly process more efficient.

The various embodiments described herein are merely used to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as representative examples of various embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to the elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc. specifically described herein, various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of the appropriate combination of the elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc. disclosed. Furthermore, the present disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol supply device, comprising:

a plurality of electrical components; and

A plastic body includes at least one conductive track, the at least one conductive track being configured to provide an electrical connection between at least two electrical components of the plurality of electrical components, wherein the at least one conductive track is formed by laser direct structuring technology.

2. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic body is configured to support at least one electrical component of the plurality of electrical components.

3. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plastic body is configured to house at least one electrical component of the plurality of electrical components.

4. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a housing and wherein the plastics body is contained within or at least partially defines the housing.

5. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plastics body is formed from modified polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

6. An aerosol supply device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of electrical components comprises at least one of the following electrical components: an electrical power source (e.g. a battery), a heating device, a temperature sensor, a controller, a light source, a tactile device and a speaker.

7. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one electrical connector arranged to connect the conductive track to at least one electrical component of the plurality of electrical components.

8. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one said conductive track comprises a plurality of said conductive tracks.

9. An aerosol supply device according to claim 8, wherein at least two of the plurality of conductive tracks are electrically insulated from each other.

10. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plastics body is made from a plastics material capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 200°C, such as at least 220°C, such as at least 250°C, for a sustained period.

11. An aerosol supply device according to claim 10, wherein the duration period comprises at least 60 seconds, such as at least 2 minutes, such as at least 5 minutes.

12. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plastics body is electrically insulating.

13. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plastic body has a high chemical resistance.

14. An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the conductive tracks extends in a plurality of different planes.

15. An aerosol supply system comprising:

An aerosol supply device according to any preceding claim; and

Article comprising an aerosol generating material.

16. A method of forming a component for use in an aerosol supply device, the method comprising:

forming a plastic body;

irradiating a track on the plastic body using a laser;

The irradiated tracks are plated with a conductive material.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of coating the irradiated tracks with a conductive material comprises coating the tracks with a conductive material multiple times.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the step of forming the plastic body comprises forming the plastic body having a three-dimensional shape having support features for mounting an electrical component to the plastic body.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the step of forming the plastic body comprises forming the plastic body from a material comprising an additive, the additive comprising a metal inorganic compound configured to be activated by a laser.