TW202434130A - Aerosol provision device - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol provision device (100) comprising: a heating chamber (210) configured to receive an article (150) comprising aerosol generating material; and an airflow chamber (310a) in fluid communication with the heating chamber (210), wherein the airflow chamber (310a) comprises one or more lateral apertures (350, 360) configured to allow vapour to escape from the airflow chamber (310a).

Description

Aerosol supply device

The present invention relates to an aerosol supply device, an aerosol supply system, and a method for generating aerosol.

Smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning them. Examples of such products are so-called "heat but not burn" products or tobacco heating devices or products, which release compounds by heating but not burning a material. The material may be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine.

Aerosol delivery systems covering the aforementioned devices or products are known. Typical systems use a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium which is then inhaled by a user. It is often necessary to replace or change the medium to provide different aerosols for inhalation. It is known to use an induction heating system as a heater to generate an aerosol from a suitable medium. An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a changing magnetic field and a susceptor or heating material which can be heated by penetrating the changing magnetic field to heat the suitable medium.

A known aerosol supply device includes a cylindrical heating chamber, and a rod-shaped consumable is inserted into the cylindrical heating chamber.

According to one aspect, an aerosol supply device is provided, comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an object comprising an aerosol generating material; and an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises one or more lateral orifices configured to allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber.

The air flow chamber may include an inlet duct.

Optionally, the airflow chamber comprises a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening, wherein air is arranged, in use, to pass through the first opening into the airflow chamber and then through the second opening into the heating chamber.

Optionally, the airflow chamber includes a side wall, and wherein the one or more side openings extend through the side wall of the airflow chamber.

Optionally, the airflow chamber extends in a first longitudinal direction, and wherein the one or more lateral openings are inclined at an angle α relative to the first longitudinal direction, wherein α ^is < 30 ^° , 30-45 ^° , 45-60°, 60-75 ^° , 75-90 ^° , 90-115 ^° , 115-130 ^° , 130-145 ^° , 145-160 ^° or > 160 ^° .

Optionally, the airflow chamber connects the heated chamber fluid to an external opening at an exterior of the aerosol supply device.

Optionally, the heating chamber is configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material at a proximal end of the aerosol supply device, and wherein the external opening is configured at a distal end of the aerosol supply device, the distal end of the aerosol supply device being opposite to the proximal end of the aerosol supply device.

Optionally, the airflow chamber extends from the heating chamber in a direction towards a distal end of the aerosol supply device.

Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more exhaust passages configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber through the one or more lateral orifices to escape to the exterior of the aerosol supply device.

Optionally, the one or more lateral openings include a first set of lateral openings and a second set of lateral openings, wherein the first and second sets of lateral openings are arranged at different peripheral positions and/or radial positions and/or axial positions.

Optionally, vapor is permitted or facilitated to escape from the airflow chamber through one or more side orifices due to a pressure differential created across at least a portion of the airflow chamber.

Optionally, the one or more lateral openings include a first set of one or more lateral openings, and a second set of one or more lateral openings.

Optionally, the airflow chamber is configured so that, in use, air passes along a flow path from a region external to the aerosol supply device through a first set of one or more lateral orifices, through at least a portion of the airflow chamber, and then leaves the aerosol supply device through a second set of one or more lateral orifices.

Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more exhaust passages for allowing vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber through the one or more lateral orifices to escape from the aerosol supply device, the one or more exhaust passages being in fluid communication with the one or more lateral orifices and an external fluid of the aerosol supply device.

Optionally, the one or more exhaust passages include a first exhaust passage and a second exhaust passage, the first exhaust passage being configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside at a first side of the aerosol supply device, and the second exhaust passage being configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside at a second different side of the aerosol supply device. The second side may be opposite to the first side.

Optionally, the first set of one or more lateral openings has a first cross-sectional area A1, and the second set of one or more lateral openings has a second cross-sectional area A2, wherein: (i) A1 > A2; or (ii) A2 > A1.

According to various embodiments, A1 may be <1 mm ² , 1-2 mm ² , 2-3 mm ² , 3-4 mm ² , 4-5 mm ² , 5-6 mm ² , 6-7 mm ² , 7-8 mm ² , 8-9 mm ² , 9-10 mm ² or >10 mm ² . According to various embodiments, A2 may be <1 mm ² , 1-2 mm ² , 2-3 mm ² , 3-4 mm ² , 4-5 mm ² , 5-6 mm ² , 6-7 mm ² , 7-8 mm ² , 8-9 mm ² , 9-10 mm ² or >10 mm ² .

Optionally, the aerosol supply device further comprises a gas flow supply device configured to force the vapor to exit from the gas flow chamber through one or more side openings.

Optionally, the air flow supply is configured to force air through the air flow chamber so that vapor escapes from the air flow chamber through one or more side openings.

Optionally, the air flow supply device comprises one or more fans and/or one or more pumps.

Optionally, the gas flow supply device is configured to generate a pressure differential in the gas flow chamber so that vapor within the gas flow chamber is forced or caused to leave the gas flow chamber through one or more side openings.

According to one embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: an aerosol supply device as described above; and an object comprising an aerosol generating material.

According to one embodiment, a method for generating an aerosol is provided, comprising: Providing an aerosol supply device as described above; Inserting an object containing an aerosol generating material at least partially into the aerosol supply device; and Activating the aerosol supply device.

According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided that includes an airflow chamber, wherein the airflow chamber includes one or more lateral orifices that allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided that includes an airflow chamber having an air inlet conduit and one or more side openings for allowing vapor to escape from the airflow chamber.

According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided, which includes an airflow chamber and a fan, wherein the fan is used to cause air to enter the airflow chamber and/or to cause vapor to leave the airflow chamber.

According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol delivery system is a system for facilitating delivery of at least one substance to a user without burning or combusting a component aerosol generating material of the aerosol delivery system (or its components).

In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as an electric non-flammable aerosol supply system.

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

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

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

Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that include aerosol generating materials and are configured to be used in a non-flammable aerosol delivery device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon matrix that can be charged to distribute energy in the form of heat to an aerosol generating material or to a heat transfer material near the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter and/or an aerosol modifier.

In some embodiments, consumables for use in a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer assembly, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a covering, a filter, a nozzle, and/or an aerosol modifier.

An aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosol generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or semi-solid (e.g., a gel), which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavoring agent.

The aerosol generating material may include a binder and an aerosol former. Optionally, an active substance and/or filler 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 particular, in some embodiments, the aerosol generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

The aerosol-generating material may include or may be an aerosol-generating film. The aerosol-generating film may be formed by combining a binder (e.g., a gelling agent) with a solvent (e.g., water, an aerosol-forming agent) and one or more other components (e.g., active substances) to form a slurry and then heating the slurry to volatilize at least some of the solvent to form the aerosol-generating film. The slurry may be heated to remove at least about 60 wt%, 70 wt%, 80 wt%, 85 wt%, or 90 wt% of the solvent. The aerosol-generating film may be a continuous film or a discontinuous film, such as an arrangement of discrete portions of the film on a support. The aerosol generating film may be substantially free of tobacco.

The aerosol generating film may comprise or may be a sheet, which may optionally be shredded to form shredded sheets.

The aerosol generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavoring agents, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, pressurization, or electrostatic energy.

A consumable is an article containing or consisting of an aerosol generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a covering, a nozzle, a filter and/or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which generates heat to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol during use. The heater may, for example, include a flammable material, a material that can be heated by electrical conduction, or a receptor.

A susceptor is a heating material that can be heated by passing through a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field). The susceptor can be a conductive material such that its passage through the varying magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material can be a magnetic material such that penetration of the varying magnetic field into the heating material causes hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be conductive and magnetic such that the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. An aerosol supply device configured to generate a varying magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

The non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a module assembly, which includes both a reusable aerosol supply device and a replaceable object. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may include a power source and a controller (or control circuit system). The power source may, for example, include an electrical power source, such as a battery pack or a rechargeable battery pack. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply device may also include an aerosol generating component. However, in other embodiments, the object may partially or completely include the aerosol generating component.

Induction heating is a process in which a conductive object (also called a susceptor) is heated by a varying magnetic field penetrating the object. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may include an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are properly positioned relative to each other so that the resulting varying magnetic field generated by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated within the object. The object has resistance to the flow of current, and when these eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule heating, Ohm heating, or resistance heating.

Hysteresis heating is a process of heating an object formed of a magnetic material by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to contain many atomic-scale magnets or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates these materials, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field (e.g., an alternating magnetic field), such as that produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. This reorientation of the magnetic dipoles causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.

When an object is both electrically conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a changing magnetic field can produce Joule heating and hysteresis heating in the object. In addition, the use of magnetic materials can enhance the magnetic field, thereby enhancing Joule heating.

An aerosol supply system will now be described in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows an aerosol supply device 100, which is configured to generate aerosol from an object 150 containing an aerosol generating material. The object 150 can be inserted into the aerosol supply device 100 when in use.

The aerosol supply device 100 is an elongated structure extending along a longitudinal axis. The aerosol supply device has a proximal end 110, which is closest to the user (e.g., the user's mouth) when the user uses it to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 also has a distal end 120, which is farthest from the user when in use. The proximal end 110 can also be referred to as the "mouth end". The aerosol supply device 100 also defines a proximal direction accordingly, which is directed toward the user when in use, that is, the direction from the distal end 120 to the proximal end 110. In addition, the aerosol supply device 100 also defines a distal direction, which is directed away from the user when in use, that is, the direction from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 120. The proximal and distal directions may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol delivery device 100 .

FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the aerosol supply device 100. The aerosol supply device 100 includes a heating chamber 210 for receiving an object 150 containing an aerosol generating material. The heating chamber 210 has a base 215 at a distal end of the heating chamber 210. The heating chamber 210 may be elongated, extending along a longitudinal axis, which may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100. A rod-shaped object 150 containing an aerosol generating material may be inserted into the heating chamber 210 in an insertion direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 210 and may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100.

The object 150 may be held within a heating chamber 210 of the aerosol supply device 100. The object 150 may be heated by a heating assembly 230. The heating assembly 230 may include one or more heating elements 235 configured to heat the object so that an aerosol or other inhalable medium may be generated from the aerosol generating material of the object 150, which may then be inhaled by a user of the aerosol supply device 100.

The heating element 235 can at least partially surround the heating chamber 210. For example, the heating element 235 can surround the heating chamber 210. The heating element 235 can be substantially tubular. According to various embodiments, the heating element 235 can include a susceptor that is indirectly heated by one or more induction coils.

In other embodiments, the heating element 235 may extend or protrude from the heating chamber 210. For example, according to various embodiments, the heating element 235 may include a needle (not shown) that protrudes into the base of the heating chamber 210 and is configured to be inserted into a distal end of the object 150 when the object 150 is received in the heating chamber 210 during use. In this embodiment, a needle heater (not shown) is configured to heat the object 150 internally.

Other embodiments are contemplated in which the heating element 235 may include a blade-shaped portion (not shown). The blade-shaped portion may include a flat portion and a tip portion. The tip portion of the blade-shaped portion may be configured to be inserted into a distal end of an object 150 when in use to internally heat the object 150. The needle-shaped and blade-shaped heating elements may include resistive heating elements. The heating element 235 may include a resistive heating element. Alternatively, the heating element 235 may include an inductive heating element. Other embodiments are also contemplated (not shown) in which at least a portion of the heating element (e.g., a susceptor) may be provided as part of the object 150, rather than forming part of the aerosol supply device 100.

In use, once an object 150 has been inserted into the heating chamber 210 of the aerosol supply device 100, the user may then proceed to a period during which the heating assembly 230 is configured to heat the object 150. During the period, the object 150 may be heated by the heating element 235. It should be understood that a use period may last for several minutes. For example, according to various embodiments, a use period may last for 2-3 mins, 3-4 mins, 4-5 mins, or 5-6 mins.

The aerosol supply device 100 includes a condensation chamber 310. The condensation chamber 310 functions as an airflow chamber. The condensation chamber 310, which functions as an airflow chamber, is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210 in which the object 150 is received, and extends from the heating chamber 210 in a first direction. The condensation chamber 310 may include an inlet duct 320, which is formed of, for example, iron or steel. The inlet duct 320 and/or the condensation chamber 310 may extend from the heating chamber 210 in a first direction.

The condensation chamber 310 can be configured to fluidly connect the heating chamber 210 and an external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 provide a flow path, which is configured to support an air flow. The flow path extends from the heating chamber 210 to the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100. The inlet conduit 320 and the condensation chamber 310 have an inner surface exposed to air, and the air flows along the inlet conduit 320, for example, from the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100 through the condensation chamber 310 to the heating chamber 210. During use of the aerosol supply device 100 , the condensing chamber 310 functions as an air flow chamber allowing air to flow from the external opening 330 through the condensing chamber 310 and into the heating chamber 210 .

3A shows in more detail the condensation chamber 310 and the air flow within the object 150 when a user draws on the object 150. The condensation chamber 310 is fluidly connected to a heating chamber (not shown).

In use, a heating assembly (not shown) is used to heat an object 150 received in a heating chamber (not shown). When a user draws on the object 150, air can be drawn into the aerosol supply through an external opening 330. The air is then drawn along and through an inlet duct 320 and through the condensation chamber 310 before flowing toward the heating chamber 210 and in particular the distal end of the object 150. The air entering the aerosol supply can be relatively cold. As the cold air passes through the inlet duct 320 and the condensation chamber 310 in the direction of the heating chamber 210 and the distal end of the object 150, the inlet duct 320 and the condensation chamber 320 can be cooled by the incoming air.

The air passing through the object 150 is heated as the air moves in a direction toward the heating chamber 210 and into the distal end of the object 150. The heated air may then collect or entrain aerosols generated by the aerosol generating material that has heated the object 150 by the heating assembly (not shown). The air and aerosols may then be drawn out of the object 150 for inhalation by a user.

3B shows the full length of the condensation chamber 310 and the object 150. The air flow through the condensation chamber 310 and the object 150 is indicated. Air is also indicated as entering the object through one or more ventilation holes disposed in the object 150 relatively close to the proximal end of the object 150. The heat flow into the object 150 when a user draws on the object 150 is also indicated.

FIG. 4A illustrates that between use (i.e., when the user is not inhaling the object 150), air that may contain vapor may exit the object 150 and/or exit from the heating chamber 210. This warm air containing the vapor may then enter the condensation chamber 310 and continue toward the inlet duct 320. However, the inlet duct 320 and the condensation chamber 310 may be cooler than the temperature of the air exiting the object 150 and/or the heating chamber 210. Thus, the vapor has a tendency to condense within the condensation chamber 310, for example, on the walls of the condensation chamber 310 and/or the inlet duct 320. It should also be noted that the warm air containing vapor entering the condensation chamber 310 may meet a relatively cool opposing air flow that enters the inlet duct 320 through an external opening 330.

4B shows the full length of the condensation chamber 310 and the object 150, and shows the relatively cool incoming air flow into the condensation chamber 310, which meets the diffusion of hot vapor entering the condensation chamber 310 from the far end of the object 150. The air inside the object 150 also moves into the center portion of the object 150. The heat flow into the object 150 when a user is between inhalation and exhalation is also shown.

5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device 100 in which a condensation chamber 310 is provided that is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210 and the external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100 does not include an orifice. In such a configuration, the path for vapor to escape the condensation chamber 310 may be restricted.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of selected internal components of an aerosol supply device 100 of various embodiments. In particular, according to various embodiments, the potential problem of vapor condensation in a condensation chamber is solved. It should be understood that the formation of condensation or condensate in a condensation chamber is generally undesirable, and condensation or condensate can collect in a distal end of an aerosol supply device. Furthermore, condensation can then drip from the distal end of the aerosol supply device, which is undesirable from a user's perspective.

It should be understood that the condensing chamber 310 discussed in detail above with reference to Figures 2-6 generally corresponds to the airflow chamber 310a. Air can flow through the condensing chamber 310 from the external opening 330 and enter the heating chamber 210.

According to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device 100 is provided, which includes a heating chamber 210 for receiving an object (not shown). The heating chamber 210 is shown to abut against an air flow chamber 310a having an inlet duct portion 320.

The inlet duct 320 and/or the airflow chamber 310a may be elongated and extend in a first direction along a longitudinal axis. The first direction may extend from the heating chamber 210 in a distal direction, such as from the base 215 of the heating chamber 210 toward the distal end 120 of the aerosol supply device 100. The longitudinal axis of the inlet duct 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol supply device 100.

The longitudinal axis of the inlet duct 320 and the airflow chamber 310a may also be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 210. An external opening 330 at the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100 may be disposed at the distal end 210 of the aerosol supply device 100.

The inlet duct 320 and the airflow chamber 310 a may include a first end (eg, a distal end) having a first opening 321 and a second end (eg, a proximal end) having a second opening 322 .

Air can be arranged to enter the inlet duct 320 and the airflow chamber 310a through the first opening 321 during use, and then enter the heating chamber 210 through the second opening 322. Obviously, the first opening 321 is fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210. Similarly, the second opening 322 is fluidly connected to the external opening 330 at the outside of the aerosol supply device 100.

The width of the inlet duct 320 and the volume within the airflow chamber 310a may be different from, for example, smaller than, the width of the heating chamber 210. For example, an average width value may be smaller than an average width value of the heating chamber 210. This may, for example, provide a desired suction volume or flow impedance to a user.

The aerosol supply device 100 further includes one or more lateral orifices 350, 360 configured to allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber 310a. Each of the lateral orifices 350, 360 may be configured to allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber 310a. The one or more lateral orifices 350, 360 may extend in a direction that is at least 10 ^° , at least 20 ^° , at least 30 ^° , or at least 40 ^° to the longitudinal direction of the inlet duct 320 and the airflow chamber 310a.

One or more lateral orifices 350, 360 may extend through a side wall of the airflow chamber 310a. The side wall of the airflow chamber 310a and the inlet conduit 320 may extend from the first opening 321 to the second opening 322. The vapor escaping from the airflow chamber 310a through the one or more lateral orifices 350, 360 may then pass through one or more exhaust passages (not shown) and then leave the aerosol supply device 100.

As shown in FIG7 , the one or more lateral orifices may be configured so that vapor passing therethrough and thus escaping the airflow chamber 310a may reach one or more exhaust passages 370, which are in fluid communication with both the one or more lateral orifices and the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100. The one or more exhaust passages 370 allow vapor escaping from the airflow chamber 310a through the one or more orifices to escape to the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100. Thus, vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber 310a through the one or more lateral orifices may then be exhausted to the exterior of the aerosol supply device 100 through the one or more exhaust passages 370.

6 , according to various embodiments, one or more lateral apertures 350 , 360 may have a cross-sectional area of < 1 mm ² , 1-2 mm ² , 2-3 mm ² , 3-4 mm ² , 4-5 mm ² , 5-6 mm ² , 6-7 mm ² , 7-8 mm ² , 8-9 mm ² , 9-10 mm ² , or > 10 mm ² .

The one or more lateral orifices 350, 360 may include a first set of one or more lateral orifices 350 and a second set of one or more lateral orifices 360. The lateral orifices of the first set of one or more lateral orifices 350 may have a different size, such as an average cross-sectional area or length, than the lateral orifices of the second set of one or more lateral orifices 360. This may have the following result: different pressures are generated in each set of lateral orifices, thereby generating an air flow from one set of lateral orifices to the other set of lateral orifices.

Each set of one or more lateral openings 350, 360 may be grouped together, respectively, so that each set of one or more lateral openings 350, 360 is positioned within a respective continuous zone, each zone being non-overlapping and remote from one another.

The first set of one or more lateral orifices 350 may be disposed on a first side of the airflow chamber 310a, and the second set of lateral orifices 360 may be disposed on a second, different side of the airflow chamber 310a. The second side of the airflow chamber 310a may be relative to the first side of the airflow chamber 310a. For example, an angle of at least 150 ^° about the center of the airflow chamber 310a may separate the average position of the first set of one or more lateral orifices 350 from the average position of the second set of one or more lateral orifices 360. Such configurations may help ensure that an air flow between the first set of one or more lateral orifices 350 to the second set of one or more lateral orifices 360 passes through the center of the airflow chamber 310a.

As shown in FIG8A , the one or more exhaust passages 370, 380 may include a first exhaust passage 370 and a second exhaust passage 380. According to various embodiments, a first exhaust passage 370 may be configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside on a first side of the aerosol supply device 100. A second exhaust passage 380 may be configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside on a second side of the aerosol supply device 100. The second side may be opposite to the first side.

According to various embodiments, a first set of one or more lateral orifices and a second set of one or more lateral orifices are provided, and the first exhaust channel 370 can be fluidly connected to the first set of one or more lateral orifices, and the second exhaust channel 380 can be fluidly connected to the second set of one or more lateral orifices.

The aerosol supply device 100 may further include an airflow supply device configured to force air to leave the airflow chamber through one or more lateral orifices. A controller may also be provided that may be configured to control the airflow supply device. The airflow supply device may include, for example, a fan for actively forcing air and/or a pump for actively forcing air.

The controller can be configured to activate the airflow supply device, such as when inserted or after a period of use. According to other embodiments, during a period of use, the airflow supply device can be activated between inhalation and exhalation.

As shown in FIG8B , according to various embodiments, an air flow supply device may be provided that is configured to force an air flow from the outside of the aerosol supply device 100 through a first exhaust passage 370 through a first set of one or more lateral orifices into the air flow chamber. The air is then forced to leave the air flow chamber through a second set of one or more lateral orifices and is forced to leave the aerosol supply device 100 through a second exhaust passage 380.

According to various embodiments, the one or more lateral orifices may include a third group of one or more lateral orifices. A first group, a second group, and a third group of one or more lateral orifices may be grouped together, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third groups of one or more lateral orifices may be disposed in or on a different first, second, and third respective side of the condensation chamber. For example, an angle of at least 60 ^° , at least 70 ^° , at least 80 ^° , or at least 90 ^° may separate the average position of each of the first, second, and third groups of one or more lateral orifices from the average position of each other group of one or more lateral orifices.

9 and 10 , in addition to a first exhaust channel 370 and a second exhaust channel 380 as discussed above, one or more exhaust channels may include a third exhaust channel 390. The third exhaust channel 390 may be configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside on a third side of the aerosol supply device 100 that is different from a first side and a second side.

According to various embodiments, a first exhaust passage 370 can be fluidly connected to a first set of one or more lateral openings. A second exhaust passage 380 can be fluidly connected to a second set of one or more lateral openings. A third exhaust passage 390 can be fluidly connected to a third set of one or more lateral openings.

It will be appreciated that, according to various embodiments, an aerosol supply device is provided that includes an airflow chamber that is in fluid communication with a heating chamber, the airflow chamber forming a condensation chamber. The condensation chamber includes one or more lateral orifices configured to allow vapor to escape from the condensation chamber. As a result, undesirable accumulation of condensate within the condensation chamber can be avoided.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teach the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as a representative example of embodiments and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and/or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the patent application, or limitations on the equivalent content of the scope of the patent application, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The various embodiments of the present invention may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, components, etc., in addition to those combinations specifically described herein. In addition, the present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

100: aerosol supply device 110: proximal end 120: distal end 150: rod-shaped object; object 210: heating chamber 215: base 230: heating assembly 235: heating element 310: condensation chamber 310a: airflow chamber 320: inlet duct portion; inlet duct 321: first opening 322: second opening 330: external opening 350: first set of one or more lateral orifices; one or more lateral orifices; lateral orifices 360: second set of one or more lateral orifices; one or more lateral orifices; lateral orifices 370: first discharge channel; discharge channel 380: second discharge channel; discharge channel 390: Third discharge channel A1: First cross-sectional area A2: Second cross-sectional area α: Angle

Various embodiments will now be described (by way of example only) with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows an example of an aerosol supply device and an object comprising aerosol generating material partially inserted into the aerosol supply device; FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an example of an aerosol supply device and an object comprising aerosol generating material partially inserted into the aerosol supply device, and wherein the object abuts a condensation chamber; FIG3A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a condensation chamber of an aerosol supply device, having an object containing aerosol generating material against the condensation chamber, and indicating therein an air flow through the condensation chamber and through a distal end of the object when a user draws on the object, and also indicating therein a heat flow into the object, and FIG3B shows the full length of the condensation chamber and the object, and shows the air flow through the condensation chamber and the object, and also shows air entering the object through a ventilation hole in the object and heat flow into the object when a user draws on the object; FIG4A shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a condensation chamber of an aerosol supply device, which has an object containing aerosol generating material against the condensation chamber, and indicates an air flow entering the condensation chamber between inhalation and exhalation by a user and the diffusion of hot vapor from the far end of the object into the condensation chamber, and FIG4B shows the full length of the condensation chamber and the object, and shows the air flow entering the condensation chamber and the diffusion of hot vapor from the far end of the object into the condensation chamber and also into the center of the object, and also indicates the heat flow entering the object between inhalation and exhalation by a user; FIG5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device and an object containing aerosol generating material; FIG. 6 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of an airflow chamber of an aerosol supply device of various embodiments, wherein one or more lateral orifices are provided in the side walls of the airflow chamber to allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber through one or more exhaust channels (not shown); FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device and an object containing an aerosol generating material and showing one or more exhaust channels; FIG8A shows an example of an aerosol supply device of various embodiments, wherein vapor can escape from an airflow chamber to the outside of an aerosol supply device through two exhaust channels disposed on opposite sides of the aerosol supply device, and wherein air is not forced through the aerosol supply device, and FIG8B shows an example of an aerosol supply device of various embodiments, wherein vapor can escape from an airflow chamber to the outside of an aerosol supply device through an exhaust channel, and wherein air is forced through the aerosol supply device; FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol supply device of various embodiments, wherein an exhaust channel is provided to allow vapor in an airflow chamber of the aerosol supply device to escape to the outside of the aerosol supply device; and FIG. 10 shows an example of an aerosol supply device of various embodiments, wherein three exhaust channels are provided to allow vapor to escape from an airflow chamber of the aerosol supply device to the outside of the aerosol supply device.

100: Aerosol supply device

120: Remote

210: Heating chamber

215: Base

310a: Airflow chamber

320: Inlet pipe section; inlet pipe

321: First opening

322: Second opening

330: External opening

350: a first set of one or more lateral openings; one or more lateral openings; lateral openings

360: a second set of one or more lateral openings; one or more lateral openings; lateral openings

Claims (21)

An aerosol supply device comprising: a heating chamber configured to receive an article comprising an aerosol generating material; and an airflow chamber in fluid communication with the heating chamber, wherein the airflow chamber comprises one or more lateral orifices configured to allow vapor to escape from the airflow chamber. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the airflow chamber comprises a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening, wherein air is configured to pass through the first opening into the airflow chamber and then pass through the second opening into the heating chamber during use. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the airflow chamber includes a side wall, and wherein the one or more side openings extend through the side wall of the airflow chamber. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the airflow chamber extends in a first longitudinal direction, and wherein the one or more lateral orifices are inclined at an angle α relative to the first longitudinal direction, wherein α is < 30 ^° , 30-45 ^° , 45-60 ^° , 60-75 ^° , ^{75-90 °} , 90-115 ^° , 115-130°, 130-145 ^° , 145-160 ^° or > 160 ^° . An aerosol supply device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow chamber connects the heated chamber fluid to an external opening at an exterior of the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the heating chamber is configured to receive an object containing an aerosol generating material at a proximal end of the aerosol supply device, and wherein the external opening is configured at a distal end of the aerosol supply device, the distal end of the aerosol supply device being opposite to the proximal end of the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the airflow chamber extends from the heating chamber in a direction toward the distal end of the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply device as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol supply device further comprises one or more exhaust passages configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber through the one or more lateral orifices to escape to the exterior of the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply device as in any of the aforementioned claims, wherein the one or more lateral orifices include a first set of lateral orifices and a second set of lateral orifices, wherein the first set of lateral orifices and the second set of lateral orifices are arranged at different peripheral positions and/or radial positions and/or axial positions. An aerosol supply device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein vapor is permitted or encouraged to escape from the airflow chamber through the one or more lateral orifices due to a pressure differential generated across at least a portion of the airflow chamber. An aerosol delivery device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more lateral openings comprise a first set of one or more lateral openings and a second set of one or more lateral openings. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the airflow chamber is configured so that, when in use, air flows along a flow path from a region outside the aerosol supply device through the first set of one or more lateral orifices, through at least a portion of the airflow chamber, and then leaves the aerosol supply device through the second set of one or more lateral orifices. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 11 or 12, further comprising one or more exhaust channels for allowing vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber through the one or more lateral orifices to escape from the aerosol supply device, the one or more exhaust channels being connected to the one or more lateral orifices and the external fluid of the aerosol supply device. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more exhaust channels include a first exhaust channel and a second exhaust channel, the first exhaust channel being configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside at a first side of the aerosol supply device, and the second exhaust channel being configured to allow vapor that has escaped from the airflow chamber to escape to the outside at a different second side of the aerosol supply device, the second side being relative to the first side. An aerosol supply device as claimed in any one of claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein the first set of one or more lateral orifices has a first cross-sectional area A1, and wherein the second set of one or more lateral orifices has a second cross-sectional area A2, wherein: (i) A1 > A2; or (ii) A2 > A1. An aerosol supply device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising an air flow supply device, the air flow supply device being configured to force vapor to leave the air flow chamber through the one or more side openings. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the airflow supply device is configured to force air through the airflow chamber so that vapor escapes from the airflow chamber through the one or more side openings. An aerosol supply device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the airflow supply device comprises one or more fans and/or one or more pumps. An aerosol supply device as in any of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the airflow supply device is configured to generate a pressure differential in the airflow chamber so that vapor in the airflow chamber is forced or caused to leave the airflow chamber through the one or more side openings. An aerosol supply system, comprising: an aerosol supply device as claimed in any of the preceding claims; and an aerosol generating element comprising an aerosol generating material. A method for generating an aerosol, comprising: Providing an aerosol supply device as in any of claims 1-19; Inserting an object containing aerosol generating material at least partially into the aerosol supply device; and Actuating the aerosol supply device.