U.S. patent application number 16/639370 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-13 for consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to JT International S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is JT International S.A.. Invention is credited to Spyridon Nompilakis, Andrew Robert John Rogan.
Application Number | 20200253281 16/639370 |
Document ID | 20200253281 / US20200253281 |
Family ID | 1000004813475 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-13 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
United States Patent
Application |
20200253281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogan; Andrew Robert John ;
et al. |
August 13, 2020 |
Consumable Cartridge For An Aerosol Generation Device
Abstract
A consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation device includes
a threaded casing configured to engage with the aerosol generation
device. The cartridge further comprises an aerosol forming material
that can form an aerosol upon receiving heat, the aerosol forming
material located within the threaded casing. Heat is transferred
conductively through the threaded casing to the aerosol forming
material.
Inventors: |
Rogan; Andrew Robert John;
(Forres Grampian, GB) ; Nompilakis; Spyridon;
(Kilfisia, GR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JT International S.A. |
Geneva |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
JT International S.A.
Geneva
CH
|
Family ID: |
1000004813475 |
Appl. No.: |
16/639370 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/075805 |
371 Date: |
February 14, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/42 20200101;
A24F 40/46 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/46 20060101
A24F040/46; A24F 40/42 20060101 A24F040/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2017 |
EP |
17192998.7 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. An aerosol generation system, comprising: an aerosol generation
device; and a consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation
device, the consumable cartridge comprising: a threaded casing
arranged to threadably engage with the aerosol generation device;
and an aerosol forming material adapted to form an aerosol upon
receiving heat, the aerosol forming material located within the
threaded casing, whereby heat is transferred conductively through
the threaded casing to the aerosol forming material; wherein the
aerosol generating device comprises a region for engaging with the
threaded casing of the consumable cartridge.
17. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the casing
is externally threaded.
18. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the
cartridge further comprises a top portion comprising one or more
vent holes, and a bottom threaded portion, such that heat causes
the aerosol to exit the cartridge through the one or more vent
holes.
19. The aerosol generation system of claim 18, wherein the bottom
threaded portion is longer than the top portion.
20. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the threaded
casing comprises a thermally conductive material.
21. The aerosol generation system of claim 20, wherein the
thermally conductive material is selected from the group comprising
Aluminium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Chrome and alloys
thereof.
22. The aerosol generation system of claim 20, wherein the
thermally conductive material is ceramic.
23. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the casing
comprises metal.
24. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the casing
comprises an electrically resistive portion configured to be
energised to generate heat.
25. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the region
for engaging with the threaded casing comprises a complementary
thread.
26. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the aerosol
generation device further comprises a heater, wherein the region
for engaging with the threaded casing is in thermal contact with
the heater, the heater configured to heat the aerosol forming
material via the threaded casing.
27. The aerosol generation system of claim 16, wherein the aerosol
generation device further comprises an electrical power source
electrically connectable to the consumable cartridge, such that the
consumable cartridge is configured to generate heat through
resistive heating.
28. A method of generating vapour comprising: threadably connecting
a consumable cartridge to an aerosol generation device; and
applying heat through threads of the consumable cartridge to
generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material arranged in
the consumable cartridge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a national phase entry under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of International Application No.
PCT/EP2018/075805, filed Sep. 24, 2018, published in English, which
claims priority to European Application No. 17192998.7 filed Sep.
25, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a consumable cartridge for
use with an aerosol generation device.
[0003] A number of new generation smoking devices have been
introduced that seek to provide an alternative to conventional
cigarettes. One such device is described in EP 2772148A2. In this
arrangement a smoking device is provided with a mouthpiece, a
casing, an electrical heater and a battery. A consumable cartridge
can be installed in the device adjacent the heater. The consumable
cartridge has a casing which encloses tobacco material. The
cartridge also includes perforations and aeration wells. The heater
can heat the casing of the cartridge, causing the tobacco contained
within to heat without burning, which releases an aerosol. This
aerosol or vapour can then be inhaled by a user through the
mouthpiece.
[0004] After a period of use the consumable cartridge becomes
depleted. A user can then remove and replace the consumable
cartridge.
[0005] It may be desirable to improve the efficiency of the heat
transfer to the tobacco within the cartridge. It may also be
desirable to be able to securely and removably attach the cartridge
within the device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation device, the
consumable cartridge comprising: a threaded casing arranged to
threadably engage with the aerosol generation device; an aerosol
forming material adapted to form an aerosol upon receiving heat,
the aerosol forming material located within the threaded
casing.
[0007] In this way, heat may be transferred conductively through
the outer casing to the aerosol forming material.
[0008] Advantageously, having the threaded casing provides a secure
attachment when the cartridge is provided within the aerosol
generation device. This further provides an easy way to remove the
cartridge once the aerosol forming material has been consumed.
[0009] Advantageously, having the aerosol forming material within
the outer casing allows improved transfer of heat between the
aerosol generation device and the cartridge, as the heat is
transferred conductively through the outer casing to the aerosol
forming material.
[0010] Preferably, the aerosol forming material can form an aerosol
upon receiving heat from the aerosol generation device via the
threaded casing. Having a threaded connection to transfer heat from
the aerosol generation device to the cartridge can increase the
surface area of the cartridge that is in contact with the aerosol
generation device. This enables better heat transfer to the aerosol
forming material. This provides an efficient system as less energy
may be required to heat the aerosol forming material.
[0011] The aerosol forming material may include a carrier material,
which may include a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and/or
glycerin (G). Preferably, the carrier material has a composition of
at least 20 wt %. The aerosol forming material may include ground
tobacco particles (e.g. in addition to the carrier material). The
aerosol forming material may include other materials, such as a
flavouring and water etc.
[0012] Preferably the threaded casing is configured to engage a
complementary thread on the aerosol generation device. This can
provide a more secure connection between the consumable cartridge
and the aerosol generation device. Furthermore, the surface area of
contact can be increased further leading to a more efficient
transfer of heat.
[0013] The gender of the complementary threaded regions may be
opposite to one another. The threaded casing may be a male thread
and the complementary thread on the aerosol generation device may
be a female thread, or vice versa.
[0014] The pitch of the threaded casing and the complementally
threaded regions may be selected for purpose. Preferably, they may
comprise at least two threads. Alternatively, they may include
three, four, five, or more threads. Preferably the mentioned
threads are arranged along a pod slide length of 5-20 mm. This may
ensure optimum heat transmission balanced against ease of insertion
of the cartridge. Having a pitch that is too fine (lots of threads
per axial distance) may not be not optimal as removal and
replacement of the cartridge may take too long.
[0015] In one arrangement the aerosol generation device may
comprise a region with no thread into which the threaded casing can
be screwed. For instance, this region may be made of a soft
material such as rubber or soft plastic. Alternatively, a rim may
be provided onto which the threaded casing can be screwed and
attached.
[0016] Preferably, the casing is externally threaded.
Advantageously, this can provide a secure connection and efficient
transfer of heat to the cartridge. In other embodiments the casing
may comprise a recessed region which is threaded. In this instance
the casing may be internally threaded.
[0017] Preferably, the cartridge comprises a top portion comprising
one or more vent holes, and a bottom threaded portion, such that
heat causes the aerosol to exit the cartridge through the one or
more vent holes. This may enable the flow of aerosol to be directed
in one direction towards the mouthpiece of the aerosol generation
device. For instance, the heat may be received from the aerosol
generation device via the bottom threaded portion causing the
aerosol to exit through the vent holes in the top portion.
[0018] In other arrangements the top portion may be open and the
bottom threaded portion may be closed. Alternatively, or in
addition, the top portion may be closed by a perforable member.
[0019] Preferably, the threaded casing comprises a thermally
conductive material. Advantageously, this enables efficient
transfer of heat from the aerosol generation device to the
cartridge. The thermally conductive material may be selected from
the group comprising containing Aluminium, Iron, Copper, Zinc,
Nickel, Chrome or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the thermally
conductive material may be ceramic.
[0020] Preferably, the bottom threaded portion is longer than the
top portion. By providing the threaded portion along substantially
the entire length of the casing may improve the transfer of heat
from the aerosol generation device to the aerosol forming material,
improving the efficiency of the device.
[0021] Preferably, the casing of the consumable cartridge comprises
metal. Advantageously, metal casing provides reliable protection
for the contents of the cartridge. Metal casing is also capable of
withstanding the temperatures at which the device operates and for
conducting heat towards the aerosol forming material.
Alternatively, the consumable cartridge may be comprised of another
type of material, such as ceramic or high temperature plastic.
[0022] In one arrangement the casing comprises an electrically
resistive portion, which can be energised to generate heat. In this
way the heating is directly generated by the consumable cartridge
and there is an efficient uniform transfer of heat to the aerosol
forming material.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention there is
provided an aerosol generation system, comprising: the consumable
cartridge of any preceding embodiment; an aerosol generation
device, comprising: a region for engaging with the threaded casing
of the consumable cartridge.
[0024] Advantageously, having the threaded casing provides a secure
attachment when the cartridge is inserted within the aerosol
generation device. This further provides an easy way to remove the
cartridge once the aerosol forming material has been consumed.
[0025] Preferably, the region for engaging with the threaded casing
comprises a complementary thread. Preferably, the aerosol
generation device further comprises a heater, wherein the region
for engaging with the threaded casing is in thermal contact with a
heater, the heater configured to heat the aerosol forming material
via the threaded casing.
[0026] In some instances, the region for engaging with the threaded
casing and the heater may be unitary. Alternatively, they may be
separate components.
[0027] Preferably, the aerosol generation device further comprises
an electrical power source electrically connectable to the
consumable cartridge, such that the consumable cartridge can
generate heat through resistive heating. Advantageously, as the
heating is directly generated by the consumable cartridge there is
an efficient uniform transfer of heat to the aerosol forming
material. In some embodiments heating may be provided by both a
heater in the aerosol generation device and through resistive
heating of the cartridge.
[0028] According to a further aspect there is provided a method of
generating vapour comprising: threadably connecting a consumable
cartridge to an aerosol generation device; and applying heat
through said threads to generate an aerosol from an aerosol
generating material arranged in the consumable.
[0029] The method may be performed using the consumable cartridge
and the aerosol generation device of the previous aspects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of
example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cartridge in an embodiment of
the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a side on perspective view of the cartridge
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a top down perspective view of a portion of an
aerosol generation device configured to receive the cartridge
depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side on perspective view of a cartridge
according to a further embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an electronic cigarette
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIGS. 6a to 6d are schematic views of a connection system
between a mouthpiece portion and a cartridge according to an
embodiment, and wherein 6a is a detail of the connection portion of
the mouthpiece portion, 6b and 6c represent a schematic top view
and a schematic perspective view showing the cooperating connection
portion of the cartridge, and FIG. 6d is a detailed schematic
perspective view of the connection portion of the mouthpiece
portion;
[0037] FIG. 7a is a schematic perspective view of connection
portion of a cartridge according to another embodiment of the
invention; and
[0038] FIG. 7b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the
connection system between the cartridge of FIG. 7a and a
cooperating mouthpiece portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cartridge 10 in a first embodiment of
the invention. The cartridge 10 has a generally cylindrical shape.
The cartridge 10 has an outer metal casing 13 which accommodates
the aerosol generating material, which may be tobacco (11)
illustrated using dotted lines as it is located within the
cartridge The tobacco material may occupy a portion of the
cartridge 10 or may fill the entire of the inside of the cartridge.
The aerosol generating material may also comprise tobacco and an
aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol or glycerine.
The tobacco material may also comprise additional components such
as flavourings, benzoic acid, tobacco derivatives such as nicotine.
A number of other products and ingredients may be provided within
the outer casing 13, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in
the art.
[0040] The cartridge 10 includes vent holes 12 in an upper surface
14. The cartridge includes a bottom portion 16 which includes a
bottom surface 18. The outer metal casing 13 on the bottom portion
16 of the cartridge comprises external threads 20. The upper
surface of the cartridge may comprise a rim 13. The threaded region
20 can be seen as protruding sections 20a, 20b, 20c that form the
thread 20 that extend around the outer casing 13 of the cartridge
10.
[0041] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 the threading 20 extends
along the length of the bottom portion 16. However, in other
embodiments the threading may only extend along only a portion of
the bottom portion 16. The threading 20 extends in the radial
direction of the cartridge 10. This enables the threading 20 to
penetrate into the tobacco material such that heat is transferred
to and dispersed within the tobacco material.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a receiving portion 30 of an aerosol generation
device for receiving the cartridge 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The
receiving portion 30 has a top region 32 with an opening 34. The
receiving portion 30 has a cylindrical inner region extending from
opening 34 that is matched to receive the cartridge 10. Any shape
of inner region could be envisaged so long as that it is matched
to, and can accommodate, the shape of the cartridge 10.
[0043] The inner region of the receiving portion 30 is internally
threaded 36. The thread 36 can be seen as protruding sections 36a,
36b that form the thread 36 that extends around the inner surface
of the inner region of the receiving portion 30. The thread 36 of
the receiving portion 30 is complimentary to the thread 20 on the
cartridge 10.
[0044] A heater 38 is attached to the bottom region 40 of the
receiving portion 30. In other embodiments, the heater may be
attached between the bottom region 40 and the top region 42 of the
receiving portion 30, as the skilled person would understand.
[0045] In use, the cartridge 10 is inserted into the receiving
portion 30 of the aerosol generation device. The cartridge 10 is
screwed into the receiving portion 30 through the opening 34, such
that the thread 20 on the cartridge 10 engages with the thread 36
on the receiving portion 30. The threads 20, 36 provide a secure
attachment between the cartridge 10 and the receiving portion 30,
such that the cartridge 10 is securely attached in the aerosol
generation device.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an electronic cigarette 50 according to
an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic cigarette 50
comprises a mouthpiece portion 52 and a main body portion 54. The
main body portion 52 comprises a cartridge seating 56, a power
supply unit 58 and a control circuitry 60. The cartridge seating 56
is configured to receive cartridges 10 as described in relation to
FIGS. 1 to 4. The mouthpiece portion comprises a mouthpiece 53 and
a vapour flow channel 55. The mouthpiece portion 52 may further
comprise a piercing element 80. The piercing element 80 is
configured to open the cartridge 10 by piercing a vent hole 12 in
the top portion 14 of the cartridge 10, such that the vapour can
exit the cartridge 10 through the vent hole 12 in the top portion
14.
[0047] As seen in FIGS. 6a to 6d, 7a and 7b, the electronic
cigarette 50 may comprise connection system 62 configured to
facilitate the insertion and removal of the cartridge 10 into and
from the cartridge seating 56.
[0048] As seen in FIGS. 6a to 6d, the connection system 62
comprises a first connector 64 located on the cartridge 10 and a
second connector 66 located on the mouthpiece portion. The first 64
and the second connector 66 may be configured as cooperating male
and female connectors.
[0049] The connection system 62 is thus configured to lock the
cartridge 10 to the mouthpiece portion 52 such that the cartridge
10 and mouthpiece portion 52 are locked from relative rotation in
at least one rotational direction. This connection system 62 can be
a bayonet coupling as illustrated in FIG. 6a.
[0050] The rim 13 of the cartridge 10 can be provided with a radial
protrusion 64. The mouthpiece portion 52 can be provided with the
second connector 66 comprising a cooperating cut-out 67 and a guide
slot 68, having an entry 70 and an end 72. The cartridge 10 can be
connected to the mouthpiece portion 52 when the radial protrusion
64 is aligned with the cut-out 67, and locked from rotation when
the radial protrusion 64 is in abutment with the end 72 of the
guide slot 68.
[0051] The connection system 62 is configured to lock the cartridge
10 to the mouthpiece portion 52. When rotating the cartridge 10 in
relation to the mouthpiece portion 52 in a first direction, the
mouthpiece portion 52 and the cartridge 10 are locked together.
When rotating the cartridge 10 in relation to the mouthpiece
portion 52 in a second direction, the mouthpiece portion 52 and the
cartridge 10 are unlocked (or disconnected) from each other.
[0052] In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b, a
magnetic connection system 62 between the cartridge 10 and the
mouthpiece portion is provided. The magnetic connection system 62
facilitates the insertion and removal of the cartridge 10. The
cartridge 10 can be dislodged from the cartridge seating 56 without
having to touch the cartridge 10. This is particularly advantageous
if the cartridge 10 is still warm after use. The cartridge 10
comprises a connection portion 63 of a ferromagnetic material. The
connection portion 63 can be a located on the upper portion (lid)
14 of the cartridge 10 and may be provided around the rim 13. In
other embodiments, the cartridge casing is made of a ferromagnetic
material and may therefore act as the cartridge connector. The
mouthpiece portion comprises a second connector 65 in the form of a
magnet 65.
[0053] In other embodiments, the receiving portion 30 may not have
a threaded region 36. For instance, the inner region may be made of
plastic or rubber material. The cartridge 10 can then be screwed
into the receiving portion 30 with the thread 20 of the cartridge
10 engaging with the soft inner region of the receiving portion 30.
In other embodiments rather than the thread, the receiving portion
may comprise a lip. The thread 20 of the consumable cartridge 10 is
screwed past the lip, such that the entire length of the threaded
portion 20 is not engaged with the lip when the cartridge is fully
inserted into the receiving portion 30.
[0054] In use, when the cartridge 10 is received within the
receiving portion 30 of the aerosol generation device, heat is
applied from the aerosol generation device to the cartridge 10.
This causes the tobacco within the cartridge 30 to be heated.
Vapours that are produced by the tobacco can exit the cartridge 10
through the vent holes 12. It should be understood that although it
is shown that the vent holes 12 are on the upper surface 14, the
vent holes 12 may be present in any section of the outer casing 13
of the cartridge 10.
[0055] Heat is transferred from the aerosol generation device
through the receiving portion 30 being in contact with the threaded
20 outer casing 13 of the cartridge 10. For the embodiments shown
in FIGS. 1 to 3, heat is transferred via the complimentary threaded
regions 20, 36 of the cartridge 10 and the receiving portion 30
which are in contact with one another. This provides an increase
surface area of contact between the cartridge 10 and the receiving
portion 30.
[0056] In embodiments where there is no threaded region 36 in the
receiving portion 30, heat is transferred through the contact of
the threaded portion 20 of the cartridge 10 being engaged with the
inner surface of the receiving portion 30.
[0057] Heat is provided from a heater 38 in the aerosol generation
device, which is in thermal contact with the receiving portion 30.
The heater 38 causes the receiving portion 30 to heat enabling the
transfer of the heat through the receiving portion 30 to the
cartridge 10 through the threaded casing 13.
[0058] A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 4 which shows an
embodiment where the cartridge itself is a heater. In this
embodiment the receiving portion 30 may, or may not, have a heater
38.
[0059] As can be seen a wire 40 is helically wound around the
cartridge 10 following the direction of the thread 20. In FIG. 4
the wire 40 is located within a recess of the thread 20, such that
the wire 40 does not interfere with the threading action of the
thread 20. In other embodiments the wire 40 may be located inside
the casing 13 of the cartridge 10. A first end of the wire 42 is
attached to a positive polarity and the second end of the wire 44
is attached to the opposite negative polarity.
[0060] An electric current is applied to the wire 40 via an
electrical power source. This causes the wire 40 to heat through
resistive heating, transferring heat to the cartridge 10 causing
the aerosol generation material contained therein to be heated.
[0061] Alternatively, the wire 40 may be two wires, which are
insulated from one another along the length of the cartridge 10 to
prevent a short circuit. The wires being electrically connected to
one another near one end of the cartridge 10. This means the
electrical power only needs to be supplied at one end of the
cartridge 10.
* * * * *