U.S. patent application number 16/648931 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-10 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 | 20200281266 16/648931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004888227 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200281266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rogan; Andrew Robert John ;
et al. |
September 10, 2020 |
Consumable Cartridge For An Aerosol Generation Device
Abstract
A consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation device includes
an aerosol forming material such as tobacco that can release vapour
upon receiving heat from a heater. The cartridge includes a slot
for receiving the heater. The slot can partition the aerosol
forming material into a first portion and a second portion, wherein
an airflow path extends in a first direction in the first portion
and a second direction in the second portion, wherein the first
direction is opposite to the second direction.
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: |
1000004888227 |
Appl. No.: |
16/648931 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 24, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/075755 |
371 Date: |
March 19, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/42 20200101;
A24F 40/48 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/42 20060101
A24F040/42; A24F 40/48 20060101 A24F040/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2017 |
EP |
17192995.3 |
Claims
1. A consumable cartridge for an aerosol generation device, the
consumable cartridge comprising: an aerosol forming material
adapted to form an aerosol upon receiving heat from the aerosol
generation device; and a partitioning element configured to
partition the aerosol forming material into a first portion and a
second portion, wherein an airflow path extends in a first
direction in the first portion and in a second direction in the
second portion, wherein the first direction is opposite to the
second direction.
2. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the partitioning
element is further configured to partition the aerosol forming
material into a third portion, and wherein the airflow path extends
in the third portion in the first direction.
3. The consumable cartridge of claim 2, wherein the partitioning
element is further configured to partition the aerosol forming
material into a fourth portion, and wherein the airflow path
extends in the fourth portion in the second direction.
4. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the airflow path is
sinuous between the first and second portions.
5. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, further comprising an outer
casing, and wherein the partitioning element is attached to the
outer casing.
6. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the partitioning
element comprises a heating element.
7. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the aerosol forming
material is arranged to form a guide within which the partitioning
element can be positioned.
8. The consumable cartridge of claim 1, wherein the first and
second portions have respective first and second lengths, that are
parallel to the respective first and second directions, and wherein
a length of the partitioning element is less than the first and
second lengths.
9. An aerosol generation device, comprising: a heater; a consumable
cartridge comprising an aerosol forming material adapted to form an
aerosol upon receiving heat from the heater; and a partitioning
element configured to partition the aerosol forming material into a
first portion and a second portion, wherein an airflow path extends
in a first direction in the first portion and in a second direction
in the second portion, wherein the first direction is opposite to
the second direction.
10. A method of generating aerosol comprising: supplying air flow
to a consumable, the consumable including aerosol forming material
partitioned to at least first and second portions, wherein said
flow extends through the first portion in a first direction and the
second portion in an opposed second direction.
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/EP2018/075755, filed Sep. 24, 2018, published in English, which
claims priority to European Application No. 17192995.3 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 is desirable to improve the efficiency of the cartridges
in order to extend their life and to ensure that tobacco is fully
depleted when the cartridge is replaced.
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: an aerosol forming material
adapted to form an aerosol upon receiving heat from the aerosol
generation device; and a partitioning element configured to
partition the aerosol forming material into a first portion and a
second portion, wherein an airflow path extends in a first
direction in the first portion and a second direction in the second
portion, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second
direction.
[0007] In this way, an airflow can be directed along the airflow
path by the partitioning element through the first portion and the
second portion of the aerosol forming material. By directing an
airflow in the first direction and in an opposite (second)
direction the aerosol forming material can be exposed to the
airflow better. The interaction between the aerosol forming
material and the airflow can therefore be improved which can
improve the efficiency of the cartridge.
[0008] The airflow path may enter the cartridge at one end and may
exit the cartridge at the same end, or at an opposite end.
[0009] Preferably the partitioning element is configured to
partition the aerosol forming material into first, second and third
portions, wherein the airflow extends in the third portion in the
first direction. In a further preferable arrangement the
partitioning element is configured to partition the aerosol forming
material into a fourth portion, wherein the airflow extends in the
fourth portion in the second direction.
[0010] The partitioning element may be substantially cross-shaped
so that the aerosol forming material is divided into substantially
equally sized portions. The partitioning element may include
components that are angled at substantially 90 degrees with respect
to one another.
[0011] Preferably the airflow is sinuous between the first and
second portions. Thus, the airflow may extend in a substantially
linear direction in the respective portions, and may be curved
between the portions. In particular, the airflow may be curved
around the ends of the partitioning element. When a cross-shaped
partitioning element is used, the airflow may extend
circumferentially around a central axis of the cross with a sinuous
profile.
[0012] Preferably the cartridge comprises an outer casing, and the
partitioning element is attached to the outer casing. In this way,
the partitioning element can be integral with the outer casing. The
partitioning element can therefore be part of the consumable
cartridge even when it is not installed in the aerosol generation
device.
[0013] The partitioning element may comprise a heating element. The
heating element is preferably part of the aerosol generation
device. In some arrangements, there may be a plurality of
partitioning elements. One partitioning element may be attached to
the outer shell and integral with the consumable cartridge, and
another partitioning element may be part of the aerosol generation
device and present when the consumable cartridge is installed in
the aerosol generation device.
[0014] The aerosol forming material may be arranged to form a guide
within which the partitioning element can be positioned. Thus, the
partitioning element may be inserted into the guide or slot in the
aerosol forming material. For example, a heating device in the
aerosol generating device may be received in the guide in order to
function as the partitioning element.
[0015] The first and second portions have first and second lengths
that are parallel to the first and second directions, and the
length of the partitioning element may be less than the first and
second lengths of the portions of aerosol forming material. This
can facilitate the sinuous airflow profile because the airflow can
loop around the ends of the partitioning element.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention there is
provided an aerosol generation device, comprising: a heater; a
consumable cartridge comprising an aerosol forming material adapted
to form an aerosol upon receiving heat from the heater; and a
partitioning element configured to partition the aerosol forming
material into a first portion and a second portion, wherein an
airflow path extends in a first direction in the first portion and
in a second direction in the second portion, wherein the first
direction is opposite to the second direction.
[0017] Preferably the aiflow path extends within the aerosol
generation device. In particular, the aerosol generation device may
be used to generate the airflow and supply the airflow to the
aerosol forming material. In this way, the airflow can be generated
within the aerosol generation device, supplied to the consumable
cartridge, and exhausted from the consumable cartridge.
[0018] There may be a plurality of partitioning elements. In some
arrangements the heater may function as the partitioning element.
In other arrangements the partitioning element may be integral with
the consumable cartridge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of
example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cartridge in an embodiment of
the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cartridge depicted in FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of a cartridge and a complementary
heater in another embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cartridge depicted in FIG.
3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a side view of a heater for use with the
cartridges shown in any of FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a front view of a cartridge in another embodiment
of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the cartridge depicted in FIG. 6;
and
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a heater for use with the
cartridge depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cartridge 10 in a first embodiment of
the invention. The cartridge 10 has a generally cylindrical shape
with a circular cross-section and a domed top. The cartridge 10 has
an outer metal casing which accommodates aerosol forming
material.
[0029] 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.
[0030] The cartridge 10 includes vent holes 12 in an upper surface
20 and entry/exit holes 14, 16 in a bottom surface 18. A
rectangular slot 22 is provided in the bottom surface 18. The slot
22 extends in the interior of the cartridge 10 such that it
provides a first partition wall 24, dividing the tobacco into a
first portion 26 and a second portion 28.
[0031] In use, an airflow is directed into the entry hole 14. The
airflow extends through the first portion 26 of the tobacco, loops
over top of the first partition wall 24, and extends in an opposite
direction though the second portion 28 of the tobacco. Air can then
exit the cartridge 10 through the exit hole 16. Vapours that are
produced by the tobacco can exit the cartridge 10 through the exit
hole 16 and/or the vent holes 12. The airflow therefore traverses
the first portion 26 before entering the second portion 28, which
is located on an opposite side of the first partition wall 24. The
airflow traverses the second portion 28 of the tobacco before
exiting the cartridge 10 through the exit hole 16.
[0032] The cartridge 10 is compatible for use with a conventional
heater, having a planar surface that abuts the bottom surface 18 of
the cartridge. Additionally, the cartridge 10 can be used with the
heater 30 shown in FIG. 5. The heater 30 is shaped like an inverted
T, having a projection 32 that matches the shape of the slot 22.
This can advantageously increase the surface area of the cartridge
10 that is in contact with the heater 30. This can improve the
efficiency of heating. In addition, heating can be provided more
effectively to tobacco within the interior of the cartridge.
[0033] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cartridge 110 in a second embodiment of
the invention. The cartridge 110 is similar to the cartridge 10 in
the first embodiment, except that second and third partition walls
134, 136 are provided. The second and third partition walls 134,
136 extend in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the
first partition wall 124. The second and third partition walls 134,
136 extend from a position that is slightly above the bottom
surface 118 of the cartridge 110 to a height that is slightly less
than the height of the first partition wall 124. Thus, a slight gap
is provided between the bottom surface 118 of the cartridge 110 and
the bottom of the second and third partition walls 134, 136.
[0034] The cartridge 110 in the second embodiment is compatible for
use with the heater 30 shown in FIG. 5, which can extend into the
slot 122.
[0035] In use, an airflow is directed into the entry hole 114. The
airflow extends upwards in the cartridge 110 through a first
portion 126 of the tobacco, loops over the top of the first
partition wall 124, and extends in an opposite direction though a
second portion 128 of the tobacco. The airflow then loops under the
third partition wall 136, between the bottom of the third partition
wall 136 and the bottom surface 118, and extends upwards in a third
portion 130 of the tobacco. The airflow then loops once more over
the top of the first partition wall 124 to extend downwards in a
fourth portion 132 of the tobacco before it can exit the cartridge
110 through the exit hole 116. Vapours and/or aerosols that are
produced by the tobacco can exit the cartridge 110 through the exit
hole 116 and/or the vent holes 112. In this way, the airflow
traverses the first portion 126 before entering the second portion
128, and traverses the second portion 128 before entering the third
portion 130. The airflow traverses the third portion 130 before
entering the fourth portion 132, and traverses the fourth portion
132 before exiting the cartridge 110 through the exit hole 116.
[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a cartridge 210 in a third embodiment of
the invention. In this arrangement a cross-shaped slot 222 is
provided in the bottom surface 218. The cross-shaped slot 222
extends upwards within the cartridge 210 to divide the tobacco into
first, second, third and fourth portions 226, 228, 230, 232. The
cross-shaped slot 222 includes a first partition wall 224 that
extends across the full diameter of the bottom surface 218. Second
and third partition walls 234, 236 extend in a direction that is
perpendicular to the first partition wall 224. The second and third
partition walls 234, 236 extend radially away from the first
partition wall 224, but do not extend as far as the circumferential
edge of the bottom surface 218.
[0037] Thus, a gap is provided between the edges of the second and
third partition walls 234, 236 and an inner surface of the casing.
The second and third partition walls 234, 236 extend from the
bottom surface 218 of the cartridge 210 to a height that is
slightly less than the height of the first partition wall 224.
[0038] The cartridge 210 in the third embodiment is compatible for
use with the heater 330 shown in FIG. 8. The heater 330 is
cross-shaped and includes walls that match the shape of the
cross-shaped slot 222. The heater 330 can therefore be fitted into
the cross-shaped slot 222 in order to provide even heating of the
tobacco in the cartridge 210.
[0039] In use, an airflow is directed into the entry hole 214. The
airflow extends upwards in the cartridge 210 through a first 226 of
the tobacco, loops over the top of the first partition wall 224,
and extends in an opposite direction though a second portion 228 of
the tobacco. The airflow then loops circumferentially around the
third partition wall 236. The airflow then loops once more over the
top of the first partition wall 224 to extend downwards in a fourth
portion 232 of the tobacco before it can exit the cartridge 210
through the exit hole 216. Vapours that are produced by the tobacco
can exit the cartridge 210 through the exit hole 216 and/or the
vent holes 212.
[0040] In the embodiments described above the cartridges 10, 110,
210 include internal walls, connected to the outer casing, that
define the slots 22, 122, 222. In another embodiment the slots 22,
122, 222 may be defined simply by a gap in the packed tobacco.
Thus, partition walls may be defined by the heater 30, 330 when it
is received in the relevant slot 22, 122, 222.
* * * * *