Patent Application
20250212969
The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning system, and more particularly to a cleaning system for an aerosol generating device for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.
The popularity and use of reduced-risk or modified-risk devices (also known as vaporisers) has grown rapidly in recent years as an alternative to the use of traditional tobacco products. Various devices and systems are available that heat or warm, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.
A commonly available reduced-risk or modified-risk device is an aerosol generating device, or so-called heat-not-burn device. Devices of this type generate an aerosol or vapour by heating an aerosol generating substrate, for instance comprised in an aerosol generating article such as a heated tobacco stick, to a temperature typically in the range 150° C. to 300° C., in a heating compartment. Heating the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature within this range, without burning or combusting the aerosol generating substrate, generates a vapour which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the device.
The heating compartment should be regularly cleaned, for instance to remove accumulated debris, to maintain an optimum sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device. Typically, a user carries out a manual cleaning operation to clean the heating compartment using a cleaning tool, such as a brush. This may be an unpleasant experience for the user and therefore undesirable. Furthermore, the heating compartment may not be manually cleaned by a user consistently to a required standard to maintain an optimum sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device.
There is, therefore, a need to provide a cleaning system which mitigates these drawbacks.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning system for an aerosol generating device, the cleaning system comprising:
The cleaning system enables cleaning of the heating compartment, for instance to remove accumulated debris, without an undesirable manual cleaning operation by a user. The cleaning operation is therefore simplified. Furthermore, the cleaning system cleans the heating compartment consistently to a required standard to maintain an optimum sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device. The cleaning operation is therefore improved.
The actuation mechanism may be configured to mechanically clean the heating compartment according to a predefined cleaning cycle. The cleaning operation is therefore controlled and executed by the actuation mechanism and not by a user thus providing a more consistent an improved cleaning operation.
In some examples, the actuation mechanism may be configured to automatically activate. A user command to start the cleaning operation is not therefore required. In other examples, the actuation mechanism may be configured to activate based on a user command.
Possibly, in use, activation of the actuation mechanism causes back and forth linear movements of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment and/or rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment.
Possibly, the actuation mechanism comprises a coil arranged around the heating compartment, wherein, in use, the actuation mechanism is activated by energising the coil to create a magnetic field which causes linear movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment. In such examples, the cleaning tool may comprise a permanent magnet. The coil may be provided by an induction coil of an induction heating assembly of the aerosol generating device. This construction simplifies the arrangement.
Alternatively, possibly the actuation mechanism comprises an electric motor wherein, in use, the actuation mechanism is activated by powering the electric motor which causes rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment. Possibly, the electric motor carries a first permanent magnet and the cleaning tool comprises a second permanent magnet, wherein the first and second permanent magnets are spaced apart and arranged to magnetically attract one another when the cleaning tool is received in the heating compartment, wherein, in use, activating the actuation mechanism by powering the electric motor rotates the first permanent magnet which causes rotational movement of the cleaning tool in the heating compartment based on the magnetic attraction between the first and second permanent magnets. In such examples, the first permanent magnet may be arranged outside the heating compartment.
The cleaning tool may comprise a central shaft, wherein bristles extend from the central shaft.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device useable with the cleaning system of any of the above paragraphs, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning tool useable with the cleaning system of any of the above paragraphs.
The cleaning tool may comprise a permanent magnet.
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring initially to
The aerosol generating device 12 may equally be referred to as a “heated tobacco device”, a “heat-not-burn tobacco device”, a “device for vaporising tobacco products”, and the like, with this being interpreted as a device suitable for achieving these effects. The features disclosed herein are equally applicable to devices which are designed to vaporise any aerosol generating substrate.
The aerosol generating device 12 is a hand-held, portable, device, by which it is meant that a user is able to hold and support the device unaided, in a single hand. The aerosol generating device 12 has a first (or proximal) end 36 and a second (or distal) end 38 and comprises a device housing 40.
In some examples, the aerosol generating device 12 includes a controller (not shown). The aerosol generating device 12 may include a user interface for controlling the operation of the aerosol generating device 12 via the controller.
The controller is configured to detect the initiation of use of the aerosol generating device 12 in response to a user input, such as a button press to activate the aerosol generating device 12, or in response to a detected airflow through the aerosol generating device 12. As will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, an airflow through the aerosol generating device 12 is indicative of a user inhalation or ‘puff”. The aerosol generating device 12 may, for example, include a puff detector, such as an airflow sensor (not shown), to detect an airflow through the aerosol generating device 12.
The controller includes electronic circuitry. The aerosol generating device 12 includes a power source 44, such as a battery. The power source 44 and the electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at a high frequency in the case of an inductively heated vapour generating device 12. The power source 44 and the electronic circuitry may be configured to operate at a frequency of between approximately 80 kHz and 500 kHz, possibly between approximately 150 kHz and 250 kHz, and possibly at approximately 200 kHz. The power source 44 and the electronic circuitry could be configured to operate at a higher frequency, for example in the MHz range, if required.
The aerosol generating device 12 comprises a heating assembly 46. In the illustrated example, the heating assembly 46 is an induction heating assembly 48.
The heating assembly 46 further comprises a heating compartment 16. The heating compartment 16 is arranged to receive an aerosol generating article. In some examples, the heating compartment 16 has a substantially cylindrical cross-section. The heating compartment 16 defines a cavity.
The heating compartment 16 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. The heating compartment 16 includes an opening 54 at the first end 50 for receiving an aerosol generating article. In the illustrated example, the heating compartment 16 includes a substantially cylindrical side wall 56, i.e., a side wall 56 which has a substantially circular cross-section.
The aerosol generating article comprises an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Example types of aerosol generating solids include powder, granules, pellets, shreds, strands, particles, gel, strips, loose leaves, cut leaves, cut filler, porous material, foam material or sheets. The aerosol generating substrate may comprise plant derived material and in particular, may comprise tobacco. It may advantageously comprise reconstituted tobacco.
The aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former. Examples of aerosol-formers include polyhydric alcohols and mixtures thereof such as glycerine or propylene glycol. Typically, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former content of between approximately 5% and approximately 50% on a dry weight basis. In some example, the aerosol generating substrate may comprise an aerosol-former content of between approximately 10% and approximately 20% on a dry weight basis, and possibly approximately 15% on a dry weight basis.
Upon heating, the aerosol generating substrate may release volatile compounds. The volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavour compounds such as tobacco flavouring.
The shape of the aerosol generating article corresponds to the shape of the heating compartment 16. The aerosol generating article may be generally cylindrical or rod-shaped. The aerosol generating article may be formed substantially in the shape of a stick, and may broadly resemble a cigarette, having a tubular region with an aerosol generating substrate arranged in a suitable manner. The aerosol generating article may be a disposable and replaceable article which may, for example, contain tobacco as the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may be a heated tobacco stick.
The aerosol generating article has a first end (or mouth end), a second end, and comprises a filter at the first end. The filter acts as a mouthpiece and may comprise an air-permeable plug, for example comprising cellulose acetate fibres.
The aerosol generating substrate and filter may be circumscribed by a paper wrapper and may, thus, be embodied as an aerosol generating article. One or more vapour collection regions, cooling regions, and other structure may also be included in some designs.
To use the aerosol generating device 12, a user inserts an aerosol generating article through the opening 54 into the heating compartment 16, so that the second end of the aerosol generating article is positioned at the second end 52 of the heating compartment 16 and so that the filter at the first end of the aerosol generating article projects from the first end 50 of the heating compartment 16 to permit engagement by a user's lips.
The induction heating assembly 48 of the illustrated example further comprises an induction coil 64. The induction coil 64 is arranged to be energised to generate an alternating electromagnetic field for inductively heating one or more induction heatable susceptors (not shown).
The induction heatable susceptor(s) may be arranged around the periphery of the heating compartment 16. Alternatively, the induction heatable susceptor(s) may be arranged to project into the heating compartment 16 from the second end 52 (e.g., as a heating blade or pin) to penetrate the aerosol generating substrate. In other examples, the induction heatable susceptor(s) may be instead provided in the aerosol generating substrate during manufacture of the aerosol generating article. In such examples, the aerosol generating article comprises the induction heatable susceptor(s).
In use, i.e., during a vaping session, heat from the induction heatable susceptor is transferred to the aerosol generating substrate of an aerosol generating article positioned in the heating compartment 16, for example by conduction, radiation and convection, to heat the aerosol generating substrate (without burning the aerosol generating substrate) and thereby generate a vapour which cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user of the aerosol generating device 12, for instance, through the filter 62. The vaporisation of the aerosol generating substrate is facilitated by the addition of air from the surrounding environment, e.g., through an air inlet (not shown). Typically, the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article 16 is heated to a temperature above 150° C. and in the range of 150° C. to 300° C. to generate a vapour.
In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.
The induction coil 64 can be energised by the power source 44 and controller. The induction coil 64 may comprise a Litz wire or a Litz cable. It will, however, be understood that other materials could be used.
In the illustrated example, the induction coil 64 extends around the heating compartment 16. Accordingly, the induction coil 64 is annular. In the illustrated example, the induction coil 64 is substantially helical in shape. In some examples, the circular cross-section of a helical induction coil 64 may facilitate the insertion of an aerosol generating article and optionally one or more induction heatable susceptors, into the heating compartment 16 and ensure uniform heating of the aerosol generating substrate.
The induction heatable susceptor comprises an electrically conductive material. The induction heatable susceptor may comprise one or more, but not limited to, of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, aluminium, iron, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, mild steel, stainless steel, low carbon steel and alloys thereof, e.g., nickel chromium or nickel copper, and composites of metallic materials. In some examples, the induction heatable susceptor comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of mild steel, stainless steel and low carbon stainless steel.
In use, with the application of an electromagnetic field in its vicinity, the induction heatable susceptor(s) generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in a conversion of energy from electromagnetic to heat.
The induction coil 64 may be arranged to operate in use with a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between approximately 20 mT and approximately 2.0 T at the point of highest concentration.
The cleaning system 10 comprises a cleaning tool 14 receivable in the heating compartment 16 of the aerosol generating device 12. In the illustrated example, the cleaning tool 14 comprises a central shaft 30 with bristles 32 extending from the central shaft 30. At least some of the bristles 32 extend radially from the central shaft 30. In such examples, the cleaning tool 14 is a brush.
The cleaning system 10 further comprises an actuation mechanism 18. The actuation mechanism 18 is configured to activate to cause movement of a cleaning tool 14 received in the heating compartment 16 for mechanically cleaning the heating compartment 16. In use, activation of the actuation mechanism 18 may cause back and forth linear movements of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16 and/or rotational movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. Accordingly, in use, the cleaning tool 14 moves in and around the heating compartment 16 to execute a cleaning operation.
The cleaning system 10 further comprises a closure member 20 for closing the heating compartment 16. The closure member 20 is configured to be moveable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 16. In the illustrated example, the closure member 20 is slidably moveable by a user to open and close the heating compartment 16. The closure member 20 provides a lid for the heating compartment 16.
In a first condition illustrated in
In examples of the disclosure, the actuation mechanism 18 is configured to activate based on a cleaning tool 14 being received in the heating compartment 16 and the heating compartment 16 being closed by the closure member 20. The actuation mechanism 18 may be configured to activate only when the heating compartment 16 is closed by the closure member 20.
The cleaning system 10 enables cleaning of the heating compartment 16, for instance to remove accumulated debris, without an undesirable manual cleaning operation by a user. The cleaning operation is therefore simplified. Furthermore, the cleaning system 10 cleans the heating compartment 16 consistently to a required standard to maintain an optimum sensory experience during use of the aerosol generating device 12. The cleaning operation is therefore improved.
In some examples, the controller of the aerosol generating device 12 is configured to control activation of the actuation mechanism 18. The controller is configurated to control activation of the actuation mechanism 18 based on detecting that a cleaning tool 14 is received in the heating compartment 16 and that the heating compartment 16 is closed by the closure member 20.
In some examples, the actuation mechanism 18 is configured to mechanically clean the heating compartment 16 according to a predefined cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle may be programmable. The cleaning cycle may run for a specified amount of time and/or according to a set of defined movements of the cleaning tool 14. The cleaning operation is therefore controlled and executed by the actuation mechanism 18 and not by a user thus providing a more consistent and improved cleaning operation. The actuation mechanism 18 may be configured to automatically activate or alternatively may be configured to activate based on a user command.
In the first example of the cleaning system 10, the actuation mechanism 18 comprises a coil 22 arranged around the heating compartment 16. In use, the actuation mechanism 18 is activated by energising the coil 22 to create a magnetic field which causes linear movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. In the illustrated example, the coil 22 is provided by the induction coil 64 of the induction heating assembly 48 of the aerosol generating device 12. In such examples, the cleaning tool 14 may comprise a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be comprised in the central shaft 30 of the cleaning tool 14 or may define the central shaft 30 of the cleaning tool 14. The cleaning tool 14 may therefore comprise a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material.
In some examples, in use, the cleaning tool 14 is caused to move in one direction by the magnetic field against the force of a spring (not shown) and returned to the start position by spring action when the coil 22 is de-energised. Repeatedly energising and de-energising the coil 22 therefore causes back and forth linear movements.
Alternatively, in use, the cleaning tool 14 may be caused to move in one direction by the magnetic field and returned to the start position by gravity when the coil 22 is de-energised. Repeatedly energising and de-energising the coil 22 therefore causes back and forth linear movements.
In other examples, in use, the cleaning tool 14 is caused to move in one direction by the magnetic field and returned to the start position by reversing the magnetic field. Repeatedly inverting the electric current energising the coil 22 therefore causes back and forth linear movements.
Alternatively, in use, the cleaning tool 14 may be driven by the magnetic field to bounce against the top and bottom of the heating compartment 16 thus causing back and forth linear movements. In such examples, the cleaning tool 14 may comprise elastic elements (not shown), for example, half sphere shaped on top and bottom).
Referring now to
In the second example of the cleaning system 100, the actuation mechanism 18 comprises an electric motor 24. In use, the actuation mechanism 18 is activated by powering the electric motor 24 which causes rotational movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16. The electric motor 24 may be an electric rotary motor.
In the illustrated example, the electric motor 24 carries a first permanent magnet 26 and the cleaning tool 14 comprises a second permanent magnet 28. The cleaning tool 14 may therefore comprise a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. An end portion 68 of the cleaning tool 14 comprises the second permanent magnet 28. The first and second permanent magnets 26, 28 are spaced apart and arranged to magnetically attract one another when the cleaning tool 14 is received in the heating compartment 16. Opposite poles of the first and second permanent magnets 26, 28 are aligned. In the illustrated example, the north pole of the first permanent magnet 26 is aligned with the south pole of the second permanent magnet 28 and the south pole of the first permanent magnet 26 is aligned with the north pole of the second permanent magnet 28.
In use, activating the actuation mechanism 18 by powering the electric motor 24 rotates the first permanent magnet 26 which causes rotational movement of the cleaning tool 14 in the heating compartment 16 based on the magnetic attraction between the first and second permanent magnets 26, 28. Accordingly, in use, the second permanent magnet 28 follows the motion of the first permanent magnet 26 thus rotating, i.e., spinning, the cleaning tool 14. The first permanent magnet 26 is arranged outside the heating compartment 16.
The heating assembly 46 may be an induction heating assembly 48 as described above in relation to
Examples of the disclosure also provide an aerosol generating device 12 and a cleaning tool 14 useable with the cleaning system 10, 100.
The Figures also illustrate a method of providing a cleaning system 10, 100 according to examples of the disclosure. The Figures also illustrate a method of manufacturing an aerosol generating device 12 according to examples of the disclosure.
Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22165498.1 | Mar 2022 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/057446 | 3/23/2023 | WO |
