DE202023001810U1 - Ph value for a water-based electronic cigarette with an ultrasonic nebulizer - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol generating device (1) for generating an aerosol (2), the aerosol generating device (1) comprising:
- a container (10) with an accommodation space (10s) for receiving a liquid (3) to be sprayed;
- an ultrasonic generator (40) configured to generate the aerosol (2);
- a mouthpiece (50) with an outlet opening (50h) for discharging the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40) therethrough; and
- a wick (20) for transporting the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the wick (20) has an inlet end (21) arranged inside the receiving space (10s) for receiving the liquid (3) and an outlet end (22) arranged for providing the liquid (3) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the receiving space (10s), the wick (20) and the mouthpiece (50) define a fluid line path (5) for transporting the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40) and for transporting the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40) to the mouthpiece (50), wherein the ultrasonic generator (40) is arranged between the outlet opening (50h) of the mouthpiece (50) and the wick (20) and the fluid line path (5) through the ultrasonic generator (40) and the container (10) has an outlet opening (12) and the wick (20) is arranged in the outlet opening (12) and fills the outlet opening (12), characterized in that the liquid (3) is adjusted with respect to the pH value in coordination with the ultrasonic generator (40) so that no corrosion takes place at the passages (44p).

Description

In recent years, the use of aerosols generated by non-combustion techniques has become widespread. Electric cigarettes (also called e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes) are usually electrically heated devices for vaporizing a consumable, especially a flavored liquid (also called liquid). These devices usually consist of a tank, an atomizer and a battery carrier. Tank systems are divided into cartomizers, drippers, clearomizers and cartridges. In the case of a cartomizer, the heating coil is surrounded by a nonwoven fabric or cotton wool that serves as a liquid reservoir. Technically speaking, a dripper is a cartomizer with a very small capacity. The consumable is dripped directly onto the wicks by the user, which also serve as a liquid reservoir, and must be reapplied by the user after a few puffs. A clearomizer consists of a tank in which the liquid is free of the carrier material and encapsulated by the atomizer. All of the systems mentioned have in common that the user has to regularly refill new consumables. In cartridge systems, cartridges filled with liquid are inserted into the e-cigarette. The vaporization unit is used to vaporize the liquid. As a rule, no combustion process takes place in an e-cigarette vaporizer, but a liquid is transferred from a tank to a vaporization unit, which is usually designed as a heating coil, in particular through the capillary action of a wick. As soon as the user creates a negative pressure within the vaporizer by inhaling, an air stream flows around the vaporization unit and the resulting aerosol is inhaled by the user due to the suction effect. The vaporization unit is usually powered by a battery carrier equipped with rechargeable batteries or batteries. Several different interfaces for connecting a battery carrier to a vaporizer are known in the prior art. Vaporizers of the type mentioned at the beginning are known in a large number of different designs.

Users are adapting to the use of aerosols generated without combustion to avoid known adverse effects of combustion, such as in traditional cigarettes, where one end is lit to burn tobacco or other ingredients to produce smoke. Non-combustion aerosol generators, also known as personal vaporizers, inhalers, and e-cigarettes, are becoming increasingly popular. Such aerosol generators use electrical heating or ultrasonic techniques to aerosolize a liquid stored inside the aerosol generator.

A major disadvantage of these previously known vaporizers is that after inhaling, the environment is polluted with residual amounts of the vaporized liquid when exhaling. The task is therefore to create an electronic cigarette in which the liquid does not cause any pollution to the environment or other people when exhaling. Passive smoking should be prevented.

In ultrasound technology, which is used for example in DE202018000122U1 , the US2020245692A1 , the WO2021081009A1 and the EP3247435A1 As known, an ultrasonic generator (also called an ultrasonic actuator or transducer) with piezoceramic is used to generate ultrasound to efficiently aerosolize or nebulize the liquid.

In this state of the art, a wick is directly attached to or in contact with the ultrasonic element. The contact of the wick with the ultrasonic element prevents the free vibration of the ultrasonic element, causing frequency interference with the ultrasonic element and thus hindering aerosol formation. When the aerosol generator is not actively used to generate aerosol, vapors from the liquid stored in the aerosol generator settle on a bottom surface of the ultrasonic generator (i.e., the side facing the reservoir) and form droplets (e.g., by condensation) that accumulate in various places, including on a top surface of the ultrasonic generator (i.e., the opposite side or back of the bottom surface). The droplets prevent efficient and rapid restart of the nebulization when the ultrasonic generator is used.

A similar problem arises when liquid leaks from the aerosol generator towards the ultrasonic generator due to capillary action and settles on the ultrasonic generator, particularly on a top surface of the ultrasonic generator. Liquids, particularly water-based liquids, that remain in the openings of the ultrasonic element due to capillary action cause corrosion on the ultrasonic element due to their pH value.

The contamination of such an aerosol generator using a water-based liquid is also a very big problem that must be prevented. To this end, these liquids are adapted, for example, by adding alcohol, so that contamination is prevented. The addition of such substances as alcohol but reduces the surface tension of water. The surface tension of a liquid affects the interface between the liquid and the air. It occurs due to the attractive forces between the molecules of the liquid at the surface. Alcohol molecules have a lower attractive force than water molecules, which allows them to disrupt the attractive forces at the surface of water. When alcohol is added to water, it reduces the surface tension because the alcohol molecules are placed between the water molecules, weakening the attractive forces.

Due to one or more of the problems mentioned above, aerosol generation is disrupted and aerosol generation is delayed and the device must be shaken or struck to knock the droplets off the ultrasonic generator in order to assist aerosol generation. If the corrosion is very advanced, the ultrasonic generator will no longer function.

The above problems of evaporation and condensation and/or leakage are exacerbated when the liquid stored in the aerosol generator contains components such as water.

Thus, an aerosol generation technique is desired that reduces or avoids one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The present disclosure aims to provide a technique that reduces or avoids one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol generating device that reduces or prevents unintentional accumulation of the liquid on the ultrasonic generator and corrosion on the ultrasonic element. Yet another purpose of the present disclosure is to enable the use of liquid (for aerosolization) with high water content by reducing or avoiding unintentional accumulation of the liquid on the ultrasonic generator and corrosion on the ultrasonic element.

One or more of the above objects of the present technology are achieved by the invention set out by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are provided in dependent claims.

In a first aspect of the present technology, an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol is presented. The aerosol generating device may be a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette or an e-cigarette. The aerosol generating device may be a portable and/or pocket-sized device. The aerosol generating device (hereinafter also referred to as an aerosol generator or simply a device) comprises a container (also referred to as a reservoir), a wick (also referred to as a capillary element), an ultrasonic generator (also referred to as an ultrasonic probe, transducer, actuator) and a mouthpiece.

The container has a receiving space for receiving or holding or storing a liquid to be sprayed. The wick transports the liquid from the receiving space (i.e. the liquid stored in the receiving space) to the ultrasonic generator. The wick has an inlet end to receive the liquid from the living space into the wick. The inlet end is arranged inside the container, i.e. the receiving space, to receive the liquid. The wick has an outlet end that avoids direct contact with the ultrasonic generator. The outlet end supplies the liquid to the ultrasonic generator through the capillary. An arc-shaped water droplet forms at the end of a capillary when the surface tension of the water prevails over the capillarity. The surface tension is due to the attractive forces between the water molecules at the interface between the water and the air. In the capillary, the water rises due to capillarity due to adhesion (attraction between water and the capillary wall) and cohesion (attraction between the water molecules themselves). The capillarity of the wick is selected in relation to the surface tension of the water-based solution so that the surface tension of the water-based solution dominates, causing an arc-shaped water drop to form at the end of the capillary. The ultrasound element is so far away from the wick that the oscillating ultrasound element only dips into the water drop without touching the wick itself. This avoids a negative frequency influence on the ultrasound element and aerosolization can take place as desired, i.e. there are no unwanted droplets combining in the aerosol, which then hinder inhalation to the alveoli in the lungs.

The ultrasonic generator applies ultrasound to the liquid taken in by the outlet end of the wick, which nebulizes the liquid and creates the aerosol from the liquid. The mouthpiece releases the generated aerosol to an outside of the device, for example when it is pulled or sucked in by a user. The receiving space, the wick and the mouthpiece together define a liquid conduction path for transporting the liquid from the receiving space to the ultrasonic generator and transporting the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator to the mouthpiece. The ultrasonic generator is arranged, e.g. directly arranged, between the mouthpiece, ie an outlet opening of the mouthpiece, and the wick. The liquid conduction path runs through the ultrasonic generator. The container has an outlet opening. The wick is arranged in the outlet opening such that the wick fills or completely fills or completely packs the outlet opening.

Aerosol generation may also be referred to as nebulization, aerosolization, atomization, atomization and similar terms.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "arranged in contact" as used in the present technique may mean "arranged in direct contact," "arranged in direct physical contact," or "arranged in surface contact," unless otherwise specified.

Unless otherwise specified, the term "fillings" as used in the present technique may mean "completely filled", "crammed", "jammed", "occupying an entire cross-sectional area", where the cross-sectional plane or area is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device and/or the receiving chamber and/or the guide.

The operation of the device can be understood as follows: The liquid from the receiving space is absorbed into the wick through the inlet end of the wick. The absorbed liquid migrates through the wick to the outlet end of the wick, by capillary action or wicking of the wick. The outlet end provides the liquid to the ultrasonic generator, with the outlet end avoiding direct contact with the ultrasonic generator. The outlet end supplies the liquid to the ultrasonic generator through the capillary. At the end of a capillary, an arc-shaped water droplet is formed by the surface tension of the water-based liquid. The surface tension is created due to the attractive forces between the water molecules at the interface between the water and the air. In the capillary, the water rises due to capillarity due to adhesion and cohesion. The capillarity of the wick is chosen relative to the surface tension of the water-based solution so that the surface tension of the water-based solution dominates, causing an arc-shaped water droplet to form at the end of the capillary. The ultrasonic element is located far enough from the wick that the vibrating ultrasonic element only immerses the water droplet without touching the wick itself. The ultrasonic generator generates ultrasound, e.g. when actuated or controlled or activated by a user of the device, e.g. when supplied with electrical energy from a battery or power source. The ultrasound generated atomizes the liquid provided from the outlet end of the wick, thereby creating the aerosol which is then delivered to an exterior of the device via the mouthpiece. The atomization and subsequent removal of the liquid from the outlet end of the wick by the action of the ultrasonic generator provides a suction force or maintains a capillary or wicking action in which liquid is directed or transported from a container into the inlet end of the wick and from there to the outlet end of the wick.

The wick is spaced apart from the surface of the ultrasonic generator and can thus be spatially sealed so that no liquid can enter the ultrasonic generator other than the liquid that is transported through the wick. In other words, the liquid can only reach the ultrasonic generator via the capillary element or the wick.

The wick may be made of woven or non-woven fabric, such as cotton. The wick may have a fibrous structure or a spongy structure. The wick may contain ceramic or graphite based materials. The wick may contain at least one of cellulose acetate, polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene or nylon fibers.

Any conduction or movement or transport of the liquid through the wick and/or into the wick and/or within the wick may be due to wicking or capillary action, e.g. when forced or carried out or effected by aerosolisation of the liquid at the outlet end of the wick by the ultrasound generated by the ultrasonic generator.

A material of the wick may be such that capillaries of the wick hold the liquid so that the liquid does not escape on its own, i.e. in the absence of the wicking force generated by the operation (i.e. the ultrasound generation) of the ultrasonic generator. Only by the vibrations of the ultrasonic generator can the liquid in the wick be removed from the capillaries of the wick.

A position and/or orientation of the wick may be located or fixed with respect to the container, in particular with respect to the exit opening of the container, for example, but not limited to, by means of a press fit or interference fit.

The fluid conduction path may be understood to comprise at least two sections or parts or segments - a first section or segment which may be referred to as a liquid transport section or segment and a second section or segment which may be referred to as an aerosol transport section or segment.

The liquid transport section can be defined at least by the wick, for example by the inlet end of the wick, the outlet end of the wick and the intermediate or middle part of the wick (i.e. part of the wick that extends between the inlet end and the outlet end of the wick). The liquid is transported from the receiving space to the ultrasonic generator via the liquid transport section. The liquid transport section extends from the receiving space to the ultrasonic generator.

The aerosol transport section can be defined by at least one space or chamber or channel between the ultrasonic generator and an outlet opening (i.e. an outlet opening) of the mouthpiece. The aerosol generated at and by the ultrasonic generator is transported to the outlet opening of the mouthpiece via the aerosol transport section.

The outlet opening may be an opening of the mouthpiece through which or via which the aerosol is ultimately discharged or released from the mouthpiece and/or the aerosol generating device, for example to a user.

The liquid transport section and the aerosol transport section are connected to each other or overlap continuously or partially and together form the liquid conduction path.

The fluid conduction path passes through the ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator may have a receiving surface (also referred to as a first surface or bottom surface or wick surface or bottom surface) and a discharging surface (also referred to as a second surface or top surface or discharge port facing surface or upper surface).

The receiving surface and the discharging surface can be flip sides or faces, i.e. opposite sides or surfaces of the ultrasonic generator.

The receiving surface faces the wick and is not in direct physical contact (surface contact) with the wick, i.e. with the end of the wick.

The receiving surface collects the liquid from the arc-shaped drop that forms on the outlet end of the wick as the same receiving surface oscillates.

The exit surface faces the exit opening of the mouthpiece.

The aerosol generated on and by the ultrasonic generator leaves the ultrasonic generator from the discharge surface in the direction of the outlet opening of the mouthpiece.

The ultrasonic generator may be configured to operate at a frequency in a range of 1.4 kHz to 3 MHz. The aerosol generating device, in particular the ultrasonic generator, may be configured to generate aerosol from a water-based liquid (i.e. a liquid containing 80 wt.% water or more), wherein the aerosol has droplets with a size or an average size of 10 µm or less, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm and/or equal to or greater than 1 µm. In particular greater than or equal to 2 µm and/or without heating at least one of the fluids, the liquid and the aerosol (i.e. by maintaining a temperature of the liquid, a temperature of the aerosol may correspond to the temperature of the liquid). The aerosol may comprise a plurality of droplets with a size distribution with an average or mean value less than or equal to 10 µm, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm.

The ultrasonic generator may comprise a first part, for example a piezoelectric or piezoceramic part or element, and a second part, for example a mesh or metal grid part, or a part having a plurality of passages formed therein, or a perforated part.

In other words, the ultrasonic generator may have a first part comprising a piezoelectric element; and a second part having a plurality of passages (e.g., a mesh or a perforated plate) for passing the fluid.

The outlet end of the wick is not in contact with the second part of the ultrasonic generator.

The outlet end of the wick is not in contact with the passages formed in or through the second part of the ultrasonic generator.

The second part can be set into vibration by the first part.

The second part may be disc-shaped or circular. A diameter of the second part may be equal to or greater than a diameter of the outlet opening of the container and/or a diameter of the outlet end of the wick not in contact with the second part.

The second part may have a flat shape or may have a curved shape that protrudes towards or in relation to the wick - for example, a concave or convex shape, such as a concave or convex dome shape.

A shape of the wick at the outlet end, i.e. the shape of the outlet end of the wick, may correspond to the shape of the second part. For example, if the second part has a planar shape, the shape of the outlet end of the wick may also be planar, or if the second part has a curved shape that protrudes towards or with respect to the wick - for example, a concave or convex shape, such as a concave or convex dome shape.

The shape of the outlet end of the wick can also have a curved shape.

Example: A concave or convex shape, e.g. a concave or convex dome shape. Simply put, the shape of the outlet end of the wick and the shape of the second part of the ultrasonic generator can match or match or correspond or resemble or complement each other. However, contact between the outlet end of the wick and the ultrasonic generator should be prevented.

The second part can be surrounded by the first part, e.g. circumscribed by the first part.

The first part may have an annular shape, for example an annular circular or disc shape, and the second part may be arranged at or in the center of the annular shape.

The receiving surface and the discharge surface of the ultrasonic generator can be surfaces of the second part.

The receiving surface and the exit surface may be in fluid communication with each other via the fabric or the passages or perforations of the second part.

The fluid conduction path may extend through the second part, i.e. through the fabric or the passages or perforations of the second part from the receiving surface to the exit surface of the ultrasound generator. In other words, the passages or the mesh or the perforations may form a part or a segment or a portion of the fluid conduction path.

A portion or segment of the fluid conduction path, i.e. the portion disposed in or within or through the ultrasonic generator, may be surrounded by the first part, for example 15, which is circumscribed by the first part.

The first part may have an annular shape, for example an annular circular or disc shape, and the fluid conduction path may extend or pass through the center of the annular shape.

The wick is arranged in the outlet opening so that the wick fills or completely fills the outlet opening.

The wick can fill the outlet opening so that the container is leak-proof. The container can be leak-proof when the wick is disposed of and fills the outlet opening.

The wick may fill the outlet opening such that a contact area between the wick and the opening is leak-proof enough to make the container leak-proof.

The wick may comprise at least two sections or parts or segments, an inner or first section of the wick disposed out of the outlet opening and into or into the receiving space, and an opening section or second section of the wick disposed in or within the outlet opening (i.e., not protruding from any side of the outlet opening or simply being confined or flush with the outer and inner surfaces of the container).

The two sections or parts or segments of the wick may be formed as one piece.

In addition, the wick may optionally have a third section or part or segment - an outer section of the wick which is arranged protruding from the outlet opening to an outer side of the container, i.e. is arranged outside the receiving space and outside the outlet opening.

The wick can be forced into the outlet opening by insertion into the outlet opening, i.e. by walls or surfaces (of the container) defining the outlet opening, and thus assumes the cross-sectional shape and/or size (e.g. diameter) of the outlet opening.

A standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g. the opening portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening may be the same, e.g. both may have a circular shape. Alternatively, a standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g. the opening portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening may be different, and the wick is pressed into the outlet opening when inserted into the outlet opening and thus assumes the cross-sectional shape of the outlet opening. A standard cross-sectional shape of the wick can be understood as a cross-sectional shape of the wick before it is inserted into the outlet opening.

A standard cross-sectional area of the wick, e.g. the opening portion of the wick, may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. A preset cross-sectional area of the wick may be understood as a cross-sectional area of the wick before it is inserted into the outlet opening. Except for the outlet opening, the container, e.g. the receiving space defined by the container, may be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or liquid-tight.

With the exception of the outlet opening, the container, for example the receiving space defined by the container, can be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or liquid-tight, in particular for the flow of liquid from an interior of the container (i.e. from the receiving space) to an outside of the container (i.e. outside an outer surface of the container).

The outlet opening may be the only outlet or drainage opening from the accommodation space to an exterior of the container.

The exit opening may be completely filled or plugged or stuffed or jammed by the wick. In other words, the entire cross-sectional area of the exit opening is occupied by the wick so that the liquid in the receiving space flows through the exit opening only over or through the wick. Simply put, the wick is arranged through or in the exit opening such that no gap or air gap or spatial gap remains in the exit opening, i.e. between an outer surface (e.g., an outer peripheral surface) of the wick and a surface of the container defining the exit opening. Since there is no space or channel or gap between the outer surface of the wick and the surface of the wick defining the exit opening, any unintended flow of liquid or vapor out of the container is reduced or stopped.

In simple terms, the container can be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed except for the outlet opening, so that the liquid from the receiving space is only transported to the ultrasound generator via the wick arranged in the outlet opening.

The wick may be inserted or pressed into the outlet opening, for example in such a way that the entire circumferential surface of the outlet opening is in direct contact (or in surface-to-surface contact) with an outer peripheral surface of the wick.

Additionally and optionally, the wick may include a solid body configured to implement capillary action or wicking.

An inner surface of the container defines the living space. The living space can have a volume of 3 ml or less, in particular 2 ml or less. The container can have a guide which is tubular and extends from the outlet opening of the container into the receiving space. The guide and the container 5 can be formed in one piece.

The guide may include a receiving room. The wick is picked up in the receiving room.

The guide (including the reception room) may only occupy a portion of the accommodation space. For example, the guide may occupy between 10 and 90 percent of the total volume of the accommodation area, or between 20 and 80 percent of the total volume of the accommodation area, or between 30 and 70 percent of the total volume of the accommodation area, or between 10 and 30 percent of the total volume of the accommodation area.

The receiving space can be continuous with and/or in fluid communication with the outlet opening.

The receiving space can be formed one after the other with the outlet opening. The outlet opening can be in flowing connection with the living space via or only via the reception room.

The receiving space can be concentric and/or coaxial with the outlet opening.

A cross-sectional area of the receiving space can be filled by the wick. The cross-sectional area of the receiving space can be equal to or smaller than a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the receiving space can be constant along a longitudinal axis thereof.

An entire or all of the internal volume of the guide may be filled or completely filled or packed by the wick.

The receiving space can be completely or completely filled (in cross-section and longitudinally) or completely filled by the wick.

The standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g. the inner portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the receiving space may be identical, e.g. both may have a circular shape. Alternatively, the standard cross-sectional shape of the wick, e.g. the inner portion of the wick, and a cross-sectional shape of the receiving space may be different, and the wick, when inserted into the receiving space, may be pressed by a peripheral wall (defining the receiving space) of the guide and thus assume the cross-sectional shape of the receiving space.

The preset cross-sectional area of the wick, e.g. the inner portion of the wick, may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the receiving space. In other words, the container, i.e. the receiving space defined by the container, with the exception of the outlet opening and the receiving space connected thereto, may be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or liquid-tight.

With the exception of the outlet opening and the associated receiving space, the container, for example the receiving space defined by the container, may be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed or liquid-tight, in particular for the flow of liquid from the interior of the container (i.e. from the receiving space) to the outside of the container (i.e. outside an outer surface of the container).

The outlet opening and the receiving space connected to it can define or form the only exit from the receiving space to the outside of the container.

The outlet opening and/or the receiving space may be completely filled or jammed or blocked by the wick or crammed or blocked or packed by the wick. In other words, the entire cross-sectional area of the outlet opening and/or the receiving space is occupied by the wick so that the liquid in the receiving space only flows through the outlet opening and/or the receiving space via the wick or through an interior of the wick or through a body of the wick or through capillary channels or interstices of the wick. Simply put, the wick may be arranged through or in the outlet opening and/or the receiving space such that no gap or air gap or air channel remains in the outlet opening and/or in the receiving space between an outer surface, e.g. an outer peripheral surface, of the wick and the surface of the container defining the outlet opening and/or the peripheral wall of the guide defining the receiving space. Since there is no space or channel or gap between the outer surface of the wick and the surface of the container defining the exit opening and/or the peripheral wall of the guide defining the receiving space, any unintended flow of liquid or vapor from the container is reduced or stopped.

In simple terms, the container can be liquid-tight except for the outlet opening and the associated receiving space, so that the liquid from the receiving space is only transported to the ultrasound generator via the wick arranged through the receiving space and the outlet opening.

The guide may have an inlet end with an inlet or inlet hole. The inlet end of the wick may be in fluid communication with the receiving space via the inlet of the guide.

The guide may have a peripheral wall extending between the inlet end of the guide and an outlet end of the guide. The outlet end of the guide may have an outlet or an outlet opening communicating with the outlet opening. The outlet of the guide may have the same diameter and/or the same cross-sectional area as the outlet opening of the container.

The outlet end of the guide may be connected or coupled to the inner surface of the container. The coupling may be liquid-tight or liquid-tight. The peripheral wall of the guide The guide can be so liquid-tight that the liquid in the receiving space only enters the wick via the inlet of the guide.

A gap can be defined between the guide, i.e. the inlet end of the guide, and the inner surface of the container. The liquid from the receiving space is absorbed into the wick via the gap.

The wick can be arranged to protrude from the guide, i.e. from the inlet end of the guide, into the receiving space.

The wick can be arranged to protrude from the guide, i.e. from the inlet end of the guide, into the gap.

The guide can hermetically separate the receiving space of the container from the ultrasonic generator, except through the receiving space.

The wick may protrude from or out of the outlet opening to the ultrasonic generator. That is, the outlet opening may be remote from the ultrasonic generator. The wick may protrude from the outlet opening and protrude beyond an outer surface of the container. In other words, the protruding portion or the outer portion or part of the capillary element or the wick may be located entirely outside the container.

A length of the duct extending from the outlet opening of the container into the accommodation space may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of a length of the accommodation space, or equal to or greater than 70 percent of a length of the accommodation space, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of a length of the accommodation space, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of a length of the accommodation space.

A length of the wick extending from the outlet opening of the container into the accommodation space may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of a length of the accommodation space, or may be equal to or greater than 70 percent of a length of the accommodation space, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of a length of the accommodation space, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of a length of the accommodation space.

A (total) length of the wick may be greater than a length of the guide and/or may be greater than a combined length of the guide and outlet opening. The length of the guide may be measured from an edge of the outlet opening facing the receiving space.

The length of the accommodation space may be measured from an edge of the discharge opening facing the accommodation space to a floor surface of the accommodation space, i.e. an area of the lower wall of the accommodation space defining the accommodation space.

The guide may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. a right-circular cylindrical shape, and may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

The wick may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. a right-circular cylindrical shape, and may have various cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

The container may have a cylindrical shape, e.g. a rectangular circular cylinder or a cuboid, and may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, polygonal.

The container may also have different parts or sections with different shapes - such as a first part or segment with a cylindrical shape and a second part or segment with a frustoconical or cuboidal or frustoconical or frustoconical shape.

The guide and/or wick may extend along a longitudinal axis of the container and/or the aerosol generating device.

The guide and/or wick may be coaxial and/or concentric with the container and/or with the aerosol generating device.

The guide and/or the wick may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the container and/or the aerosol generating device.

The longitudinal axis may be a central longitudinal axis of the container and/or the aerosol generating device.

The container may comprise a body. The body may be integrally formed, i.e. integrally formed, e.g. molded or 3D printed in one part. Alternatively, the body may be formed in multiple parts. The parts may be connectable together with a fluid-tight joint to form the body of the container. The parts may be molded or 3D printed.

The container may have an inlet opening for filling or refilling the liquid into the receiving space.

The container may have a closure for closing the inlet opening.

The closure may be a seal or a lid formed of elastomeric material, such as rubber, that can be detached from the opening to empty the accommodation space, or that can be intentionally penetrated while attached to the inlet opening with a refill device (e.g. a syringe needle) to file the accommodation space.

The closure can be a valve, such as a one-way valve or a filling valve (filling valve or refilling valve).

The container may have a seal or sealing element at the outlet opening and in contact with an outer surface of the wick. The sealing element may be arranged inside the outlet opening or outside the outlet opening. The sealing element may protrude into the outlet opening. An example of the sealing element may be a seal, e.g. a seal formed from elastic material such as a rubber seal.

The device may further comprise a holding element arranged between the mouthpiece and the container and/or arranged on or on the container to support or mount or fix the ultrasonic generator.

The ultrasonic generator can be mounted on the holder or accommodated in it.

The holding element may, for example, be formed from a resilient or elastomeric material, such as a silicone or rubber, and may be a cushion to hold and support the ultrasonic generator.

The support member may be configured to dampen the vibrations and/or noise generated by the ultrasonic generator transmitted to the container and/or mouthpiece and/or an external surface of the device.

The container may comprise a container connecting element and the holding element may comprise a holding element connecting element. The container connecting element and the holding element connecting element may correspond to each other and may engage each other to fix or couple the container and the holding element with the ultrasonic generator mounted thereon. The coupling may be releasable or reversible.

The mouthpiece, the ultrasonic generator and the wick can be aligned axially or linearly, i.e. in a straight line.

For example, the ultrasonic generator can be stacked in a straight line on the outlet opening of the container and the wick; and the mouthpiece can be stacked in a straight line on the ultrasonic generator.

• (i) Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators und eine Längsachse des Dochtes 20 können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.
• (ii) Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators, eine Längsachse des Dochtes und eine Längsachse des Mundstücks können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.
• (iii) Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators, eine Längsachse des Dochtes, eine Längsachse des Mundstücks und eine Längsachse des Behälters können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.
• (iv) Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators und eine Längsachse des Dochtes und der Führung können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.
• (v) Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators, eine Längsachse des Dochtes und der Führung und eine Längsachse des Mundstücks können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.
• vi)Eine Längsachse des Ultraschallgenerators, eine Längsachse des Dochtes und der Führung, eine Längsachse des Mundstücks und eine Längsachse des Behälters können koaxial oder überlappend oder gleich sein.

In the aerosol generating device, one or more of the following arrangements may be implemented in an assembled state of the device:

• (i) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator and a longitudinal axis of the wick 20 may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.
• (ii) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.
• (iii) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick, a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and a longitudinal axis of the container may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.
• (iv) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator and a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.
• (v) A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide, and a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.
• (vi)A longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator, a longitudinal axis of the wick and guide, a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and a longitudinal axis of the container may be coaxial or overlapping or equal.

In any of the above items (i) - (vi), the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic generator may mean a longitudinal axis of the first part and the second part of the ultrasonic generator. The first part and the second part may have the same longitudinal axis.

In any of the above points (i) - (vi), the longitudinal axis of the guide may mean the longitudinal axis of the receiving space of the guide.

In each of the above points (i) - (vi), the longitudinal axis of the container may mean the longitudinal axis of the receiving space of the container.

The wick can be arranged in the living space without completely filling it.

A section or part of the sub-volume or segment of the accommodation space may be free of wick or absorbent material and may be a free space or volume to receive and hold the liquid in a free form or state (i.e. without being adsorbed or held by the wick or an absorbent material). This allows at least a part of the accommodation space to be used exclusively to receive the liquid to be sprayed, which can then be transported via the wick to the ultrasonic generator.

Alternatively, the wick can be arranged in the living space and fill a cross-section of the living space or the entire living space. In such a structure, the guide can optionally not be included.

In other words, the wick can be arranged in the accommodation space such that it fills a cross-section of the accommodation space, i.e. is in contact with the inner surface of the accommodation space. The outlet opening can have a diameter and/or a shape and/or a cross-sectional area that corresponds to that of the receiving space. The wick can be arranged such that it fills a cross-sectional area of a first portion of the accommodation space. A second part of the accommodation area can be between the wick and a bottom of the accommodation space. The second part is free of wick material and/or capillary material. Alternatively, the wick can fill the entire living space.

The container may comprise a guide segment defining the receiving space or may be formed entirely by it.

The wick can be arranged in the outlet opening and the guide segment in such a way that the wick fills or completely fills the outlet opening and/or the receiving space of the guide segment.

The guide segment can absorb the liquid adsorbed in the arranged wick.

The guide segment can form the entire accommodation space.

Additionally and optionally, the container may have a reservoir segment in addition to the guide segment. The reservoir segment does not contain the wick or is free of the wick, i.e. it is not filled by the wick and can absorb the liquid therein.

The reservoir segment of the receiving space may be free of the wick or any absorbent material and may be a free space or volume to receive and hold the liquid in a free form or state (i.e., without being adsorbed or held by the wick or any absorbent material). As a result, the reservoir segment may be used exclusively to receive the liquid to be aerosolized, which can then be transported to the ultrasonic generator via the wick arranged in the guide segment.

In a second aspect of the present technique, aerosol is generated by an aerosol generating device according to any embodiment of the first aspect, such as a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette, or an e-cigarette. Here, a liquid may be filled or stored in the receiving space of the container, and the liquid thus stored or filled is aerosolized by the ultrasonic generator of the aerosol generating device. The liquid consists of water and ethanol. An amount of water is equal to or greater than 80 wt% (i.e., 80 wt%).

The liquid may contain at least one additional ingredient, such as tobacco extract, nicotine extract, flavoring such as mint extract, clove extract, etc.

An amount of ethanol and/or at least one additional component in the liquid may be equal to or greater than 10% by weight and equal to or less than 20% by weight.

The liquid must not contain one or more or all of the following substances - glycerin, propylene glycol and oil. The liquid must not contain at least one or all of glycerin, propylene glycol and oil, preferably with the exception of essential oils and/or with the exception of flavor additives.

For aerosolization, i.e. the generation of aerosol from the liquid, a temperature of the liquid and a temperature of the aerosol can be the same.

Thus, no heating effect is carried out by the ultrasonic generator. In particular, due to the low surface tension of the aqueous liquid with a water content of 80 wt.% or more, no heating effect is required to convert the liquid into the aerosol.

No heating effect shall be applied at the time and/or location of aerosolization, i.e. the generation of aerosol from the liquid.

In the device according to the first aspect or its use according to the second aspect, the ultrasonic generator can oscillate at a frequency less than or equal to 3.5 MHz (megahertz) or less than or equal to 3 MHz, in particular at a frequency in the range of 1.4 kHz to 3 MHz.

In the device according to the first aspect or its use according to the second aspect, a diameter of the droplets of the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator can be less than or equal to 10 µm, in particular less than or equal to 5 µm and/or equal to or greater than 1 µm, in particular greater than or equal to 2 µm.

Droplet size can be measured by light diffraction, e.g. laser light diffraction, or by light scattering, e.g. laser light scattering technology. An example of a suitable system for measuring droplet size is Spraytec™ from Malvern Panalytical Ltd or the particle analyzer LS 13 320 XR from Beckmann Coulter GmbH.

The term "liquid-tight" as used in the present application means impermeable to any fluid, including a gas, vapor or liquid, e.g. impermeable to the liquid housed in the accommodation space or to the vapor generated from the liquid housed in the accommodation space.

The term "liquid-tight" as used in the present application means impermeable to any liquid, e.g. impermeable to the liquid accommodated in the receiving space.

The terms ‘upstream’, ‘downstream’, ‘upper’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘below’ and similar expressions may be understood to refer to a direction or path of the liquid (to be aerosolised) from the accommodation space to the ultrasonic generator and of the aerosol from the ultrasonic generator to the mouthpiece.

Unless otherwise specified, all references to “radial”, “radial”, “circumferential”, “circumferential” and similar expressions shall be understood as referring to a central axis of the component to which reference is made.

As a result of the above technique - i.e. the device according to the first aspect and/or the use thereof according to the second aspect - the unintentional accumulation of droplets on the surface of the ultrasonic generator facing the outlet opening of the container, i.e. the inner surface or the underside of the ultrasonic generator, is reduced or stopped. This consequently reduces or stops any migration of the liquid through the ultrasonic generator, e.g. through the opening or passages or meshes of the ultrasonic generator to the top of the ultrasonic generator, and thus reduces or stops the formation of droplets on the top of the ultrasonic generator.

In addition, the above effect not only increases the recovery and fogging speed and efficiency for each liquid, but still allows the advantageous use of the liquid with high water content.

• Die 1 und 2 zeigen perspektivische Ansichten einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung im zusammengebauten Zustand;
• 3 zeigt die Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung der 1 in einem zerlegten Zustand;
• Die 4a, 4b und 4c zeigen schematisch Querschnittsansichten verschiedener Ausführungsbeispiele eines Behälters der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung zum Speichern einer zu aerosolisierenden Flüssigkeit;
• Die 5a und 5b zeigen schematisch Querschnittsansichten der Behälter der 4a bzw. 4b, die mit einem Docht versehen sind;
• Die 6a und 6b stellen schematisch Querschnittsansichten in der Linie I-I und II-II der Behälter der 5a bzw. 5b dar;
• 7 stellt schematisch die Draufsicht auf den Ultraschallgenerator dar;
• 8 stellt schematisch eine beispielhafte Ausführungsform einer Anordnung einer Dichtung am Docht der 5a dar;
• Die 9a und 9b stellen schematisch Querschnittsansichten der Behälter der 5a bzw. 5b dar, die mit einem Ultraschallgenerator ausgestattet sind;
• 10 zeigt eine perspektivische Schnittansicht eines Teils einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung;
• 11 stellt schematisch eine Querschnittsansicht des Teils der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung aus 10 dar;
• 12 zeigt eine Querschnittsansicht eines Teils einer anderen beispielhaften Ausführungsform der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung;
• 13 stellt schematisch die Abmessungen der Strukturen/Komponenten der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung dar; und
• Die 14 stellt weitere Dimensionen der Strukturen/Komponenten der Aerosolerzeugungsvorrichtung schematisch dar.
• Die 15 stellt eine ausschnittsweise Ansicht der Anordnung zwischen Ultraschallelement und Auslassende des Dochtes im Ruhezustand des Ultraschallelementes dar.
• Die 16 stellt eine ausschnittsweise Ansicht der Anordnung zwischen Ultraschallelement und Auslassende des Dochtes im schwingenden Zustand des Ultraschallelementes dar.

The above-mentioned characteristics and other features and advantages of the present technique and the manner in which they are achieved will become more apparent and the present technique itself will be better understood by referring to the following description of embodiments of the present technique taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, in accordance with aspects of the present technique:

• The 1 and 2 show perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating device in the assembled state;
• 3 shows the aerosol generation device of the 1 in a disassembled state;
• Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show schematic cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a container of the aerosol generating device for storing a liquid to be aerosolized;
• Figures 5a and 5b show schematic cross-sectional views of the containers of Figures 4a and 4b, respectively, provided with a wick;
• Figures 6a and 6b schematically represent cross-sectional views along line II and II-II of the containers of Figures 5a and 5b, respectively;
• 7 schematically shows the top view of the ultrasonic generator;
• 8 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement of a seal on the wick of the 5a represents;
• Figures 9a and 9b show schematic cross-sectional views of the containers of Figures 5a and 5b, respectively, equipped with an ultrasonic generator;
• 10 shows a perspective sectional view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generating device;
• 11 schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the part of the aerosol generating device 10 represents;
• 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of another exemplary embodiment of the aerosol generating device;
• 13 schematically shows the dimensions of the structures/components of the aerosol generating device; and
• The 14 schematically illustrates further dimensions of the structures/components of the aerosol generating device.
• The 15 shows a partial view of the arrangement between the ultrasonic element and the outlet end of the wick in the resting state of the ultrasonic element.
• The 16 shows a partial view of the arrangement between the ultrasonic element and the outlet end of the wick in the oscillating state of the ultrasonic element.

The above and other features of the present technique are described in detail below. Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate and not limit the invention. It may be apparent that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

The 1 and 2 show perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as device) in an assembled state, and 3 shows the aerosol generating device 1 of the 1 in a disassembled state. The aerosol generating device may be a personal vaporizer, an inhaler, an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette. It should be noted that although in the present specification the device has been illustrated as having a structure that can be assembled and disassembled, the device of the present technique is not limited thereto. The device 1 may have a unitary structure, that is, it cannot be assembled and disassembled, or it may have a structure that can be assembled and disassembled but is different from the structure illustrated in Figs. 1-3.

The device 1 can extend along a longitudinal axis 1x.

The device 1 may have a linear shape extending along the longitudinal axis 1x, such as a rod shape or bar shape.

The device 1 may comprise a main part or control part 8 and a cartridge part 9.

The device 1, e.g. the main body 8 of the device 1, may accommodate a power supply (not shown), such as a battery pack for powering an ultrasonic generator (not shown in Figures 1-3, described later) and/or other electronic components. The device 1 may have electrical contacts or terminals 9y for connecting the power supply and the ultrasonic generator.

The device 1 may also include a controller for controlling operation of the power supply and the ultrasonic generator and/or other components of the device 1.

The device 1 may further include a charging port 82 to charge the power supply of the device 1 by providing an external power supply, one or more indicators or displays such as LED indicators 84, 88 to indicate the operating state of the device 1 or, for example, to indicate a charging state of the device 1, e.g., a full charge state, a low battery state, a state in which the ultrasonic generator is powered to generate ultrasound, or a standby state.

The device may include a user interface 88, e.g., a button, such as an ON/OFF button, that a user may actuate, e.g., press, to control the function or operation of the device 1, such as entering a user command to implement powering the ultrasonic generator to generate ultrasound to generate or produce aerosol. Optionally, the device 1 may include a surface feature 89, such as a logo or branding or a non-slip surface modification.

The device 1, e.g. the cartridge part 9, may be a reservoir or a container (not included in the 1-3, described later) for containing or receiving a liquid to be nebulized to produce aerosol, and a mouthpiece 50 for delivering the aerosol thus produced to an outside of the device 1.

The main part 8 and the cartridge part 9 may be formed as one body or have a structure that can be assembled and disassembled by means of interconnected engagement parts 8x, 9x arranged on the main part 8 and the cartridge part 9.

In particular, the main part 8 may include a main engagement part 8x and the cartridge part 9x may include a cartridge engagement part 9x. The main engagement part 8x may be reversibly engaged and disengaged with the cartridge engagement part 9x to connect and disconnect the main part 8 and the cartridge part 9 to assemble and disassemble the device 1.

In the following, with reference to the 4a - 10 an arrangement and structure of various components of the cartridge part 9 of the device 1 is described.

The device 1, i.e. the cartridge part 9, comprises a container 10 as shown in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c with an outlet opening 12, a wick 20 fitted into the outlet opening 12 as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the ultrasonic or ultrasound generator 40 (also referred to as ultrasonic or ultrasound transducer or probe or head or actuator) arranged with the wick 20 as shown in Figures 9a and 9b. Figures 11 and 12 show an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 in which the container 10, the wick 20, the ultrasonic generator 40 and the mouthpiece 50 are shown in their relative arrangement.

The container 10 may include a guide 30, as shown in Figs. 4b and 4c, or may not include the guide 30, as shown in Fig. 4a. Figs. 10 and 11 show an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 with the guide 30. However, it may be noted that the arrangement shown in Figs. 10 and 11 is analogously applicable to the device 1 without the guide 30. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 without the guide 30.

Each of the above components is described in more detail below.

As shown in Figs. 4a-4c, the container 10 is a liquid reservoir and has a receiving space 10s for receiving or storing or holding a liquid 3 (shown in Fig. 10) to be sprayed.

The container 10 may be formed from a polymeric material, such as plastic.

The container 10 may have at least a part or segment that is transparent and allows a view of an interior of the container 10, i.e. the accommodation space 10s - whereby a user can see the level of the liquid present in the accommodation space 10s.

The container 10 may include a body 11. The body 11 may include the outlet opening 12.

The body 11 may be formed in one part, i.e. it may be integrally formed as shown in Fig. 4c; or may be formed by a plurality of parts 11a, 11b as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, such as a first body segment or part 11a, e.g. a main container body 11a and a second body segment or part 11b, e.g. a container lid 11b.

The parts 11a, 11b may be connectable with a liquid-tight connection 11x therebetween to form or completely assemble the body 11 of the container 10. The parts 11a, 11b may be reversibly connectable with the liquid-tight connection 11x, i.e. they may be coupled and decoupled from each other.

The liquid-tight connection 11x can be a screw and threaded connection or a press-fit connection, etc.

The container 10 - whether formed in one part, as shown in 4c, or assembled by several interconnectable parts, as shown in 4a and 4b - can define the receiving space 10s liquid-tight or liquid-tight or hermetically sealed with respect to an outside of the container 10, except or outside the outlet opening 12.

In other words, the receiving space 10s of the container 10 is in fluid communication with an outside of the container 10 to allow the liquid to flow from the receiving space 10s to the outside of the container 10 only via the outlet opening 12.

The container 10 or the body 11 of the container 10 may have the guide 30 extending from the outlet opening 12 into the receiving space 10s. The guide 30 may have a hollow tubular shape and define a receiving space 30s.

The guide 30 may be attached to a part of the inner surface of the container 10 or the sen that surrounds or circumscribes the outlet opening 12. In other words, the outlet opening 12 can be located on an inner side of the container 10 within the guide 30 or within a peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30. A contact interface or a contact part 38 between the guide 30 and the inner surface 10s of the container 10 can be liquid-tight or hermetically sealed. For example, the guide 30 can be formed integrally with the part of the inner surface of the container 10 that surrounds or circumscribes the outlet opening 12.

In particular, the guide 30 may comprise a hollow tubular body having an outlet end 32 connected to the inner surface 10a of the container 10 surrounding or enclosing the outlet. The outlet end 32 of the guide 30 may have an outlet 32h fluidly communicating with the outlet opening 12.

The hollow tubular body of the guide 30 may have an inlet end 31 disposed within the receiving space 10s and spaced from the inner surface 10a of the container 10 by a gap 4. The inlet end 31 of the guide 30 may have an inlet 31h fluidly communicating with the receiving space 10s.

The peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30 may extend longitudinally between the inlet end 31 and the outlet end 32 of the guide 30.

In other words, the receiving space 10s of the container 10 is in fluid communication with an outside of the container 10 in order to allow the liquid to flow from the receiving space 10s to the outside of the container 10 only via the guide 30 and the outlet opening 12, for example only via the inlet 31h, the receiving space 30s, the outlet 32h and the outlet opening 12 arranged one behind the other.

The guide 30 may be arranged within the receiving space 10s in a cantilevered arrangement and may be connected to the inner surface 10s of the container 10 only at one end of the guide 30, i.e. the outlet end 32 of the guide 30.

The peripheral wall 35 and the inlet 31 of the guide 30 may be spaced from the inner surface 10s of the container 10.

The container 10 may further comprise an inlet opening 18 and a lid 19 that covers or seals the inlet opening 18. The inlet opening 18 and/or the lid 19 may only allow liquid to flow into the receiving space 10s from an outside of the container, i.e. the liquid from the receiving space 10s may not flow out of the receiving space 10s via the inlet opening 18 and/or the lid 19. The inlet opening 18 and/or the lid 19 may be used to fill or refill the liquid into the receiving space 10s.

5a shows the wick 20 which is inserted into and through the outlet opening 12 of the 4a shown container 10 is introduced, and 9a shows the ultrasonic generator 40, which is in contact with the 5a shown wick 20 is arranged.

5b shows the wick 20 inserted into and through the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 of the container 10 inserted into 4b and 9b shows the ultrasonic generator 40 which is in contact with the 5b shown wick 20 is arranged.

The wick 20 may have a solid tubular shape and may be configured to transport liquid by capillary action or wicking.

The wick 20 transports the liquid from the receiving space 10s to the ultrasonic generator 40 via the outlet opening 12 (if the container 10 does not contain the guide 30) or via the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 (if the container 10 contains the guide 30).

The wick 20 has an inlet end 21 for receiving the liquid 3 from the receiving space 10s into the wick 20. The inlet end 21 is arranged within the container 10, i.e. in the receiving space 10s, for receiving the liquid 3.

The wick 20 has an outlet end 22 which is not arranged in contact with the ultrasonic generator 40. The outlet end 22 supplies the liquid 3 with the ultrasonic generator 40.

In 15 the arrangement between the ultrasonic generator 40 and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is shown in the resting state of the ultrasonic element. Due to the surface tension of the liquid 3, a collection of the liquid 3 forms as an arc-shaped drop on the outlet end 22. The outlet end 22 has a distance 90 to the passages 44p, this distance 90 can be achieved by stops, edges, spacer disks or spacer rings (not shown) or any other structural possibilities for creating a distance.

The 16 shows a partial view of the arrangement between ultrasonic generator 40 and outlet end 22 of wick 20 in oscillating state of the passages 44p. In this case, the passages 44p touch or dip into the liquid 3, so that these passages fill with the liquid 3. Due to the high frequency of the oscillations, the liquid 3 then emerges as an aerosol from the ultrasonic generator 40 opposite.

The outlet end 22 of the wick 30 is exposed to an exterior of the outlet opening 12 and may either be flush with the outer surface 10b of the container 10, or protrude outwardly from the outer surface 10b of the container 10, or be disposed within the outlet opening 12.

The end 22 of the wick 20 is not in direct contact with the ultrasonic generator 40.

In an arrangement where the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is disposed within the outlet opening 12 (i.e., does not protrude beyond the outer surface 10b of the container 10 or is not flush with the outer surface 10b of the container 10), the ultrasonic generator 40 may be shaped to protrude into the outlet opening 12 without directly contacting the outlet end 22. For example, a second portion (described later) of the ultrasonic generator 40 may be shaped to protrude into the outlet opening 12.

The ultrasonic generator 40 applies ultrasound to the liquid received at the outlet end 22 of the wick, thereby spraying the liquid 3 and generating the aerosol 2 from the liquid 3 (as shown in Figure 10). The mouthpiece 50 delivers the generated aerosol 4 to an exterior of the device 1, for example when pulled or sucked by a user.

As in 10 As shown, the receiving space 10s, the wick 20 and the mouthpiece 50 - all together - define a fluid conduction path 5 for transporting the liquid 3 from the receiving space 10s to the ultrasonic generator 40 and for transporting the aerosol 2 generated by the ultrasonic generator 40 to the mouthpiece 50.

The ultrasonic generator 40 is arranged, e.g. directly arranged, between the mouthpiece 50 and the wick 20. The liquid line path 5 runs through the ultrasonic generator 40.

As can be seen from Figures 4a, 5a, 6a and 9a, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 such that the wick 20 fills the outlet opening 12, i.e. completely fills it.

As shown in Figure 6a, which is a cross-section in row II of the 5a an outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20 can directly contact an entire peripheral surface 5 12c that defines the outlet opening 12.

In other words, the outlet opening 12 can be completely filled or jammed by the wick 20 or stuffed or full by it. In simple terms, the entire cross-sectional area of the outlet opening 12 is taken up by the wick 20 in such a way that the liquid in the receiving space 10s only flows through the outlet opening 12 via the wick 20.

As can be seen from Figures 4b, 5b, 6b and 9b, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 and the guide 30 such that the wick 20 fills or completely fills the outlet opening 12 and/or the receiving space 30 of the guide 30.

As shown in Figure 6b, which is a cross-section in row II-II of the 5b the outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20 can directly contact an inner surface 30a of the peripheral wall 35 of the guide 30 at least over a lateral cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide 30.

Preferably, the wick 20 occupies an entire volume or space of the receiving space 30s.

In other words, the outlet opening 12 and/or the receiving space 30 of the guide 30 can be completely filled or jammed by the wick 20 or stuffed or jammed by it.

The wick 20 can be received in the outlet opening 12 and/or the receiving space 30s of the guide 30 by fitting it into the outlet opening 12 and/or the receiving space 30s of the guide 30.

In order to further improve the seal between the wick 20 and the outlet opening 12, a sealing element 12s, e.g. a rubber seal, as used for example in 8 shown, be arranged at the outlet opening 12. The seal 12s can contact the outer peripheral surface 20c of the wick 20.

7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ultrasonic generator 40. The ultrasonic generator 40 may have a first part 42 comprising a piezoelectric element; and a second part 44 comprising a plurality of passages 44p or a mesh 44p, e.g. a metallic mesh. The passages 44p or the mesh 44p make the second part 44 permeable to liquid and in particular to the aerosol generated by the ultrasonic generator 40.

The outlet end 22 of the wick 10 is not in direct contact with the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40.

The outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is not in contact with the passages 44p or the mesh 44p formed in or by the second portion 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40.

The second part 44 can be vibrated by the first part 42. The first part 42 can have an annular shape and the second part 44 can be arranged in a center of the annularly shaped first part 42.

The second part 44 has two opposite or inverted sides or surfaces - a receiving surface and a discharge surface - which are in fluid communication with each other via the network 44p or the passageways 44p.

The outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is not in direct contact with the second part 44 at the receiving surface. The liquid 3 is supplied through the outlet end 22 of the wick and is received by the receiving surface of the second part 44. The first part 42 vibrates by piezoelectric action and implements or transmits the vibrations to the second part 44, for example by being in direct contact with the second part 44. As a result, the second part 44 vibrates and the liquid received by the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 is aerosolized.

The generated aerosol leaves the second part 44 of the ultrasonic generator 40 at or from the exit surface of the second part 44.

Simply put, the receiving surface of the second part 44 can be understood as the surface of the second part 44 facing the outlet opening 12 and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20, and the outlet surface of the second part 44 can be understood as the surface of the second part 44 facing the mouthpiece or facing an outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50.

The aerosol 4 is ejected from the exit surface of the second part 44 into an aerosol chamber 50h defined between the outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50 and the ultrasonic generator 40, and then via the outlet opening 50h of the mouthpiece 50 to the outside of the device 1.

The device 1 may further comprise a holding element 60 which is arranged between the mouthpiece 50 and the container 10.

The ultrasonic generator 40 can be mounted on the support member 60 or received in the support member 60 to support or mount or fix the ultrasonic generator 40 between the mouthpiece 50 and the container 10.

The container may comprise a container connecting element 15 (as shown for example in 8 shown) and the holding member may comprise a holding member connecting member (not shown). The container connecting member 15 and the holding member connecting member may correspond to each other and may engage each other to fix or couple the container 10 and the holding member 60 with the ultrasonic generator 40 mounted thereon - a shown in Figures 9a and 9b. The coupling may be releasable or reversible.

With reference to 14 the wick 20 may comprise at least two sections or parts or segments - an inner section 24, i.e. a first section of the wick 20 arranged out of the outlet opening 12 and in the receiving space 10s, and an opening section 25, i.e. a second section, of the wick 20 arranged entirely in or inside the outlet opening 12, i.e. not protruding from either side of the outlet opening 12. In addition, the wick 20 may optionally comprise a third section or part or segment - an outer section or an outer portion 26 of the wick arranged protruding from the outlet opening 12 to the outside of the container 10, i.e. arranged outside the receiving space 10s and outside the outlet opening 12.

A length Lw of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 can be less than or equal to a length Lc of the receiving space 10s and/or between 0 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm.

A length Lh of the outlet opening 12 and/or the opening portion 25 of the wick 20 can be between 0.5 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably between 0.8 mm and 3.2 mm.

A length Lp1 of the outer portion 26 of the wick 20 can be 0 mm or between 0 mm and 3.5 mm, in particular between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. A length Lc of the receiving space 10s can be between 10 mm and 60 mm, in particular between 15 and 50 mm.

A part, for example an inner protruding part, of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may protrude from the guide 30 into the receiving space 10s. A length Lp2 of the inner protruding part of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may be equal to a difference between the length Lw of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 and the length Lg of the guide 30. The length Lp2 of the inner protruding part of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may be 0 mm, or may be between 0 mm and 15 mm, or between 5 and 10 mm.

A length Lg of the guide 30, which extends from the outlet opening 12 into the receiving space 10s, can be 0 mm, or can be greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to the length Lc of the receiving space, in particular between 0 mm and 45 mm or between 10 mm and 30 mm.

The length Lw of the inner portion 24 of the wick 20 may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, or equal to or greater than 70 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s.

The length Lg of the guide 30 may be equal to or greater than 50 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 70 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 80 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s, or may be equal to or greater than 90 percent of the length Lc of the accommodation space 10s.

Referring to 13 the wick 20 can have a full length FL between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example 19 mm.

A total length PL of the guide 30 and the outlet opening 12 can be between 12 mm and 18 mm, for example 16 mm.

The wick 20 may protrude on both sides, i.e. the inlet end 21 of the wick 20 may protrude from the guide 30 into the receiving space 10s and the outlet end 22 of the wick 20 may protrude from the outlet opening 12 to an outside of the container 10 or the receiving space 10s.

A diameter D1 of the receiving space 30s of the guide 30 and/or the outlet opening 12 can be between 6 mm and 9 mm, for example 7.5 mm.

A diameter D2 of the guide 30 can be between 8 mm and 11 mm, for example 9.5 mm.

12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the device 1, in which the wick 20 can be arranged directly in the receiving space 10s, ie in contact with the inner surface 10a of the receiving space 10s, and occupies the receiving space 10s - completely or partially.

The container 10 may have a guide segment 10g that defines the receiving space 30s.

As from 12 As can be seen, the wick 20 is arranged in the outlet opening 12 and the guide segment 10g such that the wick 20 fills or completely fills the outlet opening 12 and/or the receiving space 30s of the guide segment 10g. The guide segment 10g can absorb the liquid 3 which is adsorbed in the wick 20 arranged therein.

The guide segment 10g can form the entire receiving space 10s.

Additionally and optionally, the container 10 can have a reservoir segment 10f in addition to the guide segment 10f. The reservoir segment 10f does not include the wick 20, i.e. it is not filled by the wick 20 and can hold the liquid 3 therein.

With the present technique, aerosol is generated by an aerosol generating device according to the first aspect. Here, a liquid may be filled or stored in the receiving space of the container, and the thus stored or filled liquid is aerosolized by the ultrasonic generator of the aerosol generating device by actuating the ultrasonic generator.

The present technology also provides that aerosol is generated by an aerosol generating device according to the first aspect, wherein a liquid can be filled or stored in the receiving space of the container and the liquid stored or filled in this way is aerosolized by the ultrasonic generator of the aerosol generating device by actuating the ultrasonic generator. The liquid consists of water and ethanol. An amount of water is equal to or greater than 80% by weight. Substances or liquids that prevent contamination of the aerosol generating device 1 can reduce the surface tension of the liquid 3. A reduction in the surface tension has a significant impact on the transport of the liquid 3 through the Wick 20. If the surface tension of the liquid 3 is too low, there will not be sufficient accumulation of the liquid 3 on the outlet end 22 of the wick 20.

Furthermore, additional substances and/or liquids can be added to the water-based liquid. The desired pH value can be set using all the components of the water-based liquid. The pH value of the water-based liquid should be set in such a way that corrosion at the passages 44p of the ultrasonic generator 40 is avoided.

Although the present technique has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it should be recognized that the present technique is not limited to those precise embodiments. The scope of the invention, therefore, is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description.

List of reference symbols

1

device for generating aerosols

1x

longitudinal axis of the device

2

aerosol

3

liquid to be sprayed

4

gap

5

fluid conduction path

6

wire

8

main part

9

cartridge part

9y

Electrical connections

10

container

10a

inner surface of the container

10b

outer surface of the container

10s

accommodation room

10g

guide segment of the container

10F

storage container of the container

11

body of the container

11a

First part of the body

11b

Second part of the body

12

outlet opening

15

Connecting element of the container

18

enema

19

closure

20

wick

20a

top of the wick

20b

bottom of the wick

20c

outer surface of the wick

21

inlet end of the wick

22

outlet end of the wick

24

inlet area of the wick

25

opening section of the wick

26

outer part of the wick

30

Instructions

30a

inner surface of the guide

30b

outer surface of the guide

31

end of the tour

31 hours

entrance to the tour

32

omission of the leadership

32 hours

exit of the tour

35

surrounding guide wall

38

contact part

40

ultrasound generator

42

First part of the ultrasonic generator

44

Second part of the ultrasonic generator

44

passageways

50

mouthpiece

50 hours

mouthpiece opening

50 hours

aerosol chamber

60

holding element

82

charging port

84

Advertisement

86

user interface/button

88

LED display

89

logo

90

Distance

PL

Combined length

FL

full length of the wick

D1

inner diameter of guide/outlet opening

D2

outer diameter guide/outlet opening

Lc

length of the accommodation space

Lg

Length of the guide from the outlet opening

Lw

length of the wick from the outlet opening

LP1

length of the wick outside the container

LP2

Length of the wick outside the guide

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202018000122 U1 [0004]
• US 2020245692 A1 [0004]
• WO 2021081009 A1 [0004]
• EP 3247435 A1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Aerosol generating device (1) for generating an aerosol (2), the aerosol generating device (1) comprising: - a container (10) with an accommodation space (10s) for receiving a liquid (3) to be sprayed; - an ultrasonic generator (40) configured to generate the aerosol (2); - a mouthpiece (50) with an outlet opening (50h) for discharging the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40) therethrough; and - a wick (20) for transporting the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the wick (20) has an inlet end (21) arranged inside the receiving space (10s) for receiving the liquid (3) and an outlet end (22) arranged for providing the liquid (3) to the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the receiving space (10s), the wick (20) and the mouthpiece (50) define a fluid line path (5) for transporting the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) to the ultrasonic generator (40) and for transporting the aerosol (2) generated by the ultrasonic generator (40) to the mouthpiece (50), wherein the ultrasonic generator (40) is arranged between the outlet opening (50h) of the mouthpiece (50) and the wick (20) and the fluid line path (5) through the ultrasonic generator (40) and the container (10) has a Outlet opening (12) and the wick (20) is arranged in the outlet opening (12) and fills the outlet opening (12), characterized in that the liquid (3) is adjusted with respect to the pH value in coordination with the ultrasonic generator (40) so that no corrosion takes place at the passages (44p). Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the container (10) is liquid-tight except for the outlet opening (12), so that the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) is only transported to the ultrasonic generator (40) via the wick (20); and/or wherein the wick (20) is embedded in the outlet opening (12). Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the container (10) has a tubular guide (30) which extends from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) into the receiving space (10s) and has a receiving space (30s) with the wick (20) received therein. Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3 , wherein a cross-sectional area of the receiving space (30s) is filled by the wick (20). Aerosol generating device (1) according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein: a peripheral wall (35) of the guide (30) is liquid-tight; and/or the inlet end (21) of the wick (20) is arranged to protrude from the guide (30) into the receiving space (10s); and/or a gap (4) is defined between the guide (30) and an inner surface (10a) of the container (10) for receiving the liquid (3) from the receiving space (10s) into the wick (20), wherein the inner surface (10a) of the container (10) defines the receiving space (10s). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that a length (Lg) of the guide (30) extending from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) into the receiving space (10s) is equal to or greater than 50% or equal to or greater than 70% of a length (Lc) of the receiving space (10s). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the Claims 3 until 6 , wherein the guide (30) is formed integrally with the container (10); and/or wherein an inner diameter of the guide (30) is equal to a diameter of the outlet opening (12). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a length (Lw) of the wick (20) extending from the outlet opening (12) of the container (10) into the receiving space (10s) is equal to or greater than 50% or equal to or greater than 70% of a length (Lc) of the receiving space (10s); and/or wherein a diameter (D1) of the wick (20) and/or a diameter of the outlet opening (12) and/or an inner diameter of the guide (30) is greater than or equal to 5 mm or greater than 8 mm. Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece (50), the ultrasonic generator (40) and the wick (20) are axially aligned. Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ultrasonic generator (40) is designed to be driven at a frequency in a range from 1.4 kHz to 3 MHz; and/or wherein the ultrasonic generator (40) comprises: a first part (42) with a piezoelectric element; and a second part (44) having a plurality of passages (44p) to allow the fluid to pass through, and wherein the outlet end (22) of the wick (20) is spaced from the second part (44) of the ultrasonic generator (40). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a holding element (60) for holding the ultrasonic generator (40), wherein the holding element is designed to dampen vibrations of the ultrasonic generator (40). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wick (20) is arranged in the receiving space (10s) and fills a cross-section of the receiving space (10s). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises: an inlet opening (18) for filling the liquid (3) into the receiving space (10s) and a closure (19) for closing the inlet opening (18). Aerosol generating device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) comprises: a seal (12s) at the outlet opening (12) and in contact with an outer surface (20c) of the wick (20) for sealing the container (10) and the wick (20) against each other.

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