Replaceable cylinder with a sliding sealing element for aerosol generating devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, the cylinder comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid agent, the liquid storage portion including a liquid outlet for guiding the liquid agent out of the liquid storage portion; a slidable sealing element for sealing the liquid outlet, the slidable sealing element being configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when pressure is applied to the sealing element; and a wicking element arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet for absorbing and supplying the liquid agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus or an aerosol generating article. The invention further relates to an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating system for generating aerosols, the aerosol generating system comprising the cylinder, an aerosol generating article, and the aerosol generating apparatus. The invention further relates to a method of operating an aerosol generating system for forming aerosols. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices are known that heat but do not burn an aerosol-forming matrix (such as tobacco) in an aerosol-generating article. Such devices heat the aerosol-forming matrix to a sufficiently high temperature to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. These aerosol generating devices typically include a cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming matrix. These devices are typically portable, handheld devices and are generally compact. Other aerosol generating devices are known that generate aerosols from a liquid aerosol-forming matrix. Connecting and removing a cylinder containing the liquid aerosol-forming matrix from or replacing the cylinder typically results in spillage or leakage from the cylinder or from the aerosol generating device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is desirable to provide a replaceable liquid-containing cylinder that can be easily connected to and detached from an aerosol generating device without the risk of leakage. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system that offers users the possibility of using different aerosol forming matrices according to their preferences without the risk of fluid leakage from attaching, removing, or replacing different cylinders.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a replaceable cylinder is provided, the replaceable cylinder being configured for detachable connection to an aerosol generating device.

[0005] The cartridge may include a liquid storage section for storing a liquid agent. The liquid storage section may include a liquid outlet for guiding the liquid agent out of the liquid storage section. The cartridge may include a wicking element for supplying the liquid agent from the liquid storage section to the liquid outlet. The cartridge may include a slidable sealing element for sealing the liquid outlet. Sealing means sufficiently preventing the liquid contained in the liquid storage section from leaving the liquid storage section, so that no dripping occurs in and around the liquid outlet of the cartridge. Sealing means preventing liquid from accumulating at the connection point between the cartridge and the device. The slidable sealing element may be configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when pressure is applied to the sealing element. When not engaged with an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, the slidable sealing element seals the liquid outlet. When the cartridge is engaged with an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, the slidable sealing element slides away from the liquid outlet to allow the liquid agent to flow through the liquid outlet to reach the porous material located in the aerosol generating article. When the cartridge is removed from the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, the slidable sealing element may slide to reseal the liquid outlet. Because the sliding seal element seals the liquid outlet when the cylinder is not connected to the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating product, the risk of leakage is reduced when the cylinder is not connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0006] Additionally, the cartridge may include a wicking element. The wicking element is in contact with the liquid agent. The wicking element may be arranged near the liquid outlet to absorb and supply the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element may be arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet to absorb and supply the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element may be arranged near the liquid outlet to absorb and supply the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element may be arranged within the liquid outlet to absorb and supply the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element may be located between the liquid agent contained in the liquid storage section and the liquid outlet. The wicking element may be located between the liquid storage section and the liquid outlet. The wicking element can provide a controlled supply of liquid agent to the liquid outlet.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, a replaceable cartridge is provided, configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol generating apparatus. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid agent. The liquid storage portion includes a liquid outlet for guiding the liquid agent out of the liquid storage portion. The cartridge includes a slidable sealing element for sealing the liquid outlet. The slidable sealing element is configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when pressure is applied to the sealing element. The cartridge also includes a wicking element. The wicking element is arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet for absorbing and supplying the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element can contact the liquid agent. The wicking element is arranged to contact the liquid agent and deliver the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. The wicking element can guide the liquid agent from the liquid storage portion to the liquid outlet. The wicking element can absorb the liquid agent arriving at the liquid outlet from the liquid storage portion. This can reduce the pressure of the liquid agent on the sealing element. The wicking element can prevent the liquid agent from leaking from the cartridge through the liquid outlet. The combination of the wicking element and the sealing element can provide an improved seal on the cartridge and reduce leakage from the cartridge. The cartridge may include a container for containing the liquid agent in a sealed manner.

[0008] There are various possibilities for applying pressure to the slidable sealing element to cause it to slide away from the liquid outlet. According to one embodiment of the invention, an aerosol generating apparatus can be provided, comprising a heating element. The heating element may include a chamber wall having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion of the chamber wall is configured to engage with the slidable sealing element to push the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet. The aerosol generating apparatus including this chamber wall will be described in more detail below.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the invention, pressure can be applied to the slidable sealing element through the porous portion of the aerosol-generating article, as explained in more detail below. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device including the compartment wall is used in conjunction with the replaceable cylinder of the invention.

[0010] When the cartridge is engaged with the aerosol generating device, a sliding sealing element can engage with a portion of the aerosol generating device. When the user presses the cartridge into the appropriate position within the aerosol generating device, this portion allows the sliding sealing element to slide away from the liquid outlet. Engaging the cartridge into the appropriate position within the aerosol generating device allows the sliding sealing element to slide away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing liquid to enter through the liquid outlet.

[0011] When the cylinder is engaged with an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, a sliding sealing element can engage with a portion of the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article. When the user presses the cylinder into position and the aerosol generating device accommodates the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article or a portion of the aerosol generating device can allow the sliding sealing element to slide away from the liquid outlet. Engaging the cylinder into position allows the aerosol generating article or a portion of the aerosol generating device to engage with the sliding sealing element, causing the sliding sealing element to slide away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing liquid to enter the liquid outlet.

[0012] The portion of the aerosol generating apparatus that engages with a slidable sealing element can be part of the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The portion of the heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus that engages with the slidable sealing element can be part of a chamber wall of the heating element, particularly a portion of a chamber wall of the heating element extending outside the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus. The portion of the chamber wall of the heating element extending outside the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus can be located downstream of the cavity for receiving the aerosol-generated article. An aerosol generating apparatus including this chamber wall will be described in more detail below.

[0013] The portion of an aerosol generating article that engages with a slidable sealing element can be a porous portion of the aerosol generating article. The porous portion of the aerosol generating article can be a filter portion. The filter portion of the aerosol generating article can be located downstream of a matrix portion of the aerosol generating article, said matrix portion comprising an aerosol forming matrix. An aerosol generating article comprising a porous portion and a matrix portion will be described in more detail below.

[0014] The sliding sealing element can have any suitable shape. For example, the sliding sealing element can be a folded plate. The sliding sealing element can be a ring. The sliding sealing element can be a door. The sliding sealing element can be flat. The sliding sealing element can be shaped such that it complements the structure in the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article to facilitate the movement of the sliding sealing element from a closed position to an open position or from an open position to a closed position.

[0015] When the cylinder is not engaged with any part of the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, a sliding sealing element can seal the liquid outlet. The sliding sealing element can abut, close, or seal the liquid outlet, thereby sealing the liquid outlet and preventing the liquid from being released from the cylinder. The sealing element can cover the liquid outlet, thereby preventing the liquid from being released from the cylinder.

[0016] The slidable sealing element can slide between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the slidable sealing element seals the liquid outlet to prevent liquid from being transferred out of the cartridge. In the first position of the slidable sealing element, the liquid channel for releasing the liquid, starting from the liquid storage section, passing through the wicking element, and through the liquid outlet, can be closed. In the sealed position of the slidable sealing element, the liquid channel for releasing the liquid, starting from the liquid storage section, passing through the wicking element, and through the liquid outlet, can be closed. In the second position, the slidable sealing element can be offset from the liquid outlet. This allows liquid to be released through the liquid outlet. In the second position of the slidable sealing element, the liquid channel can be opened, allowing liquid to be released from the cartridge. In the open position of the slidable sealing element, the liquid channel for releasing the liquid, starting from the liquid storage section, passing through the wicking element, and through the liquid outlet, can be opened. When removed from the aerosol generating apparatus or aerosol generating article, the slidable sealing element of the cartridge can slide above the liquid outlet to the first position to seal the liquid outlet. This prevents leakage or spillage of the liquid agent present in the cylinder when the cylinder is removed from the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating product.

[0017] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may include an interchangeable cylinder as described herein, and one or both of an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article. The aerosol generation device may include a cavity for receiving the aerosol generation article. A slidable sealing element of the cylinder may be configured to slide away when pushed by one or both of the aerosol generation device or the aerosol generation article. The slidable sealing element may slide away when engaged with a portion of either the aerosol generation device or the aerosol generation article. The slidable sealing element may slide away when engaged with a portion of the aerosol generation article. In particular, the slidable sealing element may be configured to slide away from a liquid outlet from a first position to a second position when pushed by a porous portion of the aerosol generation article while the cylinder is connected to the aerosol generation device and the aerosol generation article received in the cavity of said device. Alternatively, the slidable sealing element may be configured to slide away from the liquid outlet from a first position to a second position when pushed by a portion of the aerosol generation device.

[0018] The following describes in more detail an aerosol generating apparatus configured to be detachably connected to a slidable sealing element of a cylinder. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generated article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generated article received in the cavity. The heating element may include a chamber wall. A first portion of the chamber wall may be located within the cavity, and a second portion of the chamber wall may extend outside the cavity.

[0019] The first portion of the compartment wall located within the cavity can be directly heated by a heating element. The first portion of the compartment wall can be configured to receive aerosol-generated articles within the cavity.

[0020] This allows the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity to be heated while the first portion of the chamber wall is heated. Conversely, the second portion of the chamber wall, which may extend outside the cavity, may not be directly heated by the heating element. The second portion of the chamber wall can be configured to be indirectly heated by the heating element. Thus, the aerosol-generating apparatus can provide two distinct heating zones: a first heating zone defined by the first portion of the chamber wall, which is directly heated by the heating element, and a second heating zone defined by the second portion of the chamber wall, which is outside the cavity and therefore not directly heated by the heating element. Heat can be transferred from the first portion of the chamber wall to the second portion of the chamber wall outside the cavity via thermal conduction through the material of the chamber wall.

[0021] The second portion of the compartment wall can be configured to interact with the cylinder containing the liquid agent. The second portion of the compartment wall can be configured for detachable connection to the cylinder containing the liquid agent. The second portion of the compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol generating device can push a sliding sealing element away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing the liquid agent to be released from the liquid storage section to the second portion of the compartment wall. When the cylinder is connected to the aerosol generating device, the second portion of the compartment wall can be adjacent to the liquid outlet. When the second portion of the compartment wall is received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the second portion of the compartment wall can be adjacent to the liquid outlet. This facilitates the transport of the liquid agent from the liquid storage section through the wicking element and the liquid outlet to the second portion of the compartment wall.

[0022] An aerosol generating apparatus can be configured for use with an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol forming matrix for forming an aerosol and a cartridge containing a liquid agent. The liquid agent may also form part of the aerosol. Therefore, the aerosol generating apparatus can be configured to generate aerosols from different matrices (aerosol generating article and liquid agent). The cartridge can be detachably connected to the aerosol generating apparatus due to a second portion of the compartment wall. This allows for cartridge replacement, thereby allowing the use of different cartridges with different liquid agents to be used with the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0023] The second portion of the compartment wall of the aerosol generating apparatus can extend downstream of the cavity. This ensures that the second portion of the compartment wall is indirectly heated via thermal convection caused by the heated aerosol generated in the first portion of the compartment wall. Therefore, the first portion of the compartment wall will be located upstream of the second portion of the compartment wall. Positioning the second portion of the compartment wall downstream of the cavity also facilitates the entrainment of any agent, particularly a liquid agent provided in the second portion of the compartment wall, within the aerosol formed from the aerosol generating article in the first portion of the compartment wall.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative position of a component or portion of a component of a cylinder, aerosol generating article, or aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which air flows along an airflow path through the aerosol generating device, through the aerosol generating article, or through the cylinder during use. An aerosol generating device according to the invention includes a proximal end through which aerosols exit the device during use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as an inlet end or a downstream end. The inlet end is downstream of the distal end. The inlet end may include a mouthpiece. The distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as an upstream end. A component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device, cylinder, or article may be described as upstream or downstream of each other based on its relative position to an airflow path through the aerosol generating device.

[0025] The compartment walls may include a tubular shape. This ensures that any aerosol-generating articles, especially any tubular articles, can be easily received within the compartment walls. The compartment walls also facilitate heat conduction from the first portion of the compartment wall to the second portion.

[0026] The heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus can be configured to indirectly heat a second portion of the compartment wall via one or both of heat conduction and heat convection. This allows for reliable heating of the second portion of the compartment wall. The first portion of the compartment wall located within the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus can be directly heated by the heating element. Therefore, due to the first and second portions of the compartment wall, a single heating element can allow for two distinct heating zones within the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0027] The second portion of the compartment wall may include one or both of a hole and at least one porous section. This allows the second portion of the compartment wall to contain a liquid agent from the cylinder. The porous section in the sidewall can be configured to store any liquid agent. The porous section of the second portion of the compartment wall may include a metal foam. The second portion of the compartment wall may include a hole, which can be formed in the second portion of the compartment wall by any suitable means. For example, the hole in the second portion of the compartment wall can be formed by drilling or by laser. The hole in the second portion of the compartment wall can allow the liquid agent released from the cylinder to enter the gas flow path of the aerosol generating device for aerosolization. Similarly, the porous portion of the second portion of the compartment wall can store any liquid agent released from the cylinder until the liquid agent enters the gas flow path of the aerosol generating device for aerosolization. The gas flow path of the aerosol generating device can pass through the second portion of the compartment wall of the heating element. The stored liquid agent can be aerosolized and can be included in the aerosol formed in the first portion of the compartment wall in the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0028] The second portion of the compartment wall can be hollow. This allows the aerosol-generating article to be inserted through the second portion of the compartment wall into the first portion of the compartment wall located within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The second portion of the compartment wall can have the same cross-sectional shape as the first portion of the compartment. In particular, both the first and second portions of the compartment wall can have a tubular shape. This can produce the same circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape for both the first and second portions of the compartment wall. This allows the insertion of a strip-shaped aerosol-generating article through the second portion of the compartment wall into the first portion of the compartment wall.

[0029] The first and second portions of the compartment wall can be connected thermally. This facilitates the transfer of heat from the first portion to the second portion of the compartment wall in a particularly simple manner. For example, a thermally conductive connection, including one or both of metal and ceramic, can exist between the first and second portions of the compartment wall. This thermally conductive connection ensures that any heat generated in the first portion of the compartment wall is efficiently transferred to the second portion of the compartment wall via thermal conduction.

[0030] The first and second portions of the compartment wall can be made of the same material. This facilitates the production of the compartment wall. It also facilitates heat conduction from the first portion to the second portion of the compartment wall. The first and second portions of the compartment wall can be formed as single-piece components. This allows for the production of the first and second portions of the compartment wall by providing single-piece compartments. Furthermore, this facilitates heat conduction from the first portion to the second portion of the compartment wall.

[0031] The compartment wall may comprise one or both of a metal and a ceramic. The compartment wall may comprise one or both of a ferromagnetic metal or a ferromagnetic ceramic. The metal or ceramic of the compartment wall can provide good thermal conductivity between a first portion and a second portion of the compartment wall. This facilitates indirect heating of the second portion of the compartment wall from the first portion via thermal conduction. Providing one or both of a ferromagnetic metal or a ferromagnetic ceramic also enables the compartment wall to be heated by induction heating.

[0032] The heating element may include one or both of an induction heating element and a resistance heating element. Preferably, the heating element may be an induction heating element. The heating element may preferably be an induction coil. The compartment wall may be a sensor. The induction heating element, preferably an induction coil, may be configured to heat a first portion of the compartment wall. The induction heating element may be connected to a power source. The induction coil may be able to provide an inductance between 1 microhenry (µH) and 500 nanohenry (nH).

[0033] This could provide an easy way to heat the wall of the first compartment located in the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0034] An induction coil can be configured to indirectly heat a second portion of the compartment wall. Preferably, the induction coil can be configured to indirectly heat the second portion of the compartment wall via heat conduction from the first portion to the second portion. This provides an aerosol generating apparatus comprising two distinct heating zones. A first heating zone can be located at the first portion of the compartment wall, which is directly heated by a heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus. A second heating zone can be located at the second portion of the compartment wall, which is indirectly heated via heat conduction from the first portion to the second portion. During operation of the aerosol generating apparatus, the temperature in the first heating zone can be higher than the temperature in the second heating zone. The temperature in the first heating zone, at the first portion of the compartment wall, can be between 200°C and 350°C. The temperature in the second heating zone, at the second portion of the compartment wall, can be between 160°C and 220°C. Further details of an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a compartment wall are described in co-pending EP patent application EP 21 157 763.0, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The aerosol-generating article received in a first portion of the compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol-generating apparatus may include a matrix portion. The matrix portion may include an aerosol-forming matrix, as explained in more detail below.

[0035] Instead of the aerosol generating apparatus including the first and second portions of the heater compartment wall, the replaceable cylinder of the present invention can also be used with aerosol generating apparatus that does not include the heater compartment wall as described above. In this case, the slidable sealing element of the replaceable cylinder can be configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when engaged with a portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus used with the aerosol generating article engaged with the slidable sealing element may include a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article configured to interact with the slidable sealing element of the cylinder is described below.

[0036] The aerosol generating article includes a porous portion. The porous portion can be configured to push a slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet when the aerosol generating article is received in the cartridge. The aerosol generating article may also include a matrix portion, wherein the matrix portion comprises an aerosol forming matrix. The porous portion may be adjacent to the matrix portion. The porous portion may be located downstream of the matrix portion. The porous portion may include a filter portion. The filter portion may be ideally suited for absorbing liquid agents transported from a liquid storage portion via the liquid outlet. The porous portion may be cellulose acetate. The porous portion may include a cellulose acetate filter tip section. When the cartridge is connected to an aerosol generating device (which includes the aerosol generating article in its cavity), the porous portion of the aerosol generating article may be positioned adjacent to the liquid outlet of the cartridge. Therefore, the porous portion can readily absorb any liquid agents released from the cartridge through the liquid outlet.

[0037] Liquid agents absorbed by the porous portion of the aerosol-generated article can be entrained in the aerosol formed from the matrix portion of the aerosol-generated article. The porous portion can be located downstream of the matrix portion. As heated aerosol from the matrix portion passes through the porous portion, the porous portion can be indirectly heated via thermal convection.

[0038] Further features of the cylinder, described below, include its ability to interact with the compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus or with the aerosol generating article. The cylinder may include a central hollow portion. Aerosol generated from the heated liquid is guided into the central hollow portion. The central hollow portion may be part of the cylinder in which aerosol formation occurs. The central hollow portion may be part of the cylinder in which the aerosol flows before exiting the apparatus via an air outlet (e.g., a nozzle).

[0039] The airflow path provides an airflow from the air inlet, through a heater (in which the liquid is heated to form vapor and aerosol), into a central hollow section (in which aerosols are entrained in the airflow), and to the air outlet. As the vapor cools and moves with the airflow into and through the central hollow section, aerosol formation can continue within the central hollow section. The user draws air through the airflow path by sucking or drawing at the outlet. When the user draws at the outlet, air is drawn into the air inlet, through the heater (in which vapor and aerosols are entrained in the airflow path), through the central hollow section, and to the air outlet. The device may have multiple air inlets.

[0040] The cylinder can be configured to partially receive the aerosol generating article (particularly its porous portion) or a second portion of the compartment wall of the aerosol generating device. The cylinder can receive the aerosol generating article or the second portion of the compartment wall of the aerosol generating device in a central hollow portion. The aerosol generating article can partially extend beyond the central hollow portion. When the aerosol generating article partially extends beyond the central hollow portion, it can form a mouthpiece. When the aerosol generating article partially extends beyond the central hollow portion, it can form an air outlet. The aerosol generating article can be completely contained within the central hollow portion. The compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol generating article or the aerosol generating device can push a sliding sealing element away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing the liquid agent to be released from the liquid storage portion to the heater.

[0041] The aerosol generating article can be heated by a heater. The aerosol generating article contains a solid material that forms an aerosol upon heating. The aerosol formed from the aerosol generating article can flow through a porous element containing liquid in the aerosol generating article, so that liquid in the porous element is entrained in the aerosol, thereby combining the aerosol formed from the solid material with the liquid agent and delivering it to the user.

[0042] Preferably, the porous portion of the aerosol-generating article is received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder. The porous portion can be configured to receive any liquid agent from the liquid storage portion of the cylinder once the aerosol-generating article located in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device is received by the central hollow portion of the cylinder. When the aerosol-generating article is partially received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the porous portion of the aerosol-generating article may be adjacent to the liquid outlet. This facilitates the transport of liquid agent from the liquid storage portion through the wicking element and the liquid outlet to the porous portion.

[0043] The diameter of the porous portion can be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the sliding sealing element. Specifically, the diameter of the tubular or strip-shaped porous portion can be the same as or smaller than the diameter of the annular sliding sealing element. The diameter of the porous portion can be up to 5% to 10% smaller than the diameter of the sliding sealing element. This ensures that when the aerosol-generating article (especially its porous portion) is partially received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the porous portion can push the sliding sealing element away from the liquid outlet.

[0044] In one embodiment of the aerosol generation system, when the cylinder is connected to the aerosol generation device, the central hollow portion of the cylinder may coincide with the cavity of the aerosol generation device for receiving the aerosol-generated article. This allows for the formation of a continuous internal hollow portion of the aerosol generation system, comprising the central hollow portion of the cylinder and the cavity of the aerosol generation device for receiving the aerosol-generated article.

[0045] The aerosol generating article can be partially received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder. Therefore, the central hollow portion of the cylinder can be configured to partially receive the aerosol generating article. When received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the aerosol generating article can push a slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet from its first position to its second position. When received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the aerosol generating article can push a slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet from its closed position to its open position.

[0046] The alternative cylinder of the present invention can be connected to the aforementioned aerosol generating device, which includes a heating element having a first portion and a second portion of a chamber wall, wherein the second portion of the chamber wall extends outside the cavity. In this case, the second portion of the chamber wall can be received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder. Specifically, the second portion of the chamber wall allows a slidable sealing element to slide away from the liquid outlet, so that the liquid agent can pass through the liquid outlet and be received by the second portion of the chamber wall.

[0047] Liquid formulations may include one or more active agents. These active agents may include flavoring agents, nicotine, and pharmaceuticals. For example, one or more active agents may include flavoring oils such as peppermint oil, menthol, nicotine oil, or other flavoring agents. Liquid formulations may also include a carrier liquid for dissolving any active agent. The carrier liquid may be one or more polyols (such as propylene glycol, glycerin) and water.

[0048] The wicking element can be located inside the liquid storage section. This allows the liquid stored inside the liquid storage section to be first absorbed by the wicking element and then transported to the liquid outlet. This provides additional control over the flow of the liquid from the liquid outlet. The presence of the wick can further reduce leakage by controlling the flow of the liquid through the liquid outlet.

[0049] The wicking element can be adjacent to the liquid outlet. This ensures that any liquid leaving the liquid storage section via the liquid outlet is first absorbed by the wicking element. This prevents or controls leakage from the cylinder. The wicking element can be near the liquid outlet. The wicking element can be in the liquid outlet. The wicking element can be next to the liquid outlet. The wicking element can be at the liquid outlet. The wicking element can be between the liquid and the liquid outlet in the liquid storage section.

[0050] The storage section may include a hollow space for storing the liquid agent, and a wicking element may be located between the hollow space and the liquid outlet. This allows the wicking element to control the flow of the liquid agent from the hollow space to the liquid outlet. Furthermore, this prevents any spillage of the liquid agent from the cylinder through the liquid outlet.

[0051] A wicking element can be any suitable material used to wick liquids. Wadding means that the material can transport liquids through capillary action. Wadding elements can include fibrous materials. Wadding elements can include porous materials. Wadding elements can include woven materials. Wadding elements can include non-woven materials. Wadding elements can include foam-like materials. Wadding elements can include sponge-like materials. Wadding elements can include sintered materials. Wadding elements can include ceramic materials. Wadding elements can include a bundle of capillaries. For example, a wicking element can include multiple fibers or threads or other fine-pore tubes. The fibers or threads can be generally aligned to transport liquids from the liquid storage section of the cylinder to the liquid outlet. The structure of the wicking element can form multiple small holes or tubes. Wadding materials can include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include materials with pores that can transport liquids through capillary action. For example, the core can include ceramic materials. The material can include sintered ceramics. The core can include graphite-based materials. The material can include fibers or sintered powders. The core can include foamed metals. The core can include plastic materials. The core can include cellulose materials. The core can include plant-based materials. The core can include plastic materials. The core can include ceramic materials. The core can include glass materials. Fiber materials can include, for example, spun or extruded fibers, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, glass fibers, or ceramics. The wicking element can have any suitable capillary action and porosity for use with different liquid physical properties.

[0052] The liquid storage portion of the cylinder may include a hollow portion wall. This hollow portion wall may be adjacent to other portions of the cylinder. The wall of the liquid storage portion may form at least a portion of the central hollow portion. Therefore, the liquid portion wall forms a wall adjacent to the central hollow portion of the liquid storage portion.

[0053] The cylinder may include an outer wall. The liquid storage section may be located between the outer wall and the inner wall of the cylinder. The inner wall of the cylinder is the wall of the central hollow section.

[0054] The sliding sealing element of the cylinder can be configured to slide along the wall of the central hollow portion. This ensures that the liquid outlet can be reliably sealed by the sliding sealing element. The sealing element can be configured to slide along the wall of the central hollow portion.

[0055] This ensures that the sealing element is located within the central hollow portion and can slide along the wall of the central hollow portion when pressure is applied to the sliding sealing element from within the central hollow portion.

[0056] The central hollow portion of the cylinder may include an upstream opening and a downstream opening. This provides an airflow path through the cylinder between the upstream and downstream openings. It also allows for the delivery of liquid agents from the liquid storage section to the central hollow portion for entrainment in an aerosol.

[0057] The liquid storage section for storing liquid agents can be refillable. Therefore, an inlet port can be provided for refilling the liquid storage section with fresh liquid agents. Alternatively, the cartridge can be configured for single use and can be discarded after all liquid agents have been used. The inlet port may include a seal. The inlet port seal can be slidable. The inlet port can be configured for repeated refilling of the cartridge.

[0058] The cartridge may include a flexible biasing member. When no pressure is applied to the sealing member and the cartridge is not connected to an aerosol generating device, the flexible biasing member may be configured to hold the sealing member in the position of the sealed liquid outlet. Furthermore, when pressure is applied to the sealing member, the flexible biasing member may allow the sliding sealing member to slide away from the liquid outlet to facilitate the release of the liquid agent. This may occur when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article. Additionally, the flexible biasing member may be configured to allow the sliding sealing member to slide back to the position of the sealed liquid outlet when pressure is no longer applied. The flexible biasing member may be a spring or any other biasing member suitable for holding the sliding sealing member in the position of the sealed liquid outlet.

[0059] The flexible biasing member can be located outside the liquid storage section within the central hollow portion of the cylinder. This allows the flexible biasing member to push the sealing element to reseal the liquid outlet after the pressure on the sealing member has ceased to be applied.

[0060] The cylinder can be configured for detachable connection to one or both of an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating article. The cylinder may include device connection elements for connecting the cylinder to the aerosol generating apparatus. These device connection elements may be locating grooves, locating rings, or other connecting features. These device connection elements may be located on the outer wall of the cylinder.

[0061] The cartridge can be configured to be detachably connected to the mouthpiece. The cartridge may include a mouthpiece connecting element for detachably connecting the cartridge to the removable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be located downstream of the central hollow portion of the cartridge. The mouthpiece connecting element may be located on the wall of the central hollow portion. The mouthpiece can be used by a user to inhale aerosols formed in the central hollow portion of the cartridge and in the aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece may be integrally formed as part of the cartridge.

[0062] The sealing element can be annular. The sealing element can form a sealing ring. The cylinder can include an annular shape. The central hollow portion can have a tubular shape. An annular sealing element may be particularly suitable for sealing one or more liquid outlets located on the wall of the tubular central hollow portion. The annular sealing element can have any shape. The shape of the annular sealing element depends on the shape of the part to be sealed. The sealing ring can be, for example, rectangular, oval, ring-shaped, cap-like, or can have a complex shape. The sealing ring can be made of any material suitable for sealing two parts together.

[0063] More than one liquid outlet may exist in the cylinder. In particular, at least two, at least three, or at least four liquid outlets may exist in the cylinder. These liquid outlets may be arranged in a ring along the annular cylinder. A sealing element may be configured to seal the plurality of liquid outlets by simultaneously sealing some or all of the liquid outlets with an annular sealing element.

[0064] Sealing elements may include flexible materials. Sealing elements may include rubber. Sealing elements may include elastomeric materials. Sealing elements may include thermoplastic polymers. Sealing elements may include one or more of rubber, elastomeric materials, and thermoplastic polymers. Elastomer materials are particularly flexible and well-suited for sealing liquid outlets. Elastomer materials may include silicone. Elastomer materials may include polyester elastomers. Elastomer materials may include polyurethane elastomers. Elastomer materials may include polyolefins. Elastomer materials may include polypropylene. Elastomer materials may include high-density polyethylene. Elastomer materials may include one or more of silicone, polyester elastomers, and polyurethane elastomers. Elastomer materials may be thermosetting elastomers. Elastomer materials may be thermoplastic elastomers. Thermoplastic polymers may include polyolefins, particularly polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0065] The cylinder can be configured to receive part of the compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus or aerosol generating device. The cylinder can be configured to partially receive the aerosol generating product. The aerosol generating product can push a sliding sealing element away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing the liquid agent to be released from the liquid storage section.

[0066] The sealing element can be configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when the cylinder receives the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article can be partially received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder. The central hollow portion of the cylinder can be configured to partially receive the aerosol-generating article. When received in the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the aerosol-generating article can push the sliding sealing element away from the liquid outlet.

[0067] The barrel may comprise a temperature-stable polymer. The barrel may comprise a temperature-stable thermoplastic polymer. Examples of such temperature-stable thermoplastic polymers are polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0068] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising a cylinder as described herein. The aerosol generation system further includes one or both of an aerosol generation article and an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device includes a cavity configured to receive the aerosol generation article.

[0069] As used herein, an "aerosol generating device" relates to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a smoking article. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through their mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generating device may include a housing, circuitry, a power supply, a cavity, and a heating element.

[0070] The aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming matrix.

[0071] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article. The aerosol-forming matrix may be part of the matrix portion of an aerosol-generating article.

[0072] The aerosol forming matrix can be a solid aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix can include both solid and liquid components. The aerosol forming matrix can include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the matrix upon heating. The aerosol forming matrix can also include non-tobacco materials. The aerosol forming matrix can include aerosol forming agents that facilitate the formation of dense and stable aerosols. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. The aerosol forming agent can be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol. The aerosol forming agent can be propylene glycol. The aerosol forming agent can include both glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol forming matrix may also include sensor materials for inductive heating of the matrix.

[0073] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article can be a smoking article that generates aerosols that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through their mouth. The aerosol-generating article can be disposable. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device can have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end can be a proximal end. The cavity can have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end can be the base of the cavity. The closed end can be closed except for providing air vents disposed in the base. The base of the cavity can be flat. The base of the cavity can be circular. The base of the cavity can be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end can be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity can have an elongated extension. The cavity can have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction can be a direction extending along the longitudinal central axis between the open end and the closed end. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

[0074] The cavity can be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity can have a cylindrical shape. The cavity can have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity can have a shape complementary to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity can be shaped to contain the aerosol-generating article. The cavity can have a circular cross-section. The cavity can have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity can have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0075] An airflow channel can pass through the cavity. Ambient air can be drawn into the aerosol generating device through the airflow channel, enter the cavity, and be directed towards the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece can be placed, or the user can inhale directly from the aerosol generating product. The airflow channel can extend through the mouthpiece.

[0076] Furthermore, the aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating element. The heating element can be used to heat the aerosol generating article received in the cavity to generate an aerosol. The heating element may include one or both of an induction heating element and a resistance heating element.

[0077] The induction heating element may include an inductor coil disposed around at least a portion of the cavity and connected to a power source. The inductor coil may be capable of providing an inductance between 1 microhenry (µH) and 500 nanohenry (nH). The aerosol generating apparatus may include a sensor in the form of a sensor blade or sensor pin located within the cavity. The sensor blade or sensor pin may be configured to heat when inductance is generated by the inductor coil. The sensor blade or sensor pin may be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article when it is received into the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus to heat the aerosol generating article. The heating pin or heating blade may include a sensor material for induction heating of the aerosol generating article. The sensor may also be incorporated into the aerosol generating article. For example, the aerosol generating matrix may contain the sensor.

[0078] The heating blades or heating pins can be configured for resistance heating. The heating blades or heating pins can be configured to penetrate the aerosol generating article when it is received into the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus. The heating pins or heating blades may include conductive tracks for resistance heating of the aerosol generating article.

[0079] Suitable resistive materials for resistance heating elements include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, as well as alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and... Superalloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and desired external physicochemical properties. Examples of suitable composite heater elements are disclosed in US-A-5 498 855, WO-A-03 / 095688, and US-A-5 514 630. A preferred resistance heating material may be a nickel-chromium alloy.

[0080] The sensor element can be formed of any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate aerosols from the aerosol-forming matrix. Preferred sensor elements may comprise or be composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable sensors may be aluminum or include aluminum. Preferred sensors can be heated to temperatures exceeding 250 degrees Celsius.

[0081] Preferred sensor elements are metallic sensors, such as stainless steel. However, sensor materials may also include or be made from a variety of the following: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; Inconel alloy (an austenitic nickel-chromium superalloy); metallized films; ceramics such as zirconium oxide; transition metals such as iron, cobalt, and nickel; or metalloid components such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, and aluminum.

[0082] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "smoking" in connection with apparatus, articles, systems, matrices, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​completely or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating apparatus of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming matrix to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming matrix but at or above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming matrix are released to form an inhalable aerosol. Furthermore, the inhalable aerosol may contain a liquid agent, particularly an active agent dissolved therein, provided by a cartridge in the aerosol-generating system of the present invention. The active agent in the liquid agent of the cartridge may provide additional flavoring or nicotine. Additional flavoring or nicotine may improve the inhalable aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol-generating article. Users can combine different cartridges with different liquid agents according to their preferences to improve the inhalable aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming matrix. Therefore, the aerosol generation system of the present invention can be a so-called "mixed aerosol generation system" that uses both a solid aerosol forming matrix included in the aerosol generation article and a liquid agent from the cylinder.

[0083] An airflow path can be provided in the aerosol generation system, extending from one or more air inlets of the aerosol generation device through a central hollow portion of the cylinder to an air outlet. When the aerosol generation article is engaged in the cavity of the aerosol generation device and the central hollow portion of the cylinder, the airflow path extends from one or more air inlets through the aerosol generation article and through a porous portion to the air outlet. When the cylinder is connected to the aerosol generation device, the cavity of the aerosol generation device can be located upstream of the cylinder.

[0084] If the aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generation device comprising a heating element having a first portion and a second portion of a partition wall, an airflow path can be provided from at least one air inlet through a first heating zone defined by the first portion of the partition wall located in the cavity of the aerosol generation device and into a second heating zone defined by the second portion of the partition wall. Specifically, the airflow path can extend through an aerosol generation article received in the first portion of the partition wall. The airflow path can further extend from the second portion of the partition wall through a central hollow portion of the cylinder to an air outlet (e.g., a mouthpiece). The mouthpiece can form the downstream end of the airflow path.

[0085] A mouthpiece may be present in the aerosol generation system of the present invention. The mouthpiece may be located downstream of the cylinder. An airflow path may be formed in the aerosol generation system, the airflow path leading from one or more air inlets of the aerosol generation device through the central hollow portion of the aerosol generation article and the cylinder to the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece being the downstream end of the aerosol generation system. One or more air inlets may be present in the upstream end of the aerosol generation device, the air inlets providing air to the cavity of the aerosol generation device.

[0086] The aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may include a cylinder connecting element for detachably connecting the aerosol generating device to a cylinder. These connecting elements may include complementary structures that can be releasably slid or snapped together, or any other form of detachable or releasable connecting element, including, for example, a groove or a retaining ring.

[0087] The aerosol generating device further includes circuitry. The circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The circuitry may include additional electronic components. The circuitry may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element (particularly an induction coil or resistance heating element). Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after the aerosol generating device is activated, or it may be supplied intermittently, for example, on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The circuitry may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and preferably control the power supply to the heating element based on the resistance of the heating element.

[0088] The aerosol generating device may further include a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. The power source can provide a DC voltage between 1.5 and 5 volts. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging and may have a capacity to store enough energy for one or more uses; for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another instance, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of discontinuous activations of the suction or heating element.

[0089] A method for operating an aerosol generation system as described herein is also provided. The method includes the following steps:

[0090] - The aerosol-generated article is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0091] - The cylinder is connected to the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating article pushes the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing liquid contained in the liquid storage section to flow through the liquid outlet to the porous portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0092] - Heating the aerosol-generating article, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article and the liquid agent.

[0093] This method allows for the formation of a matrix from a solid aerosol in an aerosol generating article and the formation of an aerosol from a liquid agent in a cartridge. Different combinations of the aerosol generating article and cartridge can be used according to user preferences. The aerosol generating article may include a matrix portion comprising an aerosol forming matrix. As mentioned above, the aerosol forming matrix can be solid. Furthermore, the aerosol generating article may include a porous portion adjacent to the matrix portion of the aerosol generating article. The porous portion may be located downstream of the matrix portion of the aerosol generating article. Liquid agents contacting the aerosol generating article can be absorbed by the porous portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0094] An aerosol generating apparatus may include a heating element. This heating element can heat a matrix portion of the aerosol generating article to form an aerosol. The heating element may be capable of providing a temperature between 160°C and 350°C. The matrix portion of the aerosol generating article can be heated to a temperature of approximately 200°C to 350°C. The heating element may also heat a porous portion of the aerosol generating article, including an absorbent liquid agent. The porous portion of the aerosol generating article may be indirectly heated via heat convection from the matrix portion of the article. The porous portion may be heated to a temperature lower than the temperature of the matrix portion of the aerosol generating article. The porous portion may be heated to a temperature of 160°C to 220°C.

[0095] Alternatively, another embodiment of the invention provides a method for operating an aerosol generation system as described herein. The method includes the following steps:

[0096] - The aerosol-generated article is received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating apparatus, the heating element of the aerosol-generating apparatus including a chamber wall, wherein a first portion of the chamber wall is located in the cavity and wherein a second portion of the chamber wall extends to the outside of the cavity.

[0097] - Connecting the cylinder to the aerosol generating device, the second portion of the compartment wall pushes the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet, thereby allowing liquid contained in the liquid storage section to flow through the liquid outlet to the second portion of the compartment wall.

[0098] - Heating the aerosol-generating article, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article and the liquid agent.

[0099] This operating method allows the use of an aerosol generating apparatus including a heater compartment wall to form a matrix from a solid aerosol of an aerosol-generating article and to generate an aerosol from a liquid agent contained in a cylinder. The liquid agent received in a second portion of the compartment wall of the heater of the aerosol generating apparatus is entrained in the aerosol generated in the first portion of the compartment wall.

[0100] The method of operating an aerosol generation system may include the following additional steps: removing the cylinder from the aerosol generation device and sliding a sealing element over the liquid outlet, thereby sealing the liquid outlet.

[0101] The method of operating the aerosol generation system may further include the following additional method steps: removing the aerosol-formed article from the cavity of the aerosol forming apparatus.

[0102] The method steps for operating an aerosol generation system may further include the following additional method steps: inserting another aerosol forming article into the cavity of the aerosol forming apparatus.

[0103] This provides a particularly easy method for resealing the cartridge after use. Both the sliding sealing element and the wicking element prevent any further spillage of the liquid outside the cartridge.

[0104] During disassembly of the cylinder from the aerosol generating device, the flexible biasing member can expand, thereby pushing the sealing member to seal the liquid outlet.

[0105] This provides a particularly easy way to slide the sealing element in front of the liquid outlet. It may also eliminate the need for any further interaction between the user and the cylinder.

[0106] The aerosol generating apparatus may have a length between 100 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 120 mm. The cylinder may have a length between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 30 mm. The cylinder may have a width between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 30 mm. The heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus may have a length between 7 mm and 14 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm. The heating element of the aerosol generating apparatus may have a diameter between 6 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm. The central hollow portion of the cylinder may have a diameter between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm. The resistance heating element formed as a resistance heating wire may have a diameter between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. The aerosol generating article may have a length between 7 mm and 14 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm. The aerosol-generating article can have a diameter between 6 mm and 12 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm. The cavity within the aerosol-generating device can have a diameter between 50 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 50 mm and 55 mm. The cavity can have a width between 25 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 25 mm and 28 mm. The sliding sealing element can have a length between 6 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 28 mm. The sliding sealing element can be annular and can have a diameter between 10 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 12 mm.

[0107] The features described with respect to one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0108] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0109] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of an aerosol generation system;

[0110] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another aerosol generation system is shown;

[0111] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cylinder according to the invention is shown; and

[0112] Figure 4 The sequence of assembling an embodiment of an aerosol generation system is shown, the aerosol generation system having an aerosol generation device including a heater compartment wall;

[0113] Figure 5 The sequence of assembling an embodiment of an aerosol generation system is shown, wherein the aerosol generation article engages with a slidable sealing element of a cylinder.

[0114] Figure 6A and 6B The drawing tube and aerosol forming device are connected before ( Figure 6A ) and after it has been connected ( Figure 6B A close-up of the cross-section of ) and

[0115] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The drawing tube and aerosol forming device are connected before ( Figure 7A ) and after it has been connected ( Figure 7B A schematic perspective view. Detailed Implementation

[0116] In the following text, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements in all the accompanying drawings.

[0117] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system 26 is depicted. The system includes a cylinder 10, an aerosol generating article, a mouthpiece 34, and an aerosol generating device 22 including a chamber wall 24. The aerosol generating device 22 also includes an air inlet 23 at the upstream end of the device. An induction coil is present as a heating element 30. The heating element also includes a chamber wall having a first portion 24B and a second portion 24A. The aerosol generating article is received in the first portion 24B of the chamber wall. Figure 1(Aerosol-generating articles are not shown). A first portion of the compartment wall acts as a sensor material, which can be heated by an induction coil 30 via induction heating to generate aerosols from the aerosol-forming matrix of the article. When the cylinder 10 is connected to the aerosol-generating apparatus 20, a second portion 24A of the compartment wall then pushes the slidable sealing element 18 of the cylinder 10 away from the liquid outlet 14. The slidable sealing element is pushed along the central longitudinal axis 41 of the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder to a second position offset from the liquid outlet 14. In particular, the slidable sealing element is further pushed downstream along the inner wall of the liquid storage section, which also forms part of the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10. The liquid outlet 14 and the wicking element 16 adjacent to the liquid outlet then contact the second portion 24A of the compartment wall, thereby allowing the liquid agent 20 to be transported from the liquid storage section 12 of the cylinder to the second portion 24A of the compartment wall via the wicking element. The wicking element is located inside the liquid storage section 12 of the cylinder, adjacent to the liquid outlet 14. This position allows the wicking element to guide the liquid agent from the liquid storage section to the liquid outlet 14. After the cylinder has been connected to the aerosol generating device, both the sliding sealing element 18 and the second portion 24A of the compartment wall are located in the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10. When the induction coil 30 applies a variable magnetic field to the first portion of the compartment wall, the first portion of the compartment wall heats the matrix portion of the aerosol-generated article. The heating element also indirectly heats the second portion 24A of the compartment wall, which receives the liquid agent, which also results in the formation of an aerosol containing the liquid agent. The arrow indicated by reference numeral 40 shows the general airflow path through the aerosol generating system, which extends from the air inlet 23 to the first heating zone defined by the first portion 24B of the compartment, through the second heating zone defined by the second portion 24A of the compartment, and through the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10 to the mouthpiece 34. The second portion 24A of the compartment wall can be heated via thermal conduction, which transfers heat from the material of the first portion 24B of the compartment wall to the second portion, and by thermal convection generated by the heated aerosol passing through the second portion of the compartment wall. Therefore, it can be used Figure 1 The aerosol generation system shown is for inhaling aerosols generated from the matrix portion of the aerosol generation article (including a solid aerosol forming matrix) and from a liquid agent absorbed in a second portion 24A of the compartment wall of the aerosol generation article. The liquid agent may include flavoring agents or other active agents to improve the user's perception of the inhaled aerosols.

[0118] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another aerosol generation system 26 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 1 In contrast to the aerosol generation system, Figure 2The system includes resistance heating wires 32 for heating the first portion 24B of the heater compartment wall of the aerosol generating device. The arrow, indicated by reference numeral 36, indicates the sliding direction of the sealing element when the second portion 24A of the heater compartment wall pushes the slidable sealing element 18 away from the liquid outlet 14 along the central longitudinal axis of the central hollow portion of the cylinder.

[0119] Figure 3 A more detailed cross-sectional view of the cylinder 10, not connected to the aerosol generating device, is shown. Two liquid outlets 14 are visible, covered by a sliding sealing element 18. In both cases, a wicking element 16 is located between the liquid storage section 12 and the liquid outlets 14 to control the flow of the liquid agent 20 through the liquid outlets 14. A flexible biasing element 38 and a spring are present, which push the sliding sealing element 18 over the liquid outlets 14. The cylinder 10 may have an annular shape, and the sliding sealing element 18 may be a sealing ring. The sliding sealing element 18, the liquid outlets 14, and the flexible biasing element 38 are all located within the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10. The liquid storage section 12 includes a wall 12A that also forms part of the central hollow portion.

[0120] Figure 4 The process for assembling an aerosol generation system is schematically depicted, the system comprising an aerosol generation article 25, an aerosol generation device 22, a cylinder 10 containing a liquid agent 20, and a final nozzle 34. In a first step (indicated by the arrow "1."), the aerosol generation article 25 is inserted through a hollow second portion 24A of the compartment wall into a first portion 24B of the compartment wall of the aerosol generation device 22. In a second step (indicated by the arrow "2."), the cylinder 10 is attached to the aerosol generation device 22. The cylinder 10 includes a liquid storage portion containing the liquid agent 20. A liquid outlet 14 is present, which guides the liquid agent 20 into a central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10. The liquid outlet 14 is covered by a slidable sealing element 18 adjacent to the liquid outlet 14, thereby sealing the liquid outlet. A biasing member 38 and a spring are present, which hold the slidable sealing element 18 above the liquid outlet 14 when the cylinder 10 is not connected to the aerosol generating device. When the cylinder 10 is connected to the aerosol generating device 22, the second portion 24A of the compartment wall of the heating element pushes the sealing element 18 away from the liquid outlet 14, thereby allowing the liquid agent 20 to be received by the second portion of the compartment wall. In a third step (indicated by the arrow marked "3."), the nozzle 34 can be connected to the downstream end of the system and the cylinder 22. This process can be used to assemble an aerosol generating system that can use two different matrices (solid aerosol generating article 25 and liquid agent 20 from the cylinder 10) to generate aerosols.

[0121] Figure 5 The sequence of assembling an aerosol generation system is described, the system comprising an aerosol generation device lacking a heater compartment wall. Initially (arrow marked "1."), an aerosol generation article 25 having a matrix portion 25B and a porous portion 25A is received in cavity 28 of the aerosol generation device 22. The aerosol generation device includes a resistance heating wire 32 for heating the aerosol generation article 25. Subsequently (arrow marked "2."), a cartridge is connected to the aerosol generation device and the aerosol generation article, wherein the porous portion 25A of the aerosol generation article pushes a slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet so that the liquid agent can be absorbed by the porous portion. A mouthpiece can then be connected to the cartridge at the downstream end of the aerosol generation system (in... Figure 5 (The cigarette holder is not shown in the image).

[0122] Figure 6A A close-up cross-sectional view of the cylinder 10 and aerosol generating device 22 before their connection is shown. A flexible biasing element 38, such as a spring, applies force to the sliding sealing element 18, causing the sliding sealing element to be pushed in front of the liquid outlet 14 for sealing. Arrow 39 indicates the direction of the force applied by the flexible biasing element to the sliding sealing element for sealing the liquid outlet 14. The periphery of the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder 10 corresponds to the periphery of the second portion 24A of the compartment wall of the aerosol generating device 22. This allows the second portion 24A of the compartment wall to be inserted into the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder.

[0123] Figure 6B The cylinder and aerosol forming apparatus are depicted after connection. The second portion 24A of the compartment wall is pushed into the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder, thereby pushing the slidable sealing element 18 in the direction of arrow 43. This allows the liquid agent 20 to contact the second portion 24A of the compartment wall via the wicking element 16.

[0124] Figure 7A A schematic perspective view of a flat cylinder 10 with a central hollow portion 21 and an aerosol forming apparatus 22 before their connection is shown. An annular second portion 24A of the compartment wall protrudes from the aerosol forming apparatus 22 and can be inserted into the central hollow portion 21 of the cylinder as indicated by the arrow.

[0125] Figure 7B A schematic perspective view of the aerosol forming system 26 after the cylinder 10 and the aerosol forming apparatus 22 have been connected is shown.

Claims

1. A replaceable cartridge configured for detachable connection to an aerosol generating device, the replaceable cartridge comprising: A liquid storage section for storing a liquid agent, the liquid storage section including a liquid outlet for guiding the liquid agent out of the liquid storage section. A slidable sealing element for sealing the liquid outlet, the slidable sealing element being configured to slide away from the liquid outlet when pressure is applied to the sealing element. A wicking element is arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet to absorb the liquid agent and supply the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.

2. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The wicking element is located inside the liquid storage section.

3. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wicking element is located between the liquid storage section and the liquid outlet.

4. The alternative tube according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a central hollow portion.

5. The alternative cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a flexible biasing member configured to hold the sealing element in a position sealing the liquid outlet when no pressure is applied to the sealing element.

6. The replaceable cylinder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the replaceable cylinder is configured to be detachably connected to the aerosol generating device.

7. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The replaceable cartridge includes a mouthpiece connection element for detachably connecting the replaceable cartridge to the mouthpiece.

8. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing element is annular.

9. The replaceable cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The replaceable cylinder is configured to partially receive either the aerosol generating product or the aerosol generating device.

10. The replaceable cartridge of claim 2, wherein, The wicking element is adjacent to the liquid outlet.

11. The replaceable cartridge of claim 4, wherein, The central hollow portion includes an upstream opening and a downstream opening, providing an airflow path through the replaceable cylinder between the upstream opening and the downstream opening.

12. The replaceable cartridge of claim 5, wherein, The flexible biasing component is a spring.

13. The replaceable cylinder according to claim 6, wherein, The replaceable cylinder includes a device connection element for connection to the aerosol generating device.

14. The replaceable cylinder according to claim 4, wherein, The replaceable cylinder includes a mouthpiece connecting element for detachably connecting the replaceable cylinder to the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece connecting element is located on the inner wall of the central hollow portion.

15. An aerosol generation system comprising an replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and one or both of the following: - Aerosol-generating products, and - An aerosol generating apparatus, the aerosol generating apparatus including a cavity, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the aerosol-generated article.

16. The aerosol generation system according to claim 15, comprising the aerosol generation article. The aerosol generating article includes a matrix portion, which includes a solid aerosol forming matrix.

17. The aerosol generating system of claim 15 or 16, comprising the aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a heating element configured to heat the aerosol generating article received in the cavity, the heating element including a compartment wall, wherein a first portion of the compartment wall is located in the cavity and wherein a second portion of the compartment wall extends to the outside of the cavity.

18. The aerosol generation system according to claim 17, wherein, The second portion of the compartment wall is configured to push the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet.

19. The aerosol generation system according to claim 16, wherein, The matrix portion includes one or both of a tobacco-containing matrix and a tobacco-free matrix.

20. The aerosol generation system according to claim 19, wherein, The matrix portion includes an aerosol forming agent.

21. The aerosol generation system according to claim 20, wherein, The aerosol forming agent is selected from polyols, esters of polyols, monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids, or combinations thereof.

22. A method of operating an aerosol generation system, said aerosol generation system being the aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 15 to 21, said aerosol generation system further comprising: -The aerosol-generating product, and -The aerosol generating apparatus, the method comprising the following steps: - The aerosol-generated article is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating apparatus. - The replaceable cylinder is connected to the aerosol generating device, wherein a second portion of the compartment wall of the aerosol generating device pushes the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet, or the aerosol generating article pushes the slidable sealing element away from the liquid outlet, such that the liquid agent contacts the second portion of the compartment wall or the aerosol generating article. - Heating the aerosol-generating article, thereby generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating article and the liquid agent.

23. The method of operating the aerosol generation system according to claim 22, further comprising the following additional method steps: - The replaceable cylinder is removed from the aerosol generating device, and the sealing element slides over the liquid outlet, thereby sealing the liquid outlet.

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