Aerosol provision system

Abstract

The present application relates to an aerosol provision system, in particular to a cartridge for an aerosol provision system, an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and a control unit, and a method for securing a contact electrode to a cartridge of an aerosol provision system. The cartridge comprises: an air passage extending from an air inlet of the cartridge, via an aerosol generation region, to an outlet; a heating element for heating aerosolisable material (e.g. liquid) from a reservoir to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generation region; and a valve in the air passage upstream of the aerosol generation region. The cartridge is configured such that air passing through the air passage is configured to pass from the air inlet, through the air valve, into the aerosol generation region, and then out from the aerosol outlet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application No. 202080016750.1, entitled "Aerosol Supply System", filed on February 18, 2020 (the corresponding PCT international application number is PCT / GB2020 / 050376). Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g., electronic cigarettes, etc.). Background Technology

[0003] Electronic aerosol supply systems, such as those for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), typically include aerosol precursor materials, such as a reservoir containing a source liquid formulation that typically, but does not necessarily, include nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which an aerosol is generated, for example, by thermal evaporation, for inhalation by a user. Therefore, the aerosol supply system will typically include a heating element, such as one arranged to evaporate a portion of the precursor material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol-generating region through an air passage of the aerosol supply system. When a user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the heating element, air is drawn into the device through one or more inlet holes and along the air passage into the aerosol-generating region, where the air mixes with the evaporated precursor material and forms a condensed aerosol. The air drawn in through the aerosol-generating region continues along the air passage to a mouthpiece opening, where it carries some aerosol, and exits through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

[0004] Aerosol supply systems typically consist of modular components, usually with two main functional parts: a control unit and disposable / replaceable cartridge components. Typically, the cartridge component will include consumable aerosol precursor materials and a heating element (atomizer), while the control unit will include longer-lasting components such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors, and user interface features. The control unit can also be referred to as a reusable component or battery section, and the replaceable cartridge can be referred to as a disposable component or atomizer.

[0005] The control unit and the cartridge are mechanically connected at the interface for use, for example, by means of threads, bayonet, latch, or friction fit. When the aerosol precursor material in the cartridge is depleted, or when the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosol precursor material, the cartridge can be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge can be attached to the appropriate location on the device.

[0006] A potential drawback of cartridges containing a liquid aerosol precursor (e-liquid) is the risk of leakage. E-cigarette cartridges typically have a mechanism, such as a capillary core, for drawing liquid from a liquid reservoir to a heating element located in an air path / channel, which connects from an air inlet to an aerosol outlet for the cartridge. Because of this fluid transport path from the liquid reservoir through the cartridge into the open air channel, there is a corresponding risk of liquid leakage from the cartridge. From the perspective of the end-user, who naturally doesn't want to put e-liquid on their hands or other items, and from a reliability standpoint, leakage is undesirable, as leakage from the end of the cartridge connected to the control unit could damage the control unit, for example, due to corrosion. Some methods to mitigate the risk of leakage may involve restricting the flow of liquid to the heating element, for example, by tightly clamping the core where it enters the air channel; however, this can in some cases lead to the risk of insufficient liquid supply to the heating element (drying out), which could cause overheating and undesirable odors.

[0007] This article describes various methods for seeking help to resolve or alleviate some of the problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of a specific embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol supply system is provided, the aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge includes:

[0009] An air passage extends from the air inlet of the smoke cartridge through the aerosol generation area to the aerosol outlet;

[0010] A heating element for heating liquid from a reservoir to generate aerosols in an aerosol generation zone;

[0011] The valve is located in the air passage upstream of the aerosol generation area;

[0012] The smoke cartridge is configured such that the air passing through the air channel enters the aerosol generation area from the air inlet through the air valve, and then leaves from the aerosol outlet.

[0013] According to a second aspect of a particular embodiment, an aerosol supply system is provided, the aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit from a first aspect, wherein the control unit includes a cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged to engage with the cartridge for releasably coupling the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further includes a power supply and control circuitry configured to selectively supply power from the power supply to a heating element in the cartridge via the interface engaged with the cartridge and the control unit.

[0014] According to a third aspect of a specific embodiment, a method for generating aerosol from a cartridge for an aerosol supply system is provided, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0015] Aerosol outlet;

[0016] An air passage extending from the air inlet of the smoke cartridge, through the aerosol generation area, to the aerosol outlet; and

[0017] A heating element for heating liquid from a reservoir to generate aerosols in an aerosol generation zone;

[0018] The valve is located in the air passage upstream of the aerosol generation area;

[0019] The method involves allowing air to pass through an air inlet, an air channel, an air valve, and into an aerosol generation area, before exiting through an aerosol outlet.

[0020] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, and may be suitably combined with embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention, not just in the specific combinations described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 An aerosol supply system including a smoke cartridge and a control unit (shown separately) according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown in perspective view;

[0023] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the components of the e-cigarette cartridge in the aerosol supply system;

[0024] Figures 3A to 3C schematically shown Figure 1 Multiple cross-sectional views of the cartridge casing portion of the aerosol supply system;

[0025] Figure 4A and Figure 4B schematically shown Figure 1 Perspective and plan view of the partition wall element of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system;

[0026] Figures 5A to 5C schematically shown Figure 1 Two perspective views and a plan view of the elastic plug of the e-cigarette cartridge in the aerosol supply system;

[0027] Figure 6A and Figure 6B schematically shown Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of the bottom cover of the cartridge in the aerosol supply system;

[0028] Figure 7 This schematically illustrates a device for use with specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The control units shown are used together to form a cross-sectional view of an improved cartridge for an aerosol delivery system;

[0029] Figure 8 This schematically illustrates a device for use with specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The control unit shown is used together to form a part of the cartridge of the aerosol supply system;

[0030] Figure 9A The formation of a crimp electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically;

[0031] Figure 9B The formation of a crimp electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically;

[0032] Figure 9C The formation of a crimp electrode according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated schematically;

[0033] Figure 10A A perspective view schematically illustrating the interior of a control unit for use in an aerosol supply system according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0034] Figure 10B and Figure 10C schematically shown Figure 10A Perspective view of each component in the shown components. Detailed Implementation

[0035] This document discusses / describes aspects and features of specific instances and implementations. Some aspects and features of specific instances and implementations can be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it should be understood that aspects and features of the devices and methods not described in detail herein can be implemented according to any conventional techniques used to implement these aspects and features.

[0036] This disclosure relates to a non-flammable aerosol supply system, which may also be referred to as an aerosol supply system, such as an electronic cigarette. According to this disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the aerosolizable material comprising the aerosol supply system (or its components) is non-flammable or non-ignitable for easy delivery to a user. The aerosolizable material, which may also be referred to herein as an aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example, when heated, radiated, or given energy in any other way.

[0037] Throughout the following description, the terms "electronic cigarette" or "electronic tobacco product" may sometimes be used; however, it should be understood that this term is used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device and electronic aerosol delivery system / device. Electronic cigarettes may also be referred to as vapor devices or electronic nicotine delivery systems (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not essential.

[0038] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a mixing system to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, wherein one or more of these materials may be heated. In some embodiments, the mixing system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0039] Typically, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and articles for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device. However, it is conceivable that an article itself, which includes a means for supplying power to the aerosol generating components, may itself constitute a non-flammable aerosol supply system.

[0040] In some embodiments, articles for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include aerosolizable material (or aerosol precursor material), aerosol generating component (or atomizer), aerosol generating area, nozzle, and / or area for receiving aerosolizable material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is a heater capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the aerosol generating component may be able to generate an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat, for example via one or more of a vibration device, mechanical device, pressurization device, or electrostatic device.

[0042] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material, which may contain an active ingredient, a carrier component, and optionally one or more other functional components.

[0043] The active ingredient may include one or more physiological and / or olfactory active ingredients contained in an aerosolizable material to achieve a physiological and / or olfactory response in the user's body. The active ingredient may be, for example, selected from nutritional supplements, nootropics, and psychoactive agents. The active ingredient may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active ingredient may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (e.g., B6 or B12 or C), melatonin, or components, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active ingredient may include components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco or another plant. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a physiologically active ingredient and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g., nicotine ditartrate / nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids (e.g., caffeine), or mixtures thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an olfactory active ingredient and may be selected from “flavorings” and / or “spices” permitted by local regulations, which may be used to produce a desired taste, aroma, or other somatic sensation in the product for adult consumers. In some cases, these ingredients may be referred to as flavorings, spices, cooling agents, heating agents, and / or sweeteners. They may include naturally occurring flavoring materials, herbal medicines, extracts of herbal medicines, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese peppermint, anise, cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, holly, cherry, berries, raspberries, cranberries, peach, apple, orange, mango, clematis, lemon, lime). Tropical fruits, papaya, rhubarb, grapes, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberries, mulberries, citrus fruits, Tolingo, bourbon whiskey, Scotch whiskey, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, bitter bean husk, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, kalassà, sorghum, chamomile, coriander, pine, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla oil, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cinnamon oil, coriander, dried Jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, allspice, ginger, coriander, coffee, peppermint oil from any species of the peppermint genus, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa powder, lemongrass, red tea tree, flax, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay leaf, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black tea), thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, perilla, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, Casas, valerian, bell pepper, nutmeg The ingredients may include damarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, leeks, parsley, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or stimulants, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclosulfonates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, herbal ingredients, or breath fresheners. These may be imitation, synthetic, or natural ingredients or mixtures thereof.It can be in any suitable form, such as liquid (e.g., oil), solid (e.g., powder), or a gaseous form of one or more extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, fennel, cinnamon, herbs, holly, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Tolingo, bourbon, Scotch whisky, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cacoto, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey extract, rose oil, vanilla oil, lemon oil). Orange oil, cinnamon, coriander, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, allspice, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or peppermint oil from any species of the genus *Mentha*, flavor enhancers, bitter taste receptor blockers, sensory receptor activators or enhancers, sugars and / or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclosulfonates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, herbal ingredients, or breath fresheners. It can be an analogue, synthetic, or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It can be in any suitable form, such as oil, liquid, or powder.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes menthol, spearmint, and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes aroma components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits, and / or cranberries. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agent includes aroma components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of aromatic or gustatory nerves, the flavoring agent may include sensory agents designed to achieve somatic sensations typically induced and perceived by chemical stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, or numbing effects. Suitable heat-acting agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ether, and suitable coolants may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol and WS-3.

[0046] The carrier component may include one or more components capable of forming aerosols. In some embodiments, the carrier component may include one or more of the following: glycerol, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl octanoate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, glyceryl tribanoate, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0047] The other functional ingredients may include one or more of the following: pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and / or antioxidants.

[0048] As described above, aerosol delivery systems (electronic cigarettes) typically include modular components comprising reusable parts (control units) and replaceable (disposable) cartridge parts. Devices conforming to this type of two-component modular construction are generally referred to as two-component devices. Electronic cigarettes also typically have a generally elongated shape. For the purpose of providing a concrete example, specific embodiments of this disclosure described herein include such a generally elongated two-component device employing disposable cartridges. However, it should be understood that the basic principles described herein can be equivalently applied to other electronic cigarette constructions, such as modular devices comprising more than two parts, as well as devices conforming to other overall shapes, such as high-performance devices based on so-called box-pattern designs that typically have a larger box shape.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol supply system / device (electronic cigarette) 1 according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure. Terms relating to the relative positions of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g., terms such as above, below, above, below, top, bottom, etc.) are referenced herein as follows: Figure 1 The orientation of the electronic cigarette shown is for use (unless the context otherwise indicates). However, it should be understood that this is merely for illustrative purposes and is not intended to imply any desired orientation of the electronic cigarette during use.

[0050] The electronic cigarette 1 comprises two main components: a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 are located within... Figure 1 They are shown separately, but are joined together when in use.

[0051] The cartridge 2 and the control unit 4 are connected by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connections are established is not crucial to the principles described herein and can be established using conventional techniques, such as mechanical fastening based on threads, bayonets, latches, or friction fits, wherein electrical contacts / electrodes are appropriately arranged to properly establish an electrical connection between the two components. For example, Figure 1 The electronic cigarette 1 shown includes a cartridge with a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54, and is connected to the control unit by inserting the interface end 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding container 8 / receiving section of the control unit. The interface end 6 of the cartridge fits tightly with the container 8 and includes a protrusion 56 that engages with a corresponding pawl in the inner surface of the container wall 12 defining the container 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. This engagement is achieved via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge. Figure 1 (not shown in the image) and the corresponding elastic contact pin in the base of container 8 ( Figure 1(Not shown in the image) An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge. As mentioned above, the specific method of establishing the electrical connection is not important to the principles described herein, and in fact, some implementations may not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit at all, for example, because the power transfer from the reusable component to the cartridge can be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology).

[0052] The electronic cigarette 1 has a generally elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis L. In this example, the total length of the electronic cigarette (along the longitudinal axis) when the cartridge is attached to the control unit is approximately 12.5 cm. The total length of the control unit is approximately 9 cm, while the total length of the cartridge is approximately 5 cm (i.e., there is approximately 1.5 cm of overlap when the interface end 6 of the cartridge and the container 8 of the control unit are attached together). The electronic cigarette has a generally elliptical cross-section, which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers gradually towards the ends in a curved manner. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of approximately 2.5 cm and a thickness of approximately 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of approximately 2 cm and a thickness of approximately 0.6 mm, while the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of approximately 2 cm and a thickness of approximately 1.2 cm. In this example, the casing of the electronic cigarette is made of plastic. It should be understood that the specific dimensions and shape of the electronic cigarette, as well as the materials used to manufacture the electronic cigarette, are not important to the principles described herein and can vary in different implementations. In other words, the principles described in this article can be equally applied to electronic cigarettes that have different sizes, shapes and / or materials.

[0053] According to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the control unit 4 can be widely conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. Figure 1 In this example, the control unit 4 includes a plastic housing 10 that includes a container wall 12 defining a container 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as described above. In this example, the housing 10 of the control unit 4 has a generally elliptical cross-section that corresponds to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at its interface to provide a smooth transition between the two components. When rotated 180°, the container 8 and the end 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetrical, so the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The container wall 12 includes two air inlet openings 14 (i.e., holes in the wall) for the control unit. These openings 14 are positioned to align with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge when it is attached to the control unit. One of the different openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in a different orientation. It should be understood that some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry, allowing the cartridge to be attached to the control unit in only one orientation, while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry, allowing the cartridge to be attached to the control unit in more orientations.

[0054] The control unit also includes a battery 16 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

[0055] In this example, battery 16 is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as those commonly used in electronic cigarettes, as well as other applications requiring a relatively high current for a relatively short period of time. Battery 16 can be recharged via charging port 24, which may include, for example, a USB connector.

[0056] In this example, input button 20 is a conventional mechanical button, including components that are resiliently mounted and can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact in the circuit below. At this point, the input button can be considered an input device for detecting user input, such as to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, other forms of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., based on capacitive or optical sensing technologies) could be used in other implementations, or there could be no button and the device could rely on an inhalation detector to trigger aerosol generation.

[0057] Indicator light 22 is configured to provide the user with visual indications of various characteristics related to the electronic cigarette, such as operating status (e.g., on / off / standby) and other characteristics, such as battery life or malfunction status. For example, according to conventional technology, different characteristics can be indicated by different colors and / or different flashing sequences.

[0058] Control circuitry 18 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide routine operational functions consistent with established technologies for controlling electronic cigarettes. Control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 can be considered to logically include various sub-units / circuit elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, control circuitry 18 may include power supply control circuitry for controlling the power supply from the battery to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and other functional units / circuits associated with the principles described herein and routine operational aspects of the electronic cigarette, such as indicator light display driver circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It should be understood that the functionality of control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, such as using one or more suitably programmed programmable computers and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuits / chips / chipsets configured to provide the desired functionality.

[0059] Figure 2This is an exploded schematic perspective view of cartridge 2 (exploded along longitudinal axis L). Cartridge 2 includes a housing portion 32, an air passage seal 34, a partition wall element 36, an outlet pipe 38, a heating element 40, a liquid delivery element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with a contact electrode 46. Some of these components are shown schematically in more detail in Figures 3 through 6.

[0060] Figure 3A It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing portion 32 through the longitudinal axis L, where the housing portion 32 is the thinnest. Figure 3B It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the housing portion 32 through the longitudinal axis L, where the housing portion 32 is the widest. Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of the housing portion along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e., from...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B (See the orientation below).

[0061] Figure 4A This is a schematic perspective view of the partition element 36 from below. Figure 4B This is a schematic cross-section of the upper part of the partition wall element 36 as seen from below.

[0062] Figure 5A This is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from above. Figure 5B This is a schematic perspective view of plug 44 from below. Figure 5C This is viewed from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e., from...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L (viewed from above, with the orientation in the middle).

[0063] Figure 6A This is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L, viewed from the mouthpiece end 52 (i.e., from above).

[0064] In this example, the housing portion 32 includes an outer housing wall 64 and an inner housing tube 62, both formed from a single molded piece of polypropylene. The outer housing wall 64 defines the appearance of the cartridge 2, and the inner housing tube 62 defines a portion of an air passage through the cartridge. The housing portion opens at the cartridge interface end 54 and closes at the cartridge interface end 52. In addition to a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60 in fluid communication with the inner housing tube 62, the housing portion 32 includes an opening in its sidewall providing an air inlet 50 for the cartridge. In this example, the air inlet 50 has a diameter of approximately 2 mm. 2The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes the aforementioned protrusion 56, which engages with a corresponding pawl in the inner surface of the container wall 12 defining the container 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion includes an additional protrusion 66 for providing an abutment stop to position the partition wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L during cartridge assembly. The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 also includes a hole providing a latch recess 68, which is arranged to receive a corresponding latch protrusion 70 in the end cap to secure the end cap to the housing portion during cartridge assembly.

[0065] The outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of an air passage through the cartridge. In this example, the double-walled section 74 of the housing portion 32 is arranged such that the gap defines an air passage extending parallel to the longitudinal axis within the outer wall 64 of the housing, the air passage having a diameter of approximately 3 mm in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 2 The cross-section of the air passage defined by the double-walled section of the housing portion extends downward to the opening end of the housing portion 32.

[0066] The air passage seal 34 is a silicone molded part, typically in the form of a tube with a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air passage seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air passage seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these circumferential ridges are... Figure 2 Not visible in the center. When assembling the cartridge, the air passage seal 34 is installed into the inner tube 62 of the housing, with the end of the inner tube 62 partially extending into the through-hole 80 of the air passage seal 34. The through-hole 80 in the air passage seal has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm in its relaxed state, while the end of the inner tube 62 has a diameter of approximately 6.2 mm, such that a seal is formed when the air passage seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the inner tube 62. Ridges on the inner surface of the air passage seal 34 contribute to this seal.

[0067] The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section of ANSI 304 stainless steel with an inner diameter of approximately 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 88, each slot having a semi-circular recess 90 at its end. When the cartridge is assembled, the outlet tube 38 is mounted to the outer surface of the air passage seal 34. The outer diameter of the air passage seal in its relaxed state is approximately 9.0 mm, such that a seal is formed when the air passage seal 34 is compressed to fit within the outlet tube 38. Ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air passage seal 34 contribute to this seal. A collar 80 on the air passage seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

[0068] The liquid delivery element 42 includes a capillary core, and the heating element 40 includes a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary core. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary core, the heating element includes an electrical conductor 41 that passes through a hole in the plug 44 to contact an electrode 46 mounted to the end cap 54, thereby allowing power to be supplied to the heating element via an electrical interface established when the cartridge is connected to the control unit. The heating element conductor 41 may include the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary core, or may include a different material (e.g., a lower resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary core. In this example, the heater coil 40 includes a nickel-iron alloy wire, and the core 42 includes a bundle of glass fibers. The heating element and the liquid delivery element can be provided according to any conventional technology and may include different forms and / or different materials. For example, in some implementations, the core may include a fibrous or solid ceramic material, and the heater may include a different alloy. In other examples, the heater and the core may be combined, for example, in the form of a porous and resistive material.

[0069] More generally, it should be understood that the specific properties of the liquid transport elements and heating elements are not essential to the principles described herein.

[0070] When the cartridge core is in place, the core 42 is housed in the semi-circular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, such that the central portion of the core is located inside the outlet tube, the heating coil will surround the central portion, and the end of the core is located outside the outlet tube 38.

[0071] In this example, the plug 44 comprises a single molded silicone component, which may be resilient. The plug includes a base portion 100 from which an outer wall 102 extends upward (i.e., toward the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug also includes an inner wall 104 extending upward from the base portion 100 and surrounding a through-hole 106 passing through the base portion 100.

[0072] The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the housing portion 32, such that the plug 44 and the housing portion 32 form a seal when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to the inner surface of the outlet tube 38, such that the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 also form a seal when the cartridge is assembled. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposed slots 108, each slot having a semi-circular recess 110 at its end. A bracket section 112 extends outward from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 (i.e., in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge), the bracket section being shaped to receive a segment of the liquid delivery element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slot 108 and semi-circular recess 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 are aligned with the slot 88 and semi-circular recess 90 of the outlet tube 38, such that the slot 88 in the outlet tube 38 receives a corresponding bracket 112, wherein the corresponding semi-circular recess in the outlet tube and the plug cooperate to define an orifice through which the liquid delivery element passes. The size of the orifice provided by the semi-circular recess through which the liquid delivery element passes closely corresponds to the size and shape of the liquid delivery element, but is slightly smaller, thus providing a degree of compression due to the elasticity of the plug 44. This allows liquid to be delivered through the capillary-acting mouthpiece liquid delivery element while limiting the extent to which liquid not delivered through capillary action can pass through the opening. As described above, the plug 44 includes an additional opening 114 in the base portion 100 through which the contact wire 41 for the heating element passes when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base portion of the plug includes a spacer 116 that maintains the offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base portion and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include openings 114 through which electrical contact wires 41 for the heating element pass.

[0073] The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene molded part in which a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 are mounted.

[0074] The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the underside of the end cap are nearly flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are components of electrodes connected to corresponding aligned resilient contacts in the control unit when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into a hole 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact wire 41 passes. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the hole 114 and include a bevel at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the hole 114 in the plug, where they are maintained in pressure contact with the contact wire for the heating element by means of the plug.

[0075] The end cap has a base portion 124 and an upright wall 120 adapted to the inner surface of the housing portion 32. The upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing portion 32, so that the latch protrusion 70 engages with the latch recess 68 in the housing portion 32 to snap the end cap 48 onto the housing portion during cartridge assembly. The top of the upright wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts the peripheral portion of the plug 44, and the lower surface of the spacer 116 on the plug also abuts the base portion 124 of the plug, such that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing portion, the end cap presses against the resilient portion 44 to keep it slightly compressed.

[0076] The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 extending beyond the upright wall 112, the thickness of which corresponds to the thickness of the outer wall of the housing portion at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes upright locating pins 122 that align with corresponding locating holes 128 in the plug to help establish their relative positions during assembly.

[0077] The partition wall element 36 comprises a single molded piece of polypropylene and includes a partition wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by a protrusion from the partition wall 130 in a direction toward the interface end of the cartridge. The partition wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e., the partition wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the partition wall 130, and the upper surface of the partition wall 130 further engages with a protrusion 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32. Thus, the partition wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing portion 32; that is, the partition wall 130 is fixedly positioned along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusion 66 in the housing portion, and thus provides a retaining surface for the plug to be pushed against. The collar 132 formed by the protrusion from the partition wall includes a first pair of opposing protrusions / tongues 134 that engage with corresponding recesses on the inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. A pair of bracket portions 136 are also provided from the protrusion of the partition wall 130, which are configured to engage with corresponding bracket portions in the bracket portion 112 of the component 44 when the cartridge is assembled, to further define the opening through which the liquid delivery element passes.

[0078] When the cartridge is assembled, an air passage is formed extending from the air inlet 50 through the cartridge to the aerosol outlet 60. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing portion 32, a first portion of the air passage is provided by a gap 76 formed by a double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing portion 32, extending from the air inlet 50 toward the interface end 54 of the cartridge and through the plug 44. A second portion of the air passage is provided by a gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air passage is provided by a hole 106 passing through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air passage is provided by the area within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet pipe around the heating element 40. This fourth portion of the air passage may also be referred to as the aerosol / aerosol generation region, which is the primary area where aerosols are generated during use. The air passage from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as the air inlet section of the air passage. A fifth portion of the air passage is provided by the remainder of the outlet pipe 38. The sixth section of the air passage is provided by the inner tube 62 of the outer housing, which connects the air passage to the aerosol outlet 60. The air passage from the aerosol generation area to the aerosol outlet can be referred to as the aerosol outlet section of the air passage.

[0079] Furthermore, when the cartridge is assembled, a reservoir for liquid is formed by the space outside the air passage and inside the housing portion 32. This can be filled during manufacturing, for example, through a filling hole that is then sealed, or by other means. The specific properties of the liquid, such as its composition, are not important to the principles described herein, and generally any conventional liquid of the type commonly used in electronic cigarettes can be used. The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by a plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above a partition wall 130 and a second region below a partition wall 130 within the space formed between the air passage and the outer wall of the plug. A liquid delivery element (capillary core) 42 passes through an opening in the wall of the air passage, which is provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 and the outlet tube 38 in the plug 44, as well as the bracket portions 112, 136 and the partition wall element 36 in the plug 44, which engage with each other as described above. Thus, the end of the liquid delivery element extends into the second region of the reservoir, from which it draws liquid through the opening in the air passage to the heating element 40 for subsequent evaporation.

[0080] In normal use, cartridge 2 is connected to control unit 4, and control unit is activated to supply power to cartridge via contact electrode 46 in end cap 48. Power is then delivered to heating element 40 via connecting wire 41. Heating element is thus electrically heated, and consequently, a portion of the liquid from liquid delivery element evaporates near heating element. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation area of ​​the air path. The liquid evaporated from liquid delivery element is replaced by more liquid drawn from reservoir via capillary action. When heating element is activated, the user inhales through mouthpiece end 52 of cartridge. This causes air to be drawn in through either control unit air inlet 14 aligned with air inlet 50 of cartridge (this will depend on the orientation of cartridge inserted into control unit container 8). Air then enters cartridge through air inlet 50, passes through gap 76 in double-wall section 74 of housing portion 32, and passes between plug 44 and end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation area surrounding heating element 40 through hole 106 in base portion 100 of plug 44. The incoming air mixes with the aerosol generated from the heating element to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn in along the outlet pipe 38 and the interior 62 of the housing portion before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60 for the user to inhale.

[0081] refer to Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts a device for use with a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The control unit 4 shown is used together to form a cross-sectional view of an improved cartridge 200 for an aerosol supply system. Figure 7 The smoke cartridge 200 shown is based on Figures 1 to 6B The smoke cartridge 2 is shown in the diagram, and includes components similar to those indicated by the reference numerals shared by both sets of figures.

[0082] refer to Figure 7 The smoke cartridge shown is 200. Figures 1 to 6B The first improvement to the illustrated cartridge 2 is the introduction of a valve 205 in the air passage located upstream of the aerosol generation region (i.e., the region within the outlet pipe 38 surrounding the inner wall 104 of the plug 44 and the heating element 40). The valve 205 functions to allow air to enter the aerosol generation region when the user inhales at the mouthpiece outlet / aerosol outlet 60, but to prevent aerosol generated in the aerosol generation region from flowing back through the air passage toward the air inlet 50, and / or flowing downwards into a second portion of the air passage provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. Preferably, the valve is any type of one-way valve with suitable dimensions and operating characteristics for a particular cartridge 200. In some embodiments, the valve may be a reed valve or a duckbill valve.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the valve 205 can be integrally formed with the plug 44, thus reducing the total number of individual components in the cartridge 200, contrary to the view that the valve 205 is formed separately from the plug 44. Figure 7 As shown, in some cases, valve 205 may taper inward in a direction extending away from the interface end, and such that it tapers inward within the aerosol generation region. This allows any aerosol condensing on valve 205 itself to slide off the valve, better ensuring that the valve remains fully operational. In some embodiments, to ensure that air maintains momentum as it passes through cartridge 200, valve 205 may be oriented within cartridge such that the air passing through valve 205 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the aerosol passes through aerosol outlet 60.

[0084] Figure 7 The smoke cartridge 200 shown is in Figures 1 to 6B A second improvement on the illustrated cartridge 2 is the integral formation of the outlet tube 38 with the partition wall element 36 to provide part of an air passage between the aerosol generation area and the aerosol outlet 60. By integrally forming these two components into one unit, the overall number of components in the cartridge 200 is reduced. In some embodiments of this improved cartridge 200, the partition wall element (which includes a partition wall 130) along with the outlet tube 38 may be made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

[0085] refer to Figure 8 Best shown Figures 1 to 6B The third improvement shown is to the smoke cartridge 2. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view is shown of the contact electrode 46 located in the plug 44 and end cap 48 of the cartridge. Figure 8 In this case, the recess 225 extends downward from the top surface of the contact electrode 46 and accommodates a portion of the electrical wire 41 that provides power between the contact electrode and the heating element 40. To secure the portion of the electrical wire 41 located in the recess 225, the contact electrode 46 can be crimped around the portion of the heating element wire 41. (Refer to...) Figures 9A to 9C The exemplary crimping operation is described in more detail. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the contact electrode 46 may define a knurled outer surface 230, which is embedded in a portion of the cartridge for securing the contact electrode to the cartridge. Figure 8In this case, the knurled outer surface 230 is located at the interface between the contact electrode 46 and the plug 44. In embodiments where the plug 44 is injection molded around the contact electrode 46, the introduction of the knurled outer surface 230 provides a larger surface area and thus better adhesion between the two components. In some embodiments, each contact electrode 46 may include a flange portion 235 extending outward around the contact electrode 46, wherein the flange portion rests on a surface from the cartridge. Depending on the presence of the end cap 48, the flange portion 235 may rest on the end surface of the end cap 48 or on the end surface of the plug 44 (in each case, the end surface is close to the interface end of the cartridge). The presence of the flange portion 235 helps support the contact electrode relative to the plug 44 and also allows tools to more easily handle the contact electrode 46 during the formation process of the cartridge 200. The thickness of the flange portion will vary depending on the specific shape of the cartridge 200, but in some embodiments it may be less than 1 mm.

[0086] exist Figure 8 In the case of the contact electrode shown, the shape of the contact electrode 46 allows the contact electrode to be formed by a stamping process.

[0087] To provide a good conductive surface for each contact electrode, each contact electrode 46 may be gold-plated, and the conductive surface is also less susceptible to corrosion in the event of aerosol / liquid ingress from other parts contained in the cartridge 200.

[0088] refer to Figures 9A to 9C Various arrangements of contact electrodes (e.g., contact electrode 46) for forming a crimp are described.

[0089] exist Figures 9A to 9C In each embodiment, a first crimping member 240 and a second crimping member 245 are shown, configured to move together in the depth direction to crimp together a heating element wire 41 and a contact electrode 46 disposed between the two crimping members. Each crimping member includes a contact surface 250 extending across the width and height of the crimping member, and the heating element wire 41 and the contact electrode 46 are concentrically disposed between the two contact surfaces (the heating element wire 41 is disposed within a recess 225 of the contact electrode 46). Figure 9A In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 250 are brought together in a depth direction perpendicular to the width and height of the first and second press-fitting members, causing the contact electrode to deform between the two contact surfaces and press-fit around the heating element wire 41. As a result of this pressing process, a small gap can be created between the outer surface region of the heating element wire 41 and the contact electrode 46. Figure 9A (Enlarged in the upper right part).

[0090] In some embodiments, a first recess 255 is located in the contact surface 250 of the first crimp member 240, extending across the height of the crimp member and a portion of its width. A corresponding second recess 260 is located in the contact surface 250 of the second crimp member 245, such that the second recess extends across the height of the second crimp member and a portion of its width. In this embodiment, the heating element wire 41 and the contact electrode 46 are located between the two recesses 255, 260, such that when the contact surfaces are brought together, the recesses crimp the contact electrode into a shape corresponding to the shape of the recesses 255, 260.

[0091] In some implementations, for example Figure 9B The first recess is a first semi-cylindrical recess, and the second recess is a second semi-cylindrical recess. When the contact surfaces are joined together, the two semi-cylindrical recesses combine to form a cylindrical recess extending along the height direction.

[0092] In other implementations, for example Figure 9C The first recess is a first T-shaped recess, and the second recess is a second T-shaped recess. When the contact surfaces are engaged together, the two T-shaped recesses combine to form a recess with a plus-shaped cross-section. Each T-shaped recess is defined by an elongated shoulder 265 and an elongated leg 270, the elongated shoulder extending in the width direction of the crimping member where the T-shaped recess is located, and the elongated leg extending perpendicularly to the shoulder 265 in the depth direction of the crimping member. The edges of the first T-shaped recess and / or the second T-shaped recess extending across the height of the corresponding crimping member may be chamfered (e.g., ...). Figure 9C (As shown).

[0093] By providing such a recess in the contact surface 250, the degree to which a gap forms between the outer surface area of ​​the heating element wire 41 and the contact electrode 46 after the crimping process is completed can be reduced. In some embodiments, after the crimping process, the gap between the heating element wire 41 and the contact electrode is such that at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the portion of the outer surface area of ​​each heating element wire 41 located within the recess 225 of the contact electrode 46 is in contact with the contact electrode.

[0094] To prevent axial sliding of the heating element lead 41 relative to the contact electrode 46, some or all of the recesses 255, 260 of the contact surface 250 may include protrusions 275 extending toward the contact surface 250 of the crimping member where the recess is located, wherein the protrusions 275 do not extend across the entire height of the recess. In some embodiments, the protrusions 275 may be located in the middle of the height of the recess where the protrusion is located. In embodiments employing T-shaped recesses, the protrusions 275 may be located at the ends of the elongated legs 270. The size of any such protrusions 275 will depend on the application of the crimping member; however, in some embodiments, the maximum height of the protrusion may not exceed 5 mm.

[0095] Regarding other dimensions of the crimping parts 240 and 245, in some embodiments, the maximum height of each recess may be less than 30 mm; the maximum depth of each recess may not be greater than 25 mm; and / or the maximum width of each recess may not be greater than 50 mm.

[0096] Go to Figures 10A to 10C These relate to the interior of a control unit 4 used in an aerosol supply system according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure. In the case of these figures, Figure 10A The dashed line in the middle shows Figure 1 The housing 10 shown includes a container wall 12 defining a container 8 having an open first end and a second end. The body 280 is configured to be inserted into the container 8 via the open first end toward the second end. The body 280 is configured to hold the battery 16 and the control circuitry 18, as combined. Figure 1 The body also includes at least two contact electrodes 290, each of which extends through a corresponding opening 295 in the body 280. Once the body 280 is located in the container 8 and the cartridge 2 is at least partially within the container 8, the contact electrodes 290 come into contact with corresponding contact electrodes 46 from the cartridge 2.

[0097] Located on the body 280 is a protrusion in the form of an input button 20, configured to extend from the outer casing 10 through a corresponding opening in the container wall 12 when the body 280 is fully inserted into the container 8. The control unit 4 includes at least one deformable portion 300 configured to deform when the body 280 is inserted into the container 8 to allow the body 280 to be fully inserted into the container 8 and to allow the protrusion (input button 20) to extend through the opening in the container wall 12. In some embodiments, this deformation may be elastic.

[0098] exist Figures 10A to 10CIn the illustrated embodiment, the body 280 includes a slot 305 defining a cantilever portion of the body 280, such that the cantilever portion forms a deformable portion 300. The slot and / or the cantilever portion can be positioned at any location on the control unit 4 as needed to allow the input button 20 to deflect inwards, such that it and the body 280 can pass downwards through the container 8 via an open first end. Figures 10A to 10C In the illustrated embodiment, the main body includes a plate portion 310, on which an input button 20 and a slot 305 are located. In this arrangement, the slot 305 extends around a portion of the input button 20, such that the input button 20 is located on a cantilever portion.

[0099] Because the control unit 4 includes a deformable portion 300, this allows the body to include an integral seal 310 located at the end of the body 280 closer to the open first end of the container than the second end of the container 8, when the body 280 is fully inserted into the container 8. This is in contrast to a non-integral seal, where a separate seal for the body 280 can only be attached after the body 280 has been fully inserted into the container 8 and after the input button 20 extends through the opening in the container wall 12.

[0100] Therefore, according to a specific embodiment of this disclosure, a cartridge for an aerosol supply system typically includes a housing portion having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to a control unit. An air passage wall (which may be formed by various components of the cartridge) extends from the air inlet of the cartridge through an aerosol generation area near the heating element to the aerosol outlet. The cartridge has a reservoir within the housing portion containing liquid for aerosolization. The reservoir is defined by a region within the housing portion located outside the air passage, and the end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing portion is sealed by a resilient plug including a base portion and an outer wall, wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with the inner surface of the housing portion. A corresponding end of a liquid delivery element passes through an opening in the air passage or enters the reservoir to deliver liquid from the reservoir to the heating element.

[0101] One aspect of certain cartridge constructions according to specific embodiments of this disclosure is the manner in which the resilient plug 44 provides a seal to the housing portion 32. Specifically, according to some example implementations, the outer wall 102 of the resilient plug 44, which seals to the inner surface of the housing portion 32 to form the end of the liquid reservoir, extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge to a location further away from the interface end of the cartridge than the liquid delivery element / heating element. That is, the end of the liquid delivery element extends into the liquid reservoir in the region surrounded by the outer sealing wall of the resilient plug. This not only helps to seal the reservoir to prevent leakage but also allows the geometry of the reservoir in the region supplying liquid to the liquid delivery element to be controlled by the geometry of the resilient plug. For example, the radial thickness of the reservoir in this region can easily be made smaller than the radial thickness at other longitudinal locations along the air passage, which helps to retain liquid near the liquid delivery element, thereby helping to reduce the risk of the cartridge drying out at different orientations during use.

[0102] The outer wall of the resilient plug may contact the inner surface of the housing portion at a distance of at least 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm, for example, in a direction extending from the interface end to the nozzle end (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis). The outer wall of the resilient plug may contact the inner surface of the housing for most of this distance, or the outer wall of the resilient plug may include multiple (e.g., four) circumferential ridges 140 to aid in improving the seal. The resilient plug may be slightly oversized relative to the opening in the housing portion, such that it is biased into slight compression. For example, for Figure 3B In the implementation shown, in the plane of this figure, the internal width of the housing portion into which the resilient plug is inserted is approximately 17.5 mm, while the corresponding width of the resilient plug is approximately 18 mm, thus ensuring that the resilient plug is in a compressed state when inserted into the housing portion. For example, it can be... Figures 5A to 5C The most easily noticeable feature is that although the outer cross-section of the cartridge shell portion is symmetrical when rotated 180°, the resilient plug 44 does not have the same symmetry because it includes a flat portion 142 on one side to accommodate the air passage gap 76 provided by the double-walled section 74 of the shell portion (i.e., the resilient plug is asymmetrical in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge to accommodate the double-walled section of the shell portion).

[0103] Depending on the radial dimension / width of the reservoir in the annular region where the liquid delivery element extends into the reservoir, the distance between the air passage wall and the outer wall of the resilient plug in this region can, for example, range from 3 mm to 8 mm. In the example cartridge described above with a generally elliptical shell portion and a generally circular air passage, it should be understood that the thickness of the reservoir varies at different locations around the air passage. In this example, the liquid delivery element is arranged to extend into the reservoir in its widest region in the axial direction, i.e., into the "lug" of the elliptical reservoir extending around the air passage. The portion of the liquid delivery element extending into the reservoir can, for example, have a length in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, such as in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm or 4 mm to 6 mm, as measured from the interior of the air passage wall. The specific geometry at this point (and for other aspects of this construction) can be chosen with regard to the desired liquid delivery rate, such as the capillary strength of the liquid delivery element and the viscosity of the liquid, and can be established for a given cartridge design through modeling or empirical testing.

[0104] Another aspect of certain cartridge constructions according to specific embodiments of this disclosure is the manner in which the air passage passes through the cartridge, and particularly from the air inlet to the vicinity of the heating element (aerosol generation region). Specifically, although in conventional cartridges the air inlet is typically located at the interface end of the cartridge, according to specific embodiments of this disclosure, the air inlet for the cartridge is located at a position on the sidewall of the housing portion, further from the interface end than at least a portion of the resilient plug at the end of the sealing reservoir. Therefore, the air passage in the cartridge initially passes from the air inlet toward the interface end and bypasses the resilient plug before changing direction and entering the aerosol generation chamber. This allows the outer surface of the cartridge to be sealed at its interface end closest to the heating element, thereby helping to reduce the risk of leakage from the cartridge in terms of liquid entering through openings in the air passage without being held in the air passage by the liquid transport element (e.g., due to saturation / agitation) or liquid that has evaporated but condenses back into the air passage during use. In some implementations, the distance from the air inlet to the interface end of the housing portion can be at least 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, or 10mm.

[0105] In some implementations, an absorbent element, such as a portion of a sponge material or a series of channels forming a capillary trap, may be positioned between the air inlet and the aerosol generation chamber, for example in the region of the air channel formed between the base and end cap of the resilient plug, to further help reduce the risk of leakage by absorbing the liquid formed in the air channel, and thus help prevent the liquid from traveling through the air inlet around the air channel or toward the aerosol outlet.

[0106] In some implementation examples, the air passage from the air inlet to the aerosol outlet can have its minimum cross-sectional area at the point where it passes through the hole 106 in the resilient plug. That is, the hole in the resilient plug can be primarily responsible for controlling the overall draw resistance of the electronic cigarette.

[0107] Another aspect of certain cartridge constructions according to specific embodiments of this disclosure is that the partition wall element divides the air reservoir into two regions: a main region above the partition wall (i.e., towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge) and a liquid supply region below the partition wall (i.e., on the same side of the partition wall as the liquid delivery element extends from the heating element into the reservoir). The partition wall includes openings to control the flow of liquid from the main region to the liquid supply region. The partition wall helps to retain liquid in the liquid supply region of the reservoir, which helps to prevent drying, for example, when the electronic cigarette is tilted through various orientations. The partition wall also conveniently provides mechanical stops for the resilient plug to abut / press against, thereby helping to properly position the resilient plug during assembly and keeping the resilient plug slightly compressed between the partition wall and the end cap when the cartridge is assembled.

[0108] In the above examples, the partition wall is formed as a separate element from the housing portion, wherein the inner surface of the housing portion includes one or more protrusions arranged to contact the side of the partition wall facing the mouthpiece end of the cartridge to position the partition wall along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. However, in other examples, the partition wall may be integrally formed with the housing portion.

[0109] In the example above, the partition wall is in the form of an annular band surrounding the air passage and includes four fluid-connecting openings 150 located in corresponding quadrants of the band. However, in different implementations, more or fewer openings can be provided through the partition wall. For example, the area of ​​a single opening can be 4 mm. 2 and 15mm 2 between.

[0110] The combined area of ​​at least one opening, which is part of the total area of ​​the partition wall of the liquid supply area exposed to the reservoir area, can be, for example, from 20% to 80%; 30% to 70% or 40% to 60%.

[0111] It should be understood that while the above description focuses on some specific cartridge constructions that include many different features, cartridges according to other embodiments of this disclosure may not include all of these features. For example, in some implementations, an air path typically of the type described above, i.e., an air path having an air inlet located in the sidewall of the cartridge and closer to the mouthpiece end of the cartridge than the heating element, may be provided in cartridges that do not include a resilient plug having an outer sealing wall extending around the heating element and / or do not include a partition wall element of the type described above. Similarly, a cartridge including a resilient plug having an outer sealing wall extending around the heating element may have an air inlet leading to the cartridge at the interface end of the cartridge, not in the sidewall, and this air inlet may also not have a partition wall element of the type described above. Furthermore, a cartridge including a partition wall element may not include an air inlet located further away from the interface end of the cartridge than the heating element and / or an extended outer sealing wall for the resilient plug as described above.

[0112] Therefore, a cartridge for an aerosol supply system has been described, the aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge includes: a housing portion having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to the control unit; an air passage extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet, wherein the air passage is defined by an air passage wall; and a reservoir within the housing portion for aerosolizing a liquid, wherein the end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing portion is sealed by a resilient plug, the resilient plug including a base The device comprises: a base portion and an outer wall extending away from the base portion toward the mouthpiece end of the housing portion, wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with the inner wall of the housing portion; a heating element for heating liquid from the reservoir to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generation area of ​​the air passage for inhalation by the user; and a liquid delivery element for delivering liquid from the reservoir to the heating element through an opening in the air passage wall, wherein the opening in the air passage wall is positioned closer to the base portion of the resilient plug than the top of the outer wall of the resilient plug, such that a portion of the liquid delivery element extends into the reservoir in the area surrounded by the outer wall of the resilient plug.

[0113] A cartridge for an aerosol supply system is also described, the aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge includes: a housing portion having a mouthpiece end and an interface end connected by sidewalls, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to the control unit; an air passage extending from an air inlet for the cartridge to the aerosol outlet; a reservoir within the housing portion containing a liquid for aerosolization, wherein the end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing portion is sealed by a resilient plug, and wherein the outer wall of the resilient plug forms a seal with the inner surface of the housing portion; a heating element for heating the liquid from the reservoir to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of the air passage; and a liquid delivery element for delivering the liquid from the reservoir to the heating element; wherein the air inlet for the cartridge is located in the sidewall of the housing portion at a position further away from the interface end than at least a portion of the resilient plug.

[0114] A cartridge for an aerosol supply system is also described, the aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge includes: a housing portion having a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to the control unit; an air passage extending from an air inlet in the housing portion to the aerosol outlet; and a reservoir within the housing portion containing a liquid for aerosolization, wherein the reservoir is located at the interface end of the housing portion. The reservoir is sealed by a resilient plug, wherein the reservoir includes a partition wall between a first reservoir region located on the mouthpiece end side of the partition wall facing the housing portion and a second reservoir region located on the interface end side of the partition wall facing the housing portion, wherein the partition wall includes at least one fluid communication opening to provide fluid communication between the first reservoir region and the second reservoir region; and a liquid delivery element arranged to deliver liquid from the second region of the reservoir to a heating element to generate an aerosol in the aerosol generation region for inhalation by the user.

[0115] The embodiments described are also described in the clauses at the end of this specification.

[0116] While the above embodiments focus in some aspects on specific examples of aerosol supply systems, it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol supply systems using other technologies. That is, the specific ways in which various aspects of the aerosol supply system function, for example, with respect to the heating element used or the potential form of the heating element technology, are not directly related to the underlying principles of the examples described herein.

[0117] To address various problems and advance the field, this disclosure illustrates, by way of description, various embodiments in which the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of this disclosure are merely representative examples of these embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are intended only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects of this disclosure should not be considered as limitations on this disclosure as defined by the claims or on equivalents of the claims; other embodiments may be utilized and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments may suitably include various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc., constitute, or substantially constitute various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, devices, etc. Therefore, it should be understood that features of dependent claims may be combined with features of independent claims in combinations other than those expressly set forth in the claims. This disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

[0118] For example, although a detailed description has been given with reference to "liquid" in the context of a cartridge / aerosol supply system, it should be understood that this liquid can be replaced by any aerosolizable material. Similarly, in the case of using an aerosolizable material, it should be understood that in some embodiments, this aerosolizable material may include a liquid.

[0119] First set of terms

[0120] 1. A cartridge for an aerosol supply system, comprising the cartridge and a control unit, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0121] The housing portion has a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to a control unit.

[0122] An air passage extending from an air inlet in the housing portion to the aerosol outlet;

[0123] A reservoir, located within a housing portion, comprising a liquid for aerosolization, wherein the reservoir includes a partition wall element defining a partition wall between a first reservoir region on a side of the partition wall facing the nozzle end of the housing portion and a second reservoir region on a side of the partition wall facing the interface end of the housing portion, wherein the partition wall includes at least one fluid communication opening to provide fluid communication between the first reservoir region and the second reservoir region;

[0124] A liquid delivery element is arranged to deliver liquid from the second region of the reservoir to a heating element to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region for inhalation by a user.

[0125] An aerosol outlet pipe, which is integrally formed with the partition wall element, to provide a portion of the air passage between the aerosol generation area and the aerosol outlet.

[0126] 2. The cartridge according to Clause 1, wherein the aerosol outlet tube extends beyond the partition wall in the direction toward the mouthpiece end.

[0127] 3. The cartridge according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the partition wall element is made of plastic material.

[0128] 4. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the partition wall element is made of polypropylene.

[0129] 5. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the end of the reservoir at the interface end of the housing portion is sealed by a plug.

[0130] 6. The cartridge according to Clause 5, wherein the aerosol outlet tube further includes a slot that engages with a slot in the plug to form an opening in the air passage wall for the liquid delivery element.

[0131] 7. The cartridge according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the partition wall element is positioned in the cartridge to provide a stop for the plug, such that the plug abuts the partition wall element.

[0132] 8. The cartridge according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the plug includes a base portion and an outer wall extending toward the mouthpiece end of the housing portion away from the base portion, wherein the top surface of the outer wall abuts the peripheral portion of the partition wall element.

[0133] 9. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the air passage passes through an air passage opening in the partition wall element.

[0134] 10. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 5 to 9, wherein the partition wall element includes one or more protrusions extending toward the interface end of the cartridge from a plane away from the partition wall, the protrusions engaging one or more corresponding recesses in the plug.

[0135] 11. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 5 to 10, wherein the partition wall element includes one or more protrusions extending toward the interface end of the cartridge from a plane away from the partition wall, the one or more protrusions extending toward the interface end of the cartridge from a plane away from the partition wall, the one or more protrusions engaging with a corresponding bracket formed in the plug to define a liquid delivery element opening through which the liquid delivery element passes.

[0136] 12. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the partition wall element extends around the aerosol outlet tube.

[0137] 13. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the liquid delivery element comprises a capillary core.

[0138] 14. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the heating element comprises a heater.

[0139] 15. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the liquid delivery element and the heating element comprise a single integrated element.

[0140] 16. An aerosol supply system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the control unit includes a cartridge receiving section, the cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged to engage with an interface end of the cartridge for releasably coupling the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further includes a power supply and control circuitry configured to selectively supply power from the power supply to the heating element in the cartridge via the engaging interface of the control unit and the cartridge.

[0141] Second set of clauses

[0142] 1. A cartridge for an aerosol supply system, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0143] A heating element for heating liquid from a reservoir to generate aerosol in the aerosol generation area;

[0144] An air passage extending through the smoke cartridge to deliver air to the heating element; and

[0145] At least two contact electrodes are mounted to the cartridge to allow power to be supplied to the heating element;

[0146] Each contact electrode includes a portion defining a knurled outer surface, which is embedded in a portion of the cartridge to secure the contact electrode to the cartridge.

[0147] 2. The e-cigarette cartridge according to Clause 1, wherein the e-cigarette cartridge further comprises:

[0148] The housing portion has a mouthpiece end and an interface end, wherein the mouthpiece end includes an aerosol outlet for the cartridge, and the interface end includes an interface for connecting the cartridge to a control unit.

[0149] The end of the reservoir located at the interface end of the housing portion is sealed by a plug, the plug including a base portion and an outer wall, the outer wall extending away from the base portion toward the nozzle end of the housing portion, wherein the outer wall of the plug forms a seal with the inner surface of the housing portion;

[0150] The part of the cartridge is the plug.

[0151] 3. The cartridge according to Clause 2, wherein the plug is injection molded around each contact electrode.

[0152] 4. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein at least one contact electrode further includes a flange portion extending outwardly around the contact electrode, wherein the flange portion rests on the surface of the cartridge.

[0153] 5. The cartridge according to Clause 4, wherein at least one contact electrode includes a flange portion extending outwardly around the contact electrode, wherein the flange portion rests on the surface of the cartridge.

[0154] 6. A cartridge according to clause 4 or 5, which is further subordinate to clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the surface of the cartridge is the surface of the end cap of the cartridge located at the interface end, or the surface of the plug.

[0155] 7. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein each flange portion has a thickness of not more than 1 mm.

[0156] 8. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein each contact electrode is gold-plated.

[0157] 9. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein a portion of the air passage extends between the contact electrodes.

[0158] 10. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the cartridge comprises no more than two contact electrodes.

[0159] 11. An aerosol supply system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit includes a cartridge receiving section, the cartridge receiving section including an interface arranged to engage with an interface of the cartridge to releasably connect the cartridge to the control unit, wherein the control unit further includes a power supply and control circuitry configured to selectively supply power from the power supply to the heating element in the cartridge via the engaging interface of the cartridge and the control unit.

[0160] Third set of clauses

[0161] 1. A control unit for an aerosol supply system including a cartridge and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises:

[0162] A housing, the housing comprising a container wall defining a container having an open first end and a second end, wherein the container wall includes at least one opening;

[0163] A body configured to be inserted into the container via the first open end toward the second end, the body including a protrusion, wherein the protrusion is configured to extend through the opening when the body is fully inserted into the container;

[0164] The control unit includes at least one deformable portion configured to deform when the body is inserted into the container to allow the body to be fully inserted into the container and to allow the protrusion to extend through the opening in the container wall.

[0165] 2. The control unit according to Clause 1, wherein the deformable portion is configured to elastically deform when the body is inserted into the container.

[0166] 3. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the body includes the deformable portion.

[0167] 4. The control unit according to Clause 3, wherein the body includes a slot defining a cantilever portion for the body, wherein the cantilever portion is the deformable portion.

[0168] 5. The control unit according to Clause 4, wherein the protrusion is located on the cantilever portion.

[0169] 6. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the protrusion is a button for controlling the operation of the control unit.

[0170] 7. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the main body includes a battery and control circuitry for controlling the operation of the aerosol supply system.

[0171] 8. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the body includes at least two contact electrodes, wherein each contact electrode extends through a corresponding opening in the body.

[0172] 9. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the housing is made of plastic.

[0173] 10. The control unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the body includes an integral seal, wherein, when the body is fully inserted into the container, the seal is located at an end of the body closer to the open first end than to the second end of the container.

[0174] 11. A supply system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cartridge includes a heating element for heating liquid from a reservoir to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region;

[0175] The control unit includes a cartridge receiving section, which includes an interface arranged to engage with the cartridge to releasably connect the cartridge to the control unit and to a position where the cartridge is at least partially within the container.

[0176] Fourth set of clauses

[0177] 1. A cartridge for an aerosol supply system, wherein the cartridge comprises:

[0178] A heating element for heating liquid from a reservoir to generate aerosol in the aerosol generation area;

[0179] An air passage extending through the smoke cartridge to deliver air to the heating element; and

[0180] At least two contact electrodes are mounted to the cartridge to allow power to be supplied to the heating element, wherein each contact electrode includes a heating element wire for transferring power between the contact electrode and the heating element;

[0181] In this embodiment, a portion of each heating element wire is located within a recess, which is located within a portion of the contact electrode associated with the heating element wire;

[0182] The portion of the contact electrode is pressed around the portion of the heating element wire to fix the portion of the contact electrode within the recess.

[0183] 2. The cartridge as described in Clause 1, wherein each contact electrode is gold-plated.

[0184] 3. The cartridge according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the crimping portion of each contact electrode comprises a circular cross-section.

[0185] 4. The cartridge according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the crimping portion of each contact electrode comprises a plus-shaped cross-section.

[0186] 5. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein, within each recess, at least 50% of the outer surface area of ​​each heating element wire is in contact with said portion of the contact electrode.

[0187] 6. The cartridge according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the maximum width of each contact electrode is less than 10 mm.

[0188] 7. A method of pressing a first component around a second component between a pair of press members, wherein the pair of press members comprise:

[0189] A first crimping member, the first crimping member including a first contact surface extending across the width and height of the first crimping member, wherein a first recess extending across the height and a portion of the width of the first crimping member is located in the first contact surface.

[0190] A second crimping member, the second crimping member including a second contact surface extending across the width and height of the second crimping member, wherein a second recess extending across the height of the second crimping member and a portion extending across the width of the second crimping member is located in the second contact surface;

[0191] The method includes the following steps:

[0192] The first component and the second component are placed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, wherein the first component is located around the second component;

[0193] These contact surfaces are moved together in a depth direction perpendicular to the width and height of the first and second crimping members, such that the second component deforms between the two contact surfaces and is crimped around the first component to secure the first and second components together.

[0194] 8. The method according to Clause 7, wherein the first recess is a first semi-cylindrical recess and the second recess is a second semi-cylindrical recess.

[0195] 9. The method according to Clause 7, wherein the first recess is a first T-shaped recess and the second recess is a second T-shaped recess.

[0196] 10. The method of forming material according to Clause 9, wherein the edge of the extension of the first T-shaped recess across the height of the first crimping member is chamfered.

[0197] 11. The method of forming material according to clause 9 or 10, wherein the edge of the extension of the second T-shaped recess across the height of the second crimping member is chamfered.

[0198] 12. The method of forming material according to any one of clauses 9 to 11, wherein each T-shaped recess is defined by an elongated shoulder and an elongated leg, the elongated shoulder extending in the width direction of the crimping member where the T-shaped recess is located, and the elongated leg extending perpendicularly to the shoulder in the depth direction of the crimping member.

[0199] 13. The method according to any one of clauses 7 to 12, wherein each recess includes a protrusion extending toward the contact surface of the crimping member in which the recess is located, wherein the protrusion does not extend across the entire height of the recess.

[0200] 14. The method of forming a material according to Clause 13, wherein the protrusion is located at the midpoint of the height of the recess along which the protrusion is located.

[0201] 15. The method of forming material according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the maximum height of the protrusion is not greater than 5 mm.

[0202] 16. A method of forming material according to any one of clauses 13 to 15, which are further dependent on clause 12, wherein the protrusion is located at the end of the elongated leg.

[0203] 17. The method of forming material according to any one of clauses 7 to 16, wherein the maximum height of each recess is less than 30 mm.

[0204] 18. The method of forming material according to any one of clauses 7 to 17, wherein the maximum depth of each recess is not greater than 25 mm.

[0205] 19. The method of forming material according to any one of clauses 7 to 18, wherein the maximum width of each recess is not greater than 50 mm.

[0206] 20. The method of forming material according to any one of clauses 7 to 19, wherein the first component is gold-plated.

[0207] 21. A method of forming a material according to any one of clauses 7 to 20, wherein the first component is a heating element wire for transmitting electricity between a contact electrode and the heating element, and wherein the second component is the contact electrode.

[0208] 22. The cartridge according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein each contact electrode and heating element wire are crimped together using the method according to Clause 21.

Claims

1. A smoke cartridge for an aerosol supply system, wherein, The smoke cartridge includes: A heating element for heating an aerosolizable material from a reservoir to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region; An air passage extending through the smoke cartridge to deliver air to the heating element; and At least two contact electrodes are mounted to the cartridge to allow power to be supplied to the heating element, and a portion of the air passage extends between the contact electrodes; Each contact electrode includes a portion defining a knurled outer surface, the knurled outer surface being embedded in a portion of the cartridge to secure the contact electrode to the cartridge, wherein the portion of the cartridge is injection molded around each contact electrode.

2. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein, Each contact electrode also includes a flange portion, the flange portion being: Extending outwards around the contact electrode; and Place it on the surface of the cigarette cartridge.

3. The smoke cartridge according to claim 2, wherein, Each contact electrode includes no more than one flange portion.

4. The smoke cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The surface of the cartridge is the end surface of the end cap of the cartridge.

5. The tobacco cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, Each flange portion has a thickness of no more than 1 mm.

6. The tobacco cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each contact electrode is gold-plated.

7. The tobacco cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The cartridge includes no more than two contact electrodes.

8. The tobacco cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, Each contact electrode includes a first end exposed at the interface end of the cartridge.

9. An aerosol supply system comprising a cartridge and a control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The control unit includes a container with an interface arranged to engage with the cartridge to releasably connect the cartridge to the control unit and into a position where the cartridge is at least partially located within the container.

10. A method for attaching a contact electrode to a cartridge of an aerosol supply system, the method comprising the steps of: Knurl the outer surface of the contact electrode; as well as The contact electrode is fixed to the cartridge by embedding the knurled outer surface into a portion of the cartridge, wherein the portion of the cartridge is injection molded around the contact electrode.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: The flange portion of the contact electrode rests on the surface of the cartridge to support the contact electrode relative to the cartridge.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The flange portion extends outward around the contact electrode.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The contact electrode is formed by a stamping process.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The contact electrode is gold-plated.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The step of fixing the contact electrode to the cartridge further includes: The contact electrode is installed into the end cap of the cartridge.

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