Cartridge comprising aerosol-generating beads

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device and a corresponding aerosol-generating device. The cartridge includes an aerosol-generating bead having an aerosol-forming substrate and a storage element configured to store the aerosol-generating bead. The storage element is configured to allow loading of aerosol-generating beads from the storage element. The aerosol-generating device includes: a receiving region configured to receive a cartridge; a heating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating beads; and a loading element configured to load aerosol-generating beads from the cartridge into or near the heating device and to remove used beads from the heating device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, to a cartridge and to a system. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature that volatilizes one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating bead. The aerosol-generating bead may be supplied from a cartridge. The cartridge may contain a plurality of aerosol-generating beads.

[0003] It is desirable to provide a cartridge, device and aerosol generating system that enable a user to easily consume the beads. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a cartridge, device and aerosol generating system that are reliable. In addition, it is desirable to provide a cartridge, device and aerosol generating system that can be easily handled by a user. It may also be sensible to provide a device, cartridge and aerosol generating system including the device and cartridge that will allow a user to easily consume a predetermined amount of beads at the user's convenience. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising aerosol generating beads having an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads. The storage element may be configured to allow loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, wherein the cartridge comprises aerosol generating beads having an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge further comprises a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads. The storage element is configured to allow the aerosol generating beads to be loaded from the storage element.

[0006] Such a cartridge may allow a user to load a predetermined amount of aerosol-generating beads from a storage element for consumption.

[0007] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0008] Aerosol forming substrate is a substrate that can release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming substrate. Aerosol forming substrate can include nicotine. Aerosol forming substrate can include plant-based materials. Aerosol forming substrate can include tobacco. Aerosol forming substrate can include tobacco-containing material, which contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol forming substrate when heated. Aerosol forming substrate can alternatively include non-tobacco-containing material. Aerosol forming substrate can include homogenized plant-based materials, including homogenized tobacco, such as manufactured by, for example, papermaking process or casting process.

[0009] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are, for example: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol or of a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol. Preferred examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0010] Preferably, the amount of aerosol former is between 6% and 20% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, more preferably, the amount of aerosol former is between 8% and 18% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, and most preferably, the amount of aerosol former is between 10% and 15% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. For some embodiments, the target value of the amount of aerosol former is about 13% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. Whether the aerosol-forming substrate includes plant leaves or homogenized plant material, the most effective amount of aerosol former will also depend on the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the type of substrate will determine, among other factors, the extent to which the aerosol former can promote the release of substances from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises shredded filler. In this document, "shredded filler" is used to refer to a blend of chopped plant material (particularly leaves), processed stems and ribs, homogenized plant material, for example, in sheet form using a casting or papermaking process. The shredded filler may also include other post-cut filler tobacco or additives. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shredded filler comprises at least 25% of plant leaves, more preferably at least 50% of plant leaves, more preferably at least 75% of plant leaves, and most preferably at least 90% of plant leaves. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea and cloves, however, the present invention is equally applicable to other plant materials having the ability to release substances that can subsequently form an aerosol when heat is applied.

[0012] Preferably, the tobacco plant material comprises a thin layer of one or more of a flue-cured tobacco thin layer, a sun-cured tobacco, an oriental tobacco and a filler tobacco. Flue-cured tobacco is tobacco with generally large light-colored leaves. Throughout the specification, the term "flue-cured tobacco" is used for tobacco that has been cured. Examples of flue-cured tobacco are Chinese flue-cured tobacco, Brazilian flue-cured tobacco, American flue-cured tobacco, such as Virginia tobacco, Indian flue-cured tobacco, Tanzanian flue-cured tobacco or other African flue-cured tobacco. Flue-cured tobacco is characterized by a high sugar-nitrogen ratio. From a sensory perspective, flue-cured tobacco is a type of tobacco that is accompanied by a spicy and refreshing sensation after curing. According to the present invention, flue-cured tobacco is a tobacco having a reducing sugar content of between about 2.5% and about 20% by dry weight of the tobacco leaf and a total ammonia content of less than about 0.12% by dry weight of the tobacco leaf. Reducing sugars include, for example, glucose or fructose. Total ammonia includes, for example, ammonia and ammonia salts. Sun-cured tobacco is tobacco with generally large dark leaves. Throughout the specification, the term "sun-cured tobacco" is used for tobacco that has been air-dried. In addition, sun-cured tobacco can be fermented. Tobacco mainly used for chewing, snuff, cigar and pipe blends is also included in this category. Usually, these sun-cured tobaccos are air-dried and can be fermented. From a sensory perspective, sun-cured tobacco is a type of tobacco with a dark cigar-type feeling of smoky flavor after baking. Sun-cured tobacco is characterized by a low sugar-nitrogen ratio. Examples of sun-cured tobacco are Malawi white burley or other African white burley, dark-cured Brazilian Galpao, sun-dried or air-cured Indonesian spider orchid (Indonesian Kasturi). According to the present invention, sun-cured tobacco is a tobacco with a reducing sugar content of less than about 5% by tobacco leaf dry weight and a total ammonia content of up to about 0.5% by tobacco leaf dry weight. Oriental tobacco is a tobacco often having small light-colored leaves. Throughout the specification, the term "oriental tobacco" is used for other tobaccos with high aromatic compound (e.g., essential oil) content. From a sensory perspective, oriental tobacco is a type of tobacco with a spicy and aromatic feeling after baking. Examples of flavored tobaccos are Greek Oriental, Oriental Turkish, semi-Oriental tobaccos, and cured American Burley, such as Perique, Rustica, American Burley, or Meriland. Filler tobacco is not a specific tobacco type, but it includes tobacco types that are primarily used to supplement other tobacco types used in the blend and do not bring specific characteristic aromas to the final product. Examples of filler tobaccos are stems, midribs, or stems of other tobacco types. A specific example can be the dried stems of the lower stems of Brazilian flue-cured tobacco.

[0013] The shredded filler that is suitable for using together with the present invention can be similar to the shredded filler that is used for conventional smoking articles usually.The shredded width of shredded filler is preferably between 0.3 millimeter and 2.0 millimeters, more preferably, the shredded width of shredded filler is between 0.5 millimeter and 1.2 millimeters, and most preferably, the shredded width of shredded filler is between 0.6 millimeter and 0.9 millimeter.The shredded width can work in the heat distribution of the matrix part inside of goods.Equally, the shredded width can work in the suction resistance of goods.In addition, the shredded width can affect the overall density of the matrix part.

[0014] The length of the strips of cut filler is somewhat of a random value, as the length of the strips will depend on the overall size of the object from which the strips are cut. However, by conditioning the material prior to cutting, such as by controlling the moisture content and overall fineness of the material, longer strips can be cut. Preferably, the length of the strips is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm before forming the strips into matrix segments.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating beads" relates to a discrete aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating beads may be solid. The aerosol-generating beads may comprise tobacco, such as homogenised tobacco. The aerosol-generating beads may comprise an aerosol former.

[0016] The storage element may be configured to allow loading of a single bead from the storage element at a time. This may allow a user to load a single bead from the storage element in one loading step. Thus, one single bead may provide one user experience of inhaling an aerosol. This may allow a user to easily determine the amount of beads to be consumed at the user's convenience.

[0017] The storage element of the barrel may further include a support element, wherein the support element includes a through hole. The through hole may be configured to accommodate beads. Thus, the barrel may contain a predetermined amount of beads in the through hole. This may allow a user to load a predetermined amount of beads from the storage element of the barrel.

[0018] Preferably, a through hole of the support element of the cartridge can be configured to accommodate a bead. Specifically, this can allow a user to load a bead from a through hole of the cartridge.

[0019] The support element may include a circular disk. The through holes may be arranged circumferentially around the outer circumference of the circular disk.

[0020] This may allow the through-hole and thus the bead to be easily arranged on the support element.

[0021] The through hole may include a retaining element. The retaining element may be configured to removably retain the bead in the through hole.

[0022] Due to the retaining element this may allow easy removal of the bead from the through hole.

[0023] The retaining element may be arranged around the circumference of the through hole. This may allow the retaining element to easily retain the beads within the through hole.

[0024] The retaining element may comprise a flexible protrusion that retains the bead in the through hole. The retaining element may for example comprise a flexible plastic or elastomer. Preferably, the retaining element may comprise a ring of flexible plastic protrusions or a ring of flexible elastomer surrounding the circumference of the through hole.

[0025] The support element may include a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. A through hole may connect the first major surface and the second major surface. A retaining element may be arranged around the through hole on one or both of the first major surface and the second major surface. This may allow the beads to be easily retained in the through hole.

[0026] The cartridge may be configured to be detachably and rotatably connected to the aerosol generating device. The cartridge may, for example, include a central hole in the support element. This may allow an axle or rod to be inserted into the cartridge so as to detachably and rotatably connect the cartridge to the aerosol generating device.

[0027] Alternatively, the support element of the cartridge may comprise a circular shape, such as a disc. Such a support element may be configured to be rotatably mounted in the aerosol generating device. Rotation of the support element of the cartridge may provide an easy way to access and load beads contained in different through holes of the support element.

[0028] In another embodiment of the cartridge, the cartridge may further comprise a connecting element, wherein the connecting element may be configured to be detachably connected to the aerosol generating device.The storage element may be configured to allow the aerosol generating beads to be loaded into the connecting element.

[0029] Such a connecting element may be an alternative way of detachably connecting the cartridge to the aerosol generating device. The connecting element may comprise a hollow structure. The hollow structure may be a circular structure. The hollow structure may be configured to accommodate a rotatable conveyor of the aerosol generating device, as will be described in more detail below.

[0030] The cartridge may further comprise a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load beads from the storage element to the connecting element. The loading element may facilitate loading beads from the storage element to the connecting element.

[0031] The loading element may be incrementally movably connected to the storage element. A single incremental movement may be configured to load one bead into the connecting element.

[0032] The loading element may be configured to be translationally movable relative to the storage portion. The translational movement may allow beads to be loaded from the storage element into the connecting element.

[0033] The storage element may be configured to store aerosol generating beads in a row, the storage element may be configured to store individual aerosol generating beads one by one. The loading element may include a protrusion extending into the storage element. The protrusion may separate individual aerosol generating beads from one another.

[0034] Such a loading element may be able to load one single bead from the storage element into the connecting element via a translational movement of the loading element relative to the storage element.

[0035] The loading element may be an elongated element. Such an elongated element may be movably mounted in a rail of the storage element. This may facilitate translational movement of the loading element relative to the storage element.

[0036] Preferably, the loading element may comprise or consist of a strip.

[0037] The loading element may comprise a second engagement element. The second engagement element may be configured to engage with a second activation element of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the second engagement element may comprise serrations. The loading element may comprise a strip comprising serrations.

[0038] The loading element comprising the second engagement element may be easily actuated by a user by triggering the second activation element. This may allow the user to load one aerosol-generating bead from the storage element into the connecting element.

[0039] The cartridge may further comprise a waste storage element. The waste storage element may be configured to store used aerosol generating beads after consumption by a user. Preferably, the waste storage element may be connected to the connecting element. The waste storage element may be connected to the connecting element at opposite sides of the storage element. This may provide an easy connection between the storage element storing new beads for use and the waste storage element storing used beads.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention, the cartridge may include a dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to load aerosol generating beads from a storage element. Preferably, the dispenser may be connected to a button. This may allow a user to easily trigger the dispenser by pressing a button.

[0041] The dispenser may include an outlet with a removable cover. The removable cover may be configured to open when a user presses a button. The dispenser may also include a rotatable collector. The rotatable collector may include a recess for transferring beads from the cartridge to the aerosol generating device.

[0042] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. As described herein, the aerosol generating device may include a receiving area configured to receive the cartridge. In addition, the aerosol generating device may include a heating device configured to heat the aerosol generating beads. The aerosol generating device may also include a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into or near the heating device.

[0043] Further embodiments of the invention relate to an aerosol generating device comprising a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating device configured to heat aerosol generating beads. The aerosol generating device also comprises a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into or near the heating device.

[0044] The loading element may be configured to load a single bead from the cartridge at a time. This may allow the loading element to load a single aerosol generating bead from the storage element of the cartridge, in particular, the loading element may be configured to load a single aerosol generating bead from the cartridge in one loading step.

[0045] The receiving area can be configured to receive a cartridge as described herein. Specifically, the receiving area can be configured to receive a cartridge, wherein the storage element comprises a support element as described herein. The aerosol generating device can also include a pushing element. The pushing element can be configured to push the beads contained in the through-holes of the support element into the heating device. Preferably, the pushing element can also be configured to push the beads away from the heating device. The pushing element can also be configured to push the beads away from the heating device back into the through-holes of the cartridge. Specifically, the pushing element can be configured to push the used beads away from the heating device back into their corresponding through-holes in the cartridge.

[0046] Such a pushing element may allow a user to select a plurality of beads or a single bead housed in the through hole for insertion into the heating device and removal from the heating device after use.

[0047] The pushing element may include two opposing first and second pistons. The first and second pistons may be configured to move forward and backward simultaneously relative to the through hole of the barrel. This may allow the pushing element to use one piston, preferably the first piston, to push the aerosol generating beads out of the through hole into the heating device. The pushing element may also be configured to use the second piston to push the used aerosol generating beads out of the heating device back into its through hole in the barrel.

[0048] The receiving area may be configured to rotatably and movably receive the cartridge. This may allow the cartridge to be connected to the aerosol generating device so that the cartridge can be rotated within the device. Preferably, the receiving area may include a slot. This may enable the receiving area of ​​the cartridge to be received in a manner such that it can be easily rotated within the device.

[0049] The slot may also include a wheel. The wheel may allow the cartridge to be received in the slot to be rotatable.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a first activation element. The first activation element may be configured to activate the push element. This may allow a user to handle the aerosol generating device via the first activation element.

[0051] Preferably, the pushing element may include a handle. The first activation element may include a guide groove for activating the pushing element. The guide groove may slidably receive the handle of the pushing element. This may allow the first activation element to activate the pushing element via the guide groove.

[0052] The first activation element may also be configured to subject the cartridge to movement. Preferably, the movement may be a rotational movement. Specifically, the rotational movement may be an incremental rotational movement between adjacent through-holes of the cartridge. This may allow the first activation element of the aerosol generating device to control the rotation of the cartridge. This may enable the use of various aerosol-forming beads housed in the through-holes of the cartridge.

[0053] In particular, the first activation element may be configured to subject the cartridge to an incremental rotational movement such that successive through-holes of the cartridge are accessible by a pushing element of the aerosol generating device.

[0054] The first activation element of the aerosol generating device may include a first engagement arm. The first engagement arm may be configured to subject the tube to movement. Preferably, the first engagement arm may subject the tube to rotational movement. The first engagement arm may include a groove. The groove may be configured to engage with a support element of the tube, and the first engagement arm may include two opposing plates. The groove for engaging with the support element of the tube may be located between the opposing plates. The opposing plates may also be configured to engage with a retaining element located near or around the through hole. This may allow the first activation element to control movement, in particular rotational movement, of the tube via the first engagement arm.

[0055] The first activation element of the aerosol generating device may comprise a button for the user to cause a translational forward movement of the first activation element. This may allow the user to handle the aerosol generating device by pressing the button. The translational forward movement of the first activation element may actuate the push element and may subject the cartridge to the already mentioned rotational movement. This may enable the user to control both the rotation of the cartridge and the change of the aerosol-forming beads in the cartridge by pressing the button of the first activation element.

[0056] The first activation element may include a first flexible biasing member. The first flexible biasing member may include or consist of a spring, and the first flexible biasing member may be compressed by the first activation element moving forward in translation. This may allow the first activation element to perform a translational rearward movement due to the action of the compressed first flexible biasing member.

[0057] Specifically, the translational forward movement of the first activation element may compress the first flexible biasing member. The compressed first flexible biasing member may be configured to cause the translational rearward movement of the first activation element. The translational rearward movement of the first activation element may be in the opposite direction of the translational forward movement.

[0058] Both the translational forward movement of the first activation element and the translational rearward movement of the first activation element may complete one cycle of the aerosol generating device.One complete cycle may comprise removing used aerosol-forming beads from the heating device and inserting new aerosol-forming beads in the heating device.

[0059] The translational forward movement and the translational backward movement of the first activation element may cause one or more of the following:

[0060] - push the used beads away from the heating device,

[0061] - pushing the beads from the cartridge into a heating device, and

[0062] - Rotational movement of the cylinder.

[0063] Preferably, the translational forward movement and the translational backward movement of the first activation element can cause all three of the above process steps. This can complete a user's use cycle, including moving the used beads out of the heating device, rotating the drum so that the new beads are aligned with the pushing element, and pushing the new beads into the heating device.

[0064] The cartridge may be rotated from one through-hole to the next successive through-hole in order to use all of the beads positioned in the through-holes.

[0065] Another embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention may include a receiving area, the receiving area including a rotatably mounted transmitter. The transmitter may be configured to be connectable to the connection area of ​​the cartridge, as already described herein. Specifically, the rotatably mounted transmitter of this aerosol generating device may be rotatably accommodated within the connection area of ​​the cartridge.

[0066] The rotatably mounted conveyor of the aerosol generating device may comprise a circular circumference.Similarly, the connection region of the cartridge may comprise a hollow circular body which may be configured to receive the conveyor.

[0067] The rotatable conveyor can be configured to convey the beads from the connecting element to the heating device. Specifically, the rotatable conveyor can be configured to convey the beads from the connecting element to the vicinity of the heating device within the rotatable conveyor. The beads in this position can be located on a metal support, such as a metal clamp. The beads can be heated in this position via thermal convection from the heating device to the metal support. The hot metal support can heat the beads without the beads being located in the heating device. This can enable the rotatable conveyor to further convey the used beads away from the heating device.

[0068] Preferably, the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey a single bead from the connecting element to the heating device via one rotational movement. This may enable a user to enjoy one bead with one rotational movement of the rotatable conveyor.

[0069] The rotatable conveyor may also be configured to convey beads from the heating device to the waste storage element. In particular, the rotatable conveyor may be configured to convey a single bead from the heating device to the waste storage element via one rotational movement. This may be a particularly easy way to convey used beads away from the heating device.

[0070] The rotatable conveyor may comprise recesses for conveying beads. Preferably, one recess may be configured for conveying one bead at a time.

[0071] In particular, the rotatable conveyor may comprise more than one recess.Preferably, the rotatable conveyor may comprise four recesses in order to convey beads between different locations within the aerosol generating system.

[0072] The rotatable conveyor can be incrementally rotatable between a first position at the connecting element and a second position at the heating device. In the first position, the recess of the rotatable conveyor can be ready to receive a bead from the storage element of the cartridge. In the second position, the rotatable conveyor can place the bead near or beside the heating device to be heated. The rotatable conveyor can rotate between these different positions via a 90 degree rotation.

[0073] Furthermore, the rotatable conveyor may be incrementally rotatable between a second position at the heating device and a third position at the waste storage element.Such an aerosol generating device may thus be configured to convey beads from a first position to a second position, and then to a third position, into the waste storage element of the cartridge.

[0074] The aerosol generating device according to this embodiment may comprise a second actuation element. The second actuation element may be configured to actuate the rotatably mounted conveyor. Such a second actuation element may enable a user to easily handle the aerosol generating device via the actuation element.

[0075] The second actuating element may include a second engagement arm. The second engagement arm may be configured to actuate a rotatably mounted transmitter. The second engagement arm may engage with a transmitter engagement element of the rotatable transmitter. The transmitter engagement element may be a gear. The gear may include a notch configured to engage with the second engagement arm.

[0076] The second engagement arm may be connected to the second actuation element via a second engagement arm biasing element, such as a spring. This may allow the second engagement arm to be flexibly connected to the second actuation element.

[0077] The second actuating element can also be configured as a loading element of the actuating cylinder. The second actuating element can include a rod. The rod can be configured to engage with the already mentioned engagement element of the loading element.

[0078] The second engagement element may include a button so that a user causes a translational forward movement of the second actuation element. The translational forward movement of the second actuation element may actuate the rotatable transmitter. The translational forward movement of the second actuation element may actuate an incremental rotational movement of the rotatable transmitter.

[0079] The second actuating element may include a second flexible biasing member, such as a spring. The translational forward movement of the second actuating element may compress the second flexible biasing member. The compressed second flexible biasing member may be configured to cause the translational backward movement of the second actuating element. Specifically, the translational backward movement may move the second actuating element to a starting position of the actuating element. This starting position may be the same position that the second actuating element occupied before the user triggered the button of the actuating element.

[0080] The translational forward movement and the translational backward movement of the second actuation element may cause one or more of the following:

[0081] - conveying the beads to or near a heating device via movement of a rotatable conveyor,

[0082] - conveying the beads to a waste storage element via movement of a rotatable conveyor, and

[0083] - Actuating the loading element in order to load the beads from the storage element into the rotatable conveyor.

[0084] Specifically, the translational forward movement may trigger the rotatable conveyor to convey the beads to or near the heating device or to the waste storage element. The translational backward movement may trigger the loading element to load the beads from the storage element into the rotatable conveyor.

[0085] In another embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the invention, the device comprises a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge comprising a dispenser as already described herein.

[0086] The heating device of the aerosol generating device may include a converging duct. The converging duct may be configured to receive beads from the cartridge via a distributor. The converging duct may include a heater. The converging duct may include two opposing plates, wherein the distance between the two opposing plates narrows as the distance of the converging duct from the cartridge increases. The heater may be located in the region of the minimum distance between the two opposing plates. This may provide an easy means for receiving beads and keeping the beads near the heater so as to form an aerosol by heating the beads.

[0087] After heating the beads, at least a portion of the opposing plates may be retracted to release the used beads. This may enable the used beads to fall into a waste storage element of the aerosol generating device. Otherwise, the diameter of the beads may shrink when they are heated. In this case, once the diameter of the beads is less than the minimum distance between the two opposing plates, the beads may fall into the waste storage element of the aerosol generating device. This may provide a simple way to discard the used beads. The beads may shrink due to the evaporation of the flavor compounds and the aerosol forming agent.

[0088] The heating device may comprise one or both of an induction heating device and a resistive heating element. The resistive heating device may comprise a heating coil arranged around a first portion of a compartment wall of the aerosol generating device. The resistive heating device may comprise a resistive wire. The resistive wire may be wound around a first portion of a compartment wall of the aerosol generating device.

[0089] Suitable resistive materials for the resistance wire include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may be optionally embedded in, encapsulated by or coated by the insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties. Examples of suitable composite heater elements are disclosed in US-A-5 498 855, WO-A-03 / 095688 and US-A-5 514 630. A preferred resistive heating material may be a nickel-chromium alloy.

[0090] Preferably, the heating device may be an induction heating element. The heating device may preferably be an induction coil. The compartment wall may be a susceptor. The induction heating element, preferably the induction coil, may be configured to heat the first portion of the compartment wall. The induction heating device may be connected to a power supply. The inductor coil may be capable of providing an inductance between 1 microhenry (uH) and 500 nanohenry (nH).

[0091] The cartridges and different elements of the aerosol generating devices described herein may be made from a variety of different materials. The materials include one or more of the following: plastic, metal, wood.

[0092] In a further embodiment of the invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol generating device having a receiving section for the particular cartridge.

[0093] In particular, a cartridge as described herein in which the storage element comprises a support element can be used in combination with a device comprising a push element configured to push the beads located in the through-holes of the support element into the heating device. In the following, a cartridge comprising a support element and a device comprising a receiving section for such a cartridge will be referred to as Example 1.

[0094] In addition, a cartridge including a connecting element as described herein can be used in conjunction with an aerosol generating device whose receiving area includes a rotatably mounted transmitter. The connecting element can include a hollow circular structure or body. The hollow circular body can be configured to accommodate a rotatably mounted transmitter once the cartridge is detachably connected to the aerosol generating device. In the following, a cartridge including a connecting element and a corresponding aerosol generating device to be connected to such a cartridge will be referred to as Example 2.

[0095] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge comprises a dispenser as described herein. This cartridge can be connected to an aerosol generating device comprising a converging duct or a movable, retractable plate as described herein. This cartridge and the corresponding aerosol generating device will be referred to as embodiment 3.

[0096] All cartridges described herein may be configured to be detachably connected to their respective aerosol generating devices. This may allow a user to simply discard the cartridge and reuse the aerosol generating device once all beads have been used.

[0097] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below.Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0098] Example A: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising:

[0099] an aerosol-generating bead comprising an aerosol-forming substrate,

[0100] a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads,

[0101] Wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of aerosol generating beads from the storage element.

[0102] Example B: The cartridge of Example A, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of a single bead from the storage element in one loading step.

[0103] Example C: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the storage element comprises a support element comprising through-holes, wherein the through-holes are configured to accommodate beads, preferably one of the through-holes is configured to accommodate one bead.

[0104] Example D: The cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the support element comprises a disk, and wherein the through holes are arranged circumferentially around its periphery.

[0105] Example E: A tube according to any one of the aforementioned Examples C or D, wherein the through hole includes a retaining element, which is configured to removably retain the beads in the through hole, preferably wherein the retaining element is arranged around the circumference of the through hole, and more preferably wherein the retaining element includes a flexible protrusion that retains the beads in the through hole.

[0106] Example F: A tube according to any one of the aforementioned Examples C to E, wherein the support element includes a first main surface and an opposite second main surface, wherein the through hole connects the first main surface and the second main surface, and preferably wherein the retaining element is arranged around the through hole on one or both of the first main surface and the second main surface.

[0107] Example G: The cartridge of any preceding examples C to F, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably, rotatably connected to an aerosol generating device.

[0108] Example H: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples A or B, further comprising a connecting element configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol generating device, wherein the storage element is configured to allow the aerosol generating beads to be loaded into the connecting element.

[0109] Example I: The cartridge of the preceding example, further comprising a loading element configured to load beads from the storage element to the connecting element, wherein the loading element is movably connected to the storage element.

[0110] Example J: The cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the loading element is incrementally movably connected to the storage element, and wherein a single incremental movement is configured to load one bead into the connecting element.

[0111] Example K: The cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the loading element is configured to be translationally movable relative to the storage portion, and wherein the translational movement allows for loading of beads from the storage element into the connecting element.

[0112] Example L: A cartridge according to any one of the preceding Examples I to K, wherein the storage element is configured to store aerosol-generating beads in a row, and wherein the loading element includes a protrusion extending into the storage element, wherein the protrusion separates individual beads from one another.

[0113] Example M: ​​A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples I to L, wherein the loading element is an elongated element movably mounted in a rail of a storage element, preferably wherein the loading element comprises or consists of a strip.

[0114] Example N: A cartridge according to any one of the preceding Examples I to M, wherein the loading element comprises a second engagement element, wherein the second engagement element is configured to engage with a second actuation element of the aerosol generating device, preferably wherein the second engagement element comprises serrations.

[0115] Example O: A cartridge according to any one of the foregoing Examples H to N, further comprising a waste storage element configured to store used aerosol generating beads, preferably wherein the waste storage element is connected to the connecting element, more preferably wherein the waste storage element is connected to the connecting element at opposite sides of the storage element.

[0116] Example P: The cartridge of any preceding example A or B, further comprising a dispenser configured for loading aerosol-generating beads from a storage element, preferably wherein the dispenser is connected to a button.

[0117] Example Q: An aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0118] a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples,

[0119] a heating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating beads,

[0120] A loading element is configured to load the aerosol-generating beads from the cartridge into or near the heating device.

[0121] Example R: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the loading element is configured to load a single bead from the cartridge at a time.

[0122] Example S: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the aforementioned examples Q or R, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of examples C to G, and further comprises a pushing element configured to push beads contained in the through hole into the heating device, preferably wherein the pushing element is also configured to push used beads away from the heating device.

[0123] Example T: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the pushing element comprises two opposing first and second pistons, wherein the first and second pistons are configured to move forward and backward simultaneously relative to the through hole of the barrel.

[0124] Example U: An aerosol generating device according to any preceding example S or T, wherein the receiving area is configured to rotatably and movably receive the cartridge, preferably wherein the receiving area comprises a slot.

[0125] Example V: The aerosol generating device according to any one of the aforementioned Examples S to U further includes a first actuating element, wherein the first actuating element is configured to actuate a pushing element, preferably wherein the pushing element includes a handle, and wherein the first actuating element includes a guide groove for actuating the pushing element.

[0126] Example W: An aerosol generating device according to the previous example, wherein the first actuating element is also configured to cause the barrel to undergo movement, preferably wherein the movement is a rotational movement, more preferably wherein the rotational movement is an incremental rotational movement between adjacent through holes of the barrel.

[0127] Example X: An aerosol generating device according to the previous example, wherein the first actuating element comprises a first engagement arm, wherein the first engagement arm is configured to cause the barrel to undergo movement, preferably rotational movement, and more preferably wherein the first engagement arm comprises a groove configured to engage with a support element of the barrel.

[0128] Example Y: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding examples V to X, wherein the first actuation element comprises a button for a user to cause a translational forward movement of the first actuation element, and wherein the translational forward movement actuates the push element and causes the cartridge to undergo the rotational movement.

[0129] Example Z: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples V to Y, wherein the first actuation element comprises a first flexible biasing member, preferably a spring.

[0130] Example AA: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example further dependent on example Y, wherein translation of the first actuating element moves forward to compress the first flexible biasing member, and wherein the compressed first flexible biasing member is configured to cause translation of the first actuating element to move backward.

[0131] Example AB: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the translational forward movement and the translational rearward movement of the first actuation element causes one or more of the following:

[0132] - push the used beads away from the heating device,

[0133] - pushing the beads from the cartridge into a heating device, and

[0134] - Rotational movement of the cylinder.

[0135] Example AC: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples Q or R, wherein the receiving area includes a rotatably mounted transmitter, wherein the transmitter is configured to be connectable to the connection area of ​​the cartridge according to any of the preceding examples H to O.

[0136] Example AD: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey beads from the connecting element to the heating device, preferably wherein the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey a single bead from the connecting element to the heating device via one rotational movement.

[0137] Example AE: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example further subordinate to Example O, wherein the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey beads from the heating device to the waste storage element, preferably wherein the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey a single bead from the heating device to the waste storage element via a rotational movement.

[0138] Example AF: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AC to AE, wherein the conveyor comprises recesses for conveying beads, preferably one recess is configured to convey one bead.

[0139] Example AG: An aerosol generating device according to the previous example, wherein the recess of the rotatable conveyor can be incrementally rotated between a first position at the connecting element and a second position at the heating device, preferably wherein the recess of the rotatable conveyor can be incrementally rotated between the second position at the heating device and a third position at the waste storage element.

[0140] Example AH: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AC to AG, further comprising a second actuation element, wherein the second actuation element is configured to actuate the rotatably mounted conveyor.

[0141] Example AI: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the second actuation element comprises a second engagement arm, wherein the second engagement arm is configured to actuate a rotatably mounted conveyor.

[0142] Example AJ: An aerosol generating device according to any one of the foregoing examples AH or AI, which is further subordinate to any one of examples I to N, wherein the second actuating element is configured to actuate a loading element of the tube, preferably wherein the second actuating element includes a rod, which is configured to engage with an engaging element of the loading element.

[0143] Example AK: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding Examples AH to AJ, wherein the second actuation element comprises a button for a user to cause a translational forward movement of the second actuation element, and wherein the translational forward movement actuates the rotatable conveyor.

[0144] Example AL: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AH to AK, wherein the second actuation element comprises a second flexible biasing member, preferably a spring.

[0145] Example AM: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example further dependent on example AK, wherein translation of the second actuation element moves forward to compress the second flexible biasing member, and wherein the compressed second flexible biasing member is configured to cause translation of the second actuation element to move backward.

[0146] Example AN: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the translational forward movement and the translational rearward movement of the second actuation element causes one or more of the following:

[0147] - conveying the beads to or near a heating device via movement of a rotatable conveyor,

[0148] - conveying the beads to a waste storage element via movement of a rotatable conveyor, and

[0149] - Actuating the loading element in order to load the beads from the storage element into the rotatable conveyor.

[0150] Example AO: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples Q or R, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a cartridge according to example P, wherein the heating device comprises a converging duct, wherein the converging duct is configured to receive beads from the cartridge, and wherein the converging duct comprises a heater.

[0151] Example AP: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the converging conduit comprises two opposing major surfaces, and wherein a minimum distance between the opposing major surfaces is less than a diameter of a bead.

[0152] Example AQ: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding example, wherein the heater is located in the region of the minimum distance between the opposing major surfaces.

[0153] Example AR: An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of Examples A to G and an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples Q to AB.

[0154] Example AS: An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of Examples H to O and an aerosol generating device according to any one of Examples AC to AN.

[0155] Example AT: An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to example P and an aerosol generating device according to any one of examples AO to AQ.

[0156] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0157] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0158] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an aerosol generating system according to Example 1;

[0159] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 A side view of an aerosol generating system according to Example 1 shown in FIG.

[0160] Figure 3 depicts another side view of an aerosol generating system according to Example 1, the aerosol generating system also comprising various biasing elements;

[0161] Figure 4 shows a top view of a push element with beads for an aerosol generating device according to Example 1;

[0162] Figures 5A to 5D shows a sequence of different steps of an aerosol generating system according to Example 1, with different loading steps for beads;

[0163] Figures 6A to 6B depicts photographs of further embodiments of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1;

[0164] Figure 7 depicts a perspective view of a cartridge including a storage element according to Embodiment 2;

[0165] Figure 8 depicts a perspective view of an aerosol generating system with a separate cartridge and a separate aerosol generating device according to Example 2;

[0166] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 A perspective view of the rear side of the device according to Example 2 shown in FIG.

[0167] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A front view of the device showing the engagement of the rod with the second engagement element of the loading element;

[0168] Fig.11A and 11B showing different views of a rotatably mounted conveyor of an aerosol generating device according to Example 2;

[0169] Figures 12A to 12D shows different positions and steps for loading beads into a rotatable conveyor of an aerosol generating device according to Example 2;

[0170] Figures 13A to 13C showing opposite major surfaces of a heater system of an aerosol generating device according to Example 3;

[0171] Fig.14 depicts a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to Example 3; and

[0172] Fig.15A and 15B Schematic diagrams of different aerosol generating systems according to Example 3 are depicted.

[0173] In all the following drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0174] Figure 1 A side view of an aerosol generating system according to Example 1 is shown. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device 22 and a cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 comprises a storage element comprising a flat support element 12. Through holes 14 are present in the support element 12, which are arranged around the circumference of the disc-shaped support element. The through holes 14 comprise a retaining element 20 around their respective circumferences for retaining the aerosol generating beads 16 in place. Figure 1The tube 10 in the aerosol generating device 22 comprises six through holes 14 with six beads 16. The aerosol generating device 22 comprises a first actuating element 24 with a button and a first engagement arm 26, which is movably connected to the first actuating element 24 via a first engagement arm hinge 28. In addition, there is a first flexible biasing member, such as a spring 30. This first flexible biasing member 30 can be compressed and can return the first engagement arm 26 to its initial position. In addition, there is a stopper 32. This stopper 32 can control any rotational movement of the disc-shaped tube 10 triggered by pressing the first actuating element 24. This stopper 32 can also prevent the tilting of the disc-shaped tube 10 when the disc-shaped tube is pushed downward by the first engagement arm. A pushing element 34 is also present in the aerosol generating device 22. The pushing element enables the device 22 to remove the beads 16 from the tube and transport these beads to the heating device. In addition, the pushing element can also remove the used beads from the heating device (heating device is not shown in this figure). The user may press the first actuation element 24, which causes the first engagement arm to perform a downward translational movement towards the cartridge 10. The first engagement arm will engage with the support element 12 and the retaining element 20 of the cartridge to trigger a rotational movement of the cartridge. The operating principle of such an aerosol generating system will be explained in more detail below.

[0175] Figure 2 Depicts a 90 degree rotation Figure 1 . A first actuating element 24 is shown having a first engagement arm 26. This engagement arm comprises a groove 26A which helps the first engagement arm to engage with the support element 12 of the storage element and the retaining element 20. The retaining element 20 may consist of a ring of flexible protrusions surrounding a through hole of the support element. Figure 2 Retaining elements 20 are shown to be present on two opposing main surfaces of the support element 12 and are thus able to hold the beads 16 in place within the through-holes. Figure 2Also shown is a heating device 38 positioned behind the barrel. The first piston 34A of the pusher 34 extends through a through hole of the barrel and has pushed the bead out of the through hole so that the bead is positioned in the heating device 38 (the bead in the heating device is not shown in this figure). The second piston 34B of the pusher element 34 behind the heating device 38 can also be seen. The second piston 34B is configured to push the bead in the heating device to leave the heating device and return to its through hole in the barrel after the bead has been heated. The side view also shows a stopper 32, which has its corresponding stopper groove 32A. The stopper can engage with the barrel, especially with the support element 12 and the retaining element of the barrel, so as to stop the rotational movement of the barrel triggered by the first engagement arm 26. When the stopper groove 32A remains engaged with the support element, the stopper can also help prevent the support element 12 from tilting during its engagement with the first engagement arm 26 via the retaining element 20 on the opposite side. The stopper can ensure that the rotational movement triggered by the first engagement arm 26 can stop after a through hole. This ensures that successive beads in adjacent through-holes of the cartridge can be aligned with the pushing element so as to be pushed into the heating device 38 .

[0176] Figure 3 Another side view of an aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 1 is shown, which additionally shows the corresponding biasing elements present in the aerosol generating device. The first actuating element 24 having a button comprises a first biasing member 24A, such as a spring. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first actuation element has been triggered by the user by pressing a button, resulting in compression of the first biasing member 24A. The first engagement arm 26 is also connected to an engagement arm biasing member 26A (e.g., a spring). This spring allows the first engagement arm 26 to be further pressed against the first actuation element and allows the first engagement arm to subsequently return to its initial position. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, after the rotational movement of the cylinder has been activated, the first engagement arm is already in its lower position. This rotational movement has been stopped by a stopper 32 after a through hole, and the stopper is also flexibly connected to the device via a stopper biasing element 32A. The various biasing elements of the first actuating element 24, the stopper 32 and the first engagement arm 26 allow these elements to return to their initial position after being compressed.

[0177] Figure 43 is a top view of a pushing element of an aerosol generating device according to Example 1, wherein beads 16 are arranged between a first piston 34A and a second piston 34B. The pushing element 34 can push the beads contained in the through-hole of the barrel out of the through-hole into the heating device located behind the barrel by the forward movement of the first piston 34A, which also simultaneously moves the second piston 34B into a position located behind the heating device. After the beads in the heating device have been used, the movement of the second piston and the first piston in the opposite direction relative to the forward movement transports the used beads out of the heating device back into its through-hole in the barrel.

[0178] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E A series of sequential steps is shown, which the aerosol generating system according to Example 1 passes after the user triggers the first actuation element 24 by depression. Figure 5A The situation before the user triggers the first actuating element is shown. The old used bead 16A is located in the heating device and the pushing element 34 is positioned so that the first piston 34A passes through the through hole for holding the old bead 16A (the heating device and the first piston are not shown in this figure). The second piston is located behind the heating device so that it can push the old bead out of the heating device. The guide groove 15 of the first actuating element can be seen. The handle of the pushing element is movably connected to the guide groove 15 so that the downward movement of the first actuating element can trigger the pushing element 34.

[0179] When the user presses the button of the first actuating element 24, a downward movement of the actuating element occurs as indicated by arrow 17. Figure 5B This triggers the movement of the push element 34, wherein the second piston 34B conveys the old, used beads away from the heating device and back into its through hole in the cartridge 10, as indicated by the dashed arrow 19. Figure 5B The first piston 34A is shown now located in front of the cartridge 10. The first engagement arm 26 engages with the support and retaining elements of one of the through holes of the cartridge 10 to initiate the rotational movement of the cartridge. The downward movement of the first actuating element 24 is guided by the guard rail 25.

[0180] Figure 5C It is shown that further downward movement of the first actuating element 24, indicated by arrow 21, triggers a rotational movement of the barrel, as indicated by dashed arrow 23. This rotational movement moves the old bead 16A away from the push element and positions the new bead 16B in front of the push element. The stop biasing element allows the stop 32 to move out of its previous position to achieve the movement indicated by dashed arrow 25. Figure 5C The position shown in shows the end of the forward movement of the first actuating element 24 triggered by the push of the user.

[0181] Then, if Figure 5DAs shown by the dashed arrow 27 in FIG. , the stopper stops at the next position to stop the rotational movement of the cylinder. Figure 5E The backward movement of the first actuating element 24 indicated by the arrow 29 in the figure is triggered by the compression spring of the first actuating element. This backward movement causes the pushing element 34 to push the new bead 16B out of its through hole into the heating device (as shown by the dashed arrow 31) by using the first piston 34A. The movement of the pushing element 34 is triggered by the guide groove 15 of the first actuating element. The new bead 16B in the heating device can now be heated to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0182] Fig. 6A A top photograph of a further embodiment of a cartridge according to embodiment 1 is shown. The cartridge 10 comprises a plurality of through holes 14 arranged around the circumference of a disc-shaped support element. The circumference of the through holes 14 is surrounded by retaining elements 20 in the form of flexible lips, for example made of rubber. These retaining elements 20 can hold the beads 16 located in the through holes in place, such as Figure 6B as shown in .

[0183] Figure 7 A perspective view of a cartridge according to embodiment 2 of the present invention is depicted. The cartridge 40 comprises a storage element 42 comprising beads 16 arranged in a row. On the opposite side of the storage element 42, there is a loading element 48 in the form of an elongated strip. A connecting element 44 configured to be detachably connected to a rotatably mounted conveyor of an aerosol generating device is present in the central portion of the cartridge 40. The hollow circular body of the connecting element 44 is connected to both the storage element 42 and a waste storage element 46 storing the used beads.

[0184] Figure 8 A perspective view of an aerosol generating system including a cartridge 40 and an aerosol generating device 50 according to Embodiment 2 is shown.

[0185] The cartridge 40 comprises a storage element 42 and a connecting element 44 which is connected to both the storage element 42 and the waste storage element 46. A loading element 48 (elongated strip) is connected, for example, via a rail present in the storage element (in Figure 8The loading element 48 is movably connected to the storage element 42 (track behind the loading element not shown in the figure). This loading element 48 includes a protrusion 48A, which can extend into the interior of the storage element 42. If the protrusion extends into the interior of the storage element, they can separate the beads 16 from each other. The portion of the protrusion extending into the interior of the storage element may include a shape corresponding to the curvature of the spherical beads. It is also possible that the protrusion 48A may not extend into the interior of the storage element. In addition, there is a second engagement element 48B of the loading element 48, which is configured to interact with the second actuating element 52 of the aerosol generating device. These second engagement elements 48B can be in the form of sawtooth, which can interact with the rod 58 of the aerosol generating device 50. The barrel 40 can be connected to the aerosol generating device 50 by placing the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 in the connecting element 44 of the barrel. Then, the aerosol generating device 50 can be detachably connected to the barrel 40 via a clip. The incremental movement of the loading element 48 will then be able to release one bead into the recess 56A of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 housed in the connecting element. The aerosol generating device 50 comprises a second actuating element 52 which can be pressed and is movably connected to a second engaging arm 54 via a second engaging arm hinge 54A. This second engaging arm 54 can incrementally trigger the rotational movement of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. Such incremental rotation of the rotatably mounted conveyor can deliver one bead located in the recess 56A close to or adjacent to the heating device 68 of the device. The second actuating element 52 also comprises a rod 58 configured to interact with the second engaging element 48B of the loading element 48 and a spring 60 for actuating the rod.

[0186] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 In the perspective view of the rear side of the device according to Example 2 shown in , a second flexible biasing member 52A of the second actuating element 52 can be seen. This biasing member, such as a spring, can be easily compressed when the user triggers the second actuating element by pushing. This second flexible biasing member triggers the rearward movement of the second actuating element, which will be explained in more detail below. The second engagement arm 54 also includes a second engagement arm biasing element 54B, such as a flexible clip, which allows the second engagement arm 54 to return to its initial position after being triggered by pushing the second actuating element 52. The rear side of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 can be seen, in particular the conveyor engagement element 62. This conveyor engagement element 62 can be configured to engage with the second engagement arm 54 and can be, for example, a gear. This gear allows the second engagement arm 54 to incrementally rotate the rotatable conveyor. The rotatable conveyor is also capable of conveying beads to a heating device 68, such as Fig. 9 shown.

[0187] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 This figure clearly shows the engagement between the rod 58 of the second engagement element 52 and the serrations 48B of the strip of the loading element 48.

[0188] Fig.11A is a perspective view of the rear portion of a rotatably mounted conveyor 56. The rotatably mounted conveyor 56 includes a spindle 64 that allows the conveyor to rotate. The conveyor also includes four recesses 56A that are configured to receive beads. Behind the rotatably mounted conveyor 56, there is a fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 with mounted clips. One mounted clip position 66A creates a large space in the recess 56A to receive beads from the storage portion of the cartridge. A second clip position 66B spaces the beads further away from the center of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 in the direction of the outer periphery of the conveyor. In this recess, the beads will be adjacent to the heating device of the aerosol generating device. The third clip position 66C does not leave any space for the beads. In this position, any beads received in the recess 56A will be ejected from the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. This corresponds to the position of the recess 56A, where the used beads are ejected into the waste storage element 46 of the cartridge. Thus, Fig. 11B The mounting clips of the fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 shown in FIG. 6 result in recesses 56A of different sizes depending on the location of the recess in the aerosol generating device.

[0189] Figures 12A to 12D A series of sequential steps is shown, which the aerosol generating system according to Example 2 passes after the user triggers the second actuation element 52 by pressing.

[0190] Fig. 12A A front view of the device is shown, depicting the four clips 66A, 66B and 66C of the fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 of the rotatably mounted conveyor. It can be seen that the space in the recess of the rotatably mounted conveyor is largest in the upper position of the recess in which the beads 16A are received from the storage element of the cartridge. This is due to the presence of the clip 66A. In contrast, the clip 66C in the lower position does not leave any space in the recess for the beads so that the beads can be easily ejected into the waste storage element of the cartridge. In addition, a bead 16B is present in the recess with the mounted clip 66B. This bead 16B is adjacent to the heating device 68 and can generate an aerosol by heating. If the user wants to replace the bead 16B with a new bead 16A, the user pushes the second actuating element 52, as indicated by arrow 53. Pushing the second actuating element 52 causes the second engagement arm 54 to engage with the conveyor engagement element 62 of the rotatable conveyor and causes the rotatable conveyor to rotate 90 degrees, as shown in FIG. Fig. 12BThis 90 degree rotation allows the beads 16A to be placed adjacent to the heating device 68 and the old beads 16B to be discarded in the waste storage element of the cartridge. FIG. 12B to FIG. 12D The various stages of this 90 degree rotation are shown and also demonstrate that the second flexible biasing member 52A is continuously further compressed as the second actuating element 52 is pushed further downward. Releasing the tension in the second flexible biasing member 52A causes the second actuating element 52 to move rearwardly, causing the rod 58 to engage the saw teeth of the loading element, thereby releasing an additional bead into the recess of the rotatably mounted conveyor. During the stroke of the second actuating element 52, the rod 58 is released from the saw teeth 48B and moves over them. During the release of the second actuating element 52, the rod 58 cannot move under the saw teeth 48B, but pushes the saw teeth 48B downwardly back to the initial position and, while doing so, pushes the loading element 48 downwardly to convey the leading bead into the recess 56A.

[0191] Figures 13A to 13C A schematic diagram of a converging duct included in an aerosol generating device according to Example 3 is depicted. Fig.13A The beads 16 are shown received in a converging duct comprising two opposing major surfaces 70 (e.g. plates). The region with the minimum distance between the two opposing major surfaces can reliably hold the beads 16, and the heating device 72 can subsequently heat the beads to generate an aerosol. The beads 16 will shrink when heated until the diameter of the beads 16 is less than the minimum distance between the two opposing major surfaces, and the beads will successively fall through the hole between the two surfaces, preferably into a waste storage element, such as Fig. 13B . The opposing major surfaces also include flexible hinges 71. These flexible hinges can allow a user to release the beads prematurely by triggering the hinges. One major surface can include an upper portion 70A and a lower portion 70B that are slidably connected. Thus, the lower portion of the opposing major surface can be slidably retracted (as shown in FIG. Fig. 13C ) to release the beads.

[0192] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system according to Example 3 is depicted. This aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge 80 and an aerosol generating device 90 comprising a mouthpiece 92. The cartridge 80 comprises a dispenser system 75 which allows one bead 16 to be ejected into the aerosol generating device 90. This bead 16 will be received in the area with the smallest distance between the two opposing plates 70 and will be heated by the induction heating system 72. After the bead 16 has shrunk due to the heating, it may fall through the gap between the two opposing plates 70 and may be received in a waste storage section 92 of the device.

[0193] Fig.15A and 15BA schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating device comprising a retractable plate for receiving beads 16 is shown. The retractable plate may be in the form of two separate parts forming a hemisphere that receives beads 16 from a cartridge. This hemisphere is connected to a heater 70 that is capable of heating the beads received in the hemisphere. The material of the hemisphere may be a material that is capable of conducting heat, such as metal. After the beads have been used, the two parts of the hemisphere may be retracted, thereby releasing the used beads into a waste storage element 96, such as Fig. 15B as shown in .

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge include: an aerosol-generating bead comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element, wherein the storage element comprises a support element comprising a through hole, wherein the through hole is configured to accommodate the beads.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of a single bead from the storage element in one loading step.

3. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one through hole is configured to accommodate a bead.

4. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably and rotatably connected to an aerosol generating device.

5. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge include: an aerosol-generating bead comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads, wherein the storage element is configured to allow the aerosol generating beads to be loaded from the storage element, and further comprises a connecting element configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol generating device, wherein the storage element is configured to allow the aerosol generating beads to be loaded into the connecting element.

6. The cartridge according to the preceding claim further comprises a loading element configured for loading the beads from the storage element to the connecting element, wherein the loading element is preferably movably connected to the storage element, wherein the loading element is incrementally and movably connected to the storage element, and wherein a single incremental movement is configured to load one bead into the connecting element.

7. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading element comprises a second engagement element, wherein the second engagement element is configured to engage with a second actuation element of the aerosol generating device, preferably wherein the second engagement element comprises serrations.

8. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device include: a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, a heating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating beads, A loading element is configured to load the aerosol-generating beads from the cartridge into or near the heating device.

9. An aerosol generating device according to the preceding claim, wherein the loading element is configured to load a single bead from the cartridge at a time.

10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims 8 or 9, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and further comprises a pushing element, the pushing element being configured to push the beads contained in the through hole into the heating device, preferably wherein the pushing element is also configured to push used beads away from the heating device.

11. The aerosol generating device according to the preceding claim further comprises a first actuating element, wherein the first actuating element is configured to actuate the pushing element, preferably wherein the pushing element comprises a handle, and wherein the first actuating element comprises a guide groove for actuating the pushing element, preferably wherein the first actuating element is also configured to cause the barrel to undergo movement, more preferably wherein the movement is an incremental rotational movement between adjacent through holes of the barrel.

12. An aerosol generating device according to any preceding claim 8 or 9, wherein the receiving region comprises a rotatably mounted conveyor, wherein the conveyor is configured to be connectable to the connection region of a cartridge according to any preceding claim 5 to 7.

13. An aerosol generating device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a second actuation element, wherein the second actuation element is configured to actuate the rotatably mounted conveyor.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 12 to 13.

Images