Cartridge with compact internal activation unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge includes a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge, an inner airflow path extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and a tubular inner unit defining at least a portion of the inner airflow path. The inner unit includes a proximal tubular sealing member, an intermediate tubular heater member including a susceptor element, and a distal tubular airflow management member. The sealing member, the heater member, and the airflow management member are connected in series along a longitudinal axis. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge and the aerosol generating device.

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating device. The heating device may be an induction heating device and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the cartridge.

[0003] When heated to the target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form or in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be included in the liquid storage portion and may be delivered to the heating element via the capillary member.

[0004] The consumer can carry the aerosol generating device and the cartridge for use therewith wherever he goes. Small size devices and cartridges are generally preferred to enhance mobility.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a cartridge having a compact design. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating device having a compact design. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system having a compact design.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can reduce or avoid leakage of an aerosol-forming substrate. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can reduce or avoid leakage of an aerosol-forming substrate during transportation. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that allows oxidation of the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced before first use. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that allows oxidation of a heating element of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced before first use. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can provide a longer shelf life. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that allows water absorption of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can improve the user experience. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device that can be more comfortably held by a user.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge may include a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge may include an inner airflow path extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include a tubular inner unit. The inner unit may define at least a portion of the inner airflow path. The inner unit may include a proximal tubular sealing component. The inner unit may include an intermediate tubular heater component. The heater component may include a susceptor element. The inner unit may include a distal tubular airflow management component. The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may be connected in series along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge includes a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge. The cartridge includes an inner airflow path extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge includes a tubular inner unit defining at least a portion of the inner airflow path. The inner unit includes a proximal tubular sealing component, an intermediate tubular heater component including a susceptor element, and a distal tubular airflow management component. The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component are connected in series along the longitudinal axis.

[0009] By means of an internal unit, a cartridge with a compact internal starting unit may be provided. A cartridge with a compact design is provided. A cartridge is provided which may reduce or avoid leakage of an aerosol-forming substrate. A cartridge is provided which may allow oxidation of a heating element of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced before first use. A cartridge is provided which may allow oxidation of an aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced before first use. A cartridge is provided which may provide a longer shelf life. A cartridge is provided which may allow water absorption of the cartridge to be prevented or reduced. A cartridge is provided which may allow water absorption of an aerosol-forming substrate to be prevented or reduced. A cartridge is provided which may improve the user experience. A cartridge is provided which may be more comfortably held by a user.

[0010] The heater component and the airflow management component may be reversibly connected in series along the longitudinal axis. The heater component and the airflow management component may be irreversibly connected in series along the longitudinal axis. The heater component and the airflow management component may be formed as a single piece, such as an integral piece. The sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component may be reversibly connected in series along the longitudinal axis. The sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component may be irreversibly connected in series along the longitudinal axis. The sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component may be formed as a single piece, such as an integral piece. As used herein, the term "connected portion" may also include embodiments in which the connected portion is formed as a single piece.

[0011] The internal unit may coaxially define at least a portion of the inner airflow path.

[0012] The distal end of the heater component may be connected to the proximal end of the airflow management component.The proximal end of the heater component may be connected to the distal end of the sealing component.

[0013] The sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component may be connected by a plug connection. A simple way of assembling the internal unit may be provided by inserting the sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component into each other.

[0014] The barrel may include a tubular sleeve element defining at least a portion of the internal unit. The tubular sleeve element may coaxially define at least a portion of the internal unit. The barrel may include a liquid supply channel. The liquid supply channel may be arranged between the internal unit and the sleeve element. The liquid supply channel may be configured to supply liquid from the liquid storage portion toward the susceptor element.

[0015] The liquid storage portion may define a portion of the inner gas flow path. The liquid storage portion may coaxially define a portion of the inner gas flow path. The liquid storage portion may be disposed proximally of the internal unit relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The liquid storage portion may be disposed proximally of the sleeve element relative to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

[0016] The barrel may include a mouthpiece. The proximal portion of the barrel may be configured as a mouthpiece. The liquid storage portion may be at least partially arranged in the mouthpiece. The liquid storage portion may form a part of the mouthpiece. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be permanently attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by a mechanical connection, such as a friction fit or a threaded connection. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by glue. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by welding, such as laser welding or ultrasonic welding. The distal end of the mouthpiece may be attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by ultrasonic welding.

[0017] The inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element.

[0018] The sealing component may include a tubular element defining a portion of the inner gas flow path and a proximal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element.The tubular element of the sealing component may coaxially define a portion of the inner gas flow path.

[0019] The proximal sealing element may be provided as a continuous protrusion arranged circumferentially around the tubular element of the sealing member.

[0020] The proximal sealing element may be configured as a sealing lip. The sealing lip may comprise a hook-like profile.

[0021] The proximal sealing element may be provided as an O-ring. The tubular element may include a guide to hold the O-ring in place. When the inner unit is in the blocking position, the O-ring may exhibit a compression ratio of between 15% and 25%, preferably between 18% and 22%, more preferably about 20%.

[0022] The proximal sealing element may include a polymer material, preferably an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be selected from one or more of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM rubber), fluorocarbon, silicone, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). The elastomeric material may include a soft polymer, such as one or both of LDPE and PP. The elastomeric material may include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPE may have a hardness between 30 and 90 Shore A.

[0023] The tubular element and the proximal sealing element of the sealing member may be made of the same material.The tubular element and the proximal sealing element of the sealing member may be constructed as a unitary piece.

[0024] The inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element from a blocking position to an open position. In the blocking position, the proximal sealing element may be arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. In the open position, the proximal sealing element may be movable to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0025] The blocking position may be the pre-use configuration of a new cartridge.

[0026] In the blocking position, the liquid storage portion may be sealed by the proximal sealing element. Leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate may be further reduced or avoided. Contact of the aerosol-forming substrate with oxygen may be further reduced or avoided. Contact of the aerosol-forming substrate with high humidity may be further reduced or avoided. A cartridge is provided that may provide a longer shelf life.

[0027] In the blocking position, the susceptor element may be fluidly isolated from the liquid aerosol-forming matrix in the liquid storage portion by the proximal sealing element.Oxidation of the susceptor element of the cartridge may be further reduced or prevented prior to first use of the cartridge.

[0028] In the blocking position, the proximal sealing element may contact the inner wall of the barrel to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. In the open position, the proximal sealing element may move away from the inner wall of the barrel to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. The inner wall of the barrel may be the inner wall of the sleeve element. The inner wall of the barrel may be the inner wall of the mouthpiece.

[0029] The cartridge may be configured to automatically move the internal unit from the blocking position to the open position when the cartridge is engaged with the aerosol generating device.Thereby, the cartridge may be comfortably handled by the user.

[0030] The barrel may include a push device disposed at the distal end of the barrel. The push device may be directly connected to the internal unit. The push device may be part of the internal unit. The push device may be part of the distal face of the airflow management component. The barrel may be configured such that the internal unit is moved from the blocking position to the open position by pushing the push device toward the proximal end of the barrel when the barrel is engaged with the aerosol generating device.

[0031] The cartridge may be configured so that the internal unit remains in an open position when the cartridge is removed from the aerosol generating device. This may allow a user to easily visually verify whether a given cartridge is new or used.

[0032] The internal unit may remain coupled to the rest of the cartridge in both the blocking position and the open position.

[0033] The heater component may include a fluid permeable wall portion arranged to allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate from the liquid supply channel to the inner airflow path. The fluid permeable wall portion may be arranged to allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate toward a susceptor element in the inner airflow path. The fluid permeable wall portion may be a porous or perforated wall portion. The fluid permeable wall portion may be formed by two slits in the opposite side walls of the tubular heater component. The susceptor element may be located in the inner airflow path between the two slits.

[0034] The tube may include a wicking element, which is arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel toward the susceptor element. The tube may include a wicking element, which is arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element. The heater component may include a wicking element. The wicking element may include one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, a porous graphite-based material, and a glass fiber sheet material.

[0035] The fluid permeable wall portion of the heater component may be formed by two slits in opposing side walls of the tubular heater component, and the wicking element may extend between and through the slits.

[0036] The central portion of the wicking element may be disposed within the inner airflow path and may be positioned directly adjacent to, preferably in physical contact with, the susceptor element. The susceptor element may include a substantially planar portion positioned directly adjacent to, preferably in physical contact with, the substantially planar portion of the wicking element. The susceptor element may include a single layer. The susceptor element may include two or more layers.

[0037] The central portion of the wicking element may be arranged within the inner airflow path and may be sandwiched by the susceptor element. The susceptor element may include two substantially planar portions sandwiching the wicking element. Each of the two substantially planar portions may be a single layer of material or may include more than one layer of material. The susceptor element sandwiching the wicking element may present a U-shape. The wicking element may have a sheet-like shape.

[0038] The fluid permeable wall portion of the heater component may be formed by two slits in the opposite side walls of the tubular heater component, and the capillary element may extend between and through the slits, and the central portion of the capillary element may be arranged in the internal airflow path and may be clamped by the susceptor element, and the susceptor element clamping the capillary element may be U-shaped, and the susceptor element may include two substantially planar portions clamping the capillary element, and the capillary element may have a sheet-like shape.

[0039] The airflow management component may comprise a tubular element defining a portion of the inner airflow path and a retaining element disposed at a distal end of the airflow management component.The retaining element may help reduce or avoid leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid condensate.

[0040] The tubular element of the airflow management component may be a tubular sidewall.The tubular element of the airflow management component may coaxially define a portion of the inner airflow path.

[0041] The retaining element may comprise a closed distal wall of the airflow management component. Such a closed distal wall may provide a retaining element that is particularly suitable for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from one or both of the susceptor element and the inner airflow path of the cartridge. The retaining element may be formed as a slot. This may enable the retaining element to collect and receive a relatively large amount of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0042] The tubular sidewall of the airflow management component may include at least one air inlet for providing air into the inner airflow path.The at least one air inlet may be located spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component.

[0043] The airflow management component may include an airflow directing element disposed in the inner airflow path. The airflow directing element may be configured to direct airflow past the susceptor element. The airflow directing element may include a dividing wall element extending between opposing wall portions of the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.

[0044] The airflow management component may include a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element or the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component.The distal sealing element may be configured to seal a distal end of the liquid supply channel.

[0045] The distal portion of the barrel may have a circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The proximal portion of the barrel may have an oval cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The oval cross section may taper toward the proximal end.

[0046] The distal portion of the barrel may be configured for engagement with an aerosol generating device. The distal portion of the barrel may be configured for insertion into a cavity of an aerosol generating device. The distal portion of the barrel may include a connection device configured to be releasably connected to the aerosol generating device. The connection device may be mechanical. The connection device may include one or more springs. The one or more springs may be made of a plastic material or a metal material or a combination thereof. The connection device may include a magnetic connection device.

[0047] The distal end of the cartridge may be configured for engagement with an aerosol generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may be configured for insertion into a cavity of an aerosol generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may include a connection means configured to releasably connect to the aerosol generating device. The connection means may be mechanical. The connection means may include one or more springs. The one or more springs may be made of a plastic material or a metal material or a combination thereof. The connection means may include a magnetic connection means.

[0048] The proximal end of the tube may be a mouth end. The proximal end of the tube may include a mouthpiece. The proximal end of the tube may include an air outlet.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising a cartridge as described herein, and an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge. The aerosol generating device comprises one or more inductor coils. The cavity is at least partially defined by the one or more inductor coils. The cavity may be at least partially defined coaxially by the one or more inductor coils. An aerosol generating system having a compact design is provided.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may include a pin element. The pin element may protrude from the distal face of the cavity. The pin element may be a spring loaded pin. The pin element may be a rigid pin. The pin element may be arranged to push against the distal end of the tube when the tube is inserted into the cavity. The pin element may be arranged to push against the distal end of the internal unit of the tube when the tube is inserted into the cavity. This may allow the internal unit of the tube to move axially relative to the sleeve element so as to open the liquid supply channel for fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel. The pin element may be arranged to push the proximal sealing element of the internal unit from a blocking position into an open position when the tube is inserted into the cavity.

[0051] When a new cartridge is purchased, the distal end of the internal unit of the new cartridge may protrude from the sleeve element of the cartridge. In this position, the internal unit may be in a blocking position relative to the sleeve element. This may block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel prior to use and before the cartridge is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

[0052] The chamber of the aerosol generating device may be a heating chamber.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "tubular", "tubular unit", "tubular component", "tubular element", and "tubular shape" refer to a three-dimensional object and a three-dimensional geometric shape that includes a bottom base, a top base, and a sidewall defining a hollow interior, the sidewall being disposed between the bottom base and the top base. The sidewall extends between the bottom base and the top base along the longitudinal axis of the tubular element. The longitudinal axis may be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom base and the top base.

[0054] The bottom base of the tubular element is located within the bottom base plane. The top base of the tubular element is located within the top base plane. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom base and the top base can be circular. The cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom base and the top base can be non-circular, such as oval, stadium-shaped or rectangular. One or both of the bottom base and the top base can be open.

[0055] The tubular element may have the shape of a perfect circular hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a non-circular hollow cylinder, such as an elliptical hollow cylinder or a stadium-shaped hollow cylinder. The tubular element may have the shape of a hollow cuboid.

[0056] The longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.The longitudinal centre axis of the tubular element may coincide with the longitudinal centre axis of the barrel.

[0057] One or more of the sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular internal unit. One or more of the sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. One or more of the sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a stadium-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular internal unit. One or more of the sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a stadium-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

[0058] The heater component and the airflow management component may include a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one or both of the tubular inner unit and the barrel. The heater component and the airflow management component may include a stadium-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one or both of the tubular inner unit and the barrel.

[0059] The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a non-circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one or both of the tubular internal unit and the barrel. The sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component may include a stadium-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of one or both of the tubular internal unit and the barrel.

[0060] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used synonymously.

[0061] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the cartridge.The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge.The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0062] Preferably, liquid nicotine or flavouring / flavour comprising the aerosol-forming substrate may be used in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0064] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that is conducive to the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerol.

[0065] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate that can release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, a cartridge can be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user sucking or drawing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device or at the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. The cartridge can be disposable. The cartridge can be reusable. The cartridge can be refillable. The cartridge can be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol generating device.

[0066] As used herein, the term "liquid storage portion" refers to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0067] The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable canister or container. The liquid storage portion may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion may be, for example, substantially circular, oval, square or rectangular. The liquid storage portion may form part of a cartridge.

[0068] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0069] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and a cartridge. In this system, the aerosol generating device and the cartridge cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0070] Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of between 30 mm and 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of between 5 mm and 30 mm.

[0071] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0072] The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element.The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.

[0074] The operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing a switch button that is held during a puff by the user. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air drawn by the user each time through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The start may also be detected when the user activates a button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.

[0075] The aerosol generating device may comprise a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, for example a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device or a display for indicating the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0076] The aerosol generating device may comprise additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an onboard power supply in an electrically operated or electro-aerosol generating device.

[0077] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of a cartridge or aerosol generating device or system or a portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a cavity or heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the open end of the cavity, while the term "distal" refers to the area closest to the closed end.

[0078] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device during use.

[0079] As used herein, the term "air flow path" refers to a passage suitable for conveying a gaseous medium. The air flow path can be used to convey ambient air. The air flow path can be used to convey an aerosol. The air flow path can be used to convey a mixture of air and aerosol.

[0080] As used herein, a "susceptor" or "susceptor element" refers to an element that becomes hot when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses induced in the susceptor element. During use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity to an aerosol-forming substrate received in an aerosol generating device or cartridge. In this way, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.

[0081] The susceptor material can be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features about the susceptor can be applied to the susceptor element of the tube. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium and a composite of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material may include ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles and ferrites, or be made of them. Suitable susceptor materials may be aluminum or include aluminum. The susceptor material may include ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic or paramagnetic materials greater than 5%, preferably greater than 20%, more preferably greater than 50%, or greater than 90%. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature exceeding 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0082] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material. The single layer of material may be a layer of steel.

[0083] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metallic layer disposed on the non-metallic core.For example, the susceptor material may comprise a metallic track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

[0084] The susceptor material may be formed of an austenitic steel layer. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the austenitic steel layer. For example, the susceptor material may be formed of an austenitic steel layer having a stainless steel layer on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may include a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in close physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in close contact to form an integral susceptor. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a two-layer construction. The susceptor element may be formed of a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

[0085] Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded to the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, flow plating and cladding.

[0086] The aerosol generating device may include a power source for powering the heating element. The power source may include a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery. The power source may need to be recharged and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous activations of the heating element.

[0087] The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously include a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into an alternating current. The DC / AC converter may include a class D, class C or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

[0088] The power supply may be adapted to power the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at a high frequency. The class E power amplifier is preferably used to operate at a high frequency. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The frequency of the high frequency oscillating current may be 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

[0089] In another embodiment, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example between 100 kHz and 400 KHz.In embodiments using class D or class C power amplifiers, a switching frequency in the lower kHz range is particularly advantageous.

[0090] The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil and thereby control the strength of the magnetic field generated by the induction coil.

[0091] A power source and controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0092] The controller may be configured to be able to cut off the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter. In this way, the power supplied to the inductor coil may be controlled by conventional methods of duty cycle management.

[0093] 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.

[0094] Example E1: A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising

[0095] a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the barrel;

[0096] an inner airflow path extending between the proximal end and the distal end;

[0097] a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; and

[0098] a tubular inner cell defining at least a portion of said inner airflow path;

[0099] wherein the internal unit comprises a proximal tubular sealing member, an intermediate tubular heater member including a susceptor element, and a distal tubular airflow management member, and

[0100] Wherein the sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component are connected in series along the longitudinal axis.

[0101] Example E2: The cartridge of Example El, wherein a distal end of the heater component is connected to a proximal end of the airflow management component, and wherein the proximal end of the heater component is connected to a distal end of the sealing component.

[0102] Example E3: The cartridge of example El or example E2, wherein the sealing component, the heater component, and the airflow management component are connected by a plug connection.

[0103] Example E4: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid storage portion defines a portion of the inner gas flow path.

[0104] Example E5: The cartridge of any of the preceding examples, comprising a tubular sleeve element defining at least a portion of the internal unit and a liquid supply channel disposed between the internal unit and the sleeve element.

[0105] Example E6: The cartridge of Example E5, wherein the inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element.

[0106] Example E7: The cartridge of Example E6, wherein the sealing component includes a tubular element defining a portion of the inner gas flow path and a proximal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element, and

[0107] wherein the inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element from a blocking position, in which the proximal sealing element is arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel, to an open position, in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

[0108] Example E8: A cartridge according to any one of Examples E5 to E7, comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the liquid storage portion forms a part of the mouthpiece, preferably wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element, more preferably wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by ultrasonic welding.

[0109] Example E9: The cartridge of any of examples E5 to E8, wherein the heater component comprises a fluid-permeable wall portion arranged to allow migration of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the inner gas flow path.

[0110] Example E10: The cartridge of Example E9, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion is formed by two slits in opposing side walls of the tubular heater member.

[0111] Example E11: The cartridge according to example E9 or example E10, comprising a wicking element arranged to transfer liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

[0112] Example E12: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the airflow management component comprises a tubular side wall defining a portion of the inner airflow path and a retaining element disposed at a distal end of the airflow management component, preferably wherein the retaining element comprises a closed distal end wall of the airflow management component.

[0113] Example E13: The cartridge of Example E12, wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component comprises at least one air inlet for providing air into the inner airflow path, preferably wherein the at least one air inlet is positioned spaced apart from a distal end of the airflow management component.

[0114] Example E14: A cartridge according to Example E12 or Example E13, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow guiding element arranged in the inner airflow path, and wherein the airflow guiding element is configured to guide the airflow through the sensor element, preferably wherein the airflow guiding element comprises a partition wall element extending between opposite wall portions of the tubular side wall.

[0115] Example E15: A cartridge according to a combination of any one of Examples E5 to E11 and any one of Examples E12 to E14, wherein the airflow management component includes a distal sealing element arranged on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall, and wherein the distal sealing element is configured to seal a distal end of the liquid supply channel.

[0116] Example E16: An aerosol generating system comprising

[0117] A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples; and

[0118] An aerosol generating device comprises a cavity arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge, wherein the cavity is at least partially defined by an inductor coil.

[0119] Example E17: An aerosol generating system according to example E16, wherein the cavity is a heating chamber.

[0120] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.

[0121] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0122] Figure 1 a to 1c show a tubular inner unit of a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device;

[0123] Figure 2 a and 2b show a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device;

[0124] Figure 3 a and 3b show a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device;

[0125] Figure 4 a and 4b show an aerosol generating system;

[0126] Figure 5 a and 5b show a heater component of a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device; and

[0127] Figure 6 6a and 6b show a heater component and an airflow management component of a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device.

[0128] Figure 1 a shows the tubular inner unit 10 in a disassembled configuration. The inner unit 10 comprises a proximal tubular sealing component 20, an intermediate tubular heater component 40 comprising a susceptor element in a hollow interior thereof (not shown), and a distal tubular airflow management component 60.

[0129] The sealing member 20 comprises a tubular member 22 and a proximal sealing member 24 arranged on the outer surface of the tubular member 22. The proximal sealing member 24 is provided as a continuous protrusion arranged circumferentially around the tubular member 22 of the sealing member 20. The proximal sealing member 24 is provided as a sealing lip. The tubular member 22 and the proximal sealing member 24 of the sealing member 20 are formed as an integral piece.

[0130] The airflow management component 60 comprises a tubular sidewall 62 and a distal sealing element 64 configured as an O-ring disposed on the outer surface of the tubular sidewall 62. The O-ring is held axially in place between the first and second protrusions 66, 67 of the airflow management component 60.

[0131] Figure 1 b shows the assembled configuration Figure 1 a tubular internal unit 10. The sealing component 20, the heater component 40 and the airflow management component 60 are connected in series along the longitudinal axis 12. The connection may be reversible or may be irreversible. The distal end of the heater component 40 is inserted into the proximal end of the airflow management component 60. The proximal end of the heater component 40 is inserted into the distal end of the sealing component 20. The insertion action is Figure 1 Indicated by the arrows in a. Alternatively, the heater component 40 and the airflow management component 60 and optionally the sealing component 20 may be formed as a single piece.

[0132] Figure 1c shows a cross-sectional view Figure 1 b. The assembled tubular interior unit 10. The airflow management component 60 includes an air inlet 68 that allows air to enter the hollow tubular interior of the tubular interior unit 10. The inner airflow path 14 is defined by the tubular interior unit 10. The inner airflow path 14 passes through the susceptor 42 of the heater component 40.

[0133] Figure 2 a shows the cartridge 100 in a disassembled configuration. The cartridge 100 comprises Figure 1 a to 1c. The inner unit 10. The cartridge 100 comprises a tubular sleeve element 80. The cartridge 100 comprises a mouthpiece 90.

[0134] Figure 2 b shows the assembled configuration in cross section. Figure 2 The tubular sleeve element 80 defines a portion of the inner unit 10. The liquid supply channel 82 is formed by the empty space between the inner unit 10 and the sleeve element 80. The distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 is configured to close and seal the distal end of the liquid supply channel 82.

[0135] The mouthpiece 90 includes a liquid storage portion 92 defining a portion of the inner airflow path 14. The liquid storage portion 92 is provided by an empty space between an inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 defining the inner airflow path 14 and an outer tubular wall portion 98 of the mouthpiece 90 defining the liquid storage portion 92. A proximal end 94 of the mouthpiece 90 includes an air outlet. A distal end 99 of the mouthpiece 90 is attached to the proximal end 84 of the sleeve member 80. For example, permanent attachment may be achieved by ultrasonic welding.

[0136] Figure 3 a shows the same as above except that the air inlet 68 is located at a different position. Figure 2 The cartridge 100 of a and 2b is substantially the same cartridge 100. Figure 3 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the air inlet 68 is located in the tubular side wall 62 of the airflow management component 60. Therefore, the air inlet 68 is located to be spaced apart from the distal end of the airflow management component 60. Therefore, the airflow management component 60 includes a retaining element 70 disposed at the distal end of the airflow management component 60, wherein the retaining element 70 includes a closed distal end wall of the airflow management component 60.

[0137] The inner unit 10 can be moved relative to the sleeve element 80. Figure 3 The blocking position shown in a is moved axially to Figure 3 b, in which the proximal sealing element 24 is arranged to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82, and in which the proximal sealing element 24 moves to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. Figure 3 In the blocking position shown in FIG. 8 a , the proximal sealing element 24 contacts the inner wall of the sleeve element 80 to block the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82 .

[0138] exist Figure 3 In the open position shown in FIG. 2 b , the proximal sealing element 24 moves away from the inner wall to open the fluid connection between the liquid storage portion 92 and the liquid supply channel 82. Figure 3 In the open position shown in FIG. 1 b , a liquid passage 16 has been formed, thereby allowing liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate from the liquid storage portion 92 into the liquid supply channel 82. The distal sealing element 64 of the airflow management component 60 seals the distal end of the liquid supply channel 82 to prevent the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from leaving the liquid supply channel 82 at its distal end in the open position.

[0139] When the internal unit 10 is Figure 3 The blocking position shown in a is moved axially to Figure 3 In the open position shown in FIG. 6 b , the distal portion of the inner tubular wall portion 96 of the mouthpiece 90 can slide within the proximal portion of the tubular element 22 of the sealing member 20 .

[0140] The heater component 40 comprises a fluid permeable wall portion 44 arranged to allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate from the liquid supply channel 82 into the inner airflow pathway 14 and towards the susceptor element 42 .

[0141] Figure 4 4a and 4b show the aerosol generating system in cross-section. The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge (e.g., Figure 2 and 3 The invention relates to a cartridge 100 and an aerosol generating device 200. The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a heating chamber 210 arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge 100. The heating chamber 210 is at least partially defined by an inductor coil 220.

[0142] The aerosol generating device 200 comprises a pin element 230 protruding from a distal face of the heating chamber 210. The pin element 230 is arranged to push the inner unit 10 of the cartridge 100 from a blocking position into an open position when the distal portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted into the heating chamber 210. Figure 4 b shows a configuration in which the distal portion of the cartridge 100 has been inserted into the heating chamber 210 and the internal unit 10 is in an open position. Thus, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can migrate towards the susceptor 42.

[0143] In addition, in Figure 4With the distal portion of the cartridge 100 shown in b inserted into the heating chamber 210, the susceptor 42 of the cartridge 100 is placed within the heating chamber 210 so that an alternating current applied to the inductor coil 220 generates an alternating magnetic field that induces a current in the susceptor 42 to heat the susceptor 42.

[0144] Ambient air may enter the aerosol generating system via the gap between the cartridge 100 and the aerosol generating device 200. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol generating device 200 may comprise an air inlet (not shown) fluidly connected to the heating chamber 210.

[0145] Airflow route 240 Figure 4 b as dashed lines. Liquid aerosol-forming substrate located near or in contact with the heated susceptor 42 may volatilize due to the increased temperature in the region of the susceptor 42. The volatilized material may be absorbed by the airflow and may travel downstream along the airflow route 240 and through the air outlet at the proximal end 94 of the cartridge 100, where the user may inhale the cooked aerosol.

[0146] The distal end of the cartridge 100 may comprise connection means (not shown), such as magnetic connection means, configured to releasably connect to the aerosol generating device 200. The aerosol generating device 200 may comprise corresponding connection means (not shown).

[0147] Figure 5 a and 5b are perspective views ( Figure 4 a) and front view ( Figure 4 b) shows an embodiment of a heater component 40. The fluid permeable wall portion 44 is formed by two slits in opposite side walls of the tubular heater component 40. The wicking element 46 extends between and through the slits. The wicking element 46 is arranged to transfer the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel 82 to the susceptor element 42 when the heater component 40 is arranged in the sleeve element 80. The central portion of the wicking element 46 within the inner airflow path 14 is sandwiched by the susceptor element 42 presenting a U-shape.

[0148] Figure 6 a and 6b show the disassembled configuration ( Figure 6 a) and assembly structure ( Figure 6 b) an alternative embodiment of the heater component 40 and the airflow management component 60. Figure 1 The embodiments a to 1c are different. Figure 6 In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 a and 6 b , the sealing element 64 provided as an O-ring is held axially in place between the first protrusion 48 as part of the heater component 40 and the second protrusion 67 as part of the airflow management component 60 .

Claims

1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends of the barrel; an inner airflow path extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; as well as a tubular inner cell defining at least a portion of said inner airflow path; wherein the tubular internal unit comprises a proximal tubular sealing member, an intermediate tubular heater member comprising a susceptor element, and a distal tubular airflow management member, and Wherein the sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component are connected in series along the longitudinal axis. 2 . The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the heater component is connected to a proximal end of the airflow management component, and wherein the proximal end of the heater component is connected to a distal end of the sealing component.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealing component, the heater component and the airflow management component are connected by a plug connection.

4. The cartridge of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid storage portion defines a portion of the inner gas flow path.

5. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular sleeve element defining at least a portion of the tubular inner unit and a liquid supply channel arranged between the tubular inner unit and the sleeve element.

6. Cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the tubular inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element.

7. The cartridge of claim 6, wherein the sealing member comprises a tubular element defining a portion of the inner gas flow path and a proximal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular element, and wherein the tubular inner unit is axially movable relative to the sleeve element from a blocking position, in which the proximal sealing element is arranged to block a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel, to an open position, in which the proximal sealing element is moved to open a fluid connection between the liquid storage portion and the liquid supply channel.

8. A cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7, comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the liquid storage portion forms part of the mouthpiece, preferably wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element, more preferably wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve element by ultrasonic welding.

9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the heater component comprises a fluid permeable wall portion arranged to allow a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to migrate from the liquid supply channel to the inner airflow path, preferably wherein the fluid permeable wall portion is formed by two slits in opposite side walls of the tubular heater component.

10. A cartridge according to claim 9, comprising a wicking element arranged to transfer liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid supply channel to the susceptor element.

11. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow management component comprises a tubular side wall defining a portion of the inner airflow path and a retaining element disposed at a distal end of the airflow management component, preferably wherein the retaining element comprises a closed distal end wall of the airflow management component.

12. The cartridge of claim 11, wherein the tubular sidewall of the airflow management component comprises at least one air inlet for providing air into the inner airflow path, preferably wherein the at least one air inlet is positioned spaced from a distal end of the airflow management component.

13. A cartridge according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the airflow management component comprises an airflow guiding element arranged in the inner airflow path, and wherein the airflow guiding element is configured to guide the airflow through the sensor element, preferably wherein the airflow guiding element comprises a partition wall element extending between opposite wall portions of the tubular side wall.

14. The cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 10 and any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the airflow management component comprises a distal sealing element disposed on an outer surface of the tubular sidewall, and wherein the distal sealing element is configured to seal a distal end of the liquid supply passage.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising A cartridge according to any preceding claim; and An aerosol generating device comprises a heating chamber arranged to receive at least a distal portion of the cartridge, wherein the heating chamber is at least partially defined by an inductor coil.

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