Aerosol delivery system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol supply system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, where the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber; and a flange extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange configured to inhibit flow of liquid from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes, etc.). Background Art

[0002] Electronic vapor supply systems such as electronic cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) generally include a vapor precursor material, such as a storage tank of a source liquid, the source liquid containing a formulation, generally including nicotine, for example, by thermal evaporation to generate vapor from the formulation for user inhalation. Therefore, the vapor supply system will generally include a vapor generation chamber including a vaporizer assembly, and the vaporizer assembly is arranged to evaporate a portion of the precursor material to generate vapor in the vapor generation chamber. The vaporizer assembly will generally include a heater coil arranged around a liquid transport element (capillary wick), which is arranged to transport the source liquid from the storage tank to the heater coil for evaporation. When the user inhales on the device and power is supplied to the vaporizer assembly, air is drawn into the device through the inlet hole and enters the vapor generation chamber, where the air is mixed with the vaporized precursor material to form a condensed aerosol. There is an air channel connecting the vapor generation chamber and the opening in the mouthpiece, so that the air drawn through the vapor generation chamber when the user inhales on the mouthpiece continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, which carries the vapor for the user to inhale.

[0003] The design of aspects related to the evaporator assembly of a vapor supply system can play an important role in the overall performance of the system, such as how to reduce leakage from the system. This article describes various approaches that seek to help address some of these issues. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, a cartridge for an aerosol supply system is provided, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol in the chamber; and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

[0005] According to a second aspect of some embodiments, there is provided an aerosol delivery system for aerosolizing an aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge according to the first aspect.

[0006] According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, a cartridge device for an aerosol supply system is provided, the cartridge device comprising: an aerosol generator device; a chamber device having a chamber air outlet device, wherein the aerosol generator device is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the chamber device; and a flange device extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet device, the flange device being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber device through the chamber air outlet device.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, a method for providing a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system is provided, the method comprising: providing a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein an aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the chamber; and providing a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

[0008] It will be appreciated that the features and aspects of the invention described herein in relation to various aspects of the disclosure are equally applicable to embodiments of the disclosure according to other aspects and may be combined therewith as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 Schematically represents an aerosol delivery system including a cartridge and a control unit according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 schematically illustrates another cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 schematically represents yet another cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow chart schematically representing steps in a method of providing a cartridge for use in an aerosol delivery system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Various aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be conventionally implemented, and for the sake of brevity, these aspects and features are not discussed / described in detail. Therefore, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any conventional techniques for implementing these aspects and features.

[0016] As will be explained below, the present disclosure relates to, for example, a cartridge for an aerosol supply system, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber; and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

[0017] For example, a flange according to the present disclosure may provide a gravity barrier to prevent liquid from flowing into the air passageway downstream of the chamber under the action of gravity. Without a flange, liquid (leakage, condensation, or liquid from another source) may flow toward the outlet of the cartridge, and if unimpeded, the user may inhale the liquid (i.e., as unaerosolized liquid rather than an aerosol) upon first or next use, or liquid may leak from the cartridge 4 into surrounding materials that may contact the user's skin (e.g., hands or lips), resulting in a negative user experience.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery system (which may also be referred to as an aerosol vapor supply system), such as an electronic cigarette. In the following description, the term "electronic cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used, but it will be understood that this term can be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system / device, electronic aerosol delivery system / device, vapor supply system / device, and electronic vapor supply system / device. In addition, and as is common in the art, the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" and related terms such as "evaporation", "aerosolization", and "aerosolization" are generally used interchangeably.

[0019] As used herein, the term "delivery system" is intended to cover systems that deliver at least one substance to a user and includes: non-flammable aerosol supply systems that release compounds from an aerosol generating material without burning the aerosol generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate an aerosol using a combination of aerosol generating materials.

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a "non-flammable" aerosol supply system is an aerosol supply system in which the constituent aerosol generating materials of the aerosol supply system (or components thereof) do not burn or ignite to deliver at least one substance to a user.

[0021] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-flammable aerosol supply system, for example, a powered non-flammable aerosol supply system. In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor cigarette device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not required.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0023] In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol generating materials to generate an aerosol, wherein one or more of the aerosol generating materials can be heated. Each aerosol generating material can be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material can include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0024] Generally, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include a non-flammable aerosol supply device and consumables for use with the non-flammable aerosol supply device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to consumables that include an aerosol generating material and are configured for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles in the present disclosure.

[0026] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system, such as a non-flammable aerosol supply device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electrical power source.

[0027] In some embodiments, a non-flammable aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving a consumable product, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0028] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-flammable aerosol supply device may include an aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material conveying component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a shell, a wrapping paper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0029] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

[0030] Active substances as used herein can be physiologically active materials, which are materials intended to achieve or enhance physiological responses. Active substances can be, for example, selected from nutrients, nootropics, psychoactive substances. Active substances can be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. Active substances can include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, caffeine, vitamins (such as B6 or B12 or C), melatonin or components, derivatives or combinations thereof. Active substances can include one or more components, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or other plants.

[0031] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12.

[0032] As described herein, the active substance may include or be derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "plant" includes any material derived from a plant, including but not limited to extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, shells, husks, etc. Alternatively, the material may include an active compound naturally present in a plant, which is obtained by synthesis. The material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, sheets, etc. Examples of plants are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, fennel, lemongrass, mint, spearmint, red tea tree, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo, hazelnut, hibiscus, bay, licorice, matcha, mate, orange peel, papaya, rose, sage, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, cloves, cinnamon, coffee, anise (fennel), basil, bay leaf, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, red pepper, rosemary, saffron, lavender, Grass, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderberry, vanilla, holly, basil plant, turmeric, turmeric root powder, sandalwood, coriander leaf, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, nutmeg, dammarin, marjoram, olive, lemon mint, lemon basil, chives, parsley, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, tetramethyluric acid, maca, Indian ginseng, damson, Guanna tea, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. Mint can be selected from the following mint varieties: wild mint, mint cv, Egyptian mint, peppermint, basil mint cv, peppermint cv, spearmint, heart-leaf spearmint, long-leaf mint, pineapple mint, lip calyx mint, spearmint cv, and apple mint.

[0033] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives, or extracts thereof, and the plant is tobacco.

[0034] In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more plants or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the plant is selected from black leaf tea tree and fennel.

[0035] In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavoring agent.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "flavoring" and "flavor" refer to materials that can be used to produce a taste, aroma or other physical sensation desired by adult consumers in a product, where permitted by local regulations. They can include naturally occurring flavoring materials, plants, plant extracts, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, licorice, hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese magnolia leaves, chamomile, fenugreek, cloves, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (fennel), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herbs, wintergreen, cherry, berry, cranberry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, citrus, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape , Durian, Pitaya, Cucumber, Blueberry, Mulberry, Citrus Fruit, Durian, Bourbon, Scotch, Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Rum, Spearmint, Mint, Lavender, Aloe, Cardamom, Celery, Sophora flavescens, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Bergamot, Geranium, Arabic Tea, Sorghum, Betel Leaf, Coriander, Pine, Honey Essence, Rose Oil, Vanilla, Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Orange Blossom, Cherry Blossom, Cinnamon, Coriander, Cognac, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Sage, Fennel , mustard, green pepper, ginger, cilantro, coffee, mint oil from any species of the mint family, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, red beans, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazelnuts, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange peel, rose, tea (e.g., green or black), thyme, juniper, elderberry, basil, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, chili pepper, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak, turmeric, coriander, myrtle, black currant, valerian, Spanish bell pepper, mace, dami The invention relates to a composition comprising a flavor enhancer, a bitter taste receptor site blocker, a sensory receptor site activator or stimulator, a sugar and / or sugar substitute (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, cyclamate, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, plants, or breath fresheners. It may be an imitation, synthetic or natural ingredient or a mixture thereof. It may be in any suitable form, for example, a liquid such as an oil, a solid such as a powder, or a gas.

[0037] In some embodiments, flavorings include menthol, spearmint and / or peppermint. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruit and / or cranberry. In some embodiments, flavorings include eugenol. In some embodiments, flavorings include flavoring components extracted from tobacco.

[0038] In some embodiments, in addition to or in lieu of aroma or taste nerves, flavoring agents may include sensates that are intended to achieve somatic sensations that are typically chemically induced and sensed by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), and these may include agents that provide heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effects. Suitable thermal effect agents may be, but are not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and suitable cooling agents may be, but are not limited to, eucalyptol, WS-3.

[0039] Aerosol generating materials are materials that can generate aerosols, for example, when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol generating materials can be, for example, in solid, liquid or gel form, which may or may not contain active substances and / or fragrances. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an "amorphous solid", which may alternatively be referred to as a "whole solid" (i.e., non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dry gel. An amorphous solid is a solid material that can retain some fluid (e.g., liquid) inside it. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may, for example, include from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% amorphous solid to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% amorphous solid.

[0040] The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and / or flavouring agents, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0041] The aerosol forming agent material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming agent material may include one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetyl glycerol, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0042] The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of a pH adjuster, a colorant, a preservative, a binder, a filler, a stabilizer and / or an antioxidant.

[0043] The material may be present on or in a carrier to form a substrate. The carrier may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.

[0044] A consumable is an article comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which is intended to be consumed by a user during use. A consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and / or an aerosol modifier. A consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat during use to cause the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. For example, the heater may be a material that can be heated by electrical conduction.

[0045] Aerosol modifiers are substances typically located downstream of an aerosol generation region that are configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be disposed in an aerosol modifier release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

[0046] For example, the aerosol modifier can be an additive or an adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can include one or more of a fragrance, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. For example, the aerosol modifier can be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol modifier can be in the form of a powder, a thread, or a granule. The aerosol modifier can be free of filter material.

[0047] An aerosol generator is a device configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol generating material to thermal energy so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

[0048] More generally, it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on methods for seeking to help optimize the performance of a vaporizer assembly in a vapor delivery system according to the principles described herein, and that other construction and functional aspects of the electronic cigarette that implement the methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure are not particularly important and can, for example, be implemented according to any established method.

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary aerosol delivery system / device (electronic cigarette, vapor / aerosol supply system) 1 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Positional terms (e.g., terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom, etc.) regarding the relative positions of various aspects of the electronic cigarette may be used herein with reference to the vertical orientation of the longitudinal axis of the electronic cigarette with the mouthpiece at the uppermost end (through which the user intends to inhale) (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be understood that this is only for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate any required orientation of the electronic cigarette in use.

[0050] The electronic cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely, a cartridge 4 (cartridge part) and a control unit 2 (control part). The control unit 2 and the cartridge 4 are shown to be coupled together.

[0051] The cartridge 4 and the control unit 2 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not particularly important for the principles described herein and can be established according to conventional techniques, for example, based on mechanical fixing using threads, bayonet, latch or friction fit with appropriately arranged electrical contacts / electrodes for appropriately establishing an electrical connection between the two parts. Figure 1 In the exemplary electronic cigarette 1 shown in the figure, the cartridge includes a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54, and is connected to the control unit by inserting the interface end portion 6 into the corresponding receiving portion 8 / receiving section of the control unit at the interface end of the cartridge. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge fits tightly to the receiving portion 8, and may include a protrusion (not shown) that engages with a corresponding pawl in the inner surface of the receiving portion wall 12 defining the receiving portion 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrodes providing electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge and corresponding spring contact pins in the base of the receiving portion 8. As described above, the specific manner of establishing the electrical connection is not important for the principles described herein, and in fact, for example, because the transfer of power from the reusable portion to the cartridge can be wireless (e.g., based on electromagnetic induction technology), some implementations may not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and the control unit.

[0052] The electronic cigarette 1 has a generally elongated shape extending along the longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the total length (along the longitudinal axis) of the electronic cigarette in this example is about 12.5 cm. The total length of the control unit is about 9 cm, and the total length of the cartridge is about 5 cm (ie, when the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receiving portion 8 of the control unit are coupled together, there is an overlap of about 3 cm between them). The electronic cigarette has a generally elliptical cross-section, and the cross-section is the largest in the approximately middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers toward the end in a curved manner. The cross-section of the approximately middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of about 2.5 cm and a thickness of about 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 0.6 mm, while the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of about 2 cm and a thickness of about 1.2 cm. In some examples, the outer shell of the electronic cigarette is formed of plastic. It will be understood that the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made are not particularly important for the principles described herein, and may be different in different implementations. That is, the principles described herein may be equally applicable to electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes, and / or materials.

[0053] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the control unit 2 may be generally conventional in its functionality and general construction techniques. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 4 , the control unit 2 comprises an outer housing 10 (eg formed of plastic or metal) comprising a receiving portion wall 12 defining a receiving portion 8 for receiving an end of a cartridge as described above.

[0054] The outer housing 10 of the control unit 2 in this example has a generally elliptical cross-section that matches the shape and size of the cartridge 4 at its interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receiving portion wall 12 includes a control unit air inlet opening 11 (for example, provided by one or more holes in the wall). In use, when the user inhales on the cartridge 4, air is inhaled through these holes toward the interface end of the cartridge part 4, and at the interface end of the cartridge part, air enters the cartridge through the opening in the base end of the cartridge. It will be understood that the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge 4 may not form an airtight seal with the receiving portion wall 12, so some of the air sucked can also be sucked into the cartridge through the gap between the cartridge and the control unit 2.

[0055] The control unit also includes a battery 16 for providing operating power to the electronic cigarette, a control circuit system 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, and an indicator 22.

[0056] The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and can be of a conventional type, such as that commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require relatively high current to be provided in a relatively short period of time. In some of these examples, the battery 16 can be recharged through a charging port (not shown), which can, for example, include a USB connector; or the battery 16 can be inductively recharged via suitable components for inductive charging (e.g., a susceptor assembly (not shown) configured to form part of an inductive circuit with an inductive charger).

[0057] The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example including a resiliently mounted component that can be pressed by a user to establish electrical contact in the underlying circuit system. In this regard, the input button can be considered as an input device for detecting user input (e.g., for triggering steam generation), and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not important. For example, in other implementations, other forms of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (e.g., based on capacitive or optical sensing technology) may be used, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering steam generation.

[0058] The indicator 22 is configured to provide a user with visual indications of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g., on / off / standby) and other characteristics (such as battery life or a fault condition). In some examples, the indicator 22 may be provided by one or more LEDs. For example, different characteristics may be indicated by different colors and / or different flashing sequences, according to general conventional techniques. In some other examples, the indicator 22 may be provided by a display configured to display information to the user.

[0059] The control circuit system 18 is appropriately configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions according to established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuit system (processor circuit system) 18 can be considered to logically include various subunits / circuit system elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the electronic cigarette. For example, depending on the functions provided in different implementations, the control circuit system 18 may include a power control circuit system for controlling the power supply from the battery to the cigarette cartridge in response to user input, a user programming circuit system for establishing configuration settings (e.g., user-defined power settings) in response to user input, and functions associated with other functional units / circuit systems according to the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of the electronic cigarette (such as indicator light display drive circuit systems and user input detection circuit systems). It will be understood that the functions of the control circuit system 18 can be provided in a variety of different ways, such as using one or more appropriately programmed programmable computers and / or one or more appropriately configured application-specific integrated circuits / circuit systems / chips / chip sets configured to provide the desired functions.

[0060] The cartridge 4 includes a housing 32, a mouthpiece end 52, an interface end 54, an aerosol generating material storage area 44 (e.g., a storage tank for liquid aerosol generating materials) and an aerosol generator 40, which can be provided in combination with a liquid transport element 42 (e.g., for transporting liquid aerosol generating materials from the storage tank to the aerosol generator 40). In some examples, the aerosol generator 40 and the liquid transport element 42 can be considered as a single component (e.g., the liquid transport element 42 is part of the aerosol generator 40). As discussed below, the cartridge 4 is configured to contain an aerosol generating material (e.g., a liquid contained in the storage tank 44). The cartridge 4 can be referred to as an atomizing cartridge in some examples because it is configured to include an aerosol generator 40 and an aerosol generating material.

[0061] The housing 32 defines the outer shape (e.g., appearance) of the cartridge 4 (e.g., a portion of the aerosol delivery system 1 defined by the cartridge). In some examples, the housing 32 defines a mouthpiece configured to accommodate the user's mouth during suction. For example, the housing 32 may include a mouthpiece opening / vapor outlet 60 at the downstream end of the cartridge 4 (and the system 1). The mouthpiece opening / vapor outlet 60 is in fluid communication with the aerosol generator 40 via an inner tube 62 that connects the aerosol generating chamber 50 to the mouthpiece opening 60. In some examples, the housing 32 defines an interface end portion 6 of the cartridge that is configured to engage with a receiving portion 8 of the control unit 2, as described above.

[0062] In some examples, the shell 32 can be formed of a plastic or metal material. For example, the shell 32 can be formed of a plastic material such as polypropylene or a metal material such as aluminum. In some examples, the shell 32 can be formed as a single component. For example, the shell 32 can be formed by a single molding that defines a mouthpiece end including a mouthpiece opening 60 and an interface end portion 6 configured to be received by a receiving portion 8. In some examples, the shell 32 can also include an inner tube 62, which can also be formed as a single component with the remainder of the shell 32. In some examples, the shell 32 can be an assembly of multiple components connected together. For example, the shell 32 can be formed by connecting the upper portion defining the mouthpiece end 52 to the lower portion defining the interface end 6 of the smoke bomb.

[0063] Figure 1 The cartridge 4 includes a (aerosol generating material) storage area or reservoir 44 defined between the housing 32 and the inner tube 62. The reservoir or storage area 44 is used to contain an aerosol generating material (e.g., a liquid aerosol generating material). The aerosol generating material is a material that is capable of generating an aerosol when, for example, it is heated, irradiated, or stimulated in any other way. In some examples (such as according to Figure 1 In the example of ), a reservoir 44 is provided which is configured to store a supply of liquid aerosol generating material. Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid reservoir 44 has a substantially annular shape defined by the shell 32 defining an outer annular wall and the inner tube 62 defining an inner annular wall. The reservoir 44 is closed with an end wall at the mouthpiece end 52 to contain the aerosol generating material.

[0064] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol generator 40 is positioned toward the interface end 54 of the cigarette cartridge 4. The aerosol generator 40 can be a heater 40 (and can be referred to interchangeably below), which is configured to subject the aerosol generating material to heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the aerosol generating material, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some other examples, the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator can be configured to subject the aerosol generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure or electrostatic energy.

[0065] In normal use, the cartridge 4 is connected to the control unit 2, and the control unit 2 is activated to supply power to the aerosol generator 40 via an electrical connection formed at the interface between the cartridge 4 and the control unit 2. Electricity travels from the interface end 54 to the heater 40 via electrical leads (e.g., wires and / or conductive electrodes). The heater is thus electrically heated, and thus vaporizes or aerosolizes the portion of the aerosol-generating material near the heater. When the heater is activated and the user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge, air is drawn into the cartridge 4 through the air inlet 56 in the interface end 54 and along the air passage 46. The incoming air mixes with the vapor generated from the heater 40 to form a condensed aerosol, which is then drawn along the inner tube 62 before leaving through the mouthpiece outlet / vapor outlet 60 for the user to inhale.

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the example of the invention, the cartridge 4 includes a liquid transport element 42 for providing or delivering the liquid aerosol generating material from the storage tank 44 to the aerosol generator 40 (i.e., the heater). In some examples, the liquid transport element 42 is a core 42 (i.e., an element configured to wick the liquid aerosol generating material), which is arranged to contact the heater 40. The core 42 extends laterally across the main (or first) airflow path, wherein the end of the core extends into a cavity, recess, or conduit 48 that is fluidly connected to the storage tank 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material. In some examples, the liquid transport element 42 is configured so that the liquid evaporated or aerosolized from the liquid transport element 42 is replaced by more liquid drawn from the storage tank 44 by capillary action.

[0067] Figure 1 The heater 40 in the example of FIG. 4 includes a resistive wire wound around a core 42. Figure 1 In an example, the heater 40 may include a nickel-chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire, and the core 42 may include a fiberglass bundle. As an example, the core 42 may alternatively be cotton, and the heater 40 may alternatively be steel.

[0068] As described above, when the cartridge 4 is assembled, a reservoir 44 for the liquid is formed by the space outside the inner tube 62 and the inner surface of the housing 32. This can be filled with a liquid aerosol generating material during manufacture, for example, through a filling hole that is then sealed or by other means. The specific properties of the liquid (for example, in terms of its composition) are not particularly important for the principles described herein, and generally any conventional liquid of the type commonly used in electronic cigarettes can be used. The reservoir 44 is closed by one or more sealing elements or components at the interface end 54 of the cartridge 4.

[0069] For example, the sump 44 can be closed by an upper or downstream sealing member (not shown). The upper sealing member can provide an opening at least partially for the receiving end of the liquid transport element (capillary wick) 42, which extends from the air passage 46. For example, the upper sealing member can be configured to include a conduit or recess that connects the sump 44 fluid to the opening, and the end of the liquid transport element 42 extends through the opening. Therefore, the end of the liquid transport element 42 is connected to the sump 44 fluid, and they draw the liquid from the sump through the opening in the air passage 46 to the heater 40 for subsequent evaporation.

[0070] In some examples (not shown), the upper or downstream sealing member can cooperate with the lower or upstream sealing member to provide an opening for receiving the end of the liquid transport element (capillary wick) 42. The upper sealing member and the lower sealing member can be combined and regarded as a sealing element. In some examples, the lower sealing member and the upper sealing member can be shaped so that the inner wall of each is recessed (adjacent to the section of the airflow path 46 that includes the aerosol generator 40) to limit a pair of radially opposite grooves. Each groove can provide a semicircular surface to accommodate an end of the liquid transport element 42.

[0071] The corresponding grooves of the upper and lower sealing components are aligned so that the upper and lower sealing components cooperate to define an aperture through which the end of the liquid transport element 42 extends. The size of the aperture through which the liquid transport element 42 passes closely corresponds to the size and shape of the liquid transport element, but is slightly smaller so that a certain degree of compression is provided by the sealing components. This allows liquid to be transported along the liquid transport element by capillary action while limiting the extent to which liquid that is not transported by capillary action can pass through the opening.

[0072] Additionally, as discussed above in some examples, the outer edge of the upper sealing member can be inserted into a portion of the housing 32 to seal the reservoir 44. For example, the upper sealing member can be shaped to be received in an opening toward the interface end 54 of the housing portion 32. The upper sealing member can include one or more circumferential ridges that engage the inner surface of the housing portion 32 and ensure a tight fit when the upper sealing member is inserted into the housing portion 32.

[0073] In some examples, the upper sealing component includes additional elements, such as a silicone sleeve, to facilitate the connection of the upper sealing component to the housing 32 and the sealing of the sump 44. The connection can be configured so that the movement of liquid along the inner surface of the housing portion 32 can be inhibited (e.g., by means of a tight fit). A similar engagement mechanism can be provided between the upper sealing component and the inner tube 62. The lower sealing component can also be configured to be received by the housing 32 and provide a level of sealing that inhibits or prevents the movement of liquid between the lower sealing component and the housing 32.

[0074] exist Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the interface end 54 also defines an air inlet 56 through which air is drawn into the air channel 46 of the cartridge 4. In some examples, the air inlet 56 is configured to align with the outlet of the control portion 2, wherein the air channel 46 includes a portion located in the control portion 2 (until the outlet of the control portion 2) and a portion located in the cartridge 4 (starting at the inlet of the cartridge 4). In some examples (not shown), air can enter the air inlet 56 at the interface end 54 of the cartridge 4 via one or more passages formed between the control portion 2 and the cartridge 4 through the connection of the control portion 2 and the cartridge 4.

[0075] The cartridge 4 includes an (aerosol generating) chamber 50, which is defined by the surface of a component surrounding or near the aerosol generator 40. In use, power can be supplied to the aerosol generator 40 to evaporate or aerosolize a certain amount of aerosol generating material into the area defined by the chamber 50 of the airflow path 46. The evaporated aerosol generating material can be entrained in the air drawn through the chamber 50 along the airflow path 46. The area to which the aerosol is provided or released (e.g., defined by the boundary of the chamber) can be referred to as the aerosol generating area (or evaporation area) of the airflow path 46. The chamber 50 is fluidly connected to the air inlet 56 of the cartridge 4 (e.g., through a channel defined by the end cap 34 and the lower sealing component 36), and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece outlet 60 (e.g., the cartridge air outlet) through an air channel (e.g., provided by the inner tube 62). For example, the chamber 50 has a chamber air outlet 58 at the downstream (or upper) end of the chamber 50 that connects the chamber 50 to the inner tube 62 .

[0076] The cartridge 4 also includes a flange 70 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58. The flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from entering the air passage downstream of the chamber 50. In other words, the flange 70 is configured to prevent or reduce the movement of liquid from the chamber 50 to the inner tube 62 defining the air passage 46 downstream of the chamber. The flange 70 represents a ridge, barrier or protrusion for preventing liquid flow by blocking the passage between the chamber 50 and the air passage downstream of the chamber 50 (e.g., the inner tube 62 providing the downstream portion of the airflow path 46).

[0077] For example, liquid may flow along the wall of chamber 50 and may flow into inner tube 62 in the absence of any obstruction. By providing flange 70, liquid flowing along the wall of chamber 50 is blocked by the flange and is substantially captured so that it cannot continue to flow into the air passage located downstream of chamber 50. The liquid may be, for example, liquid aerosol generating material that has leaked from the storage area 44 of the cartridge, and / or the liquid may be, for example, liquid that has condensed within chamber 50 (or in a passage located upstream of chamber 50). In some examples, and as Figure 1 As shown, a capture area or recess 72 is formed between the flange 70 and a wall defining the cavity 50 (eg, a cavity-defining wall of a component).

[0078] For example, where the aerosol generating material comprises a liquid aerosol generating material, the liquid aerosol generating material may move or flow from the aerosol generator 40 or the liquid transport element 42 along the surface of the chamber 50 toward the chamber outlet 58. For example, the liquid aerosol generating material may flow from the interface of the liquid transport element 42 and the sealing element, the liquid transport element 42 extending through the interface to interact with the storage area 44. The liquid may leak from the interface during transport (e.g., shipping), or directly from the liquid transport element 42 or the aerosol generator 40, and may flow toward the mouth end 52 of the cartridge 4 under the influence of gravity (depending on the orientation of the cartridge 4). Thus, in some examples, where a liquid transport element extending through an opening of the chamber 50 (e.g., extending into or out of) is provided, the flange is configured to inhibit the liquid from flowing from the opening to the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g., disposed on the shortest path between the opening and the chamber air outlet).

[0079] In an example, where a storage area 44 is included (such as a liquid storage portion for storing liquid aerosol generating material), the recess 72 can be configured to accommodate a certain amount of liquid corresponding to the amount contained in the storage area 44. For example, the storage area 44 can have a first volume and the recess 72 can have a second volume. In some examples, the second volume can be in a range between 0.1% and 10% of the first volume, and preferably, the second volume can be in a range between 1% and 5% of the first volume. In some examples, the recess 72 is configured to retain at least 0.1 ml of liquid aerosol generating material (e.g., the second volume is configured to accommodate 0.1 ml of liquid). For example, such a recess 72 may be suitable when a storage area 44 of approximately 2 ml or up to 2 ml is provided.

[0080] In some examples, where the aerosol generating material may or may not be a liquid aerosol generating material, condensation may form in the aerosol delivery system 1. For example, when the aerosol cools in the air passage 46 before being inhaled by the user (e.g., in the aerosol generating chamber 50), condensation may form. In the above examples, it will be understood that after use (e.g., the user inhales the generated aerosol), the aerosol delivery system 1 including the cartridge may be placed on a surface or in a bag or pocket until the next use. Alternatively, the cartridge 4 may be separated from the control portion 2 and reserved for later use (e.g., if the user wants to replace it with a different cartridge containing a different flavored aerosol generating material). The orientation of the system 1 may be such that the mouth end 52 is substantially directed downward so that the liquid may move in a downstream direction toward the mouthpiece outlet 60 under the action of gravity. It will be understood that in some cases, if the surface of the chamber 50 on which the liquid is present is locally oriented downward, the liquid may flow toward the chamber outlet 58 even if the entire cartridge 4 is horizontal or pointed slightly upward with the mouth end 52.

[0081] In the absence of the flange 70, liquid (leakage, condensation, or liquid from another source) may accumulate in the inner tube 62 and be inhaled by the user during its first or next use (i.e., as un-aerosolized liquid rather than an aerosol), or may leak from the cartridge 4 into surrounding materials that may contact the user's skin (e.g., hands or lips). The flange 70 provides a gravity barrier that prevents liquid from flowing toward the air channel downstream of the chamber 50 under the action of gravity. In this way, liquid flowing toward the air channel can be captured or retained in the recess 72 formed by the flange 70 instead, because the liquid will need to overcome gravity in order to flow through the flange 70.

[0082] In some examples, the flange 70 can be integrally formed with a component that defines a portion of the chamber 50 (e.g., an upper or downstream chamber housing component). For example, the flange 70 can include a barrier that extends from the surface of the chamber 50. In some examples, the flange 70 can be integrally formed with the inner tube 62 and can, for example, include an extension of the inner tube 62 into the chamber 50. In some examples, the flange 70 can be a separate, distinct component that is attached or fixed to the housing of the chamber 50 and / or the inner tube 62. The separate component provides a seal to prevent liquid from moving between the flange 70 and the surface of the chamber 50 to which it is attached. In some examples, the flange 70 can be formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber or silicone). In other examples, the flange 70 can be a material other than an elastomeric material and can be held in place relative to the chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0083] In some examples, the flange 70 may extend around the entire periphery of the chamber outlet 58, or otherwise surround the entire periphery of the chamber outlet. In some examples, the flange 70 may extend around only a portion of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58 (e.g., an arc of the periphery). In some examples, the flange 70 may include multiple flange portions that extend around multiple separate (i.e., disconnected) portions of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58. For example, each portion of the flange 70 may be positioned to block certain flow paths, such as the shortest flow path between the interface or contact surface of the liquid transport element 42 with the surface of the chamber 50 and the chamber outlet 58 (contact may promote leakage from the liquid transport element 42, and therefore these contact areas may be a source of liquid in the chamber 50).

[0084] Figure 2 Schematically represents a cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge 4 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The cross-sectional view shown includes a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58. Figure 2 The exemplary cartridge 4 may be based on Figure 1 The smoke bomb 4. Figure 2 The cartridge 4 includes a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50, which may be substantially as described with respect to Figure 1 as described.

[0085] Figure 2 The cartridge 4 also depicts the chamber housing 36 and a flange 70 that extends around the entire periphery of the chamber outlet 58 or otherwise surrounds the entire periphery of the chamber outlet. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 5 , the recess 72 is formed distally or radially outwardly of the flange 70 (e.g., from the center of the chamber outlet 58) around the entire periphery of the chamber outlet 58. The recess 72 is further defined by the chamber housing 36. The chamber housing 36 and the flange 70 can be considered to define an annular space for the recess 72.

[0086] Although Figure 2 The recess 72 is a circular shape, such as an ellipse, but in other examples, the recess 72 (defined between the chamber housing 36 and the flange 70) can have a different shape, such as a polygonal shape, or a shape defined by a combination of curved and straight edges. The width of the recess 72 can be defined as the distance between the position on the edge of the flange 70 that extends into the chamber 50 and the corresponding position on the wall of the chamber 50 that is at the same height / depth (e.g., measured along the longitudinal axis of the smoke cartridge) from the chamber outlet 58 or the base of the recess 72 (e.g., on the same profile). The position on the edge and the corresponding position on the wall are radially aligned from the center of the chamber outlet 58. In some examples, the width of the recess 72 is constant around the periphery of the flange 70, while in other examples, the width of the recess 72 can vary around the periphery of the flange 70.

[0087] In some examples, flange 70 may be integrally formed with a component that defines a portion of chamber 50 (e.g., an upper or downstream chamber housing component). For example, flange 70 may include a barrier that extends from a surface of chamber 50. For example, chamber housing 36 may extend toward chamber outlet 58 ( Figure 2 50 ), and the flange 70 may include a portion of the chamber housing 36 that extends or protrudes from the chamber housing 36. In some examples, the flange 70 may be integrally formed with the inner tube 62, and may, for example, include an extension of the inner tube 62 into the chamber 50. In some examples, the flange 70 may be a separate, distinct component that is attached or secured to the housing of the chamber 50 and / or the inner tube 62. The separate component provides a seal to prevent liquid from moving between the flange 70 and the surface of the chamber 50 to which it is attached.

[0088] In some examples, flange 70 can be formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber or silicone). In other examples, flange 70 can be a material other than an elastomeric material and can be held in place relative to chamber air outlet 50 by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0089] The chamber housing 36 may be as described above with respect to Figure 1 Sealing elements or components discussed. In some examples, chamber housing 36, which may include flange 70, may be formed from an elastomeric material (eg, rubber or silicone). Figure 2 The chamber housing 36 further defines a liquid conduit 38 that fluidly connects a reservoir 44 (not shown) to a liquid transport element 42 (not shown). For example, the liquid transport element 42 may extend into one end of the liquid conduit 38, while the reservoir 44 may be disposed at a second end of the liquid conduit 38. It will be appreciated that in other examples, particularly those that do not include a reservoir 44 for the liquid aerosol generating material, the chamber housing 36 will not include the liquid conduit 38.

[0090] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge 4 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically represented. The cross-sectional view shown includes a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58. Figure 3 The exemplary cartridge 4 may be based on Figure 1 The smoke bomb 4. Figure 3 The cartridge 4 includes a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50, which may be substantially as described with respect to Figure 1 as described.

[0091] Figure 3 The cartridge 4 also depicts a chamber housing 36 (which may be substantially as described with respect to Figure 2) and a flange 70 including a first end and a second end, and the chamber 50 includes at least one protrusion 78 adjacent the chamber air outlet 58. The first end and the second end can be biased against the at least one protrusion to hold the flange 70 in place relative to the chamber air outlet 50.

[0092] Specifically, Figure 3 The flange 70 includes a first flange portion 74 (e.g., having the first and second ends discussed above) and a second flange portion 76 (e.g., also having a first and second ends). Each of the first and second flange portions 74, 76 extends around a separate (i.e., disconnected) portion of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58. Each of the first and second flange portions 74, 76 extends between two protrusions 78 (protrusions or obstruction elements) that are adjacent to the chamber air outlet 58 (i.e., adjacent means that the protrusions are located near or proximate to the chamber air outlet 58). For example, one end of each of the first and second flange portions 74, 76 contacts a first of the two protrusions 78, while the other end of each of the first and second flange portions 74, 76 contacts a second of the two protrusions 78. It will be understood that in other examples, there may be more than two protrusions and more than two flange portions.

[0093] In some examples, the first and second flange portions 74, 76 may include an elastomeric material that supports or biases against the protrusion 78 to hold them in place relative to the chamber air outlet 50. For example, the first and second flange portions 74, 76 may be deformed from a relaxed configuration and apply restoring forces toward the relaxed configuration, wherein these forces serve to push the ends of each of the flange portions 74, 76 into the protrusion 78, thereby helping to hold the flange portions 74, 76 in place. In other examples, the flange portions 74, 76 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be held in place relative to the protrusion 78 by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0094] In some examples, protrusion 78 may include an obstruction or projection extending from the wall of chamber 50. In some examples, protrusion 78 may be integrally formed with the wall of chamber 50. For example, protrusion 78 may be integrally formed with chamber housing 36. In some examples, protrusion 78 may be a resilient, inelastic material.

[0095] Each flange portion 74, 76 defines a different section or region of the recess 72, with the different regions separated by protrusions 78. In some other examples, protrusions 78 and flange portions 74, 76 may be arranged so that a single recess 72 is provided (eg, depending on where the protrusions 78 extend from).

[0096] Each portion 74, 76 of the flange 70 can be positioned to block certain flow paths, such as the shortest flow path between the interface or contact surfaces of the liquid transport element 42 with the surface of the chamber 50 and the chamber outlet 58 (the contact can promote leakage from the liquid transport element 42, and thus these contact areas can be a source of liquid in the chamber 50). For example, Figure 3 As shown, two flange portions 74, 76 are aligned with two liquid conduits 38, each of which interacts with a respective end of a liquid transport element 42 (not shown). As such, liquid may leak into the chamber in which each portion of the liquid transport element 42 extends into the liquid conduit 38. Each flange portion 74, 76 can be considered to advantageously collect leaked liquid from a respective one of these leakage sources.

[0097] In some examples, a single protrusion 78 may be disposed adjacent to chamber air outlet 58. In these examples, a single discontinuous flange 70 (e.g., not a ring) may extend between opposite sides of protrusion 78, with each end biased to provide a force toward protrusion 78 (e.g., a restoring force toward a situation where the protrusion is not present and a ring may be formed), thereby helping to hold flange 70 in place against protrusion 78 about chamber outlet 58.

[0098] Figure 4 Yet another cross-sectional view through an exemplary cartridge 4 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically represented. The cross-sectional view shown includes a cross-section in the plane of the chamber outlet 58. Figure 4 The exemplary cartridge 4 may be based on Figure 1 The smoke bomb 4. Figure 4 The cartridge 4 includes a housing 32 and a chamber outlet 50, which may be substantially as described with respect to Figure 1 as described.

[0099] Figure 4 The cartridge 4 also depicts a chamber housing 36 (which may be substantially as described with respect to Figure 2 ) and a flange 70 including a first flange portion 74 and a second flange portion 76 , each of which extends around a separate (ie, disconnected) portion of the periphery of the chamber outlet 58 .

[0100] Figure 3The first flange portion 74 extends between the first pair of protrusions 82. For example, one end of the first flange portion 74 can contact one of the first pair of protrusions 82, and the other end of the first flange portion 74 can contact the other of the first pair of protrusions 82. In some examples, the first flange portion 74 can be an elastomeric material that deforms from a relaxed configuration and applies a restoring force toward the relaxed configuration, wherein the force is used to push the ends of the flange portion 74 into corresponding protrusions in the pair of protrusions 82, thereby helping to hold the first flange portion 74 in place. In other examples, the first flange portion 74 can be a material other than an elastomeric material and can be held in place relative to the first pair of protrusions 82 by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0101] Similarly, Figure 3 The second flange portion 76 extends between the second pair of protrusions 84. For example, one end of the second flange portion 76 can contact one of the second pair of protrusions 84, and the other end of the second flange portion 76 can contact the other of the second pair of protrusions 84. In some examples, the second flange portion 76 can be an elastomeric material that deforms from a relaxed configuration and applies a restoring force toward the relaxed configuration, wherein the force acts to push the ends of the flange portion 76 into corresponding protrusions in the pair of protrusions 86, thereby helping to hold the second flange portion 76 in place. In other examples, the second flange portion 74 can be a material other than an elastomeric material and can be held in place relative to the second pair of protrusions 84 by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0102] Each protrusion in the first pair of protrusions 82 is disposed adjacent to but separated from the corresponding protrusion in the second pair of protrusions 84 (i.e., not directly adjacent but having a neighboring relationship), so that a gap 86 is formed between corresponding sets of protrusions (i.e., a set including adjacent ones in the first pair 82 and one in the second pair 84). Adjacent means that the related protrusions are disposed close to each other without any parts separating them from each other. Therefore, the related pairs are separated only by gaps or spaces. The gaps or spaces advantageously allow unrestricted airflow. In some examples, the gaps between each corresponding set of protrusions are in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm. The gaps between each corresponding set of protrusions are in the range of 5% to 10% of the width of the chamber in a direction parallel to the direction separating the two protrusions.

[0103] Thus, as discussed above, in some examples, the flange 70 includes at least the first flange portion 74 and the second flange portion 76, and the chamber 50 includes at least four protrusions 82, 84 (e.g., two pairs of protrusions) adjacent the chamber air outlet 58, wherein the first flange portion 74 contacts the first and second of the at least four protrusions (the first pair of protrusions 82), and wherein the second flange portion 76 contacts the third and fourth of the at least four protrusions (the second pair of protrusions 84). A (first) gap is formed between the first and third protrusions (the first set of corresponding protrusions as discussed above), and another or second gap is formed between the second and fourth protrusions (the second set of corresponding protrusions as discussed above).

[0104] In further examples, a pair of protrusions with a gap between them may be provided. In these examples, a discontinuous flange 70 (i.e., not a ring) may extend between a first set of corresponding faces of the pair of protrusions, and a gap may extend between a second set of corresponding faces of the pair of protrusions (i.e., the second set of faces is located on alternating sides of the protrusions with the first set of faces). In some examples, the flange 70 may be an elastomeric material that deforms from a relaxed configuration and applies a restoring force toward the relaxed configuration, wherein the force is used to push the ends of the flange 70 into the corresponding faces of the pair of protrusions, thereby helping to keep the flange 70 in place. In other examples, the flange 70 may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be held in place relative to the protrusions by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other fixing means.

[0105] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method 500 of providing (eg, assembling) a cartridge 4 for an aerosol delivery system. The method begins at step 510, where a chamber 50 having a chamber air outlet 58 is provided. An aerosol generator 40 is configured to generate an aerosol in the chamber 50 from an aerosol generating material.

[0106] For example, the aerosol generator 40 and / or the aerosol generating material can be disposed within the chamber 50. In some examples, the aerosol generator 40 can be suspended between opposing walls of the chamber 50. For example, the aerosol generator 40 can be a resistive heater, such as a coil heater disposed around the liquid transport element 42 (e.g., Figure 1 In some examples, aerosol generator 40 may be a resistive heater disposed on a surface of the chamber (eg, adjacent to where aerosol generating material may be received in the chamber).

[0107] In some examples, the aerosol generator 40 can be disposed outside the chamber 50, but can be configured to direct energy (e.g., heat, light) into the chamber 50 to aerosolize the aerosol-generating material in the chamber 50 (such an aerosol generator 40 can be disposed in the control portion 2, rather than in the cartridge 4). In some examples, the aerosol generator 40 can generate an aerosol without substantially heating the aerosol-generating material. For example, the aerosol generator 40 can eject aerosol particles into the chamber 50, or use vibration to induce the formation of an aerosol.

[0108] The chamber air outlet 58 refers to the opening or opening through which the aerosol (and air) may flow toward the user's mouth during inhalation. Figure 1 As discussed, chamber 50 is part of air passage 46 through which air may flow, wherein aerosol combines with air traveling along the air passage in chamber 50. In some examples, chamber air outlet 58 may be sized to provide a particular resistance to draw, and / or may be designed to match elements located downstream of chamber air outlet 58, such as inner tube 62 that provides an air passage that fluidly connects chamber air outlet 58 to a cartridge or mouthpiece air outlet 60.

[0109] The method continues at step 520 where a flange 70 is provided that extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber air outlet 58. The flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber 50 through the chamber air outlet 58.

[0110] In some examples, the cartridge 4 includes a cartridge air outlet 60 (i.e., a mouthpiece outlet) that is fluidly connected to the chamber air outlet 58 via an air passage (e.g., provided by an inner tube 62 and / or other components). In these examples, the flange 70 is configured to inhibit liquid from entering the air passage. Inhibiting liquid means that the flange 70 prevents or reduces the flow of liquid along the wall of the chamber 50 toward the chamber air outlet 58 and through the chamber air outlet. The liquid is substantially captured so that it cannot continue to flow into the air passage downstream of the chamber 50. The liquid may be, for example, a liquid aerosol-generating material that has leaked from the storage area 44 of the cartridge, and / or the liquid may be, for example, a liquid that has condensed within the chamber 50 (or in a passage upstream of the chamber 50). In some examples, and as Figure 1 As shown, a capture area or recess 72 is formed between the flange 70 and a wall defining the cavity 50 (eg, a cavity-defining wall of a component).

[0111] In some examples, flange 70 may be configured such that it extends around or surrounds the entire periphery of chamber air outlet 58 (e.g., according to Figure 2In some examples, flange 70 may have an annular shape or the like (e.g., the flange may be formed by a gasket). In some examples, flange 70 may be formed by a tubular element extending around the entire periphery of chamber air outlet 58 (e.g., the tubular element may be sized to have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of chamber air outlet 58).

[0112] In some examples, the flange 70 can be configured so that it extends around or surrounds one or more portions of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58. For example, the flange 70 can include a single element that extends around a single portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g., corresponding to the periphery where liquid flow is expected to occur). In some examples, the flange 70 can include multiple flange portions 74, 76, each of which extends around a different portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet 58 (e.g., corresponding to the portion of the periphery where liquid flow is expected to occur). For example, the flange portions 74, 76 can be as described above with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The setting in question.

[0113] In some examples, flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) may be biased against one or more protrusions 78, 82, 84. In some of these examples, flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) may be disposed by an elastomeric material into a configuration in which flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) has been deformed from a relaxed configuration by one or more protrusions 78, 82, 84 such that flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) exerts a restoring force on one or more protrusions 78, 82, 84 to help retain flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) in position relative to chamber air outlet 58. In other of these examples, flange 70 (or flange portions 74, 76) may be a material other than an elastomeric material and may be retained in position relative to the protrusions by, for example, an interference fit or by an adhesive or other securing means.

[0114] Method 500 then ends.

[0115] It will be appreciated that while the above description focuses on some different aspects of an aerosol generator assembly having a number of different features, it will be appreciated that arrangements according to other embodiments of the present disclosure may include only some of these features, independent of some of the other features. Figures 1 to 4 The chamber with flange 70 of the discussed principle may be implemented with an aerosol generator other than an aerosol generator formed by winding a coil around a core.

[0116] Thus, a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system has been described, the cartridge comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber; and a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

[0117] There has further been described an aerosol delivery system for aerosolising an aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge as described above.

[0118] A cartridge device for an aerosol supply system has also been described, the cartridge device comprising: an aerosol generator device; a chamber device having a chamber air outlet device, wherein the aerosol generator device is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the chamber device; and a flange device extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet device, the flange device being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber device through the chamber air outlet device.

[0119] A method of providing a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system has further been described, the method comprising: providing a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein an aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the chamber; and providing a flange extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

[0120] Although the above embodiments focus in some aspects on certain specific exemplary aerosol delivery systems, it will be understood that the same principles can be applied to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies. That is, the specific way in which various aspects of the aerosol delivery system function (e.g., in terms of how the system is activated for use and the functions provided by the system) is not directly related to the principles based on the examples described herein.

[0121] In order to solve various problems and advance technology, the present disclosure shows various embodiments by way of illustration, in which the claimed invention can be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are only representative samples of embodiments, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. They are only used to help understand and teach the claimed invention. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects of the present disclosure should not be considered as limitations on the present disclosure defined by the claims or limitations on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments can be utilized and can be modified without departing from the scope of the claims. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments may appropriately include various combinations of disclosed elements, parts, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., consisting of them, or consisting essentially of them, and it will be understood that the features of the dependent claims can be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly indicated in the claims. The present disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. A cigarette cartridge for an aerosol supply system, the cigarette cartridge comprising: an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol generating material; a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol within the chamber; as well as A flange extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

2. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge includes a recess formed between the flange and the chamber housing.

3. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: The cartridge comprises a storage area for storing liquid aerosol generating material, wherein the storage area has a first volume, and the recess has a second volume, wherein the second volume is in a range between 0.1% and 10% of the first volume.

4. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 3, wherein: The second volume is in a range between 1% and 5% of the first volume.

5. The cigarette cartridge according to claims 2 to 4, wherein: The recess is configured to retain at least 0.2 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.

6. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The cartridge includes a liquid transport element extending through an opening of the chamber, the liquid transport element being configured to deliver liquid to the aerosol generator, and wherein the flange is configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the opening to the chamber air outlet.

7. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The flange is formed by a tubular element extending around the entire periphery of the chamber air outlet.

8. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The flange includes a first end and a second end, and the chamber includes at least one protrusion adjacent the chamber air outlet, the first end and the second end being biased against the at least one protrusion to retain the flange in position relative to the chamber air outlet.

9. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The flange includes at least a first flange portion and a second flange portion, and the chamber includes at least two protrusions adjacent to the chamber air outlet, wherein one end of each of the first flange portion and the second flange portion contacts a first of the at least two protrusions, and the other end of each of the first flange portion and the second flange portion contacts a second of the at least two protrusions.

10. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 8, wherein: The flange includes at least a first flange portion and a second flange portion, and the chamber includes at least four protrusions adjacent to the chamber air outlet, wherein the first flange portion contacts a first protrusion and a second protrusion of the at least four protrusions, and wherein the second flange portion contacts a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion of the at least four protrusions, wherein a first gap is formed between the first protrusion and the third protrusion, and a second gap is formed between the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion.

11. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The cartridge includes a cartridge air outlet fluidly connected to the chamber air outlet via an air passage, wherein the flange is configured to inhibit liquid from entering the air passage.

12. The cigarette cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The aerosol generator includes a resistive heater.

13. The cigarette cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: The resistive heater includes a coil heater disposed around a liquid transport element.

14. An aerosol delivery system for aerosolising an aerosol generating material, the aerosol delivery system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A cartridge device for an aerosol supply system, the cartridge device comprising: Aerosol generator device; chamber means having chamber air outlet means, wherein said aerosol generator means is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in said chamber means; as well as Flange means extends around at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber air outlet means, the flange means being configured to inhibit the flow of liquid from the chamber means through the chamber air outlet means.

16. A method of providing a cartridge for an aerosol delivery system, the method comprising: providing a chamber having a chamber air outlet, wherein an aerosol generator is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material in the chamber; and A flange is provided extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber air outlet, the flange being configured to inhibit liquid from flowing from the chamber through the chamber air outlet.

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