Cartridge assembly for aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly (10) for use in an aerosol-generating system. The cartridge assembly includes a mouthpiece portion (12) including a first connecting element and a bottom portion (14) including a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be irreversibly connectable to each other. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system. The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating system for generating an inhalable vapour. Such a device or system may heat an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article or contained in a cartridge.

[0003] When heated to the target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate evaporates 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. The liquid storage portion may form a part of a replaceable cartridge assembly.

[0004] It is known to seal the different components of the liquid storage portion by welding techniques. However, welding techniques may bring challenges, such as excessive melting and limited controllability of the welding area. In addition, an additional welding step is required during the manufacturing process. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is desirable to provide a cartridge including components that provide a fluid-tight connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge including components that provide an irreversible connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge including components that provide a permanent connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge including components that provide an invisible connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge including components that provide a child-proof connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge that can be easily manufactured.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system is provided. The cartridge assembly may include a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion, the mouthpiece portion including a first connecting element, and the bottom portion including a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element may be configured to be irreversibly connected to each other.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system is provided. The cartridge assembly comprises a mouthpiece portion and a base portion, the mouthpiece portion comprising a first connecting element, and the base portion comprising a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be irreversibly connected to each other.

[0008] Providing a barrel assembly whose mouthpiece portion and bottom portion include a first connecting element and a second connecting element that can be irreversibly connected to each other can provide a permanent connection. Providing a barrel assembly whose mouthpiece portion and bottom portion include a first connecting element and a second connecting element that can be irreversibly connected to each other can provide a liquid-tight connection. Providing a barrel assembly whose mouthpiece portion and bottom portion include a first connecting element and a second connecting element that can be irreversibly connected to each other can provide a child-proof connection. Providing a barrel assembly whose mouthpiece portion and bottom portion include a first connecting element and a second connecting element that can be irreversibly connected to each other can achieve welding redundancy. Providing a barrel assembly whose mouthpiece portion and bottom portion include a first connecting element and a second connecting element that can be irreversibly connected to each other can be easier to manufacture.

[0009] The mouthpiece portion and the base portion may enclose a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir may be configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid sensory medium, or both. The liquid reservoir may include one or both of an aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid sensory medium.

[0010] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion can provide a liquid-tight connection, thereby preventing the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir from leaking.

[0011] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion may include a first snap-fit ​​element, and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may include a second snap-fit ​​element. The first snap-fit ​​element and the second snap-fit ​​element may be configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection. Thus, a liquid-tight connection can be provided. The first snap-fit ​​element and the second snap-fit ​​element may be pressed against each other. The first snap-fit ​​element and the second snap-fit ​​element may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.

[0012] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may provide a connection that prevents the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion from rotating relative to each other. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may not be rotatable relative to each other. The first connecting element and the second connecting element may include an anti-rotation element. The anti-rotation element may be configured so that the first connecting element and the second connecting element can only be attached to each other with a keyed attachment. The anti-rotation element may prevent the mouthpiece and the bottom portion from rotating relative to each other. The anti-rotation element may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The mouthpiece portion may include a vertical recess and the bottom portion may include a vertical protrusion, or vice versa. The vertical recess and the vertical protrusion may have matching shapes.

[0013] The first connection element of the mouthpiece portion may comprise a recess and the second connection element of the bottom portion may comprise a protrusion, or vice versa. The first connection element of the mouthpiece portion may comprise a notch and the second connection element of the bottom portion may comprise a protrusion, or vice versa.

[0014] The protrusion or projection may extend in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.The recess or indentation may be recessed in the inner surface of the mouthpiece portion in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.

[0015] The first connecting element and the second connecting element may have matching shapes.

[0016] The recess and protrusion may have matching shapes. The recess and protrusion may have matching shapes. The recess and protrusion may be complementary to each other. The recess and protrusion may have substantially matching shapes or may be substantially complementary to each other. The protrusion may be slightly larger than the recess.

[0017] The recesses may have a recess volume and the protrusions may have a protrusion volume. The protrusion volume may be larger than the recess volume, preferably slightly larger. The protrusion volume may be 5% to 10% larger.

[0018] The recess and the projection may be coaxially arranged.The recess and the projection may be arranged around the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.The recess and the projection may be circumferentially arranged around the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.

[0019] The recess and the protrusion may have a rounded trapezoidal cross section. The cross section may be taken along the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The cross section may be taken in the same direction as the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Preferably, the first connection element of the mouthpiece portion may comprise a recess and the second connection element of the base portion may comprise a protrusion.The mouthpiece portion may comprise a recess at an inner surface of a side wall of the mouthpiece.

[0021] The recess may have a depth between 0.15 mm and 0.50 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm. The depth of the recess may be measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The recess may include a bottom surface. The depth of the recess may be the distance from an extension straight line of the inner surface of the mouthpiece to the bottom surface.

[0022] The recess may be spaced apart from the distal end of the mouthpiece portion. The distance may be measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The distance may be between 0.5 mm and 1.1 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.9 mm.

[0023] The mouthpiece portion may have a wall thickness measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The wall thickness may be between 0.3 and 1.0 millimeters, more preferably between 0.4 and 0.8 millimeters.

[0024] The protrusion may have a length between 0.15 mm and 0.50 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm. The length of the protrusion may be measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The length of the protrusion may be greater than the depth of the recess.

[0025] The recess may include a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal surface and the distal surface may be inclined. The bottom surface of the recess may be a surface connecting the distal surface and the proximal surface. The distal surface of the recess may be inclined at an angle of inclination between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 35 degrees, and most preferably about 32 degrees. The proximal surface of the recess may be inclined at an angle of inclination between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 45 and 55 degrees, and most preferably about 50 degrees. The length of the proximal surface of the recess may be greater than the length of the distal surface.

[0026] The protrusion may include a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal surface and the distal surface may be inclined. The distal surface of the protrusion may be inclined at an inclination angle of between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 35 degrees, and most preferably about 32 degrees. The proximal surface of the protrusion may be inclined at an inclination angle of between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 45 and 55 degrees, and most preferably about 50 degrees. The length of the proximal surface of the protrusion may be greater than the length of the distal surface.

[0027] The mouthpiece portion may have a conical shape, preferably a conical shape with an elliptical cross section. The mouthpiece may have an elliptical cross section. The mouthpiece may be in the shape of a truncated cone. The mouthpiece may be hollow. The mouthpiece may be a hollow truncated cone.

[0028] The mouthpiece portion may include a distal end, which may include a first connection element. The base portion may include a proximal end, which may include a second connection element. The mouthpiece portion may include a proximal end. The proximal end may be a mouth end. The mouth end may include an air outlet.

[0029] The mouthpiece portion may have a larger diameter than the proximal end of the bottom portion. The diameters of both the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may be measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The outer diameter of the distal end of the mouthpiece portion may be greater than the outer diameter of the distal end of the bottom portion, both of which are measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.

[0030] The distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the bottom portion may have an elliptical cross section. Then, the diameter of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may be the semi-major axis of the elliptical cross section.

[0031] The recess of the mouthpiece portion may extend along an ellipse around the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The protrusion of the bottom portion may extend along an ellipse around the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly.

[0032] The interference of the first connecting element and the second connecting element may be between 0.01 and 0.20 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.10 mm, more preferably about 0.08 mm. Thus, leakage may be prevented. The interference may be the difference in size between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. The interference may be the difference in depth of the recess of the mouthpiece portion and the length of the protrusion of the bottom portion.

[0033] When the first connection element comprises a recess and the second connection element comprises a protrusion, a gap may be provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion.Preferably, the gap may be a coaxial gap.

[0034] The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may comprise a plastic material. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may consist of a plastic material. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion comprising plastic material may be produced according to ISO-20457TG4. Thus, the overall shape of the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may be within a range of ±0.05 mm. This results in a total tolerance of the recesses and protrusions of ±0.1 mm. Therefore, the gap between the proximal portion of the recess and the protrusion may be equal to 0.08 mm to accommodate these tolerances. Thus, the gap may allow the mouthpiece portion to return to its original position without any stress on the portion.

[0035] The barrel assembly may include an airflow channel. The airflow channel may include an airflow path. The airflow channel may extend along the longitudinal axis of the barrel assembly. The mouthpiece portion may include an inner tubular element defining the airflow channel. The liquid reservoir of the barrel assembly may extend around the airflow channel, preferably around the tubular element.

[0036] The bottom portion may include a heater. Preferably, the heater is a mesh heater. The mesh heater may include a heater body and at least one mesh. The mesh heater may be configured as a resistive metal heater. At least one mesh may include a plurality of conductive filaments configured to form a single mesh. The filaments may be provided with a woven or non-woven fabric. The conductive filaments may define gaps between the filaments, and the gaps may have a width between 10 μm and 100 μm. Preferably, the filaments generate capillary action in the gaps so that in use, the substrate to be vaporized is drawn into the gaps, thereby increasing the contact area between the heater and the substrate.

[0037] The conductive filaments may comprise any suitable conductive material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Preferred materials for the conductive filaments are 304, 316, 304L, 316L stainless steel, and graphite. Preferably, stainless steel, nickel-chromium alloy wire, aluminum, or tungsten are used.

[0038] The bottom portion may include a liquid wicking material. The liquid wicking material may transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir to the heater of the bottom portion. The liquid wicking material may be porous. The liquid wicking material may include a capillary material.

[0039] The cartridge assembly may further include a sealing joint. The sealing joint may be disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion. The sealing joint may provide further sealing of a liquid reservoir defined between the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion. The sealing joint may provide further sealing of a liquid reservoir defined between the mouthpiece portion and the mesh heater. The sealing joint may provide correct positioning of the mesh heater.

[0040] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system, which includes a cartridge assembly and a body as described herein. The body may include a cartridge connection portion. The bottom portion of the cartridge assembly may include a body connection portion. The cartridge connection portion and the body connection portion may be configured to reversibly connect to each other.

[0041] The body may include a power source and a controller. The body may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may include 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 thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0042] The body may comprise a user interface to activate the aerosol generating system, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol generating system or a display to indicate the status of the aerosol generating system or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0043] The aerosol generating system may comprise further components, such as a charging unit for charging an onboard power source in an electric or electroaerosol generating system.

[0044] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of an aerosol generating device or system, or a part thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The liquid sensory medium may include flavorings. The liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix or the liquid sensory medium may include flavorings, such as menthol or herbal compounds. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix or the liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix or the liquid sensory medium may include botanical content, such as CBD.

[0047] As used herein, the term "liquid sensory medium" relates to a liquid composition that is capable of altering an airflow in contact with the liquid sensory medium. The alteration of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the airflow, and filtering the airflow. For example, the liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming matrix that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that may form an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming matrix in the liquid sensory medium is a flavoring agent or includes a flavoring agent. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid sensory medium may include one or both of a cooling material for cooling the airflow passing through the liquid sensory medium and a filtering material for capturing unwanted components in the airflow. Water may be used as a cooling material. Water may be used as a filtering material for capturing particles such as dust particles from the airflow. The liquid sensory medium may be used as one or more of a liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a volume enhancer to provide nicotine.

[0048] 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 solid form or may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used synonymously.

[0049] Preferably, an aerosol-forming substrate comprising liquid nicotine or flavour / flavour may be used in the liquid reservoir of the cartridge assembly.

[0050] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt substrate.

[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may include plant-based materials.The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco.The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco-containing materials, and the tobacco-containing materials include volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated.Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include non-tobacco materials.The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized plant-based materials.The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized tobacco materials.The homogenized tobacco materials may be formed by agglomerating particle tobacco.

[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol-forming agent. An aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol-forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol. Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerol. If present, the aerosol-forming agent content of the homogenized tobacco material may be equal to or greater than 5 weight percent by dry weight, and preferably 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent by dry weight. The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavors.

[0053] As used herein, the term "liquid reservoir" refers to a storage portion that includes a liquid sensory medium and, in addition or alternatively, 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 a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0054] The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a capillary bundle. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads or other fine-pore tubes. The fibers or threads may be substantially aligned to deliver the liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a spongy or foamy material. The structure of the capillary material forms a plurality of pores or tubes through which the liquid may be delivered by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponges or foams, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metals or plastic materials, for example, fibrous materials made of spun or extruded fibers, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, polyester or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics. The capillary material may have any suitable capillary action and porosity to be used for different liquid physical properties. Liquids have physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that allow the liquid to be transported through a capillary device by capillary action.

[0055] The capillary material may be in contact with the conductive filaments of the mesh heater. The capillary material may extend into the spaces between the filaments. The heater may draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the spaces by capillary action.

[0056] The body 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 enough 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.

[0057] The body may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the mesh heater. The controller may be configured to control the energy supply to the mesh heater.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Example Ex1: A cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising

[0060] a mouthpiece portion, the mouthpiece portion comprising a first connecting element; and

[0061] A bottom portion includes a second connection element, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are configured to be irreversibly connected to each other.

[0062] Example Ex2: The cartridge assembly of example Ex1, wherein the mouthpiece portion and the base portion enclose a liquid reservoir.

[0063] Example Ex3: Cartridge assembly according to any of examples Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the first connection element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connection element of the base portion provide a liquid-tight connection.

[0064] Example Ex4: A barrel assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion includes a first snap-fit ​​element, and the second connecting element of the bottom portion includes a second snap-fit ​​element, and wherein the first snap-fit ​​element and the second snap-fit ​​element are configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0065] Example Ex5: The cartridge assembly of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first connection element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connection element of the base portion provide a connection that prevents the mouthpiece portion and the base portion from rotating relative to each other.

[0066] Example Ex6: The cartridge assembly of any of the preceding examples, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion comprises a recess and the second connecting element of the base portion comprises a protrusion, or vice versa.

[0067] Example Ex7: The cartridge assembly of Example Ex6, wherein the recess and the protrusion have matching shapes.

[0068] Example Ex8: A cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples Ex6 or Ex7, wherein the recess and the protrusion are coaxially arranged.

[0069] Example Ex9: The barrel assembly of any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex8, wherein the recess and the protrusion have rounded trapezoidal cross-sections.

[0070] Example Ex10: The cartridge assembly of any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex9, wherein the mouthpiece portion includes the recess at an inner surface of a sidewall of the mouthpiece.

[0071] Example Ex11: The cartridge assembly according to any of Examples Ex6 to Ex10, wherein the recess has a depth between 0.15 mm and 0.50 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm.

[0072] Example Ex12: The cartridge assembly of any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex11, wherein the recess includes a distal surface and a proximal surface, and wherein at least one of the proximal surface and the distal surface of the recess is inclined.

[0073] Example Ex13: The barrel assembly according to Example Ex12, wherein the distal surface of the recess is inclined at an inclination angle between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 20 degrees and 50 degrees, and more preferably between 30 degrees and 35 degrees.

[0074] Example Ex14: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples Ex12 or Ex13, wherein the proximal surface of the recess is inclined at an inclination angle between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between 45 and 55 degrees.

[0075] Example Ex15: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples Ex12 to Ex14, wherein a length of a proximal surface of the recess is greater than a length of a distal surface of the recess.

[0076] Example Ex16: The cartridge assembly of any one of Examples Ex6 to Ex15, wherein the protrusion includes a distal surface and a proximal surface, and wherein at least one of the proximal surface and the distal surface of the protrusion is inclined.

[0077] Example Ex17: The barrel assembly according to Example Ex16, wherein the distal surface of the protrusion is inclined at an inclination angle between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, preferably between 20 degrees and 50 degrees, and more preferably between 30 degrees and 35 degrees.

[0078] Example Ex18: The barrel assembly according to any one of Examples Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the proximal surface of the projection is inclined at an inclination angle between 10 degrees and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, more preferably between 45 degrees and 55 degrees.

[0079] Example Ex19: The barrel assembly according to any one of Examples Ex16 to Ex18, wherein the length of the proximal surface of the projection is greater than the length of the distal surface of the projection.

[0080] Example Ex20: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece portion has a conical shape, preferably a conical shape with an elliptical cross-section.

[0081] Example Ex21: The cartridge assembly of any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece portion includes a distal end including the first connecting element, and wherein the base portion includes a proximal end including the second connecting element.

[0082] Example Ex22: The cartridge assembly of example Ex21, wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece portion has a larger diameter than the proximal end of the base portion.

[0083] Example Ex23: The cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples Ex21 or Ex22, wherein both the distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the base portion have an oval cross-section.

[0084] Example Ex24: The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the interference of the first connecting element and the second connecting element is between 0.01 and 0.20 mm, preferably between 0.05 and 0.10 mm, more preferably about 0.08 mm.

[0085] Example Ex25: A barrel assembly according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the first connecting element comprises a recess and the second connecting element comprises a protrusion, wherein a gap is provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion, and preferably wherein the gap is a coaxial gap.

[0086] Example Ex26: A cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding examples, comprising an airflow channel.

[0087] Example Ex27: The cartridge assembly of any of the preceding examples, wherein the bottom portion comprises a heater, preferably wherein the heater is a mesh heater.

[0088] Example Ex28: The cartridge assembly of any of the preceding examples, wherein the bottom portion comprises a liquid wicking material.

[0089] Example Ex29: An aerosol generating system, comprising

[0090] The cartridge assembly of any preceding example; and

[0091] A body includes a cartridge connection portion, wherein a bottom portion of the cartridge assembly includes the body connection portion, and wherein the cartridge connection portion and the body connection portion are configured to be reversibly connectable to each other.

[0092] Example Ex30: An aerosol generating system according to Example Ex29, wherein the body comprises a power source and a controller.

[0093] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0095] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly in an assembled state, Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly in a disassembled state;

[0096] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view and a 3D view of the mouthpiece, a cross-sectional view of the assembled first and second connecting elements, and a 3D view of the bottom portion, Figure 2B The subject is shown;

[0097] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing a recessed portion of a mouthpiece portion;

[0098] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a protrusion of the base portion and a recess of the mouthpiece portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Figure 1AA cross-sectional view of the barrel assembly 10 in an assembled state is shown. The barrel assembly 10 includes a mouthpiece portion 12 and a bottom portion 14. The mouthpiece portion 12 includes a mouth end 16 and an airflow channel 18. The bottom portion 14 includes a liquid wicking material 20 in contact with a mesh heater 22. The mouthpiece portion 12 and the bottom portion 14 enclose a liquid reservoir 24. A sealing joint 26 is positioned between the mouthpiece portion 12 and the bottom portion 14. The sealing joint 26 further seals the liquid reservoir 24.

[0100] Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece portion 12 and the base portion 14 in a disassembled state is shown. The mouthpiece portion 12 comprises a distal end 28. The distal end 28 comprises a first connection element which is a recess 30 extending along the inner surface of the distal end 28. The base portion 14 comprises a proximal end 32. The proximal end 32 comprises a second connection element which is a protrusion 34 extending around the proximal end 32. When the proximal end 32 of the base portion 14 is inserted into the distal end 28 of the mouthpiece portion 12, the protrusion 34 is inserted into the recess 30. Thereby, an irreversible snap-fit ​​connection is provided.

[0101] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view and a 3D view of a mouthpiece are shown. The mouthpiece has a conical shape with an elliptical cross-section. Figure 2A Also shown is a close up view of the assembled first and second connecting elements, with the protrusion 34 of the base portion 14 inserted into the recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12. It can be seen that the protrusion 34 and recess 30 have matching shapes and are in direct contact with each other when assembled. Figure 2A A 3D view of the bottom portion 14 is also shown. The proximal end 32 including the protrusion 34 has an oval shape. The bottom portion 14 includes a body connection portion 36. The body connection portion 36 is configured to reversibly connect to the Figure 2B The cartridge connection portion 38 of the main body 40 is shown in FIG. The main body 40 includes a power source 42 and a controller 44. The cartridge assembly 10 and the main body 40 together form an aerosol generating system.

[0102] Figure 3 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12. The recess has a depth 46. The depth 46 of the recess 30 is the distance from an extension line 48 of the inner surface 50 of the mouthpiece portion 12 to a bottom surface 52 of the recess 30. The depth 46 is preferably between 0.15 and 0.30 mm. The recess 30 includes a distal surface 54 and a proximal surface 56. The distal surface 54 and the proximal surface 56 are connected via the bottom surface 52. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the cross section of the recess 30 has a rounded trapezoidal shape in which the bottom surface 52 and the extending straight line 48 are almost parallel.

[0103] Both the distal surface 54 and the proximal surface 56 are inclined. The distal surface is inclined at an inclination angle 58, and the proximal surface is inclined at an inclination angle 60. The inclination angle 58 is preferably between 30 and 35 degrees, more preferably about 32 degrees. The inclination angle 60 is preferably between 45 and 55 degrees, more preferably about 50 degrees. Thus, the length of the proximal surface 56 is greater than the length of the distal surface 54, both of which are measured from the extension line 48 along the respective surface to the bottom surface 52.

[0104] The recess 30 is spaced a distance 62 from the distal end of the mouthpiece portion 12. The distance 62 is preferably between 0.5 and 1.1 mm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, and even more preferably between 0.5 and 0.9 mm. The mouthpiece portion 12 has a wall thickness 64. The wall thickness is preferably between 0.3 and 1.0 mm, more preferably between 0.4 and 0.8 mm.

[0105] When the protrusion 34 of the base portion 14 is inserted into the recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12, the area 66 is deformed. The recess 30 has a corner 68. The corner 68 may be rounded. The mouthpiece 12 has an outer corner 70. The outer corner 70 may not have a rounded edge to facilitate ejection from the injection mold part.

[0106] Protrusion 34( Figure 3 ) has a shape that matches the recess 30 and thus has substantially the same dimensions (length, inclination angle, etc.) as the recess 30 .

[0107] Figure 4 An embodiment of a protrusion 34 of the base portion 14 and a recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12 is shown. The angle of inclination 58 is about 32 degrees, and the angle of inclination 60 is about 50 degrees. When the protrusion 34 is inserted into the recess 30, a gap 72 is provided. The gap 72 is provided between a proximal portion 74 of the protrusion 34 and a proximal portion 76 of the recess 30.

Claims

1. A cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising a mouthpiece portion, the mouthpiece portion comprising a first connecting element; and A bottom portion comprising a second connection element, wherein the first connection element and the second connection element are configured to be irreversibly connected to each other, wherein the bottom portion comprises a mesh heater.

2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece portion and the base portion enclose a liquid reservoir.

3. A barrel assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the base portion provide a liquid-tight connection.

4. A barrel assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion includes a first snap-fit ​​element, and the second connecting element of the bottom portion includes a second snap-fit ​​element, and wherein the first snap-fit ​​element and the second snap-fit ​​element are configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection.

5. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the base portion provide a connection that prevents the mouthpiece portion and the base portion from rotating relative to each other.

6. Cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion comprises a recess and the second connecting element of the base portion comprises a protrusion, or vice versa. The cartridge assembly of claim 6 , wherein the recess and the protrusion have matching shapes.

8. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the recess and the protrusion are coaxially arranged.

9. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the recess and the protrusion have rounded trapezoidal cross-sections.

10. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises the recess at an inner surface of a side wall of the mouthpiece.

11. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the recess has a depth of between 0.15 mm and 0.50 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm.

12. The barrel assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the recess comprises a distal surface and a proximal surface, and wherein at least one of the proximal surface and the distal surface is inclined, preferably wherein the length of the proximal surface is greater than the length of the distal surface.

13. The cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein the distal surface is inclined at an inclination angle between 10 and 60 degrees, preferably between 20 and 50 degrees, more preferably between 30 and 35 degrees.

14. A barrel assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element comprises a recess and the second connecting element comprises a protrusion, wherein a gap is provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion, and preferably wherein the gap is a coaxial gap.

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