Cartridge with capillary tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge (10) comprising a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device comprising: a liquid storage portion (12) comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an atomization unit (20) in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion; a gas flow path (32) in fluid communication with the atomization unit and at least one capillary (24), where the at least one capillary is configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the gas flow path via a capillary force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising an atomising unit and a liquid storage portion having a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge and the aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide a cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate for generating inhalable vapor. Such systems can heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which the substrate is volatilized without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. In an aerosol generating system device, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be delivered to an atomizing unit from a liquid storage portion. When heated to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate evaporates to form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion can be formed into a replaceable or refillable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can be attached to an aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation. Droplets of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be formed in the aerosol generating device. These droplets may leak out of the aerosol generating device, thereby damaging the user's experience. The droplets may reach the user's mouth, thereby adversely affecting the user's experience when the user consumes the aerosol vapor. These droplets can also reduce the total amount of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporated to form an aerosol. Any droplets formed in the aerosol generating device in the gas flow tube of the device may contaminate the device. The aerosol generating device may also be unable to re-evaporate any droplets of aerosol-forming substrate that condense in the gas flow tube. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is desirable to provide a cartridge that reduces leakage of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. It is desirable to provide a cartridge that can reduce the amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate that reaches the mouth of a user. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that allows re-evaporation of droplets of liquid aerosol-forming substrate that condense in an airflow. It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that allows a user to avoid leakage of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate in an easy manner.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion, the liquid storage portion including a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include an atomizing unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. An airflow path in fluid communication with the atomizing unit and at least one capillary may be present in the cartridge. At least one capillary may be configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the airflow path via capillary force.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion, the liquid storage portion including a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge also includes an atomizing unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. The cartridge also includes an airflow path in fluid communication with the atomizing unit and at least one capillary tube. The at least one capillary tube is configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the airflow path via capillary forces.

[0006] At least one capillary tube may transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the airflow path. This may ensure that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be transported by the at least one capillary tube in the direction of the airflow. This may provide another mode of transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This may reduce leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge. This may reduce leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge that is recondensed from the airflow path.

[0007] At least one capillary may be configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate including an aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers 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 mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may preferably contain both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0008] At least one capillary may be configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprising between 70% and 100% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent, preferably up to 95% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also comprise between 30% and 5% by weight of an additional compound selected from: flavoring agents, nicotine and water.

[0009] At least one capillary may have a circular cross-sectional area.At least one capillary may have a diameter between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.At least one capillary may have a length between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0010] Atomizing unit can be provided to atomize liquid aerosol to form a substrate to form an aerosol, which can be inhaled by a user subsequently. Atomizing unit can be configured to form any device capable of atomizing liquid aerosol to form a substrate. For example, atomizing unit can include a sprayer or atomizer nozzle, which forms a substrate based on the Venturi effect to atomize liquid aerosol. Alternatively, atomizing unit can include a heating element, in which case atomizing unit can be configured to evaporate liquid to form a substrate. Preferably, atomizing unit includes a heating element as described in more detail below.

[0011] The air flow path may provide a path for air to pass through the cartridge. Air passing through the cartridge via the air flow path may be used for aerosol formation. Air passing through the air flow path may be used for aerosol formation together with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0012] The airflow path may be arranged along the atomizing unit. At least one capillary tube may be configured to transport the aerosol-forming substrate from an upstream airflow path portion to a downstream airflow path portion. The upstream airflow path portion may be located upstream of the atomizing unit. The downstream airflow path portion may be located downstream of the atomizing unit.

[0013] This may allow the at least one capillary tube to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate located upstream of the atomisation unit to a portion of the downstream airflow path located downstream of the atomisation unit. This may allow the at least one capillary tube to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a region of the airflow path where the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be atomised by the atomisation unit, thereby forming an aerosol. This may allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is recondensed in the airflow path to be recirculated for aerosol formation.

[0014] The cartridge may further comprise a holding reservoir for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the air flow path.

[0015] Such a holding reservoir may be configured to store liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from the atomizing unit. Such a holding reservoir may be configured to store liquid aerosol-forming substrate recondensed from the airflow path. The holding reservoir may be configured to temporarily receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from one or both of the atomizing unit and the airflow path. The holding reservoir may also be configured to temporarily receive liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from the liquid storage portion.

[0016] The holding reservoir may preferably be arranged in the upstream airflow path portion.This may allow the holding reservoir to at least temporarily store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate upstream of the nebulisation unit.

[0017] The reservoir can be maintained to include a retention material for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The retention material can include a spongy or foamy material that can store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The structure of the retention material can form a plurality of apertures or tubes through which the liquid substrate can be transported and stored by capillary action. The example of a suitable material is a sponge or foamy material, a ceramic or graphite-based material in the form of a fiber or sintered powder, a foamed metal or a plastic material, for example, a fibrous material made by spinning or extruding a fiber, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fiber, nylon fiber or ceramic.

[0018] The at least one capillary tube may be in fluid communication with the holding reservoir.The at least one capillary tube may be configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the holding reservoir to the downstream airflow path portion.

[0019] This may enable the at least one capillary tube to transport liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the holding reservoir to the downstream airflow path portion located downstream of the nebulising unit.

[0020] The holding reservoir may be distinct from the liquid storage portion.The holding reservoir may be configured to store liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from one or more of the nebulising unit, the air flow path and the liquid reservoir.

[0021] The cartridge may comprise an upstream air inlet.The retaining reservoir may be arranged around the upstream air inlet.

[0022] The upstream air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the cartridge.The upstream air inlet may be an upstream end of an air flow path through the cartridge.

[0023] This may allow the retention reservoir to be positioned adjacent to the upstream end of the air flow path.This may allow the upstream air inlet to be located at the upstream air flow path portion of the air flow path.

[0024] The upstream air inlet may be defined by a baffle. This may allow the retaining reservoir to be arranged around the upstream air inlet without the liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking out of the cartridge through the upstream air inlet.

[0025] The baffle may be arranged in the interior of the barrel. The barrel may include a base. The baffle may protrude from the base toward the atomizing unit of the barrel. The baffle may be configured to direct air entering through the upstream air inlet toward at least one capillary. The at least one capillary may be located downstream of the upstream air inlet. The baffle may protrude from the base toward the at least one capillary. The baffle may protrude from the base toward the at least one capillary and the atomizing unit of the barrel.

[0026] This may allow the baffle to direct air entering the cartridge through the upstream air inlet towards the atomizing unit for evaporation and towards the capillary tube.

[0027] The barrel may include a housing. The base of the barrel may be a part of the housing. The housing may be made of one or more of plastic, metal or wood. The housing may contain or be made of a polymer, such as one or more of polypropylene, polycarbonate or polyethylene. The baffle may be detachable from the housing. The housing and baffle of the barrel may form a single piece of the barrel. The baffle may be made of the same material as the housing.

[0028] The shell of barrel can comprise base and one or more walls extending from base.As used herein, term " wall " refers to the facet of shell more generally, and wall can be formed by single panel, or wall can be formed by two or more adjacent or overlapping panels.Base and one or more walls can be formed integrally.Base and one or more walls can be different elements attached or fixed to each other.House can be rigid shell.As used herein, term " rigid shell " is used to represent self-supporting shell.At least one capillary can be arranged in the inside of barrel, preferably in the inside of the shell of barrel.

[0029] The at least one capillary tube may include a capillary delivery portion extending along the gas flow path. The at least one capillary tube may also include a capillary output portion extending transversely to the capillary delivery portion.

[0030] The capillary output portion can be configured to release the liquid aerosol formed substrate transported by the capillary delivery portion into the airflow path of the tube. This can promote the atomization of the liquid aerosol formed substrate transported by at least one capillary in the airflow path. The capillary output portion can be in fluid communication with the capillary delivery portion.

[0031] Preferably, the capillary output portion may be located downstream of the atomisation unit. This may allow the capillary output portion to release the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the air flow path downstream of the atomisation unit for evaporation.

[0032] The capillary output portion may be configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a portion of the airflow path downstream of the atomisation unit.Preferably, the capillary output portion may be configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a downstream airflow path portion.

[0033] At least one capillary may include a capillary suction portion. The capillary suction portion may be configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the capillary delivery portion. The capillary suction portion may be in fluid communication with the capillary delivery portion. The capillary suction portion may be in fluid communication with a retention reservoir. Preferably, the capillary suction portion is configured to deliver a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the retention reservoir to the capillary delivery portion.

[0034] The capillary suction portion may extend transversely to the capillary delivery portion.

[0035] The capillary suction section may be located upstream of the nebulizing unit.

[0036] The capillary intake portion may extend parallel to the capillary output portion.

[0037] The capillary transport portion may include a plurality of capillaries. The plurality of capillaries may extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the plurality of capillaries may include at least 2, more preferably at least 4 capillaries. The plurality of capillaries may include 2 to 16 capillaries.

[0038] The plurality of capillaries in the capillary transport section may enable storage and transport of a larger portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the capillary transport section.

[0039] A plurality of capillaries in the capillary delivery portion may be in fluid communication with a capillary in the capillary output portion.

[0040] This ensures that the plurality of capillaries in the capillary delivery portion can store and deliver a large amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, which is then delivered to one capillary in the capillary output portion to be released into the airflow path of the cartridge.

[0041] A plurality of capillaries in the capillary transport portion may be in fluid communication with a capillary in the capillary intake portion. This may ensure that the capillary intake portion can transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the holding reservoir to the capillary transport portion.

[0042] The cross-sectional area of ​​the capillary in the capillary suction part may be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the capillary in the capillary delivery part. The cross-sectional area of ​​the capillary in the capillary delivery part may be greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the capillary in the capillary output part. The cross-sectional area of ​​at least one capillary may have any shape. For example, it may be rectangular, polygonal, circular or oval. Preferably, the cross-sectional area may be oval or circular, more preferably circular.

[0043] This can ensure that the liquid aerosol forming substrate is reliably transported through the capillary suction part, the capillary delivery part and the capillary output part. This can ensure that the liquid aerosol forming substrate described herein, which particularly comprises polyols as aerosol forming agents, is reliably transported. This can ensure that the liquid aerosol forming substrate is reliably transported from the capillary suction part to the capillary output part via the capillary delivery part. The diameter of the capillary in the suction part can be less than the height of the baffle that limits the upstream air inlet. This can ensure that the liquid aerosol forming substrate does not leak out of the tube through the upstream air inlet.

[0044] The cross-sectional area of ​​at least one capillary can be circular. The diameter of the capillary in the capillary intake portion can be between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm. The diameter of the capillary in the capillary delivery portion can be between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm. The diameter of the capillary in the capillary output portion can be between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0045] The cartridge may further comprise a downstream air inlet. The downstream air inlet may be configured to direct air to a portion of the airflow path downstream of the atomising unit. The portion of the airflow path downstream of the atomising unit may be a downstream airflow path portion.

[0046] The downstream air inlet may provide air to the downstream air flow path portion.The downstream air inlet may facilitate evaporation of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered to the downstream air flow path portion by the at least one capillary, preferably the capillary output portion.

[0047] The downstream air inlet may be configured to direct air adjacent to the capillary output portion.This may facilitate the generation of an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate conveyed by the capillary output portion.

[0048] The atomization unit may include a heating element and a porous body. The porous body may be made of a ceramic material. The porous body may be configured to absorb a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0049] The heating element may be arranged on the heating surface of the porous body. The heating element may be formed as a heating track configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be configured to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate absorbed by the porous body of the atomizing unit for evaporation. The heating element of the atomizing unit may be in electrical contact with the electric heating element contacts. The electric heating element contacts may also be arranged on the heating surface of the porous body. The electric heating element contacts may be configured to allow electrical contact with the aerosol generating device when the cartridge is attached to the device.

[0050] The absorbent surface of the porous body of the atomizing unit may be in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0051] The absorbing surface may be separate from the heating surface of the porous body.

[0052] The absorbent surface may absorb the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be further transported within the porous body of the atomising unit to the heated surface for evaporation.

[0053] The heated surface of the porous body of the atomization unit may be located in the downstream gas flow path portion. The at least one capillary, in particular the capillary output portion, may deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the downstream gas flow path portion adjacent to the heated surface of the porous body. This may facilitate the formation of an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered by the at least one capillary in relation to the heated surface of the porous body.

[0054] The porous body may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape including six surfaces. The heating element may be substantially flat. The heating element may be arranged at one of the six surfaces of the porous body.

[0055] The distance between the base of the barrel and the heating surface of the atomizing unit can be less than the distance between the base of the barrel and the capillary of the capillary output portion. In particular, the distance between the base of the barrel and the heating surface of the atomizing unit can be between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0056] The present invention also provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system may include a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be configured to supply power to the atomizing unit. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the atomizing unit.

[0057] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge and an aerosol generating device as described herein. The aerosol generating device comprises a power supply and a controller. The power supply is configured to supply power to an atomizing unit. The controller is configured to control the operation of the atomizing unit.

[0058] Such an aerosol generating system may be configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge. An aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may be connected to the cartridge and may control the operation of the atomizing unit. The power supply of the aerosol generating device may also supply power to the atomizing unit, in particular to its heating element.

[0059] The cartridge may include at least two electrical contacts, in particular the electrical heating element contacts already mentioned above. The electrical contacts may be configured to provide electrical contact with a heating element of the atomizing unit. At least two electrical contacts may be in electrical contact with a heating element of the atomizing unit.

[0060] A cartridge as described herein may be configured to be detachably connectable to an aerosol generating device of an aerosol generating system. This may allow the cartridge to be replaced when the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir is depleted.

[0061] The ceramic body of the atomizing unit may include or be made of one or both of Ca2SiO4 and SiO2.

[0062] The heating element may include a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic materials and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. Preferably, the heating element may contain a nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr) or be made of a nickel-chromium alloy. The heating element may also be made of a titanium alloy or SUS stainless steel, or may be made of pure nickel, SUS stainless steel or titanium.

[0063] The electrical contacts may contain or be made of a conductive metal or alloy, such as one or more of Cu, Ag, Zn, or Au.

[0064] The heating element may comprise a susceptor heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by induction. As described above, the susceptor may be part of an aerosol-generating device, or part of an aerosol-generating article. The susceptor may be formed of any material that can be heated by induction to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors may comprise or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors may be or include aluminum.

[0065] The preferred susceptor is a metal susceptor, such as stainless steel. However, the susceptor material may also include or be made of any of the following: graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, niobium, Inconel alloy (an austenite-based nickel-chromium superalloy), a metallized film, a ceramic (e.g., zirconium oxide), a transition metal (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel), or a metalloid component (e.g., boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum), or a combination or alloy of materials.

[0066] The susceptor may be heated by an induction coil. The induction coil may provide an alternating magnetic field. The induction coil may be part of the aerosol generating device or may be included in the cartridge. When placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are typically induced and hysteresis losses occur in the susceptor, causing heating of the susceptor.

[0067] Preferably, the heating element is a resistive heating element as described above.

[0068] The aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may include a circuit system. The circuit system may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The circuit system may include additional electronic components. The circuit system may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after activating the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The circuit system may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element, and preferably control the power supply to the heating element according to the resistance of the heating element.

[0069] The aerosol generating device of the aerosol generating system may include a power supply, typically a battery, within the body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply 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. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may provide power, for example, to an induction coil included in an aerosol generating article. Alternatively, the power supply may provide power to a resistive heating element included in the cartridge via an electrical connection.

[0070] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative position of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating device relative to the direction in which air flows through the aerosol generating device along an airflow path during use of the aerosol generating device. An aerosol generating device according to the present invention comprises a proximal end through which, in use, an aerosol leaves the device. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as a mouth end or a downstream end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The mouth end may include a mouthpiece. The distal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as an upstream end. Components of an aerosol generating device, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position relative to the airflow path through the aerosol generating device.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Example 1: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising

[0073] a liquid storage portion comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizing unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion,

[0074] an air flow path, the air flow path being in fluid communication with the atomization unit and at least one capillary tube,

[0075] Wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the airflow path via capillary forces.

[0076] Example 2: A cartridge according to Example 1, wherein the airflow path is arranged along the atomization unit, and wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport the aerosol-forming substrate from an upstream airflow path portion located upstream of the atomization unit to a downstream airflow path portion located downstream of the atomization unit.

[0077] Example 3: A cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a retaining reservoir for receiving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the airflow path, preferably a cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the retaining reservoir is arranged in the upstream airflow path portion, more preferably, wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the retaining reservoir to the downstream airflow path portion.

[0078] Example 4: The cartridge according to the preceding example, further comprising an upstream air inlet, wherein the holding reservoir is arranged around the upstream air inlet, preferably wherein the upstream air inlet is defined by a baffle.

[0079] Example 5: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the at least one capillary comprises a capillary delivery portion extending along the airflow path and a capillary output portion extending transversely to the capillary delivery portion, preferably wherein the capillary output portion is located downstream of the atomization unit.

[0080] Example 6: A cartridge according to the previous example, wherein the capillary output portion is configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a portion of the airflow path downstream of the atomization unit, preferably a cartridge according to Example 3, wherein the capillary output portion is configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the downstream airflow path portion.

[0081] Example 7: A cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples 5 or 6, wherein the at least one capillary comprises a capillary suction portion, wherein the capillary suction portion is configured to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the capillary transport portion, preferably a cartridge according to example 3, wherein the capillary suction portion is configured to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the retaining reservoir to the capillary transport portion.

[0082] Example 8: The cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the capillary intake portion extends transversely to the capillary delivery portion.

[0083] Example 9: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples 5 to 8, wherein the capillary transport portion comprises a plurality of capillaries extending parallel to each other, preferably wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises at least two, more preferably at least four capillaries.

[0084] Example 10: The cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the plurality of capillaries are in fluid communication with a capillary output portion, preferably the cartridge according to any of examples 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of capillaries are in fluid communication with a capillary intake portion.

[0085] Example 11: A cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, further comprising a downstream air inlet, wherein the downstream air inlet is configured to direct air to a portion of the airflow path located downstream of the atomization unit, preferably a cartridge according to any of examples 3 or 4, wherein the downstream air inlet is configured to direct air to the downstream airflow path portion.

[0086] Example 12: The cartridge of the preceding example, further dependent upon any one of examples 5 to 10, wherein the downstream air inlet is configured to direct air adjacent to the capillary output portion.

[0087] Example 13: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the atomization unit comprises a heating element and a porous body, preferably wherein the porous body is made of a ceramic material, more preferably wherein the porous body is configured to absorb a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0088] Example 14: Cartridge according to the preceding example, wherein the heating element is arranged on a heating surface of the porous body, preferably wherein the heating element is formed as a heating track configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0089] Example 15: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples 13 or 14, wherein the absorbent surface of the porous body is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion.

[0090] Example 16: An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power source and a controller, wherein the power source is configured to supply power to the atomization unit, and wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the atomization unit.

[0091] Example 17: An aerosol generating system according to the preceding example, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably connectable to the aerosol generating device.

[0092] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0094] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge comprising at least one capillary; and

[0095] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a capillary system for circulating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is shown.

[0096] In the following, elements having the same function are marked with the same reference numerals in all figures;

[0097] Figure 3 a and 3b depict cross-sectional front and side views of a cartridge comprising at least one capillary for conveying a liquid aerosol-forming substrate along an airflow path; and

[0098] Figure 4 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge 10 comprising a liquid storage portion 12 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is depicted. The cartridge 10 also comprises an atomizing unit 20 comprising a porous body 14 and a heating element contact 18 located on a heating surface 20A of the atomizing unit and a heating element 16. The electrical heating element contact is electrically connected to the heating element and thus allows the resistive heating element to be heated. The porous body 14 of the atomizing unit 20 is electrically connected to the liquid storage portion ( Figure 1 The atomizing unit is atomized in the embodiment of the present invention. ...

[0100] During the operation of the cartridge, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may leak from the porous body 14 of the atomizing unit by so-called "splashing". In addition, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be recondensed in the airflow path 32. The leaked liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be received in a holding reservoir 26 located in the upstream airflow path portion 32B of the cartridge 10. A plurality of capillaries 22 in the capillary transport portion are in fluid communication with the holding reservoir and are configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the holding reservoir 26 via capillary force in the direction 22A indicated by the arrow. A plurality of capillaries 22 of the capillary transport portion are in fluid communication with a capillary 24 of the capillary output portion. The tube 24 of the capillary output portion transports the liquid aerosol-forming substrate received by the capillary transport portion to the downstream airflow path portion 32A above the heating surface 20A of the atomizing unit in the direction indicated by the arrow 24A. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered by the capillary output section may mix with air from the air flow path 32 and additional air that may enter the cartridge through the downstream air inlet 34 to form an aerosol. The plurality of capillaries in the capillary delivery section and the capillaries in the capillary output section thus enable effective recycling of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from the cartridge.

[0101] Figure 2 Describes alternatives Figure 1 The capillary shown in Figure 1 is used for Figure 1 10. This capillary structure also includes a capillary 22 in the capillary delivery portion and a corresponding capillary 24 in the capillary output portion. In addition, there is a capillary 36 in the capillary suction portion. This capillary 36 is connected to the capillary 22 in the capillary delivery portion. Figure 1 36A and is capable of delivering liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the holding reservoir to the capillary of the capillary transport portion in the direction indicated by arrow 36A.

[0102] Figure 3 a depicts a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 10 that also includes cartridge electrical contacts 38. These cartridge electrical contacts 38 are configured for contacting the aerosol generating device. The cartridge electrical contacts 38 are connected to electrical wires 40 that are capable of making electrical contact with the heating element contacts 18 located on the heating surface 20A of the atomizing unit.

[0103] Figure 3 b shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional side view of a. It can be clearly seen that the liquid storage portion 12 contacts the rear of the porous body 14 of the nebulising unit. This allows the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be transferred from the liquid storage portion to the porous body 14 of the nebulising unit.

[0104] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system is shown comprising a cartridge 10 and an aerosol generating device 42. The aerosol generating device 42 comprises device electrical contacts 44 which may contact the cartridge electrical contacts 38 for providing an electrical connection. The aerosol generating device typically comprises a power source such as a battery which may provide power to the heating element contacts 18.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising a liquid storage portion comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an atomizing unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion, an air flow path, the air flow path being in fluid communication with the atomization unit and at least one capillary tube, Wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate along the airflow path via capillary forces, the cartridge further comprising a holding reservoir for receiving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the airflow path.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the air flow path is arranged along the atomization unit, and wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport the aerosol-forming substrate from an upstream air flow path portion located upstream of the atomization unit to a downstream air flow path portion located downstream of the atomization unit.

3. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining reservoir is arranged in the upstream airflow path portion, preferably wherein the at least one capillary is configured to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the retaining reservoir to the downstream airflow path portion.

4. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an upstream air inlet, wherein the holding reservoir is arranged around the upstream air inlet, preferably wherein the upstream air inlet is defined by a baffle.

5. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one capillary comprises a capillary delivery portion extending along the airflow path and a capillary output portion extending transversely to the capillary delivery portion, preferably wherein the capillary output portion is located downstream of the atomization unit.

6. A cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the capillary output portion is configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a portion of the airflow path downstream of the atomization unit, preferably a cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the capillary output portion is configured to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the downstream airflow path portion.

7. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims 5 or 6, wherein the at least one capillary comprises a capillary suction portion, wherein the capillary suction portion is configured to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the capillary transport portion, preferably a cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the capillary suction portion is configured to transport a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the retaining reservoir to the capillary transport portion.

8. Cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the capillary suction portion extends transversely to the capillary delivery portion.

9. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, wherein the capillary transport portion comprises a plurality of capillaries extending parallel to each other, preferably wherein the plurality of capillaries comprises at least two, more preferably at least four capillaries.

10. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of capillaries are in fluid communication with a capillary output portion, preferably the cartridge according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of capillaries are in fluid communication with a capillary intake portion.

11. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a downstream air inlet configured to direct air to a portion of the air flow path located downstream of the atomization unit, preferably a cartridge according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the downstream air inlet is configured to direct air to the downstream air flow path portion.

12. A cartridge according to the preceding claim, further dependent on any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the downstream air inlet is configured to direct air adjacent the capillary output portion.

13. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the atomisation unit comprises a heating element and a porous body, preferably wherein the porous body is made of a ceramic material, more preferably wherein the porous body is configured to absorb a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a power supply and a controller, wherein the power supply is configured to supply power to the atomization unit, and wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the atomization unit.

15. An aerosol generating system according to the preceding claim, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably connectable to the aerosol generating device.

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