Cartridge with air ventilation channel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising: a liquid storage portion comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an atomization unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion; an airflow path in fluid communication with the atomization unit, the airflow path extending through the cartridge; a longitudinal axis, wherein the airflow path extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis; and at least one air ventilation channel configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, where the at least one air ventilation channel partially extends along the longitudinal axis.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, which comprises an atomization 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.

[0002] There is known to provide a cartridge that comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate for generating an inhalable vapor. Such systems can heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which the substrate volatilizes without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. In an aerosol generating system, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be delivered from the liquid storage portion to the atomization unit. When heated to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate evaporates to form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion can be formed as a replaceable or refillable cartridge that comprises the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can be attached to the aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation. The supply of fresh liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the atomization unit can be interrupted. This can result in dry burning of the atomization unit, heating of the atomization unit, in the absence of any aerosol-forming substrate or in the absence of a sufficient amount of aerosol-forming substrate. This can impair the user experience. Dry burning can result in the production of toxic substances. The used liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have to be replaced by air in the liquid storage portion. When the used liquid aerosol-forming substrate cannot be adequately replaced by air, a reduced pressure can be formed in the liquid storage portion compared to other parts of the cartridge. This can result in an interruption of the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0003] There is a desire to provide a cartridge that reduces or avoids dry burning of the atomization unit. There is a desire to provide a cartridge that can allow easy replacement of the spent liquid aerosol-forming substrate with air.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge can comprise a liquid storage portion that comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can comprise an atomization unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. An air flow path in fluid communication with the atomization unit can extend through the cartridge. The cartridge can comprise a longitudinal axis, wherein the air flow path extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. At least one air ventilation channel can be provided in the cartridge. At least one air ventilation channel can be configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion. At least one air ventilation channel can extend at least partially along the longitudinal axis.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion that includes a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, the cartridge includes an atomization unit that is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. An air flow path that is in fluid communication with the atomization unit is present in the cartridge, wherein the air flow path extends through the cartridge. The cartridge further includes a longitudinal axis, wherein the air flow path extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis. At least one air ventilation channel is present in the cartridge. The air ventilation channel is configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion. At least one air ventilation channel extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis.

[0006] At least one air ventilation channel can allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be reliably supplied to the atomization unit. At least one air ventilation channel can allow air to easily enter the liquid storage portion, thereby replacing the consumed liquid aerosol-forming substrate. This can reduce or avoid decompression in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge compared to other parts of the cartridge. Since at least one air ventilation channel extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis and at least partially along the air flow path, it may be easier for air to enter the liquid storage portion through at least one air ventilation channel. At least one air ventilation channel can reduce or avoid "dry burning" of the atomization unit.

[0007] As used herein, the term "extending along the longitudinal axis" encompasses embodiments in which at least one air ventilation channel extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. This term also encompasses embodiments in which at least one air ventilation channel extends, for example, in a direction that winds around the longitudinal axis along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] The air flow path extending through the cartridge may include an air inlet that allows air to enter the cartridge from the outside of the cartridge. The air flow path may further include an air outlet at which air or an aerosol formed from air and the aerosol-forming substrate may leave the cartridge.

[0009] At least one air ventilation channel may include an air inlet that allows air to enter the cartridge and the liquid storage portion from the outside of the cartridge. At least one air ventilation channel may not include an air outlet because the air ventilation channel is configured to supply air to the liquid storage portion to replace the consumed liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0010] An atomization unit may be provided to atomize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol, which may then be inhaled by a user. The atomization unit may be configured as any device capable of atomizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the atomization unit may include a nebulizer or an atomizer nozzle that atomizes the liquid aerosol-forming substrate based on the Venturi effect. Alternatively, the atomization unit may include a heating element, in which case the atomization unit may be configured to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the atomization unit includes a heating element as described in more detail below.

[0011] The at least one air ventilation channel may include a first channel portion and a second channel portion. The first channel portion may extend along the longitudinal axis. The second channel portion may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] The second channel portion may be configured to connect the first channel portion of at least one air ventilation channel to a portion of the air flow path extending through the tube. This may allow air to enter the at least one air ventilation channel through the air flow path. Once the user has stopped inhaling on the aerosol generating device, this may allow air to enter the at least one air ventilation channel through the air flow path. This may allow air to enter the tube through the air flow path, and preferably enter the at least one air ventilation channel through the second channel portion.

[0013] The first channel portion may be in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. The first channel portion may be in fluid communication with the second channel portion of at least one air ventilation channel. Air may enter the at least one air ventilation channel through the second channel portion and may further enter the liquid storage portion through the first channel portion.

[0014] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel portion may be different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel portion. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel portion may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel portion.

[0015] This may reduce or minimise capillary forces which may draw liquid into the second channel portion of the air vent channel. This may reduce leakage through the air vent channel.

[0016] The cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air ventilation channel can have any shape. For example, it can be rectangular, polygonal, circular or oval. Preferably, the cross-sectional area can be oval or circular, more preferably circular.

[0017] The cartridge may further comprise at least one liquid communication channel. The liquid communication channel may provide fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the nebulization unit.

[0018] The at least one liquid communication channel may allow liquid to be transferred from the liquid storage portion to the atomizing unit via capillary forces.The atomizing unit may absorb the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and may also evaporate the substrate for aerosol formation.

[0019] The cross-sectional area of ​​at least one liquid communication channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one air ventilation channel. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one liquid communication channel may be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​one or both of the first channel portion and the second channel portion of at least one air ventilation channel.

[0020] At least one air ventilation channel can be configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, which can be ensured by the air ventilation channel having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of at least one liquid communication channel for delivering the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0021] At least one liquid communication channel and at least one air ventilation channel can have a tubular form. This can result in a circular cross-sectional area for both the liquid communication channel and at least one air ventilation channel. The diameter of at least one liquid communication channel can be greater than 1 millimeter. The diameter of at least one liquid communication channel can be at most 5 millimeters. The diameter of at least one air ventilation channel can be between 0.01 millimeter and 0.5 millimeter.

[0022] In the cartridge, the liquid storage portion can be arranged adjacent to the atomization unit. At least one air ventilation channel can extend along the atomization unit to the liquid storage portion.

[0023] This can provide an easy way to allow air to be delivered along the atomization unit to the liquid storage portion.

[0024] The cartridge can further include a mounting frame. The mounting frame can be configured to mount the atomization unit in the cartridge. The mounting frame can at least partially define the atomization unit.

[0025] At least one air ventilation channel can be at least partially formed between the mounting frame and the surface area of the atomization unit.

[0026] This can provide an easy way to form at least one air ventilation channel.

[0027] The mounting frame can include at least one groove. At least one air ventilation channel can be at least partially formed between the groove and the surface area of the atomization unit.

[0028] This can allow at least one air ventilation channel to be guided along the atomization unit to the liquid storage portion.

[0029] The mounting frame can include a sidewall. At least one air ventilation channel can be partially formed within the sidewall.

[0030] This can allow the ventilation channel to be formed in the sidewall without contacting the adjacent atomization unit.

[0031] At least one air ventilation channel can be wound within the sidewall, extending along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. This can allow the ventilation channel to form a meandering air ventilation channel that extends from the liquid storage portion to the air flow path of the cartridge.

[0032] This can provide a greater liquid storage capacity. This can be used to minimize the amount of liquid in the air ventilation channel so as not to reach the air flow path of the cartridge.

[0033] The portion of the formation of at least one air ventilation channel within the side wall of the mounting frame or the portion of the formation of at least one air ventilation channel between the mounting frame and the surface of the atomization unit may be the first channel portion.

[0034] This may allow the air ventilation channel to be easily fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion extending along or near the atomization unit.

[0035] 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 the liquid aerosol-forming matrix.

[0036] The heating element may be disposed 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 matrix. The heating element of the atomization unit may be in electrical contact with the electrical heating element contact. The electrical heating element contact may also be disposed on the heating surface of the porous body.

[0037] The heating surface of the atomization unit may receive the liquid aerosol-forming matrix from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The heating surface of the atomization unit may heat and evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming matrix for aerosol formation.

[0038] The porous body of the atomization unit may further include an absorption surface. The absorption surface of the porous body may be in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and may receive the liquid aerosol-forming matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix may further be transferred from the absorption surface of the porous body to the heating surface.

[0039] The mounting frame may be disposed on the heating surface of a portion of the porous body. A portion of at least one air ventilation channel may be formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface of the porous body. The portion of the air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface may be the second channel portion.

[0040] This may allow air from the outside to enter the liquid storage portion through the second channel portion and then through the first channel portion of at least one air ventilation channel.

[0041] This may also allow any liquid aerosol-forming matrix leaking from the liquid storage portion through at least one air ventilation channel to be evaporated at the heating surface of the porous body. In particular, the liquid aerosol-forming matrix leaking from the liquid storage portion may be transferred from the storage portion through the first channel portion to the second channel portion and subsequently evaporated.

[0042] The mounting frame may define a lateral surface portion of the porous body. The lateral surface portion may extend transversely to the heating surface. A portion of at least one air ventilation channel may be formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface portion of the porous body. The portion of at least one air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface portion may be a first channel portion.

[0043] The first channel portion and the second channel portion of the at least one air ventilation channel may thus be formed on adjacent surfaces of the porous body of the atomizing unit.

[0044] This can allow easy design of the air ventilation channel extending along the atomizing unit to the liquid storage portion. In the case where the first channel portion is formed between the lateral surface and the mounting frame, this can also allow liquid aerosol-forming substrate leaking from the liquid storage portion to be absorbed by the lateral surface portion of the porous body.

[0045] The mounting frame may include at least one liquid opening for providing a liquid communication passage between the liquid storage portion and the atomization unit.Preferably, the liquid storage portion is arranged adjacent to the atomization unit.

[0046] This may provide an easy way to allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be transferred from the storage portion to the atomisation unit. Preferably, the liquid storage portion is adjacent to the porous body of the atomisation unit. In this case, the absorbent surface of the porous body adjacent to the liquid storage portion absorbs the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the porous body and further transfers the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating surface thereof.

[0047] The cartridge may further comprise an upstream air inlet. The upstream air inlet may be configured to direct air along an air flow path through the atomising unit.

[0048] The air flow path extending through the cartridge may be separate from the at least one air ventilation channel.As already mentioned above, when the user has stopped drawing on the aerosol generating device, the at least one air ventilation channel may receive air passing through the air flow path within the cartridge.

[0049] The liquid storage portion may comprise a retention material. The retention material may be configured to absorb and retain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0050] The holding material may comprise a spongy or foamy material capable of storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The structure of the holding material may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the liquid substrate may be transported and stored by capillary action. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibres or sintered powders, foam metals or plastic materials, such as fibrous materials made from spun or extruded fibres, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibres, nylon fibres or ceramics.

[0051] The user may periodically invert the device after use. This may cause any air bubbles formed in the liquid storage portion to be released from the cartridge through at least one air vent passage.

[0052] According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be configured to supply power to the atomization unit of the cartridge. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the atomization unit.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device as described herein. The aerosol-generating device comprises a power source and a controller. The power source is configured to supply power to the atomization unit of the cartridge. The controller is configured to control the operation of the atomization unit.

[0054] Such an aerosol-generating system may be configured to generate an aerosol from a liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may be connected to the cartridge and may control the operation of the atomization unit of the cartridge. The power source of the aerosol-generating device may also supply power to the atomization unit, in particular to its heating element.

[0055] The cartridge may be configured to be detachably connected to the aerosol-generating device.

[0056] This may allow the cartridge to be replaced when the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid reservoir is depleted.

[0057] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming agent. Suitable aerosol-forming agents include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming agent may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol-forming agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may preferably comprise both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0058] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise between 70% and 100% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent, preferably at most 95% by weight of an aerosol-forming agent. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise between 30% and 5% by weight of additional compounds selected from flavorants, nicotine, and water.

[0059] The ceramic body of the atomization unit may comprise one or both of Ca2SiO4 and SiO2 or be made of one or both of Ca2SiO4 and SiO2.

[0060] The cartridge may include a plurality of air ventilation channels, for example, the cartridge may include at least 2 air ventilation channels, preferably at least 3, more preferably at least 5 air ventilation channels. The cartridge may include at most 6 air ventilation channels.

[0061] The heating element may comprise 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 of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, 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 superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. Preferably, the heating element may comprise a nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr) or be made of a nickel-chromium alloy. The heating element may also be made of an alloy of titanium or SUS stainless steel, or may be made of pure nickel, SUS stainless steel, or titanium.

[0062] The electrical contact may comprise or be made of a conductive metal or alloy, such as one or more of Cu, Ag, Zn, or Au.

[0063] The heating element may include a susceptor heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate by induction heating. As described above, the susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating device or part of the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor may be formed of any material capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors may include or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors may be aluminum or include aluminum.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Preferably, the heating element is a resistive heating element as described above.

[0067] The mounting frame may comprise or be made of a silicone polymer.The mounting frame may comprise a temperature resistant polymer material, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[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 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 includes a proximal end through which, in use, aerosol exits the device. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or the 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 the upstream end. Components or parts of the aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative position with respect to the airflow path through the aerosol generating device.

[0071] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. 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, the cartridge comprising

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

[0074] an airflow path in fluid communication with the atomization unit, the airflow path extending through the cartridge,

[0075] a longitudinal axis, wherein the airflow path extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis,

[0076] at least one air vent channel configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, wherein the at least one air vent channel extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis.

[0077] Example 2. The cartridge according to Example 1, wherein the at least one air vent channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the first channel portion extending along the longitudinal axis and the second channel portion extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, preferably wherein the cross-sectional area of the second channel portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first channel portion.

[0078] Example 3. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising at least one liquid communication channel for providing fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the atomization unit.

[0079] Example 4. The cartridge according to the previous example, wherein the cross-sectional area of the at least one liquid communication channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of the at least one air ventilation channel, preferably wherein the diameter of the at least one liquid communication channel is greater than 1 mm, and wherein the diameter of the at least one air ventilation channel is between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0080] Example 5. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the liquid storage portion is arranged adjacent to the atomization unit, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel extends along the atomization unit to the liquid storage portion.

[0081] Example 6. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising a mounting frame, wherein the mounting frame is configured to mount the atomization unit in the cartridge, and wherein the mounting frame at least partially defines the atomization unit.

[0082] Example 7. The cartridge according to the previous example, wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed between the surface area of the mounting frame and the atomization unit, preferably wherein the mounting frame includes at least one groove, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed between the groove and the surface area of the atomization unit.

[0083] Example 8. The cartridge according to example 6 of the previous examples, wherein the mounting frame includes a side wall, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed within the side wall, preferably wherein the at least one air ventilation channel winds within the side wall and extends along the longitudinal axis, more preferably the cartridge according to example 2, wherein the portion of the at least one air ventilation channel formed within the side wall is the first channel portion.

[0084] Example 9. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the atomization unit includes 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 the liquid aerosol-forming matrix.

[0085] Example 10. The cartridge according to the previous example, wherein the heating element is arranged on the heating surface of the porous body, preferably wherein the heating element is formed as a heating track configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming matrix.

[0086] Example 11. The cartridge according to the previous example, further dependent on any one of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the mounting frame is arranged on the heating surface of the part of the porous body, preferably wherein a part of the at least one air ventilation channel is formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface of the porous body, more preferably dependent on Example 2, wherein the part of the at least one air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface of the porous body is the second channel part.

[0087] Example 12. The cartridge according to the previous example, wherein the mounting frame defines a lateral surface portion of the porous body extending transversely to the heating surface, wherein a part of the at least one air ventilation channel is formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface portion of the porous body, more preferably dependent on Example 2, wherein the part of the at least one air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface portion of the porous body is the first channel part.

[0088] Example 13. The cartridge according to any one of the previous Examples 6, 7, 11 or 12, wherein the mounting frame includes at least one liquid opening for providing a liquid communication channel between the liquid storage portion and the atomization unit, preferably wherein the liquid storage portion is arranged adjacent to the atomization unit.

[0089] Example 14. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, further comprising an upstream air inlet configured to direct air through the atomization unit along the air flow path.

[0090] Example 15. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the air flow path is separated from the at least one air ventilation channel.

[0091] Example 16. The cartridge according to any one of the previous examples, wherein the liquid storage portion includes a holding material configured to absorb the liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0092] Example 17. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of the previous examples and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes 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.

[0093] Example 18. The aerosol generating system according to the previous example, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0094] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0095] The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0096] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge including an air ventilation passage;

[0097] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cartridge including an air ventilation passage;

[0098] Figure 3 depicts a schematic top view of an atomizer unit in a mounting frame;

[0099] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the atomization unit in the mounting frame as viewed from one side of the liquid storage portion;

[0100] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the cartridge, wherein a first channel portion of the air ventilation passage meanders through the mounting frame; and

[0101] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge, wherein the first channel portion is wound around the mounting frame;

[0102] Figure 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the cartridge indicating an airflow path through the cartridge;

[0103] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system including the cartridge and an aerosol generating device.

[0104] Hereinafter, elements having the same function in all the figures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0105] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 10 according to the present invention. The cartridge 10 includes a liquid storage portion 12 and an atomization unit 20 adjacent to the liquid storage portion. The atomization unit 20 is in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion 12 through a liquid communication passage 12A. A liquid aerosol forming substrate can be transported through the liquid communication passage 12A and can be absorbed by a porous body 14 of the atomization unit 20. A heating element 16 having an electrical heating element contact 18 is disposed on a heating surface 17 of the atomization unit 20. The liquid aerosol forming substrate absorbed by the porous body 14 of the atomization unit can be evaporated at this heating surface 17 by heating using the heating element 16. When the user is connected to an aerosol generating device ( Figure 1When sucking on the cartridge of a device (not shown in the figure), the air flow passes through the air flow tube 30 in the direction of the air flow path as indicated by arrow 22. This air flow path extends along the longitudinal axis 24 of the cartridge. The atomization unit 20 is mounted in the mounting frame 28, which includes a liquid communication channel 12A for direct liquid communication between the liquid storage portion 12 and the porous body 14 of the atomization unit. At least one air ventilation channel 26 is formed between the surface of the porous body of the atomization unit 20 and the mounting frame 28. The air ventilation channel 26 includes a first channel portion 26A extending along the longitudinal axis 24 of the cartridge and a second channel portion 26B extending transversely, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24. Air can pass through the second channel portion 26B and the first channel portion 26A to reach the liquid storage portion 12. This allows air to easily replace any used liquid aerosol-forming matrix in the liquid storage portion and can avoid or reduce the accumulation of any negative pressure in the liquid storage portion, the accumulation of negative pressure that may impede the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming matrix towards the atomization unit. The liquid aerosol-forming matrix can accidentally leak from the liquid storage portion 12 into the second channel portion 26B of the air ventilation channel 26 through the first channel portion 26A. The second channel portion 26B is positioned adjacent to the heating surface 17 of the atomization unit 20. This allows any accidentally leaked liquid aerosol-forming matrix to be evaporated by the heating surface of the atomization unit 20, thereby preventing droplets of the liquid aerosol-forming matrix from being accidentally inhaled by the user.

[0106] The cross-sectional area of the air ventilation channel 26 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the liquid communication channel 12A because air passes through the air ventilation channel 26 while the liquid aerosol-forming matrix is conveyed through the liquid communication channel 12A. The conveyance of air requires a smaller cross-sectional area of the air ventilation channel than that of the liquid communication channel. This is shown in Figure 1 a cross-sectional view, where the diameter 12B of the liquid communication channel 12A is greater than the diameter 26C of the first channel portion and the diameter 26D in the second channel portion of the air ventilation channel.

[0107] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the air ventilation channel 26 is formed within the mounting frame 28. Specifically, the air ventilation channel 26 is formed between a first portion 28A and a second portion 28B of the mounting frame 28. The mounting frame 28 is in direct contact with the porous body 14 of the atomization unit 20. When the user stops sucking air from the cartridge, air can enter the liquid storage portion 12 in the direction indicated by arrow 23 in Figure 2 the figure. Specifically, air can pass through the downstream air flow portion into the second channel portion 26B of the air ventilation channel 26 and can further be guided through the first channel portion 26A into the liquid storage portion 12.

[0108] Figure 3 shows a top view of a cartridge according to the present invention. This top view shows the heating element 16, which is located on the heating surface of the porous body 14 of the atomization unit 20 and is surrounded by the mounting frame 28 (the porous body 14 is located below the heating element 16 and the mounting frame 28 and is thus not shown in Figure 3 . The mounting frame 28 includes an opening to expose the electrical heating element contacts 18. This allows the electrical heating element contacts 18 to contact the aerosol generating device when the cartridge is connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0109] Figure 4 shows a schematic bottom view of the cartridge 10 without the liquid storage portion 12. This view shows the bottom portion of the mounting frame 28, where a portion of the porous body 14 is visible. This allows for fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the porous body 14 through the liquid communication channel 12A. The first channel portion 26A of the air ventilation channel is positioned adjacent to the liquid communication channel 12A. This allows air to enter the liquid storage portion.

[0110] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge 10. In this embodiment, the air ventilation channel 26 meanders within the mounting frame 28 and is located between the first portion 28A and the second portion 28B of the mounting frame 28. This is another design of the air ventilation channel 26, which allows air to enter the liquid storage portion 12 and replace any used liquid aerosol forming matrix with air.

[0111] Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the cartridge 10. In this cartridge, the air ventilation channel 26 is wound within the mounting frame 28. In particular, the first channel portion 26A of the air ventilation channel 26 is located within the mounting frame 28.

[0112] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10, indicating the airflow through the cartridge as indicated by the arrow 22. Air can enter the cartridge through the upstream air inlet 32 and can be directed along the liquid storage portion 12 to further mix with the volatile compounds from the liquid aerosol forming matrix that evaporates at the heating surface 17 of the atomization unit 20. The cartridge 10 includes a housing 38 and additional cartridge electrical contacts 34, which are configured to provide contact with the aerosol generating device. There are wires 36, which provide electrical contact between the cartridge electrical contacts 34 and the heating element contacts 18 of the heating surface of the atomization unit.

[0113] Figure 8Depicts a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including a cartridge 10 and an aerosol-generating device 40. Device electrical contacts 42 are present in the aerosol-generating device 40, which can provide electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contacts 34. The aerosol-generating device typically includes a power supply device, such as a battery, which can then supply power to the heating element contacts 18 of the heating surface of the atomization unit through the device electrical contacts 42, the cartridge electrical contacts 34, and the wire 36.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an atomization unit in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion, an airflow path in fluid communication with the atomization unit, the airflow path extending through the cartridge, a longitudinal axis, wherein the airflow path extends at least partially along the longitudinal axis, at least one air ventilation channel configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, wherein the at least one air ventilation channel extends partially along the longitudinal axis, and the cartridge further comprises at least one liquid communication channel for providing fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the atomization unit.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the at least one air ventilation channel comprises a first channel portion and a second channel portion, the first channel portion extending along the longitudinal axis and the second channel portion extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, preferably wherein the cross-sectional area of the second channel portion is greater than the cross-sectional area of the first channel portion.

3. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional area of the at least one liquid communication channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of the at least one air ventilation channel, preferably wherein the diameter of the at least one liquid communication channel is greater than 1 mm, and wherein the diameter of the at least one air ventilation channel is between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.

4. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid storage portion is arranged adjacent to the atomization unit, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel extends along the atomization unit to the liquid storage portion.

5. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting frame, wherein the mounting frame is configured to mount the atomization unit in the cartridge, and wherein the mounting frame at least partially defines the atomization unit.

6. The cartridge according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed between the mounting frame and the surface area of the atomization unit, preferably wherein the mounting frame comprises at least one groove, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed between the groove and the surface area of the atomization unit.

7. The cartridge according to claim 5 of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting frame comprises side walls, and wherein the at least one air ventilation channel is at least partially formed within the side walls, preferably wherein the at least one air ventilation channel winds within the side walls and extends along the longitudinal axis.

8. The cartridge according to the preceding claim and according to claim 2, wherein the portion of the at least one air ventilation channel formed within the side walls is the first channel portion.

9. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the atomization unit comprises a heating element and a porous body, preferably wherein the heating element is arranged on a heating surface of the porous body.

10. The cartridge according to the previous claim, further dependent on any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, further dependent on any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the mounting frame is arranged on the heating surface of the part of the porous body, preferably wherein a part of the at least one air ventilation channel is formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface of the porous body.

11. The cartridge according to the previous claim, further dependent on claim 2, wherein the part of the at least one air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the heating surface of the porous body is the second channel part.

12. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims 10 or 11, wherein the mounting frame defines a lateral surface part of the porous body extending transversely to the heating surface, and wherein a part of the at least one air ventilation channel is formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface part of the porous body.

13. The cartridge according to the previous claim, further dependent on claim 2, wherein the part of the at least one air ventilation channel formed between the mounting frame and the lateral surface part of the porous body is the first channel part.

14. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 7 or 9 to 13, wherein the mounting frame includes at least one liquid opening for providing a liquid communication channel between the liquid storage part and the atomization unit, preferably wherein the liquid storage part is arranged adjacent to the atomization unit.

15. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow path is separated from the at least one air ventilation channel.

16. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid storage part includes a holding material configured to absorb the liquid aerosol forming matrix.

17. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes 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.

18. The aerosol generating system according to the previous claim, wherein the cartridge is configured to be detachably connected to the aerosol generating device.

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