Aerosol-generating system with dosing control

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises: a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate; a pickup chamber; a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber; and an airflow passage of the cartridge, the airflow passage extending from a cartridge air inlet through the pickup chamber to a cartridge air outlet. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating device. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such devices can heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device can comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporises to form an aerosol.

[0003] On the one hand, systems utilising liquid aerosol-forming substrates generally permit control of parameters such as the amount of substance delivered to a user, the particle size, and the speed of airflow. On the other hand, sometimes complex electronic control devices can be required. In addition, liquid aerosol-forming substrates can face problems relating to a limited shelf life of the liquid, or problems relating to leakage, or problems relating to heat-induced decomposition.

[0004] In addition, aerosol-generating systems are known which do not heat an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, dry powder inhalers are known. Dry powder inhalers generally comprise a pierceable capsule comprising dry powder particles. During use, the capsule is pierced or ruptured to permit the dry powder particles to exit the capsule, to be drawn by an airflow through the inhaler, and then to be delivered to the mouth of a user.

[0005] However, with dry powder inhalers, it can sometimes be difficult to precisely control parameters such as the amount of substance to be delivered to a user per puff. SUMMARY

[0006] It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which can permit a predetermined amount of substance to be delivered to a user. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which can permit control of the particle size. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which can permit control of the airflow speed. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which has low complexity. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which has a durable aerosol-forming substrate. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which reduces or avoids leakage. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which can be comfortably manipulated by a user.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present application, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge can comprise a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can comprise a pick-up chamber. The cartridge can comprise a dosing mechanism. The dosing mechanism can be configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber. The cartridge can comprise an airflow passage of the cartridge. The airflow passage of the cartridge can extend from a cartridge air inlet, via the pick-up chamber, to a cartridge air outlet.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present application, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge comprises a pick-up chamber. The cartridge comprises a dosing mechanism. The dosing mechanism is configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber. The cartridge comprises an airflow passage of the cartridge. The airflow passage of the cartridge extends from a cartridge air inlet, via the pick-up chamber, to a cartridge air outlet.

[0009] With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which allows a predetermined amount of substance to be delivered to a user. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which allows control of particle size. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which allows control of airflow velocity. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which has low complexity. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which has a durable aerosol-forming substrate. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which reduces or avoids leakage. With the cartridge of the present application, it is possible to provide an aerosol-generating system which can be comfortably manipulated by a user.

[0010] As used herein, the term "single dose" can refer to an amount of aerosol-forming substrate which is consumed during a single puff by a user.

[0011] The dosing mechanism can be configured to be manually actuated by a user.

[0012] The dosing mechanism can be configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber via a dosing aperture.

[0013] The dosing mechanism can be configured to close the dosing aperture after a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate has been transferred to the pick-up chamber.

[0014] The dosing mechanism can comprise a scoop element. The scoop element can comprise at least one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The dosing mechanism can comprise a sleeve element. The sleeve element can coaxially surround the scoop element. The dosing mechanism can be arranged to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element.

[0015] The scoop element can be spatially arranged between the storage portion and the pick-up chamber.

[0016] The sleeve element can comprise a first end portion and an opposite second end portion. The first end portion can coaxially surround the scoop element. The second end portion can be configured as a side wall of the storage portion.

[0017] The dosing aperture can be provided in the form of a through-hole in the first end portion of the sleeve element.

[0018] The dosing mechanism can be configured such that the sleeve element and the scoop element are movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the dosing aperture can be closed by the scoop element. In the second position, the dosing aperture can be open to the receiving portion of the scoop element. In the second position, the dosing aperture can be open to the receiving portion of the scoop element such that a dose of aerosol- generating material can be transferred from the receiving portion of the scoop element to the pick-up chamber.

[0019] An outer side wall of the first end portion of the sleeve element can comprise a recessed portion. The pick-up chamber can be formed by an empty space provided between the recessed portion and a lateral side wall of an outer element coaxially surrounding the sleeve element.

[0020] The sleeve element and the scoop element can comprise a common central axis. The dosing mechanism can be arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element around the central axis. The first position can be a first rotational position. The second position can be a second rotational position.

[0021] The scoop element can be shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out. The at least one receiving portion of the scoop element can be provided by the at least one lateral cut-out.

[0022] The scoop element can comprise two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposite sides of the central axis. Each lateral cut-out can be configured for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. Each lateral cut-out can provide one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, by rotating the scoop element by 180 degrees, a first dose can be provided to the pick-up chamber and by rotating again by 180 degrees, a second dose can be provided to the pick-up chamber.

[0023] A bottom end face of the scoop element can face the storage portion. The bottom end face of the scoop element facing the storage portion can comprise a rough surface. The rough surface can comprise a corrugated profile. The rough surface can comprise a wavy profile.

[0024] The rough surface can advantageously contribute to reducing the risk of the movement of the scoop element being obstructed relative to the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion.

[0025] The cartridge can comprise a cap element. The cap element can be coaxially arranged around the scoop element and the sleeve element. The scoop element can be fixed relative to the cap element to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the scoop element and the cap element.

[0026] The cartridge can comprise a storage portion spring arrangement. The storage portion spring arrangement can be configured to urge a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the dosing mechanism.

[0027] The storage portion spring arrangement can be configured to urge a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the scoop element.

[0028] The storage portion can be configured for receiving a plurality of doses of dry powder aerosol-forming substrate.

[0029] The storage portion can comprise a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion can comprise a plurality of doses of dry powder aerosol-forming substrate. The dry powder aerosol-forming substrate can be a dry powder as known for use in dry powder inhalers.

[0030] The cartridge can comprise one or both of a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air inlet and a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air outlet.

[0031] According to embodiments of the present application, there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can comprise a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge. The cartridge can contain aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge can be a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating device can comprise an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism can comprise a pump chamber containing a moveable piston. The air pump mechanism can comprise a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber. The air pump mechanism can comprise a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurised air from the pump chamber. The pump air outlet can be fluidly connected to the receiving portion. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the piston is moveable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0032] According to embodiments of the present application, there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge. The cartridge contains aerosol-forming substrate and the cartridge can be a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating device comprises an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump chamber containing a moveable piston. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurised air from the pump chamber. The pump air outlet is fluidly connected to the receiving portion. The air pump mechanism is configured such that the piston is moveable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0033] By the aerosol-generating device of the present application, an aerosol-generating system can be provided which allows a predetermined amount of substance to be delivered to a user. By the aerosol-generating device of the present application, an aerosol-generating system can be provided which allows the particle size to be controlled. By the aerosol-generating device of the present application, an aerosol-generating system can be provided which allows the airflow velocity to be controlled. By the aerosol-generating device of the present application, an aerosol-generating system can be provided which has low complexity. By the aerosol-generating device of the present application, an aerosol-generating system can be provided which can be comfortably manipulated by a user.

[0034] The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the movable piston is in a high potential state when in the first position. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the movable piston is in a relaxed state when in the second position.

[0035] The air pump mechanism can comprise a piston spring arrangement. The piston spring arrangement is movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the piston spring arrangement is in the compressed state when the piston is in the first position. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the piston spring arrangement is in the relaxed state when the piston is in the second position.

[0036] The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the movable piston is manually movable from the second position to the first position by a user.

[0037] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a button for manually activating the air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the movable piston moves from the first position into the second position when a user presses the button from an unpressed button configuration into a pressed button configuration.

[0038] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a button spring arrangement configured to push the button back from the pressed configuration towards the unpressed configuration.

[0039] The button can comprise a button airflow channel. The button airflow channel can be configured to fluidly connect the pump air inlet to the pump chamber and to fluidly isolate the pump air outlet from the pump chamber when the button is in the unpressed button configuration. The button airflow channel can be configured to fluidly isolate the pump air inlet from the pump chamber and to fluidly connect the pump air outlet to the pump chamber when the button is in the pressed button configuration.

[0040] The air pump mechanism can comprise a clamping arrangement for holding the movable piston in the first position.

[0041] The clamping arrangement can be configured to release the movable piston when the button is pressed.

[0042] The air pump mechanism can comprise a drive arrangement for moving the moveable piston between the second position and the first position. The drive arrangement can comprise a track-like recess provided on an outer side wall of the moveable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the track-like recess. The track-like recess can be shaped such that a rotational movement of the moveable piston relative to the pump chamber drives the moveable piston from the second position into the first position.

[0043] The aerosol-generating device can comprise an inlet backflow prevention arrangement for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet. The inlet backflow prevention arrangement can comprise a one-way valve.

[0044] The aerosol-generating device can comprise an outlet backflow prevention arrangement for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump air outlet to the pump chamber. The outlet backflow prevention arrangement can comprise a one-way valve.

[0045] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a device outlet airflow channel extending from the receiving portion to the air outlet of the device.

[0046] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a mouthpiece. The air outlet of the device can be part of the mouthpiece.

[0047] According to embodiments of the present application, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol-generating device as described herein.

[0048] The aerosol-generating system can be configured such that the dosing mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action.

[0049] The aerosol-generating system can comprise a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism can comprise a first gear wheel engaged with a second gear wheel. The first gear wheel can be connected to the dosing mechanism. The second gear wheel can be connected to the air pump mechanism.

[0050] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds which can form an aerosol or vapour. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Such volatile compounds can be released by being drawn through an airflow passing through a pick-up chamber holding a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be in liquid form. The aerosol-forming substrate can be in solid form, for example in the form of a dry powder. The terms "aerosol" and "vapour" are used synonymously.

[0051] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" also encompasses powders known for use in inhalers, preferably dry powders known for use in dry powder inhalers.

[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate can be free of nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate can include nicotine.

[0053] The aerosol-forming substrate can contain nicotine particles (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine granules") including nicotine and, optionally, particles (also referred to as "flavour particles") including flavour. The aerosol-forming substrate can contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and, optionally, flavour particles. The aerosol-forming substrate in the storage portion can contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 5 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs". The aerosol-forming substrate can contain sufficient nicotine particles to provide about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs", or about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs". Each inhalation or "puff" or each individual dose can deliver about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of a user, or about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of a user, or about 1 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of a user.

[0054] The nicotine particles can have any useful concentration of nicotine depending on the particular formulation used. The nicotine particles can have at least about 1 %wt nicotine up to about 30%wt nicotine, or about 2%wt to about 25%wt nicotine, or about 3%wt to about 20%wt nicotine, or about 4%wt to about 15%wt nicotine, or about 5%wt to about 13%wt nicotine. Preferably, each inhalation or "puff" can deliver about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine to the lungs of a user.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain at least about 5 mg of nicotine particles or at least about 10 mg of nicotine particles. The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain less than about 900 mg of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or less than 150 mg of nicotine particles. The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain about 5 mg to about 300 mg of nicotine particles or about 10 mg to about 200 mg of nicotine particles.

[0056] When flavour particles are admixed or combined with nicotine particles within the aerosol-forming substrate, the flavour particles can be present in an amount to provide a desired flavour to each inhalation or "puff" delivered to a user.

[0057] The nicotine particles can have any useful particle size distribution for preferential delivery to the lungs of a user upon inhalation. The aerosol-forming substrate can include particles other than nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles can form a powder system.

[0058] The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain at least about 5 mg of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10 mg of dry powder. The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain less than about 900 mg of dry powder, or less than about 300 mg of dry powder, or less than about 150 mg of dry powder. The aerosol-forming substrate can hold or contain about 5 mg to about 300 mg of dry powder, or about 10 mg to about 200 mg of dry powder, or about 25 mg to about 10 mg of dry powder. The dry powder or powder system can have at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the powder system in nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 microns or lower, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 5 microns. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the particles comprising nicotine can be about 5 microns or lower, or in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 4 microns, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 3 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 2.5 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the particles comprising flavourant can be about 20 microns or greater, or about 50 microns or greater, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 microns, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor.

[0059] The dry powder can have an average diameter of about 60 microns or less, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 40 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 25 microns. Average diameter refers to the average diameter per unit mass and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusivity, or electron microscopy.

[0060] The nicotine or nicotine particles in the powder system can be a pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine or a nicotine salt or a nicotine hydrate salt. Useful nicotine salts or nicotine hydrate salts include, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine monopyruvate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride. The compound with which the nicotine is combined to form the salt or hydrate salt can be selected based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0061] Preferably, the nicotine particles include an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid can be leucine, such as L-leucine. Providing an amino acid, such as L-leucine, to the particles including nicotine can reduce the adhesion of the particles including nicotine and can reduce the attractive forces between nicotine particles and thus reduce agglomeration of the nicotine particles. Similarly, the adhesion to particles including flavorant can also be reduced and thus agglomeration of nicotine particles with flavorant particles is also reduced. Thus, the powder system described herein can be a free-flowing material and each powder component has a stable relative particle size even when the nicotine particles are combined with the flavorant particles. Preferably, the nicotine can be a surface-modified nicotine salt, where the nicotine salt particles include coated or composite particles. A preferred coating or composite material can be L-leucine. A particularly effective nicotine particle can be nicotine bitartrate bound with L-leucine.

[0062] The powder system can include a population of flavorant particles. The flavorant particles can have any effective particle size distribution for selectively delivering inhalation into the mouth or buccal cavity of a user.

[0063] The powder system can have at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the population of flavorant particles of the powder system included in particles having a particle size of about 20 microns or greater. The powder system can have at least about 40% by weight or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the population of flavorant particles of the powder system included in particles having a particle size of about 50 microns or greater. The powder system can have at least about 40% by weight, or at least about 60% by weight, or at least about 80% by weight of the population of flavorant particles of the powder system included in particles having a particle size in the range of about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

[0064] The particles including flavorant can include a compound to reduce adhesion or surface energy and resulting agglomeration. The flavorant particles can be surface modified with an adhesion-reducing compound to form coated flavorant particles. A preferred adhesion-reducing compound can be magnesium stearate. Providing an adhesion-reducing compound, such as magnesium stearate, to the flavorant particles, especially coated flavorant particles, can reduce the adhesion of the particles including flavorant and can reduce the attractive forces between flavorant particles and thus reduce agglomeration of the flavorant particles. Thus, agglomeration of flavorant particles with nicotine particles can also be reduced. Thus, the powder system described herein can have a stable relative particle size of the particles including nicotine and the particles including flavorant even when the nicotine particles are combined with the flavorant particles. The powder system can preferably be free-flowing.

[0065] Because the active particles can be too small to be affected by simple air flow through an inhaler, conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation include carrier particles to increase fluidization of the active particles. Powder systems can include carrier particles. These carrier particles can be sugars such as lactose or mannitol, which can have a particle size greater than about 50 microns. By acting as a diluent or bulking agent in the formulation, the carrier particles can serve to improve dose uniformity. Powder systems for use with the nicotine powder delivery systems described herein can be free of carriers or substantially free of sugars such as lactose or mannitol. Being free of carriers or substantially free of sugars such as lactose or mannitol can allow for inhalation and delivery of nicotine to the lungs of a user at an inhalation rate or air flow rate similar to that of a typical smoking regime.

[0066] The nicotine particles and flavorant can be combined in a single aerosol-forming substrate. As described above, the nicotine particles and flavorant can each have a reduced adhesion, resulting in a stable particle formulation in which the particle size of each component does not substantially change upon combination. Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained within a single aerosol-forming substrate and flavorant particles contained within a second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0067] The nicotine particles and flavorant particles can be combined in any effective relative amount such that the flavorant particles are perceived by a user when consumed with the nicotine particles. Preferably, the nicotine particles and flavorant particles form at least about 90% wt, or at least about 95% wt, or at least about 99% wt or 10% wt of the total weight of the powder system.

[0068] The aerosol-generating system can use a flow rate of less than about 5 L / min, or less than about 3 L / min, or less than about 2 L / min, or about 1.6 L / min. Preferably, the flow rate can be in the range of about 1 L / min to about 3 L / min or about 1.5 L / min to about 2.5 L / min. Preferably, the inhalation rate or flow rate can be similar to the inhalation rate or flow rate of the Health Canada smoking regime, i.e., about 1.6 L / min.

[0069] The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the pharmaceutically active particles can be about 5 microns or lower, or in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 4 microns, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 3 microns.

[0070] The aerosol-forming substrate can also include a second population of flavorant particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 microns or greater, or about 50 microns or greater, or in the range of about 50 microns to about 200 microns or about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

[0071] The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives, such as freebase nicotine, nicotine salts, and the like.

[0072] The term "flavourant" or "flavour" refers to an organoleptic compound, composition, or material that modifies and is intended to modify the taste or aroma characteristics of nicotine during its consumption or inhalation.

[0073] The aerosol-forming substrate can be part of a cartridge.

[0074] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the cartridge can be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhaled by a user by drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal end or user end of a device or at a mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. The cartridge can be disposable. The cartridge can be reusable. The cartridge can be refillable. The cartridge can be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

[0075] As used herein, the term "storage portion" refers to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The storage portion can be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0076] The storage portion can be configured as a replaceable canister or container. The storage portion can be any suitable shape and size. For example, the storage portion can be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the storage portion can be, for example, substantially circular, oval, square, or rectangular. The storage portion can form part of a cartridge.

[0077] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0078] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article. In this system, the aerosol-generating device, and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge, cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0079] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device can have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device can be an electrically operated smoking device. The device can be a handheld aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device can have an overall length of between 30 millimetres and 150 millimetres. The aerosol-generating device can have an outer diameter of between 5 millimetres and 30 millimetres.

[0080] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a housing. The housing can be elongate. The housing can comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metal, alloy, plastic or composite containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and not brittle.

[0081] The housing can comprise at least one air inlet. The housing can comprise more than one air inlet.

[0082] The aerosol-generating device can comprise additional components, such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging an on-board power source in an electrically operated or electrical aerosol-generating device.

[0083] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of the cartridge, aerosol-generating device or system, or a portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a cavity or heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the region closest to the closed end.

[0084] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of the cartridge or aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the cartridge or aerosol-generating device during use.

[0085] As used herein, the term "airflow pathway" denotes a passage suitable for the transport of gaseous media. The airflow pathway can be used to transport ambient air. The airflow pathway can be used to transport aerosol. The airflow pathway can be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

[0086] The aerosol-generating device can comprise a power source. The power source can comprise a battery. The power source can be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery or a lithium-based battery, for example, a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium-titanate or lithium-polymer battery.

[0087] A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples can be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment or aspect described herein.

[0088] Example El : A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising

[0089] a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate;

[0090] a pick-up chamber;

[0091] a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber; and

[0092] an airflow passage of the cartridge extending from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pick-up chamber.

[0093] Example E2: The cartridge according to Example E1, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to be manually actuated by a user.

[0094] Example E3: The cartridge according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to transfer the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber via a dosing aperture.

[0095] Example E4: The cartridge according to Example E3, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to close the dosing aperture after the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate has been transferred to the pick-up chamber.

[0096] Example E5: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element and a scoop element,

[0097] wherein the scoop element comprises at least one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate,

[0098] wherein the sleeve element coaxially surrounds the scoop element, and

[0099] wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element.

[0100] Example E6: The cartridge according to Example E5, wherein the scoop element is spatially arranged between the storage portion and the pick-up chamber.

[0101] Example E7: The cartridge according to Example E5 or Example E6, wherein the sleeve element comprises a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion coaxially surrounds the scoop element, and wherein the second end portion is configured as a side wall of the storage portion.

[0102] Example E8: The cartridge according to the combination of Example E7 and Example E3 or the combination of Example E7 and Example E4, wherein the dosing aperture is provided in the form of a through-hole in the first end portion of the sleeve element.

[0103] Example E9: The cartridge according to Example E8, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured such that the sleeve element and the scoop element are movable between a first position in which the scoop element closes the dosing aperture and a second position in which the dosing aperture is open to a receiving portion of the scoop element such that a dose of aerosol- generating material can be transferred from the receiving portion of the scoop element to the pick-up chamber.

[0104] Example E10: The cartridge according to Example E8 or Example E9, wherein the outer side wall of the first end portion of the sleeve element comprises a recessed portion, and wherein the pick-up chamber is formed by an empty space provided between the recessed portion and a lateral side wall of an outer element coaxially surrounding the sleeve element.

[0105] Example E11 : The cartridge according to any one of Examples E5 to E10, wherein the sleeve element and the scoop element comprise a common central axis, and wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to allow rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element about the central axis.

[0106] Example E12: The cartridge according to Example E11, wherein the scoop element is shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out, and wherein the at least one receiving portion of the scoop element is provided by the at least one lateral cut-out.

[0107] Example E13: The cartridge according to Example E12, wherein the scoop element comprises two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposite sides of the central axis, each lateral cut-out being configured for receiving a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0108] Example E14: The cartridge according to Example E13, wherein a bottom end face of the scoop element facing the storage portion comprises a rough surface, preferably wherein the rough surface comprises a corrugated profile, more preferably a wave-shaped profile.

[0109] Example E15: The cartridge according to any one of Examples E5 to E14, comprising a cap element, wherein the cap element is arranged coaxially around the scoop element and the sleeve element, and wherein the scoop element is fixed relative to the cap element to allow rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the scoop element and the cap element.

[0110] Example E16: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding Examples, comprising a storage portion spring arrangement configured to urge a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the dosing mechanism.

[0111] Example E17: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising a storage portion spring arrangement configured to urge a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the spade element.

[0112] Example E18: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the storage portion is configured for receiving a plurality of doses of dry powder aerosol-forming substrate.

[0113] Example E19: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the storage portion comprises a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate, preferably a plurality of doses of dry powder aerosol-forming substrate.

[0114] Example E20: The cartridge according to any one of the preceding examples, comprising one or both of a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air inlet and a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air outlet.

[0115] Example E21 : An aerosol-generating device comprising: a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge containing aerosol-forming substrate; and an air pump mechanism, the air pump mechanism comprising

[0116] a pump chamber containing a movable piston,

[0117] a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber, and

[0118] a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber, the pump air outlet being fluidly connected to the receiving portion,

[0119] wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0120] Example E22: The aerosol-generating device according to example E21, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is in a high potential energy state when in the first position and the movable piston is in a relaxed state when in the second position.

[0121] Example E23: The aerosol-generating device according to example E22, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring arrangement movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state, wherein the piston spring arrangement is in the compressed state when the piston is in the first position, and wherein the piston spring arrangement is in the relaxed state when the piston is in the second position.

[0122] Example E24: The aerosol-generating device of any of Examples E21 to E23, wherein the air-pumping mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is manually movable by a user from the second position into the first position.

[0123] Example E25: The aerosol-generating device of any of Examples E21 to E24, comprising a button for manually activating the air-pumping mechanism, wherein the air-pumping mechanism is configured such that upon a user pressing the button from an unpressed button configuration into a pressed button configuration, the movable piston moves from the first position into the second position.

[0124] Example E26: The aerosol-generating device of Example E25, comprising a button spring device configured to push the button back from the pressed configuration towards the unpressed configuration.

[0125] Example E27: The aerosol-generating device of Example E25 or Example E26, wherein the button comprises a button air flow channel configured to fluidically connect the pump air inlet to the pump chamber and to fluidically isolate the pump air outlet from the pump chamber when the button is in the unpressed button configuration, and

[0126] the button air flow channel is configured to fluidically isolate the pump air inlet from the pump chamber and to fluidically connect the pump air outlet to the pump chamber when the button is in the pressed button configuration.

[0127] Example E28: The aerosol-generating device of any of Examples E21 to E27, wherein the air-pumping mechanism comprises a clamping device for holding the movable piston in the first position.

[0128] Example E29: The aerosol-generating device of any of Examples E25 to E27 in combination with Example E28, wherein the clamping device is configured to release the movable piston when the button is pressed.

[0129] Example E30: The aerosol-generating device of any of Examples E21 to E29, wherein the air-pumping mechanism comprises a drive device for moving the movable piston between the second position and the first position, the drive device comprising a track-like recess provided on an outer side wall of the movable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the track-like recess, wherein the track-like recess is shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston relative to the pump chamber drives the movable piston from the second position into the first position.

[0130] Example E31 : An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples E21 to E30, comprising inlet backflow prevention means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet, preferably wherein the means comprises a one-way valve.

[0131] Example E32: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples E21 to E31, comprising outlet backflow prevention means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump air outlet to the pump chamber, preferably wherein the means comprises a one-way valve.

[0132] Example E33: An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples E21 to E32, comprising a device outlet airflow channel extending from the receiving portion to an air outlet of the device.

[0133] Example E34: An aerosol-generating device according to Example E33, comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the air outlet of the device is part of the mouthpiece.

[0134] Example E35: An aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of Examples E1 to E20 and an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples E21 to E34.

[0135] Example E36: An aerosol-generating system according to Example E35, wherein the system is configured such that the dosing mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action.

[0136] Example E37: An aerosol-generating system according to Example E36, comprising a gear mechanism comprising a first gear wheel engaged with a second gear wheel, wherein the first gear wheel is connected to the dosing mechanism and the second gear wheel is connected to the air pump mechanism.

[0137] Features described in relation to one embodiment can equally apply to other embodiments of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0138] The application will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0139] Figure 1 and 2 shows a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device;

[0140] Figure 3 a to 3c show spade elements for Figure 1 and 2 cartridges;

[0141] Figure 4Figures a to 4c show aerosol-generating devices;

[0142] Figure 5 Figures a to 5c show aerosol-generating devices;

[0143] Figure 6 Figures a and 6b show aerosol-generating devices; and

[0144] Figures 7 to 9 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] Figure 1 A cartridge 10 for use with an aerosol-generating device is shown in cross-section. Figure 2 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. Figure 1 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. Figure 1 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems.

[0146] Figure 1 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. 2 The cartridge 10 of Figures a to 6b comprises a storage portion 12 for receiving a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge 10 comprises a pick-up chamber 14. The cartridge 10 comprises a dosing mechanism configured to pass a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion 12 to the pick-up chamber 14. The dosing mechanism can be configured to be actuated manually by a user. The cartridge 10 comprises an airflow passage of the cartridge 10 extending from a cartridge air inlet 16 via the pick-up chamber 14 to a cartridge air outlet 18.

[0147] The dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element 20 and a scoop element 30. Figure 1 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. 2 The scoop element 30 of the cartridge 10 of Figures a to 6b is shown in detail in Figure 3 Figures a and 3b.

[0148] Figure 3 Figure a shows the scoop element 30 in perspective view. Figure 3 Figure b shows a bottom view of Figure 3 Figure a.

[0149] The scoop element 30 comprises two receiving portions. Each receiving portion is configured for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The scoop element 30 is shaped as a cylindrical element 30 comprising two lateral cut-outs 32. Each lateral cut-out 32 provides one of the two receiving portions for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The two lateral cut-outs 32 are arranged at opposite sides of a central axis 34 of the scoop element 30. The cut-outs 32 can be described as cut-outs of the cylindrical element as indicated by the dashed lines 36 in Figure 3 Figure b. Figure 1 Figures a to 6b show aerosol-generating systems. 2The sleeve element 20 coaxially surrounds the scoop element 30 as seen in the middle. The dosing mechanism is arranged to allow rotational movement of the sleeve element 20 relative to the scoop element 30.

[0150] The central axis 34 is a common central axis 34 of the sleeve element 20 and the scoop element 30. The dosing mechanism is arranged to allow rotational movement of the sleeve element 20 relative to the scoop element 30 about the central axis 34.

[0151] The sleeve element 20 comprises a first end portion 22. The first end portion 22 is a proximal portion of the sleeve element 20. The sleeve element 20 comprises a second end portion 24 opposite the first end portion 22. The second end portion 24 is a distal portion of the sleeve element 20. The first end portion 22 coaxially surrounds the scoop element 30. The second end portion 24 is configured as a side wall of the storage portion 12.

[0152] The dosing mechanism is configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion 12 to the pick-up chamber 14 via the dosing aperture 26. The dosing aperture 26 is provided in the form of a through-hole in the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20.

[0153] The dosing mechanism is configured to close the dosing aperture 26 after a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate has been transferred to the pick-up chamber 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the dosing aperture 26 is closed by the side wall 38 of the scoop element 30. This is best shown in Figure 2 .

[0154] When the scoop element 30 is rotated 90 degrees about the axis 34 from the configuration in Figure 2 , one of the lateral cut-outs 32 will open to the pick-up chamber 14 via the dosing aperture 26.

[0155] The dosing mechanism is thus configured such that the sleeve element 20 and the scoop element 30 are movable between a first rotational position, in which the dosing aperture 26 is closed by the scoop element 30, and a second rotational position, in which the dosing aperture 26 is open to the receiving portion 32 of the scoop element 30, such that a dose of aerosol-forming material can be transferred from the receiving portion 32 of the scoop element 30 to the pick-up chamber 14, as illustrated in Figure 2 .

[0156] Further rotation by about 90 degrees will again close, and further rotation by 90 degrees again opens another lateral cut-out 32 to the pick-up chamber 14 to provide a next single dose of aerosol-forming substrate to the pick-up chamber 14.

[0157] The cylinder 10 includes a cap element 40. The cap element 40 is arranged coaxially around both the shovel element 30 and the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20. The shovel element 30 is fixed relative to the cap element 40 to allow rotational movement of the sleeve element 30 relative to both the shovel element 30 and the cap element 40. The shovel element 30 can be fixed to the cap element 40 via a shovel shaft 31.

[0158] The outer wall of the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20 includes a recessed portion. The pickup chamber 14 is formed by an empty space disposed between the recessed portion and the lateral sidewall of the cap element 40, which coaxially surrounds the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20.

[0159] The cylinder 10 includes a storage section spring device 50. The storage section spring device 50 is configured to push the bottom end face 52 of the storage section 12 toward the shovel element 30.

[0160] Figure 3 c shows an alternative embodiment of the shovel element 30 in perspective view. Figure 3 In an alternative embodiment of c, the bottom end face 39 of the shovel element 30 includes a rough surface. The rough surface includes a wavy profile. When the shovel element 30 is mounted in the cylinder 10, the rough bottom end face 39 faces the storage portion. The rough bottom end face 39 can advantageously help reduce the risk that aerosol-forming matrix powder particles stored in the storage portion 12 may obstruct the rotational movement of the shovel element 30. Figure 3 The shovel element 30 of c may also include a threaded shovel shaft 31, which is used to secure the shovel element 30 to the cap element 40 by means of a screw connection.

[0161] Figure 4 a to 4c show the use with cylinder 10 (e.g.) Figure 1 and 2 Cross-sectional views of different configurations of the aerosol generating device 100 used together with the cylinder 10).

[0162] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes a receiving portion for receiving a cylinder containing an aerosol forming matrix. Figure 4 (Not shown in a to 4c). The aerosol generating apparatus 100 includes an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism includes a pump chamber 110. The pump chamber includes a pipe 112. The pump chamber 110 houses a movable piston 114. The movable piston 114 includes an inner piston air passage 116. The movable piston 114 can be... Figure 4 As shown in b, the tube moves upward so that the tube 112 is fitted by the movable piston 114.

[0163] The air pump mechanism includes a pump air inlet 118, which is arranged to supply air to a pump chamber 110. The air pump mechanism also includes a pump air outlet 120, which is arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber 110. The pump air outlet 120 is fluidly connected to a receiving portion (…).Figure 4 The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a high potential state when in the first position. The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a relaxed state when in the second position. Figure 4 The second position is shown in Figure 4 The first position is shown in

[0164] The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a high potential state when in the first position. The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a relaxed state when in the second position.

[0165] The air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring arrangement 122. The piston spring arrangement 122 is movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state. When the piston 114 is in the first position as shown in Figure 4 The piston spring arrangement 122 is in the compressed state when the piston 114 is in the first position as shown in Figure 4 The piston spring arrangement 122 is in the relaxed state when the piston 114 is in the second position as shown in

[0166] The air pump mechanism can be configured such that the movable piston 114 is manually movable by a user from the second position into the first position. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 can comprise a button 124 for manually activating the air pump mechanism, as shown in Figure 4 a and 4c. The air pump mechanism can be configured such that, when the user presses the button 124 from the unpressed button configuration as shown in Figure 4 b into the pressed button configuration as shown in Figure 4 c, the movable piston 114 moves from the first position into the second position.

[0167] The button 124 comprises a button air flow passage 126. The button air flow passage 126 is configured to fluidly connect the pump air inlet 118 to the pump chamber 110 and to fluidly isolate the pump air outlet 120 from the pump chamber 110 when the button 124 is in the unpressed button configuration as shown in Figure 4 a and 4b. The button air flow passage 126 is further configured to fluidly isolate the pump air inlet 118 from the pump chamber 110 and to fluidly connect the pump air outlet 120 to the pump chamber 110 when the button 124 is in the pressed button configuration as shown in Figure 4 c.

[0168] Figure 4 a shows the initial configuration. Figure 4b illustrates the continuous construction. Ambient air 128 entering air inlet 128 travels further through button airflow channel 126 and, as indicated by arrow 130, enters pump chamber 110 through pipe 112. The air entering pump chamber 110 displaces movable piston 114 to push it into a first position. Then, when the user... Figure 4 As indicated by the white arrow 132 in C, pressing button 124 allows air to exit the pump chamber 110 via the pump air outlet 120, as shown in Figure 132. Figure 4 As indicated by the black arrow in C. Specifically, because the movable piston 114 pushes air away from the pump chamber 110, the pressurized air exits at the pump air outlet 120. This is because once the button 124 is actuated and the air path opens to allow air to exit via the pump air outlet 120, Figure 4 The stressed piston spring device 122 shown in b is oriented towards... Figure 4 The relaxed position is shown in Figure c. When moved to the relaxed state, the piston-spring device 122 moves the movable piston 114 from the first position to the second position, as shown in Figure c. Figure 4 The white arrow 134 in C indicates this. Subsequently, the movable piston 112 moves from... Figure 4 b's first position moves to Figure 4 In the second position of c, air is expelled from the pump chamber 110 and pushed towards the pump air outlet 120. Therefore, compressed air can be supplied to the receiving section ( Figure 4 (not shown in a to 4c) and is further supplied to the cylinder ( Figure 4 (not shown in a to 4c).

[0169] The aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include a button spring device (not shown) configured to release the button 124 from... Figure 4 The pressing mechanism in c faces the direction Figure 4 The unpressed structure in a is pushed back.

[0170] The air pump mechanism may include a clamping device (not shown) for holding the movable piston 114 in a first position. The clamping device may be configured to release the movable piston 114 when the button 124 is pressed.

[0171] Aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include an inlet backflow prevention device ( Figure 4 (Not shown in a to 4c), the inlet backflow prevention device is used to prevent fluid from flowing in the direction from pump chamber 110 to pump air inlet 118. The device may include a one-way valve. The inlet backflow prevention device may be disposed in an air passage extending between pump air inlet 118 and button airflow passage 126.

[0172] Aerosol generating apparatus 100 may include an outlet backflow prevention device ( Figure 4(Not shown in a to 4c), the outlet backflow prevention device is used to prevent fluid from flowing in the direction from the pump air outlet 120 to the pump chamber 110. The device may include a one-way valve. The outlet backflow prevention device may be disposed in an air passage extending between the pump air outlet 120 and the button airflow passage 126.

[0173] Figure 4 a to 5c schematically show the aerosol generating device 100 in semi-transparent perspective views, for example... Figure 4 Aerosol generating apparatus 100 from a to 4c.

[0174] exist Figure 4 In embodiments a to 5c, the air pump mechanism includes a drive mechanism for moving the movable piston 114 between a second position and a first position. The drive mechanism includes a track-like recess 136 disposed on the outer sidewall of the movable piston 114 and a protruding element 138 protruding from the inner sidewall of the pump chamber 110 and engaging with the track-like recess 136. The track-like recess 136 is shaped to allow rotational movement of the movable piston 114 relative to the pump chamber 110 (e.g., rotational movement of the piston 114 relative to the pump chamber 110). Figure 4 (Indicated by the black arrow 140 in b and 5c) the movable piston 114 will be moved from Figure 4 The second position shown in a drives to Figure 4 In the first position shown in c, as Figure 4 The white arrow 142 is shown in b and 5c.

[0175] Figure 4 a shows an aerosol generating device 100, for example Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus 100 from a to 4c. The cylinder receiving section 150 is schematically shown. Button 124 is in a pressed button configuration. Movable piston 114 is in a first position, and piston spring device 122 is therefore compressed. Thus, Figure 4 "a" indicates the moment when button 124 is down, but movable piston 114 has not yet been released and is still upward.

[0176] Figure 4 b shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device 100. Button 124 is in the unpressed button configuration. Movable piston 114 is in the first position, and piston spring device 122 is therefore in a compressed state.

[0177] Figure 4 b's device and Figure 4 The difference in device a is that, Figure 4 In device b, the movable piston 114 has a narrower piston air passage 116 and the chamber tube 112 is correspondingly narrower. Due to the relative volumes of the piston air passage 116 and the pump chamber 110, this can help increase the resulting air compression.

[0178] exist Figure 4 Optionally, a clamping device is shown in b for locking the movable piston 114 in a first position. The clamping device includes a resilient member 102 of the device body 104. The movable piston 114 is blocked by the resilient member 102. The movable piston 114 is released by pushing the member 102 open when the button 124 is pressed down.

[0179] Figure 4 The aerosol generation system is shown in cross-sectional view. The aerosol generation system includes... Figure 4 b's aerosol generating device. (and) Figure 4 Compared to b, the cylinder receiving section 150 is shown in more detail. The cylinder receiving section 150 accommodates the cylinder 10, in... Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the tube receiving section 150 accommodates... Figure 4 and 2 Cylinder 10. In Figure 4 In the unpressed state shown, button 124 is arranged such that button airflow passage 126 does not allow air to be delivered from pump chamber 110 to chamber receiving section 150 and chamber 10. However, dashed arrow 152 indicates how compressed air from pump chamber 110 can pass through piston air passage 116, further through chamber tube 112, further through button airflow passage 126, and then to air inlet 16 to enter cartridge 10 when button 124 is pressed and movable piston 114 moves downward to the second position. The resulting airflow can then draw a single dose of aerosol forming matrix from pickup chamber 14 of cartridge 10. The drawn dose then flows further with the airflow out of air outlet 18 of cartridge 10 and out of cartridge receiving section 150 at mouthpiece 154 for user inhalation.

[0180] Figure 4 Shown in side view Figure 4 Aerosol generation system. In Figure 4 The outer body 104 of the aerosol generating device 100 is omitted in the description. Figure 4 As can be seen from the description, the aerosol generation system is configured such that the metering mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action. Specifically, the aerosol generation system includes a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism includes a first gear 60 that engages with a second gear 160. The first gear 60 is connected to the metering mechanism of the cylinder 10. The second gear 160 is connected to the air pump mechanism. The gear mechanism can be actuated by the user rotating the knob element 106 using his or her hand.

[0181] The cylinder 10 is received in the cylinder receiving cavity 156 of the cylinder receiving section 150.

[0182] Figure 4 Show separately Figure 4A cartridge 10 for an aerosol-generating system. Arrows 54 indicate how air from the pump chamber 110 will flow through the cartridge 10, thereby picking up a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. Arrows 56 indicate how the sleeve element 20 can be rotated 180 degrees relative to both the scoop element 30 (not visible in Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure Figure 1) and the cap element 40 by a gear mechanism when the cartridge 10 is inserted into the cartridge-receiving cavity 156 of the cartridge-receiving section 150.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate; a pick-up chamber; a dosing mechanism configured to transfer an individual dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber; and an airflow passage of the cartridge extending from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pick-up chamber, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element and a scoop element, wherein the scoop element comprises at least one receiving portion for receiving an individual dose of aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the sleeve element coaxially surrounds the scoop element, wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element, wherein the sleeve element comprises a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion coaxially surrounds the scoop element, and wherein the second end portion is configured as a side wall of the storage portion. the dosing mechanism is configured to transfer the individual dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pick-up chamber via a dosing aperture.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein, the sleeve element and the scoop element comprise a common central axis, and wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the scoop element about the central axis.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, the scoop element is shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out, and wherein the at least one receiving portion of the scoop element is provided by the at least one lateral cut-out.

4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein, the scoop element comprises two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposite sides of the central axis, each lateral cut-out being configured for receiving an individual dose of the aerosol-forming substrate.

5. The cartridge of claim 4, wherein, 6. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cap element, wherein the cap element is coaxially arranged around the scoop element and the sleeve element, and wherein the scoop element is fixed relative to the cap element to permit rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the scoop element and the cap element.

7. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a storage portion spring arrangement configured to urge a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the scoop element.

8. An aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and an aerosol-generating device. the aerosol-generating device comprises a receiving portion for receiving the cartridge, and an air pump mechanism comprising 9. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein, a pump chamber accommodating a movable piston, a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber, and a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber, the pump air outlet being fluidly connected to the receiving portion, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber. ​ 10. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, wherein, The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is in a high potential state when in the first position, and the movable piston is in a relaxed state when in the second position.

11. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein, The air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring arrangement which is movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state, wherein the piston spring arrangement is in the compressed state when the movable piston is in the first position, and wherein the piston spring arrangement is in the relaxed state when the movable piston is in the second position.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The air pump mechanism comprises a drive arrangement for moving the movable piston between the second position and the first position, the drive arrangement comprising a track-like recess provided on an outer side wall of the movable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the track-like recess, and wherein the track-like recess is shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston relative to the pump chamber drives the movable piston from the second position into the first position.

13. Aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising inlet backflow prevention means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet, preferably wherein the means comprise a one-way valve.

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