Cartridge for an aerosol generating device having axial and rotational movement - Patents.com

Abstract

A cartridge (10) for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising a mouthpiece (12) including a first fluid permeable portion (14) and a first air inlet (17A), a liquid aerosol-forming substrate reservoir (20), a second fluid permeable portion (22) in fluid contact with the reservoir, and a liquid storage portion (18) including a second air inlet (40A), the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion being axially movable relative to one another, a degree of contact between the first and second fluid permeable portions being controllable by axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion, and the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion being rotationally movable relative to one another, a degree of overlap between the first and second air inlets being controllable by rotational movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. The cartridge may contain an aerosol-forming substrate in liquid form. Such a device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilise without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be configured to be insertable into a cavity such as a heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate after the cartridge is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A user may carry an aerosol generating device including a cartridge. The aerosol generating device may be carried, for example, in a pocket or a bag. Friction with other elements located in the pocket or bag may cause the moving parts of the aerosol generating device to rotate accidentally. This may lead to accidental activation of the aerosol generating device. This may cause the aerosol-forming substrate to accidentally flow out of the aerosol generating device.

[0004] It would be desirable to have a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which allows modification of the aerosol generated.It would be desirable to have a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which allows control of the amount of aerosol generated.It would be desirable to have a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which prevents undesirable aerosol generation.It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which avoids undesirable leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a cartridge according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device for use with the cartridge of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device for use with the cartridge of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device for use with the cartridge of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece inserted into the liquid reservoir at different positions. [Figure 6] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece inserted into the liquid reservoir at different positions. [Figure 7] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece inserted into the liquid reservoir at different positions. [Figure 8] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece inserted into the liquid reservoir at different positions. [Figure 9] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge in different positions. [Figure 10] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge in different positions. [Figure 11] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece and a liquid reservoir in further different positions. [Figure 12] 13A-13C show cross-sectional views of an assembled cartridge including a mouthpiece and a liquid reservoir in further different positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided. The cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include a first fluid permeable portion and a first air inlet. The cartridge may also comprise a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may include a reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage portion may also include a second fluid permeable portion in fluid contact with the reservoir. Furthermore, the liquid storage portion may include a second air inlet. The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be axially movable relative to each other, and the degree of contact between the first and second fluid permeable portions may be controllable by axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion. Furthermore, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be rotationally movable relative to each other, and the degree of overlap between the first and second air inlets may be controllable by rotational movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion.

[0007] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a first fluid permeable portion and a first air inlet. The cartridge also comprises a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion includes a reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage portion also includes a second fluid permeable portion in fluid contact with the reservoir and a second air inlet. The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to one another, and a degree of contact between the first and second fluid permeable portions is controllable by axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion. Furthermore, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially rotatable relative to one another, and a degree of overlap between the first and second air inlets is controllable by rotational movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion.

[0008] Axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid reservoir can determine the degree of contact between the first and second fluid permeable portions, which in turn can determine the amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate used to generate the aerosol, which can allow a user to manipulate the composition of the aerosol by axially moving the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir.

[0009] The degree of overlap between the first air inlet and the second air inlet may be controllable by rotating the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir. This degree of overlap may determine the amount of air used to generate the aerosol. This may allow a user to manipulate the formation of the aerosol by rotating the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir.

[0010] Also, the combination of axial and rotational movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage portion can prevent unintentional spillage of the aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the cartridge can be held in a position during storage that establishes no contact between the first fluid-permeable portion and the second fluid-permeable portion. Furthermore, the cartridge can be held in a position during storage that does not have overlap between the first air inlet and the second air inlet. This can reduce the risk of unintentional leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge during storage. This can improve the shelf life of the cartridge.

[0011] The first fluid-permeable portion may be tubular, which may allow easy axial movement of the first fluid-permeable portion of the cartridge relative to the second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid reservoir.

[0012] The first fluid-permeable portion may be configured as a wick, which may allow transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate by capillary forces.

[0013] The second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid reservoir may be tubular, which may allow easy axial movement of the second fluid-permeable portion relative to the first fluid-permeable portion of the mouthpiece.

[0014] The second fluid-permeable portion may be configured as a wick, which may allow transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the second fluid-permeable portion to the first fluid-permeable portion via capillary forces.

[0015] One or both of the first and second fluid permeable portions may include high retention and high release materials.

[0016] The high-retention material may include a capillary material having a fibrous or porous structure that forms a plurality of small holes or microchannels. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be transported through the capillary material by capillary action. The high-retention material may include a plurality of fibers, threads, or other fine tubes that form a capillary bundle. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate toward the transport material. Alternatively, the retention material may include a sponge-like or foam-like material. The retention material may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials (e.g., spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or ceramic fibers)), cotton, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the retention material includes high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0017] One or both of the first and second fluid-permeable portions may comprise a ceramic porous material. The porous material may have a porosity of about 30 percent to 70 percent, preferably about 40 percent to 60 percent. The pore size may be 5 micrometers to 40 micrometers, preferably 5 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

[0018] The mouthpiece may include a tubular airflow channel. The first fluid-permeable portion may be disposed at a distal portion of the tubular airflow channel. This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to enter the tubular airflow channel through the first fluid-permeable portion. This may provide an airflow channel for the generated aerosol toward the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "distal" and "proximal" are used to describe the relative location of a section of a cartridge or aerosol generating device used with an aerosol generating article with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the aerosol generating article during use. A cartridge or aerosol generating device according to the invention comprises a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the cartridge during use. The proximal end of the cartridge may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. During use, a user draws on the downstream end or mouth end of the cartridge to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises an upstream end opposite the downstream end or mouth end. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating device or cartridge may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of a cartridge or aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative location with respect to the direction in which the aerosol is transported through the cartridge or aerosol generating device during use of the cartridge or aerosol generating device.

[0020] The mouthpiece may include a first sealing element disposed distally of the first fluid-permeable portion. This may prevent the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from escaping distally from the mouthpiece through the first fluid-permeable portion. The first sealing element is preferably configured as a tubular sealing element. This may provide a particularly secure sealing of the first fluid-permeable portion against the distal end of the mouthpiece. This may also provide a secure sealing of the second fluid-permeable portion when the second fluid-permeable portion is sealingly covered by the first sealing element.

[0021] The mouthpiece may include a second sealing element disposed proximally of the first fluid-permeable portion. This may prevent the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from exiting the mouthpiece in a proximal direction through the first fluid-permeable portion. The second sealing element is preferably configured as a ring-shaped sealing element. This may provide a particularly secure sealing of the first fluid-permeable portion against the proximal end of the mouthpiece. This may also allow easy axial movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage portion.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the cartridge, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be axially movable relative to one another in a first position, in which the first sealing element may sealingly cover a second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid storage portion.

[0023] This may allow for secure sealing of the second fluid permeable portion of the liquid storage portion by the first sealing element of the mouthpiece, which may allow for secure storage of the cartridge in the first position.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the cartridge, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be axially movable relative to one another in the second position, in which the first fluid permeable portion may contact the entire inner surface of the second fluid permeable portion.

[0025] In the second position, a maximum amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate can leave the reservoir for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the second fluid-permeable portion and be transported further to the first fluid-permeable portion of the mouthpiece. This can be due to the first fluid-permeable portion contacting the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion. This can provide a maximum surface area between the first and second fluid-permeable portions for transporting the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0026] The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be configured to be progressively axially movable between the first and second positions to intermediate axial positions, in which the first fluid-permeable portion only partially contacts the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion. The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be configured to be axially movable relative to each other to intermediate positions in a range between the first and second positions. In the intermediate third position, the first fluid-permeable portion may only contact one-third of the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion. In the intermediate fourth position, the first fluid-permeable portion may only contact one-half of the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion. In the intermediate fifth position, the first fluid-permeable portion may only contact three-quarters of the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion. These intermediate axial positions may allow less than the maximum amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the first and second fluid-permeable portions. Many additional intermediate positions are possible between the intermediate third, fourth, and fifth positions mentioned. The cartridges of the present invention may be provided with a variety of different pre-set settings that may allow a user to lock the cartridge at different settings that correspond, for example, to the various intermediate axial positions or the first and second positions discussed above.

[0027] In this context, the term "first position" refers to an axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir, where the first fluid permeable portion of the mouthpiece does not contact a surface of the second fluid permeable portion of the reservoir.

[0028] The first air inlet may allow lateral airflow into the mouthpiece, which may allow a user to control the airflow into the mouthpiece by rotationally moving the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir.

[0029] The liquid storage part of the cartridge may include a central tubular cavity for at least partially receiving the mouthpiece. This may allow a particularly easy assembly of the mouthpiece and the liquid storage part into the cartridge. In particular, the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage part may be configured to at least partially receive the tubular airflow channel of the mouthpiece. This may allow a particularly easy axial movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage part by inserting the tubular airflow channel of the mouthpiece into the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage part. This may also allow an easy rotational movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage part.

[0030] The second air inlet of the liquid storage portion may allow lateral airflow into the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion, which may allow air to enter the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion via the second air inlet through the first air inlet, which may further allow air to enter the tubular airflow channel of the mouthpiece through the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion.

[0031] The first air intake may allow lateral airflow toward the second air intake when the mouthpiece is received within the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion and when the first air intake and the second air intake overlap.

[0032] This may provide an airflow path through the first air inlet and the second air inlet into the central cavity of the liquid storage portion.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the cartridge, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be rotatably movable relative to one another in a sixth position in which the first air inlet and the second air inlet do not overlap, thereby preventing airflow into the mouthpiece through the central tubular cavity.

[0034] The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion may be rotatably movable relative to one another in a seventh position, where the first air inlet and the second air inlet completely overlap, thereby allowing airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0035] The mouthpiece and liquid storage portion may be progressively rotatably movable between the sixth and seventh positions to an intermediate rotational position, in which the first air inlet and the second air inlet partially overlap.

[0036] Thus, a user may be able to progressively rotate the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir from the sixth position to the seventh position, where a maximum amount of airflow enters the mouthpiece.

[0037] In particular, the mouthpiece may be moved to an intermediate eighth position relative to the liquid storage portion such that the first and second air inlets only overlap one-quarter of the full overlap of the seventh position. The mouthpiece may be moved to an intermediate ninth position relative to the liquid storage portion such that the first and second air inlets only overlap one-half of the full overlap of the seventh position. The mouthpiece may be moved to an intermediate tenth position relative to the liquid storage portion such that the first and second air inlets only overlap three-quarters of the full overlap of the seventh position. These intermediate rotational positions may allow less than a maximum amount of air to pass into the mouthpiece.

[0038] Many additional intermediate positions are possible between the intermediate eighth, ninth, and tenth positions mentioned. The cartridge of the present invention may be provided with a variety of different pre-set settings. These pre-set settings may allow a user to lock the cartridge at different settings corresponding to, for example, the various intermediate rotational positions or the sixth and seventh positions mentioned above.

[0039] This may allow the user to incrementally adjust the flow of air into the mouthpiece by incrementally rotating the mouthpiece and liquid storage portion.

[0040] The components of the cartridge, including the mouthpiece and the liquid reservoir, can be made from polymeric components, for example, one or more of nylon, PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) polyester, and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) may be used.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the cartridge, the mouthpiece may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be configured to inductively heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate for aerosol formation. The susceptor is preferably tubular. Preferably, the susceptor may be aligned with the first fluid-permeable portion of the mouthpiece. The susceptor may be in fluid communication with the first fluid-permeable portion of the mouthpiece. The susceptor may be porous. This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the susceptor while being heated by the susceptor. The susceptor may be in fluid communication with a tubular airflow channel of the mouthpiece. This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be transported through the susceptor and into the tubular airflow channel for generating the aerosol.

[0042] In particular, this may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the susceptor while being heated. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may pass from the liquid storage portion, through the susceptor, through the first fluid-permeable portion to the second fluid-permeable portion, and into the tubular airflow channel of the mouthpiece. In the tubular airflow channel, the heated liquid aerosol-forming substrate may entrain air from the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion and form an aerosol.

[0043] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors may include or consist of a ferromagnetic material (e.g., ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel). Suitable susceptors may be or include aluminum. Preferred susceptors may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0044] The preferred susceptor is a metal susceptor (e.g., stainless steel). However, the susceptor material may also include or be made of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, niobium, Inconel alloy (austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloy), metal-deposited film, ceramic (e.g., zirconia, etc.), transition metal (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, etc.), or semi-metallic components (e.g., boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, etc.).

[0045] The porous susceptor may include or consist of an electrically conductive ceramic material such as lanthanum doped strontium titanate or yttrium doped strontium titanate. The porous induction heating ceramic material may be a ceramic ferrite. The porous susceptor may include or consist of an open porosity ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic ceramic material such as a ceramic ferrite. As used herein, ferrite is a ferrimagnetic ceramic compound derived from iron oxides such as hematite (Fe2O3) or magnetite (Fe3O4), as well as oxides of other metals.

[0046] A stainless steel mesh may be used as the porous susceptor.

[0047] The porous susceptor may have a porosity of 35 percent to 80 percent, preferably 45 percent to 65 percent, and most preferably 50 percent to 60 percent. The term "porosity" as used herein means the percentage of void space within the susceptor. The porosity of the susceptor may be selected to allow lateral airflow through the susceptor. The porosity may additionally or alternatively be affected by providing slits or holes in the susceptor.

[0048] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol former may be a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.). The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0049] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5 percent to about 10 percent, for example about 2 percent.

[0050] The present invention also provides an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein. Additionally, the aerosol generation system comprises an aerosol generation device, which may include a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0051] According to a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein, further comprising an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device including a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0052] The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may provide a heating element, which may be configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol.

[0053] The heating element may include an inductor coil, which may be configured to heat a susceptor of the mouthpiece, which may enable heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate via inductive heating to generate the aerosol.

[0054] An inductor coil of the heating element may at least partially surround a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0055] This may enable the inductor coil to heat the susceptor of the mouthpiece when the cartridge is fully received within the cavity.

[0056] The mouthpiece susceptor may be configured to be alignable with an inductor coil of a heating element of the aerosol generation device by axially moving the mouthpiece relative to the aerosol generation device when the cartridge is fully received within the cavity of the aerosol generation device, and the degree of vertical alignment between the inductor coil and the mouthpiece susceptor may determine the degree of heating of the susceptor.

[0057] With induction heating, the susceptor may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the induction heating element. This may also heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate adjacent to or transported through the susceptor. For induction heating, the heating element preferably comprises an induction coil. To generate the alternating magnetic field, an alternating current may be supplied to the induction coil. The alternating current may have a high frequency. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0058] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the casing of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0059] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the control unit. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element, in particular to the resistive or inductive heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device or may be supplied intermittently (e.g. after each puff). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0060] The present invention further provides a method for controlling aerosol generation in the aerosol generating system described herein. The method may include axially moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to each other, thereby controlling the supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The method may also include rotationally moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to each other, thereby controlling airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0061] According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling aerosol generation in the aerosol generating system described herein. The method comprises axially moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to each other, thereby controlling the supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Further, the method comprises rotationally moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to each other, thereby controlling airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0062] Such methods may provide a user with different options for manipulating the generation of aerosol in the aerosol generation system, which may be accomplished by axially and rotationally moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to one another.

[0063] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0064] Example 1: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising: A mouthpiece, a first fluid-permeable portion; and a mouthpiece including a first air inlet; A liquid storage portion, a reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a second fluid-permeable portion in fluid contact with the reservoir; and a liquid storage portion including a second air inlet; A cartridge, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to each other, a degree of contact between the first fluid permeable portion and the second fluid permeable portion is controllable by axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion, and the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotationally movable relative to each other, a degree of overlap between the first air inlet and the second air inlet is controllable by rotational movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion. Example 2: 2. A cartridge according to example 1, wherein the first fluid-permeable portion is tubular. Example 3: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first fluid permeable portion is configured as a wick. Example 4: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second fluid-permeable portion is tubular. Example 5: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second fluid permeable portion is configured as a wick. Example 6: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece includes a tubular airflow channel, and the first fluid permeable portion is disposed in a distal portion of the tubular airflow channel. Example 7: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece includes a first sealing element disposed distally of the first fluid permeable portion, preferably the first sealing element being configured as a tubular sealing element. Example 8: A cartridge according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to one another in a first position, and wherein the first sealing element sealingly covers a second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid storage portion. Example 9: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to one another in the second position, and the first fluid permeable portion contacts the entire inner surface of the second fluid permeable portion. Example 10: A cartridge according to Example 8 or 9, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are progressively axially movable between the first position and the second position to an intermediate axial position, in which the first fluid-permeable portion is only partially in contact with the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable membrane. Example 11: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece includes a second sealing element disposed proximate to the first fluid permeable portion, preferably the second sealing element being configured as a ring-shaped sealing element. Example 12: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first air inlet allows lateral airflow into the mouthpiece. Example 13: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the liquid storage portion includes a central tubular cavity for at least partially receiving the mouthpiece. Example 14: A cartridge according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the second air inlet allows lateral air flow into the central tubular cavity of the liquid storage portion. Example 15: A cartridge according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the first air inlet allows lateral air flow towards the second air inlet when the mouthpiece is received within the central tubular cavity of the liquid reservoir. Example 16: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatably movable relative to one another in a sixth position, and the first air inlet and the second air inlet do not overlap, thereby preventing airflow from entering the mouthpiece. Example 17: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatably movable relative to one another in a seventh position, such that the first air inlet and the second air inlet fully overlap, thereby allowing airflow to enter into the mouthpiece. Example 18: A cartridge according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the mouthpiece and liquid storage portion may be progressively rotatably movable between the sixth position and the seventh position to an intermediate rotational position, in which the first air inlet and the second air inlet partially overlap. Example 19: A cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece includes a susceptor, the susceptor being preferably tubular and aligned with the first fluid-permeable portion, preferably the susceptor being porous, more preferably the susceptor being in fluid communication with the first fluid-permeable portion. Example 20: An aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments and an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device including a cavity for receiving the cartridge. Example 21: An aerosol generating system according to Example 20, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element. Example 22: 22. An aerosol generating system according to example 21, wherein the heating element comprises an inductor coil. Example 23: The aerosol generation system according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the inductor coil at least partially surrounds the cavity. Example 24: The method is - axially moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to one another, thereby controlling the supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate; - rotationally moving the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion relative to each other, thereby controlling airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0065] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0066] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0067] In the following, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0068] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a cartridge 10 according to the present invention. The cartridge 10 comprises a mouthpiece 12 and a liquid storage portion 18. The mouthpiece 12 includes a mouthpiece cover 30 fluidly connected to a tubular airflow channel 26. At the distal end of the tubular airflow channel 26 is a first fluid-permeable portion 14. The first fluid-permeable portion 14 is adjacent to a first sealing element 16 and a second sealing element 28, which together can provide a seal so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate conveyed through the first fluid-permeable portion does not accidentally exit the first fluid-permeable portion. The mouthpiece 12, and in particular its tubular airflow channel 26, can be inserted into a central tubular cavity 32 of the liquid storage portion 18. The central tubular cavity 32 is surrounded by a tubular reservoir 24 that holds the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. At the distal end of the liquid storage portion 18 is a second fluid-permeable portion 22. This second fluid-permeable portion 22 is in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the reservoir 20. At the distal end of the liquid reservoir 18 is an exterior air inlet 24 which allows ambient air to enter the liquid reservoir.

[0069] 2-4 show an aerosol generating device 34 that includes a cavity 36 for receiving the cartridge 10. In particular, the mouthpiece may be introduced into the liquid storage portion 18 of the cartridge 10. The cartridge 36 may then be received within the cavity 36 of the aerosol generating device 34. The aerosol generating device 34 also includes an inductor coil 38 that is configured to heat a susceptor portion present within the cartridge, and in particular, within the mouthpiece, as described below, to provide an aerosol to a user.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows the lower part of the cartridge 10 with the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece 10 partially inserted into the central tubular cavity 32 of the liquid storage portion. FIG. 5 shows a first position in which the first sealing element 16 sealingly covers the second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid storage portion. This first position therefore prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from being transported from the reservoir 20 to the mouthpiece. The cartridge according to the invention can be marketed and sold in such a position that securely holds the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir 20. The tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece 12 also includes a first fluid-permeable portion 14 that is fluidly connected to the tubular porous susceptor 15. The first fluid-permeable portion is fluidly connected to the tubular porous susceptor. Neither the first fluid-permeable portion 14 nor the tubular susceptor 15 is in fluid contact with the second fluid-permeable portion 22 of the reservoir 20, so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is held in the reservoir. The lower portion of the liquid reservoir 18 also includes an exterior air inlet 24 for allowing air to pass from the aerosol generating device cavity into the interior of the cartridge.

[0071] 6 shows the lower part of the cartridge 10 after the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece has been fully inserted into the central tubular cavity by axial movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir, as indicated by the arrows. In this second position, the first fluid-permeable portion 14 is in full fluid communication with the second fluid-permeable portion 22 of the reservoir 20. This second position allows the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to exit the reservoir 20, through the second fluid-permeable portion 22, into the first fluid-permeable portion 14, and through the tubular porous susceptor 15 of the tubular airflow channel 26. The transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate through the second fluid-permeable portion, the first fluid-permeable portion, and the porous susceptor is indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 7.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows the generation of aerosol 17 in the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece when the tubular porous susceptor 15 is heated by the inductor coil 38 of the aerosol generating device. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate is transported from the reservoir 20 through the second fluid-permeable portion 22 of the liquid reservoir to the first fluid-permeable portion 14 of the mouthpiece. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate then passes through the porous susceptor element 15 and is heated. In the tubular airflow channel 26, the evaporated aerosol-forming substrate mixes with air entering the airflow channel through the outer air inlet 24 and the first and second air inlets, resulting in the formation of aerosol 17 (the first and second air inlets are not shown in FIG. 6). The second sealing element 28 and the first sealing element 16 of the mouthpiece prevent the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from entering the central tubular cavity 32 of the cartridge.

[0073] 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the cartridge at the top in a first axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir. The second fluid-permeable portion 22 of the reservoir 20 is blocked by the first sealing element 16 of the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece. As a result, the first fluid-permeable portion 14 of the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece is not in contact with the second fluid-permeable portion 22, and therefore the transport of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir 20 is blocked. The tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece also includes a first air inlet tubular portion 17 including a first air inlet 17A. The liquid reservoir includes a second air inlet tubular portion 40, which also includes a second air inlet 40A, shown in dashed lines in FIG. 9. The first air inlet tubular portion 17 covers the second air inlet 40A, so that air entering the cartridge through the outer air inlet 24 cannot enter the tubular airflow channel. This position corresponds to a sixth rotational position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage portion, in which the first air inlet and the second air inlet do not overlap, thereby preventing airflow from entering the mouthpiece. The lower part of FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view along a plane through the first air inlet tubular portion and the second air inlet tubular portion, indicated by reference number 50 in the upper part of FIG. 9 and indicated by a dashed line. This lower part shows that the second air inlet 40A is covered by the first air inlet tubular portion 17, thereby preventing airflow from entering the mouthpiece. The first axial position and this third rotational position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage portion prevent the formation of aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, the cartridge can be stored in such a position that is childproof.

[0074] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the cartridge at the top, showing that the tubular airflow channel 26 of the mouthpiece is fully inserted into the liquid reservoir by axial movement of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir, indicated by arrow 21. This axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir corresponds to a second axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir. In this second final axial position, the first fluid-permeable portion is in contact with the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion so as to transport a maximum amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate. As described above with respect to FIG. 6, in this second axial position, there is a flow path for the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the second fluid-permeable portion 22 to the first fluid-permeable portion 14 to the porous susceptor 15. This flow path allows the flow of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the susceptor to form an aerosol (the porous susceptor 15 is not shown in FIG. 10). As shown by the arrow 23, the mouthpiece has been rotated relative to the liquid reservoir such that the first air inlet tubular part 17 no longer covers the second air inlet 40A. In the seventh rotational position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir, the first air inlet and the second air inlet completely overlap, thereby allowing the maximum airflow into the mouthpiece. The lower part of FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view along a plane through the first air inlet tubular part and the second air inlet tubular part, which is indicated by the reference numeral 50 and shown in dashed lines in the upper part of FIG. 10. This lower part shows that the first air inlet tubular part 17 is completely retracted from the second air inlet, such that the first air inlet 17A and the second air inlet 40A completely overlap, allowing the maximum amount of air to pass through. The second axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir and this seventh rotational position allow the formation of aerosol with the maximum amount of aerosol and the maximum amount of air.

[0075] FIG. 11 shows the upper part of the cross-sectional view of the lower part of the cartridge, with the mouthpiece and the liquid storage part in a second axial position relative to each other, with the first fluid-permeable part contacting the entire surface of the second fluid-permeable part, allowing the maximum amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be transported for aerosol formation. The contact area between the first and second fluid-permeable parts is shown in dashed lines. In contrast to FIG. 10, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage part are in an intermediate ninth rotational position, with the first air inlet 17A and the second air inlet 40A only partially overlapping to half of the maximum overlap. This allows an intermediate amount of air to pass through the first and second air inlets. The lower part of FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view along a plane through the first and second air inlet tubular parts, which are designated with reference number 50 in the upper part of FIG. 11 and shown in dashed lines. The lower portion shows that the first air inlet tubular portion 17 still covers half of the second air inlet 40A so that only half the maximum amount of air can pass through. This second axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid reservoir and this intermediate ninth rotational position allow for aerosol formation using the maximum amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate and approximately half the maximum amount of air.

[0076] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the cartridge 10 at the top. The mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are in an intermediate axial position relative to each other. In this intermediate axial position, the first fluid-permeable portion is only partially in contact with the second fluid-permeable portion of the storage portion. The contact area between the first and second fluid-permeable portions is shown by dashed lines. As in FIG. 11, the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are in an intermediate ninth rotational position, where only half of the maximum amount of air can pass through the first air inlet and the second air inlet. The intermediate second axial position of the mouthpiece relative to the liquid storage portion and this intermediate ninth rotational position allow the formation of an aerosol using only a partial amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate and only half of the maximum amount of air.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising: A mouthpiece, a first fluid-permeable portion; and a mouthpiece including a first air inlet; A liquid storage portion, a reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a second fluid-permeable portion in fluid contact with the reservoir; and a liquid storage portion including a second air intake; a cartridge in which the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to each other, the degree of contact between the first fluid-permeable portion and the second fluid-permeable portion is controllable by the axial movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion, and the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotationally movable relative to each other, the degree of overlap between the first air inlet and the second air inlet is controllable by the rotational movement between the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a tubular airflow channel, and the first fluid-permeable portion is disposed in a distal portion of the tubular airflow channel.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 or 2, wherein the mouthpiece includes a first sealing element disposed distally of the first fluid-permeable portion.

4. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to each other in a first position, and in the first position, the first sealing element covers the second fluid-permeable portion of the liquid storage portion in a sealing manner.

5. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to one another in a second position, and in the second position, the first fluid-permeable portion contacts the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion.

6. A cartridge as described in claim 4, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are axially movable relative to each other in a second position, in which the first fluid-permeable portion contacts the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion, and the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are gradually axially movable between the first and second positions to at least one intermediate axial position, in which the first fluid-permeable portion only partially contacts the entire inner surface of the second fluid-permeable portion.

7. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece includes a second sealing element disposed proximal to the first fluid-permeable portion.

8. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the first air inlet allows lateral airflow into the mouthpiece.

9. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the liquid reservoir includes a central tubular cavity for at least partially receiving the mouthpiece.

10. The cartridge of claim 9 , wherein the second air inlet allows lateral airflow into the central tubular cavity of the liquid reservoir.

11. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatably movable relative to one another in a sixth position, and in the sixth position, the first air inlet and the second air inlet do not overlap, thereby preventing airflow from entering the mouthpiece.

12. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatably movable relative to one another in a seventh position, wherein the first air inlet and the second air inlet completely overlap in the seventh position, thereby allowing airflow into the mouthpiece.

13. A cartridge as described in claim 11, wherein the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatable relative to each other in a seventh position, in which the first air intake port and the second air intake port completely overlap, thereby allowing airflow to enter the mouthpiece, and the mouthpiece and the liquid storage portion are rotatable incrementally from the sixth position to the seventh position, in which the first air intake port and the second air intake port only partially overlap.

14. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece comprises a susceptor.

15. An aerosol generation system comprising the cartridge of claim 1 and an aerosol generation device, the aerosol generation device including a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

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