Cartridge for induction heating aerosol generator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024523478
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-10-20
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing aerosol generating devices lack modifiable user experiences and flavor options, and do not efficiently utilize both solid and liquid aerosol-forming substrates in a single system.
A cartridge design with a liquid storage portion and a hollow tubular susceptor element for induction heating, allowing for interchangeable cartridges with different flavors and substrates, and a core element that heats up via eddy currents and hysteresis losses to vaporize liquid aerosol-forming substrates, combined with a susceptor for heating solid substrates.
Provides a highly modifiable user experience with customizable flavors and nicotine content, reducing waste by allowing refillable cartridges, and enabling efficient aerosol generation from both liquid and solid substrates in a single device.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generating article. [Background technology]
[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in an aerosol-generating article or cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or part of the article or cartridge.
[0003] The aerosol-generating article may have a shape suitable for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a rod shape. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. When heated to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol.
[0004] The aerosol-generating article may include a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be delivered to the electric heating element from a liquid storage portion. The liquid substrate may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may be formed as a replaceable or refillable cartridge containing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be attached to an aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.
[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system where the user experience is modifiable. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system where the flavor of the generated aerosol ... Summary of the Invention
[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may comprise a distal region including a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a proximal region including a hollow tubular susceptor element. The cartridge may comprise a core element including a distal portion and a proximal portion. At least a portion of the distal portion of the core element may extend into the liquid reservoir. At least a portion of the proximal portion of the core element may be coaxially surrounded by the susceptor element.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge comprises a distal region including a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge comprises a proximal region including a hollow tubular susceptor element. The cartridge comprises a core element including a distal portion and a proximal portion. At least a portion of the distal portion of the core element extends into the liquid reservoir. At least a portion of the proximal portion of the core element is coaxially surrounded by the susceptor element.
[0008] The cartridge may be used with an induction heating aerosol generating device that includes one or more inductor coils. An alternating current in the inductor coil induces an alternating magnetic field. This alternating magnetic field is called an induction field because it can induce alternating ring currents (eddy currents) in the susceptor if the susceptor is conductive. If the susceptor is magnetic, hysteresis losses will occur in the susceptor. In a susceptor that is both conductive and magnetic, both effects (eddy currents and hysteresis losses) cause the susceptor to heat up. Generally, a material that heats up when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field is called a susceptor. The heat thus generated is then transferred to the aerosol generating substrate, causing the aerosol generating substrate to heat up and thus generate an aerosol. The hollow tubular susceptor element of the cartridge of the present invention can be heated by the inductor coil of the aerosol generating device. An additional inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device may heat another susceptor, for example a susceptor of the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device or a susceptor of an aerosol-generating article inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.
[0009] When the hollow tubular susceptor element of the cartridge of the present invention is heated, heat is conducted to the wick element surrounded by the hollow tubular susceptor element. The proximal portion of the wick element can then be heated. The proximal portion of the wick element is immersed in a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or a liquid sensory medium that is supplied from a liquid storage portion of the cartridge through a distal portion of the wick element by capillary forces. Thus, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium evaporates at the hot proximal end of the wick element.
[0010] The core element of the cartridge may have an elongated cylindrical shape.
[0011] The proximal region of the cartridge may include a proximal outer sidewall coaxially surrounding the susceptor element to form a recess or cavity between the proximal sidewall and the susceptor element, the proximal end of the recess or cavity may be open to allow the susceptor element to be visible from the outside.
[0012] The cartridge may include an open proximal end.
[0013] The cartridge may be provided with a removable sealing foil for closing the proximal end of the cartridge prior to use. Such a sealing foil may protect the cartridge and mouthpiece from debris or other undesirable contaminants during transport, and especially prior to use.
[0014] The cartridge may include one or more air inlets provided in the proximal sidewall. The one or more air inlets may be disposed in a distal portion of the proximal sidewall.
[0015] The hollow tubular susceptor element may include a transversely extending, disk-shaped rim at its distal end.
[0016] A transversely extending, disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element may be secured to a transversely extending wall element of the cartridge housing.
[0017] The transversely extending, disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element may be made of a susceptor material. The hollow tubular susceptor element together with its transversely extending, disk-shaped rim may be made of the same material. The hollow tubular susceptor element together with its transversely extending, disk-shaped rim may be a monolithic part.
[0018] The fixing of the transversely extending disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element to the transversely extending wall element of the cartridge housing may be achieved by an adhesive layer, which may be disposed between the disk-shaped rim and the wall element.
[0019] The hollow tubular susceptor element may include a sloped proximal end face that is non-parallel to a plane perpendicular to a cylindrical axis of the hollow tubular susceptor element.
[0020] The distal region of the cartridge may include a distal outer sidewall coaxially surrounding the liquid reservoir.
[0021] The distal region of the cartridge may include a distal end wall including a refill inlet opening in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion. The cartridge may be connected to a refill unit for refilling the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge via the refill inlet opening.
[0022] The cartridge may include a one-way valve fluidly disposed between the refill inlet opening and the liquid reservoir, the one-way valve serving to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the refill inlet opening.
[0023] The cartridge may include a filter element disposed between the refill inlet opening and the liquid reservoir. The filter element may soak up an amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate that may accumulate when a user is refilling the cartridge. The filter element may thereby assist in preventing leakage.
[0024] The proximal region of the cartridge may include a proximal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to the aerosol generating device. The proximal coupling means may include a male or female portion of the coupling means, and the aerosol generating device may include a respective corresponding other female or male portion of the coupling means. The coupling means may be, for example, a form-fit connection, a bayonet connection, or a threaded connection.
[0025] The distal region of the cartridge may include a distal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to, for example, a liquid refilling unit. The distal coupling means may include one or more coupling recesses. The distal coupling means may include a male or female portion of the coupling means, and the refilling unit or other unit may include a respective corresponding other female or male portion of the coupling means. The coupling means may be, for example, a form-fit connection, a bayonet connection, or a threaded connection.
[0026] The proximal region of the cartridge may have a cylindrical outer shape. The core element may extend along a central axis of the cylindrical proximal region. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the core element may be parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical proximal region.
[0027] The outer diameter of the cylindrical proximal region may be between 6.7 mm and 15.4 mm, preferably between 6.7 mm and 12.5 mm.
[0028] The distal region of the cartridge may have a cylindrical outer shape. The core element may extend along a central axis of the cylindrical distal region. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the core element may be parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical distal region.
[0029] The outer diameter of the cylindrical distal region may be between 8.3 mm and 26.1 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 21 mm.
[0030] The susceptor element may have a protective outer layer, for example a protective ceramic or glass layer, which may encapsulate the susceptor element.
[0031] The cartridge may be replaceable. The cartridge may be refillable. Once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may refill the cartridge so that the refillable cartridge can be reused. Designing parts to be reusable helps to reduce waste and reduces the ecological impact of the device or system or cartridge on the environment.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol generation device comprising a heating chamber at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil, the heating chamber comprising a proximal region for insertion of at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article and a distal region for insertion of at least a portion of the proximal region of the cartridge.
[0033] In a disassembled configuration of the aerosol generation system, the aerosol generating device may be removed and separated from the cartridge and the aerosol generating article, whereas in an assembled configuration of the aerosol generation system, the aerosol generating device may be in physical contact with one or both of the cartridge and the aerosol generating article.
[0034] The aerosol generating device may be an induction heating device including one or more inductor coils. The aerosol generating device may include a heating chamber. The heating chamber may have a cylindrical outer sidewall. The outer sidewall of the heating chamber may be coaxially surrounded by one or more inductor coils. The aerosol generating device may include two or more inductor coils, where different conductor coils may be located at different positions along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber. The aerosol generating device may include a device susceptor element. The device susceptor element may coaxially surround the heating chamber. The one or more inductor coils may coaxially surround the device susceptor element.
[0035] A plurality of inductor coils may be provided. A first inductor coil and a second inductor coil may be provided. The first and second inductor coils may be provided at different positions along a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber.
[0036] The aerosol-generating system may also comprise an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be reconstituted tobacco, preferably cast leaf, more preferably RRP cast leaf.
[0037] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a mouthpiece, which may be removably attachable to the proximal end of the aerosol generating device when there is no aerosol-generating article received within the heating chamber.
[0038] The heating chamber may include an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The heating chamber may have an open distal end opposite the open proximal end. The heating chamber may have an elongated extension. The heating chamber may have a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending between the proximal end and the distal end along the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the heating chamber may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device. In the assembled configuration of the aerosol generating system, the central longitudinal axis of the heating chamber may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of one or both of the cartridge and the aerosol-generating article.
[0039] The heating chamber may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The heating chamber may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received therein. The heating chamber may have a circular cross-section. The heating chamber may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The heating chamber may have an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.
[0040] The heating chamber may be adapted to allow air to flow through the heating chamber. The proximal end of the wick element may be fluidly connected to the heating chamber via an airflow path. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device or cartridge, into the heating chamber, and toward the user. The open end of the heating chamber may include an air outlet. Downstream of the heating chamber, a mouthpiece may be disposed, or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly.
[0041] The aerosol generating device may be configured to removably mount the cartridge, such that the cartridge may be easily replaced by a user. The user may replace an empty cartridge. The user may choose between different cartridges holding different liquids. The different cartridges may be color coded with different colors so that the user may easily distinguish between the different liquids.
[0042] The aerosol generating system may allow different modes of operation to allow for variable user experiences for the user. The system may be used with only the aerosol generating article, without a cartridge or with a closed or empty cartridge, such that the generated aerosol contains volatilized compounds only from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The system may be used with an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge, such that the generated aerosol contains volatilized compounds both from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article and from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium contained in the cartridge. The system may be used with only the cartridge without the aerosol-generating article, or with a dummy article without the aerosol-forming substrate, such that the generated aerosol contains volatilized compounds only from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium contained in the cartridge. Different aerosol-generating articles with different flavors, different retention-to-draw values, etc. may be used. Different cartridges with different flavors, different flavor intensities, etc. may be used. Thus, an infinite number of combinations of different articles and / or different cartridges are possible. A highly modifiable and unique user experience may be provided. For example, the nicotine content of the generated aerosol can be modified. By allowing different modes of operation, a multi-functional system can be provided. A user may choose between the different modes of operation. Thus, a user does not necessarily have to carry several different devices for each mode of operation, but only one device. Also, a user may only have to purchase one device, rather than several different devices, which may result in cost savings.
[0043] The aerosol-generating article may have a cylindrical outer shape. The proximal region of the cartridge may have a hollow cylindrical outer shape, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical article may be smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge to allow insertion of a distal end of the article into at least a portion of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge.
[0044] The aerosol-generating article may include a recess at its distal end for inserting at least a portion of the hollow tubular susceptor element of the cartridge.
[0045] The aerosol-generating article may have a cylindrical outer shape, the proximal region of the cartridge may have a cylindrical outer shape, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical article and the outer diameter of the cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge may be substantially the same.
[0046] The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may include one or both of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid sensory medium. The liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent. The liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent, such as menthol or an herbal compound. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid sensory medium may include botanical content, such as CBD.
[0047] The core element may comprise cotton.The core element may be made from cotton.
[0048] The wick element may be a porous element. The wick element may have the ability to absorb liquid from the air stream. The wick element may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or cavernous structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads, or other fine tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to transport liquid from a distal portion of the core element to a proximal portion of the core element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a cavernous or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which liquid can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous materials, such as fibrous materials made of spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics). The capillary material may have any suitable capillary action and porosity to be used with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure that allow the liquid to be moved through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to carry the aerosol-forming substrate to the proximal portion of the wick element and to the susceptor element. The capillary material may extend into the gaps in the susceptor element.
[0049] As used herein, the term "liquid sensory medium" refers to a liquid composition capable of modifying an airflow that contacts the liquid sensory medium. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the airflow, and filtering the airflow. For example, the liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. The aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensory medium is preferably a flavorant or includes a flavorant. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid sensory medium may include one or both of a cooling material for cooling the airflow passing through the liquid sensory medium and a filtering material for capturing undesirable components in the airflow. Water may be used as a cooling material. Water may be used as a filtering material for capturing particles, such as dust particles, from the airflow. The liquid sensory medium may function as one or more of a nicotine-delivering liquid, a flavoring, and a bulking agent.
[0050] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.
[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid sensory medium held in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid storage portion may contain a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may contain a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. The liquid storage portion preferably contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate described below may be one or both of an aerosol-forming substrate contained within a liquid storage portion and an aerosol-forming substrate contained within an aerosol-generating article. Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavour / flavourant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, whilst a solid tobacco-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the aerosol-generating article.
[0053] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.
[0054] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.
[0055] The 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 in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. 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, etc.), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). A preferred aerosol former is a polyhydric alcohol or mixtures thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably has an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.
[0056] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be insertable into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device.
[0057] As used herein, the term "liquid reservoir" refers to a reservoir that includes a liquid sensory medium and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid reservoir may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
[0058] The liquid reservoir may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The liquid reservoir may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid reservoir may be substantially cylindrical. The cross section of the liquid reservoir may be, for example, substantially circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular.
[0059] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating article and / or a cartridge to generate an aerosol.
[0060] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generating device and one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generating article, in which the aerosol generating device and one or both of the aerosol generating article and cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.
[0061] The aerosol generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may have a total length of between 30 mm and 150 mm. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of between 5 mm and 30 mm.
[0062] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composites containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and not brittle.
[0063] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include multiple air inlets.
[0064] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element, which may include at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.
[0065] Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button and held for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per time drawn by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generating device. The start of a puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predefined threshold. The start may also be detected after the user activates the button. The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.
[0066] The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display to indicate the status of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol-forming substrate.
[0067] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, an electrically operated or charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply within an electric aerosol generating device.
[0068] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user or mouth end of an aerosol generating device or system or portion thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. When referring to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the area closest to the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the area closest to the closed end.
[0069] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating device is in use.
[0070] The term "airflow path" as used herein means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.
[0071] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" refers to an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, or hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. In use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or in thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in an aerosol generation device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, thereby forming an aerosol.
[0072] The susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features relating to the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge, the susceptor of the aerosol-generating device, and the susceptor of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred susceptor materials include metals or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor material may include or consist of ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials, such as, for example, ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys (such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel), ferromagnetic particles, ferrites, and the like. A suitable susceptor material may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may contain more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic material. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.
[0073] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a layer of steel.
[0074] The susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core having a metallic layer disposed thereon. For example, the susceptor material may comprise a ceramic core or a metallic track formed on the outer surface of the substrate.
[0075] The susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel. One or more layers of stainless steel may be disposed on the layer of austenitic steel. For example, the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The susceptor element may include a single susceptor material. The susceptor element may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material. The first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be in intimate contact to form a single susceptor that cannot be disassembled. In certain embodiments, the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel. The susceptor element may have a bi-layer structure. The susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.
[0076] The intimate contact between the first and second susceptor materials may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad, or welded onto the first susceptor material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanizing, and cladding.
[0077] The aerosol generating device may include a power source for powering the heating element. The power source may comprise a battery. The power source may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). 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 embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heating element.
[0078] The power source may be a direct current (DC) power source. In one embodiment, the power source is a DC power source having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 amp to 10 amps (corresponding to a DC power source in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) inverter for converting the DC current provided by the DC power source to an alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC / AC converter is provided to the induction coil.
[0079] The power source may be adapted to supply power to the inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequencies. For operation at high frequencies, a class E power amplifier is preferred. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency between 1 megahertz and 30 megahertz, preferably between 1 megahertz and 10 megahertz, and more preferably between 5 megahertz and 8 megahertz.
[0080] In alternative embodiments, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example 100 kHz to 400 KHz. In embodiments where class D or class C power amplifiers are used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.
[0081] The aerosol generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil and therefore the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil.
[0082] A power source and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.
[0083] The controller may be configured to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC / AC converter, so that the power supplied to the inductor coil can be controlled by conventional methods of duty cycle management.
[0084] 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 the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.
[0085] Example A: 1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a distal region including a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a proximal region including a hollow tubular susceptor element; a core element including a distal portion and a proximal portion; A cartridge, wherein at least a portion of a distal portion of the core element extends into the liquid storage portion and at least a portion of a proximal portion of the core element is coaxially surrounded by a susceptor element. Example B: A cartridge according to embodiment A, wherein the core element has an elongated cylindrical shape. Example C: A cartridge according to embodiment A or embodiment B, wherein the proximal region of the cartridge includes a proximal outer sidewall coaxially surrounding the susceptor element to form a cavity between the proximal sidewall and the susceptor element. Example D: A cartridge according to embodiment C, comprising one or more air intake ports provided in the proximal sidewall. Example E: A cartridge according to embodiment D, wherein the one or more air intake ports are disposed in a distal portion of the proximal sidewall. Example F: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-E, wherein the hollow tubular susceptor element includes a transversely extending, disk-shaped rim at its distal end. Example G: A cartridge according to embodiment F, in which a transversely extending disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element is fixed to a transversely extending wall element of the cartridge housing, preferably the fixation being by an adhesive layer arranged between the disk-shaped rim and the wall element. Example H: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-G, wherein the hollow tubular susceptor element includes a sloped proximal end surface. Example I: The cartridge according to any of embodiments A-H, wherein the distal region of the cartridge includes a distal outer sidewall coaxially surrounding the liquid reservoir. Example J: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-I, wherein the distal region of the cartridge comprises a distal end wall including a refill inlet opening in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir. Example K: The cartridge according to embodiment J, comprising a one-way valve fluidly disposed between the refill inlet opening and the liquid reservoir. Example L: The cartridge according to embodiment J or embodiment K, comprising a filter element disposed between the refill inlet opening and the liquid storage portion. Example M: The cartridge according to any of embodiments A-L, wherein the cartridge comprises an open proximal end. Example N: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-M, wherein the proximal region of the cartridge comprises a proximal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to an aerosol generating device. Example O: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-N, wherein the distal region of the cartridge includes distal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to a liquid refilling unit. Example P: The cartridge according to embodiment O, wherein the distal coupling means includes one or more coupling recesses. Example Q: A cartridge according to any of embodiments AP, wherein the proximal region of the cartridge has a cylindrical outer shape and the core element extends along a central axis of the cylindrical proximal region. Example R: A cartridge according to embodiment Q, wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical proximal region is between 6.7 millimeters and 15.4 millimeters, preferably between 6.7 millimeters and 12.5 millimeters. Example S: A cartridge according to any of embodiments A-R, wherein the distal region of the cartridge has a cylindrical outer shape and the core element extends along a central axis of the cylindrical distal region. Example T: A cartridge according to embodiment S, wherein the outer diameter of the cylindrical distal region is between 8.3 millimeters and 26.1 millimeters, preferably between 10 millimeters and 21 millimeters. Example U: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of Examples A to T; An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating device including a heating chamber at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil, the heating chamber including a proximal region for inserting at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, and a distal region for inserting at least a portion of the proximal region of a cartridge. Example V: An aerosol-generating system according to embodiment U, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Example W: An aerosol generating system according to Example V, wherein the aerosol generating article has a cylindrical outer shape, the proximal region of the cartridge has a hollow cylindrical outer shape, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical article is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge to enable insertion of a distal end of the article into at least a portion of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge. Example X: The aerosol generating system according to Example V or Example W, wherein the aerosol generating article includes a recess at its distal end for inserting at least a portion of the hollow tubular susceptor element of the cartridge. Example Y: An aerosol generating system according to Example V, wherein the aerosol generating article has a cylindrical outer shape, the proximal region of the cartridge has a cylindrical outer shape, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical article and the outer diameter of the cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge are substantially identical.
[0086] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.
[0087] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0088] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cartridge. [Diagram 2] Figure 2a shows the cartridge and Figure 2b shows a portion of the cartridge. [Diagram 3] Figures 3a and 3b show a portion of the cartridge. [Figure 4] 4a and 4b show an aerosol generation system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the airflow paths in an aerosol generation system. [Figure 6] 6a and 6b show an aerosol generation system. [Figure 7] Figures 7a and 7b show the dimensions of the cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0089] FIG. 1 shows in cross-section a cartridge 10 for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge 10 comprises a distal region 12 and a proximal region 14. The distal region 12 of the cartridge 10 includes a liquid reservoir 16 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The proximal region 14 of the cartridge 10 includes a hollow tubular susceptor element 18. The hollow tubular susceptor element 18 includes a longitudinally extending tubular portion 18a and a transversely or radially extending disk-shaped rim 18b at its distal end. The cartridge 10 includes an elongated cylindrical core element 20 including a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the core element 20 extends into the liquid reservoir 16. The proximal portion of the core element 20 is coaxially surrounded by the susceptor element 18.
[0090] The cartridge 10 includes a cartridge housing 22. The susceptor element 18 is attached to the cartridge housing 22 by a sealing element 24 that attaches a disk-shaped rim 18b of the susceptor element 18 to the cartridge housing 22. The sealing element 24 may be an adhesive. Alternatively, the disk-shaped rim 18b of the susceptor element 18 may be attached to the cartridge housing 22 by other means, for example ultrasonic welding. In such an embodiment, the sealing element 24 may be omitted.
[0091] The proximal region 12 of the cartridge 10 includes a proximal outer sidewall 26 of the cartridge housing 22. The proximal outer sidewall 26 coaxially surrounds the susceptor element 18 and forms a cavity between the proximal sidewall 26 and the susceptor element 18. The cartridge 10 includes an open proximal end. The proximal sidewall 26 of the cartridge 10 may function as a proximal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge 10 to an aerosol generating device.
[0092] The distal region 12 of the cartridge 10 includes a distal outer sidewall 28 of the cartridge housing 22 that coaxially surrounds the liquid storage portion 16. The distal region 12 of the cartridge 10 includes a distal end wall 30 that includes a refill inlet opening 32 in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion 16. The cartridge 10 includes a one-way valve 34 disposed in fluid communication between the refill inlet opening 32 and the liquid storage portion 16. The cartridge 10 includes a filter element 36 disposed between the refill inlet opening 32 and the liquid storage portion 16.
[0093] The distal region 12 of the cartridge 10 includes a distal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge 10 to a liquid refill unit. The distal coupling means includes a coupling recess 38.
[0094] The proximal region 14 of the cartridge 10 has a cylindrical outer shape. The core element 20 extends along a central axis 40 of the cylindrical proximal region 14. The distal region 12 of the cartridge 10 also has a cylindrical outer shape, with the core element 20 extending along a central axis 40 of the cylindrical distal region 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the central axis 40 of the cylindrical proximal region 14 is the same as the central axis 40 of the distal region and of the entire cartridge 10. The outer diameter of the cylindrical distal region 12 exceeds the outer diameter of the cylindrical proximal region 14.
[0095] 2a shows, in a perspective view, a schematic of a cartridge 10 for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge 10 comprises a hollow tubular proximal region 14 having an open proximal end formed by a proximal outer sidewall 26. The cartridge 10 comprises a cylindrical distal region 12 formed by a distal outer sidewall 28 coaxially surrounding a liquid reservoir (not shown). Optionally, one or more auxiliary coupling recesses 42 are located at the proximal end of the distal portion 12 and form part of a distal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to a liquid refilling unit.
[0096] 2a also shows an optional cartridge air inlet 44 disposed at a distal portion of the proximal sidewall 26. There may be one or more additional optional cartridge air inlets disposed at different circumferential locations on the distal portion of the proximal sidewall 26.
[0097] Also shown in Figure 2a is the proximal portion of the longitudinally extending tubular portion 18a of the hollow tubular susceptor element 18, which is located within a cavity bounded by the proximal sidewall 26. The end faces of the tubular portion 18a are inclined relative to the transverse plane. The core element 20 is not shown in Figure 2a.
[0098] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the susceptor element 18 and the core element 20 of FIG. 2a. The beveled surface at the end face of the tubular portion 18a is also shown in the cross-section of FIG. 2b. The beveled surface may help to reduce the force required to insert the tubular portion 18a into the tubular element of the aerosol-generating article. The beveled surface causes a gradual increase in the insertion force during insertion, mainly due to friction between the outer surface of the tubular portion 18a and the inner surface of the tubular element into which the tubular portion 18a is inserted. Such a gradual increase in the insertion force may allow for a smooth insertion. The beveled shape may also help the tubular susceptor portion 18a to automatically adapt to the inner shape of the tubular element into which it is inserted, thus promoting self-centering during insertion. This may also help to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the size of the tubular element into which the tubular susceptor portion 18a is inserted. The angle of the beveled surface relative to the transverse plane may be about 10° to 40°, preferably about 25° to 35°. The transverse plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated cylindrical core element 20. This beveled shape is also versatile. For example, the beveled surface allows for tearing of the foil when the cartridge 10 is used in an aerosol generating system with an aerosol generating article having a sealing foil at its distal end.
[0099] 2b, the surface area of the core element 20 that is exposed to the airflow path and not covered by the tubular susceptor portion 18a may be increased as compared to a non-angled surface. This expanded exposed surface area of the core element 20 may advantageously provide a larger surface for aerosolization.
[0100] Figure 3a shows the cross-sectional view of Figure 2b, except that Figure 3a additionally illustrates droplets 46. During use of the cartridge 10 with an aerosol generating device, there may be some overflow of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the proximal end of the wick element 20. If excess liquid exits the wick, droplets 46 may adhere to the surface of the susceptor element 18, for example, due to natural effects of capillary action and surface tension. The droplets 46 may then volatilize when the susceptor element 18 is heated by an alternating magnetic field generated within the inductor coil of the aerosol generating device.
[0101] Although the tubular cylindrical portion 18a of the susceptor 18 may be in a more efficient spatial alignment with the inductor coil, the disk-shaped rim 18b may also be heated by the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor coil and by heat radiation. The disk-shaped rim 18b may thereby act like a hot plate surrounding the tubular core susceptor element 18a. In this manner, the disk-shaped rim 18b may act as an aerosolization portion of the droplets 44. The disk-shaped rim 18b also helps to keep the periphery of the core 20 and susceptor 18 free of droplets 44 that may otherwise be potential sources of leakage. Thus, the transversely extending disk-shaped rim 18b may advantageously aid in preventing leakage.
[0102] Additionally, the transversely extending, disk-shaped rim 18b may advantageously provide mechanical stability to the assembly of the cartridge 10. The transversely extending, disk-shaped rim 18b may help to withstand transverse forces that may occur, for example, during manufacture of the cartridge 10 or during handling of the cartridge 10 by a user. The disk-shaped rim 18b may help ensure that the susceptor element 18 remains linearly and coaxially aligned with the core element 20 in the presence of such transverse forces.
[0103] 3b shows an alternative embodiment in which the end face of the tubular portion 18a is not beveled. The proximal end of portion 18a includes a curved edge that is bent inwardly toward the core element 20. The curved edge may help to reduce the force required to insert tubular portion 18a into a tubular element of the aerosol-generating article.
[0104] As with the embodiment of Figure 3a, in the embodiment of Figure 3b, a transversely extending, disc-shaped rim 18b may advantageously help to prevent leakage and provide stability to the cartridge assembly.
[0105] Figures 4a and 4b show an aerosol generation system in cross-section. Figure 4a shows the aerosol generation system in an exploded configuration. The aerosol generation system of Figure 4 comprises the cartridge 10 shown in Figure 1, only with the exception that the cartridge 10 of Figure 4 includes an optional air inlet 44 disposed in a distal portion of the proximal sidewall 26.
[0106] The aerosol generating system of FIG. 4 further comprises an aerosol generating device 50. The aerosol generating device 50 includes a device housing 52 that encloses a cylindrical heating chamber 54. The heating chamber 54 is coaxially surrounded by a tubular device susceptor 56. The tubular device susceptor 56 is coaxially surrounded by two inductor coils 58, 60 located at different positions along the longitudinal axis of the heating chamber 54. The transverse distance between the device susceptor 56 and the surrounding inductor coils 58, 60 may be greater than the distance shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 4 to avoid excessive passive heating of the inductor coils 58, 60 by the heated device susceptor 56 via thermal conduction. In general, the distance and thermal conduction between the device susceptor 56 and the inductor coils 58, 60 may be selected such that heat dissipation from the heated device susceptor 56 does not cause excessive heating of the surrounding inductor coils 58, 60. A layer of thermal insulation material may also be provided between the device susceptor 56 and the surrounding inductor coils 58,60.
[0107] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the apparatus susceptor 56 may not be present and instead the aerosol-generating article 70 may include a susceptor material for heating an aerosol-forming substrate 72 contained within the aerosol-generating article 70.
[0108] The proximal end of the device housing 52 includes an opening for inserting an aerosol-generating article 70 into the proximal portion of the heating chamber 54, as shown by an arrow in Fig. 4a. The distal end of the device housing 52 includes an opening for inserting a cartridge 10 into the distal portion of the heating chamber 54, as shown by another arrow in Fig. 4a. The distal end of the device housing 52 includes a cartridge connection means 62 for reversibly attaching the cartridge 10 to the aerosol generating device 50. The cartridge connection means 62 may be configured in the form of a generally ring-shaped slit into which the proximal outer sidewall 26 of the cartridge may be inserted to provide a form-fit connection, or a bayonet-type connection, or a threaded connection, or a magnetic connection.
[0109] The aerosol-generating system of Figure 4 further comprises an aerosol-generating article 70. At its distal end, the aerosol-generating article 70 includes a solid aerosol-forming substrate portion 72, a hollow acetate tube 74, and a proximal mouthpiece filter 76. These elements may be surrounded by one or more outer wrappers (not shown).
[0110] Figure 4b shows the aerosol-generating system of Figure 4a in an assembled configuration as indicated by the arrows in Figure 4a. Beneath the distal end of the aerosol-generating article 70, at the very distal end of the heating chamber 54, is visible a hollow cavity 78 surrounded by the inner wall of the housing 52. A portion of the wick 20 surrounded by the susceptor 18 is located in the center of the cavity 78.
[0111] Insertion of the aerosol-generating article 70 deeper into the heating chamber 54 may be blocked by the presence of the wick 20 and susceptor 18 arrangement of the cartridge 10. Alternatively, one or both of the cartridge 10 and the heating chamber 54 may be provided with a stopper element, such as a pin, to prevent insertion of the aerosol-generating article 70 deeper into the heating chamber 54.
[0112] 5 exemplarily illustrates airflow paths within an aerosol generation system. The assembled aerosol generation system of FIG. 4 is shown.
[0113] When a user puffs on the mouthpiece filter 76, ambient air 80 can be drawn into the aerosol generating system through the air inlet 44 of the cartridge 10. The controller of the aerosol generating device 50 supplies power to the inductor coils 58, 60, which then generate an alternating magnetic field that induces a current in the susceptor 56 of the device 50 and in the susceptor 18 of the cartridge 10. This may be triggered, for example, by a puff sensor detecting a puffing action of the user. Both susceptors 58, 18 are then heated. The heat generated by the susceptor element 18 can be conducted to the proximal portion of the wick element 20 surrounded by the susceptor element 18. Thereby, the proximal portion of the wick element 20 can also be heated. The proximal portion of the wick element 20 is immersed with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is supplied from the liquid storage portion 16 through the distal portion of the wick element 20 by capillary forces. Thus, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporates at the hot proximal end of the wick element 20. The vaporized compounds of the liquid substrate are entrained by the incoming air 80 and condense to form aerosol components 84. Compounds from the solid aerosol-forming substrate 72 also vaporize as the aerosol-forming substrate 72 is heated by the device susceptor 56. The vaporized compounds of the solid substrate 72 are entrained by the airflow to form aerosol components 86. The airflow then passes along within the hollow acetate tube 74, where the vapors from both the liquid and solid aerosol-generating substrates mix and cool to form an aerosol. Finally, the mixed aerosol 88 exiting the mouthpiece 76 can be inhaled by the user.
[0114] FIG. 6 shows an aerosol-generating system in cross-section, in particular in an exploded configuration shown in FIG. 6a and in an assembled configuration shown in FIG. 6b. The embodiment of FIG. 6 is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, except that the optional air inlet 44 is not shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus susceptor 56 of FIG. 6 extends somewhat closer to the distal end of the heating chamber 54, and the aerosol-generating article 70 of FIG. 6 includes a cylindrical recess 90 at the distal end of the solid aerosol-forming substrate portion 72. As shown in FIG. 6b, in the assembled configuration, the recess 90 surrounds at least a portion of the tubular susceptor element 18a. As a result, there is no cavity 78 as shown in FIG. 4b. In this embodiment, the susceptor 18 may heat a portion of the solid aerosol-forming substrate 72 in addition to heating the proximal portion of the wick 20. The susceptor portion 18a may additionally function as an internal heating element for the solid aerosol-forming substrate 72. Additionally, the disk-shaped rim 18 b of the susceptor 18 can function as an end heater for the solid aerosol-forming substrate 72 .
[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 72 does not include the recess 90. In such a case, as shown in Figure 6b, the proximal portions of the susceptor 18 and wick 20 may be penetrated into the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is fully inserted into the heating chamber 54. In such an embodiment, the solid aerosol-forming substrate 72 preferably comprises a flexible or compressible material.
[0116] The airflow paths in the system of Figure 6 may be very similar to those shown in Figure 5. However, instead of entering cavity 78, ambient air 80 may enter the aerosol-forming substrate 72 directly at its distal end.
[0117] Figures 7a and 7b respectively show a portion of the cartridge 10 of Figure 1 including the susceptor 18 and wick 20, and a cross-sectional view of the entire cartridge 10 of Figure 1. Suitable length ranges and preferred lengths of certain components are listed in Table 1 below. [Table 1]
Claims
1. 1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a distal region including a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a proximal region including a hollow tubular susceptor element; a core element including a distal portion and a proximal portion; A cartridge, wherein at least a portion of the distal portion of the core element extends into the liquid storage portion, at least a portion of the proximal portion of the core element is coaxially surrounded by the susceptor element, the hollow tubular susceptor element including a transversely extending disk-shaped rim at its distal end, and the transversely extending disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element is fixed to a transversely extending wall element of the cartridge housing.
2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the core element has an elongated cylindrical shape.
3. 3. The cartridge of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the proximal region of the cartridge includes a proximal outer sidewall coaxially surrounding the susceptor element to form a cavity between the proximal sidewall and the susceptor element.
4. The cartridge of claim 3 , further comprising one or more air intake ports provided in the proximal sidewall.
5. The cartridge of claim 4 , wherein the one or more air inlets are disposed in a distal portion of the proximal sidewall.
6. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the transversely extending disk-shaped rim of the hollow tubular susceptor element is fixed to the transversely extending wall element of the cartridge housing by an adhesive layer disposed between the disk-shaped rim and the wall element.
7. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the hollow tubular susceptor element includes a beveled proximal end face.
8. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the cartridge comprises an open proximal end.
9. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the proximal region of the cartridge includes a proximal coupling means for removably attaching the cartridge to an aerosol generating device.
10. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the proximal region of the cartridge has a cylindrical outer shape and the core element extends along a central axis of the cylindrical proximal region.
11. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: The cartridge according to claim 1; An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generating device including a heating chamber at least partially surrounded by an inductor coil, the heating chamber including a proximal region for inserting at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, and a distal region for inserting at least a portion of the proximal region of the cartridge.
12. 12. The aerosol-generating system of claim 11, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.
13. 13. The aerosol generation system of claim 12, wherein the aerosol-generating article has a cylindrical outer shape, the proximal region of the cartridge has a hollow cylindrical outer shape, and the outer diameter of the cylindrical article is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge to enable the distal end of the article to be inserted into at least a portion of the hollow cylindrical proximal region of the cartridge.
14. 14. The aerosol generating system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the aerosol-generating article includes a recess at its distal end for inserting at least a portion of the hollow tubular susceptor element of the cartridge.