Cartridge with movable sealing element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in an aerosol generating device. The cartridge comprises a tubular reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. An internal sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounds a hollow internal channel. The cartridge comprises a movable sealing element disposed within the hollow internal channel and axially movable along the hollow internal channel from a first position for fluidly isolating the reservoir from the hollow internal channel to a second position for fluidly connecting the reservoir with the hollow internal channel. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol generating device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol generating system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for producing an inhalable vapour. Such a device may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or part of the cartridge.

[0003] When heated to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained within a liquid reservoir and delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid reservoir may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge. The cartridge may comprise a manually removable liquid reservoir sealing means, e.g. a removable sealing cap or a disposable sealing foil, to avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate prior to use.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which may avoid a separate disposable sealing means. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which allows a user to easily visually identify whether the cartridge is an unused cartridge or a used cartridge. It is desirable to provide a cartridge which is less complicated. It is desirable to provide a cartridge which is less costly to manufacture. It is desirable to provide a cartridge which has a low environmental impact. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which may improve the user experience. It is desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol generating device which may be more comfortably handled by a user. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may comprise a tubular reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. An interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir may coaxially surround a hollow interior channel. The cartridge may comprise a movable sealing element disposed within the hollow interior channel. The movable sealing element may be axially movable along the hollow interior channel from a first position for fluidly isolating the reservoir from the hollow interior channel to a second position for fluidly connecting the reservoir with the hollow interior channel.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. The cartridge comprises a tubular reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. An interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounds a hollow interior channel. The cartridge comprises a movable sealing element disposed within the hollow interior channel. The movable sealing element is axially movable along the hollow interior channel from a first position for fluidly isolating the reservoir from the hollow interior channel to a second position for fluidly connecting the reservoir with the hollow interior channel.

[0007] A cartridge is provided that can reduce or avoid leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0008] A cartridge is provided which may avoid a separate disposable sealing means. The cartridge may have a low environmental impact. The cartridge may be less complicated. The cartridge may be less expensive to manufacture.

[0009] For an unused cartridge prior to use, the movable sealing element can be in a first position. A cartridge is provided that allows a user to easily visually verify whether the cartridge is an unused cartridge or a used cartridge.

[0010] A cartridge is provided that can improve the user experience.A cartridge is provided that can be handled more comfortably by a user.

[0011] In the first position, the movable sealing element may act as a fluid-tight seal between the reservoir and the hollow interior channel such that liquid contained within the reservoir is prevented from entering the hollow interior channel. The first position may be a pre-use position.

[0012] In the second position, the movable sealing element may be positioned so as not to block a fluid pathway between the reservoir and the hollow interior channel such that liquid may move from the reservoir toward the hollow interior channel.

[0013] The movable sealing element may be configured to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol generation device. The movable sealing element may be configured to be automatically moved from the first position to the second position by an elongated element of the aerosol generation device when the elongated element is inserted into the hollow interior channel.

[0014] The movable sealing element may be configured to be moved from a first position to a second position by a cylindrical element of the aerosol generating device when the cylindrical element is inserted into the hollow interior channel of the cartridge.

[0015] An interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounding the hollow interior channel may include a fluid-permeable wall portion. The movable sealing element may be configured to seal against the fluid-permeable wall portion when the movable sealing element is in the first position.

[0016] The fluid-permeable wall portion may include one or more through holes or perforations in the side wall. Liquid may move from the reservoir through the through holes or perforations toward the hollow interior channel when the movable sealing element moves from the first position to the second position. The fluid-permeable wall may be made of a non-porous material and include perforations or through holes.

[0017] The fluid-permeable wall portion can include a fluid-permeable material through which liquid can move from the reservoir toward the hollow interior channel when the movable sealing element moves from the first position to the second position.

[0018] The fluid-permeable material may be a porous material, the porosity of which may be 25% to 80%, more preferably 55% to 75%, and more preferably 65% ​​to 75%.

[0019] As used herein, the term "porosity" is defined as the percentage of a unit volume that is completely free of material. Porosity may be derived using standard methods and equations, which give a decimal value of porosity. By knowing the pore volume (Vp) of a defined volume of material and its total volume (Vt), the porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percentage, simply multiply the decimal by 100%. For example, Pt=0.51, so 0.51×100%=51%.

[0020] The porous material may be a ceramic-based material. The porous material may be a graphite-based material.

[0021] The porous material may be generally the same material as that used for the non-fluid permeable wall portion of the tubular reservoir of the cartridge. This may provide a simple design. The porous material may be a polymeric material. The porous material may be a polymeric material and the non-fluid permeable wall portion may be made from a polymeric material. The porosity of the porous material may be obtained by a set of openings or pores, preferably in a defined arrangement and number, to obtain a designed porosity range.

[0022] The porous material may include or be made of other porous materials, for example porous ceramic-based materials. The porous material of the fluid-permeable wall portion, for example a porous ceramic-based material, may be overmolded onto the polymeric non-fluid-permeable wall portion.

[0023] The ceramic-based porous material may be based on pure silica. For example, the ceramic-based porous material is based on pure silica, which is commonly used to obtain industrially produced porous silica ceramics from silica spinning solutions, where the silica particles are introduced by electrospinning and then subjected to sintering (at temperatures of about 1000°C to 1200°C) to obtain the final desired geometric shape and size, and also the desired porosity. The porosity of the sintered material can be adjusted by changing the size range of the introduced silica particles. This may make it possible to control the desired porosity after sintering.

[0024] Other materials may be used to produce ceramic compounds using porous materials such as one or more of zirconium, titanium, tantalum, tungsten, and molybdenum, for example, in some forms as their borides, nitrides, and carbides.

[0025] The movable sealing element may be a slidable sealing element disposed to slide along the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir.

[0026] The movable sealing element may remain coupled to the remainder of the cartridge in both the first and second positions, the coupling being established by a friction fit of the movable sealing element within the hollow interior channel.

[0027] The proximal end of the cartridge may be configured as a mouthpiece.

[0028] The hollow interior channel may function as an airflow channel. The proximal end of the cartridge may include an air outlet in fluid communication with the hollow interior channel.

[0029] A hollow interior channel may extend along the central longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends of the cartridge.

[0030] The distal portion of the cartridge may have a circular cross-section. The proximal portion of the cartridge may have an elliptical cross-section. The elliptical proximal portion may provide a comfortable mouthpiece shape for the user.

[0031] The diameter of the hollow interior channel may increase towards the proximal end of the cartridge, the larger diameter may provide an expansion chamber.

[0032] The cartridge may be releasably attached to the aerosol generating device. The distal end of the cartridge may include a connection means configured to be releasably connectable to the aerosol generating device. The connection means may be an annular connection port. The connection means may be a male or female part of a male-female coupling, the respective other part being provided on the aerosol generating device. The connection means may form a press-fit or form-fit coupling with the respective other part of the aerosol generating device. The connection means may form a threaded or bayonet connection with the respective other part of the aerosol generating device. The connection means may include a magnetic coupling.

[0033] The movable sealing element may include a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be selected from one or more of PTFE, nitrile, neoprene, EPDM rubber, and fluorocarbons.

[0034] The diameter of the hollow interior channel may be between 2.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, preferably between 3.0 millimeters and 5.5 millimeters, and more preferably between about 3.0 millimeters and 4.2 millimeters.

[0035] The length of the movable sealing element may be between 3.0 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm, and more preferably between 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm.

[0036] The outer diameter of the movable sealing element may be between 2.5 mm and 4.5 mm, preferably between 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm, and more preferably between 3.25 mm and 3.75 mm.

[0037] The movable sealing element may be a tubular movable sealing element. The tubular movable sealing element may include a hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element.

[0038] The diameter of the hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element may be between 1.0 millimeters and 3.0 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 millimeters and 2.5 millimeters, and more preferably between 1.8 millimeters and 2.3 millimeters.

[0039] The cross section of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element may vary along the axial direction of the movable sealing element. The diameter of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element may decrease at a position along the axial direction of the movable sealing element. By varying the diameter of at least a portion of the hollow inner channel of the movable sealing element, airflow may be controlled. By varying the diameter of the hollow inner channel of the movable sealing element, the withdrawal retention force of the aerosol generation system may be changed. For example, a decrease in the diameter of a portion of the hollow inner channel of the movable sealing element may restrict airflow through the inner channel. Thereby, the withdrawal retention force may be increased. A flexible aerosol generation system may be provided. Different cartridges having different withdrawal retention forces may be provided. A user may choose among different cartridges having different withdrawal resistances. A user may select a different withdrawal resistance without having to purchase a new aerosol generation device.

[0040] The reduced diameter of the hollow inner channel of the movable sealing element can create a Venturi effect. When the cartridge is connected to an aerosol generating device, the movable sealing element can be in a second position and can be located downstream of the heating element of the aerosol generating device. The reduced diameter can create a Venturi effect that expands the aerosol volume after evaporation at the heating element. This can result in a turbulent airflow inside the airflow channel, which can provide a good mixing effect.

[0041] The inner wall of the tubular movable sealing element may be convexly shaped such that a central portion of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal end portions of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element.

[0042] The reduced diameter of the central portion of the hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element may be between 0.4 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters, preferably between 0.6 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters.

[0043] The movable sealing element may be securely held within the hollow interior channel by a friction fit against the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir.

[0044] The force required to move the movable sealing element from the first position to the second position may be between 1 Newton and 5 Newtons, preferably between 1 Newton and 3 Newtons.

[0045] The cartridge may be configured such that when the cartridge is removed from the aerosol generation device, the movable sealing element remains in the second position. The cartridge may be configured such that movement of the movable sealing element from the first position to the second position is irreversible.

[0046] The cartridge may be configured such that the cartridge does not include a heating element.

[0047] The cartridge may be refillable. The cartridge may be disposable.

[0048] 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, which may comprise an electric heating element, at least a portion of which may be arranged for insertion into a hollow internal channel of the cartridge.

[0049] The electric heating element may include a susceptor arrangement coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and an inductor coil coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a tubular cavity extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement and the inductor coil and arranged for insertion of a distal portion of the cartridge into the cavity. The aerosol generating system may be arranged such that a hollow internal channel of the cartridge coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the susceptor arrangement when the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

[0050] The susceptor arrangement may include an internal airflow channel extending along a central longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends of the susceptor arrangement. The aerosol generating device may include an air inlet in fluid communication with the internal airflow channel of the susceptor arrangement.

[0051] The susceptor arrangement may include an outer tubular susceptor element coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel. At least a portion of a wall of the tubular susceptor element may include a fluid permeable material.

[0052] When the cartridge is inserted into the cavity, the movable sealing element may be automatically moved by the tubular susceptor element from a first position to a second position, whereby a fluid connection may be established between the reservoir and the fluid-permeable portion of the wall of the tubular susceptor element. During insertion of the cartridge into the cavity, the tubular susceptor element may physically contact the movable sealing element and push it from the first position to the second position.

[0053] The susceptor arrangement may include a tubular liquid retention element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the internal airflow channel.An outer tubular susceptor element of the susceptor arrangement may coaxially surround the internal airflow channel and the liquid retention element.

[0054] At least a portion of the wall of the tubular susceptor element may be fluid permeable. The susceptor element may comprise a porous material. The fluid permeable wall of the susceptor element may be made of a porous material. The fluid permeable wall of the susceptor element may comprise perforations. The fluid permeable wall of the susceptor element may be made of a non-porous material and comprise perforations.

[0055] The susceptor element may include a carbon-based material. The susceptor element may include a porous carbon-based material. The porous carbon-based material may include magnetic graphene. The porous carbon-based material may include one or more of magnetic carbon-based materials, such as irradiated graphite, nanocarbon, fullerene, oxygen-containing carbon, and graphene with point defects. The porous carbon-based material may include one or more carbon-based compounds with a metallic structure dispersion, such as Fe3O4-graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composites that can be used to create porous sheets, perforated structures, or compressed granular structures to obtain a desired porosity.

[0056] The susceptor element may comprise one or both of a metal and an alloy. The susceptor element may comprise a ferromagnetic alloy material. The ferromagnetic alloy material may be perforated to provide a desired porosity. The alloy material may be a ferromagnetic Inox alloy.

[0057] The susceptor element may include at least one ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy. The susceptor element may include 304 stainless steel. The susceptor element may include one or more ferritic stainless steel alloys, such as those that are ferromagnetic and are used as magnetic components such as solenoid cores, pole pieces, and return paths. The susceptor element may include 410 stainless steel alloy.

[0058] The liquid retention element may comprise cotton.The liquid retention element may be made of cotton.

[0059] The liquid retention element may be a porous element. The liquid retention element may have the ability to absorb the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid retention element may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy 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 the liquid from a distal portion of the liquid retention element to a proximal portion of the liquid retention element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the 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, expanded 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 capillarity 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 liquid-retaining element and to the susceptor element. The capillary material may extend into the gaps in the susceptor element.

[0060] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0061] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid held in a liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The liquid reservoir may contain the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0062] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavour / flavour-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be used in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0064] 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 during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well 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.). A preferred aerosol former is glycerin.

[0065] As used herein, the term "cartridge" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, a cartridge may be an article that generates an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user sucking or puffing on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the device, or directly at the mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. A cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of an aerosol generating device.

[0066] As used herein, the term "liquid storage" refers to a storage that includes an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid storage may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0067] 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. The liquid reservoir may form part of a cartridge.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and not brittle.

[0072] The housing may include at least one air inlet. The housing may include multiple air inlets.

[0073] The aerosol generating device may include a heating element, which may include at least one inductor coil for inductively heating the one or more susceptors.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The aerosol generating device may include additional components, such as, for example, an electrically operated or charging unit for recharging an on-board power source within the electric aerosol generating device.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] As used herein, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means 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 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The susceptor material may be formed from a single layer of material, which may be a layer of steel.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a single, indissoluble susceptor. In one particular embodiment, 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.

[0085] The intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] A power source and a controller may be connected to the inductor coil.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0094] 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]

[0095] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device. [Diagram 2] a) shows a cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device and b) shows a movable sealing element. [Diagram 3] 1 shows an aerosol generating device. [Figure 4] 1 shows an aerosol generation system. [Diagram 5]a) and b) show an aerosol generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0096] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a cartridge 10 for use with an aerosol generating device, such as for use with the aerosol generating device 50 of FIG.

[0097] Cartridge 10 includes a tubular reservoir 12 for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. An interior sidewall 14 of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounds a hollow interior channel 16. Hollow interior channel 16 extends along a longitudinal central axis of cartridge 10 between proximal and distal ends.

[0098] A tubular movable sealing element 18 is disposed within the hollow interior channel 16. The movable sealing element 18 is axially movable along the hollow interior channel 16 from a first position for fluidly isolating the reservoir 12 from the hollow interior channel 16 to a second position for fluidly connecting the reservoir 12 with the hollow interior channel 16. In FIG. 1 , the movable sealing element 18 is in the first position.

[0099] The interior sidewall 14 includes a fluid-permeable wall portion 20. The movable sealing element 18 is configured to seal the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 when in the first position such that fluid communication between the reservoir 12 and the hollow interior channel 16 through the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 is prevented by the movable sealing element 18 being in the first position.

[0100] The movable sealing element 18 is a slidable sealing element arranged to slide along the interior sidewall 14 of the tubular reservoir 12. The movable sealing element 18 is arranged to slide longitudinally along the hollow interior channel 16 of the cartridge 10 when an elongated element of the aerosol generating device, such as the susceptor arrangement of the aerosol generating device 50 of FIG.

[0101] The tubular movable sealing element 18 is hollow. The hollow interior channel of the movable sealing element 18 is fluidly connected on both sides with the hollow interior channel 16 of the cartridge 10. The outer diameter of the tubular movable sealing element 18 is dimensioned such that the tubular movable sealing element 18 is securely held within the hollow interior channel 16 by a friction fit with the interior sidewall 14 of the tubular reservoir 12. The proximal end of the cartridge 10 is configured as a mouthpiece 22. The mouthpiece 22 includes an air outlet 24 that is fluidly connected with the hollow interior channel 16.

[0102] The diameter of the hollow interior channel 16 increases towards the air outlet 24 at the proximal end of the cartridge 10 .

[0103] The distal end of the cartridge 10 includes a connection means configured to be releasably connectable to an aerosol generation device, the connection means being provided in the form of an annular connection port 26 for releasably connecting to a corresponding cartridge connection port of the aerosol generation device, such as cartridge connection port 62 of the aerosol generation device 50 shown in FIG.

[0104] The cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 does not include a heating element.

[0105] Figure 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 10 of Figure 1. Figure 2a shows preferred dimensions of the cartridge 10 of Figure 1.

[0106] Figure 2b shows in cross-section the movable sealing element 18 of the cartridge 10 of Figure 1. Figure 2b shows preferred dimensions of the movable sealing element 18 of the cartridge 10 of Figure 1.

[0107] Preferred dimensional values ​​for Figures 2A and 2B are listed in the table below. [Table 1]

[0108] 2B, the cross-section of the hollow interior channel of the moveable sealing element 18 varies along an axial direction parallel to the length "L" of the moveable sealing element 18. The inner wall of the tubular moveable sealing element 18 is convexly shaped such that a central portion of the hollow interior channel of the tubular moveable sealing element 18 has a reduced diameter "A" relative to proximal and distal end portions of the hollow interior channel of the tubular moveable sealing element 18, which have a larger diameter "B".

[0109] 3 shows in cross-section a subsection of an aerosol generation device 50. The aerosol generation device 50 comprises a susceptor arrangement 80 mounted on a support element 52 within a housing 54 of the aerosol generation device 50.

[0110] The susceptor arrangement 80 includes a tubular susceptor element 82. The tubular susceptor element 82 includes a fluid-permeable intermediate region 84. The tubular susceptor element 82 coaxially surrounds a tubular liquid retaining element 86. The tubular liquid retaining element 86 coaxially surrounds an internal airflow channel 88 of the susceptor arrangement 80. Sealing elements in the form of O-rings 90 are provided on the exterior of the tubular susceptor element 82 at locations proximal and distal to the fluid-permeable intermediate region 84.

[0111] The aerosol generating device 50 comprises an inductor coil 56 coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement 51. The inductor coil 56 is housed within a casing 58.

[0112] The aerosol generator 50 comprises a tubular cavity 60 extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement 80 and the inductor coil 56 and disposed for insertion of the tubular cartridge 10 into the cavity 60. The aerosol generator 50 further comprises an annular cartridge connection port 62.

[0113] The aerosol generating device 50 includes an air inlet 64 that is in fluid communication with an internal airflow channel 88 of the susceptor arrangement 80 .

[0114] The aerosol generating device 50 further comprises a controller 66 in wired connection 68 with both the inductor coil 56 and a power source 70, preferably a rechargeable battery. In Figure 3, a distal portion of the aerosol generating device 50, including a distal portion of the power source 70, has been cut away and is not shown in its entirety. Thus, Figure 3 shows a subsection of the aerosol generating device 50.

[0115] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generating device 50 of FIG. 3 and the cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 in an installed configuration.

[0116] The tubular movable sealing element 18 is in a second position in the configuration of FIG. 4. Upon inserting the proximal portion of the susceptor arrangement 80 into the hollow internal channel 16, the movable sealing element 18 is pushed by the tubular susceptor element 82 to slide longitudinally along the hollow internal channel 16 in a direction toward the proximal end of the cartridge 10. Thus, the movable sealing element 18 in the second position no longer covers and seals the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 of the cartridge 10. The fluid-permeable intermediate region 84 of the tubular susceptor element 82 of the susceptor arrangement 80 coincides with the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 of the cartridge 10. The fluid-permeable wall portion 20 coaxially surrounds the fluid-permeable intermediate region 84. As a result, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can move from the reservoir 12 through the fluid-permeable wall portion 20 toward and into the fluid-permeable intermediate region 84 of the tubular susceptor element 82. The O-rings 90 may prevent uncontrolled migration of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate at locations proximal and distal to the fluid-permeable intermediate region 84 into the airflow path.

[0117] 4, the aerosol generating system is disposed such that the hollow interior channel 16 of the cartridge 10 coaxially surrounds a proximal portion of the susceptor arrangement 80 of the aerosol generating device 50. A continuous airflow path is established extending from the air inlet 64 via airflow channel 88, through the hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element 18, and along the hollow interior channel 16 to the air outlet 24.

[0118] During use, alternating current applied to the inductor coil 56 induces a current in the tubular susceptor element 82. As a result, the tubular susceptor element 82 heats up. The heat is distributed to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within or in close proximity to the fluid-permeable intermediate region 84. The heated liquid aerosol-forming substrate then vaporizes. Ambient air entering via the air inlet 64 may pick up the vaporized substrate, which may further condense to form an aerosol on its way to the air outlet 24, which may be inhaled by the user.

[0119] The inner wall of the tubular movable sealing element 18 is convexly shaped such that the central portion of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element 18 has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal end portions of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element 18. The reduced diameter can create a Venturi effect that expands the aerosol volume behind the tubular movable sealing element 18. This can result in turbulent airflow within the hollow inner channel 16 that can provide good mixing effects.

[0120] Droplets of the aerosol-forming substrate that are accidentally condensed in the airflow path may be entrapped in the tubular liquid retention element 86. The tubular liquid retention element 86 may be heated by thermal transfer from the tubular susceptor element 82. Thereby, the accidentally condensed aerosol-forming substrate that is entrapped by the liquid retention element 86 may eventually evaporate and participate in aerosol formation.

[0121] Figures 5a and 5b show an aerosol generation system in perspective views. The cartridge 10 is releasably attached to an aerosol generation device 50. The cartridge 10 may be the cartridge 10 of the embodiment of Figure 1. The aerosol generation device 50 may be the aerosol generation device 50 of the embodiment of Figure 3. Figure 5a shows the cartridge 10 and the aerosol generation device 50 in a detached configuration. Figure 5b shows the attached configuration, with the cartridge 10 connected to the aerosol generation device 50. EXAMPLES

[0122] 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.

[0123] Example 1: 1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a tubular reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounding a hollow interior channel; a movable sealing element disposed within the hollow internal channel and axially movable along the hollow internal channel from a first position for fluidly isolating the reservoir from the hollow internal channel to a second position for fluidly connecting the reservoir to the hollow internal channel. Example 2: A cartridge according to example 1, wherein the movable sealing element is configured to automatically move from the first position to the second position when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol generating device. Example 3: A cartridge according to Example 2, wherein the movable sealing element is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position by a cylindrical element of the aerosol generating device when the cylindrical element is inserted into the hollow internal channel of the cartridge. Example 4: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1-3, wherein an interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounding the hollow interior channel includes a fluid-permeable wall portion, and the movable sealing element is configured to seal the fluid-permeable wall portion when in the first position. Example 5: The cartridge according to example 4, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion comprises one or more through holes or perforations in the side wall. Example 6: The cartridge according to example 5, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion comprises a fluid-permeable material. Example 7: A cartridge according to Example 6, wherein the fluid permeable material is a porous material, preferably the porosity of the porous material is between 25% and 80%, more preferably between 55% and 75%, more preferably between 65% and 75%. Example 8: A cartridge according to example 7, wherein the porous material is a ceramic-based material or a graphite-based material. Example 9: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1-8, wherein the movable sealing element is a slidable sealing element arranged to slide along the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir. Example 10: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1-9, wherein the movable sealing element remains coupled to the remainder of the cartridge in both the first position and the second position. Example 11: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the proximal end of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece. Example 12: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1-11, wherein a hollow interior channel extends along a longitudinal central axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge. Example 13: The cartridge according to example 12, wherein the distal portion of the cartridge has a circular cross-section and the proximal portion of the cartridge has an elliptical cross-section. Example 14: A cartridge according to Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the diameter of the hollow inner channel increases towards the proximal end of the cartridge. Example 15: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein a distal end of the cartridge comprises a connecting means configured to be releasably connectable to an aerosol generating device. Example 16: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1-15, wherein the movable sealing element comprises a polymeric material, preferably an elastomeric material. Example 17: The cartridge according to example 16, wherein the movable sealing element comprises an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material being selected from one or more of PTFE, nitrile, neoprene, EPDM rubber, and fluorocarbon. Example 18: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1 to 17, wherein the diameter of the hollow interior channel is between 2.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, preferably between 3.0 millimeters and 5.5 millimeters, and more preferably between 3.0 millimeters and 4.2 millimeters. Example 19: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1-18, wherein the movable sealing element is a tubular movable sealing element. Example 20: A cartridge according to example 19, wherein the cross-section of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element varies along the axial direction of the movable sealing element. Example 21: A cartridge according to Example 20, wherein the inner wall of the tubular movable sealing element is convexly shaped such that a central portion of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element has a reduced diameter relative to the proximal and distal end portions of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element. Example 22: A cartridge according to any of Examples 1-21, wherein the movable sealing element is firmly held within the hollow interior channel by a friction fit against the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir. Example 23: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1 to 22, wherein the force required to move the movable sealing element from the first position to the second position is between 1 Newton and 5 Newtons, preferably between 1 Newton and 3 Newtons. Example 24: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1-23, wherein the cartridge is configured such that the movable sealing element remains in the second position when the cartridge is removed from the aerosol generation device. Example 25: The cartridge according to any of Examples 1-24, wherein the cartridge is configured such that movement of the movable sealing element from the first position to the second position is irreversible. Example 26: The cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the cartridge does not include a heating element. Example 27: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of Examples 1 to 26; An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generating device including an electric heating element, the aerosol generating device being arranged so that at least a portion of the electric heating element is inserted into a hollow interior channel of the cartridge. Example 28: the electric heating element includes a susceptor arrangement coaxially surrounding the internal airflow channel and an inductor coil coaxially surrounding the susceptor arrangement; the aerosol generating device further comprising a tubular cavity extending coaxially between the susceptor arrangement and the inductor coil and arranged for insertion of a distal portion of the cartridge into the cavity; 28. The aerosol generating system according to Example 27, wherein the hollow interior channel of the cartridge is arranged to coaxially surround at least a portion of the susceptor arrangement when the distal portion of the cartridge is inserted into the cavity.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a tubular reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounding a hollow interior channel; a movable sealing element disposed within the hollow interior channel and axially movable along the hollow interior channel from a first position for fluidly isolating the tubular reservoir from the hollow interior channel to a second position for fluidly connecting the tubular reservoir with the hollow interior channel; the movable sealing element is a tubular movable sealing element, a cross-section of a hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element varies along an axial direction of the movable sealing element, a diameter of the hollow interior channel of the tubular movable sealing element decreases with position along the axial direction of the movable sealing element, the reduced diameter being between 0.4 millimeters and 1.0 millimeters; a cartridge in which the inner wall of the tubular movable sealing element is convexly shaped such that a central portion of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element has a reduced diameter relative to proximal and distal end portions of the hollow inner channel of the tubular movable sealing element.

2. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the reduced diameter is between 0.6 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters.

3. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the movable sealing element is configured to automatically move from the first position to the second position when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol generating device.

4. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the movable sealing element is configured to be moved from the first position to the second position by a cylindrical element of the aerosol generating device when the cylindrical element is inserted into the hollow internal channel of the cartridge.

5. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir coaxially surrounding the hollow interior channel includes a fluid-permeable wall portion, and the movable sealing element is configured to seal against the fluid-permeable wall portion when in the first position.

6. The cartridge of claim 5 , wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion includes one or more through holes or perforations in the interior side wall.

7. 7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the fluid-permeable wall portion comprises a fluid-permeable material, preferably the fluid-permeable material is a ceramic-based material or a graphite-based material.

8. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the movable sealing element remains coupled to the remainder of the cartridge in both the first and second positions.

9. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the cartridge is configured as a mouthpiece.

10. 10. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the movable sealing element comprises a polymeric material, preferably an elastomeric material, more preferably the elastomeric material is selected from one or more of PTFE, nitrile, neoprene, EPDM rubber, and fluorocarbon.

11. 2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein the hollow interior channel has a diameter of between 2.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, preferably between 3.0 millimeters and 5.5 millimeters, and more preferably between about 3.0 millimeters and 4.2 millimeters.

12. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the movable sealing element is securely held within the hollow interior channel by a friction fit against the interior sidewall of the tubular reservoir.

13. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12; An aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation device including an electric heating element, wherein at least a portion of the electric heating element is arranged to be inserted into the hollow internal channel of the cartridge.

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