Cartridge with aerosol generating beads

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device and to respective aerosol generating devices. The cartridge comprises aerosol generating beads comprising an aerosol forming substrate and a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads. The storage element is configured to enable loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element. The aerosol generating device comprises a receiving region configured to receive the cartridge, a heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating beads, and a loading element configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into or adjacent to the heating arrangement and to remove used beads from the heating arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, a cartridge, and a system.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of the aerosol-generating beads. The aerosol-generating beads may be supplied from a cartridge. The cartridge may contain a number of aerosol-generating beads.

[0003] It may be desirable to provide a cartridge, a device, and an aerosol generating system that allow a user to easily consume the beads. Moreover, it may be desirable to provide a cartridge, a device, and a reliable aerosol generating system. In addition, it may be desirable to provide a cartridge, a device, and an aerosol generating system that can be easily handled by a user. Also, in accordance with the convenience of the device, the cartridge, and the user, it may be advisable to provide an aerosol generating system including the device and the cartridge that allows the user to easily consume a predetermined amount of beads.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising aerosol-generating beads comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a storage element configured to store the aerosol-generating beads. The storage element may be configured to allow loading of the aerosol-generating beads from the storage element.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol generating device is provided, the cartridge comprising aerosol generating beads comprising an aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge further comprises a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads. The storage element is configured to enable loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element.

[0006] Such a cartridge may enable a user to load a predetermined amount of aerosol generating beads from the storage element for consumption.

[0007] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming substrate" relates to a substrate having the ability to release a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol forming substrate.

[0008] The aerosol forming substrate is a substrate having the ability to release a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol forming substrate may contain a plant-derived material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol forming substrate may contain a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain, for example, a homogenized plant-derived material (including homogenized tobacco) produced by a papermaking process or a casting process.

[0009] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are, for example, polyhydric alcohols (triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerol, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol-forming agent may be a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerol, etc.). The aerosol-forming agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may comprise both glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may comprise one or more of glycerol and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may consist of glycerol or propylene glycol, or a combination of glycerol and propylene glycol. Preferred examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents are glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0010] Preferably, the amount of the aerosol-forming agent is 6% to 20% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, more preferably, the amount of the aerosol-forming agent is 8% to 18% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, and most preferably, the amount of the aerosol-forming agent is 10% to 15% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. For some embodiments, the amount of the aerosol-forming agent has a target value of about 13% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. The most efficient amount of the aerosol-forming agent also depends on the aerosol-forming substrate, i.e., whether the aerosol-forming substrate includes a plant leaf blade or a homogenized plant material. For example, among other factors, the type of the substrate will determine the extent to which the aerosol-forming agent can facilitate the release of the article from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] The aerosol-forming substrate preferably includes a cut filler. In this document, "cut filler" is used to refer to a blend of finely chopped plant material, specifically the leaf blades of leaves, processed stems and ribs, and homogenized plant material (such as that made into sheet form using a casting or papermaking process). Cut filler may also include other cut filler tobacco or casing after cutting. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cut filler includes at least 25% of the leaf blades of plant leaves, more preferably at least 50% of the leaf blades of plant leaves, still more preferably at least 75% of the leaf blades of plant leaves, and most preferably at least 90% of the leaf blades of plant leaves. The plant material is preferably one of tobacco, mint, tea, and clove, but the present invention is equally applicable to other plant materials that have the ability to release substances that can then form an aerosol upon application of heat.

[0012] The tobacco plant material preferably includes one or more leaf blades of bright tobacco leaf blade, dark tobacco, aromatic tobacco, and filler tobacco. Bright tobacco is generally a tobacco having large and bright-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "bright tobacco" is used for fully cured tobacco. Examples of bright tobacco include fully cured tobacco from China, fully cured tobacco from Brazil, fully cured tobacco from the United States (such as Virginia tobacco), fully cured tobacco from India, fully cured tobacco from Tanzania, or other fully cured tobacco from Africa. Bright tobacco is characterized by a high sugar-to-nitrogen ratio. From a sensory perspective, bright tobacco is a tobacco type associated with a spicy and lively feeling after curing. According to the present invention, bright tobacco is a tobacco in which the content of reducing sugar is about 2.5 percent to about 20 percent based on the dry weight of the leaf and the total ammonia content is less than about 0.12 percent based on the dry weight of the leaf. Reducing sugar includes, for example, glucose or fructose. Total ammonia includes, for example, ammonia and ammonium salts. Dark tobacco is generally a tobacco having large and dark-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "dark tobacco" is used for air-cured tobacco. Additionally, dark tobacco may be fermented. Tobacco mainly used for chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, and pipe blends is also included in this category. Typically, these dark tobaccos are air-cured and optionally fermented. From a sensory perspective, dark tobacco is a tobacco type associated with a smoky and dark cigar type feeling after curing. Dark tobacco is characterized by a low sugar-to-nitrogen ratio. Examples of dark tobacco include Burley Malawi or other African Burleys, Dark Cured Brazilian Galpao, Sankuare or Air Cured Indonesian Kasturi. According to the present invention, dark tobacco is a tobacco in which the content of reducing sugar is less than about 5 percent based on the dry weight of the leaf and the total ammonia content is about 0.5 percent or less based on the dry weight of the leaf.Aromatic tobacco is often tobacco having small, light-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "aromatic tobacco" is used with respect to other tobaccos having a high content of aromatic components, such as essential oils. From a sensory perspective, aromatic tobacco is a tobacco type that, after curing, is associated with a spicy and pleasant sensation. Examples of aromatic tobacco are Greek Orientals, Oriental Turks, Semi-Oriental tobaccos, but also US Burleys such as Fire Cured, Perique, Rustica, US Burley, or Maryland. Filler tobacco is not a specific tobacco type but includes tobacco types that are used in blends and are mainly used to complement other tobacco types that do not impart a specific characteristic aroma direction to the final product. Examples of filler tobacco are the stems, midribs, or leaf stalks of other tobacco types. A specific example may be the fully cured stems of the lower leaf stalks of Flue-Cured Brazil.

[0013] A cut filler suitable for use in the present invention may generally be similar to cut fillers used in conventional smoking articles. The cut width of the cut filler is preferably from 0.3 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, more preferably the cut width of the cut filler is from 0.5 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, and most preferably the cut width of the cut filler is from 0.6 millimeters to 0.9 millimeters. The cut width may play a role in the dispersion of heat inside the substrate portion of the article. Also, the cut width may play a role in the draw resistance of the article. Further, the cut width may affect the overall density of the substrate portion.

[0014] Since the length of the strand depends on the overall size of the object from which the strand is cut out, the strand length of the cut filler is to some extent a random value. Nevertheless, by conditioning the material before cutting, for example, by controlling the moisture content and overall fineness of the material, longer strands can be cut. The strand preferably has a length of about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters before it is formed into the substrate section.

[0015] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating bead" relates to an individual aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating bead may be solid. The aerosol generating bead may contain tobacco, for example, homogenized tobacco. The aerosol generating bead may comprise an aerosol former.

[0016] The storage element may be configured to allow the loading of a single bead at a time from the storage element. This may enable the user to load a single bead from the storage element in one loading step. Thus, a single bead may provide a single user experience of inhaling an aerosol. This may enable the user to easily determine the amount of beads consumed with the user's convenience.

[0017] The storage element of the cartridge may further comprise a support element, and the support element has a through hole. The through hole may be configured to accommodate beads. Thus, the cartridge may contain a predetermined amount of beads in the through hole. This may enable the user to load a predetermined amount of beads from the storage element of the cartridge.

[0018] Preferably, one through hole of the support element of the cartridge may be configured to accommodate one bead. This may enable the user to specifically load one bead from one through hole of the cartridge.

[0019] The support element may comprise a disk. The through-hole may be arranged around the periphery of the disk.

[0020] This may enable the simple arrangement of the through-hole and thus the beads on the support element.

[0021] The through-hole may include a retaining element. The retaining element may be configured to hold the beads removably within the through-hole.

[0022] This may enable the simple removal of the beads from the through-hole due to the retaining element.

[0023] The retaining element may be arranged around the periphery of the through-hole. This may enable the retaining element to hold the beads easily within the through-hole.

[0024] The retaining element may comprise a flexible protrusion for holding the beads within the through-hole. The retaining element may include, for example, a flexible plastic or elastomer. Preferably, the retaining element may include a ring of flexible plastic protrusions or a ring of flexible elastomer around the periphery of the through-hole.

[0025] The support element may comprise a first major surface and a second opposite major surface. The through-hole may connect the first major surface and the second major surface. The retaining element may be arranged around the through-hole on one or both of the first major surface and the second major surface. This may enable the simple retention of the beads within the through-hole.

[0026] The cartridge may be configured to be rotatably and removably connectable to an aerosol generating device. The cartridge may, for example, comprise a central hole within the support element. This may enable the insertion of a shaft or rod into the cartridge in order to rotatably and removably connect the cartridge to the aerosol generating device.

[0027] As another alternative, the support element of the cartridge may have a circular shape such as a disk. Such a support element may be configured to be rotatably mounted within the aerosol generating device. Rotation of the support element of the cartridge may provide an easy way to access and load beads housed within different through holes of the support element.

[0028] In another embodiment of the cartridge, the cartridge may further comprise a connection element, which may be configured to be removably connectable to the aerosol generating device. The storage element may be configured to allow the loading of aerosol generating beads into the connection element.

[0029] Such a connection element may be an alternative way to removably connect the cartridge to the aerosol generating device. The connection element may have a hollow structure. The hollow structure may be a circular structure. The hollow structure may be configured to accommodate a rotatable conveyor of the aerosol generating device, as described in more detail below.

[0030] The cartridge may further comprise a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load beads from the storage element into the connection element. The loading element may facilitate the loading of beads from the storage element into the connection element.

[0031] The loading element may be movably connected to the storage element in a gradually increasing manner. A single gradually increasing movement may be configured to load one bead into the connection element.

[0032] The loading element may be configured to be translatable parallel to the storage portion. The translation may allow the loading of beads from the storage element into the connection element.

[0033] The storage element may be configured to store the aerosol generating beads in a row. The storage element may be configured to store individual aerosol generating beads one after another. The loading element may comprise a protrusion extending into the storage element. The protrusion may separate individual aerosol generating beads from each other.

[0034] Such a loading element may be able to load a single bead from the storage element into the connection element via a translational movement of the loading element relative to the storage element.

[0035] The loading element may be an elongated element. Such an elongated element may be installed so as to be movable within the rail of the storage element. This may simplify the translational movement of the loading element relative to the storage element.

[0036] Preferably, the loading element may comprise a bar or may consist of a bar.

[0037] The loading element may comprise a second engagement element. The second engagement element may be configured to engage with a second activation element of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the second engagement element may comprise serrations. The loading element may comprise a bar with serrations.

[0038] The loading element including the second engagement element may be easily actuated by the user by triggering the second activation element. This may enable the user to load one aerosol generating bead from the storage element into the connection element.

[0039] The cartridge may further comprise a waste storage element. The waste storage element may be configured to store the used aerosol generating beads after consumption by the user. Preferably, the waste storage element may be connected to the connection element. The waste storage element may be connected to the connection element on the opposite side of the storage element. This may provide an easy connection between the storage element that stores the unused beads for use and the waste storage element that stores the used beads.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention, the cartridge may comprise a dispenser. The dispenser may be configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the storage element. Preferably, the dispenser may be connected to a push button. This may enable the user to easily trigger the dispenser by pressing the push button.

[0041] The dispenser may comprise an outlet having a movable cover. The movable cover may be configured to open as the user presses the push button. The dispenser may also comprise a rotatable collector. The rotatable collector may include recesses for carrying the beads from the cartridge to the aerosol generating device.

[0042] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may comprise a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge as described herein. Further, the aerosol generating device may comprise a heating arrangement configured to heat the aerosol generating beads. The aerosol generating device may also comprise a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into or adjacent to the heating arrangement.

[0043] A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to an aerosol generating device comprising a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge, as described herein. The aerosol generating device comprises a heating arrangement configured to heat aerosol generating beads. The aerosol generating device also comprises a loading element. The loading element may be configured to load aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into, or adjacent to, the heating arrangement.

[0044] The loading element may be configured to load a single bead from the cartridge at a time. This may enable the loading element to load a single aerosol generating bead from the storage element of the cartridge. Specifically, the loading element may be configured to load a single aerosol generating bead from the cartridge in one loading step.

[0045] The receiving area may be configured to receive a cartridge as described herein. Specifically, the receiving area may be configured to receive a cartridge, and the storage element comprises a support element as described herein. The aerosol generating device may further comprise a pushing element. The pushing element may be configured to push beads received within the through-hole of the support element into the heating arrangement. Preferably, the pushing element may also be configured to push beads out of the heating arrangement. The pushing element may also be configured to push beads out of the heating arrangement and back into the through-holes of the cartridge. Specifically, the pushing element may be configured to push used beads out of the heating arrangement and back into their respective through-holes within the cartridge.

[0046] Such a pushing element may enable a user to select beads received within the through-hole or a single bead for insertion into, and removal from after use in, the heating arrangement.

[0047] The pressing element may comprise two pistons, a first piston and a second piston, in opposite directions. The first piston and the second piston may be configured to move simultaneously forward and backward with respect to the through hole of the cartridge. This may enable the pressing element to use one piston, preferably the first piston, to push the aerosol generating beads out of the through hole and into the heating arrangement. The pressing element may also be configured to employ the second piston to push the used aerosol generating beads out of the heating arrangement and back into its through hole within the cartridge.

[0048] The receiving area may be configured to receive the cartridge in a rotatably movable manner. This may enable the cartridge to be connected to the aerosol generating device such that the cartridge can be rotated within the device. Preferably, the receiving area may comprise a slot. This may enable the receiving area of the cartridge to be received in a manner such that it can be easily rotated within the device.

[0049] The slot may also include a wheel. The wheel may enable the cartridge to be received within the slot such that it can rotate.

[0050] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a first activation element. The first activation element may be configured to activate the pressing element. This may enable the user to handle the aerosol generating device via the first activation element.

[0051] Preferably, the pressing element may comprise a shank. The first activation element may comprise a guide groove for activating the pressing element. The guide groove may slidably receive the shank of the pressing element. This may enable the first activation element to activate the pressing element via the guide groove.

[0052] The first activation element may also be configured to move the cartridge. Preferably, the movement may be a rotational movement. Specifically, the rotational movement may be a progressive rotational movement between adjacent through-holes of the cartridge. This may enable the first activation element of the aerosol generating device to control the rotation of the cartridge. This may enable the use of various aerosol-forming beads housed within the through-holes of the cartridge.

[0053] Specifically, the first activation element may be configured to subject the cartridge to a progressive rotational movement such that successive through-holes of the cartridge are accessible to the pushing element of the aerosol generating device.

[0054] The first activation element of the aerosol generating device may comprise a first engagement arm. The first engagement arm may be configured to move the cartridge. Preferably, the first engagement arm may cause the cartridge to move rotationally. The first engagement arm may comprise a groove. The groove may be configured to engage with a support element of the cartridge. The first engagement arm may comprise two oppositely-directed plates. The groove for engaging with the support element of the cartridge may be located between the oppositely-directed plates. The oppositely-directed plates may further be configured to engage with a retaining element located near or around the through-hole. This may enable the first activation element to control the movement of the cartridge, specifically the rotational movement, via the first engagement arm.

[0055] The first activation element of the aerosol generating device may comprise a push button for the user to cause a forward translational movement of the first activation element. This may enable the user to handle the aerosol generating device by pressing the push button. The forward translational movement of the first activation element may actuate a pushing element and may also subject the cartridge to the rotational movement already described. This may enable the user to control both the rotation of the cartridge and the replacement of the aerosol-forming beads within the cartridge by pressing the push bottom of the first activation element.

[0056] The first activation element may comprise a first flexible biasing member. The first flexible biasing member may comprise a spring or may consist of a spring. The first flexible biasing member may be compressed by the first activation element and translate forward in parallel. This may enable the first activation element to perform a backward translational movement by virtue of the action of the compressed first flexible biasing member.

[0057] Specifically, the forward translational movement of the first activation element may compress the first flexible biasing member. The first compressed flexible biasing member may be configured to cause a backward translational movement of the first activation element. The backward translational movement of the first activation element may be in the opposite direction to the forward translational movement.

[0058] Both the forward translational movement and the backward translational movement of the first activation element may compete in one cycle of the aerosol generating device. One complete cycle may include the removal of the used aerosol-forming beads from the heating arrangement and the insertion of new aerosol-forming beads into the heating arrangement.

[0059] The forward and backward translational movements of the first activation element are - pushing the used beads out of the heating device, and - pushing the beads from the cartridge into the heating arrangement, and - may cause one or more of the rotational movement of the cartridge.

[0060] Preferably, the forward and backward translational movements of the first activation element may cause all of the above three process steps. This may complete one cycle of use for the user, including removing the used beads out of the heating arrangement, rotating the cartridge to align the new beads with the pressing element, and pushing the new beads into the heating arrangement.

[0061] The cartridge may be rotated from one through-hole to the next consecutive through-hole in order to use all the beads positioned within the through-holes.

[0062] Another embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention may comprise a receiving area including a rotatably mounted conveyor. The conveyor may be configured to be connectable to the connection area of the cartridge, as already described therein. Specifically, the rotatably mounted conveyor of this aerosol generating device may be rotatably received within the connection area of the cartridge.

[0063] The rotatably mountable conveyor of the aerosol generating device may comprise a circular perimeter. Similarly, the connection area of the cartridge may comprise a hollow circular body configured to receive the conveyor.

[0064] The rotatable conveyor may be configured to carry the beads from the connecting element to the heating arrangement. Specifically, the rotatable conveyor may be configured to carry the beads from a connecting element adjacent to the heating arrangement within the rotatable conveyor. The beads in this position may be located on a metal support, such as a metal clip. The beads may be heated at such a position via heat convection from the heating arrangement to the metal support. The hot metal support may heat the beads without positioning the beads within the heating arrangement. This may enable the rotatable conveyor to further carry the used beads away from the heating arrangement.

[0065] Preferably, the rotatable conveyor is configured to convey a single bead from the connecting element to the heating arrangement via one rotational movement. This may enable the user to enjoy one bead by employing one rotational movement of the rotatable conveyor.

[0066] The rotatable conveyor may be further configured to carry the beads from the heating arrangement to the waste storage element. Specifically, the rotatable conveyor may be configured to carry a single bead from the heating arrangement to the waste storage element via one rotational movement. This may be a particularly simple way to carry the used beads away from the heating arrangement.

[0067] The rotatable conveyor may include recesses for carrying the beads. Preferably, one recess may be configured to carry one bead at a time.

[0068] Specifically, the rotatable conveyor may include two or more recesses. Preferably, the rotatable conveyor may include four recesses for carrying the beads between different positions within the aerosol generation system.

[0069] The rotatable conveyor may be rotatable gradually between a first position at the connecting element and a second position at the heating arrangement. In the first position, the recess of the rotatable conveyor may be in a state ready to receive one bead from the storage element of the cartridge. In the second position, the rotatable conveyor may place the bead near or adjacent to the heating arrangement so as to be heated. The rotatable conveyor may rotate between these different positions via a 90-degree rotation.

[0070] Furthermore, the rotatable conveyor may be rotatable gradually between a second position at the heating arrangement and a third position at the waste storage element. Thus, such an aerosol generator may be configured to convey the beads from the first position to the second position and then to the third position into the waste storage element of the cartridge.

[0071] The aerosol generator according to this embodiment may include a second actuating element. The second actuating element may be configured to operate the rotatably mounted conveyor. Such a second actuating element may enable the user to easily handle the aerosol generator via the actuating element.

[0072] The second actuating element may include a second engaging arm. The second engaging arm may be configured to operate the rotatably mounted conveyor. The second engaging arm may engage with a conveyor engaging element of the rotatable conveyor. The conveyor engaging element may be a gear wheel. The actual object may include a recess configured to engage with the second engaging arm.

[0073] The second engaging arm may be connected to the second actuating element via a second engaging arm biasing element, for example, a spring. This may enable the second engaging arm to be flexibly connected to the second actuating element.

[0074] The second actuating element may also be configured to actuate a loading element of the cartridge. The second actuating element may comprise a rod. The rod may be configured to engage with the aforementioned engaging element of the loading element.

[0075] The second engaging element may comprise a push button for the user to cause a forward translational movement of the second actuating element. The forward translational movement of the second actuating element may actuate a rotatable conveyor. The forward translational movement of the second actuating element may actuate a progressive rotational movement of the rotatable conveyor.

[0076] The second actuating element may comprise a second flexible biasing member, for example a spring. The forward translational movement of the second actuating element may compress the second flexible biasing member. The compressed second flexible biasing member may be configured to cause a rearward translational movement of the second actuating element. Specifically, the rearward translational movement may move the second actuating element to the starting position of the actuating element. This starting position may be the same position taken by the second actuating element before the user triggers the push button of the actuating element.

[0077] The forward and rearward translational movements of the second actuating element - via the movement of a rotatable conveyor, carry beads to a heating arrangement or adjacent to a heating arrangement, and - via the movement of a rotatable conveyor, carry beads to a waste storage element, and - may cause one or more of actuating a loading element to load beads from a storage element into a rotatable conveyor.

[0078] Specifically, the forward translational movement may trigger a rotatable conveyor to carry beads either to a heating arrangement or adjacent to a heating arrangement or to a waste storage element. The rearward translational movement may trigger a loading element to load beads from a storage element into a rotatable conveyor.

[0079] In another embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention, the device comprises a receiving area configured to receive a cartridge containing a dispenser as already described herein.

[0080] The heating arrangement of the aerosol generating device may comprise converging conductors. The converging conductors may be configured to receive beads from the cartridge via the dispenser. The converging conductors may comprise a heater. The converging conductors may comprise two opposing plates, and the distance between the two opposing plates may decrease as the distance of the converging conductors from the cartridge increases. The heater may be located in the area of the minimum distance between the two opposing plates. This may provide a simple means for receiving and holding the beads close to the heater in order to form an aerosol by heating the beads.

[0081] After heating the beads, at least a part of the opposing plates may be retracted in order to release the used beads. This may allow the used beads to fall into the waste storage element of the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the diameter of the beads may shrink while being heated. In this case, when the diameter of the beads becomes smaller than the minimum distance between the two opposing plates, the beads may fall into the waste storage element of the aerosol generating device. This may provide a simple way to discard the used beads. The beads may shrink due to the evaporation of flavor compounds and aerosol formers.

[0082] The heating arrangement may comprise one or both of an induction heating arrangement and a resistive heating element. The resistive heating arrangement may comprise a heating coil disposed around a first part of the partition wall of the aerosol generating device. The resistive heating arrangement may comprise a resistive wire. The resistive wire may be wound around a first part of the partition wall of the aerosol generating device.

[0083] Suitable electrically resistive materials for the resistance include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal (registered trademark), and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the heat insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties. Examples of suitable composite material heater elements are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,498,855, International Publication No. 03 / 095688, and U.S. Patent No. 5,514,630. One preferred resistive heating material may be a nickel-chromium alloy.

[0084] Preferably, the heating arrangement may be an induction heating element. The heating arrangement may preferably be an induction coil. The partition wall may be a susceptor. The induction heating element, preferably the induction coil, may be configured to heat the first part of the partition wall. The induction heating arrangement may be connected to a power source. The inductor coil may be able to provide an inductance of 1 microhenry (μH) to 500 nanohenries (nH).

[0085] The different elements of the cartridges and aerosol generating devices described herein can be made of a wide variety of different materials. The materials include one or more of plastic, metal, and wood.

[0086] In a further embodiment of the invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol generating device having a receiving section for a particular cartridge.

[0087] Specifically, a cartridge having a storage element with a support element as described herein may be used in combination with a device including a pushing element configured to push beads located within the through holes of the support element into a heating arrangement. Hereinafter, a cartridge including a support element and a device including a receiving section for such a cartridge are referred to as Embodiment 1.

[0088] Furthermore, a cartridge having a connecting element as described herein may be used in combination with an aerosol generating device including a conveyor with a rotatably mounted receiving area. The connecting element may comprise a hollow circular structure or body. The hollow circular body may be configured to accommodate a rotatably mounted conveyor when the cartridge is connected such that it is removable from the aerosol generating device. Hereinafter, a cartridge having a connecting element and each aerosol generating device connected to such a cartridge are referred to as Embodiment 2.

[0089] In another embodiment of the invention, the cartridge comprises a dispenser as described herein. This cartridge can be connected to an aerosol generating device including a converging conductor or a movable storage plate as described herein. Such a cartridge and each aerosol generating device are referred to as Embodiment 3.

[0090] All cartridges described herein may be configured to be removably connectable to their respective aerosol generating devices. This may allow the user to simply discard the cartridge when all beads have been used and reuse the aerosol generating device.

[0091] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features described above, for example, any one or more of the features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example

[0092] Example A: A cartridge for an aerosol generating device, comprising aerosol generating beads comprising an aerosol forming substrate, and a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element.

[0093] Example B: The cartridge according to Example A, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of a single bead from the storage element in one loading step.

[0094] Example C: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the storage element comprises a support element, the support element comprises a through hole, and the through hole is configured to accommodate a bead, preferably one through hole is configured to accommodate one bead.

[0095] Example D: The cartridge according to the preceding examples, wherein the support element comprises a disk and the through holes are arranged around the circumference of its periphery.

[0096] Example E: The through-hole includes a holding element configured to removably hold beads within the through-hole, preferably, the holding element is disposed around the periphery of the through-hole, more preferably, the holding element comprises a flexible protrusion for holding the beads within the through-hole, a cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples C or D.

[0097] Example F: The support element comprises a first major surface and a second opposing major surface, the through-hole connects the first major surface and the second major surface, preferably, the holding element is disposed around the through-hole on one or both of the first major surface and the second major surface, a cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples C - E.

[0098] Example G: The cartridge is configured to be rotatably connectable so as to be removable to an aerosol generating device, a cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples C - F.

[0099] Example H: Further comprising a connecting element, the connecting element is configured to be removably connectable to an aerosol generating device, the storage element is configured to enable loading of the aerosol generating beads into the connecting element, a cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples A or B.

[0100] Example I: Further comprising a loading element configured to load the beads from the storage element into the connecting element, the loading element is movably connected to the storage element, a cartridge according to the preceding Examples.

[0101] Example J: The loading element is connected to be progressively movable relative to the storage element, and a single progressive movement is configured to load one bead into the connecting element, a cartridge according to the preceding Examples.

[0102] Example K: The loading element is configured to be translatable relative to the storage portion, and the translation enables loading of the beads from the storage element into the connecting element, a cartridge according to the preceding Examples.

[0103] Example L: A cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples I - K, wherein the storage element is configured to store aerosol - generating beads in a row, and the loading element comprises a protrusion extending into the storage element, the protrusion separating individual beads from each other.

[0104] Example M: A cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples I - L, wherein the loading element is an elongate element mounted movably within a rail of the storage element, preferably, the loading element comprises or consists of a bar.

[0105] Example N: A cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples I - M, wherein the loading element comprises a second engagement element configured to engage a second actuating element of an aerosol - generating device, preferably, the second engagement element comprises serrations.

[0106] Example O: A cartridge according to any of the preceding Examples H - N, further comprising a waste storage element configured to store used aerosol - generating beads, preferably, the waste storage element is connected to a connecting element, more preferably, the waste storage element is connected to the connecting element on the opposite side of the storage element.

[0107] Example P: A cartridge according to either of the preceding Examples A or B, further comprising a dispenser configured to load aerosol - generating beads from the storage element, preferably, the dispenser is connected to a push - button.

[0108] Example Q: An aerosol - generating device comprising: a receiving region configured to receive a cartridge according to any of the preceding examples; a heating arrangement configured to heat aerosol - generating beads; and a loading element configured to load the aerosol - generating beads from the cartridge into or adjacent to the heating arrangement.

[0109] Example R: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding examples, wherein the loading element is configured to load a single bead from the cartridge at a time.

[0110] Example S: An aerosol generating device according to either of the preceding examples Q or R, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a cartridge according to any of Examples C - G and further comprises a pushing element configured to push the beads received in the through - hole into the heating arrangement, preferably, the pushing element is further configured to push the used beads out of the heating arrangement.

[0111] Example T: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding examples, wherein the pushing element comprises two opposing first pistons and second pistons, and the first pistons and second pistons are configured to move simultaneously forward and backward with respect to the through - hole of the cartridge.

[0112] Example U: An aerosol generating device according to either of the preceding examples S or T, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive the cartridge in a rotatable and movable manner, preferably, the receiving area comprises slots.

[0113] Example V: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples S - U, further comprising a first actuating element configured to actuate the pushing element, preferably, the pushing element comprises a shank and the first actuating element comprises a guiding groove for actuating the pushing element.

[0114] Example W: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding examples, wherein the first actuating element is also configured to move the cartridge, preferably, the movement is a rotational movement, more preferably, the rotational movement is a progressive rotational movement between adjacent through - holes of the cartridge.

[0115] Example X: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding embodiments, wherein the first actuating element comprises a first engaging arm, the first engaging arm being configured to move the cartridge, preferably in a rotational movement, and more preferably the first engaging arm comprises a groove configured to engage with a support element of the cartridge.

[0116] Example Y: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments V to X, wherein the first actuating element comprises a push button for the user to cause a forward translational movement of the first actuating element, the forward translational movement actuating a push element and subjecting the cartridge to a rotational movement.

[0117] Example Z: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments V to Y, wherein the first actuating element comprises a first flexible biasing member, preferably a spring.

[0118] Example AA: An aerosol generating device according to the preceding embodiments, further depending on Example Y, wherein a forward translational movement of the first actuating element compresses the first flexible biasing member and the first flexible compressed biasing member is configured to cause a rearward translational movement of the first actuating element.

[0119] Example AB: The forward and rearward translational movements of the first actuating element - push the used beads out of the heating device, - push the beads from the cartridge into the heating arrangement, - cause one of the rotational movement of the cartridge, of an aerosol generating device according to the preceding claims.

[0120] Example AC: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding embodiments Q or R, wherein the receiving area comprises a conveyor rotatably mounted, the conveyor being configured to be connectable to a connection area of a cartridge according to any of the preceding embodiments H to O.

[0121] Example AD: An aerosol generator according to the preceding examples, wherein a rotatable conveyor is configured to carry beads from a connecting element to a heating arrangement, preferably, the rotatable conveyor is configured to carry a single bead from the connecting element to the heating arrangement via one rotational movement.

[0122] Example AE: An aerosol generator according to the preceding examples, further depending on Example O, wherein a rotatable conveyor is configured to carry beads from a heating arrangement to a waste storage element, preferably, the rotatable conveyor is configured to carry a single bead from the heating arrangement to the waste storage element via one rotational movement.

[0123] Example AF: An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding Examples AC - AE, wherein the conveyor comprises recesses for carrying beads, preferably, one recess is configured to carry one bead.

[0124] Example AG: An aerosol generator according to the preceding examples, wherein the recesses of the rotatable conveyor are rotatable gradually between a first position at the connecting element and a second position at the heating arrangement, preferably, the recesses of the rotatable conveyor are rotatable gradually between the second position at the heating arrangement and a third position at the waste storage element.

[0125] Example AH: An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding Examples AC - AG, further comprising a second actuating element, the second actuating element being configured to actuate a rotatably mounted conveyor.

[0126] Example AI: An aerosol generator according to the preceding examples, wherein the second actuating element comprises a second engaging arm, the second engaging arm being configured to actuate a rotatably mounted conveyor.

[0127] Example AJ: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AH or AI, further depending on any of Examples I - N, wherein the second actuating element is configured to actuate a loading element of the cartridge, preferably, the second actuating element comprises a rod configured to engage an engaging element of the loading element.

[0128] Example AK: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AH - AJ, wherein the second actuating element comprises a push button for the user to cause a forward translational movement of the second actuating element, and the forward translational movement actuates a rotatable conveyor.

[0129] Example AL: An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding examples AH - AK, wherein the second actuating element comprises a second flexible biasing member, preferably a spring.

[0130] Example AM: An aerosol generating device according to a preceding example, further depending on Example AK, wherein the forward translational movement of the second actuating element compresses a second flexible biasing member, and the compressed second flexible biasing member is configured to cause a rearward translational movement of the second actuating element.

[0131] Example AN: The forward and rearward translational movements of the second actuating element - carry beads to, or adjacent to, a heating arrangement via the movement of a rotatable conveyor, - carry beads to a waste storage element via the movement of a rotatable conveyor, - cause one or more of actuating a loading element to load beads from a storage element into a rotatable conveyor, of an aerosol generating device according to a preceding example.

[0132] Example AO: An aerosol generator according to any of the preceding Examples Q or R, wherein the receiving area is configured to receive a cartridge according to Example P, the heating arrangement includes converging conductors, the converging conductors are configured to receive beads from the cartridge, and the converging conductors include a heater.

[0133] Example AP: An aerosol generator according to a preceding example, wherein the converging conductors have two opposing main surfaces and the minimum distance between the opposing main surfaces is less than the diameter of one bead.

[0134] Example AQ: An aerosol generator according to a preceding example, wherein the heater is located within the area of the minimum distance between the opposing main surfaces.

[0135] Example AR: An aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge according to any of Examples A - G and an aerosol generator according to any of Examples Q - AB.

[0136] Example AS: An aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge according to any of Examples H - O and an aerosol generator according to any of Examples AC - AN.

[0137] Example AT: An aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge according to Example P and an aerosol generator according to any of Examples AO - AQ.

[0138] Features described with respect to one embodiment may equally apply to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] Although only by way of illustration, the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0140]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5-1

Figure 5-2

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0141] Hereinafter, the same elements are denoted with the same reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0142] Figure 1 shows a side view of an aerosol generation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The aerosol generation system includes an aerosol generator 22 and a replaceable cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 includes a storage element having a flat support element 12. Through-holes 14 are present within the support element 12 disposed around the circumference of the disc-shaped support element. The through-holes 14 include retaining elements 20 around their respective circumferences to hold the aerosol generation beads 16 in position. The cartridge 10 of FIG. 1 includes six through-holes 14 having six beads 16. The aerosol generator 22 includes a first actuating element 24 having a push button and a first engaging arm 26 movably connected to the first actuating element 24 via a first engaging arm hinge 28. Additionally, there is a first flexible biasing member, for example, a spring 30. This first flexible biasing member 30 can be compressed and can also return the first engaging arm 26 to its original position. Additionally, there is a stopper 32. This stopper 32 can control any rotational movement of the disc-like cartridge 10 triggered by pressing the first actuating element 24. This stopper 32 can also prevent the tilting of the disc-like cartridge 10 when pushed down by the first engaging arm. A push element 34 is also present within the aerosol generator 22. The push element enables the device 22 to remove the beads 16 from the cartridge and carry these beads to a heating arrangement. Further, the push element may also remove the used beads from the heating arrangement (not shown in this figure). The user may press the first actuating element 24, which causes the first engaging arm to perform a parallel downward movement towards the cartridge 10. The first engaging arm engages with the support element 12 and the retaining element 20 of the cartridge to trigger the rotational movement of the cartridge. The operating principle of such an aerosol generation system will be described in more detail below.

[0143] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 1 rotated by 90 degrees. The first operating element 24 is shown together with the first engagement arm 26. This engagement arm includes a groove 26A that serves to engage the first engagement arm with the support element 12 and the holding element of the storage element. The holding element 20 can consist of a ring of flexible protrusions that surround the through-hole of the support element. Figure 2 shows that the holding element 20 is present on both opposing main surfaces of the support element 12 and can thus hold the beads 16 in place within the through-hole. Figure 2 also shows the heating arrangement 38 positioned behind the cartridge. The first piston 34A of the pushing arrangement 34 extends through one of the through-holes of the cartridge and pushes the bead out of this through-hole in order to position the bead within the heating arrangement 38 (the bead within the heating arrangement is not shown in this figure). The second piston 34B of the pushing element 34 positioned behind the heating arrangement 38 can also be seen. The second piston 34B is configured to push the bead located within the heating arrangement out of the heating arrangement and back into its through-hole within the cartridge after the bead has been heated. The side view also shows the stopper 32 having its respective stopper groove 32A. The stopper can engage with the cartridge, specifically the support element 12 and the holding element of the cartridge, in order to stop the rotational movement of the cartridge triggered by the first engagement arm 26. The stopper can also serve to prevent the tilting of the support element 12 during engagement with the first engagement arm 26 via the opposing holding element 20 when the stopper groove 32A continues to engage with the support element. The stopper can ensure that the rotational movement triggered by the first engagement arm 26 can be stopped after one through-hole. This can ensure that the continuous beads within the adjacent through-holes of the cartridge can be brought into alignment with the pushing element that is pushed into the heating arrangement 38.

[0144] Figure 3 shows another side view of the aerosol generation system according to Embodiment 1, additionally showing each biasing element present within the aerosol generator. The first actuating element 24 having a push button includes a first biasing member 24A, for example, a spring. In Figure 3, the first actuating element is triggered by the user by pressing the push button, resulting in the compression of the first biasing member 24A. The first engaging arm 26 is also connected to an engaging arm biasing member 26A, for example, a spring. This spring enables the first engaging arm 26 to be further pushed against the first actuating element and then enables the first engaging arm to return to its original position. In Figure 3, the first engaging arm is already in its lower position after initiating the rotational movement of the cartridge. This rotational movement is stopped after one through hole by a stopper 32 which is also flexibly connected to the device via a stopper biasing element 32A. The various biasing elements of the first actuating element 24, the stopper 32, and the first engaging arm 26 enable these elements to return to their original positions after being compressed.

[0145] Figure 4 is a top view of the pushing element of the aerosol generator according to Embodiment 1, having beads 16 disposed between a first piston 34A and a second piston 34B. The pushing element 34 employs the forward movement of the first piston 34A to push the beads housed within the through hole of the cartridge out of the through hole and into a heating arrangement located behind the cartridge, which also simultaneously moves the second piston 34B to a position located behind the heating arrangement. After using the beads within the heating arrangement, the movement of the second piston and the first piston in the direction opposite to the forward movement conveys the used beads out of the heating arrangement and back into its through hole within the cartridge.

[0146] Figures 5A - 5E show a series of consecutive steps through which the aerosol generation system according to Embodiment 1 passes after the user triggers the first actuating element 24 by pressing. Figure 5A shows the situation before the user triggers the first actuating element. The old used beads 16A are located within the heating arrangement, and the pressing element 34 is positioned such that the first piston 34A passes through the through - hole used to hold the old beads 16A (the heating arrangement and the first piston are not shown in this figure). The second piston is located behind the heating arrangement so as to be able to push the old beads out of the heating arrangement. The guide groove 15 of the first actuating element can be seen. The shank of the pressing element is connected so as to be movable into the guide groove 15 such that the downward movement of the first actuating element can trigger the pressing element 34.

[0147] When the user presses the push - button of the first actuating element 24, as shown in Figure 5B, a downward movement of the actuating element as indicated by the arrow 17 takes place. This triggers the movement of the pressing element 34, and the second piston 34B conveys the old used beads out of the heating arrangement and back into its through - hole within the cartridge 10 as indicated by the dashed arrow 19. Figure 5B shows here the first piston 34A located in front of the cartridge 10. The first engaging arm 26 engages with one of the support and holding elements of the through - hole of the cartridge 10 to initiate the rotational movement of the cartridge. The downward movement of the first actuating element 24 is guided by the guard rail 25.

[0148] Figure 5C shows a situation where further downward movement of the first actuating element 24, indicated by arrow 21, triggers a rotational movement of the cartridge as indicated by the dashed arrow 23. This rotational movement moves the old beads 16A away from the pressing element and positions the new beads 16B in front of the pressing element. The stopper biasing element enables the stopper 32 to move from its previous position, allowing movement as indicated by the dashed arrow 25. The position shown in Figure 5C indicates the end of the forward movement of the first actuating element 24 triggered by the user's push.

[0149] Thereafter, the stopper restrains at the next position to stop the rotational movement of the cartridge, as indicated by the dashed arrow 27 in Figure 5D. The backward movement of the first actuating element 24, as indicated by arrow 29 in Figure 5E, is triggered by the compression spring of the first actuating element. This backward movement leads to the pressing element 34 pushing the new beads 16B out of its through-hole and into the heating arrangement by employing the first piston 34A, as indicated by the dashed arrow 31. The movement of the pressing element 34 is triggered by the guide groove 15 of the first actuating element. The new beads 16B within the heating arrangement can be heated here to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user.

[0150] Figure 6A shows an upper photograph of a further embodiment of the cartridge according to Embodiment 1. The cartridge 10 includes a plurality of through-holes 14 disposed around the periphery of a disc-shaped support element. The periphery of the through-holes 14 is surrounded by a retaining element 20 in the form of a flexible lip made of, for example, rubber. These retaining elements 20 can hold the beads 16 located within the through-holes in a fixed position, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0151] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a cartridge according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Cartridge 40 includes a storage element 42 containing beads 16 arranged in a row. On the opposite side of the storage element 42, there is a loading element 48 in the form of an elongated bar. A connection element 44 configured to be removably connectable to a rotatably mounted conveyor of an aerosol generating device is present at the central portion of the cartridge 40. The hollow circular-shaped body of the connection element 44 is connected to both the storage element 42 and a waste storage element 46 for storing used beads.

[0152] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating system including a cartridge 40 and an aerosol generating device 50 according to Embodiment 2.

[0153] The cartridge 40 includes a storage element 42 and a connection element 44 connected to both the storage element 42 and the waste storage element 46. The loading element 48, an elongated bar, is connected to be movable to the storage element 42, for example, via rails (rails behind the loading element not shown in FIG. 8) present in the storage element. This loading element 48 includes a protrusion 48A that may extend into the interior of the storage element 42. When the protrusions extend into the interior of the storage element, they may separate the beads 16 from each other. The portion of the protrusion extending into the interior of the storage element may have a shape corresponding to the curvature of the spherical beads. It is also possible that the protrusion 48A may not extend into the interior of the storage element. Further, there is a second engagement element 48B of the loading element 48 configured to interact with a second actuating element 52 of the aerosol generating device. These second engagement elements 48B can be in the form of sawteeth that can interact with the rod 58 of the aerosol generating device 50. The cartridge 40 can be connected to the aerosol generating device 50 by positioning a rotatably mounted conveyor 56 within the connection element 44 of the cartridge. The aerosol generating device 50 may then be removably connected to the cartridge 40 via a clip. The progressive movement of the loading element 48 can then release one bead into the recess 56A of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 housed within the connection element. The aerosol generating device 50 includes a second actuating element 52 that can be pushed and is connected to be movable to a second engagement arm 54 via a second engagement arm hinge 54A. This second engagement arm 54 can progressively trigger the rotational movement of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. This progressive rotation of the rotatably mounted conveyor can transport one bead located within the recess 56A near or adjacent to the heating arrangement 68 of the device. The second actuating element 52 further includes a rod 58 configured to interact with the second engagement element 48B of the loading element 48 and a spring ball detent 60 for actuating the rod.

[0154] Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 8. The second flexible biasing member 52A of the second actuating element 52 can be seen. This biasing member, for example a spring, can be easily compressed when the user triggers the second actuating element by pressing. This second flexible biasing member triggers the rearward movement of the second actuating element, which will be explained in more detail below. The second engaging arm 54 also includes a flexible clip, such as a second engaging arm biasing element 54B, that enables the second engaging arm 54 to return to its original position after being triggered, for example by pressing the second actuating element 52. The rear side of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 can be seen, specifically the conveyor engaging element 62. This conveyor engaging element 62 can be configured to engage with the second engaging arm 54 and can be, for example, a gear wheel. This gear wheel enables the second engaging arm 54 to gradually rotate the rotatable conveyor. The rotatable conveyor can also convey beads to the heating arrangement 68 shown in FIG. 9.

[0155] Figure 10 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9. This figure clearly shows the engagement between the rod 58 of the second engaging element 52 and the saw teeth 48B of the bar of the loading element 48.

[0156] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the back portion of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. The rotatably mounted conveyor 56 includes a spindle 64 that enables rotation of the conveyor. The conveyor also includes four recesses 56A configured to receive beads. Behind the rotatably mounted conveyor 56 is a fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 with a mounted clip. One mounted clip position 66A creates a large space for the beads received from the storage portion of the cartridge within the recess 56A. The second clip position 66B spaces the beads in the direction of the outer periphery of the conveyor so as to be further away from the center of the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. Within this recess, the beads will be adjacent to the heating arrangement of the aerosol generator. The third clip position 66C leaves no space for the beads. At this position, any beads received within the recess 56A will be discharged from the rotatably mounted conveyor 56. This corresponds to the position of the recess 56A where the used beads are discharged into the waste storage element 46 of the cartridge. Thus, the mounted clips of the fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 shown in Figure 11B result in recesses 56A of different sizes depending on the position of the recess within the aerosol generator.

[0157] Figures 12A - 12D show a series of consecutive steps through which the aerosol generation system according to Embodiment 2 passes after the user presses to trigger the second actuating element 52.

[0158] Figure 12A shows a front view of an apparatus illustrating four clips 66A, 66B, and 66C of a fixedly mounted eccentric frame 66 of a rotatably mounted conveyor. It can be seen that the space within the recess of the rotatably mounted conveyor is largest within the upper position of the recess where beads 16A are received from the storage element of the cartridge. This is due to the presence of clip 66A. In contrast, clip 66C in the lower position leaves no space within the recess for the beads so that they can be easily discharged into the waste storage element of the cartridge. Further, beads 16B are present within the recess having the mounted clip 66B. These beads 16B are adjacent to the heating arrangement 68 and can generate an aerosol by heating. If the user wishes to replace beads 16B with new beads 16A, as indicated by arrow 53, the user presses the second actuating element 52. Pressing the second actuating element 52 leads to the engagement of the second engaging arm 54 with the conveyor engaging element 62 of the rotatable conveyor and, as shown in the rear view of FIG. 12B, causes a 90-degree rotation of the rotatable conveyor. This 90-degree rotation positions beads 16A adjacent to the heating arrangement 68 and discards the old beads 16B into the waste storage element of the cartridge. FIGS. 12B - 12D show different stages of this 90-degree rotation and also evidence that the second flexible biasing member 52A is continuously more compressed when the second actuating element 52 is further depressed. Releasing the tension of the second flexible biasing member 52A leads to the backward movement of the second actuating element 52 such that the rod 58 engages with the serrations of the loading element, releasing one additional bead into the recess of the rotatably mounted conveyor. During the stroke of the second actuating element 52, the rod 58 is released from the serrations 48B and moves upward thereof. During the release of the second actuating element 52, the rod 58 cannot move the serrations 48B downward but depresses the serrations 48B back to their initial position and, while doing so, depresses the loading element 48 to carry the leading bead into the recess 56A.

[0159] Figures 13A - 13C illustrate schematic views of a converging conductor contained within an aerosol generating device according to Embodiment 3. Figure 13A shows that beads 16 are received within a converging conductor including two opposing main surfaces 70, for example plates. The area having the minimum distance between both opposing main surfaces can securely hold the beads 16, and the heating arrangement 72 can then heat the beads to generate an aerosol. While being heated, the beads 16 contract until the diameter of the beads 16 becomes smaller than the minimum distance between both opposing main surfaces, and the beads continuously fall through the hole between both surfaces and preferably into a waste storage element as shown in Figure 13B. The opposing main surfaces also include flexible hinges 71. These flexible hinges may enable the user to release the beads early by triggering the hinge. One main surface can include an upper portion 70A and a lower portion 70B that are slidably connected. Thus, the lower part of the opposing main surfaces may slide inwards as shown in Figure 13C to release the beads.

[0160] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic view of an aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 3. This aerosol generating system includes a cartridge 80 and an aerosol generating device 90 including a mouthpiece 92. The cartridge 80 includes a dispenser system 75 that enables one bead 16 to be discharged into the aerosol generating device 90. This bead 16 is received within an area having the minimum distance between both opposing plates 70 and will be heated by an induction heating system 72. After contracting due to heating, the bead 16 can fall through the gap between both opposing plates 70 and can be received within the waste storage section 92 of the device.

[0161] Figures 15A and 15B show a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generator including a storage plate for receiving beads 16. The storage plate can be in the form of two separate parts that form a hemisphere for receiving the beads 16 from a cartridge. This hemisphere is connected to a heater 70 that can heat the beads received within the hemisphere. The material of the hemisphere can be a material that can conduct heat, such as metal. After the beads have been used, the two parts of the hemisphere can be retracted, thereby discharging the used beads into the waste storage element 96 as shown in Figure 15B.

Claims

1. A cartridge for an aerosol generator, Aerosol generating beads equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate, The system comprises a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads, A cartridge wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of the aerosol-generating beads from the storage element, the storage element comprises a support element, the support element comprises a through hole, and the through hole is configured to accommodate the beads.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage element is configured to allow loading of a single bead from the storage element in a single loading step.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one through hole is configured to accommodate one bead.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to be rotatably connected to an aerosol generator in a removable manner.

5. A cartridge for an aerosol generator, Aerosol generating beads equipped with an aerosol-forming substrate, The system comprises a storage element configured to store the aerosol generating beads, A cartridge comprising a storage element configured to allow the loading of the aerosol generating beads from the storage element, and further comprising a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol generator, and the storage element is configured to allow the loading of the aerosol generating beads into the connecting element.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising a loading element configured to load the beads from the storage element into the connecting element, wherein the loading element is movably connected to the storage element, preferably the loading element is gradually connected to the storage element, and a single gradual movement is configured to load one bead into the connecting element.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the loading element comprises a second engaging element, the second engaging element is configured to engage with a second operating element of the aerosol generator, and preferably the second engaging element has serrations.

8. Aerosol generator, A receiving region configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A heating device configured to heat the aerosol generating beads, An aerosol generating device comprising a loading element configured to load the aerosol generating beads from the cartridge into the heating arrangement, or adjacent to the heating arrangement.

9. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the loading element is configured to load one single bead from the cartridge at a time.

10. The aerosol generator according to claim 8, wherein the receiving region is configured to receive a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and further comprises a pressing element configured to push beads housed in the through hole into the heating arrangement, preferably the pressing element is further configured to push used beads out of the heating arrangement.

11. The aerosol generator according to claim 10, further comprising a first actuation element, wherein the first actuation element is configured to actuate the push element, preferably the push element having a shank and the first actuation element having a guide groove for actinguate the push element, preferably the first actuation element is also configured to allow the cartridge to move, more preferably the movement being a gradual rotational movement between adjacent through holes of the cartridge.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the receiving region comprises a rotatably mounted conveyor, and the conveyor is configured to be connectable to the connection region of the cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

13. The aerosol generator according to claim 12, further comprising a second operating element, wherein the second operating element is configured to operate the rotatably mounted conveyor.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and an aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 7 and an aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

Images