Cartridge assembly for aerosol generating systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge assembly (10) for use in an aerosol generation system. The cartridge assembly includes a mouthpiece portion (12) having a first connecting element and a bottom portion (14) having a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element are configured to be irreversibly connectable to each other. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generation system including the cartridge assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN AEROSOL GENERATION SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to aerosol generation systems. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide aerosol-generating devices or systems for inhalable vapors. Such devices or systems may heat an 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 an aerosol-generating article or contained within a 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 element. The liquid reservoir may form part of a replaceable cartridge assembly.

[0004] It is known to seal different components of the liquid reservoir by welding techniques. However, welding techniques can pose challenges such as excessive melting of the weld zone and limited controllability. Furthermore, they require an additional welding step during manufacturing.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a cartridge with components that provide a liquid-tight connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge with components that provide an irreversible connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge with components that provide a permanent connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge with components that provide an invisible connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge with components that provide a child-resistant connection. It is desirable to provide a cartridge that is easy to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generation system. The cartridge assembly may include a mouthpiece portion including a first connecting element and a bottom portion including a second connecting element. The first connecting element and the second connecting element may be configured to be irreversibly connectable to each other.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generation system, the cartridge assembly comprising a mouthpiece portion having a first connecting element and a bottom portion having a second connecting element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element being configured to be irreversibly connectable to each other.

[0008] By providing a cartridge assembly including a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion including first and second connecting elements that are irreversibly connectable to each other, a permanent connection may be provided. By providing a cartridge assembly including a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion including first and second connecting elements that are irreversibly connectable to each other, a liquid-tight connection may be provided. By providing a cartridge assembly including a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion including first and second connecting elements that are irreversibly connectable to each other, a child-resistant connection may be provided. By providing a cartridge assembly including a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion including first and second connecting elements that are irreversibly connectable to each other, welding may be unnecessary. By providing a cartridge assembly including a mouthpiece portion and a bottom portion including first and second connecting elements that are irreversibly connectable to each other, manufacturing may be easier.

[0009] The mouthpiece portion and the base portion may enclose a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir may be configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a liquid sensory medium, or both. The liquid reservoir may include one or both of the aerosol-forming substrate and the liquid sensory medium.

[0010] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may provide a liquid-tight connection, which may prevent liquid stored in the liquid reservoir from leaking.

[0011] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion may include a first snap-fit ​​element, and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may include a second snap-fit ​​element. The first and second snap-fit ​​elements may be configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection, thereby providing a fluid-tight connection. The first and second snap-fit ​​elements may be pressed against each other. The first and second snap-fit ​​elements may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0012] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may provide a connection that prevents rotation of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion relative to each other. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may not be rotatable relative to each other. The first and second connecting elements may include an anti-rotation element. The anti-rotation element may be configured such that the first and second connecting elements can only be attached to each other with a keyed attachment. The anti-rotation element may prevent the mouthpiece and the bottom portion from rotating relative to each other. The anti-rotation element may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The mouthpiece portion may include a vertical recess and the bottom portion may include a vertical protrusion, or vice versa. The vertical recess and the vertical protrusion may have matching shapes.

[0013] The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion may include a recess and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may include a protrusion, or vice versa. The first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion may include a notch and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may include a projection, or vice versa.

[0014] The protrusion or projection may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The recess or notch may be recessed in the inner surface of the mouthpiece portion in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0015] The first and second connecting elements may have matching shapes.

[0016] The recess and protrusion may have matching shapes. The notch and protrusion may have matching shapes. The recess and protrusion may be complementary to each other. The recess and protrusion may have approximately matching shapes or may be approximately complementary to each other. The protrusion may be slightly larger than the recess.

[0017] The recesses may have a recess volume and the protrusions may have a protrusion volume. The protrusion volume may be larger than the recess volume, preferably slightly larger. The protrusion volume may be 5 to 10 percent larger.

[0018] The recesses and protrusions may be coaxially disposed. The recesses and protrusions may be disposed about a longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The recesses and protrusions may be circumferentially disposed about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0019] The recesses and protrusions may have a rounded trapezoidal cross section. The cross section may be taken along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The cross section may be taken in the same direction as the longitudinal axis.

[0020] Preferably, the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion may include a recess and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may include a protrusion.The mouthpiece portion may include a recess in an inner surface of a sidewall of the mouthpiece.

[0021] The recess may have a depth of 0.15 to 0.50 millimeters, preferably 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters. The depth of the recess may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The recess includes a bottom surface. The depth of the recess may be the distance from a straight line extending from the inner surface of the mouthpiece to the bottom surface.

[0022] The recess may be located at a distance from the distal end of the mouthpiece portion, measured along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The distance may be 0.5 to 1.1 millimeters, preferably 0.5 to 1.0 millimeters, and more preferably 0.5 to 0.9 millimeters.

[0023] The mouthpiece portion may have a wall thickness, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly, of 0.3 to 1.0 millimeters, more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0024] The protrusion may have a length of 0.15 to 0.50 millimeters, preferably 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters. The length of the protrusion may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The length of the protrusion may be greater than the depth of the recess.

[0025] The recess may include a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal and distal surfaces may be inclined. The bottom surface of the recess may be a surface connecting the distal and proximal surfaces. The distal surface of the recess may be inclined at an inclination angle of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably 20 to 50 degrees, more preferably 30 to 35 degrees, and most preferably about 32 degrees. The proximal surface or recess may be inclined at an inclination angle of 10 to 70 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, more preferably 45 to 55 degrees, and most preferably about 50 degrees. The length of the proximal surface of the recess may be greater than the length of the distal surface.

[0026] The protrusion may include a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal and distal surfaces may be sloped. The distal surface of the protrusion may be sloped at an angle of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably 20 to 50 degrees, more preferably 30 to 35 degrees, and most preferably about 32 degrees. The proximal surface of the protrusion may be sloped at an angle of 10 to 70 degrees, preferably 30 to 60 degrees, more preferably 45 to 55 degrees, and most preferably about 50 degrees. The length of the proximal surface of the protrusion may be greater than the length of the distal surface.

[0027] The mouthpiece portion may have a conical shape, preferably a conical shape with an elliptical cross section. The mouthpiece may have an elliptical cross section. The mouthpiece may be in the shape of a frusto-cone. The mouthpiece may be hollow. The mouthpiece may be a hollow frusto-cone.

[0028] The mouthpiece portion may include a distal end that may include a first connecting element. The base portion may include a proximal end that may include a second connecting element. The mouthpiece portion may include a proximal end. The proximal end may be a mouth end. The mouth end may include an air outlet.

[0029] The mouthpiece portion may have a larger diameter than the proximal end of the bottom portion. The diameters of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may both be measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The outer diameter of the distal end of the mouthpiece portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the distal end of the bottom portion, both measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0030] The distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the bottom portion may have an elliptical cross section, such that the diameter of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion is the semi-major axis of the elliptical cross section.

[0031] The recess in the mouthpiece portion may extend along an ellipse about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The protrusion in the bottom portion may extend along an ellipse about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly.

[0032] The interference between the first and second connecting elements can be 0.01 to 0.20 mm, preferably 0.05 to 0.10 mm, and more preferably about 0.08 mm. This can prevent leakage. The interference can be the difference in size between the first and second connecting elements. The interference can be the difference between the depth of the recess in the mouthpiece portion and the length of the protrusion in the bottom portion.

[0033] When the first connecting element includes a recess and the second connecting element includes a protrusion, a gap may be provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion. Preferably, the gap may be a coaxial gap.

[0034] The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may include a plastic material. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion may be made of a plastic material. The mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion including the plastic material may be manufactured in accordance with ISO-20457 TG4. The overall shape of the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion may be within a range of ±0.05 millimeters. This results in a total tolerance of ±0.1 millimeters for the recess and the protrusion. Therefore, the gap between the proximal portion of the recess and the proximal portion of the protrusion may be equal to 0.08 millimeters to accommodate these tolerances. This gap allows the mouthpiece portion to return to its original position without straining the parts.

[0035] The cartridge assembly may include an airflow channel. The airflow channel may include an airflow path. The airflow channel may extend along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge assembly. The mouthpiece portion may include an inner tubular element that confines the airflow channel. A liquid reservoir of the cartridge assembly may extend around the airflow channel, preferably around the tubular element.

[0036] The bottom portion may include a heater. Preferably, the heater is a mesh heater. The mesh heater may include a heater body and at least one mesh. The mesh heater may be configured as an electrically resistive metal heater. The at least one mesh may include a plurality of conductive filaments configured to form individual meshes. The filaments may be provided as a woven or non-woven fabric. The conductive filaments may define gaps between the filaments, and the gaps may have a width of 10 μm to 100 μm. Preferably, the filaments cause capillary action within the gaps so that the substrate to be vaporized in use is drawn into the gaps, increasing the contact area between the heater and the substrate.

[0037] The conductive filaments may comprise any suitable conductive material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Preferred materials for the conductive filaments are 304, 316, 304L, 316L stainless steel, and graphite. Stainless steel, nichrome wire, aluminum, or tungsten are preferably used.

[0038] The bottom portion may include a liquid wicking material. The liquid wicking material may transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid reservoir to the heater in the bottom portion. The liquid wicking material may be porous. The liquid wicking material may include a capillary material.

[0039] The cartridge assembly may further include a seal joint. The seal joint may be disposed between the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion. The seal joint may provide additional sealing of the liquid reservoir enclosed between the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion. The seal joint may provide additional sealing of the liquid reservoir enclosed between the mouthpiece portion and the mesh heater. The seal joint may provide correct positioning of the mesh heater.

[0040] The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system comprising the cartridge assembly and body described herein. The body may include a cartridge connecting portion. The bottom portion of the cartridge assembly may include a body connecting portion. The cartridge connecting portion and the body connecting portion may be configured to be reversibly connectable to each other.

[0041] The body may include a power source and a controller. The body may include a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing may include 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.

[0042] The body may include a user interface for activating the aerosol-generating system, such as a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating system, or a display showing the status of the aerosol-generating system or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0043] The aerosol generation system may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol generation system.

[0044] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end 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.

[0045] As used herein, the term "airflow path" 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.

[0046] The liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent. The liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or the liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent, such as menthol or an herbal compound. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or the liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or the liquid sensory medium may include a botanical ingredient, such as CBD.

[0047] As used herein, the term "liquid sensory medium" refers to a liquid composition capable of modifying an airflow that contacts the liquid sensory medium. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the airflow, and filtering the airflow. For example, the liquid sensory medium may include an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensory medium is or includes a flavorant. Alternatively, or additionally, the liquid sensory medium may include one or both of a cooling substance for cooling the airflow passing through the liquid sensory medium and a filtering substance for capturing undesirable components in the airflow. Water may be used as a cooling substance. Water may also be used as a filtering substance for capturing particles, such as dust particles, from the airflow. The liquid sensory medium may function as one or more of a nicotine-delivering liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a bulking agent.

[0048] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such a volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0049] Preferably, a liquid nicotine or flavor / flavorant-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be used in the liquid reservoir of the cartridge assembly.

[0050] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate can include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former can be any suitable, well-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 temperatures of the aerosol-generating system. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (e.g., glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate). Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof (e.g., triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, etc.). Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. When present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent or more on a dry weight basis, and preferably an aerosol former content of 5 weight percent to 30 weight percent on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may also include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants.

[0053] As used herein, the term "liquid reservoir" refers to a reservoir containing a liquid sensory medium and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate capable of emitting a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The liquid reservoir may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0054] The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. Preferably, the capillary material 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 to the heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the liquid can move by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are spongy or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, and fibrous materials, such as spun or extruded fibers (such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene, or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or ceramics). The capillary material may have any suitable capillary action and porosity, thereby allowing for the use of different liquid physical properties. Liquids have physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that allow them to be transported through a capillary device by capillary action.

[0055] The capillary material may be in contact with the conductive filaments of the mesh heater. The capillary material may extend into the gaps between the filaments. The heater may draw the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the gaps by capillary action.

[0056] The main body may include a power source for providing power to the heating element. The power source may include 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 approximately 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.

[0057] The body may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the mesh heater. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the mesh heater. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly in an assembled state, and FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly in an exploded state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view and a 3D view of the mouthpiece, a cross-sectional view and a 3D view of the bottom portion of the assembled first and second connecting elements, and FIG. 2B shows the main body. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the recess in the mouthpiece portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a protrusion in the base portion and a recess in the mouthpiece portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] The following provides 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 features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0060] Example 1: 1. A cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising: a mouthpiece portion including a first connecting element; and A cartridge assembly including a bottom portion including a second connecting element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element configured to be irreversibly connectable to one another.

[0061] Example 2: 10. The cartridge assembly of Example 1, wherein the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion enclose a liquid reservoir.

[0062] Example 3: 3. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1 or 2, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion provide a fluid-tight connection.

[0063] Example 4: 4. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion includes a first snap-fit ​​element, the second connecting element of the bottom portion includes a second snap-fit ​​element, and the first and second snap-fit ​​elements are configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0064] Example 5: 5. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion provide a connection that prevents rotation of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion relative to each other.

[0065] Example 6: The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion comprises a recess and the second connecting element of the bottom portion comprises a protrusion, or vice versa.

[0066] Example 7: 7. The cartridge assembly of Example 6, wherein the recess and protrusion have matching shapes.

[0067] Example 8: 8. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 6 or 7, wherein the recess and protrusion are coaxially disposed.

[0068] Example 9: The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 6 to 8, wherein the recessed portion and the protruding portion have a rounded trapezoidal cross section.

[0069] Example 10: The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 6-9, wherein the mouthpiece portion comprises a recess in the inner surface of the sidewall of the mouthpiece.

[0070] Example 11: 11. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 6 to 10, wherein the recess has a depth of 0.15 to 0.50 millimeters, preferably 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters.

[0071] Example 12: A cartridge assembly described in any of Examples 6 to 11, wherein the recess comprises a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal and distal surfaces of the recess is sloped.

[0072] Example 13: 13. The cartridge assembly of Example 12, wherein the distal surface of the recess is sloped at an angle of inclination of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably 20 to 50 degrees, and more preferably 30 to 35 degrees.

[0073] Example 14: 14. The cartridge assembly of either Example 12 or Example 13, wherein the proximal surface of the recess is inclined at an angle of inclination between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, and more preferably between 45 and 55 degrees.

[0074] Example 15: A cartridge assembly according to any of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the length of the proximal surface of the recess is greater than the length of the distal surface of the recess.

[0075] Example 16: A cartridge assembly described in any of Examples 6 to 15, wherein the protrusion includes a distal surface and a proximal surface, and at least one of the proximal and distal surfaces of the protrusion is sloped.

[0076] Example 17: 17. The cartridge assembly of Example 16, wherein the distal surface of the protrusion is sloped at an angle of inclination of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably 20 to 50 degrees, and more preferably 30 to 35 degrees.

[0077] Example 18: 18. The cartridge assembly of either Example 16 or Example 17, wherein the proximal surface of the protrusion is inclined at an angle of inclination between 10 and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees, and more preferably between 45 and 55 degrees.

[0078] Example 19: A cartridge assembly described in any of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the length of the proximal surface of the protrusion is greater than the length of the distal surface of the protrusion.

[0079] Example 20: 20. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-19, wherein the mouthpiece portion has a conical shape, preferably a conical shape with an elliptical cross section.

[0080] Example 21: 21. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-20, wherein the mouthpiece portion includes a distal end including a first connecting element and the bottom portion includes a proximal end including a second connecting element.

[0081] Example 22: 22. The cartridge assembly of Example 21, wherein the distal end of the mouthpiece portion has a larger diameter than the proximal end of the bottom portion.

[0082] Example 23: 23. The cartridge assembly of either Example 21 or Example 22, wherein both the distal end of the mouthpiece portion and the proximal end of the bottom portion have an oval cross-section.

[0083] Example 24: The cartridge assembly of any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the interference between the first connecting element and the second connecting element is 0.01 to 0.20 millimeters, preferably 0.05 to 0.10 millimeters, and more preferably about 0.08 millimeters.

[0084] Example 25: 25. A cartridge assembly according to any of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the first connecting element comprises a recess and the second connecting element comprises a protrusion, and wherein a gap is provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion, preferably the gap being a coaxial gap.

[0085] Example 26: 26. The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-25, comprising an airflow channel.

[0086] Example 27: The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-26, wherein the bottom portion comprises a heater, preferably the heater is a mesh heater.

[0087] Example 28: The cartridge assembly of any of Examples 1-27, wherein the bottom portion comprises a liquid wicking material.

[0088] Example 29: 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: A cartridge assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, and An aerosol generation system comprising a body including a cartridge connection portion, wherein a bottom portion of the cartridge assembly includes the body connection portion, and the body is configured so that the cartridge connection portion and the body connection portion are reversibly connectable to each other.

[0089] Example 30: 30. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 29, wherein the main body comprises a power source and a controller.

[0090] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0091] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0092] 1A shows a cross-sectional view of cartridge assembly 10 in an assembled state. Cartridge assembly 10 includes a mouthpiece portion 12 and a bottom portion 14. Mouthpiece portion 12 includes a mouth end 16 and an airflow channel 18. Bottom portion 14 includes a liquid wicking material 20 in contact with a mesh heater 22. Mouthpiece portion 12 and bottom portion 14 enclose a liquid reservoir 24. A seal joint 26 is positioned between mouthpiece portion 12 and bottom portion 14. Seal joint 26 further seals liquid reservoir 24.

[0093] 1B shows a cross-sectional view of mouthpiece portion 12 and bottom portion 14 in an exploded state. Mouthpiece portion 12 includes a distal end 28. Distal end 28 includes a first connecting element in the form of a recess 30 extending along the inner surface of distal end 28. Bottom portion 14 includes a proximal end 32. Proximal end 32 includes a second connecting element in the form of a protrusion 34 extending around proximal end 32. When proximal end 32 of bottom portion 14 is inserted into distal end 28 of mouthpiece portion 12, protrusion 34 is inserted into recess 30, thereby providing an irreversible snap-fit ​​connection.

[0094] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view and a 3D view of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece has a conical shape with an elliptical cross-section. FIG. 2A also shows an enlarged view of the assembled first and second connecting elements, with the protrusion 34 of the bottom portion 14 inserted into the recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12. It can be seen that the protrusion 34 and the recess 30 have matching shapes and directly contact each other when assembled. FIG. 2A also shows a 3D view of the bottom portion 14. The proximal end 32, including the protrusion 34, has an elliptical shape. The bottom portion 14 includes a body connecting portion 36. The body connecting portion 36 is configured to reversibly connect to a cartridge connecting portion 38 of the body 40 shown in FIG. 2B. The body 40 includes a power source 42 and a controller 44. The cartridge assembly 10 and the body 40 together form an aerosol generation system.

[0095] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the recess 30 of the mouthpiece portion 12. The recess has a depth 46. The depth 46 of the recess 30 is the distance from an extension line 48 of the inner surface 50 of the mouthpiece portion 12 to a bottom surface 52 of the recess 30. The depth 46 is preferably 0.15 to 0.30 millimeters. The recess 30 includes a distal surface 54 and a proximal surface 56. The distal surface 54 and the proximal surface 56 are connected via the bottom surface 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the cross-section of the recess 30 has a rounded trapezoidal shape in which the bottom surface 52 and the extension line 48 are approximately parallel.

[0096] Both distal surface 54 and proximal surface 56 are sloped. The distal surface slopes at slope angle 58, and the proximal surface slopes at slope angle 60. Slope angle 58 is preferably 30-35 degrees, more preferably about 32 degrees. Slope angle 60 is preferably 45-55 degrees, more preferably about 50 degrees. This results in the length of proximal surface 56 being greater than the length of distal surface 54, both measured along their respective surfaces from extension line 48 to bottom surface 52.

[0097] The recess 30 is spaced a distance 62 from the distal end of the mouthpiece portion 12. Distance 62 is preferably 0.5 to 1.1 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 mm, and even more preferably 0.5 to 0.9 mm. The mouthpiece portion 12 has a wall thickness 64. The wall thickness is preferably 0.3 to 1.0 mm, and more preferably 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0098] When protrusion 34 of bottom portion 14 is inserted into recess 30 of mouthpiece portion 12, area 66 deforms. Recess 30 has corner 68. Corner 68 may be rounded. Mouthpiece 12 has exterior corner 70. Exterior corner 70 may not have a rounded edge to eject the part from the injection mold.

[0099] The protrusion 34 (not shown in FIG. 3) has a shape that matches the recess 30 and thereby has approximately the same dimensions (length, angle of inclination, etc.) as the recess 30 .

[0100] 4 shows one embodiment of protrusion 34 of bottom portion 14 and recess 30 of mouthpiece portion 12. Slope angle 58 is approximately 32 degrees, and slope angle 60 is approximately 50 degrees. When protrusion 34 is inserted into recess 30, a gap 72 is provided. Gap 72 is provided between a proximal portion 74 of protrusion 34 and a proximal portion 76 of recess 30.

Claims

1. 1. A cartridge assembly for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising: a mouthpiece portion including a first connecting element; and A cartridge assembly comprising: a bottom portion including a second connecting element, the first connecting element and the second connecting element configured to be irreversibly connectable to one another, the bottom portion comprising a mesh heater.

2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion enclose a liquid reservoir.

3. 3. The cartridge assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion provide a fluid-tight connection.

4. 4. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion includes a first snap-fit ​​element, the second connecting element of the bottom portion includes a second snap-fit ​​element, and the first and second snap-fit ​​elements are configured to provide a snap-fit ​​connection.

5. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion and the second connecting element of the bottom portion provide a connection that prevents rotation of the mouthpiece portion and the bottom portion relative to each other.

6. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first connecting element of the mouthpiece portion comprises a recess and the second connecting element of the bottom portion comprises a protrusion, or vice versa.

7. The cartridge assembly of claim 6 , wherein the recess and the protrusion have matching shapes.

8. 8. The cartridge assembly according to claim 6, wherein the recess and the protrusion are coaxially arranged.

9. The cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the recess and the protrusion have a rounded trapezoidal cross section.

10. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the mouthpiece portion includes the recess in an inner surface of a sidewall of the mouthpiece.

11. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the recess has a depth of 0.15 to 0.50 mm, preferably 0.15 to 0.30 mm.

12. A cartridge assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the recess includes a distal surface and a proximal surface, at least one of the proximal and distal surfaces being inclined, and preferably the length of the proximal surface being greater than the length of the distal surface.

13. 13. The cartridge assembly of claim 12, wherein the distal surface is sloped at an angle of inclination of 10 to 60 degrees, preferably 20 to 50 degrees, more preferably 30 to 35 degrees.

14. A cartridge assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connecting element includes a recess and the second connecting element includes a protrusion, and a gap is provided between a proximal portion of the recess and a proximal portion of the protrusion, preferably the gap being a coaxial gap.

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