Aerosol generation system with cartridge holding element

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system (10). The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge (20) for storing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system also comprises an aerosol generating device (30) comprising a cavity (40) configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The aerosol generating system further comprises a cartridge retaining element (50) for removably holding the cartridge in the cavity. The cartridge retaining element comprises a body defining the longitudinal direction of the body between a first end of the body (51) and a second end of the body (52). The cartridge retaining element is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the body extends in the longitudinal direction of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity. The cartridge retaining element also comprises a fixing member (53) for fixing the cartridge retaining element to either the cartridge or the device. The fixing member protrudes from the body transversely to the body, and the confluence between the fixing member and the body extends along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The cartridge retaining element also includes a latch member (54) configured to engage with the other of the cartridge and the device to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system comprising a cartridge, an aerosol generator, and a cartridge holding element. This disclosure also relates to a cartridge comprising a cartridge holding element, and an aerosol generator comprising a cartridge holding element.

Background Art

[0002] Aerosol generation systems configured to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled from an aerosol-forming substrate are known in the art. Some known aerosol generation systems comprise an aerosol generator and a cartridge that can be coupled to the aerosol generator. Typically, in such aerosol generation systems, the cartridge contains an aerosol-forming substrate, and the aerosol generator comprises a power source for supplying power to a heating element in order to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and generate an inhalable aerosol. Generally, the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol generator before use of the aerosol generation system. In some systems, the cartridge can be separated from the aerosol generator and replaced with a new cartridge, for example when the aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge has been depleted. This can lead to repeated coupling and separation of the cartridge to and from the aerosol generator during the life of the aerosol generation system. Therefore, it is desirable that such aerosol generation systems are provided with simple and effective means for coupling the cartridge to the aerosol generator and separating the cartridge from the aerosol generator.

[0003] However, in some prior art systems, the means for connecting the cartridge to the aerosol generator may suffer performance degradation over time due to repeated connection and disconnection of the cartridge. This can lead to unreliable or loose connections between the cartridge and the device, which can result in a non-functional aerosol generator. This can also lead to the cartridge unexpectedly separating from the aerosol generator during use or storage, which is likely to cause user dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is desirable that such aerosol generators be provided with reliable and robust means for connecting the cartridge to the aerosol generator.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating system having means for connecting a cartridge to an aerosol generating device, which is reliable, robust, and simple to manufacture and assemble, while facilitating the easy connection and disconnection of the cartridge and the aerosol generating device.

[0005] An aerosol generating system is provided. The aerosol generating system may include a cartridge for storing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system may include an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may include a cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge. The cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The aerosol generating system may further include a cartridge retaining element for removably holding the cartridge within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element may include a body defining the longitudinal direction of the body between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The cartridge retaining element may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the body extends in the longitudinal direction of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element may also include a fixing member for fixing the cartridge retaining element to either the cartridge or the device. The fixing member may project from the body transversely, and the junction between the fixing member and the body may extend along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The cartridge retaining element may also include a latching member configured to engage with the other of the cartridge and the device to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity. [Overview of the project]

[0006] This disclosure provides an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating system comprises a cartridge for storing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating device comprising a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The aerosol generating system further comprises a cartridge retaining element for removably holding the cartridge within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element comprises a body defining the longitudinal direction of the body between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The cartridge retaining element is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the body extends in the longitudinal direction of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element also comprises a fixing member for securing the cartridge retaining element to one of the cartridge and the device. The fixing member protrudes from the body transversely to the body, and the confluence between the fixing member and the body extends along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The cartridge retaining element may also comprise a latching member configured to engage with the other of the cartridge and the device to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity.

[0007] Advantageously, the cavity is configured to receive the cartridge along its long axis, and the body of the retaining element is configured such that its long axis extends along the long axis of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received within the cavity. That is, the body of the cartridge retaining element extends in the direction in which the cartridge is inserted into and removed from the cavity. Such an arrangement can achieve improved contact between the cartridge and the cartridge retaining element to resist the cartridge moving out of the cavity of the aerosol generator. Furthermore, such an arrangement may facilitate the pivotal or hinged movement of the cartridge retaining element during cartridge insertion and removal.

[0008] Advantageously, the latching member is configured to engage with the other of the cartridge and the device. This allows the cartridge retaining element to provide a secure connection between the cartridge and the aerosol generator. The term "the other of the cartridge and the device" refers to one of these two options in which the cartridge retaining element is not fixed via a fixing member. For example, if the cartridge retaining element is fixed to the aerosol generator via a fixing member, the latching member is configured to engage with the cartridge.

[0009] Advantageously, the fixing member protrudes from the main body in the transverse direction of the main body, and the junction between the fixing member and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body. As a result, the fixing member extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body. Therefore, the fixing member can engage with the cartridge or device to prevent rotation of the cartridge retaining element about the transverse direction of the main body of the cartridge retaining element, or to prevent movement of the cartridge retaining element in the transverse direction of the main body. This can help ensure alignment of the cartridge retaining element during repeated coupling and uncoupling of cartridges. Furthermore, this arrangement may allow resistance to bending forces applied to the cartridge retaining element during coupling and uncoupling of cartridges.

[0010] As used herein, the term “removably retained” refers to a cartridge retaining element configured to hold a cartridge within a cavity of an aerosol generator and to release the cartridge non-destructively from the cavity when desired by the user.

[0011] As used herein, the term “aerosol generator” refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generator may be a heated aerosol generator. An aerosol generator may be an electrically heated aerosol generator. For example, an aerosol generator may include one or more components used to supply energy from a power source to an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol generator may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0012] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0013] As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction of the body” refers to the direction extending between the first end of the body of the cartridge retaining element and the second end of the body of the cartridge retaining element. The term “transverse direction of the body” refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0014] As used herein, the term “transverse direction of the cavity” refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cavity.

[0015] As used herein, the term "junction" refers to the point where a fixing member and the main body intersect.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cartridge retaining element. In such embodiments, a fixing member is for securing the cartridge retaining element to the cartridge, and a latching member is configured to engage with the aerosol generator to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol generator includes a cartridge retaining element holder. In such embodiments, a fixing member is for securing the cartridge retaining element to the aerosol generator, and a latching member is configured to engage with the cartridge to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generator. Advantageously, by providing the cartridge retaining element as part of the aerosol generator, the aerosol generator system may be manufactured at a lower cost because the cartridge retaining element may not be discarded along with the cartridge after the aerosol-forming substrate is depleted.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cartridge retaining element may be a first cartridge retaining element. The aerosol generating system may also include a second cartridge retaining element. That is, the aerosol generating system may include a first cartridge retaining element and a second cartridge retaining element. The second cartridge retaining element may have any of the features described herein in relation to the first cartridge retaining element. The first cartridge retaining element may be positioned on the opposite side from the second cartridge retaining element. The first and second cartridge retaining elements can work together to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Advantageously, providing a first and second cartridge retaining element may provide greater retaining force than a single cartridge retaining element. Furthermore, providing a first and second cartridge retaining element may increase the number of contact points between the cartridge and the cavity, which may limit the possibility of the connection becoming loose.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may include a first engagement state. In the first engagement state, the cartridge may be held in the cavity by a cartridge retaining element. For example, when the aerosol generating system is in the first engagement state, the aerosol generating system may be operable to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system may have a second engagement state. In the second engagement state, the cartridge may not be held in the cavity by a cartridge retaining element. The cartridge may not be received in the cavity when the aerosol generating system is in the second engagement state.

[0020] The aerosol generating system may be configured to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state by relative movement between the cartridge and the cavity of the aerosol generating device. In particular, the relative movement may be along the long axis of the cavity. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to resist the relative movement of the cartridge and the cavity. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to resist the relative movement of the cartridge and the cavity along the long axis of the cavity.

[0021] The cartridge retaining element may be configured to move transversely across the cavity to allow the aerosol generating system to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state. For example, when the cartridge moves within the cavity along the long axis of the cavity, the second end of the body may be configured to move transversely across the cavity to allow the aerosol generating system to move between the first engagement state and the second engagement state. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to move transversely across the cavity by hinge or pivot movement.

[0022] The cartridge retaining element may have a first position. The cartridge retaining element may have a second position. The cartridge retaining element may be biased to the first position. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to move from the first position to the second position, allowing the aerosol generating system to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to move transversely across the cavity between the first and second positions. In particular, the second end of the body may be configured to move transversely across the cavity during the movement of the cartridge retaining element between the first and second positions. The movement of the second end of the body may be hinged or pivotal. For example, the second end of the body may be configured to pivot about the first end of the body when the cartridge retaining element moves between the first and second positions.

[0023] The aerosol generating system may include a projection configured to bias the latch member of the cartridge holding element when the cartridge moves along the long axis of the cavity within the cavity, thereby moving the cartridge holding element from a first position to a second position.

[0024] In the first position, the cartridge retaining element may form a first cross-sectional dimension. In the second position, the cartridge retaining element may form a second cross-sectional dimension. If the cartridge retaining element is part of an aerosol generator, the first cross-sectional dimension may be the first cross-sectional dimension of the cavity, and the second cross-sectional dimension may be the second cross-sectional dimension of the cavity. If the cartridge retaining element is part of a cartridge, the first and second cross-sectional dimensions may be the width of the cartridge.

[0025] In the first position, the cartridge holding element may form a constriction having a first transverse dimension within the cavity. In the second position, the constriction may have a second transverse dimension. When both the first cartridge holding element and the second cartridge holding element are in the first position, the first cartridge holding element and the second cartridge holding element may form a constriction having a first transverse dimension. When one or both of the first cartridge holding element and the second cartridge holding element are in the second position, the constriction may have a second transverse dimension.

[0026] The first transverse dimension may be sized to prevent movement of the aerosol generating system between the first engagement state and the second engagement state so long as the cartridge holding element, or one or more of the first cartridge holding element and the second cartridge holding element, does not move from the first position to the second position. The second transverse dimension may be larger than the first transverse dimension. The second transverse dimension may be smaller than the first transverse dimension. The first transverse dimension may be smaller than the transverse dimension or width of the cartridge. The second transverse dimension may be larger than the transverse dimension or width of the cartridge. The first transverse dimension may be smaller than the transverse dimension or width of the connection end of the cartridge. The second transverse dimension may be larger than the transverse dimension or width of the connection end of the cartridge.

[0027] The first transverse dimension and the second transverse dimension may be formed by a latch member of the cartridge holding element. The first transverse dimension and the second transverse dimension may be formed by a latch member of the first cartridge holding element and a latch member of the second cartridge holding element.

[0028] The constriction may be formed by a latch member of the cartridge holding element. The constriction may be formed by a latch member of the first cartridge holding element and a latch member of the second cartridge holding element.

[0029] The aerosol generator and the cartridge may be configured to form a snap fit. In particular, the latch member may be configured to form a snap fit for removably holding the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generator. The cartridge holding element may be configured to form an interference fit between the cavity and the cartridge to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0030] The aerosol generation system may include a latch member receptacle for receiving the latch member of the cartridge holding element. The cartridge may be removably held within the cavity of the aerosol generator when the latch member is received within the latch member receptacle. The aerosol generation system may be configured such that the latch member is received within the latch member receptacle when the aerosol generation system is in a first engaged state. The latch member receptacle may be a dimple, recess, slot, or groove. The cartridge may include the latch member receptacle. The aerosol generator may include the latch member receptacle.

[0031] The fixing member may be arranged or configured to limit or prevent movement of the body of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction with respect to one of the cartridge and the device.

[0032] The fixing member may include a first end. The first end may be connected to the body of the cartridge holding element, for example, at the junction between the fixing member and the body. The fixing member may include a second end. The second end may be spaced apart from the body of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the body.

[0033] The body may include a surface in the first longitudinal direction extending between a first end and a second end of the body. The body may include a surface in the second longitudinal direction extending between a first end and a second end of the body. The surface in the first longitudinal direction of the body may be located opposite to the surface in the second longitudinal direction of the body and spaced apart from the surface in the second longitudinal direction of the body. The body may include a first surface extending from the surface in the first longitudinal direction to the surface in the second longitudinal direction. The body may include a second surface extending from the surface in the first longitudinal direction to the surface in the second longitudinal direction. When at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, the first surface may face the cartridge. When at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, the second surface may face the periphery of the cavity.

[0034] The fixing members may protrude from the surface of the main body in the first longitudinal direction and extend along it. For example, the confluence of fixing members of the main body may extend along the surface of the main body in the first longitudinal direction. The fixing members may protrude from the surface of the main body in the second longitudinal direction and extend along it. For example, the confluence of fixing members of the main body may extend along the surface of the main body in the second longitudinal direction.

[0035] The latch member may protrude in the transverse direction of the main body. The fastening member may protrude in the opposite direction to the latch member. For example, the main body may include a first side and a second side, with the first side located opposite the second side. The fastening member may protrude on the first side of the main body. The latch member may protrude on the second side of the main body. The fastening member may protrude perpendicular to the latch member.

[0036] The fixing member may follow a path that rotates about the longitudinal axis of the main body. That is, the fixing member may follow a path between a first end of the fixing member and a second end of the fixing member, and have at least one deviating point in a plane extending transversely to the main body. The fixing member may include at least one deviating point located between the first end and the second end of the fixing member. At least one deviating point may have an angle of less than about 180 degrees. At least one deviating point may have an angle of 80 to 150 degrees. At least one deviating point may have an angle of 120 to 150 degrees. At least one deviating point may have an angle of 140 to 150 degrees. At least one deviating point may have an angle of 145 to 150 degrees. The angle is measured in a plane extending transversely to the main body. The fixing member may not rotate about the longitudinal axis of the main body. In other words, the fixing member may not have a deviating point in a plane extending transversely to the main body. The fixing member may be planar.

[0037] The cartridge retaining element may be configured to receive a portion of either the cartridge or the device between the fixing member and the main body. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to receive a portion of either the cartridge or the device between opposing surfaces of the fixing member. The fixing member may be configured to grip or clamp the receiving portion of either the cartridge or the device.

[0038] The fixing member may be a clip. The fixing member may be configured to attach the cartridge holding element to the cartridge by clipping it onto the cartridge. The fixing member may be configured to fix the cartridge holding element to the aerosol generator by clipping it onto the aerosol generator.

[0039] The fixing member may be positioned such that at least a portion of it is located between the first end and the second end of the main body. For example, the junction between the fixing member and the main body of the cartridge holding element, or at least a portion thereof, may be located between the first end and the second end of the main body. The fixing member may be spaced apart from the first end of the main body. The fixing member may be spaced apart from the second end of the main body. The fixing member may be spaced apart from both the first end and the second end of the main body. That is, the fixing member may be spaced apart from one or both of the first end and the second end of the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The fixing member may be spaced apart from the first end of the main body, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the main body, by at least about 5 millimeters. The fixing member may be spaced apart from the first end of the main body, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the main body, by about 5 to about 10 millimeters. For example, about 5 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 8 millimeters, about 9 millimeters, or about 10 millimeters.

[0040] The fixing member may include a contact portion. The contact portion may be arranged to contact either the cartridge or the device. The contact portion may be located at a second end of the fixing member. The contact portion may extend substantially parallel to the body of the cartridge retaining element. The contact portion may be spaced apart from the body of the cartridge retaining element in the transverse direction of the body. The contact portion may be spaced apart from the body of the cartridge retaining element in the transverse direction of the body by about 1 mm to about 10 mm. For example, about 3 mm to about 10 mm, or about 5 mm to about 10 mm. About 5 mm is preferred.

[0041] The contact portion may include a contact surface. The contact surface may face the first surface of the body or be located on the opposite side. The contact surface may be parallel to the first surface of the body. The first surface of the body may be the first face of the body. The first surface of the body may be the second face of the body.

[0042] The fixing member may be connected to the body of the cartridge retaining element by a joint. The joint may extend along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The joint may be formed by and between the fixing member and the body of the cartridge retaining element. The joint may be located between the first longitudinal surface of the body and the opposing second longitudinal surface of the body, or spaced apart from them. Alternatively, the joint may be located on or above the first longitudinal surface of the body or the second longitudinal surface of the body.

[0043] The joint may be located between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the joint may be located between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body. The joint may be located between the first end of the main body and the latch member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the joint may be located between the first end of the main body and the latch member.

[0044] The joint may be spaced apart from the first end of the body. The joint may be spaced apart from the second end of the body. The joint may be spaced apart from both the first end and the second end of the body. That is, the joint may be spaced apart from one or both of the first end and the second end of the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The joint may be spaced apart from the first end of the body, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the body, by at least about 5 millimeters. The joint may be spaced apart from the first end of the body, for example, by about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters in the longitudinal direction of the body. For example, about 5 millimeters, about 6 millimeters, about 7 millimeters, about 8 millimeters, about 9 millimeters, or about 10 millimeters.

[0045] The fixing member may be a first fixing member. The cartridge retaining element may include a second fixing member for attaching the cartridge retaining element to either the cartridge or the device. The second fixing member may be arranged or configured to restrict or prevent movement of the body of the cartridge retaining element in the longitudinal direction relative to either the cartridge or the device. That is, the first and second fixing members may be arranged or configured to restrict or prevent movement of the cartridge retaining element in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to either the cartridge or the device.

[0046] The second fixing member may extend from the first end of the main body. The joint between the first fixing member and the main body of the cartridge retaining element may be the first joint. The second fixing member may be connected to the first end of the main body by the second joint. The second joint may extend along the main body of the cartridge retaining element in the transverse direction of the main body. The cartridge retaining element may be configured to move between a first position and a second position about the second joint. Thus, the second joint may be a movable or flexible joint. The second joint may be elastic. As used herein, the term “elastic” means a second joint that is deformable by the application of an external force, and when the external force is removed, the second joint returns to its undeformed or relaxed shape or position. The elasticity of the second joint may bias the cartridge retaining element in the first position.

[0047] The second fixing member may include an extension member. The extension member may extend in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The extension member may include an enlarged portion. The enlarged portion may project in the transverse direction of the main body. The enlarged portion may be located at the end of the extension member.

[0048] When the cartridge retaining element is in the first position, an angle may be formed between the body of the cartridge retaining element and the second fixing member. The angle may be approximately 80 to 100 degrees, approximately 85 to 95 degrees, or approximately 89 to 91 degrees. The cartridge retaining element may be configured or arranged such that the movement of the cartridge retaining element from the first position to the second position reduces the angle between the body and the second fixing member.

[0049] The cartridge retaining element may include a contact member extending from a second end of the main body. The contact member may be connected to the second end of the main body by a third joint. The third joint may extend along the main body in a transverse direction. The contact member may be configured to restrict the transverse movement of the cavity of the cartridge retaining element. In particular, the contact member may be configured to restrict the transverse movement of the cavity at the second end of the main body. The contact member may be configured to abut against a portion of the aerosol generator to restrict the transverse movement of the cavity of the cartridge retaining element. For example, the contact member may be configured to abut against a portion of the aerosol generator when the cartridge retaining element is in a first position. The contact member may be configured to abut against a portion of the aerosol generator when the cartridge retaining element is in a second position. The contact member may follow a path that rotates about the transverse direction of the main body.

[0050] The aerosol generating system may include a protruding element, and the body of the cartridge holding element may define an opening for receiving the protruding element and attaching the cartridge holding element to either the cartridge or the device. The cartridge may include a protruding element disposed to be received by the opening. The aerosol generating device may include a protruding element disposed to be received by the opening. The opening may be positioned toward the first end of the body. At least a portion of the opening may be positioned between the fixing member and the first end of the body. The opening may be positioned longitudinally between the fixing member and the first end of the body.

[0051] The opening may have a polygonal shape. The opening may be triangular, rectangular, or square in shape.

[0052] The main body may have a length of 6.5 to 7 millimeters. The length of the main body may also be the length along the long axis of the main body.

[0053] The body may have a thickness of approximately 0.2 millimeters. The body may have a uniform thickness. The thickness of the body may be defined in the direction between the first surface and the second surface.

[0054] The latching member may be positioned between the fixing member and the second end of the main body. The latching member may be formed by the body of the cartridge retaining element.

[0055] The cartridge retaining element may be formed from a single material. The cartridge retaining element may be formed from a continuous material. The cartridge retaining element may be formed from a metal. For example, the cartridge retaining element may be formed from aluminum or copper. The cartridge retaining element may be formed from a metal alloy. For example, the cartridge retaining element may be formed from brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, copper and nickel alloy, or copper beryllium alloy. It is preferable that the cartridge retaining element be formed from stainless steel.

[0056] The cartridge retaining element may be manufactured from a single layered blank. Preferably, the single layered blank is formed using a stamping process. Alternatively, the single layered blank may be formed by etching, machining, laser cutting, or any other suitable manufacturing process.

[0057] The aerosol generating system may include a third cartridge retaining element. The aerosol generating system may include a fourth cartridge retaining element. The third cartridge retaining element may be positioned on the opposite side from the fourth cartridge retaining element. The third and fourth cartridge retaining elements can work together to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The third and fourth cartridge retaining elements may have any of the features described in relation to the first or second cartridge retaining element.

[0058] The cartridge may include an oral end. The oral end may be configured to be inserted into the user's mouth for direct inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator. The cartridge may also include a connector end. The connector end may be located on the opposite side from the oral end. The connector end may be configured to be received within the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0059] The cartridge may include a projection configured to bias the latch member as the cartridge moves along the long axis of the cavity within the cavity, thereby moving the cartridge retaining element from a first position to a second position. The projection may be located on the connection end of the cartridge. The latch member receptacle may be located on the connection end of the cartridge. The projection may form at least a portion of the latch member receptacle.

[0060] The cartridge may include a housing. The housing may be formed from a durable material. The housing may be formed from a liquid-impermeable material. The housing may be formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The outer width of the cartridge at the mouth end may be greater than the outer width of the cartridge at the connection end. This may form a shoulder between the mouth end and the connection end. The shoulder may abut the outer surface of the aerosol generator when the connection end of the cartridge is received into the cavity of the aerosol generator. The shoulder may provide a latch member receptacle for the latch member of the cartridge retaining element. The shoulder may also ensure that the mouth end of the cartridge remains outside the aerosol generator when the connection end of the cartridge is received into the cavity of the aerosol generator.

[0061] The cartridge may include a liquid storage section for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0062] The aerosol generator may have a distal end. The aerosol generator may have a proximal end. The aerosol generator may have a device body extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cavity may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol generator.

[0063] The cavity of the aerosol generator may have an open end. The cartridge may be inserted into or removed from the cavity through the open end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The longitudinal direction of the cavity may be in the direction extending between the open end and the closed end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing one or more air intakes disposed within the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be located upstream of the cavity. The open end may be located downstream of the cavity.

[0064] The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cartridge.

[0065] The aerosol generation system may include a heating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device may also include a heating device. The cartridge may also include a heating device.

[0066] The heating device may be a resistance heating device. The resistance heating arrangement may include a resistance heating element.

[0067] The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement may be configured to generate heat by induction. The induction heating device may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The induction coil may be arranged to at least partially surround the cavity. The induction coil may surround the susceptor. In some arrangements, the cartridge may include a susceptor. In such arrangements, the induction coil may be arranged to at least partially surround the susceptor when the cartridge is received into the cavity of the aerosol generator, for example, when the aerosol generating system is in a first engagement state.

[0068] The induction coil may be a helical coil. The helical coil may be formed from a wire. The wire may have a circular cross-section. The wire may be made from copper. The helical coil may have a varying pitch. The inductor coil may have a circular cross-section.

[0069] The susceptor may be in the form of a mesh. As used herein, the term "mesh" includes grids and arrangements of filaments with spaces between them. The term mesh also includes woven and nonwoven fabrics.

[0070] The filaments may define gaps between them, which may have a width of 10 to 100 micrometers. Preferably, the filaments are designed to create capillary action within the gaps so that, during use, for example, source liquid from a liquid storage section is drawn into the gaps, increasing the contact area between the susceptor and the liquid.

[0071] As used herein, the term “susceptor” means an element that can be heated by penetration through an alternating magnetic field. A susceptor is typically heated by Joule heating through eddy current induction of the susceptor and at least one of hysteresis loss. Possible materials for a susceptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, and aluminum. Advantageously, a susceptor can have a relative permeability of 1 to 40,000. Materials with lower permeability may be used when it is desirable to rely mostly on eddy currents for heating, and materials with higher permeability may be used when a hysteresis effect is desired. The material preferably has a relative permeability of 500 to 40,000.

[0072] The operation of the heating device may be triggered by a fume extraction detection system. Alternatively, the heating device may be triggered by pressing an on / off button and held for the duration of the user's fume extraction. The fume extraction detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter that characterizes the amount of air per unit time drawn out by the user through the airflow path of the aerosol generator. The start of fume extraction may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The start may also be detected when the user activates a button.

[0073] The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the air inside the aerosol generator that is drawn out by the user through the airflow path of the device during smoke inhalation. The sensor may be configured to measure the pressure difference or pressure drop between the pressure of the ambient air outside the aerosol generator and the pressure of the air drawn out by the user through the device. The air pressure may be detected at the air intake, the mouthpiece of the device, or any other cavity (such as the heating chamber, or any other passage or chamber within the aerosol generator through which air flows). When the user inhales the aerosol generator, a negative pressure or vacuum is created inside the device, and this negative pressure may be detected by the pressure sensor.

[0074] The term "negative pressure" is understood as a pressure relatively lower than the ambient air pressure. In other words, when a user inhales into a device, the air drawn through the device has a lower pressure than the ambient air outside the device. The start of smoke inhalation can be detected by a pressure sensor when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0075] As described above, in some embodiments, the cartridge may include a liquid storage section for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In such embodiments, the aerosol generation system may include a wicking element. The wicking element may be configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage section to a heating arrangement. For example, the wicking element may be configured to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to a resistance heating element or susceptor.

[0076] The wicking element may include capillary material. Capillary material is a material that has the ability to move liquid from one end to the other by capillary action. Capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. Preferably, capillary material includes bundles of capillaries. For example, capillary material may include multiple fibers or threads or other microtubules. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to transport the liquid aerosol-forming substrate across the main surface of the susceptor. Capillary material may include spongy or foamy material. The structure of the capillary material may form multiple small holes or tubes through which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be transported by capillary action.

[0077] The aerosol generator may be equipped with a power supply to provide power to the heating system. The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. The aerosol generator may be equipped with a DC-to-AC (DC / AC) inverter to convert the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may be equipped with a Class D or Class E power amplifier.

[0078] The power supply may be configured to provide alternating current. The power supply may be configured to operate at high frequencies. As used herein, the term “high-frequency oscillating current” means an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high-frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0079] The power source may be a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging. The power source may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more uses of the aerosol generator. For example, the power source may have a capacity that allows for continuous aerosol generation for about six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes, corresponding to the typical time it takes to smoke one conventional cigarette. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity that allows for a predetermined number of puffs or discontinuous startups.

[0080] The aerosol generator may include a device housing. The device housing may extend between the proximal and distal ends. The device housing may be elongated. The housing may contain any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics, or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic resins suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. The material is preferably lightweight and non-brittle.

[0081] The aerosol generator may be equipped with one or more air intakes. One or more air inlets may allow ambient air to be drawn into the cavity.

[0082] The distal end of the aerosol generator may include an electrical connector configured to connect the aerosol generator to an electrical connector of an external power supply in order to charge the power supply of the aerosol generator. The electrical connector may be a female USB-C connector.

[0083] The aerosol generator may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generator, such as a button to start heating the aerosol generator, or a display that shows the status of the aerosol generator or the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0084] The aerosol generator may be a portable or handheld device that is comfortable to hold between the fingers of one hand. The aerosol generator may be elongated. In other words, the aerosol generator may have a length dimension greater than its thickness, width, or diameter. The aerosol generator may be 50 to 100 mm, preferably 60 to 90 mm, more preferably 70 to 90 mm, and most preferably 80 to 90 mm.

[0085] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing materials that include volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized plant-derived materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco materials. The homogenized tobacco materials may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0086] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be liquid at room temperature. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both liquid and solid components. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. A nicotine-containing liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain plant-derived materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized tobacco materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain non-tobacco-containing materials. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized plant-derived materials.

[0087] A liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-forming elements. An aerosol-forming element is any suitable known compound, or mixture of compounds, that facilitates the formation of a high-density, stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the system's operating temperature. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming elements include glycerin and propylene glycol. Suitable aerosol-forming elements 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 acids, dicarboxylic acids, or polycarboxylic acids (e.g., dimethyl dodecanediol, dimethyl tetradecanediol). The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain water, a solvent, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors.

[0088] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine and at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent may be glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may contain both glycerin and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10%, for example, about 2%.

[0089] A cartridge is provided according to this disclosure. The cartridge is for use in an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generator having a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The cartridge comprises an aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge further includes a cartridge retaining element for removably holding the cartridge in the cavity. The cartridge retaining element includes a body defining the longitudinal direction of the body between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The cartridge retaining element is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the body extends in the longitudinal direction of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity. The cartridge retaining element also includes a retaining member for securing the cartridge retaining element to the cartridge. The retaining member protrudes from the body transversely to the body, and the confluence between the retaining member and the body extends along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The cartridge retaining element also includes a latching member configured to engage with the aerosol generator to removably hold the cartridge in the cavity.

[0090] This disclosure provides an aerosol generator for use with a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generator may include a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity. The aerosol generator further includes a cartridge retaining element for removably holding the cartridge within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element includes a body defining the longitudinal direction of the body between a first end of the body and a second end of the body. The cartridge retaining element is disposed such that the longitudinal direction of the body extends in the longitudinal direction of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received within the cavity. The cartridge retaining element also includes a fixing member for fixing the cartridge retaining element to the aerosol generator. The fixing member protrudes from the body transversely, and the confluence between the fixing member and the body extends along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The cartridge retaining element also includes a latching member configured to engage with the cartridge and removably hold the cartridge within the cavity.

[0091] Naturally, features described herein in relation to one embodiment of the present disclosure may also be applicable to other embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, features described in relation to an aerosol generating system may also be applicable to an aerosol generating device or cartridge. [Examples]

[0092] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0093] Example 1. an aerosol generation system, A cartridge for storing aerosol-forming substrates, an aerosol generator including a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, The device comprises a cartridge holding element for removably holding the cartridge within a cavity, wherein the cartridge holding element is A body having a longitudinal axis defined between a first end and a second end, wherein a cartridge holding element is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the body extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, A fixing member for fixing a cartridge holding element to either a cartridge or a device, wherein the fixing member protrudes from the main body in a transverse direction, and the confluence between the fixing member and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and An aerosol generating system comprising a latch member configured to engage with the other of the cartridge and the device to removably hold the cartridge within a cavity. Example 2. The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cartridge includes a cartridge retaining element, a fixing member is for fixing the cartridge retaining element to the cartridge, and a latching member is configured to engage with the aerosol generating device to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Example 3. The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a cartridge holding element, a fixing member for fixing the cartridge holding element to the aerosol generating device, and a latch member configured to engage with the cartridge to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Example 4. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge holding element is a first cartridge holding element, and the aerosol generating system comprises a second cartridge holding element. Example 5. The aerosol generating system according to Example 4, wherein the first cartridge holding element is positioned on the opposite side from the second cartridge holding element. Example 6. The aerosol generating system according to Example 4 or 5, wherein a first cartridge holding element and a second cartridge holding element cooperate to removably hold a cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Example 7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the aerosol generating system includes a first engagement state in which the cartridge is held in a cavity by a cartridge holding element, and a second engagement state in which the cartridge is not held in a cavity by a cartridge holding element. Example 8. The aerosol generating system according to Example 7, wherein the aerosol generating system is configured to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state by relative movement between the cartridge and the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Example 9. The aerosol generating system according to Example 7 or 8, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to move transversely across the cavity, allowing the aerosol generating system to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state. Example 10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 7 to 9, wherein the cartridge holding element has a first position and a second position, and the cartridge holding element is configured to move from the first position to the second position, thereby enabling the aerosol generating system to move between a first engagement state and a second engagement state. Example 11. The aerosol generating system according to Example 10, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to move transversely across the cavity between a first position and a second position. Example 12. The aerosol generating system according to Example 10 or 11, wherein the second end of the main body is configured to move transversely across the cavity during the movement of the cartridge holding element between the first and second positions. Example 13. The aerosol generating system according to Example 12, wherein the movement of the second end of the main body is hinged or pivotal. Example 14. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 10 to 13, wherein the second end of the main body is configured to pivot about the first end of the main body when the cartridge holding element moves between the first and second positions. Example 15. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 10 to 14, wherein the aerosol generating system includes a projection configured to bias a latch member of a cartridge holding element as the cartridge moves within the cavity along the long axis of the cavity, thereby moving the cartridge holding element from a first position to a second position. Example 16. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 10 to 15, wherein in the first position, the cartridge holding element forms a shrinkage portion having a first transverse dimension within the cavity, and in the second position, the shrinkage portion has a second transverse dimension. Example 17. The aerosol generating system according to Example 16, wherein the first transverse dimension is set such that the cartridge retaining element does not move from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the aerosol generating system from moving from the first position to the second position. Example 18. The aerosol generating system according to Example 16 or 17, wherein the second transverse dimension is larger than the first transverse dimension. Example 19. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the contraction portion is formed by a latch member of the cartridge holding element. Example 20. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the aerosol generator and cartridge are configured to form a snap fit. Example 21. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a latch member receptacle for receiving a latch member of a cartridge holding element. Example 22. The aerosol generating system according to Example 21, wherein the cartridge is removably held within the cavity of the aerosol generating device when the latch member is received within the latch member receptacle. Example 23. The aerosol generating system according to Example 21 or 22, wherein the latch member receptacle is a dimple, recess, slot, or groove. Example 24. The aerosol generating system according to Examples 1 to 23, wherein the fixing member is arranged or configured to restrict or prevent movement of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the body of the cartridge holding element relative to either the cartridge or the device. Example 25. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the fixing member protrudes in the direction opposite to the latch member. Example 26. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 25, wherein the fixing member includes a first end connected to the body of the cartridge holding element and a second end spaced apart from the body of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the body. Example 27. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 26, wherein the fixing member follows a path that rotates about the longitudinal axis of the main body. Example 28. The aerosol generating system according to Example 26, wherein the fixing member has at least one deflection point in a plane extending transversely to the main body along a path between the first and second ends of the fixing member. Example 29. The aerosol generating system according to Example 26 or 28, wherein the fixing member includes at least one deflection point located between the first and second ends of the fixing member. Example 30. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to receive a portion of either the cartridge or the device between the fixing member and the main body. Example 31. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to receive a portion of either the cartridge or the device between opposing surfaces of a fixed member. Example 32. The aerosol generating system according to Example 30 or 31, wherein the fixing member is configured to grip or clamp a receiving portion of either the cartridge or the device. Example 33. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the fixing member is arranged such that at least a portion of the fixing member is positioned between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body. Example 34. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 33, wherein the fixing member is spaced apart from both the first end and the second end of the main body. Example 35. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 34, wherein the fixing member includes a contact portion disposed to contact one of the cartridge and the device. Example 36. The aerosol generating system according to Example 35, wherein the contact portion extends substantially parallel to the body of the cartridge holding element. Example 37. The aerosol generating system according to Example 35 or 36, wherein the contact portion is spaced apart from the body of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the body. Example 38. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 35 to 37, wherein the contact portion is spaced approximately 1 mm to 10 mm in the transverse direction from the main body of the cartridge holding element. Example 39. The aerosol generating system according to Examples 1 to 38, wherein the fixing member is connected to the main body of the cartridge holding element by a joint. Example 40. The aerosol generating system according to Example 39, wherein the joint extends along the main body in the direction of the long axis of the main body. Example 41. The aerosol generating system according to Example 39 or 40, wherein the joint is formed by and between a fixing member and the body of a cartridge holding element. Example 42. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the joint is located between the surface of the main body in the first longitudinal direction and the opposing surface of the main body in the second longitudinal direction, and is spaced apart from them. Example 43. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 41, wherein the joint is located on or on the surface of the main body in the first longitudinal direction or the surface of the main body in the second longitudinal direction. Example 44. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 43, wherein at least a portion of the joint is positioned between the first end of the main body and the latch member. Example 45. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein the joint is located between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body. Example 46. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 39 to 44, wherein the joint is spaced apart from both the first end and the second end of the main body. Example 47. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 46, wherein the fixing member is a first fixing member, and the cartridge holding element includes a second fixing member for attaching the cartridge holding element to either the cartridge or the device. Example 48. The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 47, wherein the second fixing member is arranged or configured to restrict or prevent movement of the body of the cartridge retaining element in the longitudinal direction relative to either the cartridge or the device. Example 49. The aerosol generating system according to Example 47 or 48, wherein a second fixing member extends from the first end of the main body. Example 50. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 47 to 49, which is dependent on any one of Examples 39 to 46, wherein the joint between the first fixing member and the body of the cartridge holding element is the first joint, and the second fixing member is connected to the first end of the body by the second joint. Example 51. The aerosol generating system according to Example 50, wherein the second joint extends along the body of the cartridge holding element in a transverse direction. Example 52. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 47 to 51, dependent on any one of Examples 10 to 19, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to move between a first position and a second position about a second joint. Example 53. The aerosol generating system according to Example 52, wherein the second joint is elastic. Example 54. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 47 to 53, which is dependent on any one of Examples 10 to 19, wherein an angle is formed between the main body and the second fixing member when the cartridge holding element is in the first position. Example 55. The aerosol generating system described in Example 54, wherein the angle is approximately 80 degrees to approximately 100 degrees. Example 56. The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 54 or 55, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured or arranged such that the movement of the cartridge holding element from a first position to a second position reduces the angle between the main body and the second fixing member. Example 57. The aerosol generating system according to Examples 1 to 56, wherein the main body includes a contact member extending from a second end of the main body. Example 58. The aerosol generating system according to Embodiment 57, wherein the contact member is connected to the second end of the main body by a third joint. Example 59. The aerosol generating system according to Example 58, wherein the third joint extends along the main body in a transverse direction. Example 60. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 57 to 59, wherein the contact member is configured to restrict movement in the transverse direction of the cavity of the cartridge holding element. Example 61. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 57 to 60, wherein the contact member is configured to restrict the transverse movement of the cavity at the second end of the main body. Example 62. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 57 to 61, wherein the contact member is configured to abut against a portion of the aerosol generating device and restrict the transverse movement of the cavity of the cartridge holding element. Example 63. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 62, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a protruding element, and the body of the cartridge holding element defines an opening for receiving the protruding element and attaching the cartridge holding element to either the cartridge or the device. Example 64. The aerosol generating system according to Example 63, wherein the opening is positioned toward the first end of the main body. Example 65. The aerosol generating system according to Example 63 or 64, wherein the opening is located between the fixing member and the first end of the main body. Example 66. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 63 to 65, wherein the opening has a polygonal shape. Example 67. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 63 to 66, wherein the opening is triangular, rectangular, or square. Example 68. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 67, wherein the cartridge holding element is formed from a single material. Example 69. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 68, wherein the cartridge holding element is formed from metal. Example 70. The aerosol generating system according to Example 69, wherein the cartridge holding element is formed from aluminum or copper. Example 71. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 68, wherein the cartridge holding element is formed from a metal alloy. Example 72. The aerosol generating system according to Example 71, wherein the cartridge holding element is formed from brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, copper and nickel alloy, or copper beryllium alloy. Example 73. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 72, wherein the cartridge holding element is made from a single layered blank. Example 74. An aerosol generating system according to Example 73, wherein a single layered blank is formed using a stamping action. Example 75. The aerosol generating system according to Example 73, wherein a single layered blank is formed by etching, machining, laser cutting, or any other suitable manufacturing process. Example 76. The aerosol generating system according to Examples 1 to 75, wherein the cartridge comprises an oral end configured to be inserted into the user's mouth for direct inhalation of aerosols generated by the aerosol generator, and a connecting end configured to be received into the cavity of the aerosol generator. Example 77. The aerosol generating system according to Example 76, wherein the connection end is located on the opposite side from the mouth end. Example 78. The aerosol generating system according to Example 76 or 77, wherein the outer width of the cartridge at the mouth end is greater than the outer width of the cartridge at the connection end, thereby forming a shoulder portion between the mouth end and the connection end. Example 79. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 78, wherein the cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid aerosol forming substrate. Example 80. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 79, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a distal end and a proximal end. Example 81. The aerosol generating system according to Example 80, wherein the cavity is located at the proximal end of the aerosol generating device. Example 82. The aerosol generating system according to Examples 1 to 81, wherein the cavity of the aerosol generating device has an open end and a closed end opposite to the open end. Example 83. The aerosol generating system according to Example 82, wherein the cartridge is inserted into or removed from the cavity through an open end. Example 84. A cartridge for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising an aerosol generating device having a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, wherein the cartridge Aerosol-forming substrate and, The device comprises a cartridge holding element for removably holding the cartridge within a cavity, wherein the cartridge holding element is A body having a longitudinal axis defined between a first end and a second end, wherein a cartridge holding element is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the body extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, A fixing member for fixing a cartridge holding element to a cartridge, wherein the fixing member protrudes from the main body in the transverse direction of the main body, and the confluence portion between the fixing member and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and A cartridge comprising a latch member configured to engage with an aerosol generator and to hold the cartridge removably within a cavity. Example 85. An aerosol generator used with a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, A cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, The device comprises a cartridge holding element for removably holding the cartridge within a cavity, wherein the cartridge holding element is A body having a longitudinal axis defined between a first end and a second end, wherein a cartridge holding element is arranged such that the longitudinal axis of the body extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, A fixing member for fixing a cartridge holding element to an aerosol generator, wherein the fixing member protrudes from the main body in the transverse direction of the main body, and the confluence portion between the fixing member and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and An aerosol generator comprising a latching member configured to engage with a cartridge and to hold the cartridge removably within a cavity.

[0094] Here, we will further describe the examples with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0095] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generator and a cartridge. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cartridge of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the aerosol generator of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a side view of the cavity of the aerosol generator. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a side view of the cartridge holding element according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the cartridge holding element in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a top view of the cartridge holding element in Figure 5. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a side view of the cavity of the aerosol generator when the cartridge is not held in the cavity by the cartridge holding element. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side view of the cavity of the aerosol generator when the cartridge is held within the cavity of the cartridge holding element. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the cartridge holding element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a side view of the cavity of the aerosol generator having the cartridge holding element shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows a side view of the cartridge holding element according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the cartridge holding element in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cartridge holding element of Figure 12, positioned within the cavity of the aerosol generator. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge holding element from Figure 12, positioned within the cavity of the aerosol generator. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the cartridge holding element according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows a side view of the cartridge holding element according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the cartridge holding element in Figure 17. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cartridge holding element of Figure 17, located within the cavity of the aerosol generator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0096] Figure 1 shows an aerosol generating system 10 according to the present disclosure. The aerosol generating system 10 comprises a cartridge 20 having a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and an aerosol generating device 30 having a cavity 40 for receiving the cartridge 20. The aerosol generating system 10 has a first engagement state in which the cartridge 20 is held in the cavity 40 by cartridge holding elements 50, 60, and a second engagement state in which the cartridge 20 is not held in the cavity 40 by cartridge holding elements 50, 60. In Figure 1, the aerosol generating system 10 is shown in the first engagement state.

[0097] The aerosol generator 30 comprises a proximal end 31 and a distal end 32. The cavity 40 is positioned at the proximal end 31 of the aerosol generator 30 such that, in the first engagement state, the cartridge 20 is positioned at the proximal end 31 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0098] In this embodiment, the aerosol generating system 10 is an electrically operated smoking system. The aerosol generator 30 includes a power supply for providing power to a resistance heating element located in the cartridge 20. The resistance heating element is configured to heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol. As the inhalable aerosol is generated, the amount of liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge 20 decreases. As a result, the cartridge 20 may become depleted after prolonged use. Therefore, the aerosol generating system 10 is configured so that the cartridge 20 is replaceable. For example, when the liquid storage portion of the cartridge 20 depletes the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the user can separate the depleted cartridge from the aerosol generator 30 and connect a new cartridge to the aerosol generator 40.

[0099] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cartridge 20 of the aerosol generating system 10 in a second engagement state, where the cartridge 20 is not held in the cavity 40 by the cartridge holding elements 50, 60. In other words, the cartridge 20 is not connected to the aerosol generating device 30.

[0100] The cartridge 20 has an oral end 21 and a connecting end 22 located on the opposite side of the oral end 11. The connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20 is configured to be received into the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 50. The oral end 21 is configured to be inserted into the user's mouth in order to directly inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system 10 into the user's lungs. The outer width of the cartridge 20 at the oral end 11 is greater than the outer width of the cartridge 20 at the connecting end 22. This forms a shoulder portion 23 between the oral end 21 and the connecting end 22. As seen in more detail in Figure 9, the shoulder portion 23 is positioned to abut against the outer surface of the aerosol generator 30 when the cartridge 20 is received into the cavity 40. This ensures that the oral end 21 of the cartridge 20 remains outside the aerosol generator 30 when the connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20 is received into the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0101] The cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing 24 formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The cartridge 20 includes several components (not shown) housed within the cartridge housing 24. These components include a liquid storage section, a resistance heating element for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and a wicking element for transporting the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage section to the resistance heating element. The cartridge 20 also includes electrical contacts 25 configured to work in cooperation with electrical contacts in a cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30 to supply power to the resistance heating element of the cartridge 20 from the power supply of the aerosol generator 30. The cartridge housing 24 defines an air outlet 26 at the mouth end 21 of the cartridge 20. The cartridge housing 24 also defines an air intake (not shown). The air intake 26 and the air outlet are fluidly connected by an airflow path. The airflow path is configured such that when the user inhales from the air outlet 26, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate heated by the resistance heating element is carried along by the airflow in the airflow path and delivered to the user's mouth through the air outlet 26.

[0102] The cartridge 20 includes four projections 27: two projections 27 on a first side of the cartridge and two projections (not shown) on a second side opposite the cartridge. As will be described in more detail below, the projections 27 cooperate with the respective cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30 to removably hold the cartridge 20 within the cavity 40.

[0103] Figure 3 shows the aerosol generating system 10 of Figure 1 in a second engagement state in which the cartridge 20 is not held within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generating device 30 by the cartridge holding elements 50, 60. In other words, the cartridge 20 is not connected to the aerosol generating device 30.

[0104] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the cavity 40 includes four cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 for removably holding the cartridge 20 within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30. More specifically, the cavity 20 includes two cartridge retaining elements 50 on a first side of the cavity 40 and two further cartridge retaining elements 60 (not shown) on a second side opposite to the cavity 40.

[0105] The device comprises an aluminum device housing 33. The device housing 33 houses a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit for controlling the power supply from the battery to the resistive heating element. As shown in Figure 1, the device housing defines a charging port 34 at the distal end 32 of the aerosol generator 30, which is configured to receive a USB-C connector for recharging the battery from an external power source. The device housing 33 also includes a button 35 for operating the device and an LED display 36 for indicating the remaining charge level in the battery.

[0106] Figure 4 shows a side view of the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30. The cavity 40 has an open end 41 and a closed end 42 opposite to the open end 41. The longitudinal axis of the cavity extends in the direction between the open end 41 and the closed end 42. The cartridge 20 is inserted into or removed from the cavity 40 through the open end 41.

[0107] There is a first cartridge holding element 50 positioned on the opposite side of the second cartridge holding element 60. The first cartridge holding element 50 and the second cartridge holding element 60 are similar and work together to arrange themselves to removably hold the cartridge 20 within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0108] Figures 5 to 7 show three views of the first cartridge retaining element 50 of Figure 4, which is a cartridge retaining element according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows a side view of the first cartridge retaining element 50. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the first cartridge retaining element 50. Figure 7 shows a top view of the first cartridge retaining element 50.

[0109] The first cartridge holding element 50 includes a body that defines the longitudinal axis direction of the body between the first end 51 and the second end 52 of the body. The first cartridge holding element 50 is arranged such that the longitudinal axis direction of the body extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis direction of the cavity.

[0110] The body includes a first longitudinal surface 561 extending between a first end 51 and a second end 52 of the body, and a second longitudinal surface 562 extending between the first end 51 and the second end 52 of the body. The first longitudinal surface 561 is positioned opposite the second longitudinal surface 562 and spaced apart from the second longitudinal surface 562. A first surface 563 extends from the first longitudinal surface 561 to the second longitudinal surface 562. A second surface 564 extends from the first longitudinal surface 561 to the second longitudinal surface 562. As shown in Figure 4, the first surface 563 faces the side wall of the cartridge 20 when at least a portion of the cartridge 20 is received in the cavity 40 and the second surface 564 faces the side wall of the cavity 20.

[0111] The first cartridge holding element 50 also includes a fixing member 53 for fixing the first cartridge holding element 50 to the aerosol generator 30. In particular, the fixing member 53 fixes the first cartridge holding element 50 to the side wall of the cavity 40. The fixing member 53 protrudes from the main body in a transverse direction, and the confluence between the fixing member 53 and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The first cartridge holding element 50 also includes a latch member 54 configured to engage with the cartridge 20 and to hold the cartridge 20 removably within the cavity 40.

[0112] The fixing member 53 includes a first end 531 connected to the body of the first cartridge retaining element 50 and a second end 532 spaced apart from the body of the first cartridge retaining element 50 in the transverse direction of the body. In particular, the fixing member 53 is connected to the body of the first cartridge retaining element 50 by a joint 55. The joint 55 extends along the body in the longitudinal direction of the body. The joint 55 is located between the first end 51 and the second end 52 of the body. In this embodiment, the joint 55 is spaced about 10 millimeters apart from the first end 51 of the body in the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0113] As shown in Figure 7, the fixing member 53 rotates along a path between its first end 531 and its second end 532, which is the longitudinal axis of the main body. The fixing member has a first deflection point 533 that forms an interior angle of about 90 degrees, a second deflection point 534 that forms an interior angle of about 148 degrees, and a third deflection point 535 that forms an interior angle of about 122 degrees.

[0114] The fixing member 53 includes a contact portion 536 positioned at the second end 532 of the fixing member 53. The contact portion 536 extends substantially parallel to the second surface 564 of the main body. The contact portion 536 is spaced about 10 millimeters from the second surface 564 of the main body in the transverse direction of the main body. The first cartridge holding element 50 is configured to receive a portion of the aerosol generator 30 between the fixing member 53 of the main body and the second surface 564 in order to fix the first cartridge holding element 50 to the aerosol generator 30. The contact portion 536 is positioned to contact a portion of the device 30 when the device 30 is received between the fixing member 53 of the main body and the second surface 564.

[0115] The configuration and arrangement of the fixing member 53 restrict the movement of the first cartridge holding element 50 in the transverse direction of the main body relative to the device 30.

[0116] The first cartridge holding element 50 also includes a second fixing member 57 for attaching the first cartridge holding element 50 to the device 30. The second fixing member 57 is arranged to prevent movement of the body of the first cartridge holding element in the longitudinal direction relative to the device 30.

[0117] The second fixing member 57 extends from the first end 51 of the main body and is connected to the first end 51 of the main body by a joint 571. The joint 571 extends along the body of the first cartridge holding element 50 in the transverse direction of the main body. The joint 571 is flexible and allows the second end 52 of the main body to pivot about the joint 571 so that the second end 52 of the main body moves in the transverse direction of the main body.

[0118] The first cartridge retaining element 50 also includes a contact member 58 extending from a second end 52 of the main body. The contact member 58 is configured to restrict the movement of the first cartridge retaining element 50 in the transverse direction of the cavity by contacting a portion of the device 30. In particular, the contact member 58 is configured to restrict the movement of the second end 52 of the main body in the transverse direction of the cavity.

[0119] As shown in Figure 4, when the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 are fixed to the side walls of the cavity 40 by their respective fixing members 53 and 63, the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 are movable in the transverse direction of the cavity between a first position and a second position by pivoting around the joints 571 and 671 at the first end of the main body. This movement between the first and second positions makes it possible to removably hold the cartridge 20 within the cavity 40. In Figure 4, the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 are shown in their first positions.

[0120] When the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 are in the first position, the latch member 54 of the first cartridge holding element 50 and the latch member 64 of the second cartridge holding element 60 form a contracted portion within the cavity 40 having a first cross-sectional dimension. The first cross-sectional dimension is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20. In particular, the first cross-sectional dimension is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension between the opposing protrusions 27 of the cartridge 20. Therefore, the cartridge cannot pass through the latch members 54 and 64 when the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 are in the first position.

[0121] The cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 move from a first position to a second position by pivoting around the joints 571 and 671 in the directions indicated by dashed arrows A and B. For example, the second end 52 of the body of the first cartridge retaining element 50 moves outward in the transverse direction of the cavity, as indicated by dashed arrow B, by pivoting around the joint 571 during the movement of the first cartridge retaining element 50 from the first position to the second position. Therefore, when the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 are in the second position, the contracted portion has a second transverse dimension that is larger than the first transverse dimension, and in particular, larger than the transverse dimension of the connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20.

[0122] Figure 8 shows a side view of the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30 when the aerosol generating system is in a second engaged state, in which the cartridge 20 is not held within the cavity 40 by the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60. Figure 9 shows a side view of the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30 when the aerosol generating system is in a first engaged state, in which the cartridge 20 is held within the cavity 40 by the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60. In other words, in the second engaged state, the cartridge 20 is separated from the aerosol generator 30, while in the first engaged state, the cartridge 20 is connected to the aerosol generator 30. The processes of connecting the cartridge 20 to and separating it from the aerosol generator 30 are described in more detail below.

[0123] To connect the cartridge 20 to the aerosol generator 30, the connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20 is inserted into the cavity 40 in the longitudinal direction of the cavity through the open end 41 of the cavity 40 toward the closed end 42 of the cavity 40. The cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 provide resistance to the insertion of the cartridge 20 into the cavity 40 when the bottom surfaces of the projections 27 are biased against the upper surfaces of the latching members 54, 64 of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60. To overcome the resistance of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60, the user applies an insertion force to the cartridge 20 such that the second ends of the bodies of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 are biased outward in the transverse direction of the cavity, as indicated by dashed arrows A and B, so that the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 are in a second position. This allows the projection 27 of the cartridge to pass through the latch members 54, 64 so that the projection 27 is positioned between the closed end 42 of the cavity and the latch members 54, 64 of the cartridge holding elements 50, 60. After the projection 27 has passed through the latch members 54, 64, the second end of the body of the cartridge holding element returns to the first position. Upon returning to the first position, the latch members 54, 64 are received by the latch member receptacles 28, 29, which are at least partially formed by the projection 27 of the cartridge 20. Once the latch members 54, 64 are received by the latch member receptacles 28, 29, the cartridge 20 is removably held within the cavity 40.

[0124] To separate the cartridge 20 from the aerosol generator 30, the connecting end 22 of the cartridge 20 is pulled out of the cavity 40 in the longitudinal direction of the cavity through the open end 41 of the cavity 40. The cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 provide resistance to the pulling of the cartridge 20 out of the cavity 40 when the upper surface of the projection 27 is biased against the bottom surface of the latch members 54, 64 of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60. To overcome the resistance of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60, the user applies a pulling force to the cartridge 20 such that the second end of the body of the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 is biased outward in the transverse direction of the cavity, as indicated by dashed arrows A and B, so that the cartridge retaining elements 50, 60 are in a second position. This allows the projection 27 of the cartridge 20 to pass through the latch members 54, 64 so that the projection 27 is positioned between the latch members 54, 64 and the open end 41 of the cavity 40. Next, the cartridge 20 can be completely withdrawn from the cavity 40.

[0125] Figures 10 and 11 show a cartridge retaining element 70 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of a cavity 40 of an aerosol generator 30 having two cartridge retaining elements 70 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, positioned within the cavity.

[0126] The cartridge retaining element 70 is similar to the cartridge retaining element according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the fixing member 73, the latching member 74, and the contact member 78 are identical to those of the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the cartridge retaining element 70 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure does not have a second fixing member extending from the first end of the body. Instead, the first end 71 of the body engages directly with a slot 43 in the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0127] Figures 12 to 15 show a cartridge holding element 80 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 shows a side view of the cartridge holding element 80. Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the cartridge holding element 80. Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cartridge holding element 80 positioned within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the cartridge holding element 80 positioned within the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0128] The cartridge retaining element 80 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is similar to the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the fixing member 83 and the latching member 84 are identical to those of the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the cartridge retaining element 80 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure does not have a second fixing member extending from the first end of the body. Furthermore, the contact member 88 extending from the second end of the body is shorter than the contact member 58 of the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. More specifically, the contact member 88 does not contact the device 30 when the cartridge retaining element 80 is in the first position.

[0129] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the aerosol generator 30 includes a protruding element 90, and the body of the cartridge holding element 80 defines an opening 89 for receiving the protruding element 90 and attaching the cartridge holding element 80 to the device 30. The opening 89 is rectangular in shape and is located at least partially between the fixing member 83 and the first end 81 of the body.

[0130] Figure 16 shows a cartridge retaining element 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The latch member 104 and contact member 108 of the cartridge retaining element 100 according to the fourth embodiment are identical to those of the cartridge retaining elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, the fixing member 103 protrudes from the body of the cartridge retaining element 100 in a direction perpendicular to the latch member 104. Furthermore, the fixing member 103 does not rotate about the longitudinal axis of the body. In fact, the fixing member 103 has no deflection point and is planar.

[0131] Figures 17 to 19 show a cartridge holding element 110 according to a fifth embodiment. The latch member 114 and contact member 118 of the fifth embodiment are identical to those of the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment. The cartridge holding element 110 includes a fixing member 117. The fixing member 117 is similar to the second fixing member 57 of the cartridge holding elements 50 and 60 according to the first embodiment, but further includes an extension member 120 extending from the fixing member 117 in the longitudinal direction of the main body. The end of the extension member 120 includes an enlarged portion 121 projecting transversely from the main body. As shown in Figure 19, a portion of the device 30 is received between the extension member 120 and the main body of the cartridge holding element 110. Furthermore, the enlarged portion 121 engages with a slot 44 in the cavity 40 of the aerosol generator 30.

[0132] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc., are understood to be modified in all cases by the term “approximately.” Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, numerical value A is understood as A ± 5% of A. In this context, numerical value A may be considered to include numerical values ​​that fall within the general standard error range for the measurement of the characteristic that numerical value A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, numerical value A may deviate by the percentages enumerated above, as long as the amount of deviation from A does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the invention described in the claims. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum values, as well as any intermediate ranges contained within them, whether or not they are specifically enumerated herein.

Claims

1. an aerosol generation system, A cartridge for storing aerosol-forming substrates, an aerosol generator including a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the cartridge in the longitudinal direction of the cavity, The system comprises a cartridge holding element for removably holding the cartridge within the cavity, wherein the cartridge holding element is A body having a longitudinal axis defined between a first end and a second end of the body, wherein the cartridge holding element is disposed such that the longitudinal axis of the body extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cavity when at least a portion of the cartridge is received in the cavity, A fixing member for fixing the cartridge holding element to one of the cartridge and the device, wherein the fixing member protrudes from the main body in a transverse direction of the main body, and the confluence portion between the fixing member and the main body extends along the main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and an aerosol generating system comprising a latch member configured to engage with the cartridge and the other of the device to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity.

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is configured to restrict the movement of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the main body with respect to one of the cartridge and the device.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing member protrudes in the direction opposite to the latch member.

4. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing member includes a first end connected to the main body of the cartridge holding element and a second end spaced apart from the main body of the cartridge holding element in the transverse direction of the main body.

5. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixing member follows a path that rotates about the longitudinal axis of the main body.

6. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cartridge holding element is configured to receive a part of either the cartridge or the device between the fixing member and the main body.

7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing member is arranged such that at least a portion of the fixing member is positioned between the first end of the main body and the second end of the main body.

8. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fixing member is connected to the main body of the cartridge holding element by a joint.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the joint extends along the main body in the direction of the long axis of the main body.

10. The aerosol generating system includes a first engagement state in which the cartridge is held in the cavity by the cartridge holding element, and a second engagement state in which the cartridge is not held in the cavity by the cartridge holding element. An aerosol generating system in which the cartridge holding element is configured to move in the transverse direction of the cavity to allow the aerosol generating system to move between the first engagement state and the second engagement state.

11. The cartridge holding element has a first position and a second position, and is configured to move from the first position to the second position, allowing the aerosol generating system to move between the first engagement state and the second engagement state. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein the second end of the main body is configured to pivot about the first end of the main body when the cartridge holding element moves between the first position and the second position.

12. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fixing member is a first fixing member, the cartridge holding element includes a second fixing member for attaching the cartridge holding element to one of the cartridge and the device, and the second fixing member is disposed to prevent movement of the cartridge holding element in the longitudinal direction of the main body relative to the one of the cartridge and the device.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a protruding element, and the main body of the cartridge holding element defines an opening for receiving the protruding element and attaching the cartridge holding element to one of the cartridge and the device.

14. The aerosol generating system according to claim 13, wherein the opening has a polygonal shape, and preferably the opening has a square or rectangular shape.

15. An aerosol generator for use in an aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aerosol generator comprises the cartridge holding element, the fixing member is for fixing the cartridge holding element to the aerosol generator, and the latch member is configured to engage with the cartridge to removably hold the cartridge within the cavity of the aerosol generator.

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