Aerosol generation system with manual refill pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system. The system comprises a hybrid aerosol generator comprising a cavity and a cartridge portion. The cavity is configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge portion is configured to receive a liquid-containing cartridge. The system comprises a cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion. The cartridge comprises at least one liquid inlet. The cartridge comprises at least one airflow channel. The cartridge comprises at least one heating element. The system comprises a refill pump for pumping liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge by manual operation. The refill pump comprises a chamber configured to temporarily hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The refill pump comprises a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system and a method for moving a liquid aerosol forming substrate.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device may heat the aerosol forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for insertion of the aerosol generating article into a cavity such as a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device, and the heating element may be disposed within or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol forming substrate once the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. The liquid aerosol forming substrate may be contained in a disposable cartridge.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with a refillable cartridge. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with a reduced risk of leakage. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with a reduced risk of outflow. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with enhanced adaptability to adjust the user experience to the individual preferences of the user. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with improved sustainability. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with reduced energy consumption. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with components that are more easily manufacturable. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system with improved portability.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The system comprises a hybrid aerosol generator comprising a cavity and a cartridge portion. The cavity is configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge portion is configured to receive a liquid-containing cartridge. The system comprises a cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion. The cartridge comprises at least one liquid inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion. The cartridge comprises at least one airflow channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the cavity of the device. The cartridge comprises at least one heating element. The system comprises a refill pump for pumping liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge by manual operation. The refill pump comprises a chamber configured to temporarily hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The refill pump comprises a liquid outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the chamber. The liquid outlet is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided. The system may comprise a hybrid aerosol generating device. The device may comprise a cavity and a cartridge portion. The cavity may be configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge portion may be configured to receive a liquid-containing cartridge. The system may comprise a cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion. The cartridge may comprise at least one liquid inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion. The cartridge may comprise at least one airflow channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the cavity of the device. The cartridge may comprise at least one heating element. The system may comprise a refill pump for manually pumping a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The refill pump may comprise a chamber configured to temporarily hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The refill pump may comprise a liquid outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the chamber. The liquid outlet may be configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

[0006] The aerosol generating system may offer refillable cartridges. The aerosol generating system may offer a reduced risk of spillage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system may offer a reduced risk of leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating system may enable an enhanced, adaptable, and compatible user experience. The aerosol generating system may allow the user experience to be tailored to individual preferences. The aerosol generating system may offer improved sustainability. The aerosol generating system may offer reduced energy consumption. The components of the aerosol generating system may be easier to manufacture. The aerosol generating system may offer improved portability. The aerosol generating system may offer a reduced risk of leakage and spillage during and after the refilling process. The sustainability of the system may be improved by providing the system with refillable cartridges. The system may offer an enhanced, controlled refilling process.

[0007] Hybrid devices can offer improved adaptability to the user experience because the cartridges can be swapped with cartridges having different aerosol-forming substrates. Hybrid devices can also offer improved adaptability to the user experience because the cartridges can be refilled with different aerosol-forming substrates. Using hybrid devices can reduce the size of the system.

[0008] By providing a manually operated pump, control of the refilling process can be enhanced. By providing a manually operated pump, the reliability of the refilling process can be improved. By providing a manually operated pump, energy consumption can be reduced. Pump maintenance requirements can be improved by using a manually operated pump.

[0009] By providing refillable cartridges, the size of the cartridge can be reduced.

[0010] A hybrid aerosol generator may be a device configured to provide a user experience using a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a solid aerosol-forming substrate. A hybrid aerosol generator may be a device configured to accept a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump without power being supplied from the power supply of a hybrid device. Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump without power supply. Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump without an external power supply. Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump by mechanical means. Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump using power directly provided by the user. Manual operation of a pump may refer to the operation of a pump by the user's hand.

[0012] The liquid storage portion may be configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage portion may include a casing. The casing may be flexible. The casing may be foldable. The casing may be made from a polymer material.

[0013] The cartridge may include a housing. The cartridge housing may enclose the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The cartridge housing may be a rigid housing. The cartridge liquid inlet may be located within the cartridge housing. The cartridge liquid inlet may be located at the end of the cartridge opposite the heating element. The cartridge liquid inlet may be configured to be fluidly connected to the upper space of the liquid storage portion.

[0014] The cartridge may have a liquid inlet channel. The liquid inlet channel of the cartridge may be located within the cartridge housing. The liquid inlet channel of the cartridge may be configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The liquid inlet channel may be configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The liquid inlet channel of the cartridge may be configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet of the pump. The liquid inlet channel of the cartridge may be configured to abut against the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The liquid inlet channel of the cartridge may be configured to abut against the liquid outlet of the pump.

[0015] The liquid can be pumped from the liquid outlet of the pump through the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0016] The cartridge may include a gas outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid storage section. The gas outlet of the cartridge may be fluidly connected to the upper space of the liquid storage section.

[0017] The gas outlet of the cartridge may be located adjacent to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet of the cartridge may be located parallel to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

[0018] The gas outlet of the cartridge may be located inside the cartridge housing. Alternatively, the gas outlet of the cartridge may be located at the end of the cartridge facing the heating element.

[0019] The cartridge may have a gas outlet channel. The gas outlet channel of the cartridge may be fluid-connected to the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the cartridge may be fluid-connected to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the cartridge may be arranged parallel to the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge. The gas outlet of the cartridge may be located within the housing of the cartridge.

[0020] The gas may flow from the liquid storage portion to the surroundings through the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas flow may be driven by the liquid flowing within the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0021] The aerosol generator may include a liquid inlet channel. The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of a cartridge. The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid outlet of a refill pump.

[0022] The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the liquid outlet of the pump. The downstream end of the liquid inlet channel of the device may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The upstream end of the liquid inlet channel of the device may be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet of the pump.

[0023] The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the liquid in the channel of the cartridge. The liquid inlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge. The downstream end of the liquid inlet channel of the device may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge.

[0024] Liquid may be pumped from the outlet of the pump through the liquid inlet of the device into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0025] The device may include a housing. The liquid inlet channel of the device may be disposed within the housing of the device.

[0026] By refilling the cartridge through the liquid inlet channel of the device, the risk of outflow and leakage can be reduced because the cartridge may not be removed from the device too frequently.

[0027] One or more of the device and the refill pump may include a gas outlet channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the gas outlet of the cartridge.

[0028] The gas outlet channel of the device may be disposed within the housing of the device. The gas outlet channel of the device may be disposed parallel to the liquid inlet channel of the device.

[0029] The gas outlet channel of the device may be fluidly connectable to the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the device may be fluidly connectable to the gas outlet channel of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the device may be configured to abut against the gas outlet channel of the cartridge.

[0030] Gas may flow from the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to the surroundings through the gas outlet channel of the device.

[0031] The gas outlet channel of the pump may abut against the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the pump may abut against the gas outlet channel of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the pump may abut against the gas outlet channel of the device. The gas outlet channel of the pump may be configured to be fluid-connectable to the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the pump may be configured to be fluid-connectable to the gas outlet of the cartridge. The gas outlet channel of the pump may be configured to be fluid-connectable to the gas outlet channel of the device.

[0032] The gas may flow from the liquid storage section to the surroundings through the gas outlet channel of the pump. The gas may also flow from the liquid storage section to the pump through the gas outlet channel of the pump.

[0033] The gas may be moved to the surroundings or to the pump to balance the increased pressure generated within the liquid storage portion of the cartridge due to the movement of the liquid. By providing either or both of the pump's gas outlet and / or pump's gas outlet channel, the increase in pressure within the cartridge can be avoided, thus reducing the risk of liquid leakage.

[0034] The liquid outlet of the refilling pump may be configured to be directly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

[0035] The liquid outlet of the pump may come into contact with the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The liquid outlet of the pump may come into contact with the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge. If the liquid outlet of the refill pump is directly connected to the liquid on the left side of the cartridge, the liquid may not flow through the device.

[0036] The heating element of the cartridge may be configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the liquid storage section.

[0037] The heating element may be configured to be in direct contact with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the liquid storage section. The heating element may also be configured to volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate may flow into the cavity of the device through the airflow channels of the cartridge.

[0038] The heating element of the cartridge may be a resistance heating element. The heating element of the cartridge may be a mesh heater. The heating element may be a heating coil.

[0039] The cartridge may include a core. The cartridge may include a capillary core. The cartridge may include a ceramic core. A portion of the capillary core extends to a liquid reservoir containing a volatile liquid. Another portion of the core may be disposed in contact with a heating element. Another portion of the core may be disposed in close proximity to a heating element. A coil of heating wire is wound around another portion of the core. When current is applied, the heating element can volatilize the liquid contained within the core.

[0040] The system may include an aerosol generating article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol generating article containing the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating article containing the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into the cavity of the device.

[0041] The apparatus may include a heating device configured to heat a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The heating device may be configured to volatilize at least a portion of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The volatilized liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge and the volatilized solid aerosol-forming substrate in articles inserted into the apparatus cavity can be mixed within the apparatus cavity. The aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge can enhance the user experience. The aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge can concentrate the aerosol provided to the user.

[0042] The heating arrangement may include a heating element. The heating arrangement may be a resistance heating arrangement. The resistance heating arrangement may include a resistance heating element. The resistance heating element may be configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate in order to volatilize at least a portion of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0043] The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may include an induction coil. The heating element may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be disposed within an aerosol generating article containing a solid aerosol forming substrate. The susceptor may be disposed within the solid aerosol forming substrate. The induction heating coil may be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field in the cavity of the device. The induction heating coil may be configured to heat the susceptor. The susceptor may be configured to heat the solid aerosol forming substrate in order to volatilize at least a portion of the solid aerosol forming substrate.

[0044] The apparatus may include a control device. The apparatus may also include a power supply. The control device may be configured to supply power from the apparatus's power supply to one or both of the cartridge's heating element and the apparatus's heating arrangement. Power supply to the cartridge's heating element may be independent from the power supply to the apparatus's heating arrangement. The power supply may provide a first heating profile to the apparatus's heating arrangement. The power supply may provide a second heating profile to the cartridge's heating element. The first heating profile may be adapted depending on the properties of one or both of the solid aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-generating article. The second heating profile may be adapted depending on the properties of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the heating arrangement of the device may include a heating element for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge.

[0046] The cartridge section may be configured to removably receive the cartridge.

[0047] The cartridge may be removably mounted in the cartridge section. When the cartridge is housed within the cartridge section, the gas outlet of the cartridge may be aligned with the gas outlet channel of the device. When the cartridge is housed within the cartridge section, the liquid inlet of the cartridge may be aligned with the liquid inlet channel of the device. When the cartridge is housed within the cartridge section, the gas outlet of the cartridge may be fluid-connected to the gas outlet channel of the device. When the cartridge is housed within the cartridge section, the liquid inlet of the cartridge may be fluid-connected to the liquid inlet channel of the device. When the cartridge is housed within the cartridge section, the airflow channel of the cartridge may be fluid-connected to the cavity of the device.

[0048] The chamber of the refilling pump may include a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0049] The refill pump may be a pouch.

[0050] The pouch may be flexible. The pouch may be foldable. The pouch may include a liner. The liner may be made from a flexible material. The liner may include a layered material. The layered material may include an outer layer. The layered material may include an inner layer. One or both of the outer and inner layers may be made of low-density polyethylene. The layered material may include one or more of a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer. The layered material may include one or more of a first layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate and a second layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate. The layered material may be made of a stack of a low-density polyethylene outer layer, a first layer of adhesive, a first layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate, a second layer of adhesive as a second layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate, and an inner layer of low-density polyethylene.

[0051] The liner may enclose a chamber. The chamber may hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0052] The pouch may include one or both of the pump's liquid outlet and / or liquid outlet channel. One or both of the pouch's liquid outlet and / or liquid outlet channel may be equipped with a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be configured to open when the pouch's chamber is compressed by manual operation.

[0053] During use, the user may connect the liquid outlet or liquid outlet channel of the pouch to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. The user may connect the liquid outlet or liquid outlet channel of the pouch to the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge. The user may connect the liquid outlet or liquid outlet channel of the pouch to the liquid inlet channel of the device. The user may compress the pouch to move the liquid from the chamber of the pouch to the cartridge. The pressure inside the chamber may be increased by compression. The one-way valve of the liquid outlet of the pouch may be opened by the user's compression. The liquid can be pumped from the pouch to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge through the opened valve. The pouch may be partially folded when the substrate in liquid aerosol form is removed from the pouch.

[0054] The pouch may be a constructively simple embodiment of the pump. The pouch can be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0055] The refill pump may include a chamber for the refill pump and a liquid outlet channel configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet of the refill pump.

[0056] The liquid may be pumped from the pump chamber through the pump's liquid outlet channel into the liquid storage section of the device.

[0057] The liquid outlet channel of the pump may be configured to be flexible. The liquid outlet channel of the pump may be made from a polymer material, preferably a polymer of ethylene propylene dimer monomer.

[0058] The pump's liquid outlet channel may be configured to be fluid-connectable to one or more of the cartridge's fluid inlet, the cartridge's fluid inlet channel, and the device's fluid inlet channel. The pump's liquid outlet channel may be configured to abut against one or more of the cartridge's fluid inlet, the cartridge's fluid inlet channel, and the device's fluid inlet channel. The pump's liquid outlet channel is made from silicone.

[0059] The aerosol generating system may include a docking station configured to removably receive an aerosol generating device. The docking station may be configured to receive a refilling pump. The docking station may be configured to removably receive a refilling pump. The docking station may be configured to removably receive a refilling pump.

[0060] The pump's liquid outlet channel may be located within the docking station.

[0061] The docking station may include an interface configured to supply power to a rechargeable power supply for the aerosol generator.

[0062] The aerosol generator may have an interface. The docking station interface may be connected to an external power source. The device interface may be configured to be connectable to the docking station interface. The device interface may be connected to the device's power supply. The docking station may be configured to recharge the aerosol generator's power supply. The aerosol generator's power supply may be recharged by an external power source when the device is docked by the docking station.

[0063] The docking station may be configured to removably receive the cartridge. The docking station may be configured to hold the cartridge in an upright position when received by the docking station.

[0064] The docking station may be configured to removably receive the device and the cartridge received within the device. The docking station may be configured such that, when the device is docked by the docking station, the cartridge received within the device is held in an upright position.

[0065] A docking station may be configured such that a refill pump received by the docking station can be connected to a device received by the docking station. A docking station may be configured such that a refill pump received by the docking station can be connected to a cartridge received by the docking station. A docking station may be configured such that a refill pump received by the docking station can be connected to a cartridge received by the cartridge portion of the device received by the docking station.

[0066] The pump's liquid outlet channel may be located within the docking station.

[0067] The refill pump received by the docking station may be fluid-connected to one or both of the cartridge's liquid inlet and / or liquid inlet channel. The refill pump received by the docking station may also be fluid-connected to the device's liquid inlet channel. Liquid can be transferred directly from the pump received by the docking station to the cartridge received by the docking station. Liquid can be transferred from the pump received by the docking station to the cartridge received by the docking station via the device's liquid inlet channel.

[0068] The aerosol generation system may include a liquid storage unit for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage unit may be configured to be fluidly connectable to a refill pump.

[0069] The liquid storage section may hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid in the liquid storage section may be used to refill the pump chamber. The liquid storage section may be configured to be reusable. The liquid storage section may hold a relatively large amount of liquid compared to the maximum level of liquid that could be accepted in the liquid storage section of the cartridge, which was the pump chamber. The use of the liquid storage section may improve the convenience of use for the user. The use of the liquid storage section may improve the sustainability of the system.

[0070] The liquid storage unit may be provided with a flexible casing. The liquid storage unit may be provided with a foldable casing. Providing a foldable casing may reduce the risk of liquid leakage and spillage.

[0071] The liquid storage unit may have a liquid outlet. The liquid storage unit may have a liquid outlet channel. The liquid outlet of the storage unit may be configured to fluidly connect with the liquid in the liquid storage unit. The liquid outlet channel of the storage unit may be configured to fluidly connect with the liquid in the liquid storage unit. The liquid outlet channel of the storage unit may be configured to fluidly connect with the liquid outlet of the storage unit.

[0072] The docking station may be configured to removably receive a liquid storage unit.

[0073] The refill pump may include one or more of a liquid inlet and a liquid inlet channel configured to be fluidly connectable to a liquid storage unit. The liquid inlet of the pump may be configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet channel of the pump. The liquid inlet of the pump may be fluidly connectable to one or both of the liquid outlet and the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit. The liquid inlet channel of the pump may be fluidly connectable to one or both of the liquid outlet and the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit. The refill pump may be configured to pump a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage unit into the chamber of the refill pump.

[0074] One or more of the liquid outlet, liquid outlet channel, liquid inlet, and liquid inlet channel of the refilling pump may be equipped with a valve. The valve may be a one-way valve.

[0075] One or more of the following may be equipped with at least one valve: the liquid outlet of the storage unit, the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit, the liquid inlet of the pump, the liquid inlet channel of the pump, the liquid outlet of the pump, the liquid outlet channel of the device, the gas outlet channel of the device, the liquid inlet of the cartridge, the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge, the gas outlet of the cartridge, and the gas outlet channel of the cartridge. The valve may be a one-way valve. The valve may be an electric valve. The valve may be a flapper valve.

[0076] The valve may be located at the upstream end of one or more of the following: the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit, the liquid inlet channel of the pump, the liquid outlet channel of the pump, the liquid inlet channel of the device, the gas outlet channel of the device, the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge, and the gas outlet channel cartridge. The valve may also be located at the downstream end of one or more of the following: the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit, the liquid inlet channel of the pump, the liquid outlet channel of the pump, the liquid inlet channel of the device, the gas outlet channel of the device, the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge, and the gas outlet channel cartridge.

[0077] As used herein, “one-way valve” may be a valve that allows a fluid to flow through it in only one direction. A one-way valve may be operated depending on the pressure difference across the one-way valve. A one-way valve may be operated using an actuation means. The actuation means may be part of a component connected to the one-way valve or a component comprising a one-way valve. As used herein, “electric valve” may be an electronically operated valve. An electric valve may be operated as a one-way valve. The operation of the electric valve of the present invention may be controlled by a control device of the device. The operation of the electric valve may be controlled by a control device of the pump. If the flow of fluid through the electric valve is desirable, the control device may open the electric valve. If the flow of fluid through the electric valve is undesirable, the control device may close the electric valve.

[0078] The valve may be made of low-density polyethylene.

[0079] Valves may be used in the present invention to control the flow direction of fluid pumped between or from the components of a system. Valves may also be used in the present invention to reduce the risk of outflow or leakage of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0080] The valve may be configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0081] A one-way valve may move between an open position and a closed position due to the pressure difference across the valve. In the open position, fluid may be pumped through the valve. Conversely, components attached to either end of the valve may be fluid-connected. In the closed position, the flow of fluid through the valve may be blocked. In the closed position, components attached to either end of the valve may be fluid-disconnected.

[0082] The refill pump may be configured to open one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel when the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The refill pump may also be configured to close one or more of the valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel.

[0083] The refill pump may be configured to close one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump. The refill pump may be configured to open one or more of the valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel of the refill pump when the liquid aerosol forming substrate is pumped from the liquid storage section into the cartridge chamber.

[0084] One or more components of the refill pump may be moved between the compression position and the depressurization position. One or more components of the docking station may be moved between the compression position and the depressurization position. One or more components may be moved between the compression position and the depressurization position by manual operation. By moving from the compression position to the depressurization position, liquid may be pumped from the liquid storage section into the pump chamber. The chamber may be filled with liquid. By moving from the depressurization position to the compression position, liquid may be pumped from the pump chamber into the liquid storage section of the cartridge. The liquid may be discharged from the chamber.

[0085] The pump may be attached to the liquid storage unit via either or both of the pump's liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel, if it is desirable to move the liquid from the storage unit to the chamber pump.

[0086] The pump may be attached to the cartridge via either or both of the pump's liquid outlet and / or liquid outlet channel, if it is desirable to move liquid from the pump's chamber to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The pump may also be attached to the device's liquid inlet channel via either or both of the pump's liquid outlet and / or liquid outlet channel, if it is desirable to move liquid from the pump's chamber to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0087] Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can decrease the pressure in the pump chamber. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can reduce the pressure in the pump chamber. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can increase the volume of the pump chamber. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can close one or more valves of the pump's liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can open one or more valves of the pump's liquid inlet, liquid inlet section, storage liquid outlet, and storage liquid outlet channel. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can pump liquid from the storage section into the pump chamber. Moving from the compression position to the depressurization position can draw liquid from the storage section into the pump chamber.

[0088] Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may increase the pressure in the pump chamber. Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may compress the pump chamber. Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may decrease the volume of the pump chamber. Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may close one or more valves among the pump's liquid inlet, pump's liquid inlet channel, storage unit's liquid outlet, and storage unit's liquid outlet channel. Moving from the compressed position to the reduced pressure position may open one or more valves among the pump's liquid outlet, pump's liquid outlet channel, device's liquid inlet channel, cartridge's liquid inlet, and cartridge's liquid inlet channel. Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may pump liquid from the pump chamber into the cartridge's liquid storage unit. Moving from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position may push liquid into the cartridge's liquid storage unit.

[0089] The refill pump may include a piston. The piston may be configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation. In the compression position, one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump may be open. In the depressurization position, one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump may be closed.

[0090] The piston may be disposed within the pump chamber. The piston may seal at least a portion of the pump chamber. The piston may be configured to move between a compression position and a depressurization position within the pump chamber. The volume of the portion of the chamber sealed by the pump in the depressurization position may be smaller than the volume of the portion of the chamber sealed by the pump in the compression position.

[0091] The pump chamber may include a wall. The wall may include a first part and a second part. One or both of the first and second wall parts may be configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation. In the compression position, the refill pump may be configured to pump the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the chamber of the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0092] The pump walls may enclose the chamber.

[0093] The liquid outlet channel of the pump may be attached to the first wall portion. The liquid outlet portion of the pump may be in contact with the liquid in the chamber.

[0094] At reduced pressure, the refill pump may be configured to pump the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage section into the cartridge chamber.

[0095] The chamber of the refilling pump may include a biasing means configured to move one or both of the first and second wall portions from a compression position to a depressurization position. The biasing means may be a spring. The biasing means may bias the chamber toward the depressurization position. The biasing means may be disposed between the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the pump.

[0096] The docking station may include a housing that includes a wall. The wall may enclose the docking station. The wall may comprise a first wall portion. The wall may comprise a second wall portion. The first wall portion may be configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position. The first wall portion may be configured to actuate a refilling pump. The first wall portion may be configured to be manually actuated. The first wall portion may be moved from the depressurization position to the compression position by manual actuation.

[0097] The pump may be located inside a space enclosed by walls. The liquid storage unit may be located within a space enclosed by walls. The walls may enclose a compression chamber. The pump may be located inside the compression chamber of the docking station.

[0098] The movement of the first wall section of the docking station from the compressed position to the depressurized position may cause the first wall section of the pump to move from the compressed position to the depressurized position. The movement of the first wall section of the docking station from the depressurized position to the compressed position may cause the first wall section of the pump to move from the depressurized position to the compressed position.

[0099] The first wall portion of the docking station may include a pump operating mechanism. The pump operating mechanism may be a projection on the first wall portion. The pump operating mechanism may be arranged to engage with the first wall portion of the pump. Alternatively, the first wall portion of the pump may be attached to the first wall portion of the docking station. The first wall portion of the docking station may comprise the first wall portion of the pump. The first wall portion of the pump may be formed integrally with the first wall portion of the docking station.

[0100] The first wall portion of the docking station may be configured to receive the device. The first wall portion of the docking station may include the outlet of the pump. The first wall portion of the docking station may include an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid outlet channel of the pump.

[0101] The first wall portion of the docking mechanism may be manually operated by pressing the first wall portion. The first wall portion of the docking mechanism may also be manually operated by pressing a device attached to the docking station.

[0102] The docking means may include one or more biasing means. The biasing means may be disposed between a first wall portion of the docking station and a second portion of the docking station. The biasing means may be configured to move the first wall portion from a compressed position to a depressurized position. The biasing means may be a spring. The second wall portion may have one or more cavities. Each cavity may be configured to receive at least a portion of the first wall portion. The biasing means may be disposed in each cavity.

[0103] The pump may include a diaphragm. The diaphragm may be flexible. The diaphragm may seal the chamber of the pump. The diaphragm may seal a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The diaphragm may be made of a layered material. The layered material may be made of a stack of an outer layer of low-density polyethylene, a first layer of adhesive, a first layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate, a second layer of adhesive as a second layer of metallized polyethylene terephthalate, and an inner layer of low-density polyethylene.

[0104] The system may include cartridge retention means configured to removably engage the cartridge with the device.

[0105] The cartridge portion may comprise a first portion of the cartridge fixing means. The cartridge may comprise a complementary second portion of the cartridge fixing means. The cartridge fixing means may be configured to attach the cartridge to the cartridge portion. The first portion of the cartridge fixing means may include one or more snaps and latches. The second portion of the cartridge fixing means may be configured to engage with the first portion of the cartridge fixing means. The second portion of the cartridge fixing means may be configured to engage with the first portion of the cartridge fixing by one or more morph-fits and snap-fits.

[0106] The device may include pogo pins configured to be electrically connectable to the heating element of the cartridge.

[0107] The cartridge may include at least one valve. The valve may be configured to seal the liquid storage portion. The cartridge may also include an electric valve.

[0108] The pump chamber may be a rigid chamber. The pump chamber may be a flexible chamber. The pump chamber may have a flexible casing. The liquid storage section may have a casing. The liquid storage section may have a foldable casing.

[0109] The device may have a length of 86 mm to 130 mm.

[0110] The liquid storage section may have a length of 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably 70 mm to 120 mm. The liquid storage section may have a width of 100 mm to 150 mm, preferably 70 mm to 120 mm. The liquid storage section may have a height of 50 mm to 100 mm, preferably 50 mm to 70 mm.

[0111] The cartridge's airflow channels may include nozzles. The nozzles may be positioned to direct the flow of the volatile liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge toward the apparatus. The nozzles may be configured to align the flow channels within the apparatus.

[0112] During cartridge refilling, the cartridge may be received within the cartridge section. During cartridge refilling, the cartridge may be disconnected from the cartridge section. By receiving the cartridge within the cartridge section during cartridge refilling, the orientation of the cartridge can be clearly defined such that one or both of the liquid inlet and gas outlet of the cartridge abut against the upper space of the liquid storage section.

[0113] The cartridge may be equipped with a window. The cartridge may be configured so that the user can monitor the liquid level in the liquid storage section of the cartridge through the window.

[0114] The refill pump may be part of the aerosol generator. The refill pump may be separate from the aerosol generator. The refill pump may be a standalone unit of the system.

[0115] The device may include notification means. The notification means may include a display device. The notification means may include an LED. The notification means may warn the consumer of a low liquid level in the liquid storage section. The notification means may include a liquid level sensor. The liquid level sensor may be configured to detect the liquid level in the liquid storage section. The notification means may warn the user that the cartridge is fully filled.

[0116] One or more of the cartridge, pump, and storage unit may be equipped with a pressure regulating valve. The valve may be configured to regulate the pressure in one or more of the storage unit, pump, cartridge, and device in response to the movement of liquid between the components of the system.

[0117] One or more of the following may be provided with threaded connectors: the liquid outlet of the storage unit, the liquid outlet channel of the storage unit, the liquid inlet of the pump, the liquid inlet channel of the pump, the liquid outlet of the pump, the liquid outlet channel of the device, the gas outlet channel of the device, the liquid inlet of the cartridge, the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge, the gas outlet of the cartridge, and the gas outlet channel of the cartridge. The threaded connectors can securely hold the connecting components together.

[0118] The components of the device may be fitted with sealing components such as O-rings, rubber seals, and slide collars. Such sealing components may effectively seal the components of the device from each other.

[0119] The device may be equipped with an air intake. The air intake may be fluid-connected to a cavity in the device. The air intake may be fluid-connectable to an airflow channel in a cartridge. The user may draw air into the device through the air intake of the device.

[0120] The cartridge may be equipped with an air intake. The cartridge's air intake may be fluidly connected to the cartridge's heating element. When the cartridge is installed in the device, the user may draw air into the cartridge through the cartridge's air intake.

[0121] During use, the first user experience may be provided from either or both of the first liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge and the solid aerosol-forming substrate in the article. Once the substrate in liquid aerosol form is depleted, the user may refill the cartridge using the pump of the system of the present invention. The user may choose to refill the cartridge with the first liquid aerosol-forming substrate or a second liquid aerosol-forming substrate configured differently from the first aerosol-forming substrate. After refilling the cartridge, the second user experience may be provided to the user.

[0122] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for moving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using the aerosol generation system described herein, • The process of connecting the refill pump to the cartridge, A method is provided which includes the step of manually operating a refill pump so that a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into a cartridge.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for moving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using the aerosol generation system described herein, • The process of connecting the refill pump to the cartridge, A method is provided which includes one or more of the following steps: manually operating a refill pump so that a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into a cartridge.

[0124] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” may be used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating system with respect to the direction of fluid flow.

[0125] As used herein, the terms “proximal,” “distal,” “downstream,” and “upstream” may be used to describe the relative position of a component or part of a component of an aerosol generator with respect to the direction in which the user inhales through the aerosol generator during its use.

[0126] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” may be used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating system with respect to the direction in which the liquid aerosol-forming substrate flows.

[0127] As used herein, the terms “upstream,” “downstream,” “proximal,” and “distal” may be used to describe the relative positions of components or parts of components of an aerosol generating system with respect to the direction of gas flow.

[0128] An aerosol generator may have a mouth end through which, during use, an aerosol exits the aerosol generator and is delivered to the user. The mouth end may be referred to as the proximal end. During use, the user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator by inhaling the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generator. Alternatively, the user may inhale directly with an aerosol generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate inserted into an opening in a cavity of the device located at the proximal end of the aerosol generator. The cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generator has a distal end opposite to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol generator may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components of the aerosol generator, or parts of components, may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream, or mouth end of the aerosol generator and the distal or upstream end of the aerosol generator.

[0129] As used herein, "aerosol generator" refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, for example, part of a smoking article. The aerosol generator may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled through the user's mouth into the user's lungs. The aerosol generator may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol generator may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating arrangement.

[0130] The term “smoking” as used herein in relation to the apparatus, articles, systems, substrates, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which the aerosol-forming substrate is completely or at least partially burned. The aerosol generator of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released, in order to form an inhalable aerosol.

[0131] The aerosol generator may include an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a control unit. The electrical circuit may include further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply to a heating arrangement configured to heat a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply to a heating element in a cartridge. Power may be supplied continuously following the operation of the aerosol generator to one or more of the heating arrangements and cartridge heating elements, or intermittently, such as each time smoke is extracted. Power may be supplied in the form of current pulses to one or more of the heating arrangements and cartridge heating elements. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of one or more of the heating arrangements and cartridge heating elements, and preferably to control the power supply to one or more of the heating arrangements and cartridge heating elements in response to the electrical resistance of one or more of the heating arrangements and cartridge heating elements.

[0132] The aerosol generator may have a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the aerosol generator. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium-cobalt battery, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for a period of about six minutes, or for periods of multiples of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of fume extractions or discontinuous operation of the heating element.

[0133] The cavity of the aerosol generator may have an open end into which an aerosol generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate is inserted. The open end may be the proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air opening disposed within the base. The opening in the base may be configured to be fluidly connected to an airflow channel of a cartridge. The opening in the base may be configured to be fluidly connected to an air intake of the device. 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. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generator.

[0134] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of an aerosol generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of an aerosol generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0135] The airflow channel may extend through a cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generator, into the cavity, and toward the user. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be provided, or the user may inhale directly from the aerosol generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece. The airflow channel in the cavity may be fluidly connected to the airflow channel in the cartridge.

[0136] In any aspect of this disclosure, one or both of the heating element and the cartridge of the apparatus may include an electrical resistive material. Suitable electrical resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, conductive ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilide), carbon, graphite, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped ceramics or undoped ceramics. A suitable example of a doped ceramic is doped silicon carbide. Suitable examples of metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, gold-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In composite materials, the electrical resistive material may be optionally embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties.

[0137] The heating arrangement of the aerosol generator may comprise an internal heating element, an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements. "Internal" and "external" refer to the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductive or electrically resistive metal tubes. Or, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods extending through the center of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments, e.g., Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be placed in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material such as a ceramic material and then sandwiched between other insulating materials such as glass. A heater formed in this manner can be used during operation to both heat a heating element and monitor its temperature.

[0138] The external heating element can take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils may be shaped to fit around a substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a substrate of a suitable shape using a coating technique such as plasma deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a clear relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of a suitable insulating material. The external heating element thus formed may be used both to heat the external heating element and to monitor its temperature during operation.

[0139] Alternatively, the heating arrangement of the device may be configured as an induction heating arrangement. An induction heating arrangement may include an induction coil and a susceptor. Generally, a susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, eddy currents are typically induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, another effect that typically contributes to heating is generally called hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss is mainly caused by the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor, because their magnetic orientations align with the magnetically induced magnetic field, and this occurs alternately. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes occurring at or below the nanoscale within the susceptor generate heat within the susceptor and are therefore called "hysteresis loss". Therefore, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis loss and eddy current generation will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis loss is the only way the susceptor is heated when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. An alternating magnetic field generated by one or more induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers heat to the solid aerosol-forming substrate, resulting in the formation of an aerosol. Heat transfer may also be mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0140] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate having the ability to release volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0141] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate having the ability to release one or more volatile compounds capable of forming aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Conveniently, the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0142] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material that includes volatile tobacco-flavored compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain non-tobacco materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent that facilitates the formation of a high-density and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0143] The aerosol generating substrate preferably comprises homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol forming body, and water. Providing homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, as well as the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol generating article. Specifically, the process of producing homogenized tobacco involves a process of crushing tobacco leaves, which allows for more effective release of nicotine and flavor during heating.

[0144] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming agent such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain flavor.

[0145] The apparatus may include a smoke extraction detection system. The smoke extraction detection system may include a smoke extraction sensor. The smoke extraction sensor may be a pressure sensor. The operation of either or both of the cartridge heating element and / or the heating arrangement of the apparatus may be triggered by the smoke extraction detection system. The start of smoke extraction can be detected by the smoke extraction sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0146] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the hybrid aerosol generator of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 with a cartridge containing an inserted aerosol generating article. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows two different configurations of the liquid inlet channel and the gas outlet channel. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a method of pumping liquid from the liquid storage unit using a refill pump. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a refill pump comprising a chamber having walls including a movable first wall portion and a second wall portion. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the docking station of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the docking station. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of a docking station in the upper figure, and a magnified view of a portion of the refilling pump of the docking station in the lower figure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the docking station shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a refill pump configured as a pouch. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0147] 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 any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0148] Example 1: Aerosol generating system comprising a hybrid aerosol generator having a cavity and a cartridge portion, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a solid aerosol forming substrate, the cartridge portion is configured to receive a liquid-containing cartridge and a cartridge having a liquid storage portion, the cartridge has at least one liquid inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion, the cartridge has at least one airflow channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the cavity of the device, the cartridge comprises at least one heating element and a refill pump for pumping a liquid aerosol forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge by manual operation, the refill pump has a chamber configured to temporarily hold the liquid aerosol forming substrate, the refill pump has a liquid outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the chamber, and the liquid outlet is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. Example 2: The aerosol generating system according to Example 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a liquid inlet channel, the liquid inlet channel is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of a cartridge, and the liquid inlet channel is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid outlet of a refilling pump. Example 3: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the cartridge has a gas outlet configured to be fluidly connected to a liquid storage section. Example 4: The aerosol generating system according to Example 3, wherein one or more of the device and the refilling pump have a gas outlet channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the gas outlet of the cartridge. Example 5: The cartridge is an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, comprising a housing. Example 6: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the liquid outlet of the refill pump is configured to be directly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge. Example 7: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the heating element of the cartridge is configured to heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the liquid storage section. Example 8: The system is an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, comprising an aerosol generating article containing a solid aerosol forming substrate. Example 9: The apparatus is an aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, comprising a heating arrangement configured to heat a solid aerosol forming substrate. Example 10: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the cartridge is configured to removably receive the cartridge. Example 11: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the chamber of the refilling pump comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate. Example 12: The refill pump is a pouch, as described in any of Examples 1 to 11 of the aerosol generating system. Example 13: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the refilling pump comprises a chamber of the refilling pump and a liquid outlet channel configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid outlet of the refilling pump. Example 14: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, comprising a docking station configured to removably receive an aerosol generating device, the docking station configured to receive a refilling pump, preferably the docking station configured to removably receive a refilling pump. Example 15: The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the docking station has an interface configured to supply power to a rechargeable power supply for the aerosol generating device. Example 16: The aerosol generating system according to either of Examples 14 and 15, wherein the docking station is configured to removably receive a cartridge. Example 17: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, comprising a liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, wherein the liquid storage section is configured to be fluidly connectable to a refilling pump. Example 18: The aerosol generating system according to Example 17, wherein the liquid storage section comprises a flexible casing. Example 19: The aerosol generating system according to either of Examples 17 and 18, wherein the docking station is configured to removably receive a liquid storage unit. Example 20: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 17 to 19, wherein the refilling pump comprises one or more of a liquid inlet and a liquid inlet channel configured to be fluidly connectable to a liquid storage unit, and the refilling pump is configured to pump in a liquid aerosol forming substrate from the liquid storage unit into the chamber of the refilling pump. Example 21: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, wherein one or more of the liquid outlet of the refilling pump, the liquid outlet channel described in Example 13, the liquid inlet described in Example 20, and the liquid inlet channel described in Example 20 are equipped with a valve, preferably a one-way valve. Example 22: The aerosol generating system according to Example 21, wherein the valve is configured to be movable between an open position and a closed position. Example 23: The aerosol generating system according to either of Examples 21 and 22, wherein the refill pump is configured to open one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump when the liquid aerosol forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, and preferably close one or more valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel of the refill pump. Example 24: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein the refill pump is configured to close one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump, and the refill pump is configured to open one or more of the valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel of the refill pump when the liquid aerosol forming substrate is pumped from the liquid storage section into the cartridge chamber. Example 25: The aerosol generating system according to any of Examples 21 to 24, wherein the refilling pump comprises a piston, the piston being configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation, in the compression position, one or both valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump are open, and in the depressurization position, one or both valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump are closed. Example 26: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 24, wherein the pump chamber comprises a wall comprising a first part and a second part, and one or both of the first and second wall parts are configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation, and in the compression position, the refill pump is configured to pump in a liquid aerosol forming substrate from the chamber of the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. Example 27: The aerosol generating system according to either Example 25 or 26, wherein, at a reduced pressure position, the refilling pump is configured to pump in a liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage section into the cartridge chamber. Example 28: The aerosol generating system according to either of Examples 26 and 27, wherein the chamber of the refilling pump comprises a biasing means, preferably a spring, configured to move one or both of the first and second wall portions from a compression position to a decompression position. Example 29: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 28, comprising a cartridge fixing means configured to removably engage the cartridge with the device. Example 30: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 29, comprising a pogo pin configured to be electrically connectable to a heating element in a cartridge. Example 31: The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples 1 to 30, wherein the cartridge comprises at least one valve, preferably an electric valve, and the valve is configured to seal the liquid storage portion. Example 32: A method for moving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using an aerosol-generating system described in any of Examples 1 to 31, • The process of connecting the refill pump to the cartridge, A method comprising the step of manually operating a refill pump so that a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into a cartridge.

[0149] A non-exclusive list of non-limiting embodiments is provided below. One or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, forms, or aspects described herein.

[0150] Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0151] The present invention will be further explained with reference to the following attached drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

[0152] With respect to the embodiments shown in the figures, valves may be provided as one or more of the following: liquid outlet of the storage unit, liquid outlet channel of the storage unit, liquid inlet of the pump, liquid inlet channel of the pump, liquid outlet of the pump, liquid outlet channel of the pump, liquid inlet channel of the device, gas outlet channel of the device, liquid inlet of the cartridge, liquid inlet channel of the cartridge, gas outlet of the cartridge, and gas outlet channel of the cartridge, although they may not always be shown in order to improve readability for the reader.

[0153] Figure 1 shows the hybrid aerosol generator 102, cartridge 104, and aerosol generating article 106 of the system 100 of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 106 comprises a solid aerosol forming substrate (not shown).

[0154] The device 102 includes a control device 108. The device 102 includes a power supply 110. The device 102 includes a housing 112. The device 102 includes a heating arrangement 114. The device 102 includes a cavity 116 configured to receive an aerosol generating article 106. The device 102 includes an air intake 118. The device 102 includes a pogo pin 120. The device 102 includes a first airflow channel 122. The device 102 includes a second airflow channel 124. The device 102 includes a cartridge section 126 configured to receive a cartridge 104.

[0155] The cartridge 104 includes a liquid storage section 128. The liquid storage section 128 includes a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge 104 includes a heating element 130. The heating element 130 is a resistant mesh heating element. The heating element 130 is configured to volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol forming substrate. The cartridge 104 includes an airflow channel 132.

[0156] The aerosol generating article 106 may be inserted into the cavity 116 as indicated by the arrow. At least a portion of the heating arrangement 114 is disposed within the side wall of the cavity 116. At least a portion of the heating element 114 surrounds at least a portion of the cavity 116. The heating arrangement 114 is configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 106 in order to volatilize at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0157] The cartridge 104 may be connected to the cartridge portion 126 indicated by the arrow. When the cartridge 104 is received into the cartridge portion 126, the airflow channel 132 of the cartridge 104 aligns with the first airflow channel 124 of the device 102. The airflow channel 132 of the cartridge 104 is fluidly connected to the airflow channel 124 of the device 102 when the cartridge 104 is received into the cartridge portion 126. The pogo pin 120 may be connected to the heating element 130 of the cartridge 104 when the cartridge is received into the cartridge portion.

[0158] The air intake port 118 may be fluidly connected to the second airflow channel 124 via the first airflow channel 122.

[0159] The control device 110 is configured to supply power to the heating arrangement 114. The control device 110 is configured to supply power to the heating element 130 of the cartridge 104. The control device 110 is configured to supply power to the heating element 114 independently of supplying power to the heating element 130.

[0160] Figure 2 shows the apparatus of Figure 1, which has an aerosol generating article 106 received in a cavity 116 and a cartridge 104 received in a cartridge portion 126.

[0161] During use, the user can inhale through the aerosol generating article 106 and draw air through the air intake 118 as indicated by the arrow 134. Power may be supplied to the heating arrangement 114 to volatilize at least a portion of the solid aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article 106. Power may also be supplied to the heating element 130 of the cartridge 104. The heating element 130 heats the liquid aerosol-forming substrate supplied from the liquid storage section 128 to the heating element 130. The heating element 130 volatilizes at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate delivered from the liquid storage section 128. The volatilized liquid aerosol-forming substrate flows through the airflow channel 132 to the second airflow channel 124 of the device 102. The airflow through the air intake 118 may flow through the first airflow channel 122 to the second airflow channel 124. The volatile liquid aerosol-forming substrate flows into the cavity 116 and the aerosol-generating article 106. The volatile liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the cartridge mixes with the volatile solid aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol-generating article 106. The aerosol is formed and drawn into the consumer's mouth through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 106.

[0162] Figure 3 shows two different configurations of the liquid inlet channel 136 and gas outlet channel 138 of the cartridge 104. The cartridge 104 comprises a housing 140. The cartridge 104 comprises a liquid aerosol forming substrate 142. The cartridge 104 comprises an upper space 144 containing gas. The cartridge 104 comprises a liquid inlet 146. The cartridge 104 comprises a gas outlet 148. The liquid inlet channel 136 abuts against the liquid inlet 146. The gas outlet channel 138 abuts against the gas outlet 148. The airflow inlet channel 136 is fluidly connected to the liquid inlet 146. The gas outlet channel 138 is fluidly connected to the gas outlet 148. The liquid inlet 146 is fluidly connected to the upper space 144 of the liquid storage portion 128. The gas outlet 148 is fluidly connected to the upper space 144 of the liquid storage portion 128.

[0163] The liquid inlet channel 136 of the cartridge 104 on the left side of Figure 3 may be directly connected to the refill pump. The gas outlet channel 138 may be fluidly connected to the surrounding area or the gas outlet channel of the pump. The refill pump may move the liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage section 128 through the liquid inlet channel 136. At the same time, gas from the upper space 144 may flow out of the liquid storage section 128 through the gas outlet channel 138, either around the pump or into the gas outlet channel. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may also be moved directly from the pump to the cartridge.

[0164] The liquid inlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 may be attached to the liquid inlet channel of the device. The liquid inlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 may be aligned with the liquid inlet channel of the device. The liquid inlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 is at least partially disposed within the housing 140 of cartridge 104. The gas outlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 may be attached to the gas outlet channel of the device. The gas outlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 may be aligned with the gas outlet channel of the device. The gas outlet channel 136 of cartridge 104 on the right side of Figure 3 is at least partially disposed within the housing 140 of cartridge 104. The liquid aerosol forming substrate may be moved from the pump to the cartridge via the device 102.

[0165] Figure 4 shows a method for moving the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage unit 150 using a refill pump 152.

[0166] The storage unit 150 includes a liquid aerosol forming substrate 142. The storage unit 150 includes a one-way valve 154. The one-way valve 154 is located within the liquid outlet 156. The storage unit 150 includes a liquid outflow channel 157.

[0167] The refill pump 152 includes a piston 158. The piston 158 is located within the chamber 160 of the pump 152. The pump 152 includes a liquid inlet channel 162. The pump 152 includes a one-way valve 164 located within the liquid inlet of the pump 152. The pump 152 includes a one-way valve 166 located within the liquid outlet of the pump 152. The pump 152 includes a liquid outlet channel 168. The liquid outlet channel 168 may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge 104 or the device 102.

[0168] As shown in the upper left, the pump 152 may be connected to the storage unit 150 by inserting the liquid inlet channel 162 into the liquid outlet channel 157. The liquid inlet channel 162 engages with the one-way valve 154, opening the one-way valve 154. The piston 158 is in the compression position.

[0169] As shown in the upper right, the liquid flows through the open one-way valve 154 into the liquid outlet channel 157.

[0170] As shown in the lower left and indicated by the arrow, piston 158 can be moved from the compression position to the decompression position. Piston 158 may also be moved from the compression position to the decompression position by manual operation. By moving piston 158 from the compression position to the decompression position, the pressure in chamber 160 is reduced. Valve 164 is open, as indicated by the black arrow. Liquid is drawn into chamber 160 through the liquid inlet channel 162.

[0171] As shown in the lower right and indicated by the arrow, piston 158 can be moved from the depressurization position to the compression position. Piston 158 may also be moved from the depressurization position to the compression position by manual operation. By moving piston 158 from the depressurization position to the compression position, the pressure in chamber 160 is increased. One-way valve 164 is closed. One-way valve 166 is open. The liquid is moved from chamber 160 to the mounted cartridge or liquid inlet channel of device 106, as indicated by the black arrow.

[0172] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of a pump 152 comprising a chamber 160 having a wall 170 with movable first wall portion 172 and second wall portion 174.

[0173] Pump 152 includes a liquid outlet channel 168. Pump 152 includes a one-way valve 176. Pump 152 includes a one-way valve 177. The refill pump 152 includes a biasing means (not shown). Pump 152 holds the liquid aerosol substrate 142.

[0174] On the left side, chamber 160 is shown in the reduced pressure position. In the reduced pressure position, the liquid does not move out of chamber 160. The liquid outflow channel 168 is at least partially inserted into the liquid aerosol forming substrate 142.

[0175] On the right, the chamber 160 is shown in the compressed position. The first wall portion 172 may be moved from the depressurized position to the compressed position by manual operation. As indicated by the arrow, the internal pressure of the chamber 160 is increased by moving the first wall portion 172 relative to the second wall portion 174. The volume of the chamber 160 may be decreased by moving the first wall portion to the compressed position. The one-way valve 176 may be opened by moving the first wall portion 172 from the depressurized position to the compressed position. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be pushed out of the chamber through the liquid outlet channel 168 and the opened one-way valve 176. The liquid outlet channel 168 may be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet channel of the cartridge 104 or the device 102, moving the liquid to the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

[0176] The biasing means can move the first wall portion 172 to a depressurized position once the manual operation is removed. Air can be drawn into the chamber 160 through the valve 177.

[0177] Figure 6 shows a docking station 178 of the present invention. The device 102 is connected to the docking station 178. The docking station 178 may have an interface for connecting to the device 102. As indicated by arrow 180, the power supply 110 of the device 102 may be charged by an external energy source connected to the interface of the docking station 178.

[0178] Cartridge 104 is connected to docking station 178. Cartridge 104 is engaged with and disengaged from device 102. Refill pump 152 is connected to docking station 178. The refill pump 152 in Figure 6 is a slightly modified embodiment of the piston refill pump in Figure 4. The refill pump 152 includes a one-way valve 182. The refill pump 152 is connected to the liquid inlet channel 136 of cartridge 104. The refill pump 152 includes a liquid inlet channel 162. As described above with respect to Figure 4, the storage unit 150 may be connected to the pump 152, and in a first step, the liquid is manually moved from the storage unit 152 to the chamber 160 of the pump 152, and in a second step, the liquid is moved from the chamber 162 to the connected cartridge.

[0179] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the docking station 178. The liquid storage unit 150 is removably inserted into the docking station 178. The device 102 is inserted into the docking station 178. The cartridge 104 is inserted into the cartridge portion 126 of the device 102.

[0180] The storage unit 150 includes a one-way valve 184. The storage unit 150 includes a liquid outlet channel 157. The pump 152 includes a one-way valve 186. The pump 152 includes a liquid outlet channel 168. The liquid outlet channel 168 includes a one-way valve 188 located at the downstream end of the channel 168.

[0181] The device 102 includes a liquid inlet channel 190. The liquid inlet channel 190 includes a one-way valve 192 disposed at the distal end of the channel 190. The cartridge 104 includes a liquid inlet channel 136. The liquid inlet channel 136 includes a one-way valve 194 disposed at the distal end of the channel 136.

[0182] To refill the liquid storage portion of cartridge 104, pump 152 may move the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 142 from the liquid storage portion 150 to the liquid storage portion of cartridge via channels 157, 168, 190, and 136.

[0183] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the docking station 178 in the above figure. The bottom view shows an enlarged view of a portion of the refill pump 152 of the docking station 178.

[0184] The aerosol generator 102 may be connected to the docking station 178, as indicated by the double arrows. The device 102 may also be in contact with the docking station 178.

[0185] The docking station 178 includes a housing 196 with walls. The walls comprise a first wall portion 198 and a second wall portion 200. The docking station 178 includes a pump operating means 202. The pump operating means 202 is attached to the first wall portion 198. The pump operating means 202 is configured to operate the pump 152. The pump operating means 202 is configured to transmit the movement of the first wall portion 198 of the docking station 178 to the first wall portion 172 of the pump 152. The docking station 178 includes a compression chamber 204. The refill pump 152 is at least partially disposed within the compression chamber 204. The docking station 178 includes a biasing means 206. The biasing means 206 is disposed within the cavity of the second wall portion 200. The biasing means 206 is in contact with the first wall portion 198. The biasing means 206 contacts the first wall portion 198. The biasing means 206 is a pair of two springs.

[0186] The first wall portion 198 is movable between a compression position and a depressurization position relative to the second wall portion 200 by manual operation. In the compression position, the pump operating means 202 is engaged with and disengaged from the pump 152. In the depressurization position, the pump operating means 202 engages with the pump 152. By moving the first wall portion 198 from the compression position to the depressurization position, the first wall portion 172 of the pump can be moved from the compression position to the depressurization position. By moving the first wall portion 198 from the depressurization position to the compression position, the first wall portion 172 of the pump can be moved from the depressurization position to the compression position.

[0187] The user can push the first wall portion 198 toward the second wall portion 200, moving the first wall portion 198 from a depressurized position to a compressed position. The user can push the first wall portion 198 toward the second wall portion 200 by pushing the device 102 attached to the first wall portion 198 toward the second wall portion 200, thereby moving the first wall portion 198 from a depressurized position to a compressed position. Once the user stops pushing the first wall portion 198, the biasing means 206 pushes the first wall portion 198 to move it from a depressurized position to a compressed position.

[0188] By moving the first wall portion 198 from the compression position to the depressurization position, and accordingly, the first wall portion 172 from the compression position to the depressurization position, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be drawn from the storage section 150 into the chamber 160 of the pump 152 via the open one-way valve 208. By moving the first wall portion 198 from the compression position to the depressurization position, the chamber 160 of the pump 152 can be depressurized.

[0189] By moving the first wall portion 198 from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position, and accordingly by moving the first wall portion 172 from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be pushed from the chamber 160 of the pump 152 into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge 104 through the open channel 168, the open valve 210, and the channel 190. By moving the first wall portion 198 from the reduced pressure position to the compressed position, the chamber 160 of the pump 152 can be compressed.

[0190] The docking station 178 includes a refilling pump 152. The docking station 178 also includes a liquid storage unit 150. The liquid storage unit 150 includes a foldable casing 212.

[0191] The refill pump 152 comprises a chamber 160 having a movable first wall portion 172 and a second wall portion 174. The first wall portion 172 may be moved between a compression position and a depressurization position relative to the second wall portion 174. By moving the first wall portion 172 from the compression position to the depressurization position, liquid may be drawn from the storage section 150 into the chamber 160. By moving the first wall portion 172 from the depressurization position to the compression position, liquid may be pushed from the chamber 160 into the liquid storage section of the cartridge 104.

[0192] The pump 152 is equipped with a biasing means 214, which is a spring. The pump 152 may be moved from a depressurized position to a compressed position by manual operation by the user. Once the user's manual operation is released, the biasing means 214 can move the first wall portion 172 of the pump 152 from the compressed position to a depressurized position.

[0193] The first wall portion 172 includes a projection 216. The second wall portion 174 includes a projection 218. The biasing means 214 may engage with the projections 216 and 218. The biasing means 214 may be disposed between the projections 216 and 218. The projections 216 and 218 can improve the alignment of the biasing means 214 within the chamber 160.

[0194] Pump 152 includes a diaphragm 220. The diaphragm 220 is positioned in the first wall section 172. The diaphragm 220 is attached to the second wall section 174. The diaphragm 220 seals the chamber 160. The diaphragm 220 is flexible. The diaphragm 220 can bend up and down depending on the position of the first wall section 172 relative to the second wall section 174. The diaphragm 220 reduces the risk of liquid leakage from the chamber 160.

[0195] During use, the user can push the first wall portion 198 directly or via the connected device 102, moving it from the depressurized position to the compressed position. Such movement causes the first wall portion 172 of the pump 152 to move accordingly from the depressurized position to the compressed position. Once the push is released, the first wall portion 198 and the first wall portion 172 are moved from the compressed position to the depressurized position by the biasing means 206 and biasing means 214, respectively, so that liquid is loaded into the chamber 160 from the storage unit 150. The foldable casing of the storage unit 150 is folded slightly to compensate for the volume of liquid removed. The user can then push the first wall portion 198 again, directly or via the connected device 102, so that the liquid loaded into the chamber 160 is discharged through channels 168 and 190 into the liquid storage unit of the device, moving the first wall portion 198 from the depressurized position to the compressed position.

[0196] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the docking station of Figure 8. The first wall portion 174 of the pump 152 is integrally formed with the first wall portion 198 of the docking station 178. The pump's liquid outlet channel 168 is located within the first wall portion 198 of the docking station 178. When the user manually operates the first wall portion 198 of the docking station 178, the first wall portion 174 of the pump 152 moves from a depressurized position to a compressed position as the first wall portion 174 is directly connected to the first wall portion 198. Once the manual operation is released, the biasing means 206 moves the first wall portion 198, which has the first wall portion 172, to the depressurized position.

[0197] Figure 10 shows a refill pump 152 configured as a pouch. The pouch 152 may be foldable. The pouch 152 comprises a flexible liner 222. The liner 222 may be made of a layered material. The pouch 152 comprises a one-way valve 224. The pouch 152 is filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. When in use, the pouch 152 may be connected to the cartridge 104 directly or via the liquid inlet channel 190 of the device. The user can compress the pouch 152 to discharge the liquid from the pouch 152 in the cartridge 104.

Claims

1. an aerosol generation system, A hybrid aerosol generator comprising a cavity and a cartridge portion, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a solid aerosol-forming substrate, and the cartridge portion is configured to receive a liquid-containing cartridge, A cartridge comprising a liquid storage portion, comprising at least one liquid inlet configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid storage portion, comprising at least one airflow channel configured to be fluidly connected to the cavity of the device, and comprising at least one heating element, A refilling pump for pumping a liquid aerosol-forming substrate into the liquid storage portion of a cartridge by manual operation, the refilling pump includes a chamber configured to temporarily hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and includes a liquid outlet configured to be fluidly connected to the chamber, the liquid outlet being configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a liquid inlet channel, the liquid inlet channel is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge, and the liquid inlet channel is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid outlet of the refilling pump.

3. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the liquid outlet of the refilling pump is configured to be directly connectable to the liquid inlet of the cartridge.

4. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refilling pump is a pouch.

5. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a docking station configured to removably receive the aerosol generating device, wherein the docking station is configured to receive the refilling pump, preferably the docking station is configured to removably receive the refilling pump.

6. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the aerosol generating system comprises a liquid storage section for holding a liquid aerosol forming substrate, and the liquid storage section is configured to be fluidly connectable to the refilling pump.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 6, wherein the refilling pump comprises one or more of a liquid inlet and a liquid inlet channel configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid storage unit, and the refilling pump is configured to pump in a liquid aerosol forming substrate from the liquid storage unit into the chamber of the refilling pump.

8. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of the liquid outlet of the refilling pump, the liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump, the liquid inlet according to claim 7, and the liquid inlet channel according to claim 7 are equipped with a valve, preferably a one-way valve.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the refill pump is configured to open one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refill pump when a liquid aerosol forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, and preferably close one or more of the valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel of the refill pump.

10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the refilling pump is configured to close one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump, and the refilling pump is configured to open one or more of the valves of the liquid inlet and liquid inlet channel of the refilling pump when a liquid aerosol forming substrate is pumped from the liquid storage unit into the chamber of the cartridge.

11. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the refilling pump comprises a piston, the piston being configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation, in the compression position, one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump are open, and in the depressurization position, one or both of the valves of the liquid outlet and liquid outlet channel of the refilling pump are closed.

12. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the chamber of the pump comprises a wall, the wall comprising a first portion and a second portion, and one or both of the first portion and the second portion of the wall are configured to be movable between a compression position and a depressurization position by manual operation, and in the compression position, the refill pump is configured to pump in a liquid aerosol forming substrate from the chamber of the refill pump into the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein, at the reduced pressure position, the refilling pump is configured to pump the liquid aerosol forming substrate from the liquid storage unit into the chamber of the cartridge.

14. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the chamber of the refilling pump comprises a biasing means, preferably a spring, configured to move one or both of the first wall portion and the second wall portion from the compression position to the decompression position.

15. A method for moving a liquid aerosol-forming substrate using an aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, - A step of connecting the refill pump to the cartridge, A method comprising the step of manually operating the refill pump so that a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is pumped from the refill pump into the cartridge.

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