Aerosol generating article comprising a liquid storage part and a movable sealing member

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device. The article includes a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The liquid reservoir includes a reservoir outlet. The article further includes a sealing member reversibly movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to open or hermetically close the reservoir outlet, respectively. Furthermore, the article includes an actuator member operably coupled to the sealing member for moving the sealing member at least from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol-generating system including such an article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol article for use with an aerosol generating device, the article comprising a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system comprising such an article.

Background Art

[0002] Generating an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming liquid is generally known from the prior art. For this purpose, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be conveyed from a liquid reservoir to a region outside the reservoir by a liquid conduit, for example, a wick element. There, the liquid is vaporized by a heater and then may be exposed to an air path to form an inhalable aerosol. Both the liquid reservoir and the liquid conduit may be part of an aerosol article configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating device to vaporize the aerosol-forming liquid stored within the article. To ensure that the quality of the aerosol-forming liquid remains acceptable until consumption under the expected distribution and storage conditions, the reservoir may be sealed, for example, by a pierceable septum. However, after opening, the seal may not be able to be closed properly again. This can shorten the shelf life of the aerosol article, particularly the useful life after opening.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to have an aerosol article for storing an aerosol-forming liquid that has the advantages of prior art solutions while reducing their limitations. In particular, it is desirable to have an aerosol article for storing an aerosol-forming liquid that has an improved shelf life, particularly an improved useful life after opening.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol article for use with an aerosol generating device. The article comprises a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The liquid reservoir includes a reservoir outlet. The article further comprises a sealing member that is reversibly movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to open or sealably close the reservoir outlet, respectively. Further, the article comprises an actuator member operably coupled to the sealing member to move the sealing member at least from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0005] According to the present invention, it has been found that the shelf life of an aerosol article can be significantly improved by a sealing member that is movable to reversibly open and close the reservoir outlet. In particular, the reservoir outlet can be reliably closed again after opening. As a result, the shelf life before consumption, as well as the useful life after the start of consumption, can be extended. Thus, an article in which only a part has been consumed can be easily left in or removed from the aerosol generating device and stored for later consumption without the remaining aerosol-forming liquid leaking, changing, or being contaminated from the reservoir until subsequent consumption.

[0006] As used herein, the term "moving the sealing member" may include either displacing the sealing member or deforming the sealing member between a closed configuration in which the sealing member closes to seal the reservoir outlet and an open configuration in which the sealing member clears the reservoir outlet. Similarly, the term "movable sealing member" may include either a sealing member that is displaceable or a sealing member that is deformable between a closed configuration in which the sealing member closes to seal the reservoir outlet and an open configuration in which the sealing member clears the reservoir outlet. The mechanical displacement may be a change in the position of the center of mass. The deformation may be a change in shape, in particular between a flat shape in the open or closed configuration, respectively, and a bent shape (in particular, a curved shape, such as a convexly or concavely curved shape) in the closed or open configuration, respectively.

[0007] By having an actuator member operably connected to the sealing member to move the sealing member at least from a closed configuration to an open configuration, advantageously, particularly when the article is inserted into an aerosol generating device configured to be used with the article, it becomes possible to easily prepare the article for consumption. Thus, the actuator member may be configured to move the sealing member at least from a closed configuration to an open configuration in response to inserting the article into the aerosol generating device.

[0008] Also, the actuator member is preferably also configured to move the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Advantageously, this facilitates closing the storage part after opening, for example, when the consumption of the article is temporarily stopped, or when the article is temporarily removed from the aerosol generating device. In particular, the actuator member can be configured to move the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration in response to removing the article from the aerosol generating device.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the actuator member may be a heat-driven actuator member. A heat-driven actuator can be any actuator member that undergoes at least one of mechanical displacements or deformations suitable for moving the sealing member at least from a closed configuration to an open configuration under the influence of a temperature change. The temperature change can be either extraction of thermal energy from the heat-driven actuator member or supply of thermal energy to the heat-driven actuator member.

[0010] The thermal energy that needs to be converted into mechanical displacement or deformation to move the sealing member may be derived from the heating process used to heat the aerosol-forming liquid when the article is received within the aerosol-generating device. For that purpose, the thermally actuated actuator may be disposed in thermal contact with, or in thermal proximity to, the heating element used to heat the aerosol-forming liquid when the article is received within the aerosol-generating device. That is, when heated, for example, during preheating of the aerosol-forming liquid, the thermally actuated actuator may bend or expand in one direction so as to move the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The reverse is also possible, and when cooled again towards its initial temperature, the thermally actuated actuator may bend or contract so as to return to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0011] Furthermore, an aerosol generating device configured such that aerosol generating articles are used together may also be provided with a heating arrangement for actuating a thermally actuated actuator member. The heating arrangement for actuating the thermally actuated actuator member may be separate from the heating arrangement of the aerosol generating device used to evaporate the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, the separate heating arrangement enables selective opening and closing of the reservoir outlet, particularly independently of the vaporization process. Heating of the actuator member may be initiated in response to at least one of user input, or initiation of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or insertion of an article into the aerosol generating device. Similarly, the aerosol generating device may be provided with a common heating arrangement for actuating the thermally actuated actuator member and for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, the common heating arrangement enables opening and closing of the reservoir outlet in synchronization with the start and stop of the vaporization process. For example, the heating arrangement, particularly the separate heating arrangement, may include a resistive heating element arranged to be in thermal contact with or in thermal proximity to the thermally actuated actuator member when the article is received within the aerosol generating device. Similarly, particularly when the thermally actuated actuator member is inductively heatable, the heating arrangement may include an induction source including at least one induction coil for generating an alternating magnetic field at the location of the thermally actuated actuator member when the article is received within the aerosol generating device, for heating the thermally actuated actuator member by inductive heating. The term "inductively heatable actuator member" as used in this context refers to a thermally actuated actuator member including a susceptor material having the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents induced within the susceptor material depending on its electrical and magnetic properties. The at least one induction coil may be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, particularly a pancake coil or a curved planar coil. The use of a flat spiral coil enables a robust and inexpensive to manufacture compact design.The induction source may be a common induction source configured to inductively heat both the thermally actuated actuator member and the aerosol-forming liquid using the same alternating magnetic field. Similarly, the induction source used to operate the thermally actuated actuator member may be separate from the heating arrangement of the aerosol generator used to evaporate the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0012] As an example, the thermally actuated actuator member may comprise a bimetal. A bimetal refers to an object made of two or more separate metals bonded together that converts a temperature change into at least one mechanical displacement or deformation. The term "bimetal" as used herein refers not only to an object made of two separate metals, but also to an object made of three, four, or more separate metals, i.e., a trimetal, a tetrametal, or generally any multi-metal. For example, the bimetal may include different types of stainless steel such as austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel. The bimetal may also include combinations of other metals such as stainless steel and tungsten. The thermally actuated actuator member may be, for example, a bimetal strip operably connected to a sealing member to move the sealing member from at least a closed configuration to an open position. The strip may include two strips of different metals that expand at different rates when heated, i.e., have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Due to the different expansions, the strip bends in one direction when heated and returns in the opposite direction when cooled. The metal with the higher coefficient of thermal expansion is on the outside of the bend when the strip is heated and on the inside when cooled. The bending of the strip leads to a displacement, and then the displacement may cause the sealing member connected to the strip to move. That is, when heated, for example, during preheating of the aerosol-forming liquid, the strip may bend in one direction to move the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The reverse is also possible, and when cooled back towards its initial temperature, the strip may bend back to move the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0013] In addition, the thermally actuated actuator member may include a multilayer member composed of two or more separate layers of different materials, in particular, including metals and non-metals that are joined together to convert a temperature change into at least one of mechanical displacement or deformation. For example, the multilayer member may include a metal layer and a plastic layer, or a metal layer and a ceramic layer. The plastic layer may include, for example, parylene or silicon, or may be made of these. Advantageously, the plastic layer may form a sealing member.

[0014] As another example, the thermally actuated actuator member may include a shape memory material. A shape memory material is a material, particularly an alloy, that deforms when cooled but returns to its pre-deformed ("remembered") shape when heated. The shape memory effect occurs because a temperature-induced phase transformation causes the deformation to reverse. The phase transformation typically occurs at a predetermined temperature, a so-called switching temperature. The shape memory material may be either a one-way shape memory material or a two-way shape memory material. A one-way shape memory material is a shape memory material that bends or stretches in its low-temperature state and can retain its shape until heated above the transition temperature. With heating, the shape changes back to its original shape. When the material is cooled again, the shape is retained until it deforms again. A two-way shape memory material is a shape memory material that remembers two different shapes, one at a low temperature and one at a high temperature. A material that exhibits the shape memory effect during both heating and cooling is said to have two-way shape memory. This can also be obtained without applying an external force (intrinsic two-way effect). Similar to the case of bimetal, the phase transformation of the shape memory material is achieved by at least one of the displacements or deformations that can be used to move the sealing member between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0015] Generally, a shape memory material can be designed to have a predetermined switching temperature at which a phase transformation occurs. The switching temperature is preferably selected to be significantly above room temperature (20 degrees Celsius) or higher, for example, higher than 50 degrees Celsius. A high temperature such as a maximum of 50 degrees Celsius can occur, for example, when an aerosol-generating article is placed in a vehicle under sunlight. Advantageously, this ensures that the shape memory material is in the first of two phases with respect to the temperature at which the article is typically transported or stored (i.e., a temperature below the operating temperature at which the aerosol-forming liquid stored within the article evaporates). Thus, this first phase is preferably used to move and maintain the sealing member in a closed configuration so as to ensure proper sealing of the storage unit outlet with respect to the temperature at which the article is typically transported or stored. Conversely, the switching temperature should be selected to be below the operating temperature of the shape memory material during evaporation of the aerosol-forming liquid during use of the article. This ensures that the shape memory material is already in the second of two phases well before it reaches its operating temperature during use of the article. Thus, the second phase is preferably used to move and maintain the sealing member in an open configuration so as to ensure that the storage unit outlet is released and allows evaporation of the aerosol-forming liquid in the region external to the storage unit. However, the switching temperature should be selected to only slightly exceed the operating temperature of the shape memory material during use of the article. This can shorten the closing time for moving the sealing member to the closed configuration after consumption of the article, particularly after evaporation of the aerosol-forming liquid has ceased. Advantageously, the short closing time reduces the risk of unwanted leakage and contamination of the aerosol-forming liquid still contained within the storage unit. Thus, the switching temperature may be below the operating temperature of the shape memory material during use of the article by 5 degrees Celsius, or 10 degrees Celsius, or 20 degrees Celsius. In any case, the switching temperature should be selected to be well below the boiling temperature of the aerosol-forming liquid stored within the article to avoid unwanted boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid within the storage unit. In absolute terms, the switching temperature of the shape memory material may be in the range of 80 degrees Celsius to 240 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius.

[0016] The shape memory material may be an austenitic titanium alloy, in particular an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy or a nickel-titanium-hafnium alloy. The nickel-titanium alloy changes from austenite to martensite upon cooling. Advantageously, the transition from the martensite phase to the austenite phase depends only on temperature and stress and not on time.

[0017] For example, the thermally actuated actuator member may include at least one temperature-actuated spring that includes or is made of a shape memory material. The spring may be configured to expand when heated and contract when cooled again. Conversely, the spring may be configured to contract when heated and expand when cooled again. The temperature-actuated spring may be connected to the sealing member, for example, such that when the temperature-actuated spring expands either when heated or when cooled, it applies a force to the sealing member at least in the closing direction. Further, the temperature-actuated spring may be connected to, in particular, attached to the sealing member such that it also applies a force to the sealing member in the opening direction.

[0018] The at least one temperature-actuated spring may include at least one of a cylindrical coil spring (helical spring), or a conical coil spring (conical helical spring), or a disc spring, or a star spring. The disc spring may have a conical or curved shell that can be loaded statically or dynamically along its axis. The temperature-actuated spring may include a stack of single disc springs or star springs to modify the spring constant or deflection amount. Stacking in the same direction adds the spring constants in parallel and creates a stiffer joint with the same deflection. Stacking in alternating directions results in a smaller spring constant and a larger deflection. By mixing and matching the directions, it becomes possible to design specific spring constants and deflection capacities.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the actuator member may be a magnetically driven actuator member. Generally, a magnetically driven actuator member may be part of a magnetic actuator that uses a magnetic effect to generate a force that affects the movement of the magnetically driven actuator member. The magnetic actuator preferably is based on magnetic forces acting at a distance, namely Lorentz (Laplace) forces and reluctance forces. The magnetic actuators can be classified into different categories, two of which are the movable magnet actuator and the movable iron actuator, which are particularly suitable for moving the sealing member of the aerosol generating article from at least a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0020] The movable magnet actuator may include a movable permanent magnet and a fixed magnetic coil arranged such that a current in the magnetic coil generates a pair of equal and opposite forces between the magnet and the magnetic coil, thereby displacing the magnet. Similarly, the magnet actuator may include a movable permanent magnet and a fixed permanent magnet or a fixed magnetic material that displaces the movable permanent magnet when in proximity to the movable permanent magnet. Thus, the magnetically driven actuator member (as part of the movable magnet actuator) may include a permanent magnet and be movable from a first position to a second position by interaction with a magnetic coil, a permanent magnet, or a magnetic material of the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from at least a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0021] In the movable iron actuator, a movable ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member, particularly a soft magnetic member, is placed within the magnetic field of a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet. Driven by an effort to minimize the magnetic energy of the entire system, the movable ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member is displaced due to the reluctance force. Thus, the magnetically driven actuator member (as part of the movable iron actuator) may include a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, particularly a soft magnetic member, which is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet of the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from at least a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, the actuator member may be a mechanically contacting drive actuator member configured and arranged to mechanically interact with the aerosol generating device when inserted into the aerosol generating device such that the actuator member moves from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby moving the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The movement of the mechanically contacting drive actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration can be caused by the displacement of the aerosol generating article relative to the aerosol generating device when the article is inserted into the device. That is, the movement of the mechanically contacting drive actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration can be induced by the movement of the article during insertion into the device. As an example, the mechanically contacting drive actuator member may be a movable piston configured and arranged to mechanically interact, particularly to abut or engage, with an abutment of the aerosol generating device, particularly a pusher or catch, when the article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. By the interaction with the catch or abutment, the piston moves from the first configuration to the second configuration, at least when the article has reached its predetermined position within the device.

[0023] As another example, the mechanically contacting drive actuator member may be a flexible wall member of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the flexible wall member may be at an end portion of the article, particularly at a bottom portion of the article. The flexible wall member may be made of an elastic material such as silicon. The flexible wall member may be configured to interact with a pusher of an aerosol-generating device, such as a piston, when the article is inserted into the device such that the flexible wall member is deformed towards the interior of the article. For example, the pusher may be a piston-like protrusion at the bottom of a cavity of the device into which the article can be inserted for use with the device. Thus, when the article is inserted into the device, the flexible actuator member contacts the protrusion and the flexible wall member can be deformed towards the interior of the article. Thus, the flexible wall member moves from a first configuration (non-deformed configuration) to a second configuration (deformed configuration) at least when the article reaches its predetermined position within the device. This movement can be used to move the sealing member from at least a closed configuration to an open configuration. For example, the sealing member may be a flexible tube made of an elastic membrane material. The flexible tube may include a plurality of slits through a tube wall extending along the tube axis. The slit tube-like sealing member may be disposed within the article such that it is compressed and expands outwardly by a flexible wall member that deforms towards the interior of the article. Due to the expansion, the slits through the tube wall of the sealing member open, thereby allowing the aerosol-forming liquid to enter the interior of the tube-like sealing member and thus be in fluid communication with the reservoir outlet. When the article is removed from the cavity, the flexible actuator member can return to its flat (non-deformed) configuration due to its elastic properties. Similarly, the tube-like sealing member can return to its extended (non-expanded) configuration due to its elastic properties and, in some cases, due to the flexible actuator member straightening when the actuator member returns to its flat configuration. In the extended (non-expanded) configuration of the sealing member, the slits through the tube wall of the sealing member are hermetically closed so that the tube-like sealing member seals the reservoir outlet.

[0024] Similarly, the aerosol generating device may comprise a mechanical actuator configured and arranged to mechanically interact with a mechanical contact drive actuator member to move the actuator member from a first configuration to a second configuration. The mechanical actuator of the device may be a movable pusher or a movable catch. The movement of the movable pusher or the movable catch may occur manually by the user actuating the movable pusher or the movable catch. Similarly, the movement of the movable pusher or the movable catch may occur by an electric drive or a magnetic drive actuator.

[0025] To facilitate the movement of the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the aerosol generating article may further comprise a return mechanism arranged and configured to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In particular, the return mechanism may include at least one return spring. As another way, or additionally, the return mechanism may be at least partially realized by a sealing member comprising or made of an elastic material. Similar to the return spring, the elasticity of the sealing member may be configured to act in a closing direction to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The return mechanism is preferably configured to apply a sealing force acting in the closing direction to the sealing member when the sealing member is (already) in the closed configuration. Advantageously, the sealing force enhances the sealed closure of the reservoir outlet.

[0026] Generally, the actuator member and the sealing member may physically contact each other at least while moving the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration. If the actuator member is configured to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the actuator member and the sealing member may also physically contact each other while moving the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0027] Similarly, the return mechanism and the sealing member may physically contact each other, at least while moving the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Further, the return mechanism and the sealing member may physically contact each other while moving the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

[0028] Physical contact as used in this context may be at least one of abutting against each other, engaging with each other, or being attached to each other. In particular, the actuator member and the sealing member may be attached to each other by at least one of form fitting, force fitting, or adhesive bonding. With respect to the actuator member and the sealing member, the form fit may act in either the opening direction only, or both the opening and closing directions. For example, the actuator member and the sealing member may be adhesively bonded to each other, pushed together, or screwed into each other. Similarly, the actuator member and the sealing member may be overmolded with plastic. With respect to the return mechanism and the sealing member, the form fit may act in either the closing direction only, or both the opening and closing directions. For example, the return mechanism and the sealing member may be adhesively bonded to each other, pushed together, or screwed into each other.

[0029] The actuator member and the sealing member may be integrally formed with each other. For example, the aerosol generating article may be made of a magnetic material and include a sealing body configured to close so as to seal the storage part outlet. Due to the magnetic material, the sealing body can be actuated by a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet of the aerosol generating device when an article is inserted therein. Thus, the sealing body is both the actuator member and the sealing member.

[0030] Generally, the sealing member may have any shape, configuration, and arrangement suitable for closing to seal the storage part outlet.

[0031] The sealing member preferably comprises or is made of an elastic material, in particular a rubber material. Advantageously, the elastic material has inherent sealing properties as it can conform to the structure of the sealing sheet and furthermore provide an airtight seal due to its elastic nature.

[0032] Generally, the sealing member can be arranged either inside or outside the storage part. That is, the sealing member may be arranged and configured to close the storage part outlet from outside the storage part or from inside the storage part.

[0033] The sealing member may be or may include one of a cap or a plate that covers the storage part outlet in a closed configuration. Similarly, the sealing member may be or may include a plug that is at least partially fitted snugly to the storage part outlet in a closed configuration, such as blocking the storage part outlet. For example, the sealing member may be a plug having a half-ball or conical shape to close the circular opening of the storage part outlet.

[0034] As described above, the sealing member may also include a flexible tube made of an elastic membrane material. The flexible tube may include a plurality of slits through the tube wall that extend along the tube axis, i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube. The slit tube-like sealing member may be arranged inside the article to be compressed and expand outwardly. Due to the expansion, the slits through the tube wall of the sealing member open, thereby allowing the aerosol-forming liquid to enter the interior of the tube-like sealing member and thus be in fluid communication with the storage part outlet. In the extended (non-expanded) configuration of the sealing member, the slits through the tube wall of the sealing member are sealed closed so that the tube-like sealing member seals the storage part outlet.

[0035] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a liquid conduit for delivering the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid storage part through the storage part outlet to an area outside the liquid storage part when the sealing member is in an open configuration.

[0036] The liquid conduit may be fixedly disposed within the aerosol generating article. It is also possible to movably dispose the liquid conduit within the aerosol generating article. The liquid conduit may be movable between a first position and a second position. For example, the liquid conduit may be attached to at least one of a sealing member or an actuator member. For this purpose, the liquid conduit may be movable between a first position and a second position together with each of the sealing member or the actuator member so as to provide a switchable liquid flow from the liquid storage part to a region outside the liquid storage part. The first position corresponds to the sealing member being in a closed configuration, and the second position corresponds to the sealing member being in an open configuration.

[0037] When the sealing member is in the closed configuration, the liquid conduit may be disposed at least partially outside the storage part. In particular, the liquid conduit may be disposed completely outside the storage part when the sealing member is in the closed configuration. Thus, when the sealing member is in the closed configuration, the liquid conduit does not contact the aerosol-forming liquid in the storage part. Advantageously, this prevents the aerosol-forming liquid in the storage part from being contaminated and from leaking unintentionally from the storage part.

[0038] Thus, generally, it is preferable that the liquid conduit is sealed from the aerosol-forming liquid inside the storage part when the sealing member is in the closed configuration.

[0039] Conversely, it is also possible that the liquid conduit is disposed completely inside the storage part when the sealing member is in the closed configuration. This may also prevent the aerosol-forming liquid in the storage part from being contaminated and from leaking unintentionally from the storage part through the liquid conduit.

[0040] When the sealing member is in the open configuration, the liquid conduit may be disposed at least partially within the reservoir. That is, at least a portion of the liquid conduit may pass through the reservoir. Similarly, the liquid conduit may face the reservoir when the sealing member is in the open configuration. As used herein, the term "facing the reservoir" refers to a configuration in which the liquid conduit is in fluid communication with the reservoir but does not pass through the reservoir. For example, the liquid conduit may terminate at the reservoir outlet. Both arrangements allow the liquid conduit to be immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid contained within the reservoir. Thus, at least when the sealing member is in the open configuration, that portion of the liquid conduit disposed within or facing the reservoir may be shown as the immersion section of the liquid conduit.

[0041] When the sealing member is in the open configuration, the liquid conduit may be disposed at least partially in a region external to the reservoir. That is, at least a portion of the liquid conduit may pass through a region external to the reservoir. Similarly, the liquid conduit may face a region external to the reservoir when the sealing member is in the open configuration. As used herein, the term "facing a region external to the reservoir" refers to a configuration in which the liquid conduit is in fluid communication with a region external to the reservoir but does not pass through it. For example, the liquid conduit may terminate at the reservoir outlet. Both arrangements allow the aerosol-forming liquid to be provided to a region external to the reservoir for vaporization. Thus, the region external to the reservoir may be a vaporization zone, where the aerosol-forming liquid may be vaporized by heating to form an aerosol. The vaporization zone is preferably part of the aerosol-generating article. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a vaporization zone, particularly a vaporization cavity. Thus, when the sealing member is in the open configuration, the liquid conduit may pass through or be disposed within the vaporization zone. Similarly, the liquid conduit may face the vaporization zone when the sealing member is in the open configuration.

[0042] The liquid conduit may pass through the reservoir outlet when the sealing member is in the open configuration. This is particularly applicable when the liquid conduit passes through both the reservoir and a region external to the reservoir.

[0043] Also, when the sealing member is in the closed configuration, it is also possible for the liquid conduit to pass through the storage section outlet. The liquid conduit passes through the storage section outlet in the closed configuration, but the sealing member can still close so as to seal the storage section outlet. For example, the sealing member may be a cap such as a cup-like cap provided on that portion of the liquid conduit that covers both the liquid conduit and the storage section outlet so as to pass through the storage section outlet and close to seal the storage section from the region outside the storage section. As another example, the sealing member may be deformable and configured to have a cap-like or cup-like shape at least in the closed configuration.

[0044] The liquid conduit may also pass through at least one of the sealing member and the actuator member.

[0045] Furthermore, when the sealing member is in the closed configuration, it is possible to compress at least a portion of the liquid conduit. Advantageously, by compressing the liquid conduit, liquid conveyance through the liquid conduit can also be reduced or interrupted. As a result, the aerosol-forming liquid is prevented from leaking from the storage section through the liquid conduit. Compressing the liquid conduit is particularly beneficial when the liquid conduit passes through the sealing member even when the sealing member is in the closed configuration.

[0046] Generally, the liquid conduit can have any shape and configuration suitable for conveying the aerosol-forming liquid from the storage section to a region outside the storage section, particularly to the vaporization zone of the article.

[0047] The liquid conduit may include a core element. The configuration of the core element can be a strand-like wire having sufficient porosity, a rope of strand-like material, a mesh, a mesh tube, several concentric mesh tubes, a cloth, a sheet of material, or a foam (or other porous solid), a roll of fine metal mesh, or a metal foil, any other arrangement of fibers or mesh, or any other shape appropriately sized and configured to perform the wicking action described herein.

[0048] The liquid conduit, in particular the core element, may comprise a bundle of filaments comprising a plurality of filaments. The bundle of filaments is preferably a bundle of non-stranded filaments. In a bundle of non-stranded filaments, the filaments extend adjacent to each other without crossing each other, preferably along the entire length extension of the filament bundle. Similarly, the bundle of filaments may comprise a stranded portion in which the filaments of the bundle of filaments are stranded. The stranded portion may enhance the mechanical stability of the bundle of filaments.

[0049] As an example, the bundle of filaments may comprise a parallel bundle portion along at least a portion of its length extension in which a plurality of filaments may be arranged parallel to each other. The parallel bundle portion may be arranged at one end portion of the bundle of filaments or between both end portions of the bundle of filaments. Alternatively, the parallel bundle portion may extend along the entire length dimension of the bundle of filaments.

[0050] As another example, the bundle of filaments may comprise a first immersion section, a second immersion section, and an intermediate section between the first immersion section and the second immersion section. Along at least the intermediate section, a plurality of filaments may be arranged parallel to each other. With respect to a particular configuration of an article having a buffer storage portion and a vaporization zone, each of the first immersion section and the second immersion section may be at least partially arranged within the capillary buffer storage portion, and the intermediate section may be arranged within a region external to the capillary buffer storage portion, particularly within the vaporization zone.

[0051] Since the filaments essentially provide capillary action, it is particularly advantageous to use the filaments for transporting liquids. Furthermore, in a bundle of filaments, the capillary action is further enhanced due to the narrow spaces formed between the plurality of filaments when bundled. In particular, this applies to the parallel arrangement of filaments in which the capillary action is constant along it because the narrow spaces between the filaments do not vary along the parallel arrangement.

[0052] The filament is preferably a solid material filament. The solid material filament is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Further, the solid material filament provides good mechanical stability and thus strengthens the bundle of filaments. Generally, the filament may have any cross-sectional shape suitable for transporting the aerosol-forming liquid, particularly when bundled. Thus, the filament may have a circular, oval, oblong, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or polygonal cross-section. The filament preferably has a substantially circular, oblong, or oval cross-section. Having such cross-sections, the filaments are in line contact only and not area contact with each other, forming capillary spaces on themselves between the plurality of filaments.

[0053] Capillary action depends generally on the decrease in the surface energies of the liquid surface and the solid surface of the filament, which are two separate surfaces. Capillary action includes effects that depend on the radius of curvature of both the liquid surface and the filament. Thus, there is a need for a large surface area and a small radius of curvature, both of which are achieved by the small diameter of the filament. Thus, the plurality of first filaments may have a diameter of up to 0.025 millimeters, up to 0.05 millimeters, up to 0.1 millimeters, up to 0.15 millimeters, up to 0.2 millimeters, up to 0.25 millimeters, up to 0.3 millimeters, up to 0.35 millimeters, up to 0.4 millimeters, up to 0.45 millimeters, or up to 0.5 millimeters.

[0054] Generally, the bundle of filaments may be a bundle of linear filaments, i.e., a bundle of substantially straight, non-curved or non-buckled filaments. This configuration does not exclude slight bending of the bundle of filaments, i.e., a large radius of curvature along the length extension of the bundle of filaments. As used herein, a large radius of curvature may include a radius of curvature that is 10 times, particularly 20 times, or 50 times, or particularly 100 times larger than the total length of the bundle of filaments. Alternatively, the bundle of filaments may be curved. In particular, the bundle of filaments may be substantially U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped.

[0055] The plurality of filaments may be surface-treated. In particular, the plurality of filaments may include at least a partial surface coating, such as an aerosolized enhanced surface coating, a liquid adhesive surface coating, a liquid-repellent surface coating, or an antibacterial surface coating. The aerosolized enhanced surface coating may advantageously enhance the experience of various users in particular. The liquid adhesive surface coating may be beneficial with respect to enhancing the capillary action of the bundle of filaments. The antibacterial surface coating may function to reduce bacterial contamination. In particular, the liquid-repellent surface coating at the tip of the filament may avoid liquid dripping.

[0056] Depending on the available space, the dimensions of the filaments, and the amount of aerosol-forming liquid to be conveyed and heated, the bundle of filaments may include 3 to 100 filaments, particularly 10 to 80 filaments, preferably 20 to 60 filaments, more preferably 30 to 50 filaments, for example 40 filaments.

[0057] As yet another example, the liquid conduit may include two filament arrays that partially cross each other. In particular, the liquid conduit may include an array of longitudinal filaments arranged side by side, as well as an array of transverse filaments arranged side by side and crossing the array of longitudinal filaments in a transverse direction with respect to the length extension of the longitudinal filaments. The array of transverse filaments may extend only along a length portion of the array of longitudinal filaments such that the liquid conduit includes at least one grid portion and at least one non-grid portion. As an example, the array of longitudinal filaments may have a substantially cylindrical shape, particularly a hollow cylindrical shape. As another example, the array of longitudinal filaments may have a substantially conical shape or a substantially frustoconical shape, particularly a substantially hollow conical shape or a substantially hollow frustoconical shape. In any of these configurations, the longitudinal filaments respectively form a cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow frustoconical shell surface. The longitudinal axis of each shape extends substantially along the length extension of the longitudinal filaments. Advantageously, any of the aforementioned shapes provides inherent mechanical dimensional stability. The array of transverse filaments preferably has a substantially ring shape in any of these configurations. That is, the transverse filaments extend along the outer periphery of the array of longitudinal filaments in a cylindrical, conical, frustoconical, hollow cylindrical, hollow conical, or hollow frustoconical shape in the grid portion of the susceptor assembly. Overall, the susceptor assembly has a substantially crown shape in any of the aforementioned configurations. Further, in the case of a conical, frustoconical, hollow conical, or hollow frustoconical shape, the longitudinal filaments branch away from each other towards the base of each shape. Accordingly, an array of longitudinal filaments in a conical, frustoconical, hollow conical, or hollow conical shape facilitates the provision of a fan-out portion.

[0058] The liquid conduit is preferably capable of being inductively heated. Thus, the liquid conduit advantageously has the ability to perform both the functions of transporting and heating the aerosol-forming liquid. Advantageously, this dual function saves significantly on the material of the liquid conduit and allows for a compact design without having separate means for transport and heating. Further, there is direct thermal contact between the heat source, i.e., the liquid conduit and the aerosol-forming liquid adhered thereto. Unlike the case where the heater contacts a saturated wick, the direct contact between the liquid conduit and a small amount of liquid advantageously allows for flash heating, i.e., a rapid onset of evaporation. In this regard, the liquid conduit can be considered to be, or to include, a liquid transport susceptor assembly. As used herein, the term "inductively heatable" refers to a liquid conduit that includes a susceptor material having the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This can be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents induced within the susceptor material depending on its electrical and magnetic properties. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials due to magnetic domains within the material that are switched under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents are induced within a conductive susceptor material. In the case of a conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor material, heat is generated by both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.

[0059] Accordingly, an inductively heatable liquid conduit can include at least a first susceptor material. The first susceptor material may each independently include, or be made of, a material that is at least one of conductive and ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. That is, the first susceptor material can include, or be made of, a ferrimagnetic material, a ferromagnetic material, a conductive material, or one of a conductive ferrimagnetic material or a conductive ferromagnetic material.

[0060] Furthermore, the liquid conduit may include a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material can be optimized for heat loss and thus heating efficiency, and the second susceptor material can be used as a temperature marker. For this reason, the second susceptor material preferably includes one of a ferromagnetic material or a ferrimagnetic material. In particular, the second susceptor material can be selected to have a Curie temperature corresponding to a predetermined heating temperature. At that Curie temperature, the magnetism of the second susceptor material changes from ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic, accompanied by a temporary change in its electrical resistance. Therefore, by monitoring the corresponding change in the current absorbed by the induction source, the change can be detected when the second susceptor material reaches its Curie temperature and thus when the predetermined heating temperature is reached. The second susceptor material preferably has a Curie temperature lower than 500 degrees Celsius. In particular, the second susceptor material may have a Curie temperature below 350 degrees Celsius, preferably below 300 degrees Celsius, more preferably below 250 degrees Celsius, even more preferably below 200 degrees Celsius, and most preferably below 150 degrees Celsius. The Curie temperature is preferably selected to be below the boiling point of the aerosol-forming liquid that is vaporized in order to prevent the generation of harmful components in the aerosol.

[0061] As an example, the liquid conduit may include a plurality of first filaments comprising, or made of, a first susceptor material. Additionally, the liquid conduit may include a plurality of second filaments comprising, or made of, a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material is preferably different from the second susceptor material. Only a few filaments are needed to function adequately as temperature markers. Thus, the number of first filaments may be greater than the number of second filaments, particularly, two times, or three times, or four times, or five times, or six times, or seven times, or eight times, or nine times, or ten times greater. Preferably, the diameters of the first and second filaments are greater than twice the skin depth in order to induce a sufficient amount of eddy current and thus generate a sufficient amount of thermal energy when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The skin depth is a measure of how far electrical conduction occurs within a conductive susceptor material when inductively heated. Thus, depending on the material and frequency of the alternating magnetic field used, the first and second filaments may have a diameter of at least 0.015 millimeters, at least 0.02 millimeters, at least 0.025 millimeters, at least 0.05 millimeters, at least 0.075 millimeters, at least 0.1 millimeters, at least 0.125 millimeters, at least 0.15 millimeters, at least 0.2 millimeters, at least 0.3 millimeters, or at least 0.4 millimeters. The second filaments may be randomly distributed throughout the liquid conduit. Advantageously, a random distribution requires only minimal effort during the manufacture of the liquid conduit.

[0062] The plurality of first filaments and optional plurality of second filaments described above may be used in any of the liquid conduit configurations described above, such as a bundle of filaments including at least one parallel bundle portion, a bundle of filaments including two immersion sections and an intermediate portion, or a liquid conduit including two filament arrays that partially cross each other to form at least one grid portion and at least one non-grid portion.

[0063] When the liquid conduit is inductively heatable, the filament may be disposed off-center with respect to the geometric central axis of the aerosol-generating article, as already described above. For this reason, the liquid conduit may be disposed off-center with respect to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductive heating aerosol-generating device into which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted to heat the liquid conduit. Advantageously, due to the off-center arrangement, i.e., the asymmetric arrangement, the liquid conduit is disposed within a region of the alternating magnetic field having a higher magnetic field density compared to the symmetric center arrangement. As a result, the heating efficiency is enhanced.

[0064] The aerosol-generating article may be an aerosol-generating article for single use or an aerosol-generating article for multiple uses. In the latter case, the aerosol-generating article may be refillable. That is, the storage part may be refillable with the aerosol-forming liquid. In any configuration, the aerosol-generating article may further contain the aerosol-forming liquid contained within the storage part.

[0065] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming liquid" relates to a liquid having the ability to release volatile compounds that can form an aerosol upon heating of the aerosol-forming liquid. The aerosol-forming liquid is intended to be heated. The aerosol-forming liquid may include both solid aerosol-forming materials or components and liquid aerosol-forming materials or components. The aerosol-forming liquid may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the liquid upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming liquid may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming liquid may further include an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming liquid may also include other additives and ingredients, such as nicotine or flavorants. In particular, the aerosol-forming liquid may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, and a natural or artificial flavor. The aerosol-forming liquid may be an aqueous aerosol-forming liquid or an oily aerosol-forming liquid.

[0066] The reservoir may comprise or be made of one of PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). PP, PE, and PET are particularly cost-effective and are easy to mold, especially by extrusion.

[0067] The storage part may be at least divided into a main storage part for storing the aerosol-forming liquid and a capillary buffer storage part that stores the aerosol-forming liquid due to capillary action and is in fluid communication with the main storage part. The storage part outlet may be in fluid communication with the capillary buffer storage part to provide the aerosol-forming liquid at the interface of the capillary buffer storage part and the outside of the main storage part. The buffer storage part is configured to store the aerosol-forming liquid due to capillary action in order to reliably provide a sufficient amount of the aerosol-forming liquid to a liquid conduit that is in fluid communication with the buffer storage part, independently of the article position. For this reason, the volume of the capillary buffer storage part can be selected to be sufficiently small so that the capillary effect is dominant over gravity. As a result, after being filled in the buffer storage part, the aerosol-forming liquid is prevented from flowing back into the main storage part, especially when the orientation of the article changes from, for example, a substantially upright position to a substantially horizontal position or even an upside-down position. Basically, the capillary buffer storage part acts in the same way as the buffer storage part of a fountain pen.

[0068] The dimensions of the capillary buffer storage part can be selected such that the maximum dimension between two opposing walls that define at least a part of the capillary buffer storage part is in the range of 0.2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, particularly 0.5 millimeters to 2.5 millimeters, preferably 1 millimeter to 2 millimeters. These values enable ensuring sufficient capillary action while still providing a sufficiently large buffer volume for storing a sufficient amount of the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0069] The capillary buffer storage part may have a total volume of at most 60 cubic millimeters, particularly at most 50 cubic millimeters, preferably at most 40 cubic millimeters, more preferably at most 30 cubic millimeters, and most preferably at most 20 cubic millimeters. These volumes still ensure an appropriate capillary action.

[0070] Conversely, the total volume of the capillary buffer storage part may be at least 5 cubic millimeters, particularly at least 10 cubic millimeters, preferably at least 15 cubic millimeters. These volumes are still large enough to contain an amount of aerosol-forming liquid sufficient to last for at least several smoking sessions and provide it within the capillary buffer storage part.

[0071] According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to the present invention and as described herein. The article is configured for use with the aerosol generation device.

[0072] According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation article according to the present invention and as described herein. The article is configured for use with the aerosol generation device.

[0073] As used herein, the term "aerosol generation device" is used to describe an electrically operated device having the ability to interact with at least one aerosol generation article containing at least one aerosol-forming liquid so as to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol-forming liquid within the article. The aerosol generation device is preferably a smoking device for generating an aerosol that can be directly inhaled by the user through the user's mouth. In particular, the aerosol generation device is a handheld aerosol generation device.

[0074] The device may comprise a receiving cavity for removably receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generation article.

[0075] Furthermore, the aerosol generation device may comprise an electrical heating arrangement. The heating arrangement may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid contained within the article. In particular, the heating arrangement may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid conveyed from the storage part to a region external to the storage part, particularly the vaporization zone described above. The liquid may be conveyed by the liquid conduit described above.

[0076] The heating arrangement may be a resistive heating arrangement including a resistive heating element for heating the aerosol-forming liquid. The resistive heating element may be, for example, a heating wire or a heating coil. In use, the resistive heating element is disposed in thermal contact with, or in thermal proximity to, the aerosol-forming liquid to be heated. In particular, the resistive heating element may be disposed in thermal contact with, or in thermal proximity to, a part of the liquid conduit, particularly a part of the liquid conduit disposed within the vaporization zone of the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0077] As another method, the heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement. That is, the aerosol-generating device may be an induction heating aerosol-generating device. This configuration is particularly preferred when the liquid conduit of the article is induction heatable. Induction heating may also function when the aerosol-generating article comprises a (separate) susceptor element disposed in thermal contact with, or in thermal proximity to, a liquid conduit disposed within the vaporization zone of the aerosol-generating article, particularly a part of the liquid conduit. Also, it is possible that the aerosol-generating device itself comprises a susceptor element disposed in thermal contact with, or in thermal proximity to, a part of the liquid conduit, particularly a part of the liquid conduit disposed within the vaporization zone of the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is received within the aerosol-generating device. In the latter configuration, i.e., when the liquid conduit itself is not induction heatable, the susceptor element may be, for example, a susceptor sleeve or a susceptor coil surrounding the liquid conduit, particularly a part of the liquid conduit disposed within the vaporization zone of the aerosol-generating article.

[0078] The induction heating aerosol-generating device, particularly the induction heating arrangement, may include at least one induction source configured and disposed to generate an alternating magnetic field within the receiving cavity for inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid within the aerosol-generating article when the article is received within the aerosol-generating device.

[0079] To generate an alternating magnetic field, the induction source may include at least one inductor, preferably at least one induction coil disposed around the receiving cavity. When the liquid conduit is inductively heatable, the induction coil is disposed around a portion of the liquid conduit that is received around the article within the receiving cavity, particularly within the vaporization zone of the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] The at least one induction coil can be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, particularly a pancake coil or a curved planar coil. The use of a flat spiral coil allows for a robust and inexpensive compact design. The use of a helical induction coil advantageously allows for the generation of a homogeneous alternating magnetic field. As used herein, the term "flat spiral coil" generally means a planar coil whose axis of the coil windings is perpendicular to the surface on which the coil is placed. The flat spiral induction coil can have any desired shape within the plane of the coil. For example, the flat spiral coil may have a circular shape, or generally an elliptical or rectangular shape. However, the term "flat spiral coil" as used herein encompasses both planar coils and flat spiral coils shaped to conform to a curved surface. For example, the induction coil may preferably be a "curved" planar coil disposed around a cylindrical coil support (e.g., a ferrite core). Further, the flat spiral coil may comprise, for example, two layers of a four-turn flat spiral coil, or a single layer of a four-turn flat spiral coil. The at least one induction coil can be held within at least one of the main body or housing of the aerosol-generating device.

[0081] If an aerosol-generating article is present, the inductively heatable liquid conduit may be configured such that when the article is received within the receiving cavity of the aerosol-generating device, it is disposed off-center with respect to the axis of symmetry of the alternating magnetic field generated by the induction source. As described above, due to the off-center arrangement, i.e., the asymmetric arrangement, the liquid conduit is disposed within a region of the alternating magnetic field having a higher magnetic field density as compared to a symmetric center arrangement. As a result, the heating efficiency is enhanced.

[0082] The induction source may comprise an alternating current (AC) generator. The AC generator may be powered by the power supply of the aerosol-generating device. The AC generator is operably connected to at least one induction coil. In particular, at least one induction coil may be an integral part of the AC generator. The AC generator is configured to generate a high-frequency oscillating current that passes through at least one induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The AC current may be continuously supplied to at least one induction coil after startup of the system, or may be supplied intermittently, for example, each time a puff is taken.

[0083] The induction source comprises a DC / AC converter connected to a DC power supply including an LC network, and the LC network preferably comprises a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor.

[0084] The induction source is preferably configured to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. As referred to herein, the high-frequency magnetic field can be in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), particularly 5 MHz (megahertz) to 15 MHz (megahertz), preferably 5 MHz (megahertz) to 10 MHz (megahertz).

[0085] The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller configured to control the operation of the heating process, preferably in a closed-loop configuration, in particular to control the heating of the aerosol-forming liquid to a predetermined operating temperature. The operating temperature used to heat the aerosol-forming liquid may be in the range of 100°C to 300°C, in particular in the range of 150°C to 250°C, for example 230°C. These temperatures are typical operating temperatures for heating the aerosol-forming substrate without combustion.

[0086] The controller may be the overall controller of the aerosol generating device or may be part of the overall controller of the aerosol generating device. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, such as a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The controller may include at least one DC / AC inverter and / or a power amplifier, such as a class C power amplifier, or a class D power amplifier, or a class E power amplifier, etc. In particular, the induction source may be part of the controller.

[0087] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source, in particular a DC power source configured to provide a DC supply voltage and a DC supply current to the induction source. The power source is preferably a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging, i.e., the power source may be rechargeable. The power source may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy storage for one or more user experiences. For example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow continuous generation of aerosol for about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another embodiment, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to allow a predetermined number of smoking sessions or discontinuous activation of the induction source.

[0088] In the case of an induction heating aerosol generator, the aerosol generator may further comprise a magnetic flux concentrator disposed around at least a portion of the induction coil and configured to distort an alternating magnetic field of at least one induction source towards the receiving cavity. Thus, when an article is received within the receiving cavity, the alternating magnetic field, if present, distorts towards an induction-heatable liquid conduit. The magnetic flux concentrator preferably includes a magnetic flux concentrator foil, particularly a multi-layer magnetic flux concentrator foil.

[0089] To move at least the sealing member of the article from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the aerosol generator may include a magnetic coil, a permanent magnet, or a magnetic material. The magnetic coil, permanent magnet, or magnetic material may form a fixed part of a movable magnet actuator. As a movable counter part of the movable magnet actuator, the aerosol generating article may comprise a magnetic drive actuator member including a permanent magnet. As further described above with respect to the aerosol generating article according to the present invention, the permanent magnet is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with a magnetic coil, a permanent magnet, or the magnetic material of the device, thereby moving the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

[0090] Similarly, as also described above, the aerosol generator may comprise a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet, and the aerosol generating article may be movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with the magnetic coil or the permanent magnet of the device, thereby moving the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration, and may comprise a magnetic drive actuator member including a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member.

[0091] In any of the foregoing configurations, the use of the magnetic coil advantageously enables the control of the opening and closing of the storage unit outlet. The aerosol generating device may be configured to activate the magnetic coil in response to at least one of user input, or the start of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the insertion of an article into the aerosol generating device. Similarly, the aerosol generating device may be configured to deactivate the magnetic coil in response to at least one of user input, or the stop of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the removal of an article from the aerosol generating device.

[0092] According to another aspect, the aerosol generating article may comprise a mechanically actuated actuator member. The mechanically actuated actuator member may be configured and arranged to interact mechanically with the aerosol generating device in order to move at least the sealing member of the article from a closed configuration to an open configuration. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device may comprise a pusher or a catch, in particular a fixed pusher or a fixed catch such as a piston, for example with a protrusion. The pusher or the catch may be arranged and configured to move the actuator member of the aerosol generating article from a first configuration to a second configuration when the article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Further, the pusher or the catch may be arranged and configured to move the actuator member of the aerosol generating article from the second configuration to the first configuration when the article is removed from the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Similarly, the aerosol generating device may comprise a mechanical actuator configured and arranged to interact mechanically with the mechanically actuated actuator member in order to move the actuator member from the first configuration to the second configuration. The mechanical actuator of the device may be a movable pusher or a movable catch. The movement of the movable pusher or the movable catch may occur manually by the user actuating the movable pusher or the movable catch. Similarly, the movement of the movable pusher or the movable catch may occur by an electrically or magnetically driven actuator.

[0093] According to yet another aspect, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a heat-driven actuator member as described above, and the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating arrangement for heating the heat-driven actuator member when the article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device, in order to move the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration. The heating arrangement may comprise a resistive heater. As an alternative, the heat-driven actuator member may comprise a susceptor material, and the heating arrangement may comprise an induction source for generating an alternating magnetic field at the location of the heat-driven actuator member when the article is received within the aerosol-generating device, in order to heat the heat-driven actuator member by induction heating.

[0094] The heating arrangement for heating the heat-driven actuator member may be configured to be activated in response to at least one of a user input, or the start of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the insertion of the article into the aerosol-generating device. Similarly, the heating arrangement for heating the heat-driven actuator member may be configured to be deactivated in response to at least one of a user input, or the stop of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the removal of the article from the aerosol-generating device.

[0095] Further features and advantages of the aerosol-generating system according to the present invention have already been described above with respect to the aerosol-generating article according to the present invention and apply equally.

[0096] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, non-limiting examples are provided below in a non-exhaustive manner. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of any other example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0097] Example 1: An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device, the article comprising Example 2: - a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid reservoir including a reservoir outlet, - A sealing member that is reversibly movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to open or, in a sealing manner, close the storage unit outlet, respectively, and - An actuator member operably connected to the sealing member to move the sealing member at least from the closed configuration to the open configuration, an aerosol generating article. Example 3: Next, the actuator member is configured to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the aerosol generating article according to Example 1. Example 4: The actuator member is a thermally actuated actuator member, the aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding examples. Example 5: The thermally actuated actuator member includes a bimetal or a shape memory material, the aerosol generating article according to Example 3. Example 6: The thermally actuated actuator member includes at least one temperature-operated spring, the aerosol generating article according to any one of Example 3 or Example 4. Example 7: The at least one temperature-operated spring includes at least one of a cylindrical coil spring, a conical coil spring, a disc spring, or a star spring, the aerosol generating article according to Example 5. Example 8: The actuator member is a magnetically actuated actuator member, the aerosol generating article according to any one of Example 1 or Example 2. Example 9: The magnetically actuated actuator member is movable at least from a first position to a second position by interaction with a magnetic coil, a permanent magnet, or a magnetic material of the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the aerosol generating article according to Example 7, comprising a permanent magnet. Example 10: The magnetic drive actuator member is a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member that is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interacting with a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet of an aerosol generating device, thereby moving a sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration, according to the aerosol generating article of Example 7. Example 11: The actuator member is a mechanical contact drive actuator member configured and arranged to mechanically interact with an aerosol generating device when inserted into the aerosol generating device so as to move from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby moving a sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration, according to the aerosol generating article of either one of Example 1 or Example 2. Example 12: The aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a return mechanism arranged and configured to move the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Example 13: The return mechanism includes at least one return spring, according to the aerosol generating article of Example 11. Example 14: The return mechanism is at least partially realized by a sealing member that includes an elastic material or is made of an elastic material, according to the aerosol generating article of either one of Example 11 or Example 12. Example 15: The actuator member and the sealing member are integrally formed with each other, according to the aerosol generating article of any one of the examples. Example 16: The aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding examples, further comprising a liquid conduit for delivering an aerosol-forming liquid from a liquid reservoir through a reservoir outlet to a region external to the liquid reservoir when the sealing member is in an open configuration. Example 17: The liquid conduit is attached to at least one of the sealing member and the actuator member, according to the aerosol generating article of Example 15. Example 18: The liquid conduit is an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 or 16, comprising a core element, in particular a bundle of filaments, preferably a bundle of non-stranded filaments, or a mesh. Example 19: The liquid conduit is an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, which is inductively heatable. Example 20: The liquid conduit is an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, comprising a liquid transport susceptor assembly. Example 21: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 19, wherein when the sealing member is in a closed configuration, the liquid conduit is disposed at least partially outside the reservoir. Example 22: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 20, wherein when the sealing member is in a closed configuration, the liquid conduit is disposed entirely outside the reservoir. Example 23: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 21, wherein when the sealing member is in a closed configuration, the liquid conduit is sealed from the aerosol-forming liquid within the reservoir. Example 24: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 22, wherein when the sealing member is in an open configuration, the liquid conduit is disposed at least partially within the reservoir. Example 25: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 23, wherein when the sealing member is in an open configuration, the liquid conduit passes through the reservoir outlet. Example 26: The aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 24, wherein when the sealing member is in a closed configuration, the liquid conduit passes through the reservoir outlet. Example 27: The liquid conduit is an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 25, which passes through at least one of the sealing member and the actuator member. Example 28: At least a portion of the liquid conduit is compressed when the sealing member is in the closed configuration, the aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 26. Example 29: The article is an aerosol generating article according to any one of Examples 15 to 27, including a vaporization zone, particularly a vaporization zone. Example 30: The liquid conduit passes through or faces the vaporization zone when the sealing member is in the open configuration, the aerosol generating article according to Example 28. Example 31: The sealing member includes an elastic material, particularly a rubber material, or is made of a rubber material, the aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding examples. Example 32: An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to any one of the preceding examples for use with the device. Example 33: The aerosol generating device includes a magnetic coil, a permanent magnet, or a magnetic material, and the aerosol generating article is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with the magnetic coil, permanent magnet, or magnetic material of the device, thereby moving the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the aerosol generating system according to Example 31 comprising a magnetic drive actuator member including a permanent magnet. Example 34: The aerosol generating article includes a mechanical contact drive actuator member configured and arranged to interact mechanically with the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device is arranged and configured to move the actuator member of the aerosol generating article from a first configuration to a second configuration when the article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, thereby moving the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration, including a pusher or a catch, particularly a fixed pusher or a catch, the aerosol generating system according to Example 31. Example 35: The pusher or catch is arranged and configured such that when the article is removed from the aerosol generating device, it moves the actuator member of the aerosol generating article from a second configuration to a first configuration, thereby moving the sealing member from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the aerosol generating system according to embodiment 33. Embodiment 36: The aerosol generating article comprises a heat-driven actuator member, and the aerosol generating device comprises a heating arrangement for heating the heat-driven actuator member when the article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, in order to move the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the aerosol generating system according to embodiment 31. Embodiment 37: The heating arrangement includes a resistive heater, the aerosol generating system according to embodiment 35. Embodiment 38: The heat-driven actuator member includes a susceptor material, and the heating arrangement includes an induction source for generating an alternating magnetic field at the location of the heat-driven actuator member when the article is received within the aerosol generating device, in order to heat the heat-driven actuator member by induction heating, the aerosol generating system according to embodiment 35. Embodiment 39: The aerosol generating device comprises a magnetic coil or a permanent magnet, and the aerosol generating article is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with the magnetic coil or the permanent magnet of the device, thereby moving the sealing member from a closed configuration to an open configuration, the aerosol generating system according to embodiment 31, comprising a magnetically driven actuator member including a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic member.

[0098] Here, the embodiments will be further described with reference to the following figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0099]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0100] Figure 1 schematically shows an aerosol generating article 40 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in more detail below with respect to Figure 4, the aerosol generating article 40 is configured to be used with an inductive heating aerosol generating device to vaporize an aerosol forming liquid 50 provided by the aerosol generating article 40. The article 40 comprises a substantially cylindrical article housing made of one of a liquid-impermeable rigid material, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), or PE (polyethylene). The article housing includes a hollow cylindrical outer tubular wall 42, a first end cap 44 and a second end cap 43. The first end cap 44 closes to seal the inner void of the tubular wall 42 at the first end 57 of the tubular wall 42, and the second end cap 43 closes to seal the inner void of the tubular wall 42 at the opposing second end 56. The article 40 further comprises a cylindrical partition wall 41 as part of the article housing coaxially disposed within the cylindrical tubular outer wall 42 so as to partition the inner void of the cylindrical tubular outer wall 42 into a hollow cylindrical first compartment 58 and a coaxial cylindrical second compartment surrounded by the first compartment 58. At the bottom of the second compartment, the article 40 comprises a substantially disk-shaped bushing 45 that separates the inner void of the second compartment from a recess formed within the second end cap 43. The first compartment 58 forms a hollow cylindrical main storage portion 51 for storing the aerosol forming liquid 50, while that portion of the recess that aligns with the second compartment provides a capillary buffer storage portion 52. As can be seen in Figure 1, the recess is formed such that the main storage portion 51 extends directly into the capillary buffer storage portion 52, enabling the aerosol forming liquid 50 to flow freely from the main storage portion 51 into the capillary buffer storage portion 52. That is, the main storage portion 51 and the capillary buffer storage portion 52 are in fluid communication with each other. The main storage portion and the capillary buffer storage portion 52 together form a storage portion 58 of the aerosol generating article 40 according to and as defined herein in the present invention. In contrast, the second compartment is not part of the storage portion 58 but is in a region external to the storage portion 58.In the present embodiment, the second compartment forms a vaporization zone 53 in the shape of a cylinder, in particular a vaporization cavity for vaporizing the aerosol-forming liquid stored in the storage portion 58. To provide fluid communication between the storage portion 58 and the vaporization zone 53, the bushing includes an opening that forms a storage portion outlet 59 of the storage portion 58. Further as described above, the buffer storage portion 52 is configured to store the aerosol-forming liquid due to capillary action to provide a certain amount of the aerosol-forming liquid near the storage portion outlet 59 independently of the article position. For this reason, the volume of the capillary buffer storage portion is selected to be sufficiently small so that the capillary effect is superior to gravity. In particular, it is sufficient that one dimension of the buffer storage portion is smaller than the effective length of the capillary. As a result, after the buffer storage portion 52 is filled, the aerosol-forming liquid 50 is prevented from flowing back to the main storage portion 51, especially when the orientation of the article 40 changes from a substantially upright position as shown in FIG. 1 to a substantially horizontal position, and even to an upside-down position. Basically, the capillary buffer 51 storage portion acts in the same manner as the buffer storage portion of a fountain pen.

[0101] To convey the aerosol-forming liquid 50 from the capillary buffer storage portion 52 to the vaporization zone 53, the article 40 includes a liquid conduit 70, and the details of the liquid conduit 70 are also shown in FIG. 2. In the present embodiment, the liquid conduit 70 is a bundle of non-stranded filaments having a substantially circular cross-section that is particularly easy to manufacture. The bundle of filaments includes a plurality of filaments 71, 72 arranged parallel to each other. Due to the arrangement of the filaments 71, 72 in the bundle of filaments and the small diameter of the filaments 71, 72, the liquid conduit 70 includes capillary channels formed between the filament 71 and the filament 72. These channels provide capillary action along the length extension of the liquid conduit 70, and thus make it possible to convey the aerosol-forming liquid 50 from the capillary buffer storage portion 52 to the vaporization cavity 53.

[0102] In addition to the liquid conveyance characteristics, the liquid conduit 70 of the present embodiment is also configured for inductive heating. For that purpose, the liquid conduit 70 includes at least a plurality of first filaments 71 including a first susceptor material optimized for heat generation. The liquid conduit 70 may also include a plurality of second filaments 72 including a second susceptor material that functions as a temperature marker as described above. Due to the sensitive nature of the filament material, the liquid conduit 70 has the ability to be inductively heated within an alternating magnetic field and, therefore, the ability to vaporize the aerosol-forming liquid in thermal contact with the filaments 71, 72. Thus, the liquid conduit 70 has the ability to perform two functions: conveyance and heating of the aerosol-forming liquid. For this reason, the liquid conduit is also shown as a liquid conveyance susceptor assembly.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid conduit 70 passes through the storage outlet 59 of the storage portion 58 in the bushing 45 such that a first portion of the liquid conduit 70 is disposed within the buffer storage portion 52 and a second portion is disposed within the vaporization cavity 53. As shown in FIG. 1, the first portion of the liquid conduit 70 is disposed within the buffer storage portion 52 and thus acts as an immersion section 75 for conveying the aerosol-forming liquid 50 from the buffer storage portion 52 to the second portion of the liquid conduit 70 by being immersed in the aerosol-forming liquid 50. In the vaporization cavity 53, the second portion at least partially acts as a heating section 76 for vaporizing the aerosol-forming liquid 50 when exposed to an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat the filaments 71, 72. This will be described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0104] Until the first consumption of article 40 or when article 40 is temporarily unused during consumption, to prevent the aerosol-forming liquid from leaking from storage unit 58, article 40 comprises a sealing member 90 movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration that opens or closes to seal storage unit outlet 59. FIG. 1 shows the aerosol-generating article with sealing member 90 in the open configuration, and FIG. 3 shows aerosol-generating article 40 with sealing member 90 in the closed configuration. Thus, reversibly opening and closing the seal extends the shelf life of the article as well as the useful life after the start of consumption.

[0105] In this embodiment, sealing member 90 is a plate made of rubber that abuts against bushing 45 in the closed configuration and thereby covers to seal storage unit outlet 59. To move the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration and preferably back, aerosol-generating article 40 further comprises an actuator member 91 operably coupled to sealing member 90. In this embodiment, actuator member 91 is a helical spring made of a shape memory material, particularly a two-way shape memory material. For this reason, the spring remembers two different shapes, one at a low temperature and one at a high temperature above a predetermined switching temperature. In this embodiment, the spring is configured such that, as shown in FIG. 3, the spring is in an expanded state at a low temperature. In contrast, the spring is in a contracted state at a temperature above a predetermined switching temperature, as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the helical spring is disposed between the inner surface of the second end cap 43 and the side surface of the sealing member 90 facing the second end cap 43. Further, the helical spring is attached to both the second end cap 43 and the sealing member 90. Thus, in the expanded state, the helical spring presses sealing member 90 against bushing 45 to close so as to seal storage unit outlet 59 from the inside of the storage unit. Conversely, in the contracted state, the helical spring is lifted from sealing member 90 to form bushing 45 to release storage unit outlet 59. Advantageously, due to the two-way shape memory material, the helical spring is capable of actively moving sealing member 90 in both directions, i.e., from the closed configuration to the open configuration and from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0106] To provide guidance for the movement of the sealing member 90, the aerosol generating article 40 further comprises a piston 92 which is attached to the sealing member 90 and is slidably supported within the guide hole 93 of the second end cap 43.

[0107] As further described above, the shape memory material should be selected to have a switching temperature that is well above the temperature at which the article is typically transported or stored, but well below the boiling temperature of the aerosol-forming liquid 50 stored in the article 40. For example, the switching temperature may be in the range of 80 degrees Celsius to 180 degrees Celsius, particularly 80 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius. For example, the shape memory material may be an austenitic titanium alloy, particularly an austenitic nickel-titanium alloy, or a nickel-titanium-hafnium alloy.

[0108] As will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 4, the thermal energy required to drive the phase transformation of the shape memory material and thus to move the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration is due to the heating arrangement within the aerosol generating device in which the article 40 is configured to be used together.

[0109] As can be further seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the liquid conduit 70 is slidably disposed within the article 40 and is attached to the sealing member 90 on the side facing the storage section outlet 59. Thus, the liquid conduit 70 can follow the movement of the sealing member 90. Thus, in the open configuration, the liquid conduit 70 is partially disposed within the storage section 58. Conversely, in the open configuration, the liquid conduit 70 is not disposed within the storage section 58 and is disposed only within the vaporization zone 53 and partially within the passage of the storage section outlet 59.

[0110] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the article 40 according to FIGS. 1 and 3. In this embodiment, the liquid conduit 70 is not attached to the sealing member 90. Instead, the liquid conduit 70 is fixedly disposed only within the article 40, particularly within the vaporization zone 53 and the reservoir outlet 59. That is, the liquid conduit 70 terminates at the passage of the reservoir outlet 59 and does not pass through the reservoir 58, whether in the closed configuration or the open configuration. However, in the open configuration, a portion of the liquid conduit that terminates at the reservoir outlet 59 faces the reservoir and can thus still be shown as the immersion section 75. In this configuration, the opening of the bushing 45 that forms the reservoir outlet 59 can also function to bundle the filaments 71, 72 of the liquid conduit 70, i.e., to hold the filaments 71, 72 together. Further, the opening can function to fix the position of the liquid conduit 70 relative to the article housing.

[0111] Referring again to FIG. 1, the article 40 includes a tapered mouthpiece 47 that is attached to the first end cap 44 and configured to be taken into a user's mouth for smoking. The mouthpiece 47 includes a filter 55 and an air outlet 48. The mouthpiece 47 is in fluid communication with the vaporization cavity 45 through an outlet 49 within the first end cap 44. The first end cap 44 includes at least one air inlet 46 that allows air to enter the article 40. The air inlet 46 can be configured to provide an air flow to or around the heating section 76 of the liquid conduit 70. The air inlet 46 can be a hole. Similarly, the air inlet 46 can be a nozzle configured to direct the air flow to a specific target location on the liquid conduit 70. Further, thus, when the user smokes with the mouthpiece 47, air is drawn into the vaporization cavity 53 of the article 40. The aerosol-forming liquid vaporized from the heating section 76 of the liquid conduit 70 is exposed to the air passing through the vaporization cavity 45 to form an aerosol, and the aerosol exits the vaporization cavity 45 through the outlet 49 and enters the mouthpiece, and then can be drawn into the user's mouth through the filter 55 and the air outlet 48. The filter 55 can be used to filter out undesirable components of the aerosol. Also, the filter 55 can include, for example, additional materials added to the aerosol, such as flavoring materials.

[0112] Figure 4 schematically shows an aerosol generation system 80 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 80 includes the aerosol generating article 40 shown in FIGS. 1 - 3, and an electrically operated aerosol generating device 60 having the ability to interact with the article 40 to generate an aerosol. For this purpose, the aerosol generating device 60 includes a receiving cavity 62 formed within a device housing 61 at a proximal end of the device 60. The receiving cavity 62 is configured to removably receive at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 40. In particular, the aerosol generating device 60 is configured to inductively heat a heating section 76 of a liquid conduit 70 to vaporize an aerosol forming liquid 50 that is conveyed from a capillary buffer reservoir 52 to the heating section 76 within a vaporization cavity 53 via an immersion section 75. For this purpose, the device 60 includes an induction source including an induction coil 32. In the present embodiment, the induction coil 32 is a single helical coil arranged and configured to generate a substantially homogeneous alternating magnetic field within the receiving cavity 62. As seen in FIG. 4, the induction coil 32 is arranged around a proximal end portion of the receiving cavity 62 such that when the aerosol generating article 40 is received within the receiving cavity 62, it only surrounds the heating section 76 of the liquid conduit 70. Thus, during use of the device 60, the induction coil 32 generates an alternating magnetic field that only penetrates the heating section 76 of the liquid conduit 70 within the vaporization cavity 53 of the article 40. In contrast, due to the local heating, the immersion section 75 of the liquid conduit 70 remains at a temperature below the vaporization temperature. Thus, boiling of the aerosol forming liquid 50 within the capillary buffer reservoir 52 and the main reservoir 51 is prevented. Thus, during use, the liquid conduit 70 includes a temperature profile along its length extension having high and low temperature sections. More specifically, the temperature profile shows a temperature increase from a temperature below the vaporization temperature T_vap of the aerosol forming liquid 50 within the immersion section 75 to a temperature above each vaporization temperature within the heating section 76.

[0113] The actual temperature profile formed during the use of susceptor assembly 10 depends on the thermal conductivity and the length of the liquid conduit 70. Therefore, the liquid conduit 70 requires a specific total length in order to have a sufficient temperature gradient between the immersion section 75 and the heating section 76. For the present embodiment, the total length of the liquid conduit 70 may be in the range of 5 millimeters to 50 millimeters, particularly 10 millimeters to 40 millimeters, preferably 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters, and more preferably 10 millimeters to 20 millimeters.

[0114] To drive the phase change of the actuator member 91 and thus to provide the thermal energy required to move the sealing member 90 from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the aerosol generating device comprises an induction heating arrangement. The induction heating arrangement comprises an induction source including an induction coil 94 for generating an alternating magnetic field at the location of the thermally driven actuator member 91 when the article 40 is received within the aerosol generating device 60 to inductively heat the actuator member 91. The inductive heating of the actuator member 91 functions such that its shape memory material is conductive and can therefore convert electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to the alternating magnetic field. In the present embodiment, the induction coil 94 is a flat spiral coil, particularly a pancake coil. The use of a flat spiral coil allows for a robust and inexpensive compact design. To drive the phase change of the shape memory material, the actuator member 91 is heated to or above the switching temperature of the shape memory material. However, the heating temperature should still be well below the vaporization temperature T_vap of the aerosol forming liquid 50. The heating of the actuator member 91 may be initiated in response to a user input, or the start of a heating operation for heating the aerosol forming liquid, or the insertion of an article into the aerosol generating device.

[0115] The aerosol generator 60 further includes a controller 64 for controlling the operation of the aerosol generation system 80, particularly for controlling the heating operations of the liquid conduit 70 and the heat-driven actuator member 91. Further, the aerosol generator 60 includes a power source 63 that provides power for generating an alternating magnetic field. The power source 63 is preferably a battery such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power source 63 may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy storage for one or more user experiences. Both the controller 64 and the power source 63 are disposed in the distal portion of the aerosol generator 60.

[0116] Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention. Generally, the aerosol generating article 140 according to FIGS. 6-7 is very similar to the aerosol generating article 40 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Accordingly, the same or similar features are denoted by the same reference numerals, but incremented by 100 only. In contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the article 140 according to FIGS. 6-7 comprises a thermally actuated actuator member 191 which is a star spring of a two-way shape memory material. The actuator member 191 is attached to a second end cap 143. In a first phase at a temperature below the switching temperature of the shape memory material, the star spring is in a bent configuration as shown in FIG. 6, with the arms of the star spring bent from a plane. In a second phase at the switching temperature of the shape memory material or a temperature above it, the star spring is in a flat configuration as shown in FIG. 7. Similar to the first embodiment, the article 140 comprises a sealing member 190 made of rubber. The disk-like sealing member 190 is fixedly attached to the star spring and projects transversely beyond the dimensions of the star spring. Due to its flexible nature, the sealing member 190 deforms and thus follows the shape transformation of the star spring between the first and second phases. Thus, at the switching temperature or a temperature above it, the sealing member 191 is in a flat configuration that clears the reservoir outlet 159. In contrast, at a temperature below the switching temperature of the shape memory material, the sealing member 191 deforms into a cup-like shape so as to cover and seal the reservoir outlet 159 and the immersion section 175 of the liquid conduit. Instead of a shape memory material, the thermally actuated actuator member 191 may be made of a bimetal which is in a bent configuration at a temperature below the operating temperature of the article during use and in a flat configuration at a temperature close to or at the operating temperature of the article during use.

[0117] Figures 6-7 show an exemplary embodiment of a sealing member deformable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, and FIGS. 1-3 show an exemplary embodiment of a sealing member displaceable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. Both embodiments are within the scope of the term "movable" sealing member between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0118] FIG. 8 schematically shows a second exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating system 280 according to the present invention. The system 280 comprises an aerosol generating article 240 and an aerosol generating device 260 for use with the article 240, both of which are similar to the aerosol generating article 80 and the aerosol generating device 60 of the aerosol generating system 80 shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the same or similar features are denoted by the same reference numerals, but incremented by 200 only. In contrast to the system 80 shown in FIG. 4, the article 240 according to FIG. 8 comprises a magnetically driven actuator member 295. In the present embodiment, the magnetically driven actuator member comprises a piston 295 made of a ferromagnetic material that is movable from at least a first position to a second position by interaction with a magnetic coil 297 of the aerosol generating device 260. The magnetic coil 297 and the ferromagnetic piston 295 together form a moving iron actuator. The magnetic coil 297 is disposed near the bottom of the cavity 262 of the device 260 such that when the article is received within the cavity 262, the ferromagnetic piston 295 can experience the magnetic field of the magnetic coil 297. Thus, when the magnetic coil 297 is turned on, as shown in FIG. 8, the ferromagnetic piston 295 is attracted by the coil 297 and thus moves in a direction opposite to the storage outlet 259. Since the sealing member 290 is fixedly attached to the piston 295, the latter lifts the sealing member 290 away from the bushing 245 so as to release the storage outlet 259. When the magnetic coil 297 is turned off, the ferromagnetic piston 295 is no longer attracted. The article 240 further comprises a return mechanism to return the piston 295 to the first position and thus to move the sealing member to the closed configuration. In the present embodiment, the return mechanism comprises a helical return spring 296 disposed around the piston and abutting on one side against the inner surface of the second end cap 243 and on the other side against the sealing member 290. Thus, when the piston 295 is attracted to the second position by the magnetic coil 297, the return spring 296 is loaded to be compressed.Conversely, when the magnetic coil 297 is turned off, the return spring 296 releases its load, returning the piston 295 to the first position and pressing the sealing member 290 against the bushing 245 so as to close it and seal the storage unit outlet 259. This situation is shown in FIG. 9. To provide guidance, the piston 295 is slidably supported within the guide hole 293 of the second end cap 243.

[0119] Alternatively, the piston may include a permanent magnet. Advantageously, the use of a permanent magnet allows the magnetic coil to be used to move the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration and vice versa by reversing the polarity of the magnetic coil. In this configuration, the article does not necessarily require a return mechanism such as a return spring.

[0120] In either case, the use of the magnetic coil enables the storage unit outlet to be opened and closed in a controlled manner. The aerosol generating device may be configured to activate the magnetic coil in response to at least one of a user input, or the start of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the insertion of an article into the aerosol generating device. Similarly, the aerosol generating device may be configured to deactivate the magnetic coil in response to at least one of a user input, or the stop of a heating operation for heating the aerosol-forming liquid, or the removal of an article from the aerosol generating device.

[0121] FIG. 10 schematically shows a third exemplary embodiment of an aerosol generating system 380 according to the present invention. The system 380 comprises an aerosol generating article 340 and an aerosol generating device 360 for use with the article 340, both of which are similar to the aerosol generating article 80 and the aerosol generating device 60 of the aerosol generating system 80 shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the same or similar features are denoted by the same reference numerals, but incremented by 300 only. In contrast to the system 80 shown in FIG. 4, the article 240 according to FIG. 10 is configured and arranged to mechanically interact with the aerosol generating device 360 when inserted into the aerosol generating device 360 so as to move from a first configuration to a second configuration, thereby moving the sealing member 390 from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In this embodiment, the mechanical contact drive actuator member 393 is a flexible wall member made of an elastic material such as silicon that forms the bottom of the second end cap 343. The sealing member 390 is a flexible tube made of an elastic membrane material that includes a plurality of slits 395 through a tube wall extending along the tube axis. The slotted tube-like sealing member 390 is attached at one end to the flexible actuator member 393 and at the other end to the bushing 345. When the article 340 is inserted into the cavity 362 of the device 360, the flexible actuator member 393 contacts a pusher (in this embodiment, a piston-like protrusion 397 at the bottom of the cavity 362). As a result, the flexible actuator member 393 deforms towards the interior of the article 340. Due to this deformation of the actuator member 393, the slotted tube-like sealing member 390 is compressed so as to bulge outwards. As a result, the slits 395 through the tube wall of the sealing member 390 open, thereby allowing the aerosol-forming liquid to enter the interior of the tube-like sealing member 390 and thus to be in fluid communication with the liquid conduit 370 at the reservoir outlet 359. When the article 340 is removed from the cavity 362, the flexible actuator member 393 returns to its flat (undeformed) configuration due to its elastic properties.Similarly, due to its elastic properties and due to the flexible actuator member 393 straightening when the actuator member 393 returns to its flat configuration, the tubular sealing member 390 returns to its extended (unbulged) configuration. As shown in FIG. 11, in the extended (unbulged) configuration of the sealing member 390, the slit 395 through the tube wall of the tubular sealing member 390 is hermetically closed so that the tubular sealing member 390 closes to seal the storage outlet 259. Thus, similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-7, the sealing member 390 according to FIGS. 10-11 is another example of a deformable sealing member that can deform between a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 11 and an open configuration as shown in FIG. 10.

[0122] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, etc. are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood to be A ± 5%. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values within the general standard error of the measured value of the property being modified by the number A. The number A may deviate by the percentages recited above in some instances as used in the appended claims, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not substantially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and any intermediate ranges therebetween, whether or not specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device, the article comprising: - a liquid storage part for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid storage part including a storage part outlet; - a sealing member that is reversibly movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration so as to open or close the storage part outlet respectively; - an actuator member operably connected to the sealing member for moving the sealing member at least from the closed configuration to the open configuration; The actuator member is a heat-driven actuator member including a bimetal, and the sealing member is displaceable or deformable between the closed configuration and the open configuration, the aerosol generating article.

2. The aerosol generating article according to claim 1, wherein the heat-driven actuator member includes at least one temperature-actuated spring.

3. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the heat-driven actuator member is inductively heatable including a susceptor material.

4. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuator member is then configured to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

5. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuator member and the sealing member are integrally formed with each other.

6. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealing member includes a flexible tube made of an elastic membrane material.

7. The aerosol generating article according to claim 6, wherein the flexible tube includes a plurality of slits through a tube wall extending along the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube.

8. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a return mechanism arranged and configured to move the sealing member from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

9. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a liquid conduit for delivering the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid storage part through the storage part outlet to an area outside the liquid storage part when the sealing member is in the open configuration.

10. The aerosol generating article according to claim 9, wherein the liquid conduit is attached to the sealing member so as to be movable together with the sealing member between a first position and a second position.

11. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the liquid conduit is an inductively heatable liquid conduit.

12. The aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein the liquid conduit is a core element, in particular a bundle of filaments comprising a plurality of filaments.

13. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 for use with said device.

14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating arrangement for heating the thermally actuated actuator member when the article is inserted into the aerosol generating device to move the sealing member from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

15. The aerosol generating system according to claim 14, wherein the heating arrangement is a common heating arrangement used to operate the thermally actuated actuator member and to evaporate the aerosol-forming liquid.

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