Replaceable cartridge equipped with a capillary tube and an air inlet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a replaceable cartridge configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol-generating device, comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid storage portion comprising a liquid outlet for guiding the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid storage portion; a capillary tube fluidly communicating with the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet; and an air inlet configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, wherein the air inlet protrudes into the interior of the liquid storage portion. Such a replaceable cartridge reduces or prevents leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the cartridge through the air inlet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a replaceable cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming liquid to be aerosolized. Background Technology

[0002] Cartridges comprising a liquid aerosol-forming material and a wick element are known. These cartridges may be connected to an aerosol-generating device for forming an aerosol. The wick element generally retains a high volume of aerosol-forming liquid even when the cartridge is depleted. Additionally, liquid delivery within these cartridges depends on the correct orientation of the cartridge, which allows for the transfer of liquid through the wick element. Close contact between the wick element and the aerosolizing element for forming an aerosol from the aerosol-forming liquid may also result in the generation of harmful or potentially harmful components, or may interfere with the generation of aerosols. Cartridges comprising a liquid aerosol-forming material are also prone to leakage. The transfer of liquid within such cartridges comprising a liquid aerosol-forming material may also be interrupted.

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge that can be consumed in a larger fraction before the aerosol-forming liquid is depleted. It would also be desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge that can reduce or eliminate the amount of harmful or potentially harmful components during aerosol generation. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge that can reduce or prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid out of the cartridge. It would be more desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge that enables reliable transfer of the aerosol-forming liquid independently of the cartridge orientation. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a replaceable cartridge that can ensure a constant supply of the aerosol-forming liquid during the operation of the aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge that can be used in any orientation without leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a replaceable cartridge configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol-generating device is provided. The replaceable cartridge may include a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The liquid reservoir may include a liquid outlet for guiding the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outside. The replaceable cartridge may include a capillary tube. The capillary tube may be in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and the liquid outlet. The replaceable cartridge may include an air inlet configured to allow air to enter the liquid reservoir. The air inlet may protrude into the interior of the liquid reservoir.

[0005] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a replaceable cartridge configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol-generating device is provided. The replaceable cartridge includes a liquid reservoir for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. The liquid reservoir includes a liquid outlet for directing the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outside. Additionally, the replaceable cartridge includes a capillary tube. The capillary tube is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir and the liquid outlet. The replaceable cartridge further includes an air inlet configured to allow air to enter the liquid reservoir. The air inlet protrudes into the interior of the liquid reservoir.

[0006] An air inlet protruding into the interior of the liquid reservoir allows air to enter the liquid reservoir. This enables the air entering through the air inlet to take its place as the aerosol-forming liquid is consumed. The air inlet can reduce or prevent the occurrence of low pressure within the liquid reservoir when the aerosol-forming liquid is consumed during the operation of an aerosol-generating device equipped with a replaceable cartridge. The air inlet protruding into the interior of the liquid reservoir can prevent or reduce leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outside. The air inlet protruding into the interior of the liquid reservoir can also prevent or reduce leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid through the air inlet regardless of the orientation of the replaceable cartridge.

[0007] The air inlet can be configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage section. Air can replace the aerosol-forming liquid that evaporates during the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

[0008] This enables the continuous delivery of an aerosol-forming liquid to a liquid outlet via a capillary tube during the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

[0009] The term "capillary" may refer to a narrow space within a replaceable cartridge configured to enable the flow of an aerosol-forming liquid without the aid of any external force, such as gravity. A "capillary" may be configured to enable the flow of an aerosol-forming liquid against the influence of external forces, such as gravity. A capillary enables the transport of an aerosol-forming liquid from a liquid reservoir to a liquid outlet through capillary force. Capillary force can enable the flow of an aerosol-forming liquid based on a combination of the surface tension of the aerosol-forming liquid and the adhesive force between the wall of the capillary and the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0010] The replaceable cartridge may further include a housing. The housing may define a liquid reservoir. An air inlet may extend from the housing into the interior of the liquid reservoir.

[0011] Through this, the air inlet can be easily integrated into the housing of a replaceable cartridge.

[0012] The housing may comprise or be manufactured from one of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PP, PE, and PET are particularly cost-effective and easy to mold, and particularly easy to extrude.

[0013] The cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet in the housing may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet inside the liquid storage section.

[0014] Through this, air can easily enter the interior of the liquid storage unit from the housing through the air inlet.

[0015] As used herein, the term "cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet" refers to the cross-section of the air inlet perpendicular to the length along the longitudinal direction of the air inlet. The air inlet may extend along the air inlet axis along the longitudinal direction. The term "cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet" may refer to the cross-section of the air inlet perpendicular to the air inlet axis along the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In particular, the air inlet may include an air inlet sidewall extending from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage. This air inlet sidewall may be external to the airflow path of the air inlet. The airflow path may lead from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage.

[0017] The cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet can be reduced from the housing toward the interior of the liquid storage. In particular, the airflow path of the air inlet that is in contact with the side wall of the air inlet can be reduced from the housing toward the interior of the liquid storage.

[0018] The housing may include a housing side wall. The housing side wall may be connected to an air inlet side wall. The housing side wall and the air inlet side wall may form a single continuous side wall extending from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage section.

[0019] This provides a continuous sidewall and can further reduce leakage of aerosol-forming liquids.

[0020] The air inlet may be funnel-shaped. In particular, the sidewall of the air inlet may be external to the airflow path of the funnel-shaped air inlet.

[0021] This funnel-shaped air inlet allows air to easily enter the interior of the liquid reservoir. This funnel-shaped air inlet can also reduce the leakage of aerosol-forming liquid from the liquid reservoir to the outside through the air inlet.

[0022] The air inlet may include a first air inlet end and a second air inlet end. The second air inlet end may be an end of the air inlet located inside the liquid storage section. The second air inlet end may be located furthest from the liquid storage section. The first air inlet end may be an end of the air inlet located opposite the second air inlet end. The first air inlet end may be located near or adjacent to the housing of the cartridge. The second air inlet end may be located near or adjacent to the center of the liquid storage section.

[0023] One or both of the ends of the first air inlet and the second air inlet may be covered with a perforated membrane. The perforated membrane may provide some resistance to airflow into the liquid reservoir through the air inlet. The perforated membrane may allow air to enter the liquid reservoir through the air inlet and the perforations formed in the membrane. The perforated membrane may be deformed to some extent to compensate for negative pressure within the liquid reservoir when using an aerosol-forming liquid. The perforated membrane may be flexible. The perforated membrane may be configured to bulge toward the interior of the liquid reservoir when negative pressure is applied. The perforated membrane may be configured to bulge toward the interior of the air inlet when negative pressure is applied. The perforated membrane may reduce or prevent leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid reservoir through the air inlet.

[0024] The perforated membrane may comprise or be manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, polyolefin, elastomer, ethylene vinyl acetate, or a combination thereof.

[0025] Preferably, the first air inlet end can be covered with a perforated membrane.

[0026] The capillary tube may include a first capillary end and a second capillary end facing therefrom. An air inlet may be located at the first end of the capillary tube or adjacent thereto. A liquid outlet may be located at the second end of the capillary tube or adjacent thereto.

[0027] This allows the user to easily consume the aerosol-forming liquid discharged outside the replaceable cartridge through the liquid outlet, while allowing air to enter the liquid storage unit through the first end on the opposite side.

[0028] The capillary can be in fluid communication with a liquid reservoir at the first capillary end. The capillary can be in fluid communication with a liquid outlet at the second capillary end.

[0029] Through this, the capillary can guide an aerosol-forming liquid from a liquid reservoir at the first end of the capillary to a liquid outlet located at the second end of the capillary.

[0030] A replaceable cartridge may include a first cartridge end and a second cartridge end opposite thereto. The first end of the capillary may be located at the first cartridge end or adjacent thereto. The second end of the capillary may be located at the second cartridge end or adjacent thereto. This allows air to be easily introduced into the liquid reservoir from one first end of the cartridge. This allows the aerosol-forming liquid to be easily expelled from the liquid reservoir of the cartridge from the opposite second end of the cartridge without hindering the entry of air into the liquid reservoir. This allows the aerosol-forming liquid to be easily transferred from one end of the cartridge to the other end of the cartridge through the capillary.

[0031] The air inlet can be located on the opposite side of the liquid outlet within the replaceable cartridge.

[0032] The sidewall of the air inlet extending from the housing into the interior of the liquid reservoir may have height. The height of the sidewall inside may be higher than the maximum height of the aerosol-forming liquid within the liquid reservoir. This ensures that the aerosol-forming liquid does not leak out of the liquid reservoir through the air inlet.

[0033] The height of the internal side wall can be defined as the distance between the air inlet opening within the housing and the end of the air inlet side wall located inside the liquid storage section furthest from the air inlet opening within the housing.

[0034] A liquid reservoir may be partially filled with an aerosol-forming liquid. In particular, the liquid reservoir may include an aerosol-forming liquid and a portion without the aerosol-forming liquid. The portion without the aerosol-forming liquid may contain air. An air inlet may communicate with the portion without the aerosol-forming liquid of the liquid reservoir. The air inlet may be configured to provide air to the portion without the aerosol-forming liquid of the liquid reservoir to replace any evaporating aerosol-forming liquid.

[0035] The distance between the opposing side walls of the air inlet can be greater than the maximum cross-sectional width of the capillary.

[0036] This enables the capillary to continuously and reliably deliver the aerosol-forming liquid toward the liquid outlet, even when liquid is present within the air inlet.

[0037] The housing of a replaceable cartridge may include an outer shell and an inner shell. The inner shell may be located inside the cartridge opposite the outer shell. A capillary may be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The inner shell may be located inside the cartridge, and the inner main surface of the inner shell is externally in contact with the liquid reservoir of the replaceable cartridge. The outer main surface of the inner shell may be located opposite the outer shell. The outer shell may include an inner main surface and an outer main surface opposite thereto. The outer main surface of the outer shell may face outward with respect to the liquid reservoir of the replaceable cartridge. The outer main surface of the outer shell may form the outer surface of the housing of the replaceable cartridge. The inner main surface of the outer shell may be located opposite the outer main surface of the inner shell. A capillary may be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell, specifically between the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell.

[0038] Through this, a capillary can be formed throughout the entire housing of the replaceable cartridge. Through this, a capillary can be formed along the circumference of the liquid reservoir. Through this, the capillary can extend from a first capillary end located at or adjacent to the air inlet to a second capillary end located at or adjacent to the liquid outlet.

[0039] One or more of the outer shell and the inner shell may comprise a hydrophilic material having a water contact angle less than 90 degrees. In particular, the material may be present on one or both of the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell where capillaries are formed. The material may be selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic polymers, glass, silicon, and metals. Examples of hydrophilic polymers may be one or more of polycarbonate (PC), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0040] The outer shell and the inner shell may have any shape suitable for forming a capillary between the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell. In addition to having a tubular or cylindrical shape, the inner and outer shells may be hollow polygonal prisms. In this case, the surface of the cross-section of the capillary may have a hollow polygonal shape. For example, the outer shell and the inner shell may be hollow rectangular prisms. In this case, the surface of the cross-section of the capillary perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the capillary may have a hollow rectangular shape.

[0041] The distance or width between the outer shell and the inner shell may be 0.05 mm to 0.9 mm. In particular, the distance or width between the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell may be between 0.1 mm and 0.7 mm, and preferably, the distance or width between the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell may be in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.5 mm. Accordingly, the capillary may have a cross-sectional width of 0.05 mm to 0.9 mm.

[0042] Spacing within this range may be particularly suitable for delivering aerosol-forming liquids via capillary action.

[0043] The cross-sectional width of the capillary or the distance between the outer shell and the inner shell may be greater at the second capillary end than at the first capillary end. This ensures that, even in a situation where the replaceable cartridge is inverted and fluid communication between the aerosol-forming liquid in the liquid reservoir and the capillary may be blocked, sufficient aerosol-forming liquid is transported through the capillary to the liquid outlet as long as the aerosol-forming liquid is present in the capillary.

[0044] The capillary may include a protrusion. The protrusion may contact one or both of the inner shell and the outer shell. Preferably, the protrusion may contact both the inner shell and the outer shell. The protrusion may contact the outer main surface of the inner shell and the inner main surface of the outer shell. The protrusion may function to maintain an equal distance between the inner shell and the outer shell over at least a portion of the length of the capillary. The protrusion may extend along the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge. The protrusion may extend within the capillary. This ensures that an equal distance between the inner shell and the outer shell is maintained along the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge.

[0045] A portion of the capillary adjacent to the liquid outlet may be without protrusions. This allows the aerosol-forming liquid to be freely delivered to the liquid outlet. This allows the protrusions present within the capillary to continue performing the function of maintaining a constant width of the capillary. The protrusions may include ribs. The ribs may extend at least a portion of the length of the capillary. This allows the ribs to maintain a constant width along at least a portion of the length of the capillary. The ribs may include both width and length. The length of the ribs may be greater than the width. This ensures that the ribs extend along at least a portion of the length of the capillary without hindering the capillary transport of the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0046] Protrusions or ribs may be located on one or both of the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell.

[0047] The air inlet sidewall can be connected to the outer shell of the housing. The outer shell of the housing can form a continuous sidewall with the air inlet sidewall. A first capillary end can be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell of the housing adjacent to the air inlet sidewall.

[0048] Through this, a simple design can be provided that includes a first capillary end communicating with the liquid in a liquid reservoir adjacent to an air inlet.

[0049] As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming liquid” relates to a liquid capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol when the aerosol-forming liquid is heated. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain both solid and liquid aerosol-forming materials or components. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor compound released from the liquid during heating. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming liquid may contain a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming liquid within the liquid reservoir of a replaceable cartridge may contain at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol-forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol upon use and has significant resistance to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-forming device of the system. Suitable aerosol-forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming agent may be a polyhydric alcohol such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin, or a mixture thereof. The aerosol-forming agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming agent may include both glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain 50% by weight to about 18% by weight of water. This ensures that the viscosity of the liquid is sufficiently low. This allows the mesh or liquid transport susceptor to evaporate the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0050] The aerosol-forming liquid may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavoring agents. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming liquid may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10%, for example, about 2%.

[0051] The viscosity of the aerosol-forming liquid may be in the range of 15 mPa·s to 70 mPa·s, preferably 20 mPa·s to 60 mPa·s. The density of the aerosol-forming liquid is 900 kg / m³. 3 Up to 1100 kg / m² 3 , preferably 1000 kg / m² 3 The surface tension of the aerosol-forming liquid may be in the range of 35 mN / m to 45 mN / m, preferably 40 mN / m.

[0052] The maximum distance between the outer shell and the inner shell may be smaller than the distance between the opposing side walls of the air inlet. In particular, the maximum distance between the inner main surface of the outer shell and the outer main surface of the inner shell may be smaller than the distance between the opposing side walls of the air inlet.

[0053] This ensures reliable transfer of aerosol-forming liquids through the capillary. This also ensures reliable air inflow into the liquid reservoir through the air inlet.

[0054] The overall geometric shape of the inner shell may match the overall geometric shape of the outer shell. This allows capillaries to be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell of the housing. Preferably, the outer shell and the inner shell may have a tubular or cylindrical shape. The outer shell and the inner shell may be concentric to allow for the formation of capillaries.

[0055] The replaceable cartridge may also include a longitudinal axis. A first portion of the capillary may extend along the longitudinal axis. The first portion of the capillary may have a circular cross-sectional area, preferably a ring-shaped cross-sectional area. The circular cross-sectional area may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge.

[0056] As used herein, the term "cross-sectional area of ​​a capillary" refers to the cross-section of a capillary perpendicular to the length along the longitudinal direction of the capillary. In particular, cross-sections of different regions along the length along the longitudinal direction of the capillary may have the same region or surface of cross-section. This enables the constant and reliable transport of an aerosol-forming liquid through a capillary via capillary action.

[0057] The first part of the capillary having a circular cross-sectional area can ensure that the aerosol-forming liquid is reliably and quickly transferred from the liquid reservoir to the liquid outlet thanks to the large surface area of ​​the capillary.

[0058] The replaceable cartridge may further include a second portion of the capillary. The second portion of the capillary may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge. Preferably, the second portion of the capillary may extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge.

[0059] A second part of the capillary extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the replaceable cartridge may be located at or adjacent to the liquid outlet.

[0060] This ensures that the aerosol-forming liquid is reliably and in large quantities transported through the capillary to the liquid outlet.

[0061] An air inlet protruding into the interior of the liquid storage portion may be located at the center of the end of the first cartridge. The longitudinal axis of the air inlet may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

[0062] The liquid outlet may include a liquid transport susceptor. The liquid transport susceptor may be configured to guide the aerosol-forming liquid out of the liquid reservoir. The liquid transport susceptor may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid during the operation of the aerosol-generating device.

[0063] These liquid transport susceptors can ensure that aerosol-forming liquids are reliably transported through the liquid outlet. These liquid transport susceptors can provide reliable evaporation of the aerosol-forming liquids transported through the liquid transport susceptors.

[0064] The liquid transport susceptor may include filaments arranged side by side. The filaments may be configured to transport an aerosol-forming liquid. The filaments may be configured to be capable of induction heating.

[0065] The liquid transport susceptor can be an induction-heatable wick element.

[0066] As used herein, the term "liquid-carrying susceptor" refers to a susceptor capable of performing the two functions of carrying and heating an aerosol-forming liquid. Likewise, a liquid-carrying susceptor can be regarded as an induction-heatable liquid conduit. Using such a liquid-carrying susceptor avoids having separate means for carrying and heating the aerosol-forming liquid, thereby advantageously reducing the number of required components and consequently facilitating the manufacture of the cartridge.

[0067] As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a component comprising at least one susceptor material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. Depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material, this may result in at least one of hysteresis loss or eddy current induced in the susceptor material. Hysteresis loss occurs in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials due to magnetic domains within the material that are switched under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field.

[0068] Eddy currents are induced in electrically conductive susceptor materials. In the case of electrically conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials, heat is generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.

[0069] Generally, a liquid-carrying susceptor array may have any shape and configuration suitable for carrying an aerosol-forming liquid from a liquid outlet. In particular, the liquid-carrying susceptor array may include a wick element. The configuration of the wick element may be a strand wire, a strand rope of material, a mesh, a mesh tube, several concentric mesh tubes, a cloth, a sheet of material, or a foam (or other porous solid) having sufficient porosity, a roll of fine metal mesh, or a metal foil, a fiber, or some other arrangement of mesh, or any other geometric structure appropriately sized and configured to perform the wicking action as described herein.

[0070] In particular, the liquid-transport susceptor array may include a filament bundle comprising multiple filaments. Preferably, the filament bundle is a non-stranded filament bundle. In a non-stranded filament bundle, the filaments of the filament bundle do not cross each other and, preferably, are laterally connected along the entire length extension of the filament bundle. Likewise, the filament bundle may include a twisted strand portion of the filament bundle's filaments. The strand portion can improve the mechanical stability of the filament bundle. Using filaments to transport liquid is particularly advantageous because the filaments inherently provide capillary action. Furthermore, in a filament bundle, capillary action is further enhanced by the narrow space formed between multiple filaments when bundled. In particular, since the narrow space between the filaments does not change along the parallel arrangement, capillary action is applied to a parallel arrangement of constant filaments.

[0071] For example, a filament bundle may include a parallel bundle portion along at least a portion of a length extension where multiple filaments can be arranged parallel to each other. The parallel bundle portion may be arranged at one end of the filament bundle or between the two end portions of the filament bundle. Alternatively, the parallel bundle portion may extend along the entire length dimension of the filament bundle.

[0072] As another example, the filament bundle may include an immersion section and an evaporation section adjacent to the immersion section. The immersion section may be fluidly connected to a capillary to receive an aerosol-forming liquid. The evaporation section may be located near or adjacent to the heating element of the device when the aerosol-generating device is connected to a replaceable cartridge.

[0073] The filament bundle may also be a linear filament bundle, that is, a filament bundle that is substantially straight and not curved or bent, wherein one end of the filament bundle may be positioned within or adjacent to the liquid outlet, and the other end of the filament bundle may be positioned outside the liquid outlet.

[0074] At least a portion of the filament is made of an induction-heatable material. Induction-heatable susceptor materials include ferrite,

[0075] It may include or be made of one of aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, bronze, cobalt, nickel alloy, carbon steel, stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, ferromagnetic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, or austenitic stainless steel.

[0076] The aforementioned perforated membrane can slow the rate of air entry into the liquid reservoir through the air inlet. This can allow more space to adjust the shape of the liquid transport susceptor.

[0077] Another aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may include a replaceable cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating system may include an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to be detachably connected to the cartridge.

[0078] Another aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprises a replaceable cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating system further comprises an aerosol-generating device configured to be detachably connected to the cartridge.

[0079] The aerosol-generating device may include a heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming liquid. Thus, the heating element can assist in the formation of an aerosol from the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0080] The aerosol-generating device may include an induction heating array, such as an induction coil. The induction coil may be configured to heat a liquid-carrying susceptor. The aerosol-generating device may also include a liquid-carrying susceptor. The aerosol-generating device may include a connector element configured to be connectable to a replaceable cartridge. The connector element may include a liquid-carrying susceptor. The liquid-carrying susceptor may include a conduit for transporting an aerosol-forming liquid out of the replaceable cartridge. The liquid-carrying susceptor may include a susceptor element configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid transported through the conduit to generate an aerosol. The susceptor element may at least partially circumsect the conduit to transport the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0081] Instead of a susceptor element, a connector element, in particular, the conduit of the connector element may include a filament or a bundle of filaments for transporting an aerosol-forming liquid. The filament may be configured to be inductively heated by an induction coil.

[0082] An induction heating array may include an induction coil and a power supply configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the induction coil. As used herein, a high-frequency oscillating current refers to an oscillating current having a frequency of about 500 kHz to about 30 MHz. Advantageously, the heater may include a DC / AC inverter for converting a DC current supplied by a DC power supply into an alternating current. The induction coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when receiving a high-frequency oscillating current from the power supply. The induction coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within the device cavity. In some embodiments, the induction coil of the aerosol-generating device may be substantially external to the liquid outlet of the cavity when a replaceable cartridge is connected to the device.

[0083] A liquid transport susceptor may be positioned so that when a replaceable cartridge is connected to an aerosol-generating device, a fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by an induction coil induces a current within the susceptor to heat the liquid transport susceptor. In these embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a magnetic field strength (H-field strength) of preferably 1 to 5 kiloamperes / meter (kA m), preferably 2 to 3 kA / m, for example, about 2.5 kA / m. It is preferable that the electrically operated aerosol-generating device may generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency between 1 and 30 MHz, for example, between 1 and 10 MHz, for example, between 5 and 7 MHz.

[0084] The aerosol-generating device may include a heating element. The heating element may be an electric resistance heating element. The heating element may be coaxially arranged around at least a portion of the conduit of the connector element. The heating element may have a substantially circular cross-section. The heating element may have an oblique circular cross-section. The heating element may have a ring shape. The heating element may have a hollow tubular shape. The heating element may come into contact with an aerosol-forming liquid located within the conduit.

[0085] The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may include one or more of a battery, a communication interface for a user, and a control circuit for controlling an induction coil configured to heat a liquid-carrying susceptor.

[0086] The aerosol-generating device may include a power supply, typically a battery, within the casing of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-hydrogen alloy battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example, a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosols for a period of about 6 minutes, or for a period of multiples of 6 minutes. In another example, the power supply may have a capacity sufficient to provide individual activation of a predetermined number of puffs or aerosolizing elements.

[0087] The aerosol-generating device may include an electrical control circuit. The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a control unit. The electrical circuit may additionally include electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply to the aerosolizing element. Power may be supplied to the heating element or induction coil continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device, or intermittently, for example, on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element or induction coil in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element or induction coil, and preferably, may be configured to control the power supply to the heating element or induction coil depending on the electrical resistance of the aerosolizing element.

[0088] The aerosol-generating device may include a user interface for activating the device, for example, a button for turning the aerosol-generating device, in particular the aerosolization element, on and off. The aerosol-generating device may also be activated by a puff sensor.

[0089] The user interface may also include a display indicating the status of the device or the fill level of a replaceable cartridge.

[0090] The air inlet of the replaceable cartridge may include a side wall, and the length of the side wall of the air inlet located within the liquid reservoir may be in the range of 0.5 cm to 3 cm, preferably 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, more preferably 1 cm to 2 cm. The distance between the end of the second air inlet located within the liquid reservoir and the maximum height of the aerosol-forming liquid within the liquid reservoir may be between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 8 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 7 mm. This distance may prevent or reduce any leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid from the replaceable cartridge through the air inlet. The maximum volume of the aerosol-forming liquid within the liquid reservoir may be between 1.5 ml and 3 ml, preferably 2 ml.

[0091] A non-limiting, non-comprehensive list of examples is provided below. Any one or more of the features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0092] Example Ex1: A replaceable cartridge configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0093] A liquid storage unit for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, comprising a liquid outlet for guiding the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid storage unit, and

[0094] A capillary tube fluidly communicating with the above liquid storage portion and the above liquid outlet, and

[0095] A replaceable cartridge comprising an air inlet configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, wherein the air inlet protrudes into the interior of the liquid storage portion.

[0096] Example Ex2: The replaceable cartridge of Example EX1, further comprising a housing surrounding the liquid storage portion, wherein the air inlet extends from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage portion.

[0097] Example Ex3: A replaceable cartridge in which, in the preceding example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet in the housing is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet inside the liquid storage part, and preferably the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet decreases from the housing toward the inside of the liquid storage part.

[0098] Example Ex4: A replaceable cartridge in which, in any one of the prior examples, the air inlet is in the shape of a funnel.

[0099] Example Ex5: In any one of the prior examples, the capillary tube comprises a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the air inlet is located at or adjacent to the first end, and the liquid outlet is located at or adjacent to the second end, a replaceable cartridge.

[0100] Example Ex6: In the preceding example, the capillary tube is fluidly in communication with the liquid storage unit at the first end and fluidly in communication with the liquid outlet at the second end, a replaceable cartridge.

[0101] Example Ex7: In any one of the prior examples, the air inlet comprises a side wall extending from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage unit, preferably the height of the interior side wall is higher than the maximum height of the aerosol-forming liquid in the liquid storage unit, a replaceable cartridge.

[0102] Example Ex8: In the preceding example, a replaceable cartridge in which the distance between the mutually opposing side walls of the air inlet is greater than the maximum cross-sectional width of the capillary tube.

[0103] Example Ex9: In any one of the prior examples, the air inlet is located on the opposite side of the liquid outlet, a replaceable cartridge.

[0104] Example Ex10: Any one of the prior examples, a replaceable cartridge further comprising a housing surrounding the liquid storage portion, wherein the housing comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell is located inside the cartridge, and the capillary is formed between the outer shell and the inner shell.

[0105] Example Ex11: In the preceding example, according to Example EX7, the maximum distance between the outer shell and the inner shell is smaller than the distance between the mutually opposing side walls of the air inlet, a replaceable cartridge.

[0106] Example Ex12: In either of the preceding Example EX10 or Ex11, the entire geometric shape of the inner shell corresponds to the entire geometric shape of the outer shell, and preferably, the outer shell and the inner shell have a tubular or cylindrical shape, a replaceable cartridge.

[0107] Example Ex13: Any one of the prior examples, wherein the alternative cartridge further comprises a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis, said first portion of the capillary extending along said longitudinal axis has a circular cross-sectional area, preferably a ring-shaped cross-sectional area, and preferably said circular cross-sectional area extending perpendicularly to said longitudinal axis.

[0108] Example Ex14: An alternative cartridge in which, in any one of the prior examples, further comprises a longitudinal axis, wherein a second portion of the capillary extends transversely to the longitudinal axis, and preferably, the second portion of the capillary extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

[0109] Example Ex15: In any one of the prior examples, the liquid outlet is configured to guide the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid storage unit and comprises a liquid transport susceptor configured to inductively heat the aerosol-forming liquid during the operation of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the liquid outlet is configured to guide the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid storage unit.

[0110] Example Ex16: In a prior example, the liquid transport susceptor comprises filaments arranged side by side to transport the aerosol-forming liquid, and the filaments are replaceable cartridges capable of induction heating.

[0111] Example Ex17: In any one of the prior examples, the air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion to replace the aerosol-forming liquid that evaporates during the operation of the aerosol-generating device, a replaceable cartridge.

[0112] Example Ex18: In any one of the prior examples, the air inlet comprises a first air inlet end and a second air inlet end opposite thereto, the second air inlet end is located inside the liquid storage portion, and one or both of the first and second air inlet ends are covered with a perforated membrane, preferably the first air inlet end is covered with a perforated membrane, a replaceable cartridge.

[0113] Example Ex19: As an aerosol-generating system,

[0114] A replaceable cartridge according to any one of prior embodiments Ex1 to Ex18, and

[0115] An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device configured to be detachably connected to the above cartridge.

[0116] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating system in which, in a prior example, the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid, and preferably the aerosol-generating device comprises an induction coil configured to heat the liquid transport susceptor.

[0117] Example Ex21: The aerosol-generating system in Example Ex19 or Ex20, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises one or more of a battery, a communication interface for a user, and a control circuit for controlling an induction coil configured to heat a liquid-carrying susceptor.

[0118] The features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the present invention. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0119] The present invention will be explained in more detail merely as an example with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable cartridge having a capillary tube and an air inlet. FIGS. 2A and FIGS. 2B depict cross-sectional views along different sections indicated by lines in the cartridge of FIG. 1. Figure 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge of Figure 1 rotated 180°. FIG. 4 depicts a schematic perspective view of an inner shell having a protrusion for maintaining the distance between the inner shell and the outer shell. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict cross-sectional views of different embodiments of a replaceable cartridge comprising a membrane with perforations formed therein. FIGS. 6a and 6b depict an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device detachably connected to a replaceable cartridge, and a cartridge detachably connected to the aerosol-generating device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0120] In the following, elements with the same function are indicated by the same reference numeral throughout all drawings.

[0121] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable cartridge (10) comprising an air inlet (12) at one end of the replaceable cartridge and a liquid outlet (16) at the opposite end of the replaceable cartridge. The replaceable cartridge comprises a liquid storage unit (22). A portion of the liquid storage unit contains an aerosol-forming liquid (20A), while another portion (20B) of the liquid storage unit does not contain an aerosol-forming liquid. Thus, the portion (20B) contains air. The air inlet (12) protrudes into the interior of the liquid storage unit (22), and the side wall (12A) of the air inlet protrudes into the liquid storage unit (22). The height (34) of the side wall (12A) of the air inlet within the liquid storage unit is greater than the maximum height (32) of the aerosol-forming liquid (20A) within the liquid storage unit. This ensures that the aerosol-forming liquid does not leak out of the cartridge (10) by passing through the air inlet (12). The air inlet (12) is in air communication with the portion (20B) of the liquid storage that receives air. This ensures that any evaporated aerosol-forming liquid (20A) can be replaced by the air passing through the air inlet (12). The replaceable cartridge (10) includes a capillary (14) formed between the inner shell (28) and the outer shell (26). In particular, the capillary (14) is formed between the outer main surface (28B) of the inner shell (28) and the inner main surface (26A) of the outer shell (26). The capillary (14) includes a first end (14A) of the capillary that is in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming liquid (20A) in the liquid storage (22). The capillary also includes a second end (14B) of the capillary that is in fluid communication with a liquid outlet (16). The capillary is configured so that an aerosol-forming liquid (20A) is transported out of the liquid reservoir (22) through the first end (14A) and delivered to the second end (14B) of the capillary, thereby allowing the aerosol-forming liquid to reach the liquid outlet (16).In this embodiment, the outer shell (26) also forms part of the housing (23) of the replaceable cartridge (10). The outer shell (26) can form a wall continuous with the side wall (12A) of the air inlet.

[0122] The replaceable cartridge (10) has a longitudinal axis (18) and comprises two distinct capillary sections: a first capillary section (14C) that extends along the longitudinal axis, particularly parallel to the longitudinal axis (18), and a second capillary section (14D) that extends across the longitudinal axis, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (18). Depending on the design of the capillary (14), the capillary (14) may also include two distinct second sections (14D) that extend across the longitudinal axis (18). In particular, the second capillary section (14D) may be located adjacent to the first end (14A) of the capillary, and the other second capillary section (14D) may be located adjacent to the liquid outlet (16). In particular, the second capillary portion (14D) adjacent to the liquid outlet (16) can ensure that sufficient aerosol-forming liquid (20A) for evaporation is supplied to the liquid outlet. The replaceable cartridge (10) also includes a first cartridge end (10A) and a second cartridge end (10B) on the opposite side. An air inlet (12) is located at the center of the first cartridge end (10A) and includes a longitudinal air inlet axis. The air inlet (12) extends along this longitudinal air inlet axis, and the air inlet axis coincides with the longitudinal axis (18) of the cartridge.

[0123] FIG. 2a depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge (10) shown in FIG. 1, according to the dashed line (24) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2a shows an outer shell (26) and an inner shell (28), and a capillary (14) formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. In the first part (14C) of the capillary (14), the capillary has a circular, particularly ring-shaped cross-section. FIG. 2a also shows a liquid reservoir (22) having a partition (20B) containing air.

[0124] FIG. 2b depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge (10) shown in FIG. 1, cut along the dashed line (30) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2b depicts the same elements as FIG. 2a, except that the air inlet (12) and the air inlet sidewall (12A) are additionally visualized, and the air inlet and the air inlet sidewall extend into the liquid reservoir (22) and are surrounded by an aerosol-forming liquid (20A).

[0125] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge (10) shown in FIG. 1 rotated 180 degrees. It can be clearly seen that the capillary (14) is no longer in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming liquid (20A) in the liquid reservoir (22). However, there is sufficient aerosol-forming liquid (20A) in the capillary (14) to provide enough liquid for the user to inhale several puffs. The liquid meniscus (20C) located at the first end (14A) of the capillary is at atmospheric pressure and resists the movement of the aerosol-forming liquid around the liquid outlet (16). Nevertheless, even in the inverted position shown in FIG. 3, the user can still inhale two puffs before the capillary (14) dries out. Thus, the cartridge can be used even when inverted.

[0126] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an inner shell (28) having an outer main surface (28B). The outer main surface (28B) includes protrusions in the form of ribs (36). These protrusions (36) may contact the inner main surface of the outer shell to maintain a certain distance between the inner shell and the outer shell to form capillaries. The flow of an aerosol-forming liquid between the passages (28D) of the outer main surface (28B) between adjacent protrusions (36) is indicated by arrows (38). The outer main surface (28B) of the inner shell (28) may include a region (28C) without any protrusions.

[0127] FIG. 5a illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge (10). An air inlet (12) configured to allow air to enter into the liquid storage includes a second air inlet end (12C) protruding into the interior of the liquid storage. The air inlet further includes an opposing first air inlet end (12B) located near or adjacent to the housing of the cartridge. The second air inlet end may be covered by a perforated membrane (40). Perforations (40A) within the perforated membrane (40) allow air to enter into the interior of the liquid storage. The perforated membrane (40) may bulge due to negative pressure generated within the liquid storage when the aerosol-forming liquid is consumed. The perforated membrane (40) may also reduce or prevent the aerosol-forming liquid from leaking out of the liquid storage, particularly when the replaceable cartridge (10) is inverted.

[0128] FIG. 5b depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge, wherein, in contrast to the cartridge of FIG. 5a, the first air inlet end (12B), rather than the second air inlet end (12C), is covered by a perforated membrane (40). The perforated membrane (40) may come into contact with a portion of the cartridge housing. The perforated membrane (40) may be mounted on a portion of the cartridge housing, which is adjacent to the first air inlet end. The perforated membrane (40) may completely cover the first air inlet end of the air inlet. Air enters the air inlet (12) through the perforations (40A) of the perforated membrane (40). When an aerosol-forming liquid is transported through a capillary during the operation of the cartridge, negative pressure may be formed within the liquid reservoir. This negative pressure may cause the perforated membrane (42) to bulge into the interior of the air inlet.

[0129] FIG. 6a depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device (42). The aerosol-generating device (42) includes a cavity (56) for receiving a replaceable cartridge (10). A connector element (48) is located in or near the cavity (56). The connector element (48) includes a conduit (50) for carrying an aerosol-forming liquid from the cartridge and a susceptor element (46) for inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid carried within the conduit (50). The susceptor element (46) is at least partially external to the conduit (50). The aerosol-generating device (42) further includes a control circuit (52) for controlling the operation of the aerosol-generating device, particularly for controlling an induction coil (60) configured to heat the susceptor element (46). The aerosol-generating device (42) further includes an energy source (54), such as a battery. Instead of the susceptor element (46), the connector element may include a filament for transporting an aerosol-forming liquid from a cartridge through a capillary (14). The filament may be inductively heated and, for example, may be made of a material that is at least partially inductively heatable (the filament is not shown in FIG. 6a). The aerosol-generating device (42) includes a mouthpiece (44) that also serves as an aerosol-forming chamber. The mouthpiece (44) includes an air outlet (44A) for the user to inhale the aerosol generated by evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid.

[0130] FIG. 6b depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system (62) comprising the aerosol-generating device (42) shown in FIG. 6a and a replaceable cartridge (10) according to the present invention. As can be seen from this, the aerosol-forming liquid (20A) is transported out of the cartridge (10) by the action of capillary force within the capillary (14) and heated by the susceptor element (46) or by an induction-heatable filament present in the conduit of the connector element (the filament is not shown in FIG. 6b). The aerosol-forming liquid evaporates through induction heating and is then delivered to the air outlet (44A) through the mouthpiece (44) as indicated by the dashed arrow (64).

Claims

Claim 1 A replaceable cartridge configured to be detachably connected to an aerosol-generating device, comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming liquid, the liquid storage portion including a liquid outlet for guiding the aerosol-forming liquid to the outside of the liquid storage portion; a capillary tube fluidly communicating with the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet; and an air inlet configured to allow air to enter the liquid storage portion, wherein the air inlet protrudes into the interior of the liquid storage portion; and further comprising a housing surrounding the liquid storage portion, wherein the air inlet extends from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage portion, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet in the housing is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet inside the liquid storage portion. Claim 2 A replaceable cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet decreases from the housing toward the interior of the liquid storage part. Claim 3 A replaceable cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air inlet is in the shape of a funnel. Claim 4 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the capillary tube comprises a first end and a second end opposite thereto, the air inlet is located at or adjacent to the first end, and the liquid outlet is located at or adjacent to the second end. Claim 5 A replaceable cartridge satisfying one or both of the following: in any one of claims 1 to 4, the capillary tube is in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir at the first end and is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet at the second end. Claim 6 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air inlet comprises a side wall extending from the housing into the interior of the liquid storage unit, and preferably the height of the side wall in the interior is higher than the maximum height of the aerosol-forming liquid in the liquid storage unit. Claim 7 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between mutually opposing side walls of the air inlet is greater than the maximum cross-sectional width of the capillary tube. Claim 8 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing comprises an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell is located inside the cartridge, and the capillary is formed between the outer shell and the inner shell. Claim 9 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, additionally according to claim 6, wherein the maximum distance between the outer shell and the inner shell is smaller than the distance between the mutually opposing side walls of the air inlet. Claim 10 A replaceable cartridge according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the entire geometric shape of the inner shell corresponds to the entire geometric shape of the outer shell, and preferably the outer shell and the inner shell have a tubular or cylindrical shape. Claim 11 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid outlet is configured to guide the aerosol-forming liquid to outside the liquid storage unit and includes a liquid transport susceptor configured to inductively heat the aerosol-forming liquid during the operation of the aerosol-generating device. Claim 12 A replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the air inlet comprises a first air inlet end and a second air inlet end opposite thereto, the second air inlet end is located inside the liquid storage portion, and one or both of the first and second air inlet ends are covered with a perforated membrane, preferably the first air inlet end is covered with a perforated membrane. Claim 13 An aerosol-generating system comprising a replaceable cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and an aerosol-generating device configured to be detachably connected to said cartridge. Claim 14 In claim 13, the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming liquid, and preferably, the aerosol-generating device comprises an induction coil configured to heat the liquid transport susceptor, an aerosol-generating system.

Images