Aerosol-generating system with dosing control

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate, a pickup chamber, a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber, and an airflow channel of the cartridge extending from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pickup chamber. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING SYSTEM WITH DOSING CONTROL

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

[0003] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat a liquid aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporises to form an aerosol.

[0004] On the one hand, systems utilizing liquid aerosol-forming substrates often allow to control parameters like the amount of substance delivered to a user, particle size, and velocity of an airflow. On the other hand, sometimes complex electronic control means may be required. Also, liquid aerosol-forming substrates may face problems related to a limited shelf life of the liquid, or issues related to leakage, or issues related to heat-induced decomposition.

[0005] Also known are aerosol-generating systems which do not heat the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, dry powder inhalers are known. Dry powder inhalers often comprise a pierceable capsule which comprises dry powder particles. During use, the capsule is pierced or ruptured to allow dry powder particles to exit the capsule, to be taken up by an airflow through the inhaler and to be then delivered towards a mouth of a user.

[0006] However, for dry powder inhalers, it may sometimes be difficult to precisely control parameters like an amount of substance to be delivered to a user per puff.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that may allow to deliver a predefined amount of a substance to a user. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that may allow to control particle size. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that may allow to control airflow velocity. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system with low complexity. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system with a durable aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which reduces or avoids leakage. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system which may be handled comfortably by a user.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may comprise a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a pickup chamber. The cartridge may comprise a dosing mechanism. The dosing mechanism may be configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber. The cartridge may comprise an airflow channel of the cartridge. The airflow channel of the cartridge may extend from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pickup chamber.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge comprises a pickup chamber. The cartridge comprises a dosing mechanism. The dosing mechanism is configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber. The cartridge comprises an airflow channel of the cartridge. The airflow channel of the cartridge extends from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pickup chamber.

[0010] By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to deliver a predefined amount of a substance to a user may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to control particle size may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to control airflow velocity may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system with low complexity may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system with a durable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system which reduces or avoids leakage may be provided. By the cartridge of the invention, an aerosol-generating system which can be handled comfortably by a user may be provided.

[0011] As used herein, the term ‘single dose’ may refer to an amount of aerosol-forming substrate which is consumed during a single puff of a user.

[0012] The dosing mechanism may be configured to be manually actuated by a user.

[0013] The dosing mechanism may be configured to transfer the single dose of aerosolforming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber via a dosing orifice.

[0014] The dosing mechanism may be configured to close the dosing orifice after transfer of the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate to the pickup chamber.

[0015] The dosing mechanism may comprise a shovel element. The shovel element may comprise at least one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The dosing mechanism may comprise a sleeve element. The sleeve element may coaxially surround the shovel element. The dosing mechanism may be arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element.

[0016] The shovel element may be arranged spatially between the storage portion and the pickup chamber. The sleeve element may comprise a first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The first end portion may coaxially surround the shovel element. The second end portion may be configured as a sidewall of the storage portion.

[0017] The dosing orifice may be provided in form of a through-hole in the first end portion of the sleeve element.

[0018] The dosing mechanism may be configured such that the sleeve element and the shovel element are movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the dosing orifice may be closed by the shovel element. In the second position, the dosing orifice may be open to a receiving portion of the shovel element. In the second position, the dosing orifice may be open to a receiving portion of the shovel element such that a dose of aerosol-generating material may be transferred from the receiving portion of the shovel element to the pickup chamber.

[0019] An outer sidewall of the first end portion of the sleeve element may comprise a recessed portion. The pickup chamber may be formed by an empty space provided between the recessed portion and a lateral sidewall of an outer element coaxially surrounding the sleeve element.

[0020] The sleeve element and the shovel element may comprise a common central axis. The dosing mechanism may be arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element around the central axis. The first position may be a first rotational position. The second position may be a second rotational position.

[0021] The shovel element may be shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out. The at least one receiving portion of the shovel element may be provided by the at least one lateral cut-out.

[0022] The shovel element may comprise two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposing sides of the central axis. Each lateral cut-out may be configured for receiving a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate. Each lateral cut-out may provide one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thereby, by a rotation of the shovel element by 180 degree a first dose may be provided to the pickup chamber and by another rotation of 180 degrees a second dose may be provided to the pickup chamber.

[0023] A bottom end face of the shovel element may face towards the storage portion. The bottom end face of the shovel element facing towards the storage portion may comprise a roughened surface. The roughened surface may comprise a corrugated profile. The roughened surface may comprise a wave profile.

[0024] The roughened surface may advantageously help in reducing a risk of blockage of the movement of the shovel element with respect to the aerosol-forming substrate stored in the storage portion. The cartridge may comprise a cap element. The cap element may be arranged coaxially around the shovel element and the sleeve element. The shovel element may be fixed with respect to the cap element to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the shovel element and the cap element.

[0025] The cartridge may comprise a storage portion spring means. The storage portion spring means may be configured to push a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the dosing mechanism.

[0026] The storage portion spring means may be configured to push a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the shovel element.

[0027] The storage portion may be configured for receiving a plurality of doses of a dry powder aerosol-forming substrate.

[0028] The storage portion may comprise a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate. The storage portion may comprise a plurality of doses of a dry powder aerosolforming substrate. The dry powder aerosol-forming substrate may be a dry powder as those known for use in dry powder inhalers.

[0029] The cartridge may comprise one or both of a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air inlet, and a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air outlet.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge. The cartridge may house an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism may comprise a pump chamber housing a movable piston. The air pump mechanism may comprise a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber. The air pump mechanism may comprise a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber. The pump air outlet may be fluidly connected to the receiving portion. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge. The cartridge houses an aerosol-forming substrate and the cartridge may be a cartridge as described herein. The aerosol-generating device comprises an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump chamber housing a movable piston. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber. The pump air outlet is fluidly connected to the receiving portion. The air pump mechanism is configured such that the piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0032] By the aerosol-generating device of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to deliver a predefined amount of a substance to a user may be provided. By the aerosol-generating device of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to control particle size may be provided. By the aerosol-generating device of the invention, an aerosol-generating system that allows to control airflow velocity may be provided. By the aerosol-generating device of the invention, an aerosol-generating system with low complexity may be provided. By the aerosol-generating device of the invention, an aerosol-generating system which can be handled comfortably by a user may be provided.

[0033] The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston is in a state of high potential energy when being in the first position. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston is in a in a relaxed state when being in the second position.

[0034] The air pump mechanism may comprise a piston spring means. The piston spring means may be movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the piston spring means is in the compressed state when the piston is in the first position. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the piston spring means is in the relaxed state when the piston is in the second position.

[0035] The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston is manually movable by a user from the second position into the first position.

[0036] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a button for manual activation of the air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston moves from the first position into the second position when a user presses the button from an unpressed button configuration into a pressed button configuration.

[0037] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a button spring means configured to push the button back from the pressed configuration towards the unpressed configuration.

[0038] The button may comprise a button airflow channel. The button airflow channel may be configured to fluidly connect the pump air inlet to the pump chamber and to fluidly isolate the pump air outlet from the pump chamber when the button is in the unpressed button configuration. The button airflow channel may be configured to fluidly isolate the pump air inlet from the pump chamber and to fluidly connect the pump air outlet to the pump chamber when the button is in the pressed button configuration.

[0039] The air pump mechanism may comprise a gripping means for holding the movable piston in the first position. The gripping means may be configured to release the movable piston when the button is being pressed.

[0040] The air pump mechanism may comprise a driving means for moving the movable piston between the second position and the first position. The driving means may comprise a rail-like recess provided on an outer sidewall of the movable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the rail-like recess. The rail-like recess may be shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston with respect to the pump chamber drives the movable piston from the second position into the first position.

[0041] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inlet backflow preventing means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet. The inlet backflow preventing means may comprise a one-way valve.

[0042] The aerosol-generating device may comprise an outlet backflow preventing means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump air outlet to the pump chamber. The outlet backflow preventing means may comprise a one-way valve.

[0043] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a device outlet airflow channel extending from the receiving portion to an air outlet of the device.

[0044] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. The air outlet of the device may be part of the mouthpiece.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge as described herein and an aerosol-generating device as described herein.

[0046] The aerosol-generating system may be configured such that the dosing mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action.

[0047] The aerosol-generating system may comprise a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism may comprise a first gear engaged with a second gear. The first gear may be connected to the dosing mechanism. The second gear may be connected to the air pump mechanism.

[0048] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or a vapor. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Such volatile compounds may be released by being taken up by an airflow passing through a pickup chamber which holds a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid form, for example in form of a dry powder. The terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ are used synonymously.

[0049] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ also encompasses powders known for use in inhalers, preferably dry powders known for use in dry powder inhalers. The aerosol-forming substrate may be nicotine-free. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.

[0050] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine particles comprising nicotine (also referred to as nicotine powder” or “nicotine particles”) and optionally particles comprising flavour (also referred to as “flavour particles). The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optional flavour particles. The aerosol-forming substrate in the storage portion may contain enough nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or “puffs”, or at least about 5 inhalations or “puffs”, or at least about 10 inhalations or “puffs”. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain enough nicotine particles to provide from about 5 to about 50 inhalations or “puffs”, or from about 10 to about 30 inhalations or “puffs”. Each inhalation or “puff” or each single dose may deliver from about 0.1 mg to about 3 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user or from about 0.2 mg to about 2 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user or about 1 mg of nicotine particles to the lungs of the user.

[0051] The nicotine particles may have any useful concentration of nicotine based on the particular formulation employed. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1%wt nicotine up to about 30%wt nicotine, or from about 2%wt to about 25%wt nicotine, or from about 3%wt to about 20%wt nicotine, or from about 4%wt to about 15%wt nicotine, or from about 5%wt to about 13%wt nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine may be delivered to the lungs of the user with each inhalation or “puff”.

[0052] The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain at least about 5 mg of nicotine particles or at least about 10 mg of nicotine particles. The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain less than about 900 mg of nicotine particles, or less than about 300 mg of nicotine particles, or less than 150 mg of nicotine particles. The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of nicotine particles or from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of nicotine particles.

[0053] When flavour particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles within the aerosol-forming substrate, the flavour particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavour to each inhalation or “puff’ delivered to the user.

[0054] The nicotine particles may have any useful size distribution for inhalation delivery preferentially into the lungs of a user. The aerosol-forming substrate may include particles other than the nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and the other particles may form a powder system.

[0055] The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain at least about 5 mg of a dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10 mg of a dry powder. The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain less than about 900 mg of a dry powder, or less than about 300 mg of a dry powder, or less than about 150 mg of a dry powder. The aerosol-forming substrate may hold or contain from about 5 mg to about 300 mg of a dry powder, or from about 10 mg to about 200 mg of a dry powder, or from about 25 mg to about 10 mg of a dry powder. The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80%, by weight of the powder system comprised in nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 5 micrometers. The particles comprising nicotine may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers or in a range from about 1.5 micrometers to about 2.5 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured with a cascade impactor. The particles comprising flavour may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or greater, or about 50 micrometers or greater, or in a range from about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or from about 50 to about 150 micrometers. The mass median aerodynamic diameter is preferably measured with a cascade impactor.

[0056] The dry powder may have a mean diameter of about 60 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 40 micrometers, or in a range from about 1.5 micrometers to about 25 micrometers. The mean diameter refers to the mean diameter per mass and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion or an electronic microscope.

[0057] Nicotine in the powder system or nicotine particles may be a pharmaceutically acceptable free-base nicotine, or nicotine salt or nicotine salt hydrate. Useful nicotine salts or nicotine salt hydrates include nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine mono-pyruvate, nicotine glutamate or nicotine hydrochloride, for example. The compound combining with nicotine to form the salt or salt hydrate may be chosen based on its expected pharmacological effect.

[0058] The nicotine particles preferably include an amino acid. Preferably the amino acid may be leucine such as L-leucine. Providing an amino acid such as L-leucine with the particles comprising nicotine, may reduce adhesion forces of the particles comprising nicotine and may reduce attraction between nicotine particles and thus reduce agglomeration of nicotine particles. Similarly, adhesion forces to particles comprising flavour may also be reduced thus agglomeration of nicotine particles with flavour particles is also reduced. The powder system described herein thus may be a free-flowing material and possess a stable relative particle size of each powder component even when the nicotine particles and the flavour particles are combined. Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface modified nicotine salt where the nicotine salt particle comprises a coated or composite particle. A preferred coating or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly useful nicotine particle may be nicotine bitartrate with L-leucine.

[0059] The powder system may include a population of flavour particles. The flavour particles may have any useful size distribution for inhalation delivery selectively into the mouth or buccal cavity of a user.

[0060] The powder system may have at least about 40%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 80%, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size of about 20 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have at least about 40% or at least about 60%, or at least about 80%, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size of about 50 micrometers or greater. The powder system may have at least about 40% or at least about 60%, or at least about 80%, by weight of the population of flavour particles of the powder system comprised in particles having a particle size in a range from about 50 micrometer to about 150 micrometers.

[0061] The particles comprising flavour may include a compound to reduce adhesion forces or surface energy and resulting agglomeration. The flavour particle may be surface modified with an adhesion reducing compound to form a coated flavour particle. One preferred adhesion reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. Providing an adhesion reducing compound such as magnesium stearate with the flavour particle, especially coating the flavour particle, may reduce adhesion forces of the particles comprising flavour and may reduce attraction between flavour particles and thus reduce agglomeration of flavour particles. Thus, agglomeration of flavour particles with nicotine particles may also be reduced. The powder system described herein thus may possess a stable relative particle size of the particles comprising nicotine and the particles comprising flavour even when the nicotine particles and the flavour particles are combined. The powder system preferably may be free flowing.

[0062] Conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain carrier particles that serve to increase the fluidization of the active particles since the active particles may be too small to be influenced by simple airflow though the inhaler. The powder system may comprise carrier particles. These carrier particles may be a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol that may have a particle size greater than about 50 micrometers. The carrier particles may be utilized to improve dose uniformity by acting as a diluent or bulking agent in a formulation. The powder system utilized with the nicotine powder delivery system described herein may be carrier-free or substantially free of a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol. Being carrier- free or substantially free of a saccharide such as lactose or mannitol may allow the nicotine and to be inhaled and delivered to the user’s lungs at inhalation or airflow rates that are similar to typical smoking regime inhalation or airflow rates. The nicotine particles and a flavour may be combined in a single aerosol-forming substrate. As described above, the nicotine particles and a flavour may each have reduced adhesion forces that result in a stable particle formulation where the particle size of each component does not substantially change when combined. Alternatively, the powder system includes nicotine particles contained within a single aerosol-forming substrate and the flavour particles contained within a second aerosol-forming substrate.

[0063] The nicotine particles and flavour particles may be combined in any useful relative amount so that the flavour particles are detected by the user when consumed with the nicotine particles. Preferably the nicotine particles and a flavour particles form at least about 90%wt or at least about 95%wt or at least about 99%wt or 10%wt of the total weight of the powder system.

[0064] The aerosol-generating system may use a flow rate of less than about 5 L / min or less than about 3 L / min or less than about 2 L / min or about 1.6 L / min. Preferably, the flow rate may be in a range from about 1 L / min to about 3 L / min or from about 1.5 L / min to about 2.5 L / min. Preferably, the inhalation rate or flow rate may be similar to that of Health Canada smoking regime, that is, about 1.6 L / min.

[0065] The pharmaceutically active particles may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 micrometers or less, or in a range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 4 micrometers, or in a range from about 1 micrometer to about 3 micrometers.

[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate may further contain a second population of flavour particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 micrometers or greater, or about 50 micrometers or greater, or in a range from about 50 to about 200 micrometers, or from about 50 to about 150 micrometers.

[0067] The term “nicotine” refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives such as free-base nicotine, nicotine salts and the like.

[0068] The term “flavourant” or “flavour” refers to organoleptic compounds, compositions, or materials that alter and are intended to alter the taste or aroma characteristics of nicotine during consumption or inhalation thereof.

[0069] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge.

[0070] As used herein, the term ‘cartridge’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, a cartridge may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or user-end of the device or at a mouthpiece of the cartridge itself. A cartridge may be disposable. A cartridge may be reusable. A cartridge may be refillable. The cartridge may be insertable into a cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

[0071] As used herein, the term ‘storage portion’ refers to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds. The storage portion may be configured as a container or a reservoir for storing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0072] The storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container. The storage portion may be any suitable shape and size. For example, the storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the storage portion may, for example, be substantially circular, elliptical, square or rectangular. The storage portion may form part of the cartridge.

[0073] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating device’ refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol-generating article and a cartridge to generate an aerosol.

[0074] As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating system’ refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.

[0075] Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is portable. The aerosol-generating device may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically operated smoking device. The device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may have a total length between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an external diameter between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

[0076] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongate. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is light and non-brittle.

[0077] The housing may comprise at least one air inlet. The housing may comprise more than one air inlet.

[0078] The aerosol-generating device may include additional components, such as, for example a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

[0079] As used herein, the term ‘proximal’ refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the cartridge, the aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof, and the term ‘distal’ refers to the end opposite to the proximal end. When referring to the cavity or heating chamber, the term ‘proximal’ refers to the region closest to the open end of the cavity and the term ‘distal’ refers to the region closest to the closed end.

[0080] As used herein, the terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the cartridge or the aerosol- generating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

[0081] The term ‘airflow path’ as used herein denotes a channel suitable to transport gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

[0082] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithiumpolymer battery.

[0083] Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0084] Example E1: A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate; a pickup chamber; a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber; and an airflow channel of the cartridge extending from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pickup chamber.

[0085] Example E2: The cartridge according to Example E1 , wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to be manually actuated by a user.

[0086] Example E3: The cartridge according to Example E1 or Example E2, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to transfer the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber via a dosing orifice.

[0087] Example E4: The cartridge according to Example E3, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to close the dosing orifice after transfer of the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate to the pickup chamber.

[0088] Example E5: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element and a shovel element, wherein the shovel element comprises at least one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the sleeve element coaxially surrounds the shovel element, and wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element. Example E6: The cartridge according to Example E5, wherein the shovel element is arranged spatially between the storage portion and the pickup chamber.

[0089] Example E7: The cartridge according to Example E5 or Example E6, wherein the sleeve element comprises a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion coaxially surrounds the shovel element, and wherein the second end portion is configured as a sidewall of the storage portion.

[0090] Example E8: The cartridge according to a combination of Example E7 and Example E3 or a combination of Example E7 and Example E4, wherein the dosing orifice is provided in form of a through-hole in the first end portion of the sleeve element.

[0091] Example E9: The cartridge according to Example E8, wherein the dosing mechanism is configured such that the sleeve element and the shovel element are movable between a first position in which the dosing orifice is closed by the shovel element and a second position in which the dosing orifice is open to a receiving portion of the shovel element such that a dose of aerosol-generating material may be transferred from the receiving portion of the shovel element to the pickup chamber.

[0092] Example E10: The cartridge according to Example E8 or Example E9, wherein an outer sidewall of the first end portion of the sleeve element comprises a recessed portion, and wherein the pickup chamber is formed by an empty space provided between the recessed portion and a lateral sidewall of an outer element coaxially surrounding the sleeve element.

[0093] Example E11 : The cartridge according to any of Examples E5 to E10, wherein the sleeve element and the shovel element comprise a common central axis, and wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element around the central axis.

[0094] Example E12: The cartridge according to Example E11, wherein the shovel element is shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out, and wherein the at least one receiving portion of the shovel element is provided by the at least one lateral cutout.

[0095] Example E13: The cartridge according to Example E12, wherein the shovel element comprises two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposing sides of the central axis, each lateral cut-out being configured for receiving a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0096] Example E14: The cartridge according to Example E13, wherein a bottom end face of the shovel element facing towards the storage portion comprises a roughened surface, preferably wherein the roughened surface comprises a corrugated profile, more preferably a wave profile.

[0097] Example E15: The cartridge according to any of Examples E5 to E14, comprising a cap element, wherein the cap element is arranged coaxially around the shovel element and the sleeve element, and wherein the shovel element is fixed with respect to the cap element to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the shovel element and the cap element.

[0098] Example E16: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, comprising a storage portion spring means, the storage portion spring means being configured to push a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the dosing mechanism.

[0099] Example E17: The cartridge according to any of Examples E5 to E15, comprising a storage portion spring means, the storage portion spring means being configured to push a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the shovel element.

[0100] Example E18: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the storage portion is configured for receiving a plurality of doses of a dry powder aerosolforming substrate.

[0101] Example E19: The cartridge according to any of Examples E1 to E17, wherein the storage portion comprises a plurality of doses of aerosol-forming substrate, preferably of a dry powder aerosol-forming substrate.

[0102] Example E20: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, comprising one or both of a removable air-tight seal covering the cartridge air inlet and a removable airtight seal covering the cartridge air outlet.

[0103] Example E21 : An aerosol-generating device, comprising a receiving portion for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate; and an air pump mechanism, the air pump mechanism comprising a pump chamber housing a movable piston, a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber, and a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber, the pump air outlet being fluidly connected to the receiving portion, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

[0104] Example E22: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E21, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is in a state of high potential energy when being in the first position, and the movable piston is in a in a relaxed state when being in the second position.

[0105] Example E23: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E22, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring means, the piston spring means being movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state, wherein the piston spring means is in the compressed state when the piston is in the first position, and wherein the piston spring means is in the relaxed state when the piston is in the second position. Example E24: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E23, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is manually movable by a user from the second position into the first position.

[0106] Example E25: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E24, comprising a button for manual activation of the air pump mechanism, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston moves from the first position into the second position when a user presses the button from an unpressed button configuration into a pressed button configuration.

[0107] Example E26: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E25, comprising a button spring means configured to push the button back from the pressed configuration towards the unpressed configuration.

[0108] Example E27: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E25 or Example E26, wherein the button comprises a button airflow channel, the button airflow channel being configured to fluidly connect the pump air inlet to the pump chamber and to fluidly isolate the pump air outlet from the pump chamber when the button is in the unpressed button configuration, and the button airflow channel being configured to fluidly isolate the pump air inlet from the pump chamber and to fluidly connect the pump air outlet to the pump chamber when the button is in the pressed button configuration.

[0109] Example E28: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E27, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a gripping means for holding the movable piston in the first position.

[0110] Example E29: The aerosol-generating device according to a combination of any of Examples E25 to E27 and Example E28, wherein the gripping means is configured to release the movable piston when the button is being pressed.

[0111] Example E30: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E29, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a driving means for moving the movable piston between the second position and the first position, the driving means comprising a raillike recess provided on an outer sidewall of the movable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the rail-like recess, wherein the rail-like recess is shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston with respect to the pump chamber drives the movable piston from the second position into the first position.

[0112] Example E31 : The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E30, comprising an inlet backflow preventing means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet, preferably wherein said means comprises a one-way valve. Example E32: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E31, comprising an outlet backflow preventing means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump air outlet to the pump chamber, preferably wherein said means comprises a one-way valve.

[0113] Example E33: The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E32, comprising a device outlet airflow channel extending from the receiving portion to an air outlet of the device.

[0114] Example E34: The aerosol-generating device according to Example E33, comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the air outlet of the device is part of the mouthpiece.

[0115] Example E35: An aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge according to any of Examples E1 to E20 and an aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E21 to E34.

[0116] Example E36: The aerosol-generating system according to Example E35, wherein the system is configured such that the dosing mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action.

[0117] Example E37: The aerosol-generating system according to Example E36, comprising a gear mechanism, the gear mechanism comprising a first gear engaged with a second gear, wherein the first gear is connected to the dosing mechanism and the second gear is connected to the air pump mechanism.

[0118] Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0119] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0120] Figs. 1 and 2 show a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device;

[0121] Figs. 3a to 3c show shovel elements for the cartridge of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0122] Figs. 4a to 4c show an aerosol-generating device;

[0123] Figs. 5a to 5c show an aerosol-generating device;

[0124] Figs. 6a and 6b show aerosol-generating devices; and

[0125] Figs. 7 to 9 show an aerosol-generating system.

[0126] Fig. 1 shows, in a cross-sectional view, a cartridge 10 for use with an aerosolgenerating device. Fig. 2 shows another cross-section of the cartridge 10 of Fig. 1 along line X-X’ indicated in Fig. 1.

[0127] The cartridge 10 of Figs. 1 and 2 comprises a storage portion 12 for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge 10 comprises a pickup chamber 14. The cartridge 10 comprises a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion 12 to the pickup chamber 14. The dosing mechanism may be configured to be manually actuated by a user. The cartridge 10 comprises an airflow channel of the cartridge 10 extending from a cartridge air inlet 16 to a cartridge air outlet 18 via the pickup chamber 14.

[0128] The dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element 20 and a shovel element 30. The shovel element 30 of the cartridge 10 of Figs. 1 and 2 is shown in detail Figs. 3a and 3b.

[0129] Fig. 3a shows the shovel element 30 in perspective view. Fig. 3b shows a view from the bottom of Fig. 3a.

[0130] The shovel element 30 comprises two receiving portions. Each receiving portion is configured for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The shovel element 30 is shaped as a cylindrical element 30 comprising two lateral cut-outs 32. Each lateral cut-out 32 provides one of the two receiving portions for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. The two lateral cut-outs 32 are arranged at opposing sides of a central axis 34 of the shovel element 30. The cut-outs 32 can be described as cut-outs of a cylindrical element as indicated by a dotted line 36 in Fig. 3b. The shovel element 30 may further comprises a shovel shaft 31. As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the sleeve element 20 coaxially surrounds the shovel element 30. The dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element 20 relative to the shovel element 30.

[0131] The central axis 34 is a common central axis 34 of the sleeve element 20 and the shovel element 30. The dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element 20 relative to the shovel element 30 around the central axis 34.

[0132] The sleeve element 20 comprises a first end portion 22. The first end portion 22 is a proximal portion of the sleeve element 20. The sleeve element 20 comprises a second end portion 24 opposing the first end portion 22. The second end portion 24 is a distal portion of the sleeve element 20. The first end portion 22 coaxially surrounds the shovel element 30. The second end portion 24 is configured as a sidewall of the storage portion 12.

[0133] The dosing mechanism is configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion 12 to the pickup chamber 14 via a dosing orifice 26. The dosing orifice 26 is provided in form of a through-hole in the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20.

[0134] The dosing mechanism is configured to close the dosing orifice 26 after transfer of the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate to the pickup chamber 14. In the embodiment shown, the dosing orifice 26 is closed by a sidewall 38 of the shovel element 30. This is best shown in Fig. 2.

[0135] When, starting from the configuration in Fig. 2, the shovel element 30 rotates by 90 degrees around the axis 34, one of the lateral cut-outs 32 will be open to the pickup chamber 14 via the dosing orifice 26. The dosing mechanism is thus configured such that the sleeve element 20 and the shovel element 30 are movable between a first rotational position as shown in Fig. 2 in which the dosing orifice 26 is closed by the shovel element 30 and a second rotational position in which the dosing orifice 26 is open to the receiving portion 32 of the shovel element 30 such that a dose of aerosol-generating material may be transferred from the receiving portion 32 of the shovel element 30 to the pickup chamber 14.

[0136] Further rotation about 90 degrees closes again, and, then, further rotation by 90 degrees opens the other lateral cut-out 32 to the pickup chamber 14 again to provide a next single dose of aerosol-forming substrate to the pickup chamber 14.

[0137] The cartridge 10 comprises a cap element 40. The cap element 40 is arranged coaxially around both the shovel element 30 and the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20. The shovel element 30 is fixed with respect to the cap element 40 to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element 30 relative to both the shovel element 30 and the cap element 40. The shovel element 30 may be fixed to the cap element 40 via the shovel shaft 31.

[0138] An outer sidewall of the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20 comprises a recessed portion. The pickup chamber 14 is formed by an empty space provided between the recessed portion and a lateral sidewall of the cap element 40 coaxially surrounding the first end portion 22 of the sleeve element 20.

[0139] The cartridge 10 comprises a storage portion spring means 50. The storage portion spring means 50 is configured to push a bottom end face 52 of the storage portion 12 towards the shovel element 30.

[0140] Fig. 3c shows an optional embodiment of the shovel element 30 in perspective view. In the optional embodiment of Fig. 3c, a bottom end face 39 of the shovel element 30 comprises a roughened surface. The roughened surface comprises a wave profile. When the shovel element 30 is installed in the cartridge 10, the roughened bottom end face 39 faces towards the storage portion. The roughened bottom end face 39 may advantageously help in reducing a risk of blockage of the rotational movement of the shovel element 30 by aerosolforming substrate powder particles stored in the storage portion 12. The shovel element 30 of Fig. 3c may further comprise a threaded shovel shaft 31 for fixing the shovel element 30 to the cap element 40 by means of a screw connection.

[0141] Figs. 4a to 4c shows in a cross-sectional view different configurations of an aerosolgenerating device 100 for use with a cartridge 10, for example the cartridge 10 of Figs. 1 and 2.

[0142] The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a receiving portion (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c) for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolgenerating device 100 comprises an air pump mechanism. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump chamber 110. The pump chamber comprises a pipe 112. The pump chamber 110 houses a movable piston 114. The movable piston 114 comprises an inner piston air channel 116. The movable piston 114 may move upwards as shown in Fig. 4b, such that the pipe 112 is sleeved by the movable piston 114.

[0143] The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air inlet 118 arranged to provide air to the pump chamber 110. The air pump mechanism comprises a pump air outlet 120 arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber 110. The pump air outlet 120 is fluidly connected to the receiving portion (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c). The air pump mechanism is configured such that the piston 114 is movable within the pump chamber 110 between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber 110 and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber 110. The first position is shown in Fig. 4b. The second position is shown in Figs. 4 a and 4c.

[0144] The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a state of high potential energy when being in the first position. The air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston 114 is in a in a relaxed state when being in the second position.

[0145] The air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring means 122. The piston spring means 122 is movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state. The piston spring means 122 is in the compressed state when the piston 114 is in the first position as shown in Fig. 4b. The piston spring means 122 is in the relaxed state when the piston 114 is in the second position as shown in Figs. 4a and 4c.

[0146] The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston 114 is manually movable by a user from the second position into the first position. For example, the aerosol-generating device 100 may comprise a button 124 for manual activation of the air pump mechanism as shown in Figs. 4a and 4c. The air pump mechanism may be configured such that the movable piston 114 moves from the first position into the second position when a user presses the button 124 from an unpressed button configuration as shown in Fig. 4b into a pressed button configuration as shown in Fig. 4c.

[0147] The button 124 comprises a button airflow channel 126. The button airflow channel 126 is configured to fluidly connect the pump air inlet 118 to the pump chamber 110 and to fluidly isolate the pump air outlet 120 from the pump chamber 110 when the button 124 is in the unpressed button configuration as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. The button airflow channel 126 is further configured to fluidly isolate the pump air inlet 118 from the pump chamber 110 and to fluidly connect the pump air outlet 120 to the pump chamber 110 when the button 124 is in the pressed button configuration as shown in Fig. 4c.

[0148] Fig. 4a shows an initial configuration. Fig. 4b shows a consecutive configuration. Ambient air 128 entering the air inlet 128 travels further through the button airflow channel 126 and through the pipe 112 into the pump chamber 110 as indicated by arrow 130. The air entering the pump chamber 110 displaces the movable piston 114 so as to push the movable piston 114 into the first position. When a user then presses the button 124 as indicated by a white arrow 132 in Fig. 4c, air is allowed to leave the pump chamber 110 via the pump air outlet 120 as shown by the black arrows in Fig. 4c. In particular, pressurized air is exiting at the pump air outlet 120 because the movable piston 114 pushes the air out of the pump chamber 110. This is because, once the button 124 is pushed and an air path is open for the air to exit via the pump air outlet 120, the tense piston spring means 122 shown in Fig. 4b. strives towards the relaxed position as shown in Fig. 4c. On moving into the relaxed state, the piston spring means 122 moves the movable piston 114 from the first position into the second position as indicated by white arrows 134 in Fig. 4c. In turn, the movable piston 112 urges the air out of the pump chamber 110 and towards the pump air outlet 120 when moving from the first position of Fig. 4b. into the second position of Fig. 4c. Thereby, compressed air maybe provided to the receiving portion (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c) and further to the cartridge (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c).

[0149] The aerosol-generating device 100 may comprise a button spring means (not shown) configured to push the button 124 back from the pressed configuration in Fig. 4c towards the unpressed configuration in Fig. 4a.

[0150] The air pump mechanism may comprise a gripping means (not shown) for holding the movable piston 114 in the first position. The gripping means may be configured to release the movable piston 114 when the button 124 is being pressed.

[0151] The aerosol-generating device 100 may comprise an inlet backflow preventing means (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c) for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber 110 to the pump air inlet 118. Said means may comprise a one-way valve. The inlet backflow preventing means may be provided in the air channel extending between the pump air inlet 118 and the button airflow channel 126.

[0152] The aerosol-generating device 100 may comprise an outlet backflow preventing means (not shown in Figs. 4a to 4c) for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump air outlet 120 to the pump chamber 110. Said means may comprise a one-way valve. The outlet backflow preventing means may be provided in the air channel extending between the pump air outlet 120 and the button airflow channel 126.

[0153] Figs. 5a to 5c schematically show in semi-transparent perspective view an aerosolgenerating device 100, for example the aerosol-generating device 100 of Figs. 4a to 4c.

[0154] In the embodiment of Figs. 5a to 5c, the air pump mechanism comprises a driving means for moving the movable piston 114 between the second position and the first position. The driving means comprising a rail-like recess 136 provided on an outer sidewall of the movable piston 114 and a protruding element 138 protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber 110 and engaging with the rail-like recess 136. The rail-like recess 136 is shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston 114 with respect to the pump chamber 110 as indicated by black arrows 140 in Figs. 5b and 5c, drives the movable piston 114 from the second position shown in Fig. 5a into the first position shown in Fig. 5c as indicated by white arrows 142 in Figs. 5b and 5c.

[0155] Fig. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 100, for example the aerosol-generating device 100 of Figs. 4a to 4c. The cartridge receiving section 150 is schematically indicated. The button 124 is in the pressed button configuration. The movable piston 114 is in the first position and the piston spring means 122 is thus in the compressed state. Fig. 6a thus represents of a moment in time, where the button 124 is down, but the movable piston 114 has not been released and is still up.

[0156] Fig. 6b shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device 100. The button 124 is in the unpressed button configuration. The movable piston 114 is in the first position and the piston spring means 122 is thus in the compressed state.

[0157] The device of Fig. 6b differs from the device of Fig. 6a in that, in the device of Fig. 6b, the movable piston 114 has a narrower piston air channel 116 and the chamber pipe 112 is correspondingly also narrower. This may help to increase the resulting air compression due to the relative volume of piston air channel 116 and the pump chamber 110.

[0158] Also shown in Fig. 6b is an optional gripping means locking the movable piston 114 in the first position. The gripping means comprises an elastic part 102 of the device body 104. The movable piston 114 is blocked by the elastic part 102. By pushing away this part 102 when pressing down the button 124, the movable piston 114 will be released.

[0159] Fig. 7 shows an aerosol-generating system in a cross-sectional view. The aerosolgenerating system comprises the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 6b. The cartridge receiving section 150 is shown in more detail in comparison to Fig. 6b. The cartridge receiving section 150 houses a cartridge 10, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge receiving section 150 houses the cartridge 10 of Figs. 1 and 2. In the unpressed state shown in Fig. 7, the button 124 is arranged such that the button airflow channel 126 does not allow air to pass from the pump chamber 110 to the cavity receiving section 150 and the cavity 10. Still, a dotted arrow 152 indicates how compressed air from the pump chamber 110 may pass through the piston air channel 116, further through the chamber pipe 112, further through the button airflow channel 126, and then to the air inlet 16 of the to enter the cartridge 10 when the button 124 will be pressed and the movable piston 114 will move down into the second position. The airflow created thereby can then take up a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the pickup chamber 14 of the cartridge 10. The taken up dose then further flows with the airflow out of the air outlet 18 of the cartridge 10 and out of the cartridge receiving section 150 at a mouthpiece 154 to be inhaled by a user. Fig. 8 shows the aerosol-generating system of Fig. 7 in a side view. The outer body 104 of the aerosol-generating device 100 is omitted in the depiction of Fig. 8. In the depiction of Fig. 8, it can be seen that the aerosol-generating system is configured such that the dosing mechanism and the air pump mechanism are actuated together by a single user action. In particular, the aerosol-generating system comprises a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism comprises a first gear 60 engaged with a second gear 160. The first gear 60 is connected to the dosing mechanism of the cartridge 10. The second gear 160 is connected to the air pump mechanism. The gear mechanism can be actuated by a user using her or his hand to rotate knob element 106. The cartridge 10 is received in a cartridge receiving cavity 156 of the cartridge receiving section 150.

[0160] Fig. 9 shows the cartridge 10 of the aerosol-generating system of Fig. 8 in isolation. Arrow 54 indicates how the air coming from the pump chamber 110 will flow through the cartridge 10 picking up a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate. Arrow 56 indicates how the sleeve element 20 may be rotated by 180 degrees with respect to both the shovel element 30 (not visible in Fig. 9) and the cap element 40 by the gear mechanism when the cartridge 10 is inserted into the cartridge receiving cavity 156 of the cartridge receiving section 150.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising a storage portion for receiving a plurality of doses of an aerosol-forming substrate; a pickup chamber; a dosing mechanism configured to transfer a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber; and an airflow channel of the cartridge extending from a cartridge air inlet to a cartridge air outlet via the pickup chamber, wherein the dosing mechanism comprises a sleeve element and a shovel element, wherein the shovel element comprises at least one receiving portion for receiving a single dose of aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the sleeve element coaxially surrounds the shovel element, wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element, wherein the sleeve element comprises a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion coaxially surrounds the shovel element, and wherein the second end portion is configured as a sidewall of the storage portion.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the dosing mechanism is configured to transfer the single dose of aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the pickup chamber via a dosing orifice.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sleeve element and the shovel element comprise a common central axis, and wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to the shovel element around the central axis.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the shovel element is shaped as a cylindrical element comprising at least one lateral cut-out, and wherein the at least one receiving portion of the shovel element is provided by the at least one lateral cut-out.

5. The cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the shovel element comprises two lateral cut-outs arranged at opposing sides of the central axis, each lateral cut-out being configured for receiving a single dose of the aerosol-forming substrate.

6. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a cap element, wherein the cap element is arranged coaxially around the shovel element and the sleeve element, and wherein the shovel element is fixed with respect to the cap element to allow a rotational movement of the sleeve element relative to both the shovel element and the cap element.

7. The cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a storage portion spring means, the storage portion spring means being configured to push a bottom end face of the storage portion towards the shovel element.

8. An aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge according to any of claims 1 to 7 and an aerosol-generating device.

9. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 8, wherein the aerosolgenerating device comprises a receiving portion for receiving the cartridge; and an air pump mechanism, the air pump mechanism comprising a pump chamber housing a movable piston, a pump air inlet arranged to provide air to the pump chamber, and a pump air outlet arranged to receive pressurized air from the pump chamber, the pump air outlet being fluidly connected to the receiving portion, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is movable within the pump chamber between a first position corresponding to a large gas volume of the pump chamber and a second position corresponding to a small gas volume of the pump chamber.

10. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 9, wherein the air pump mechanism is configured such that the movable piston is in a state of high potential energy when being in the first position, and the movable piston is in a in a relaxed state when being in the second position.

11. The aerosol-generating system according to claim 10, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a piston spring means, the piston spring means being movable between a compressed state and a relaxed state, wherein the piston spring means is in the compressed state when the movable piston is in the first position, and wherein the piston spring means is in the relaxed state when the movable piston is in the second position.

12. The aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the air pump mechanism comprises a driving means for moving the movable piston between the second position and the first position, the driving means comprising a rail-like recess provided on an outer sidewall of the movable piston and a protruding element protruding from an inner side wall of the pump chamber and engaging with the rail-like recess, and wherein the rail-like recess is shaped such that a rotational movement of the movable piston with respect to the pump chamber drives the movable piston from the second position into the first position.

13. The aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 9 to 12, comprising an inlet backflow preventing means for preventing fluid flow in a direction from the pump chamber to the pump air inlet, preferably wherein said means comprises a one-way valve.

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