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EP4654845A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et cartouche à joint mobile - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et cartouche à joint mobile

Info

Publication number
EP4654845A1
EP4654845A1 EP24701022.6A EP24701022A EP4654845A1 EP 4654845 A1 EP4654845 A1 EP 4654845A1 EP 24701022 A EP24701022 A EP 24701022A EP 4654845 A1 EP4654845 A1 EP 4654845A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
aerosol
susceptor
generating device
heating assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24701022.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Rui Nuno Rodrigues Alves BATISTA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Philip Morris Products SA
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products SA filed Critical Philip Morris Products SA
Publication of EP4654845A1 publication Critical patent/EP4654845A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
    • A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device.
  • the present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating device.
  • the present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system.
  • an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in a cartridge without burning the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating arrangement.
  • the heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor.
  • the susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the cartridge.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate vaporises to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be present in solid form or in liquid form.
  • Liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be comprised in a liquid storage portion and may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component.
  • the liquid storage portion may form part of a replaceable or refillable cartridge.
  • the cartridge may comprise removable or pierceable sealing elements to seal the liquid storage portion before first use.
  • Manually removed sealing components may produce additional waste and may negatively affect a user’s experience.
  • Pierceable sealing elements may bear the risk of losing small fragments when being pierced. Those small fragments may, for example, contaminate the airflow path and may negatively affect functioning of the device.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may avoid separate disposable sealing means. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge with low environmental impact. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may improve the user experience. It would be desirable to provide a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may be more comfortably handled by a user.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device may comprise an inner airflow channel.
  • the inner airflow channel may extend between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge may comprise a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the cartridge may comprise a fluid permeable wall portion configured for allowing a fluid communication between the storage portion and the inner airflow channel.
  • the cartridge may comprise a heating assembly arranged within the inner airflow channel.
  • the heating assembly may comprise an airflow passage in fluid communication with the inner airflow channel.
  • the heating assembly may comprise a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element provided proximal to the susceptor member.
  • the heating assembly may be slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position.
  • the sealing position the fluid permeable wall portion may be separated from the susceptor member.
  • the operating position the fluid permeable wall portion may be in fluid communication with the susceptor member.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device comprising an inner airflow channel.
  • the inner airflow channel extends between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge comprises a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the cartridge comprises a fluid permeable wall portion configured for allowing a fluid communication between the storage portion and the inner airflow channel.
  • the cartridge comprises a heating assembly arranged within the inner airflow channel.
  • the heating assembly comprises an airflow passage in fluid communication with the inner airflow channel.
  • the heating assembly comprises a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element provided proximal to the susceptor member.
  • the heating assembly is slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position.
  • the sealing position the fluid permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member.
  • the operating position the fluid permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of aerosol-forming substrate is provided.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may avoid separate disposable sealing means is provided.
  • a cartridge which may reduce environmental impact is provided.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may improve the user experience is provided.
  • a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device which may be more comfortably handled by a user is provided.
  • a cartridge for an inductively heated aerosol-generating system with a sealing mechanism of the cartridge that may avoid or reduce disturbing the performance of the induction coil is provided.
  • a cartridge for an inductively heated aerosol-generating system with a sealing mechanism of the cartridge that may allow for desired aerosolization and airflow characteristics when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol-generating device is provided.
  • the cartridge may be configured such that, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion is spatially separated from the susceptor member.
  • the cartridge may be configured such that, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion at least partly surrounds the proximal sealing element.
  • the cartridge may be configured such that, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion is fluidly separated from the susceptor member.
  • the cartridge may be configured such that, in the operating position, the fluid permeable wall portion at least partly surrounds the susceptor member.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion and the susceptor member may be coaxially arranged.
  • the sealing position may be a pre-use configuration of a fresh cartridge.
  • the heating assembly may be in the sealing position.
  • the interior of the storage portion may be sealed by the proximal sealing element sealing the fluid permeable wall portion.
  • the proximal sealing element may block the fluid permeable wall portion such that a fluid communication between the storage portion and the inner airflow channel is hindered by the proximal sealing element.
  • a susceptor element of the susceptor member may be fluidly isolated from the aerosol-forming substrate in the storage portion by the proximal sealing element. Oxidation of the susceptor element of the cartridge prior to the first use may be further reduced or prevented prior to the first use of the cartridge.
  • a cartridge which may provide a longer shelf life is provided.
  • the cartridge may be configured to automatically move the heating assembly from the sealing position to the operating position on engaging the cartridge with an aerosolgenerating device. Thereby the cartridge may be comfortably handled by a user.
  • the cartridge may be configured such that all mechanically movable parts of the cartridge are arranged entirely within the inner airflow channel.
  • the cartridge may comprise an outer housing. All movable components of the cartridge may be arranged entirely within the outer housing.
  • a compact cartridge may be provided.
  • a robust cartridge may be provided.
  • the cartridge may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be provided at the proximal end of the cartridge.
  • the heating assembly may be slidably movable relative to the mouthpiece.
  • the mouthpiece may be integral to the storage portion.
  • the cartridge may comprise an air inlet at the distal end of the cartridge.
  • the cartridge may comprise an air outlet at the proximal end of the cartridge.
  • the inner airflow channel may extend between the air inlet and the air outlet.
  • the inner airflow channel may extend along a longitudinal central axis of the cartridge between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge.
  • the inner airflow channel and the heating assembly may be coaxially arranged.
  • the storage portion may at least partly circumscribe the inner airflow channel.
  • the storage portion may coaxially surround the inner airflow channel.
  • the susceptor member may be fluid permeable.
  • the susceptor member may be tubular. At least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular susceptor member may be fluid permeable.
  • the susceptor member may comprise a susceptor element.
  • the susceptor element may be tubular. At least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular susceptor element may be fluid permeable.
  • the fluid permeability of the tubular susceptor member or element may be provided by means of one or more apertures or perforations in the sidewall.
  • the tubular susceptor member or element may be formed from a metal sheet which is provided with a plurality of apertures an which is bent into a tubular shape.
  • the fluid permeability of the tubular susceptor member or element may be provided by means of an intrinsic porosity of a porous material of the sidewall of the tubular susceptor member or element.
  • the porous material may be a porous ceramic or a porous carbon-based material.
  • the susceptor element may comprise one or both of a metal and an alloy.
  • the susceptor element may comprise a ferromagnetic alloy material.
  • the ferromagnetic alloy material may be perforated to provide a desired porosity.
  • the alloy material may be a ferromagnetic inox alloy.
  • the susceptor element may comprise one or more of a ferromagnetic stainless-steel alloy, a magnetic carbon-based material, and a carbon-based compound with metal structural dispersion.
  • the ferromagnetic stainless-steel alloy may comprise one or more of 304 stainless steel and 410 stainless steel.
  • the magnetic carbon-based material may comprise one or more of irradiated graphite, nanocarbons, fullerenes, oxygen-containing carbons, and graphene with point defects.
  • the carbon-based compound with metal structural dispersion may comprise a Fe 3 C>4-graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite.
  • the susceptor member may comprise a wick element.
  • the wick element may be provided adjacent to at least a portion of the susceptor element. At least a portion of a wall of the wick element may be fluid permeable.
  • the wick element may have a tubular shape.
  • the wick element may surround at least a portion of the susceptor element.
  • the wick element may coaxially surround the susceptor element.
  • the wick element may comprise a ceramic material.
  • the ceramic material may be porous.
  • the ceramic material may be porous silica ceramics.
  • the wick element may comprise one or more of a cotton-based material, a porous ceramic-based material, a porous graphite-based material, and a glass fiber sheet material.
  • the wick element may comprise a porous material and the susceptor element may comprise a porous material.
  • the porosity of the susceptor element may be at least the same range as the porosity of the wick element
  • the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element may be higher than the porosity of the porous material of the wick element.
  • porosity is defined as the percentage of a unit volume which is void of material.
  • the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element may be of about 25 to 80%, preferably of about 55 to 75%, most preferably of about 65 to 75%.
  • the porosity of the wick element may be between 10% and 60%, preferably between 35% and 55%, more preferably between 40% and 50%, and may be lower than the porosity of the susceptor element.
  • the heating assembly may comprise a hollow tubular distal sealing element provided distal to the susceptor member.
  • the distal sealing element may seal a distal part of the inner airflow channel.
  • the distal sealing element may assist in avoiding aerosol-forming substrate to accidentally exit the inner airflow channel at a distal part thereof.
  • the proximal sealing element may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material.
  • the distal sealing element may be made of a non-ferromagnetic material.
  • the non-ferromagnetic material may be a polymeric material, for example an elastomeric material.
  • the elastomeric material may be one or more of as PTFE, Nitrile, Neoprene, EPDM Rubber, and Fluorocarbon.
  • At least a portion of an inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may comprise a constricted cross-section with respect to an inner hollow channel of the susceptor member.
  • At least a portion of an inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may comprise a constricted cross-section in its center.
  • the inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element may comprise a concave shape along a longitudinal axis thereof.
  • a Venturi effect may be created by the constricted cross-section, expanding the aerosol volume, or the aerosol precursor volume, downstream of the constricted crosssection.
  • a turbulent air flow may be created.
  • a mixing effect in the airflow channel may be improved.
  • the heating assembly may be attached to inside the inner airflow channel by press- fit.
  • the press-fit connection may be established by one or both of the proximal sealing element and the distal sealing element being attached to inside the inner airflow channel by press-fit.
  • a total length of the heating assembly may be between 8 millimeters and 10 millimeters, preferably between 8.7 millimeters and 9.3 millimeters.
  • An outer diameter of the heating assembly may be between 3.5 millimeters and 5 millimeters, preferably between 4.2 millimeters and 4.4 millimeters.
  • a length of the susceptor member may be between 3 millimeters and 4 millimeters, preferably between 3.3 millimeters and 3.5 millimeters.
  • An inner diameter of the susceptor member may be between 0.8 millimeters and 1.4 millimeters, preferably between 1.0 millimeters and 1.2 millimeters.
  • a length of the proximal sealing element may be between 4 millimeters and 4.6 millimeters, preferably between 4.2 millimeters and 4.4 millimeters.
  • a length of the distal sealing element may be between 1.0 millimeters and 1.6 millimeters, preferably between 1.2 millimeters and 1.4 millimeters.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion of the cartridge may comprise a porous material, for example a porous ceramic.
  • a distal portion of the cartridge may comprise a circular cross-section.
  • a proximal end of the cartridge may comprise a non-circular cross-section.
  • the proximal end comprising the non-circular cross-section may be formed as a mouthpiece. This may facilitate aerosol-intake for a user.
  • the storage portion may be a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid aerosolforming substrate.
  • an aerosol-generating device may be configured for use with a cartridge.
  • the cartridge may comprise a heating assembly.
  • the heating assembly may comprise a susceptor member.
  • the heating assembly may be arranged within an inner airflow channel of the cartridge.
  • the heating assembly may be slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge.
  • the aerosolgenerating device may comprise an inductor coil.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a protruding element. The protruding element may extend from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity.
  • the protruding element may be configured for pushing the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge is being inserted into the cavity, such that, when the heating assembly has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil of the aerosolgenerating device is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member of the cartridge.
  • an aerosol-generating device configured for use with a cartridge.
  • the cartridge comprises a heating assembly.
  • the heating assembly comprises a susceptor member.
  • the heating assembly is arranged within an inner airflow channel of the cartridge.
  • the heating assembly is slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises an inductor coil.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a protruding element. The protruding element extends from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity.
  • the protruding element is configured for pushing the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge is being inserted into the cavity, such that, when the heating assembly has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member of the cartridge.
  • An aerosol-generating device which may reduce or avoid leakage of aerosol-forming substrate is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device which may avoid separate disposable sealing means is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device which may reduce environmental impact is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device which may improve the user experience is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device which may be more comfortably handled by a user is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device for an inductively heated aerosol-generating system with a sealing mechanism of the cartridge that may avoid or reduce disturbing the performance of the induction coil is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device for an inductively heated aerosol-generating system with a sealing mechanism of the cartridge that may allow for desired aerosolization and airflow characteristics when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol-generating device is provided.
  • An aerosol-generating device with reduced complexity may be provided.
  • An aerosolgenerating device with reduced manufacturing costs may be provided.
  • the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be a heating chamber.
  • At least a portion of the protruding element may be surrounded by the inductor coil. At least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil may have a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally of less than 1.
  • the term ‘relative magnetic permeability’ of a magnetic material is the measure of relative ease with which said magnetic material conducts magnetic flux as compared with the conduction of magnetic flux in air. Quantitatively, the relative permeability is given by the ratio of absolute permeability of a magnetic material to the absolute permeability of air or vacuum.
  • the terms ‘relative magnetic permeability’ and ‘relative permeability’ are used synonymously.
  • the protruding element may have a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally of less than 1.
  • At least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil may be non-magnetic. At least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil may be made of non-magnetic materials.
  • the protruding element may be non-magnetic.
  • the protruding element may be made of non-magnetic materials.
  • non-magnetic material is used herein to describe a material which does not interact with a magnetic field, and is not heatable by penetration with an alternating magnetic field.
  • the non-magnetic material may be a non-magnetic metal or alloy.
  • the non-magnetic material may be a non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel. Suitable austenitic stainless steels include AISI 300 series stainless steels, such as AISI type 304, 309 and 316 stainless steels.
  • At least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil may be made of non-ferromagnetic materials.
  • the protruding element may be made of nonferromagnetic materials.
  • the non-ferromagnetic material may be a polymeric material, for example a high- density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • HDPE high- density polyethylene
  • At least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil may be made of electrically insulative material.
  • the protruding element may be made of electrically insulative material.
  • an electrically insulative material may help to minimise heat transfer from the susceptor member of the cartridge to components of the aerosol-generating device, for example a support element.
  • an ‘electrically insulating’ material means a material having a volume resistivity at 20 degrees Celsius (°C) of greater than about 1 x 10 6 ohm-meters (Qm), typically between about 1 x 10 9 ohm-meters (Qm) and about 1 x 10 21 ohm-meters (Qm).
  • Suitable electrically insulating materials include glasses, plastics and certain ceramic materials.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be configured not to comprise a susceptor material within the cavity when the cartridge is not being received in the cavity.
  • the aerosolgenerating device may be configured not to comprise a susceptor which is inductively heatable by the inductor coil.
  • the protruding element may be configured for not being inductively heatable by an electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil during operation of the device.
  • the protruding element may be configured not to comprise a susceptor material.
  • the inductor coil may circumscribe at least a portion of the cavity.
  • the inductor coil may surround at least a portion of the protruding element arranged within the cavity.
  • the inductor coil may coaxially surround at least a proximal portion of the protruding element.
  • the protruding element may have a tubular shape comprising an inner airflow passage.
  • a length of the protruding element may be between 4 millimeters and 20 millimeters, preferably between 4 millimeters and 11 millimeters.
  • An outer diameter of the protruding element may be between 1.5 millimeters and 6.5 millimeters, preferably between 3 millimeters and 5.5 millimeters.
  • An inner diameter of the protruding element may be between 1.5 millimeters and 6.5 millimeters, preferably between 2.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters.
  • the protruding element may comprise a proximal part and a distal part.
  • An inner diameter of the proximal part may exceed an inner diameter of the distal part.
  • An outer diameter of the proximal part may be between 2.5 millimeters and 7 millimeters.
  • the proximal part may be configured to press-fit into a distal portion of the inner air channel of the cartridge. Thereby, the proximal part may automatically move the heating assembly from the sealing position into the operating position when the cartridge is attached to the aerosol-generating device. Further, a friction-fit between the proximal part and the inner airflow channel may be established. Having also a distal portion with a reduced diameter may reduce the overall friction during insertion of the cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet channel extending from an air inlet of the device into the cavity via the inner airflow passage of the tubular protruding element.
  • the air inlet channel may comprise a thin portion having an inner diameter of between 0.5 millimeters to 2.1 millimeters.
  • the air inlet channel may be configured for providing a resistance to draw (RTD) of between 10 to 65 millimeters of water, optionally between 30 to 60 millimeters of water.
  • RTD resistance to draw
  • the RTD of a specimen refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the specimen when it is traversed by a 15 air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the output end.
  • the RTD of a specimen can be measured using the method set out in ISO Standard 6565:2002 with any ventilation blocked.
  • the protruding element may be mounted on a support element.
  • the protruding element and the support element may be formed as a pre-assembly.
  • the pre-assembly may be formed by overmolding.
  • the protruding element may be configured for being replaceable.
  • the protruding element may be configured for being replaceable together with the support element.
  • an aerosol-generating device which may be adapted to be used with different types of cartridges is provided.
  • a damaged protruding element may be easily replaced. Durability of the device may be improved.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller and a power source.
  • the aerosol-generating device may be a modular device with the controller and the power source being part of a detachable module of the device.
  • the module comprising the controller and the power source may be detachable from another module comprising the cavity, the protruding element, and the inductor coil.
  • an aerosol-generating device configured for use with the cartridge as described herein, the aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge, an inductor coil, and a protruding element.
  • the protruding element extends from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and is configured for pushing the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge is being inserted into the cavity, such that, when the heating assembly has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member of the cartridge.
  • an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge as described herein and the aerosol-generating device as described herein.
  • the protruding element of the device may be configured to tightly fit into a distal portion of the inner airflow channel of the cartridge to mechanically and hermetically fasten the cartridge to the aerosol-generating device. Additional mechanical fastening means may be provided by respective intruding and protruding elements of the aerosol-generating device and the cartridge.
  • tubular As used herein, the terms ‘tubular’, ‘tubular unit’, ‘tubular component’, ‘tubular element’, and ‘tubular shape’ refer to three-dimensional objects and three-dimensional geometric shapes comprising a bottom basal plane, a top basal plane, and a sidewall circumscribing a hollow interior, the sidewall being arranged between the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane.
  • the sidewall extends along a longitudinal axis of the tubular element between the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane.
  • the longitudinal axis may be perpendicular to one or both of the bottom basal plane and the top basal plane.
  • a bottom base of the tubular element lies within the bottom basal plane.
  • a top base of the tubular element lies within the top basal plane.
  • a cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be circular.
  • a cross-sectional shape of one or both of the bottom and top bases may be non-circular, for example elliptic, stadium-shaped, or rectangular.
  • the bottom base and the top base are at least partly open to provide an internal hollow passage of the tubular element.
  • the tubular element may have the shape of a right circular hollow cylinder.
  • the tubular element may have the shape of a non-circular hollow cylinder, for example an elliptic hollow cylinder, or a stadium-shaped hollow cylinder.
  • the tubular element may have the shape of a hollow cuboid.
  • the longitudinal axis of the tubular element may be arranged in parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
  • a longitudinal center axis of the tubular element may coincide with a longitudinal center axis of the cartridge.
  • 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.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be in liquid form.
  • the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ are used synonymously.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the liquid held in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.
  • the liquid storage portion may contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • a liquid nicotine or flavor/flavorant containing aerosol-forming substrate may be employed in the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine.
  • the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former.
  • An aerosolformer is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device.
  • Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; 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.
  • Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol.
  • the aerosol former is glycerine.
  • a cartridge refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
  • 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.
  • the terms ‘storage portion’ and ‘liquid storage portion’ refer to a storage portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.
  • the liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or a reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container.
  • the storage portion may be any suitable shape and size.
  • 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 liquid storage portion may form part of the cartridge.
  • 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.
  • aerosol-generating system refers to the combination of an aerosol-generating device with one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article.
  • the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the cartridge cooperate to generate a respirable aerosol.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the housing may comprise at least one air inlet.
  • the housing may comprise more than one air inlet.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element.
  • the heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more susceptors.
  • Operation of the heating element may be triggered by a puff detection system.
  • the heating element may be triggered by pressing an on-off button, held for the duration of the user’s puff.
  • the puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure the airflow rate.
  • the airflow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air that is drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device per time by the user.
  • the initiation of the puff may be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation may also be detected upon a user activating a button.
  • the sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor.
  • the aerosol-generating device may include a user interface to activate the aerosolgenerating device, for example a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display to indicate a state of the aerosol-generating device or of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • a user interface to activate the aerosolgenerating device, for example a button to initiate heating of the aerosol-generating device or a display to indicate a state of the aerosol-generating device or of the aerosol-forming substrate.
  • 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.
  • proximal refers to a user-end, or mouth-end of the cartridge, the aerosol-generating device or system or a part or portion thereof
  • distal refers to the end opposite to the proximal end.
  • 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.
  • upstream and ‘downstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the cartridge or the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.
  • airflow path 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.
  • a ‘susceptor’ or ‘susceptor element’ means an element that heats up when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.
  • the susceptor element is located in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate received in the aerosol-generating device or cartridge. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor such that an aerosol is formed.
  • the susceptor material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize an aerosol-forming substrate.
  • the following examples and features concerning the susceptor may apply to one or both of the susceptor element of the cartridge, a susceptor of an aerosol-generating device, and a susceptor of an aerosolgenerating article.
  • Suitable materials for the susceptor material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium, nickel, nickel containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials.
  • Preferred susceptor materials comprise a metal or carbon.
  • the susceptor material may comprise or consists of a ferromagnetic or ferri-magnetic material, for example, ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy, such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite.
  • a suitable susceptor material may be, or comprise, aluminium.
  • the susceptor material may comprise more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent of ferromagnetic, ferri-magnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor materials may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.
  • the susceptor material may be formed from a single material layer.
  • the single material layer may be a steel layer.
  • the susceptor material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core.
  • the non-metallic core may be fluid permeable.
  • the non-metallic core may be porous.
  • the susceptor material may comprise metallic tracks formed on an outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.
  • the ceramic core or substrate may be fluid permeable.
  • the ceramic core or substrate may be porous.
  • the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel.
  • One or more layers of stainless steel may be arranged on the layer of austenitic steel.
  • the susceptor material may be formed from a layer of austenitic steel having a layer of stainless steel on each of its upper and lower surfaces.
  • the susceptor element may comprise a single susceptor material.
  • the susceptor element may comprise a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material.
  • the first susceptor material may be disposed in intimate physical contact with the second susceptor material.
  • the first and second susceptor materials may be in intimate contact to form a unitary susceptor.
  • the first susceptor material is stainless steel and the second susceptor material is nickel.
  • the susceptor element may have a two-layer construction.
  • the susceptor element may be formed from a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.
  • Intimate contact between the first susceptor material and the second susceptor material may be made by any suitable means.
  • the second susceptor material may be plated, deposited, coated, clad or welded onto the first susceptor material.
  • Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic plating and cladding.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element.
  • the power supply may comprise a battery.
  • the power supply may be a lithium-ion battery.
  • 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 lithium-polymer battery.
  • the power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.
  • the power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply.
  • the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts).
  • the aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current.
  • the DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The AC power output of the DC/AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.
  • the power supply may be adapted to power an inductor coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency.
  • a Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency.
  • the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz.
  • the high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.
  • the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller.
  • the controller may be electrically connected to the inductor coil.
  • the controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil.
  • the controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).
  • the power supply and the controller may be connected to the inductor coil(s).
  • the controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management.
  • Example E1 A cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, the cartridge comprising: an inner airflow channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge; a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate; a fluid permeable wall portion configured for allowing a fluid communication between the storage portion and the inner airflow channel; and a heating assembly arranged within the inner airflow channel, the heating assembly comprising an airflow passage in fluid communication with the inner airflow channel, wherein the heating assembly comprises a susceptor member and a proximal sealing element provided proximal to the susceptor member, and wherein the heating assembly is slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position, wherein, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion is separated from the susceptor member, and wherein, in the operating position, the fluid permeable wall portion is in fluid communication with the susceptor member.
  • Example E2 The cartridge according to Example E1, wherein, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion is spatially separated from the susceptor member.
  • Example E3 The cartridge according to Example E2, wherein, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion at least partly surrounds the proximal sealing element.
  • Example E4 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein, in the sealing position, the fluid permeable wall portion is fluidly separated from the susceptor member.
  • Example E5 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein, in the operating position, the fluid permeable wall portion at least partly surrounds the susceptor member.
  • Example E6 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid permeable wall portion and the susceptor member are coaxially arranged.
  • Example E7 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the cartridge, and wherein the heating assembly is movable relative to the mouthpiece.
  • Example E8 The cartridge according to Example E7, wherein the mouthpiece is integral to the storage portion.
  • Example E9 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge comprises an air inlet at the distal end of the cartridge and an air outlet at the proximal end of the cartridge, and wherein the inner airflow channel extends between the air inlet and the air outlet.
  • Example E10 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the inner airflow channel extends along a longitudinal central axis of the cartridge between the proximal end and the distal end of the cartridge.
  • Example E11 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the inner airflow channel and the heating assembly are coaxially arranged.
  • Example E12 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the storage portion at least partly circumscribes the inner airflow channel, optionally, wherein the storage portion coaxially surrounds the inner airflow channel.
  • Example E13 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the susceptor member comprises a tubular susceptor element, optionally, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the susceptor element is fluid permeable.
  • Example E14 The cartridge according to Example E13, wherein the susceptor element comprises one or more of: a ferromagnetic stainless-steel alloy, optionally 304 stainless steel or 410 stainless steel; a magnetic carbon-based material, optionally irradiated graphite, nanocarbons, fullerenes, oxygen-containing carbons, or graphene with point defects; and a carbon-based compound with metal structural dispersion, optionally a FesOr graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite.
  • a ferromagnetic stainless-steel alloy optionally 304 stainless steel or 410 stainless steel
  • a magnetic carbon-based material optionally irradiated graphite, nanocarbons, fullerenes, oxygen-containing carbons, or graphene with point defects
  • a carbon-based compound with metal structural dispersion optionally a FesOr graphitized carbon black (mGCB) composite.
  • mGCB FesOr graphitized carbon black
  • Example E15 The cartridge according to Example E13 or Example E14, wherein the susceptor member comprises a wick element adjacent to at least a portion of the susceptor element, optionally, wherein at least a portion of a wall of the wick element is fluid permeable.
  • Example E16 The cartridge according to Example E15, wherein the wick element has a tubular shape, and wherein the wick element surrounds at least a portion of the susceptor element.
  • Example E17 The cartridge according to Example E16, wherein the wick element coaxially surrounds the susceptor element.
  • Example E18 The cartridge according to any of Examples E15 to Example E17, wherein the wick element comprises a ceramic material, optionally porous silica ceramics.
  • Example E19 The cartridge according to any of the Examples E15 to E18, wherein the wick element comprises a porous material and the susceptor element comprises a porous material, optionally, wherein the porosity of the porous material of the susceptor element is higher than the porosity of the porous material of the wick element.
  • Example E20 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating assembly comprises a hollow tubular distal sealing element provided distal to the susceptor member.
  • Example E21 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein one or both of the proximal sealing element and, if present, the distal sealing element are made of a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally, a polymeric material, optionally an elastomeric material.
  • Example E22 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least a portion of an inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element comprises a constricted cross-section with respect to an inner hollow channel of the susceptor member.
  • Example E23 The cartridge according to Example E22, wherein the inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element comprises a concave shape along a longitudinal axis thereof.
  • Example E24 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the heating assembly is attached to inside the inner airflow channel by press-fit.
  • Example E25 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid permeable wall portion of the cartridge comprises a porous material, optionally a porous ceramic.
  • Example E26 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein a distal portion of the cartridge comprises a circular cross-section and a proximal end of the cartridge comprises a non-circular cross-section.
  • Example E27 The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the storage portion is a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.
  • Example E28 An aerosol-generating device configured for use with a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a heating assembly comprising a susceptor member, the heating assembly being arranged within an inner airflow channel of the cartridge and being slidably movable along the inner airflow channel between a sealing position and an operating position, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; an inductor coil; and a protruding element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and being configured for pushing the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge is being inserted into the cavity, such that, when the heating assembly has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member of the cartridge.
  • Example E29 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E28, wherein at least a portion of the protruding element is surrounded by the inductor coil, and wherein at least the portion of the protruding element being surrounded by the inductor coil has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally of less than 1.
  • Example E30 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E28 or Example E29, wherein the protruding element has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, optionally of less than 1.
  • Example E31 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E30, wherein the protruding element is non-magnetic.
  • Example E32 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E31 , wherein the protruding element has a volume resistivity at 20 degrees Celsius (°C) of greater than about T 10 6 ohm-meters (Qm).
  • Example E33 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E32, wherein the protruding element is made of a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally a polymeric material, optionally a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • the protruding element is made of a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally a polymeric material, optionally a high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
  • HDPE high-density polyethylene
  • Example E34 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E33, wherein the aerosol-generating device does not comprise a susceptor material within the cavity.
  • Example E35 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E34, wherein the aerosol-generating device does not comprise a susceptor inductively heatable by the inductor coil.
  • Example E36 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E35, wherein the inductor coil circumscribes at least a portion of the cavity.
  • Example E37 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E36, wherein the inductor coil surrounds at least a portion of the protruding element arranged within the cavity.
  • Example E38 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E37, wherein the inductor coil coaxially surrounds at least a proximal portion of the protruding element.
  • Example E39 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E38, wherein the protruding element has a tubular shape comprising an inner airflow passage.
  • Example E40 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E39, wherein the protruding element comprises a proximal part and a distal part, and wherein an inner diameter of the proximal part exceeds an inner diameter of the distal part.
  • Example E41 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E39 or Example E40, comprising an air inlet channel extending from an air inlet of the device into the cavity via the inner airflow passage of the tubular protruding element.
  • Example E42 The aerosol-generating device according to Example E41, wherein the air inlet channel is configured for providing a resistance to draw (RTD) of between 10 to 65 millimeters of water, optionally between 30 to 60 millimeters of water.
  • RTD resistance to draw
  • Example E43 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E42, wherein the protruding element is mounted on a support element, optionally the protruding element and the support element are formed as a pre-assembly, optionally the pre-assembly is formed by overmolding.
  • Example E44 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E43, wherein the protruding element is configured for being replaceable.
  • Example E45 The aerosol-generating device according to a combination of Example E43 and E44, wherein the protruding element is configured for being replaceable together with the support element.
  • Example E46 The aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E45, further comprising a controller and a power source, optionally, wherein the device is a modular device with the controller and the power source is part of a detachable module of the device.
  • Example E47 An aerosol-generating device configured for use with a cartridge according to any one of Examples E1 to E27, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a cavity for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge; an inductor coil; and a protruding element extending from a distal wall of the cavity into the cavity and being configured for pushing the heating assembly of the cartridge from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge is being inserted into the cavity, such that, when the heating assembly has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil of the aerosol-generating device is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member of the cartridge.
  • Example E48 An aerosol-generating system, comprising the cartridge according to any of Examples E1 to E27; and the aerosol-generating device according to any of Examples E28 to E47.
  • Figs. 1a and 1b show a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device, respectively;
  • Fig. 2 shows an aerosol-generating system
  • Fig. 3 shows a protruding element of an aerosol-generating device
  • Figs. 4a and 4b show a heating assembly of a cartridge
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device, respectively.
  • Figs. 1a and 1b show cross-sectional views of a cartridge 10 and an aerosolgenerating device 100, respectively.
  • Fig. 1a shows the cartridge 10 for use with the aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises an inner airflow channel 12 extending between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16 of the cartridge 10.
  • the inner airflow channel 12 extends along a longitudinal central axis 13 of the cartridge 10 between the proximal end 14 and the distal end 16.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises a liquid storage portion 18 for storing a liquid aerosolforming substrate.
  • the storage portion 18 coaxially surrounds the inner airflow channel 12.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises a fluid permeable wall portion 20 configured for allowing a fluid communication between the storage portion 18 and the inner airflow channel 12.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 of the cartridge 10 comprises a porous material, preferably a porous ceramic.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises a heating assembly 22 arranged within the inner airflow channel 12.
  • the heating assembly 22 is attached to inside the inner airflow channel 12 by press-fit.
  • the inner airflow channel 12 and the heating assembly 22 are coaxially arranged.
  • the heating assembly 22 comprises an airflow passage 24 in fluid communication with the inner airflow channel 12.
  • the heating assembly 22 comprises a susceptor member 26 and a proximal sealing element 28 provided proximal to the susceptor member 26. At least a portion of a wall of the susceptor member 26 is fluid permeable.
  • the fluid permeability may be provided by means of one or more apertures in a wall of the susceptor member.
  • the fluid permeability may be provided by means of an intrinsic porosity of a porous material of the susceptor member.
  • the heating assembly 22 is slidably movable along the inner airflow channel 12 between a sealing position and an operating position.
  • the sealing position shown in Fig. 1a the fluid permeable wall portion 20 is separated from the susceptor member 26.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 is spatially separated from the susceptor member 26.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 surrounds the proximal sealing element 28.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 is sealed by the proximal sealing element 28.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 is thus fluidly separated from the susceptor member 26. In this configuration, no aerosolforming substrate can migrate from the storage portion 18 to the susceptor member 26 via the fluid permeable wall portion 20.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises a mouthpiece 30 at the proximal end 14 of the cartridge 10.
  • the heating assembly 22 is movable relative to the mouthpiece 30.
  • the mouthpiece 30 is integral to the storage portion 18.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises an air inlet 32 at the distal end 16 of the cartridge 10 and an air outlet 34 at the proximal end 14 of the cartridge.
  • the inner airflow channel 12 extends between the air inlet 32 and the air outlet 34.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 is in fluid communication with the susceptor member 26.
  • aerosolforming substrate can migrate from the storage portion 18 to the susceptor member 26 via the fluid permeable wall portion 20.
  • Fig. 1b shows a proximal portion of the aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the aerosolgenerating device 100 is configured for use with the cartridge 10.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a cavity 110 for receiving at least a distal portion of the cartridge 10.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises an inductor coil 112.
  • the inductor coil 112 circumscribes a portion of the cavity 110.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a protruding element 114.
  • the protruding element 114 extends from a distal wall of the cavity 110 into the cavity 110.
  • a proximal portion of the protruding element 114 is coaxially surrounded by the inductor coil 112.
  • At least said proximal portion of the protruding element 114 has a relative magnetic permeability of less than 10, preferably of less than 1.
  • the protruding element 114 has a tubular shape comprising an inner airflow passage 116.
  • the protruding element 114 comprises a proximal part 118 and a distal part 120.
  • an inner diameter of the proximal part 118 exceeds an inner diameter of the distal part 120.
  • the inner diameter of the proximal part may be the same as, or less than the inner diameter of the distal part.
  • the aerosol-generating device 100 comprises an air inlet channel extending from an air inlet 122 of the device 100 into the cavity 110 via the inner airflow passage 116 of the protruding element 114.
  • the protruding element 114 may be replaceable.
  • the protruding element 114 is mounted on a support element 124.
  • the protruding element 114 and the support element 124 may be formed by overmoulding as a replaceable pre-assembly.
  • the aerosol-generating device comprises a controller 126 and a power source 128.
  • the controller 126 is electrically connected by electric connections 130 to both the power source 128 and the inductor coil 112.
  • the protruding element 114 is configured for pushing the heating assembly 22 of the cartridge 10 from the sealing position to the operating position as at least the distal portion of the cartridge 10 is being inserted into the cavity 110, such that, when the heating assembly 22 has been pushed into the operating position, the inductor coil 112 of the aerosolgenerating device 100 is arranged for inductively heating the susceptor member 26 of the cartridge. This is shown in Fig. 2a.
  • Fig. 2 shows a configuration of the cartridge 10 of Fig. 1a being attached to the aerosol-generating device 100 of Fig. 1b.
  • the heating assembly 22 On insertion of the distal portion of the cartridge 10 into the cavity 110, the heating assembly 22 has been pushed into the operating position by the proximal part 118 of the protruding element 114. A friction-fit between the proximal part 118 and the inner airflow channel 12 is established.
  • the fluid permeable wall portion 20 coaxially surrounds the susceptor member 26.
  • the inductor coil 112 coaxially surrounds both the fluid permeable wall portion 20 and the susceptor member 26 of the cartridge 10.
  • the proximal sealing element 28 has been slid in a proximal direction and does no longer seal the fluid permeable wall portion 20.
  • a fluid connection is thus provided between the liquid storage portion 18 and the inner airflow channel 12 via the fluid permeable wall portion 20 and via a fluid permeable portion of the susceptor member 26.
  • liquid aerosol-forming substrate can migrate from the liquid storage portion 18 to the susceptor member 26.
  • an alternating current applied to the inductor coil 112 induces electric currents in a susceptor element of the susceptor member 26.
  • the susceptor element heats up. Heat is distributed to liquid aerosol-forming substrate within, or in close proximity to the susceptor element.
  • said liquid aerosol-forming substrate evaporates. Ambient air entering via air inlet 122 may take up the evaporated substrate which may further condense to form an aerosol on the way towards the air outlet 34, where the aerosol may be inhaled by a user.
  • Fig. 3 shows the protruding element 114 of Fig. 1b with its proximal and distal parts 118, 120 and the support element 124 in more detail. Also shown is a thin portion 123 of the air inlet channel of the aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the inner diameter of the thin portion 123 of the air inlet channel may be chosen such that the air inlet channel is configured for providing a resistance to draw (RTD) of between 10 to 65 millimeters of water, optionally between 30 to 60 millimeters of water.
  • RTD resistance to draw
  • Figs. 4a and 4b show an embodiment of the heating assembly 22.
  • Fig. 4a shows the heating assembly 22 in perspective view (left-hand side) and in cross-sectional view (righthand side).
  • Fig. 4b shows only the susceptor member 26 of the heating assembly 22 in perspective view (left-hand side) and in cross-sectional view (right-hand side).
  • the airflow passage 24 extends along a longitudinal central axis of the heating assembly 22.
  • the susceptor member 26 comprises a tubular susceptor element 36 surrounding the airflow passage 24. At least a portion of a wall of the susceptor element 36 is fluid permeable.
  • the fluid permeability of the susceptor element 36 may be provided, for example, by means of apertures provided in the wall of the susceptor element, or by means of a porous material of the wall of the susceptor element.
  • the susceptor member 26 further comprises a tubular wick element 38 adjacent to the susceptor element 36.
  • the wick element 38 coaxially surrounds the susceptor element 36.
  • the wall of the wick element 38 is fluid permeable.
  • the wick element 38 comprises a porous ceramic material, optionally porous silica ceramics. In alternative embodiments, a wick element may be omitted.
  • the heating assembly 22 comprises a hollow tubular distal sealing element 40 provided distal to the susceptor member 26.
  • the proximal and distal sealing elements 28, 40 may prevent liquid aerosol-forming substrate from an uncontrolled migration into the inner airflow channel 12 at positions proximal or distal to the fluid permeable wall portion 20, when the cartridge 10 is attached to the aerosol-generating device 100 and is in the operating position.
  • the proximal sealing element 28 and the distal sealing element 40 are made of a non-ferromagnetic material, optionally, a polymeric material, optionally an elastomeric material.
  • a portion of the airflow passage 24 is provided by an inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element 28 and comprises a constricted cross-section with respect to another portion of the airflow passage 24 provided by an inner hollow channel of the susceptor element 36 of the susceptor member 26.
  • the inner hollow channel of the proximal sealing element 28 may comprise a concave shape along a longitudinal axis thereof. This particular shape is, however, not required.
  • the heating assembly 22 of Figs. 4a and 4b may be used in the cartridge of the embodiment of Fig. 1a.
  • Figs. 5a and 5b show perspective views of an exemplary aerosol-generating system comprising a cartridge 10 and an aerosol-generating device 100.
  • the distal end 16 of the cartridge 10 comprises a circular cross-section.
  • the proximal end 14 of the cartridge is formed as a mouthpiece comprising a non-circular cross-section. Alternatively, other shapes are possible, some of which are described above.

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  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche pour un dispositif de génération d'aérosol. La cartouche comprend un canal d'écoulement d'air interne s'étendant entre une extrémité proximale et une extrémité distale de la cartouche, une partie de stockage pour stocker un substrat de formation d'aérosol, une partie paroi perméable aux fluides conçue pour permettre une communication fluidique entre la partie de stockage et le canal d'écoulement d'air interne, et un ensemble de chauffage disposé à l'intérieur du canal d'écoulement d'air interne. L'ensemble de chauffage comprend un passage d'écoulement d'air en communication fluidique avec le canal d'écoulement d'air interne. L'ensemble de chauffage comprend un élément suscepteur et un élément d'étanchéité proximal disposé à proximité de l'élément suscepteur. L'ensemble de chauffage est mobile de manière coulissante le long du canal d'écoulement d'air interne entre une position d'étanchéité et une position de fonctionnement. Dans la position d'étanchéité, la partie paroi perméable aux fluides est séparée de l'élément suscepteur, et, dans la position de fonctionnement, la partie paroi perméable aux fluides est en communication fluidique avec l'élément suscepteur. L'invention concerne en outre un dispositif de génération d'aérosol. L'invention concerne en outre un système de génération d'aérosol.
EP24701022.6A 2023-01-27 2024-01-19 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et cartouche à joint mobile Pending EP4654845A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23153635 2023-01-27
PCT/EP2024/051269 WO2024156609A1 (fr) 2023-01-27 2024-01-19 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et cartouche à joint mobile

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4654845A1 true EP4654845A1 (fr) 2025-12-03

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24701022.6A Pending EP4654845A1 (fr) 2023-01-27 2024-01-19 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol et cartouche à joint mobile

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4654845A1 (fr)
KR (1) KR20250134228A (fr)
CN (1) CN120569139A (fr)
WO (1) WO2024156609A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA3011956A1 (fr) * 2016-03-31 2017-10-05 Philip Morris Products S.A. Systeme de generation d'aerosol avec capsule et unite de vaporisation separees
CN111616413B (zh) * 2019-02-28 2024-09-03 深圳市优维尔科技有限公司 一种可隔离油仓的雾化器及抽吸装置
GB202011955D0 (en) * 2020-07-31 2020-09-16 Nicoventures Trading Ltd Articles for use in aerosol provision system
JP2024536526A (ja) * 2021-10-20 2024-10-04 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム 軸方向移動および回転移動を有するエアロゾル発生装置用のカートリッジ

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN120569139A (zh) 2025-08-29
KR20250134228A (ko) 2025-09-10
WO2024156609A1 (fr) 2024-08-02

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