RU2775533C2 - Cartridge assembly for aerosol generating system with prevention of leakage - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a cartridge assembly and to a cartridge for an aerosol generating system, to such a system and a kit for an aerosol generating system. Cartridge assembly (120) for aerosol generating system (10) contains: casing (122) having air outlet (122b) and air inlet (122a) located upstream relatively to air outlet (122b) of the casing; and cartridge (130) located inside the casing. The cartridge contains: fluid-permeable heating element (128) in a cartridge case; air inlet (130a) of the cartridge; air outlet (130b) of the cartridge; and an air flow path passing from the air inlet of the cartridge to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element. At least part of the cartridge is made with the possibility of movement between: the first position, in which air from the air inlet of the casing is blocked from flowing to the air outlet of the casing, through the air inlet of the cartridge, the fluid-permeable heating element and the air outlet of the cartridge; and the second position, in which an unlimited air flow path is located from the air inlet of the casing to the air outlet of the casing, through the air inlet of the cartridge, the fluid-permeable heating element and the air outlet of the cartridge.

EFFECT: possibility of choosing, whether to open an air flow path, for example, when a consumer wants to use an assembly in an aerosol generating system; or leave the air flow path closed, for example, when the consumer does not want to use the assembly in the aerosol generating system; by making it possible to close the air flow path, when the assembly is not used, the probability of accidental leakage of fluid from the assembly can be reduced.

14 cl, 18 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating systems such as hand held electrical aerosol generating systems. In particular, the present invention relates to cartridges for aerosol generating systems containing a supply of aerosol generating substrate and a heater assembly.

Hand held aerosol generating electrical systems are known which consist of a device part containing a battery and an electronic control circuit, and a cartridge part containing a supply of aerosol generating substrate held in a storage part, and an electrical heater assembly acting as a vaporizer. A cartridge containing both a supply of aerosol forming substrate held in a storage portion and an evaporator is sometimes referred to as a "cartomizer". The heater assembly may include a fluid-permeable heating element that is in contact with an aerosol-generating substrate held in the storage portion. One example of such a system is disclosed in WO 2017/118347 A1 (which discloses, inter alia, an air adjustment mechanism, an electronic cigarette comprising an air adjustment mechanism, and an air adjustment method for the same).

A heater assembly with a fluid-permeable heating element can be brittle and easily damaged. In addition, when an aerosolizing liquid substrate is used, small amounts of liquid may flow through the fluid-permeable heating element when the cartridge is not in use, which may interfere with the operation of the electrical components of the system or cause inconvenience to the user.

It would be desirable to provide a cartridge assembly that is more reliable and less prone to leakage. It would also be advantageous to provide a cartridge assembly having a reusable housing.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cartridge assembly is provided for an aerosol generating system. The cartridge assembly comprises: a casing having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device, wherein at least one casing air outlet is provided at the casing mouth end, and at least one casing air inlet is located upstream of the casing air outlet. casing air. The cartridge assembly also contains a cartridge located inside the housing. The cartridge contains: a cartridge body; a heating element located inside the cartridge body; at least one cartridge air inlet; at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element. Preferably, the heating element is a fluid-permeable heating element. At least a portion of the cartridge is movable between: a first position in which air from the case air inlet is blocked from flowing to the case air outlet, through the air inlet of the cartridge, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the air outlet for air cartridge; and a second position in which an unrestricted air flow path is located from the case air inlet to the case air outlet, through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet.

By allowing at least a portion of the cartridge to move between the first and second positions, the airflow path across the fluid-permeable heating element can be selectively opened and closed. Thus, the consumer can choose whether to open the path for air flow, for example, when he wants to use the assembly in an aerosol generating system; or leave the airflow path closed, such as when he does not want to use the assembly in an aerosol generating system. By allowing the airflow path to be closed when the assembly is not in use, the likelihood of accidental leakage of fluid from the assembly can be reduced.

While the first aspect of the present invention described above and the following description below are presented with reference to fluid-permeable heating elements, it should be understood that the present invention can also be applied to aerosol-forming liquid substrate cartridges and cartridge assemblies comprising an aerosol generating system in which the heating element is not fluid permeable. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art from this paragraph will understand that: if the essential, preferred or optional features of the present invention are described in this description, with reference to fluid-permeable heating elements, these features can, if necessary, also be applicable to other embodiments of the present invention where the heating element is not fluid permeable.

The cartridge can be made with the possibility of removal from the casing. By allowing the cartridge to be removed from the case, the case can be reused after the cartridge has been placed. In particular, when the aerosol-forming liquid substrate supply has been completely used up, the cartridge can be removed from the housing and disposed of. The same casing can then be reused with a new cartridge.

The cartridge assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention is supplied in a pre-assembled configuration. In this configuration, the cartridge is already located inside the housing. In this configuration, the cartridge may be temporarily attached to the case to prevent accidental removal of the cartridge from the case.

As an alternative to being shipped in a pre-assembled configuration, the cartridge assembly can be shipped in an unassembled configuration. In this case, the cartridge may be positioned outside the casing, but made to be inserted into the casing, for example by a user. The cartridge may be configured to be inserted into the housing through an opening at the end of the device housing. Accordingly, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system kit, and in particular, an aerosol generating system cartridge assembly kit. The set comprises: a casing having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device configured to be connected to an aerosol generating device, wherein at least one casing air outlet is provided at the casing mouth end, and at least one casing air inlet provided upstream of the casing air outlet; and a cartridge capable of being inserted into the case. The cartridge contains: a cartridge body; a fluid-permeable heating element disposed within the cartridge body; at least one cartridge air inlet; at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element. At least a portion of the cartridge is movable between: a first position in which air from the case air inlet is blocked from flowing to the case air outlet, through the air inlet of the cartridge, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the air outlet for air cartridge; and a second position in which the air flow path is from the case air inlet to the case air outlet, through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet.

Preferably, a storage container is provided within the housing, said storage container containing a supply of liquid aerosol forming substrate, and when the cartridge is inserted into the housing, a fluid-permeable heating element is positioned across the opening in the storage container. The storage container and the casing may be attached to each other by mechanical attachment, or by welding or adhesive. Advantageously, the storage container and the casing can be made in one piece. The housing and storage container may be formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Preferably, the cartridge further comprises a storage container in the cartridge body, said storage container containing a supply of liquid aerosol forming substrate, and wherein the fluid-permeable heating element is positioned across the opening in the storage container. The storage container may be formed from one or more separate elements that are located within the cartridge body. Alternatively, the storage container may be integrally formed within the cartridge body. In this case, the inner surfaces of the cartridge body may form at least part of the boundary of the storage container. The cartridge body and storage container may be formed from a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Preferably, the cartridge assembly further comprises a biasing member configured to push the cartridge toward the first position when the cartridge is located within the housing. Preferably, the biasing element provides a spring, preferably a helical spring. Preferably, the biasing element is located at the mouth end of the casing. Preferably, the first end of the biasing element is attached to the inner surface of the housing. The second end of the biasing element may engage with the mouth end of the cartridge.

The cartridge assembly may include an insert. The plug-in element can be made with the possibility of insertion into the casing. The plug-in element can be inserted through an opening at the end of the casing of the device. The insert may be positioned between the cartridge and the case when the cartridge is in the case. Preferably, the insert is attached to the inner surface of the casing.

Preferably, the insert has at least one insert air inlet and at least one insert air outlet. Preferably, the air inlet of the insert is in the form of a first gap or opening in the insert. Preferably, the air outlet of the insert is in the form of a second gap or opening in the insert. Preferably, when the cartridge is in the first position, the first gap in the insert is offset from the air inlet of the cartridge.

Preferably, when the cartridge is in the first position, the second gap in the insert is offset from the air outlet of the cartridge. The displacement may be radial, axial, or both. Preferably, when the cartridge is in the second position, the first gap in the insert is aligned with the air inlet of the cartridge and the second gap in the insert is aligned with the air outlet of the cartridge. Accordingly, when the cartridge is in the second position, air can flow along the airflow path from the air inlet of the insert, through the air inlet of the cartridge, across the fluid-permeable heating element, through the air outlet of the cartridge, and through the outlet for air insert element.

Preferably, the insert is capable of being connected to the housing and placed in a fixed position relative to the housing when connected to the housing. Preferably, when the insert is held in said stationary position, air can flow freely from the air inlet of the housing to the first gap in the insert. Preferably, when the insert is held in said stationary position, air can flow freely from the air outlet of the casing to the second gap in the insert.

The insert may advantageously allow the cartridges of the present invention to be connected to a number of different housings, including housings known in the art. That is, the plug can function as an adapter so that the cartridges of the present invention can be connected to a number of different housings, including housings known in the art.

The casing may include a portion of the mouth end. A portion of the mouth end may be configured to be inserted into the user's mouth. The user may puff on a portion of the mouth end to draw the aerosol generated in the cartridge into the user's mouth. Alternatively, a separate mouthpiece portion may be provided which may be attached to the casing. Preferably, the casing air outlet is provided in the mouth end portion of the casing.

The shroud may provide the outer surface of the cartridge assembly when the cartridge assembly has been assembled. Thus, the casing may be referred to as an outer casing. The casing as a whole may be tubular. The casing may include a connecting part at its end of the device. The connecting part may comprise a mechanical interlock structure, such as a snap-in connection or a screw-in connection, for engaging a corresponding interlock structure on the aerosol generating device. The locking design may allow at least some rotation of the casing relative to the device, but prevent axial movement of the casing relative to the device.

The cartridge body preferably provides a main body configured to receive the fluid-permeable heating element. If the cartridge further comprises a storage container, then the storage container is preferably located inside the main body of the cartridge. The main body of the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical.

Preferably, the at least one air inlet of the cartridge is provided as at least one opening in the main body of the cartridge. Preferably, at least one cartridge air outlet is provided as at least one opening in the cartridge main body. It may be advantageous when the casing includes an internal flow path extending inside the casing to the air outlet of the casing. In particular, when the cartridge is in the first position, at least one air outlet in the main body of the cartridge may be aligned with the upstream end of the internal flow path in the housing. This may allow unrestricted flow of air from the at least one air outlet in the main body of the cartridge to the air outlet of the case, with the internal flow path inside the case.

Preferably, the cartridge body includes a cartridge cap. The cartridge cover is configured to be connected to the cartridge main body to cover the fluid-permeable heating element. Preferably, the cartridge lid is provided with electrical connectors to form an electrical connection with the heating element. Preferably, the electrical connectors extend to the outer surface of the cartridge cap. Preferably, the electrical connectors are configured to form an electrical connection with a power supply in the aerosol generating device when the cartridge assembly is connected to the device. This can be achieved by allowing electrical connectors to be connected to the contact points in the first part of the device. In another embodiment, this can be achieved by allowing the electrical connectors of the cartridge cap to be connected to the adapter element, which in turn is electrically connected to the contact points in the first part of the aerosol generating device.

As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, the cartridge cap is an integral part that connects to the device end of the cartridge main body. The connection may be formed by a mechanical interlock structure, such as a snap-in connection or a screw-in connection, for engaging a suitable interlock structure on the aerosol generating device.

In some other embodiments, the cartridge cap comprises two or more components. For example, preferably the cartridge cap includes a base configured to be connected to the main body of the cartridge. The connection may be formed by means of a mechanical interlock structure. Preferably, the cartridge cap also includes a top that is configured to connect to the base of the cartridge cap and at least partially cover it. The base and the top may together form an air inlet for the cartridge for air to flow into the interior of the cartridge and across the top of the heating element. The air can then continue to flow along the air passage of the cartridge, which extends along one side of the cartridge. The air passage of the cartridge is preferably enclosed within the main body of the cartridge and, if present, part of the mouth end of the cartridge. The air passage of the cartridge may extend along one side of the storage container in the cartridge body. Preferably, the air outlet of the cartridge is located at the end of the air passage of the cartridge. Thus, air can flow through the cartridge from the air inlet of the cartridge to the air outlet of the cartridge through the space above the heating element and through the air passage of the cartridge.

Preferably, the cartridge cap further comprises a threaded member located between the base of the cartridge cap and the top of the cartridge cap.

The threaded element is movable between the first position and the second position. When the threaded element is in the first position, it provides a sealed envelope for the heating element. Therefore, being in the first position, the threaded member can block the flow of air between the heating element and: the air inlet of the cartridge, the air outlet of the cartridge, or both. However, when the threaded member is in the second position, air may flow between the heating element and: the cartridge air inlet, the cartridge air outlet, or both. Thus, the threaded member may be at least a portion of the cartridge that is movable between a first position and a second position.

The threaded member is movable between the first and second positions by threaded engagement between the outer surface of the threaded member and the inner surface of the base of the cartridge cap, the top of the cartridge cap, or both. In particular, the outer surface of the threaded member may have a first thread that engages with a second thread on the inner surface of the base of the cartridge cap, the top of the cartridge cap, or both. Rotation of the threaded member relative to the rest of the cartridge can be initiated by rotating the aerosol generating device that is connected to the cartridge assembly. In particular, the threaded member may have a receiving portion, such as a recessed portion, which is configured to receive a portion of the aerosol generating device or a portion of the adapter member which is configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device. The receptacle of the threaded member may then engage with the device or adapter member such that rotation of the device or adapter causes the threaded member to rotate relative to the rest of the cartridge. The top of the cartridge cover may include an opening to provide access to the receptacle of the threaded member.

The threaded element may be a substantially cylindrical plug. A depression may be provided on the top surface of the substantially cylindrical plug to form a receiving portion. The recess may be of any suitable helical shape such as slot, Phillips, Frearson, Robertson, hex or the like.

Although the base of the cartridge cap and the top of the cartridge cap are described as two different components, it should be understood that they may be integrally formed as a single component with the threaded member contained therein. Therefore, it should be understood that the cartridge air inlet can be formed either in a single or in a multi-piece cap with a threaded member located therein. The cartridge cover may also be integral with the cartridge main body.

Accordingly, in some particularly preferred embodiments, a cartridge assembly is provided for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge assembly comprising: a housing having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device, wherein at least one case air outlet is provided at the mouth end of the case, and at least one case air inlet is provided upstream of the case air outlet; and

a cartridge disposed in the housing, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap operable to be connected to the cartridge main body; a fluid-permeable heating element disposed in the cartridge body and covered by the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air inlet provided in the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element; and wherein the cartridge cover comprises a threaded element disposed therein, wherein the threaded element is movable between: a first position in which the threaded element blocks air from the case air inlet from flowing to the case air outlet through the air inlet a cartridge, a fluid-permeable heating element, and an air outlet for the cartridge; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced from the heating element to form an air flow path from the casing air inlet to the casing air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the air outlet. cartridge.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, a cartridge for an aerosol generating system is provided, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap operable to couple with the cartridge main body; a storage container in the cartridge body, wherein the storage container contains a supply of an aerosol-forming liquid substrate; and a fluid-permeable heating element disposed within the cartridge body, covered by the cartridge cap, and positioned across the opening in the storage container; wherein the cartridge body comprises at least one cartridge air inlet formed in the cartridge cap and at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element; and wherein the cartridge cap comprises a threaded member disposed therein, the threaded member being movable within the cartridge body between: a first position where the threaded member blocks air from the cartridge air inlet from flowing to the cartridge air outlet through a fluid-permeable heating element; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced away from the heating element to form an air flow path from the air inlet of the cartridge to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element.

A set for an aerosol generating system, wherein the set comprises: a casing having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device, wherein at least one casing air outlet is provided at the mouth end of the casing, and at least one casing air inlet is provided upstream of the casing air outlet; and a cartridge operable to be inserted into the housing, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap operable to be connected to the cartridge main body, the cartridge cap having a threaded member disposed therein; a fluid-permeable heating element disposed in the cartridge body and covered by the cartridge cap; at least one cartridge air inlet provided in the cartridge cover; at least one air outlet; and an air flow path extending from the at least one air inlet of the cartridge to the at least one air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element; and wherein, when the cartridge is inserted into the case, the threaded member is movable between: a first position in which the threaded member blocks air from the case air inlet from flowing to the case air outlet through the air inlet of the cartridge permeable to fluid heating element and cartridge air outlet; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced apart from the heating element to form an air flow path from the casing air inlet to the casing air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the air outlet. cartridge.

The cartridge body may include a portion of the mouth end. The mouth end portion may be attached to the mouth end of the cartridge main body. A portion of the mouth end may be configured to engage with the bias element if a bias element is present. For example, the mouth end portion may be hollow and have an opening at its mouth end configured to receive at least a portion of the bias member when the cartridge is inserted into the housing.

The mouth end portion may provide a surface with which the end of the bias element of the device may engage when the cartridge is inserted into the housing. The mouth end portion may form at least a portion of the storage container. A portion of the mouth end may be substantially pointed. The mouth end portion may be integral with the main body of the cartridge or may be a separate element that is connected to the main body of the cartridge.

The cartridge may include a locking system, such as a bayonet locking system, for temporarily securing the cartridge to the housing. The locking system may restrict axial movement of the cartridge relative to the housing, but allow at least some radial movement of the cartridge relative to the housing. For example, when the cartridge is attached to the casing by a locking system, the cartridge can freely rotate within 90 degrees relative to the casing. Such a rotation occurs around the longitudinal axis of the casing.

The locking system may include a guide track on an outer surface of the cartridge body, preferably on an outer surface of a portion of the mouth end of the cartridge body. The protrusion in the case or insert may be located in the guide track when the cartridge is first inserted into the case. The first part of the guide track forms an axially extending strip along which the protrusion can move smoothly as the cartridge is pressed into the housing. If the cartridge assembly includes a bias element, it may be necessary to overcome the force of the bias element in order to smoothly move the protrusion all the way along the first portion of the track.

After the cartridge has been inserted deep enough into the housing, the protrusion reaches the end surface of the first part of the guide track. The end surface may prevent further axial movement of the cartridge into the housing. At this point, the second part of the track extends sideways around the cartridge and thus allows the cartridge to be rotated relative to the casing. When the protrusion is located in the second part of the guide track, movement of the cartridge in the axial direction relative to the casing is prevented. This allows the cartridge to be temporarily attached within the casing.

The end of the second part of the guide track may be connected to the third part of the guide track. The third part of the guide track may form an additional axially extending strip along which the protrusion can move smoothly. The third track portion may have first and second end surfaces that may limit the amount of axial movement that the cartridge may have relative to the housing when the housing protrusion is in the third track portion. The first end surface of the third part of the guide track may limit the extent that the cartridge can move further into the casing. The second end surface may interfere with the removal of the cartridge from the housing. The third part of the track may be used to allow the cartridge to move between the first and second positions relative to the casing.

The cartridge assembly may further comprise an adapter element configured to form a mechanical connection between the aerosol generating device and the cartridge, the case, or both the cartridge and the case. The adapter element may be configured to provide an electrical connection between the fluid-permeable heating element of the cartridge and the power supply of the aerosol generating device. The adapter element may include a locking system, such as a bayonet locking system, for attaching the shroud to the aerosol generating device. The locking system may prevent axial movement of the casing relative to the device, but allow at least some radial movement of the casing relative to the device. For example, when the shroud is attached to the device via the adapter element locking system, the shroud is free to rotate within 90 degrees relative to the device. Such a rotation occurs around the longitudinal axis of the casing.

The locking system may include a guide track on the outer surface of the adapter element. The protrusion in the housing or insert may be positioned in the track when the cartridge assembly is first attached to the adapter element. The first part of the guide track forms an axially extending strip along which the protrusion can move smoothly as the adapter and the casing approach each other. After the adapter and the casing have come close, the protrusion reaches the end surface of the first part of the guide track. The end surface may prevent further axial movement of the casing in the direction of the adapter. At this point, the second part of the track extends sideways around the adapter element and thus allows the shroud to rotate relative to the adapter element. When the protrusion is located in the second part of the guide track, movement of the casing in the axial direction relative to the adapter element is prevented. The adapter element may have a first part, which is configured to mechanically engage with the cartridge and cause the cartridge to rotate with the help of the adapter element and the device relative to the casing. The second part of the track may be used to allow the cartridge to move between the first and second positions relative to the casing.

The fluid-permeable heating element may be part of a heater assembly in the cartridge. The heater assembly may include electrical pads connected to the fluid-permeable heating element.

The heater assembly may comprise a heater cover, wherein the heater cover comprises a hollow body with first and second heater cover openings, the first heater cover opening being at the opposite end of the hollow body with respect to the second heater cover opening. The fluid-permeable heating element may be substantially planar. The heating element may be mounted on the heater cover such that the heating element extends across the first opening of the heater cover. A heater cover may be attached to the open end of the storage container such that the heating element extends across the open end of the storage container.

In the context of this document, "electrically conductive" means formed from a material having a resistivity of 1×10-4 ohm×m or less. In the context of this document, "electrically insulating" means formed from a material having a resistivity of 1×104 ohm×m or more. As used herein, "fluid-permeable" in relation to a heater assembly means that an aerosol-generating substrate in the gaseous phase and possibly in the liquid phase can easily pass through the heating element of the heater assembly.

The heater assembly may include a substantially flat heating element to allow for simple fabrication. In a geometric sense, the term "substantially flat" electrically conductive heating element is used to refer to an electrically conductive arrangement of filaments that is in the form of a substantially two-dimensional topological manifold. The substantially planar electrically conductive heating element thus extends in two dimensions along the surface to a much greater extent than in the third dimension. In particular, the dimensions of the substantially planar heating element in two dimensions within the surface are at least five times greater than in the third dimension perpendicular to the surface. An example of a substantially flat heating element is a structure between two substantially imaginary parallel surfaces, wherein the distance between these two imaginary surfaces is substantially less than the extent within these surfaces. In some embodiments, the substantially flat heating element is planar. In other embodiments, the substantially flat heating element is curved along one or more dimensions, such as forming a domed shape or a bridge shape.

The term "filament" is used throughout this specification to refer to an electrical path located between two electrical contacts. The thread may arbitrarily fork and diverge into several paths or threads, respectively, or several electrical paths may converge into one path. The cross-sectional shape of the thread may be round, square, flat, or any other. The thread may be arranged in a straight or curved manner.

The heating element may be a matrix of filaments, for example, arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, the threads may form a network. The mesh may be woven or non-woven. The mesh may be formed using various types of wicker or lattice structures. Alternatively, the electrically conductive heating element consists of a matrix of filaments or a woven web of filaments. A grid, matrix or woven fabric of electrically conductive filaments can also be characterized by its ability to retain liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the substantially flat heating element may be made of wire which forms a wire mesh. Preferably, the mesh has a plain weave design. Preferably, the heating element is a wire grid made from mesh strips.

The electrically conductive filaments may form voids between the filaments, and the voids may have a width of 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers. Preferably, the filaments create a capillary effect in the voids so that, in use, the liquid to be evaporated is drawn into the voids, increasing the area of contact between the heating element and the aerosol-forming liquid substrate.

Electrically conductive filaments can form a grid of 60 to 240 filaments per centimeter (+/- 10 percent). Preferably, the mesh density is between 100 and 140 threads per centimeter (+/- 10 percent). More preferably, the mesh density is about 115 threads per centimeter. The void width may be from 100 micrometers to 25 micrometers, preferably from 80 micrometers to 70 micrometers, more preferably about 74 micrometers. The percent open area of the mesh, which is the ratio of void area to total mesh area, may be 40 percent to 90 percent, preferably 85 percent to 80 percent, more preferably about 82 percent.

The electrically conductive filaments may have a diameter of 8 micrometers to 100 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 50 micrometers, more preferably 12 micrometers to 25 micrometers, and most preferably about 16 micrometers. The filaments may have a circular cross section or may have a flattened cross section.

The area of the grid, matrix or woven web of electrically conductive filaments may be small, eg less than or equal to 50 square millimeters, preferably less than or equal to 25 square millimeters, more preferably about 15 square millimeters. The size is chosen to include the heating element in the hand held system. The use of electrically conductive filament mesh, matrix or woven web dimensions less than or equal to 50 square millimeters reduces the amount of total power required to heat the electrically conductive filament mesh, matrix or woven web while still providing adequate mesh, matrix contact. or a woven web of electrically conductive filaments with an aerosol-forming liquid substrate. The grid, matrix or woven web of electrically conductive threads may, for example, be rectangular in shape with a length of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters and a width of 2 millimeters to 10 millimeters. Preferably, the mesh measures approximately 5 millimeters by 3 millimeters.

The heating element filaments may be formed from any material with suitable electrical properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from a ceramic material and a metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and the platinum group metals.

Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese - and ferrous alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, alloys based on iron and aluminum, as well as alloys based on iron, manganese and aluminum. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation. The threads may be coated with one or more insulating materials. Preferred materials for the electrically conductive filaments are stainless steel and graphite, more preferably 300 series stainless steel such as AISI 304, 316, 304L, 316L. In addition, the electrically conductive heating element may comprise combinations of the materials described above. A combination of materials can be used to improve the resistance control of a substantially flat heating element. For example, materials with high intrinsic resistivity can be combined with materials with low intrinsic resistivity. This may be advantageous if one of the materials is preferred for other reasons, such as cost, processability, or other physical and chemical parameters. The advantageously substantially flat arrangement of the increased resistance filaments reduces parasitic losses. Advantageously, high resistivity heaters allow more efficient use of battery power.

Preferably the threads are made of wire. More preferably the wire is made of metal, most preferably stainless steel.

The electrical resistance of the grid, matrix or woven fabric of electrically conductive filaments of the heating element can be from 0.3 ohms to 4 ohms. Preferably, the electrical resistance is equal to or greater than 0.5 ohm. More preferably, the electrical resistance of the grid, matrix, or web of electrically conductive filaments is between 0.6 ohms and 0.8 ohms, and most preferably about 0.68 ohms. The electrical resistance of the grid, matrix or woven web of electrically conductive filaments is preferably at least an order of magnitude and more preferably at least two orders of magnitude greater than the electrical resistance of the electrically conductive contact areas. This ensures that the heat generated by passing the current through the heating element is localized on a grid or matrix of electrically conductive filaments. Advantageously, the heating element has a low overall resistance when the system is powered by a battery. A low resistance, high current system allows high power to be delivered to the heating element. This enables the heating element to quickly heat the electrically conductive filaments to the required temperature.

When the cartridge assembly includes a storage container, the storage container may contain a liquid retention material to contain the aerosol-generating liquid substrate. The liquid retaining material may be a foam and a sponge material of an assembly of filaments. The fluid retention material may be formed from a polymer or copolymer. In one embodiment, the fluid retention material is a stranded polymer.

Preferably, the storage container holds the capillary material for transferring the aerosol forming liquid substrate to the heating element. The capillary material may be in contact with the heating element. Preferably, the capillary material is located between the heating element and the holding material.

The capillary material may be made of a material capable of bringing the aerosol-forming liquid substrate into contact with at least a portion of the surface of the heating element. The capillary material can pass into the voids between the filaments. The heating element can draw the aerosol-forming liquid substrate into the voids by capillary action.

A capillary material is a material that actively moves fluid from one end of the material to the other. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or filaments or other tubes with narrow channels. The fibers or filaments may be generally aligned to move the aerosol forming liquid substrate towards the heating element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms many small channels or tubes through which the aerosol-forming liquid substrate can be transferred by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam material, materials based on ceramics or graphite in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic material, fiber material made, for example, from twisted or extruded fibers such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers or ceramics. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity for use with liquids having different physical properties. The aerosol-forming liquid substrate has physical properties, including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that allow the aerosol-forming liquid substrate to be transferred through the capillary medium by capillary action.

An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of vegetable origin. The aerosol forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain homogenized plant material. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol generating substrate may contain at least one aerosol generating agent. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents.

The heating element may have at least two electrically conductive pads. Electrically conductive pads may be located on the edge region of the heating element. Preferably, at least two electrically conductive pads may be located at the edges of the heating element. An electrically conductive pad may be attached directly to the electrically conductive filaments. The electrically conductive pad may comprise a tin patch. Alternatively, the electrically conductive pad may be integral with the electrically conductive filaments.

The cartridge may be a disposable article to be replaced with a new cartridge once the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is empty or the amount of liquid in the cartridge falls below a minimum volume threshold. When the cartridge contains a storage container, preferably the cartridge is pre-filled with an aerosol-forming liquid substrate.

In some embodiments, the entire cartridge is movable between first and second positions, according to the first aspect of the present invention, relative to the housing.

In some other embodiments, such as embodiments including a threaded member, only a portion of the cartridge is movable between first and second positions, according to the first aspect of the present invention, relative to the casing. In these embodiments, the rest of the cartridge may remain fixed relative to the casing.

Thus, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating system, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body; a storage container within the cartridge body, the storage container containing a supply of aerosol-forming liquid substrate; and a fluid-permeable heating element located in the cartridge body and positioned across the opening in the storage container. The cartridge body includes at least one cartridge air inlet and at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element. At least a portion of the cartridge is movable within the cartridge body between: a first position where air from the air inlet of the cartridge is blocked from flowing to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element; and a second position in which the unrestricted air flow path is located from the air inlet of the cartridge to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element.

The cartridge according to the third aspect of the present invention may have any of the features described in relation to the first and second aspects of the present invention, such as features relating to the threaded member and cartridge cap. At least a portion of the cartridge may be a single component, such as a threaded member.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge assembly according to the first or second aspect of the present invention and an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply unit and an electronic control circuit, the cartridge assembly being coupled to the device, generating aerosol. When the cartridge assembly is attached to the aerosol generating device, the fluid-permeable heating element can be electrically connected to the power supply.

The aerosol generating device may include a connecting part for engagement with a corresponding connecting part on the cartridge assembly.

The aerosol generating device may include at least one electrical contact element configured to provide electrical connection to the heating element when the aerosol generating device is attached to the cartridge assembly. The electrical contact element may be elongated. The electrical contact element may be spring-loaded. The electrical contact element may contact an electrical contact pad in the cartridge assembly.

The power supply is preferably a battery such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged. For example, the power supply may have a capacity sufficient to enable continuous generation of the aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a given number of puffs or individual activations of the heater assembly.

The electronic control circuit may include a microcontroller. The microcontroller is preferably a programmable microprocessor. The electrical circuit may contain additional electronic components. The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the power supply to the heater assembly. Power may be supplied to the heater assembly continuously after system activation, or may be supplied intermittently, such as from puff to puff. Power may be supplied to the heater assembly in the form of electrical current pulses.

Preferably, the aerosol generating system is a hand held system. Preferably, the aerosol generating system is portable. The aerosol generating system may be about the size of a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating device system may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device system may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

It should be understood that the preferred features described above in relation to one aspect of the present invention may also be applicable to other aspects of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system comprising a prior art cartridge assembly and an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. one;

in fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. one;

in fig. 4 is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. one;

in fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a first part of an aerosol generating apparatus;

in fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 5;

in fig. 7A is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 5, in the first configuration;

in fig. 7B is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 5 in the second configuration;

in fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 5;

in fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a first part of an aerosol generating device and an adapter member;

in fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 9;

in fig. 11A is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 9, in the original configuration;

in fig. 11B is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 9, in the first configuration;

in fig. 11C is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 9 in the second configuration;

in fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled cartridge according to the third embodiment of the present invention, together with the first part of the aerosol generating device and the adapter member;

in fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 12;

in fig. 14A is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 12 in the first configuration; and

in fig. 14B is a sectional view of the cartridge assembly shown in FIG. 12 in the second configuration.

In FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol generating system 10 comprising an assembly cartridge 20 known in the art and an aerosol generating device 40 that are connected together.

In FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cartridge assembly 20 of the prior art shown in FIG. 1. The cartridge assembly 20 includes a housing 22 which forms the mouthpiece for the system. Inside the case is a storage container 24 holding the liquid substrate 26 forming an aerosol. The storage container 24 is open at the end of the device. The heater assembly, comprising a flat liquid-permeable mesh heating element 28 held on the heater cover 33, is configured to cover the open end of the device storage container 24. The liquid retaining material 32 is placed inside the cap. The capillary material 31 is positioned between the heater assembly and the containment material 32. A protective cap or lid 30 is placed on the casing to hold the heater assembly in a fixed position relative to the storage container 24 . A protective cap also covers the heating element 28 and protects it from damage.

In FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generating device 40. The device 40 includes a casing 46 holding a power supply in the form of a lithium ion battery 42 and a control circuit 44. The device also includes spring-loaded electrical contact elements 45 configured to contact electrical contact pads on the heater assembly in the cartridge. The contact elements 45 are electrically connected to the power supply so that when the cartridge assembly 20 is connected to the device 40, power can be supplied to the grid heating element 28 in the cartridge assembly 20.

A button 41 is provided which activates a switch on the control circuit to activate the device. When the device is activated, the control circuit supplies battery power to the heater in the cartridge. The control circuitry may be configured to control energization of the heater upon activation in many different ways, as is known in the art. For example, the control circuitry may be configured to control power to the heater based on one or more of: heater temperature, detected air flow through the system, time after activation, a certain or estimated amount of fluid in the cartridge, cartridge identification, and conditions. environment.

Cartridge 20 and device 40 are configured to be connected to each other by means of a pressure connection. Cartridge housing 22 is shaped to couple to device 40 in only two orientations, providing contact between the spring-loaded electrical contacts 45 and the pads of the heater assembly through holes in the protective cap 30. The connecting rib 48 of the device part engages with the recess 25 on the casing 22 to fasten the cartridge and the device part together.

As best seen in FIG. 4, a prior art cartridge assembly 20 comprises a supply of aerosol forming liquid substrate 24 and a heater assembly. The apparatus is operable to energize the heater assembly in the prior art cartridge assembly 20 for the purpose of vaporizing the aerosol-forming liquid substrate. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in the airflow through the system, the airflow being generated by the user puffing through the mouthpiece 23 of the prior art cartridge assembly 20. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is cooled in the airflow to form an aerosol before being drawn into the user's mouth.

The airflow path in FIG. 4 is shown by arrows. In particular, when a user puffs on the mouth end 23 of the case 22, air is drawn into the cartridge assembly at the upstream air inlet 22a of the case. The air then passes through the air inlet 30a in the protective cover 30 and past the liquid-permeable heating element 28. Then, the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is drawn in by air along the flow path and through the air outlet 30b in the protective cover 30 before being permanently exit the cartridge assembly 20 at the casing air outlet 22b at the mouth end 23 of the casing 22. In this prior art arrangement, it is possible for liquid to leak from the cartridge assembly 20 through one or both of the casing air inlet 22a and the case air outlet 22b.

In FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an assembled cartridge 120 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the first part 62 of an aerosol generating device. The cartridge 120 assembly includes: the cartridge 130, the coil spring 150, the plug 170, and the casing 122 in the form of a mouthpiece. It should be understood that a single housing element may be provided in place of either the insert 170 or the housing 122. The housing includes a housing air inlet 122a and a housing air outlet 122b.

In FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the components of the cartridge 120 assembly. Cartridge assembly 120 may be supplied in an assembled configuration, in which case insert 170 and spring 150 are pre-attached to the inside of case 122. Cartridge 130 may be removable from case 122. When cartridge 120 is positioned within case 122, cartridge 120 is located inside the insert 170.

In FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 130 shown in FIG. 5. The cartridge comprises a heater assembly comprising a flat liquid-permeable mesh heating element 128 held on a heater cover 133. The heater assembly is configured to fit within the end of the main body 134 of the device cartridge 130 and is in fluid communication with a storage container within the main body 134 of the cartridge that holds the aerosol-forming liquid substrate. The cartridge main body 130 includes an opening that defines a cartridge air inlet 130a and an opening that defines a cartridge air outlet 130b. The openings are located above the heater assembly when the heater assembly is placed inside the cartridge main body. This allows air to flow from inlet 130a to outlet 130b across the top of heating element 128. This allows vaporized aerosol forming substrate to be entrained in the air stream as it passes through cartridge 130.

The cartridge 130 also includes a cartridge cover 133 that is configured to connect to the cartridge main body 134 and cover the fluid-permeable heating element 128. The cartridge cover is provided with electrical connectors 136 to form an electrical connection with the heating element 128. The electrical connectors 136 extend to the outer surface. caps 135 of the cartridge. This allows the electrical connectors to form an electrical connection with the power supply in the aerosol generating device 40 when the cartridge assembly 120 is connected to the device 40.

The cartridge 130 also includes a mouth end portion 137 which is formed as a hollow tip. The end of the hollow tip 137 is open and configured to receive at least a portion of the coil spring 150 when the cartridge is inserted within the housing 122. The hollow tip 137 provides a surface with which the end of the device spring 150 can engage when the cartridge is inserted into the housing 122. This may be best seen in Fig. 7A and 7B.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 7A, when cartridge 130 is inserted into housing 122 through its end of the device, cartridge 130 is in a first position within housing 122. In this position, the surface inside the barrel 137 of cartridge 130 is engaged with the end of device spring 150. The biasing action of spring 150 restricts movement of cartridge 130 further into housing 122.

In the position shown in Fig. 7A, air from the case air inlet 122a can pass inside the case and through the first gap 170a in the insert 170. However, the air is then blocked from flowing into the cartridge 130 because the cartridge air inlet 130a is not aligned with the first gap 170a in the insert. 170. In the first embodiment, this is because the cartridge air inlet 130a is located at a different axial position within the housing 122 compared to the axial position of the first gap 170a of the insert 170. The same is observed for the cartridge air outlet 130b. and a second gap 170b of the insert 170.

Rubber o-rings 138 on the outer surface of the cartridge body also engage with the inner surface of the insert 170 to provide a seal around the cartridge air inlet 130a and the cartridge air outlet 130b.

Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7A, air is blocked from flowing from the case air inlet 122a to the case air outlet 122b through the cartridge air inlet 130a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the cartridge air outlet 130b.

However, when the cartridge assembly 120 is connected to the aerosol generating device 40, the first portion 62 of the device 40 engages the cartridge cover 135 and overcomes the biasing force of the coil spring 150 to press the cartridge 130 further into the housing 122. When the device 40 is fully connected to the cartridge 120 assembly, the cartridge 130 is inside the housing 122 in the position shown in FIG. 7B.

In this position, the cartridge air inlet 130a is axially aligned with the first gap 170a in the insert 170, and the cartridge air outlet 130b is axially aligned with the second gap 170b in the insert 170. Therefore, air can flow freely from the inlet 122a case air outlet 122b through the cartridge air inlet 130a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the cartridge air outlet 130b.

As best seen in FIG. 5 and 8, the cartridge body further includes a guide mechanism 139 that is configured to temporarily hold the cartridge within the case 122 and is further configured to limit the amount of axial movement that the cartridge 130 may have within the case 122.

In particular, the outer surface of the cartridge body includes a guide track 139 in which a protrusion in the case 122 or an insert 170 may be located when the cartridge is first inserted into the case 122. In particular, the guide track 139 forms a bayonet locking mechanism to allow the cartridge 130 to be held. in housing 122 after insertion. The locking mechanism includes a first track part 139a in which a protrusion can be located when the cartridge is first placed in the case 122.

After being placed in this first part 139a of the guide track, the protrusion can move smoothly in the axial direction along the specified first part 139a, as the cartridge 130 moves into the casing 122. The protrusion then reaches the end surface of the first part 139a of the guide track, which prevents further axial moving the cartridge 130 into the housing 122.

However, at this point, the second part of the guide track 139 extends sideways around the cartridge 130 and thus allows the cartridge 130 to rotate relative to the housing 122. As the cartridge 130 rotates relative to the housing 122, the protrusion moves laterally along the second part 139b guide track until it reaches the third guide track portion 139c.

The third part 139c of the guide track is an axially extending strip having first and second end surfaces 139d, 139e, which limit the extent of axial movement that the cartridge 130 can have inside the casing 122. The first end surface 139d of the third part 139c of the track 139 limits the extent, by which the cartridge 130 can be moved further into the housing 122 by engagement with the housing protrusion or insert. The second end surface 139e prevents the cartridge 130 from being removed from the case 122 by engaging with the case protrusion or insert.

In order to remove the cartridge 130 from the case 122, the case must be moved relative to the cartridge so that the protrusion repeats its path along the second part of the track and then along the first part of the track 139. The arrows in FIG. 8 indicate the path that the protrusion can take when moving in the guide track 139.

In FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of an assembled cartridge 220 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, together with the first part of the aerosol generating device 62 and the adapter member 280.

The cartridge 220 assembly includes: the cartridge 230, the coil spring 150, the plug 170, and the casing 122 in the form of a mouthpiece. It should be understood that a single housing element may be provided in place of either the insert 170 or the housing 122. The housing includes a housing air inlet 122a and a housing air outlet 122b. The coil spring 150, insert 170, and case 122 may be the same as those described above with respect to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 230 shown in FIG. 9. As with the cartridge 130 shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge 230 shown in FIG. 10 includes a heater assembly comprising a flat liquid-permeable mesh heating element 128 supported on a heater cover 133. The heater assembly is configured to fit inside the end of the main body 234 of the device cartridge 230 and is in fluid communication with a storage container within the main body 234 of the cartridge that holds the aerosol-forming liquid substrate. The cartridge main body 230 includes an opening that defines a cartridge air inlet 230a and an opening that defines a cartridge air outlet 230b. The openings are located above the heater assembly when the heater assembly is placed inside the cartridge main body. This allows air to flow from the inlet 230a to the outlet 230b across the top of the heating element 128. This allows the vaporized aerosol forming substrate to be entrained in the air stream as it passes through the cartridge 230.

The cartridge 230 also includes a cartridge cover 135 that is configured to connect to the cartridge main body 234 and cover the fluid-permeable heating element 128. The cartridge cover is provided with electrical connectors 136 to form an electrical connection with the heating element 128. The electrical connectors 136 extend to the outer surface. caps 135 of the cartridge. This allows the electrical connectors to form an electrical connection with the power supply in the aerosol generating device 40 when the cartridge assembly 120 is connected to the device 40.

The cartridge 130 also includes a mouth end portion 237 which is formed as a hollow tip. The end of the hollow tip 237 is open and configured to receive at least a portion of the coil spring 150 when the cartridge is inserted into the housing 122. The hollow tip 237 provides a surface with which the end of the spring 150 of the device can engage when the cartridge is inserted into the housing 122. This can be best seen in Fig. 11A and 11B.

Unlike the cartridge according to the first embodiment, the cartridge according to the second embodiment does not include a guide track 139 that forms a bayonet locking mechanism. Instead, the outer surface of the adapter member 280 is provided with a bayonet locking mechanism in the form of a track on its outer surface. The adapter element 280 is connected to the first part 62 of the device and is held in a non-rotatable position relative to the device 40.

Prior to first attaching device 40 and adapter member 280 to cartridge assembly 230, the cartridge assembly has an initial configuration as shown in FIG. 11A. In this configuration, the cartridge 230 is supported by the spring 150, and a part of the cartridge 230 is located inside the case 122. The cartridge cover 135, the air inlet 230a and the air outlet 230b are located outside the case 122. Due to the presence of the guide 239 on the outer surface of the main body 234 cartridge, the initial orientation of the cartridge 230 is such that the airflow path between the cartridge air inlet 230a and the cartridge air outlet 230b is radially offset from the first gap 170a and the second gap 170b.

When the device 40 and the adapter member 280 are first attached to the cartridge assembly 230, the protrusion in the housing 122 is operable to slide into the first portion of the track 289 in the adapter member 280.

The first part of the track 289 is an axially extending strip, and thus, as the device and the cartridge assembly approach each other, the protrusion moves smoothly along the first part of the track 289 until it reaches the first end face. lanes 289. At this point, the cartridge 230 and case 122 have the configuration shown in FIG. 11b. In this configuration, the cartridge is positioned relative to the case so that air from the case air inlet 122a can pass into the case 122 and through the first gap 170a in the insert 170. However, the air is then blocked from flowing into the cartridge 230 because the cartridge air inlet 230a is not radially aligned with the first gap 170a in the insert 170. This is because the cartridge air inlet 230a is located at a different radial position within the housing 122 compared to the axial position of the first gap 170a of the insert 170. The same is true for cartridge air outlet 230b; and second gap 170b of insert 170.

The rubber seals 238 that surround the openings for the cartridge air inlet 230a and the cartridge air outlet 230a also engage the inner surface of the insert 170 to provide a seal around the cartridge air inlet 130a and the cartridge air outlet 130b.

Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 11B, air is blocked from flowing from the case air inlet 122a to the case air outlet 122b through the cartridge air inlet 130a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the cartridge air outlet 130b.

However, when the aerosol generating device 40 and adapter member 280 are rotated relative to case 122, adapter member 280 mechanically engages cartridge cap 135 and also causes cartridge 230 to rotate relative to case 122. During this rotation, projection in case 122 may smoothly move along the second part of the guide track 289 in the element 280 of the adapter.

After being rotated approximately 90 degrees, cartridge 230 and housing 122 have the configuration shown in FIG. 11C. In this position, the cartridge air inlet 230a is now radially aligned with the first gap 170a in the insert 170, and the cartridge air outlet 230b is now radially aligned with the second gap 170b in the insert 170. Therefore, air can flow freely from the inlet 122a case air outlet to the case air outlet 122b through the cartridge air inlet 230a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the cartridge air outlet 230b.

In order to remove the cartridge 230 from the case 122, the case must first be rotated relative to the device 40 and the cartridge 230 so that the protrusion in the case 122 repeats its path along the second part of the track in the adapter element 280. After that, the casing 122 and the device 40 are moved axially away from each other so that the protrusion in the casing 122 repeats its path along the first part of the track in the element 280 of the adapter. When device 40 has been detached from cartridge assembly 220, spring 150 is capable of pushing cartridge 230 out of housing 122 into the raised position shown in FIG. 11A.

In FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of an assembly cartridge 320 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 12 also shows the first part 62 of the aerosol generating device 40 and the adapter element 380.

The cartridge assembly 320 includes: a cartridge 330 and a casing 322 in the form of a mouthpiece. Unlike the first and second embodiments, the cartridge assembly according to the third embodiment does not include an insert member 170. Instead, the cartridge 330 is configured to be directly inserted into the housing 322.

In FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge 330 shown in FIG. 12. As with the cartridges 130 and 230 according to the first and second embodiments, the cartridge 330 according to the third embodiment includes a heater assembly including a flat liquid-permeable mesh heating element 128 held on the heater cover 133. The heater assembly is configured to fit inside the end of the main body 334 of the device cartridge 330 and is in fluid communication with a storage container within the main body 334 of the cartridge that holds the aerosol-forming liquid substrate. The cartridge 130 also includes a mouth end portion 337 . The mouth end portion may form at least a portion of the storage container. A portion of the mouth end may be substantially pointed. The mouth end portion 337 may be integral with the main body 334 or may be a separate member that is connected to the main body 334.

The cartridge 230 also includes a cartridge cover 335. The cap 335 includes a base 335a that is configured to be connected to the cartridge main body 334 by a snap-fit engagement. The lid 335 also includes a top 335b that is configured to connect to and at least partially cover the base 335a. The base and top together form a cartridge air inlet 330a for allowing air to flow into the cartridge and across the top of the heating element 128. Air can then continue to flow through a passage 330c that extends along one side of the cartridge main body 334 and the cartridge mouth end portion 337. At the end of the channel 330c is the cartridge air outlet 330b. Thus, air can flow through the cartridge 330 from the cartridge air inlet 330a to the cartridge air outlet 330b through the space above the heating element 128 and through the cartridge air passage 330c.

Unlike the cartridges 130 and 230 according to the first and second embodiments, the main body 334 of the cartridge 330 according to the third embodiment is not movable relative to the case 322 after the cartridge 330 has been inserted into the case 122. Instead, the main body 334 remains stationary. position, both axially and radially. In this position, the cartridge air inlet 330a is axially aligned and radially aligned with the case air inlet 322a, and the cartridge air outlet 330b is axially aligned and radially aligned with the case air outlet 322b. Thus, air can flow between the cartridge air inlet 330a and the case air inlet 322a. Air can also flow between the cartridge air outlet 330b and the case air outlet 322b.

In order to provide the airflow blocking mechanism in the third embodiment, the cartridge cap 335a includes a threaded member 335c located between the cartridge cap base 335a and the cartridge cap top 335b. The threaded member 335c is movable between the first position, as shown in FIG. 14A and a second position as shown in FIG. 14b. When the threaded member 335c is in the first position, it provides a seal around the heating element 128. Therefore, the threaded member 335c blocks the flow of air from the cartridge air inlet 330a to the heating element 128. It also blocks the flow of air from the cartridge air passage 330c to the to the heating element 128. Therefore, when the threaded member 335c is in the first position, the flow of air from the casing air inlet 322a to the casing air outlet 322b through the cartridge air inlet 330a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the outlet is blocked. 330b for air cartridge.

In FIG. 14B shows the assembly when the threaded member 335c has been moved to the second position. In the second position, the threaded element 335c is located at a distance from the heating element 128 such that a flow path exists between the threaded element 335c and the heating element 128. Thus, air can flow from the cartridge air inlet 330a across the heating element 128 and into the cartridge air passage 330c. Therefore, when the threaded member 335c is in the second position, an unrestricted air flow path is provided from the case air inlet 322a to the case air outlet 322b through the cartridge air inlet 330a, the fluid-permeable heating element 128, and the outlet 330b. for air cartridge.

With reference to FIG. 14A and 14B, the following describes how the threaded member 335c can move between its first and second positions.

As shown in FIG. 14A, when the device 40 is first connected to the cartridge assembly 320, the threaded member 335c is in the first position. The cartridge 330 is held inside the case in a fixed position relative to the case 322. That is, the main body 324 of the cartridge cannot be rotated relative to the case 322.

The adapter element is attached to the device in such a way that the adapter element cannot rotate relative to the device.

The adapter member 380 is then inserted into the end of the device housing 322 in the position shown in FIG. 14A. Adapter member 380 may form a snap-fit engagement with housing 322 such that adapter member 380 and device 40 are axially secured with respect to housing 322 while still being free to rotate relative to housing 322. Alternatively, adapter member 380 may include a bayonet mechanism. locking mechanism similar to the bayonet locking mechanism of the second embodiment, so that the adapter member 380 can be held in an axially fixed position relative to the housing 322 while being free to rotate relative to the housing 322 by at least a few degrees.

The protruding part 381 of the element 380 of the adapter passes through the opening 335d in the upper part 330b of the cover 335 of the cartridge. The protruding portion 381 engages the surface of the recessed section of the threaded member 335c in the same way that the tip of a screwdriver engages the head of a screw. The outer surface of the threaded member 335c has a first thread that engages with a second thread on the inner surface of the cartridge cap base 335a. This arrangement implies that as device 40 and adapter member 380 rotate relative to cartridge body 334 and housing 322, protruding portion 381 of adapter member 380 engages the inner surface of threaded member 335c and results in axial movement of the threaded member relative to the remainder of the cartridge 330. In particular, the threads of the threaded member 380 and the base 335a of the cartridge cap are positioned such that clockwise rotation of the device 40 relative to the casing 322 causes the threaded member 335c to move toward the device 40 and away from the heating element 128. After a clockwise rotation, approximately 90 degrees, the threaded member 335c is spaced apart from the heating element 128 such that a flow path exists between the threaded member 335c and the heating member 128, as shown in FIG. 14b. At this point, air can freely flow from the cartridge air inlet 330a across the heating element 128 and into the cartridge air passage 330c. The user can then use the device 40 and cartridge assembly 320 to create an aerosol that the user can inhale.

When the user has completed use of the device 40 and cartridge assembly 320 to inhale the aerosol, the user may rotate the device 40 counterclockwise relative to the housing 322 approximately 90 degrees. This causes the threaded member 335c to rotate counterclockwise with respect to the rest of the cartridge 330 and thus move in the direction of the heating element 128. Thus, the threaded member can return to the position shown in FIG. 14A and thus block the flow of air to the heating element 128.

In each of the first, second, and third embodiments described above with respect to the drawings, the ability to move at least a portion of the cartridge from the first position to the second position such that airflow to the heating element 128 can be selectively blocked or opened implies that there can be the amount of leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid substrate from the heating element to the outside of the cartridge assembly is reduced. This means that when the cartridge assembly is not being used to produce an aerosol, the consumer can be more confident that there will be no leakage of any liquid aerosol forming substrate. However, when the user is ready to use the aerosol generating system, the user can easily move part of the cartridge so that the heating element 128 is exposed to the air flow and therefore promotes the formation of an aerosol that can be released to the user.

Claims (45)

1. Cartridge assembly for an aerosol generating system, wherein the cartridge assembly contains: a case having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device configured to be connected to an aerosol generating device, wherein at least one case air outlet is provided at the mouth end of the case, and at least one case air inlet is provided upstream flow relative to the casing air outlet; and cartridge located in the casing, while the cartridge contains: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap configured to be connected to the cartridge main body; a fluid-permeable heating element disposed within the cartridge body and covered by the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air inlet formed in the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element; and at the same time the cartridge cover contains a threaded element located in it, while the threaded element is movable between: a first position at which the threaded member blocks air from the case air inlet from flowing to the case air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced away from the heating element to form an air flow path from the casing air inlet to the casing air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet . 2. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the case further comprises a storage container containing a supply of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein, when the cartridge is inserted into the case, a fluid-permeable heating element is positioned across an opening in the storage container . 3. The cartridge assembly of claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a storage container within the cartridge body, said storage container containing a supply of aerosol-forming liquid substrate, and wherein a fluid-permeable heating element is positioned across an opening in the container for storage. 4. Cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a biasing element configured to push the cartridge towards the first position. 5. A cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge is configured to be in a second position when the housing is connected to the aerosol generating device. 6. The cartridge assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an insert located between the cartridge and the casing, wherein the plug element comprises at least one air inlet for the plug element and at least one air outlet for the plug element, and wherein, when the cartridge is in the first position: the air inlet of the insert is not aligned with the air inlet of the cartridge, and the air outlet of the insert is not aligned with the air outlet of the cartridge; and when the cartridge is in the second position, the air inlet of the insert is aligned with the air inlet of the cartridge, and the air outlet of the insert is aligned with the air outlet of the cartridge. 7. A cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one air outlet of the cartridge comprises at least one opening in the main body of the cartridge. 8. A cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge lid is provided with electrical connectors for making an electrical connection to the heating element. 9. The cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge cap comprises a base configured to be connected to the main body of the cartridge and an upper part configured to be connected to the base of the cartridge cap and at least partially cover it, and at the same time the base of the cartridge cover and the top of the cartridge cover together form at least one cartridge air inlet for air to flow into the cartridge and across the top of the heating element. 10. The cartridge assembly of claim 9, wherein the threaded member is located between the base of the cartridge cap and the top of the cartridge cap. 11. A cartridge assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a locking system for temporarily securing the cartridge to the casing. 12. A cartridge for an aerosol generating system, wherein the cartridge contains: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap configured to be connected to the cartridge main body; a storage container within the cartridge body, the storage container containing a supply of aerosol-forming liquid substrate; and a fluid-permeable heating element positioned within the cartridge body, covered by the cartridge cap, and positioned across an opening in the storage container; wherein the cartridge body comprises at least one cartridge air inlet formed in the cartridge cap and at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element; wherein the cartridge cover contains a threaded element located in it, while the threaded element is movable inside the cartridge body between: a first position in which the threaded member blocks air from the air inlet of the cartridge from flowing to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced from the heating element to form an air flow path from the air inlet of the cartridge to the air outlet of the cartridge through the fluid-permeable heating element; and wherein the threaded element is movable between the first and second positions by threaded engagement between the outer threaded surface of the threaded element and the corresponding threaded inner surface on the other part of the cartridge cap. 13. An aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge assembly according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, and an aerosol generating device comprising a power supply and an electronic control circuit, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to be connected to the aerosol generating device. 14. A kit for an aerosol generating system, wherein the kit contains: a case having a mouth end and an opposite end of the device configured to be connected to an aerosol generating device, wherein at least one case air outlet is provided at the mouth end of the case, and at least one case air inlet is provided upstream flow relative to the casing air outlet; and a cartridge configured to be inserted into the housing, the cartridge comprising: a cartridge body comprising a cartridge main body and a cartridge cap configured to be connected to the cartridge main body, the cartridge cap having a threaded member disposed therein; a fluid-permeable heating element disposed within the cartridge body and covered by the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air inlet formed in the cartridge cover; at least one cartridge air outlet; and a cartridge air flow path extending from the at least one cartridge air inlet to the at least one cartridge air outlet through the fluid-permeable heating element; and wherein, when the cartridge is inserted into the housing, the threaded member is movable between: a first position at which the threaded member blocks air from the case air inlet from flowing to the case air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet; and a second position in which the threaded member is spaced away from the heating element to form an air flow path from the casing air inlet to the casing air outlet through the cartridge air inlet, the fluid-permeable heating element, and the cartridge air outlet .

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