RU2840804C1 - Aerosol-generating rod-shaped article for use with aerosol-generating device with induction heating - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a cartridge of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device with induction heating to an aerosol-generating article and containing such a cartridge. Cartridge comprises an evaporation chamber in the far end of the cartridge for evaporation of an aerosol-forming liquid therein, wherein evaporation chamber comprises at least one air inlet. Cartridge additionally contains a chamber-reservoir near the evaporation chamber for storage of the aerosol-forming liquid. In addition, the cartridge comprises a liquid-carrying current collector (susceptor), which is configured and arranged so as to transfer the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber, as well as inductively heated when used with a device for evaporating a liquid forming an aerosol inside the evaporation chamber. In addition, the cartridge has a vapor transfer channel providing fluid communication for the evaporated liquid forming an aerosol from the evaporation chamber to the area near the chamber-reservoir. With the exception of at least one air inlet and fluid communication from the evaporation chamber to the area near the reservoir chamber, the evaporation chamber is completely closed by elements in the form of a wall, wherein any element in form of evaporation chamber wall is not inductively heated.

EFFECT: versatility of use with different types of articles to generate aerosols from different types of aerosol-forming substrates, particularly solid and liquid substrates.

15 cl, 16 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge for a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, which is designed for use with an aerosol-generating device with induction heating. The present invention further relates to such an article, as well as to an aerosol-generating system comprising such an aerosol-generating article and such an aerosol-generating device.

Systems for generating inhalable aerosols by inductively heating aerosol-forming substrates that are capable of releasing volatile compounds when heated are generally known from the prior art. To heat the substrate, it can be positioned or brought into thermal proximity or direct physical contact with a current collector (suspender), which is inductively heated under the action of an alternating magnetic field. The current collector (suspender) and the substrate can be assembled together in an aerosol-forming article that is designed with the possibility of being placed in a corresponding cavity of an aerosol-generating device. The device comprises an induction source for generating an alternating magnetic field inside the cavity for inductively heating the current collector (suspender) and, thus, the substrate, when the article is placed in the cavity. The article can further comprise a mouthpiece through which the user can puff in order to cause an air flow through the article from the substrate to the mouthpiece. Therefore, when the user takes a puff while using the device, the volatile compounds released from the heated substrate are entrained in the air flow, where they cool and condense to form an aerosol that leaves the product through the mouthpiece. The aerosol-generating product and the aerosol-generating device together form an aerosol-generating system, in which the product is typically a disposable consumable part, while the device is typically reused with other products.

According to a specific design of such an aerosol generating system, the article may have a cylindrical rod-shaped form similar to the form of traditional cigarettes, in which the current collector (susceptor) and the substrate are located in the far end portion, for example, in the far plug of the substrate, and the mouthpiece is located in the near end portion of the article. Aerosol generating articles that have such a visual and tactile similarity to traditional cigarettes are known mainly in the case of articles containing solid aerosol-forming substrates, in particular tobacco-containing solid aerosol-forming substrates. In systems that use other substrates, such as so-called e-liquids, a different design of the entire system is usually used for technical reasons. However, it would be desirable to have a similar and, at the same time, simple design for an article that uses other aerosol-generating substrates, in particular liquid substrates, in order to expand the range of products compatible with the above-mentioned devices designed to accommodate and inductively heat rod-shaped articles.

According to the present invention, a cartridge of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article is provided for use with an aerosol-generating device with induction heating, namely a cartridge for a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, i.e. for use in a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, wherein the article is designed with the possibility of use with an aerosol-generating device with induction heating. The cartridge comprises an evaporation chamber in the distal end portion of the cartridge for evaporating an aerosol-forming liquid therein, wherein the evaporation chamber comprises at least one air inlet. The cartridge further comprises a reservoir chamber near the evaporation chamber for storing an aerosol-forming liquid. In addition, the cartridge comprises a liquid-transferring current-receiving (suspender) device, which is made and arranged so as to transfer the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber, and also to be inductively heated when used with a device for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid inside the evaporation chamber. In addition, the cartridge comprises a channel for transferring vapor, providing fluid communication for the evaporated aerosol-forming liquid from the evaporation chamber to the region near the reservoir chamber. With the exception of at least one air inlet and fluid communication from the evaporation chamber to the region near the reservoir chamber, the evaporation chamber is completely closed by elements in the form of a wall, wherein any element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber is not inductively heated.

According to the present invention, it has been found that the above-described cartridge design is advantageous in terms of a simple and cost-effective manufacture of a rod-shaped aerosol-generating article, which can be easily used with aerosol-generating devices with induction heating, already provided for consumable parts with solid substrates, in order to generate aerosols also from liquid substrates. As will be described in more detail further below, such an article can be simply realized, for example, by equipping the cartridge with a cylindrical mouthpiece adjacent to the reservoir chamber, and then wrapping a wrapper around at least a part of the cartridge and the mouthpiece to hold the mouthpiece and the cartridge together. This results in an article having a rod-shaped external shape, similar or identical to the already provided articles containing solid substrates, and which is thus compatible for use with the already provided aerosol-generating devices. As a result, these devices can be used universally with different types of products to generate aerosols from different types of aerosol-forming substrates, in particular solid and liquid substrates.

The arrangement of the evaporation chamber in the far end portion of the cartridge and thus in the far end portion of the article containing such a cartridge corresponds to the arrangement of the solid substrate and the current collector (susceptor) in the far plug of the substrate of the already provided articles. This mainly ensures that when used with an aerosol generating device with induction heating, the evaporation chamber is arranged in almost the same position inside the cavity of the device as the far plug of the substrate of the already provided articles, i.e. in the place where an alternating magnetic field is generated inside the cavity. Consequently, the article containing such a cartridge is not only arable, but also easily heated by those devices that already exist for induction heated consumable parts containing solid substrates that form an aerosol.

When the evaporation chamber is completely closed by the wall-shaped elements, the evaporation chamber is essentially isolated except for at least one air inlet and a fluid communication from the evaporation chamber to the area near the reservoir chamber. As a result, the cartridge is essentially leak-proof, which proves to be advantageous with respect to the shelf life of the article of which the cartridge may be a part. In particular, if the aerosol-forming liquid eventually leaks from the reservoir chamber into the evaporation chamber, for example during transportation from production to sale, the liquid will still be retained in the evaporation chamber. Even more, the liquid leaking into the evaporation chamber is not wasted, but still contributes to the generation of the aerosol, since it will still evaporate during the following heating process.

To this extent, the term "chamber" in the context of this document already implies a substantially isolated chamber. Accordingly, the reservoir chamber is also substantially isolated except for the fluid communication between the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber via the liquid-carrying susceptor device.

If any element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber is not inductively heated, this implies that any wall is preferably made of a material that is not inductively heated, i.e. that is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). Advantageously, this prevents the user from getting burned when touching the article containing the cartridge according to the present invention shortly after the heating process. In addition, this prevents excessive dissipation of the energy provided by the alternating magnetic field in the elements in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber. As a consequence, the dissipation of energy in the liquid-transferring susceptor device can be increased. Preferably, any element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber is also not inductively heated.

The cartridge may comprise a cap at the distal end, which forms at least an element in the form of a distal wall of the evaporation chamber. Preferably, the cap at the distal end is not formed in one piece with any element in the form of a wall of the reservoir chamber. The use of a cap at the distal end also advantageously facilitates the manufacture of the cartridge. In particular, this enables open access to those components that are located in the interior of the cartridge, such as a liquid-transferring current-collecting (susceptor) device, before the final closing of the interior of the cartridge with the cap at the distal end.

As part of the vaporization chamber, the cap at the far end is not inductively heated. It is made of a material that is not inductively heated, i.e., which is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). The cap at the far end may be made of plastic or silicone. Such materials provide adequate insulating properties and are also inexpensive, which is of particular interest in view of the fact that the cartridge is preferably used in an aerosol-generating article made for single use only. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance. The cap at the far end may be manufactured by injection molding. That is, the cap at the far end may be an injection molded cap at the far end.

The cap at the distal end preferably defines the most distal end of the cartridge. That is, other components that project beyond the cap at the distal end in the distal direction are absent. In particular, the distal end of the cartridge may not comprise any connector or connection means, for example, for connecting an aerosol-generating article containing such a cartridge to an aerosol-generating device. For example, when a rod-shaped cartridge has a cylindrical shape, the cartridge may have a flat distal surface at its most distal end.

In order to provide air supply to the evaporation chamber for aerosol formation, the evaporation chamber may comprise at least one air inlet. Preferably, at least one air inlet is formed in the cap at the distal end. As an example, at least one air inlet may comprise an air vent opening passing through the cap at the distal end. As another example, at least one air inlet may comprise an air vent groove formed in the surface of the cap at the distal end facing an element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber different from the cap at the distal end, in particular, an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber.

According to one example, the cap at the distal end may have a plug shape. The plug-shaped cap at the distal end may comprise a plug-shaped main part, at least a portion of which is inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. The plug-shaped main part may be completely inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. In general, the plug-shaped main part may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the interior of the evaporation chamber, in particular a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the evaporation chamber. In the context of this document, the term "cross-sectional shape" refers to the shape of the plug-shaped main part or the interior of the evaporation chamber when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Preferably, the plug-shaped main part is substantially cylindrical or truncated-conical. The main part in the form of a plug may contain a circular cuff, which ensures a hermetic fit of the cap at the far end in the cartridge, in particular, relative to the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. That is, the circular cuff is not inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber.

The cap in the form of a plug at the far end may also comprise a cover plate. In order to completely close the evaporation chamber at the far end of the cartridge, the cover plate may either be inserted into the circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber, or may extend radially outward beyond the cross-sectional shape of the inner space of the evaporation chamber. In the latter case, the cover plate may further comprise a projecting collar adjacent to the far front end of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. It may also generally retain the cap in the form of a plug at the far end, that is, the cap in the form of a plug at the far end may comprise a projecting collar adjacent to the far front end of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber.

The plug-shaped cap at the far end may further comprise, preferably in addition to the cover plate, an insertion portion at least partially inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. The insertion portion may comprise an insertion ring, or an insertion tube, or an insertion cylinder, or an insertion hollow cylinder, or a plurality of insertion ring segments, or a plurality of insertion pins, or a plurality of insertion ribs. The insertion portion may extend at least partially, in particular, from the cover plate (if present) to the membrane forming the element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. It may also retain the plug-shaped cap at the far end as a whole, that is to say, the plug-shaped cap at the far end may extend at least partially, in particular, from the cover plate (if present) to the membrane forming the element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. In particular, the cap in the form of a plug at the far end can comprise at least one, in particular at least two, preferably two, three or four, support legs. At least one support leg can preferably extend from the far end of the cartridge, in particular from the cover plate (if present), to the membrane forming the element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. As a result, the cap in the form of a plug at the far end is fixed in place at least in the near direction of the membrane. The presence of at least two, in particular two, three or four, support legs advantageously ensures uniform support of the cap at the far end on the membrane. Details of the membrane will be described further below. In particular, at least one support leg can extend along the inner surface of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. As a result, the aerosol formation processes in the inner space of the evaporation chamber are only slightly negatively influenced.

Additionally, the plug-shaped cap at the distal end may comprise at least one plug-shaped element at the proximal end, hermetically sealing a filling opening in the membrane, which can be used to fill the reservoir chamber via the evaporation chamber with a liquid forming an aerosol. Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to isolate the filling opening and close the distal end of the evaporation chamber in one step by mounting the plug-shaped cap at the distal end on other parts of the cartridge. Preferably, the plug-shaped element is located at the proximal end of the insert part (if present), in particular at the proximal end of at least one support post (if present). The plug-shaped element may be made of the same material, in particular formed integrally with the other parts of the plug-shaped cap at the distal end.

According to another example, the cap at the distal end may be cup-shaped. In particular, the cup-shaped cap at the distal end may comprise a lower portion forming a wall element at the distal end of the evaporation chamber, and a portion in the form of a sleeve (a side wall of the cup shape) forming an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. In this configuration, the evaporation chamber is substantially completely formed by the cap at the distal end except for the wall element at the near end of the evaporation chamber. The wall element at the near end of the evaporation chamber is preferably formed by the above-mentioned membrane. The presence of the circular outer side wall element and the wall element at the far end of the evaporation chamber formed integrally by the cup-shaped cap at the distal end, i.e. an integral component, advantageously reduces the number of components to be assembled and thus simplifies the design and assembly of the cartridges. Additionally, this configuration provides maximum open access for implementing components in the cartridge interior, such as the liquid-carrying susceptor device.

In general, the distal end cap may be mounted in the cartridge by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. A press fit or a snap connection in particular allows for a simple assembly of the distal end cap. Welding or adhesive connections provide a satisfactory seal of the joint between the distal end cap and the corresponding mating part of the connection. When the distal end cap has the form of a plug or comprises a cover plate (with or without an insert part), the distal end cap may be mounted (preferably by any of the above-mentioned means) on a member in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber (as a corresponding mating part of the connection), in particular on the distal end of a member in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. When the cap at the distal end is cup-shaped, the cap at the distal end can be mounted (preferably by any of the above-mentioned means) on the membrane of the cartridge (as a corresponding mating part of the connection), wherein the membrane forms a member in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, in particular, a member in the form of a wall at the near end of the evaporation chamber.

In a similar manner to the cap at the far end, the cartridge may further comprise a cap at the near end, which forms at least an element in the form of a near wall of the reservoir chamber. The use of a cap at the near end advantageously facilitates the manufacture of the cartridge, in particular since this may enable the manufacture of other parts of the cartridge by extrusion, such as a channel for transporting steam or an outer circumferential side wall of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber.

The cap at the near end may comprise a through opening through which the near end portion of the vapor transfer channel passes or in which it is retained or terminates as a single unit. This proves advantageous with respect to a stable fixation of the vapor transfer channel in the cartridge, as well as with respect to a proper hermetic fit between the vapor transfer channel and the cap at the near end. A proper hermetic fit is particularly important if the vapor transfer channel also forms a wall element (an inner wall element) of the reservoir chamber. For example, the vapor transfer channel may be formed by an inner tube of the cartridge, which on its inner side ensures fluid communication from the evaporation chamber with the region near the reservoir chamber, and on its outer side defines an inner side wall element of the reservoir chamber. In this configuration, the cap at the near end and the vapor transfer channel both form elements in the form of a wall of the reservoir chamber, for which reason the joint between the two components must be sealed to prevent leakage of the liquid that forms the aerosol. A particularly suitable hermetic fit is automatically ensured if the near end of the vapor transfer channel ends in a through hole and is integral with it, that is, if at least a part of the vapor transfer channel, preferably the entire vapor transfer channel, is formed integral with the cap at the near end.

As stated above, the cap at the near end forms at least a near wall element of the reservoir chamber. In particular, the cap at the near end may form only a near wall element of the reservoir chamber. Accordingly, the cap at the near end may not be formed integrally with any other wall element of the reservoir chamber, such as the element in the form of a circular outer side wall or the element in the form of an inner side wall of the reservoir chamber (be separate from any of them). Similarly, the cap at the near end may not be formed integrally with the steam transfer channel (be separate from it), in particular when the steam transfer channel forms a wall element (an inner wall element) of the reservoir chamber. That is, the near end cap may be separate from any wall element of the reservoir chamber other than the near end wall element.

Conversely, it is possible that in addition to the element in the form of a near wall of the reservoir chamber, the cap at the near end also forms at least one of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall or an element in the form of an inner side wall of the reservoir chamber. In this configuration, the cap at the near end may correspond to a solid main part, further described below. Also, the cap at the near end may not be made in one piece with any element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber (be separate from it).

The cap at the near end may comprise a distant recess forming a distant portion of the through opening, in which the near end portion of the vapor transfer channel is retained. The inner cross-section of the distant recess may be larger than the inner cross-section of the near end portion of the through opening, which is different from the distant portion. As a result, the distant recess forms a stop for the near end portion of the vapor transfer channel in order to fix the position of the vapor transfer channel at least in the near direction. In addition, the inner cross-section of the near portion of the through opening may correspond to the inner cross-section of the vapor transfer channel. As a result, the passage for the air flow through the vapor transfer channel smoothly continues through the near end portion of the through opening, which is advantageous with respect to the unimpeded flow of air/aerosol through the cartridge. Alternatively, the internal cross-section of the near portion of the through-hole may be larger or smaller than the internal cross-section of the vapor transfer channel. As a consequence, the air flow passage through the cartridge is not smooth, which may cause turbulence in the air/aerosol flow. Turbulent air/aerosol flow may be required to promote aerosol formation.

The cap at the near end may comprise a distant insertion seat projecting into the reservoir chamber, wherein the distant insertion seat forms a distant portion of the through opening in which the near end portion of the steam transfer channel is retained. That is, the distant insertion seat may be considered as a projection extending into the reservoir chamber, which comprises a recess forming a distant portion of the through opening. The internal cross-section of the distant insertion seat may be larger than the internal cross-section of the near portion of the through opening, which is different from the distant portion. As a result, as described above with respect to the distant recess, the distant insertion seat forms a stop for the near end portion of the steam transfer channel in order to fix the position of the steam transfer channel at least in the near direction. In order to provide a substantially smooth passage for the air flow through the cartridge, the inner cross-section of the proximal portion of the through-hole may correspond to the inner cross-section of the vapor transfer channel. Alternatively, the inner cross-section of the proximal portion of the through-hole may be larger or smaller than the inner cross-section of the vapor transfer channel in order to promote turbulent flow of the air/aerosol stream.

The cap at the near end may comprise at least one filling opening intended for filling the reservoir chamber with an aerosol-forming liquid. The filling opening in the cap at the near end provides convenient access to the interior of the relevant chamber for filling it. In order to close at least one filling opening after filling the reservoir chamber with an aerosol-forming liquid, the cartridge may comprise a near plug element that hermetically closes at least one filling opening of the cap at the near end. In the case where the cap at the near end comprises more than one filling opening, the near plug element is preferably designed to close each of the filling openings. Alternatively, the cartridge may comprise a separate near plug element for each of the filling openings. In order to have a substantially flat near surface at the near end of the cartridge, the cap at the near end may comprise a near recess in which a near plug element is received. One or more filling openings may be located adjacent to a through opening of the cap at the near end. For example, the cap at the near end may comprise two filling openings located laterally on opposite sides of the through opening. In this configuration, the near plug element may comprise a disk with projections sealed in the filling openings. In order to allow the aerosol to freely leave the cartridge in the near direction, the near plug element may comprise a through opening coinciding with the through opening of the cap at the near end. Preferably, the cross-section of the through-hole of the near-plug element corresponds to the internal cross-section of the vapor transfer channel to ensure a smooth passage for the air flow. Alternatively, the cross-section of the through-hole of the near-plug element may be larger or smaller than the internal cross-section of the vapor transfer channel to promote turbulent flow of the air/aerosol flow.

According to one example, the cap at the near end may have the shape of a plug. The cap in the shape of a plug at the near end may comprise a main part in the shape of a plug, at least a part of which is inserted into an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. The main part in the shape of a plug may also be completely inserted into the circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. In general, the main part in the shape of a plug may have a shape, in particular a cross-sectional shape, corresponding to the shape of the interior of the reservoir chamber, in particular corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the reservoir chamber. In the context of this document, the term "cross-sectional shape" refers to the shape of the main part in the shape of a plug or the interior of the reservoir chamber when viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Preferably, the main part in the shape of a plug is substantially cylindrical or truncated-conical. The main part in the form of a plug may contain a circular cuff, which ensures a hermetic fit of the cap at the near end in the cartridge, in particular, relative to the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the chamber-reservoir. That is, the circular cuff is not inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the chamber-reservoir.

The cap in the form of a plug at the near end may also comprise a cover plate. In order to completely close the reservoir chamber at the near end of the cartridge, the cover plate may either be inserted into the circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber, or may extend radially outward beyond the cross-sectional shape of the inner space of the reservoir chamber. In the latter case, the cover plate may further comprise a projecting collar adjacent to the near front end of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. It may also retain the cap in the form of a plug at the near end as a whole, that is, the cap in the form of a plug at the near end may comprise a projecting collar adjacent to the near front end of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber.

The plug-shaped cap at the near end may further comprise, preferably in addition to the cover plate, an insertion portion at least partially inserted into the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. The insertion portion may comprise an insertion ring, or an insertion tube, or an insertion cylinder, or an insertion hollow cylinder, or a plurality of insertion ring segments, or a plurality of insertion pins, or a plurality of insertion ribs. The insertion portion may extend at least partially, in particular, from the cover plate (if present) to the membrane forming the element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. It may also retain the plug-shaped cap at the near end as a whole, that is to say, the plug-shaped cap at the near end may extend at least partially, in particular, from the cover plate (if present) to the membrane forming the element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. In particular, the cap in the form of a plug at the near end may comprise at least one, in particular at least two, preferably two, three or four, support posts. At least one support post may preferably extend from the near end of the cartridge, in particular from the cover plate (if present), to the membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. As a result, the cap in the form of a plug at the near end is fixed in place at least in the distal direction of the membrane. The presence of at least two, in particular two, three or four, support posts advantageously ensures uniform support of the cap at the near end on the membrane. Details of the membrane will be described further below. In particular, at least one support post may extend along the inner surface of the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber.

According to another example, the cap at the near end may be cup-shaped. In particular, the cup-shaped cap at the near end may comprise a lower portion forming a wall element at the near end of the reservoir chamber, and a portion in the form of a sleeve (a side wall of the cup shape) forming an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. In this configuration, the reservoir chamber is substantially completely formed by the cap at the near end except for the wall element at the far end of the evaporation chamber. The wall element at the far end is preferably formed by the above-mentioned membrane. The presence of the circular outer side wall element and the wall element at the near end of the reservoir chamber, formed in one piece by the cup-shaped cap at the near end, i.e. a single component, advantageously reduces the number of components to be assembled and thus simplifies the design and assembly of the cartridges.

In general, and in particular where the near end cap is separate from any other wall element of the chamber-reservoir (is not formed integrally with any of them), the near end cap may be mounted in the cartridge by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. A press fit or a snap connection in particular allows for simple assembly of the near end cap. Welding or adhesive connections provide satisfactory sealing of the joint between the near end cap and the corresponding mating part of the connection. When the near end cap is in the form of a plug or comprises a cover plate (with or without an insert portion), the near end cap can be mounted (preferably by any of the above-mentioned means) on an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber (as a corresponding mating part of the connection), in particular on the far end of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. When the near end cap is cup-shaped, the near end cap can be mounted (preferably by any of the above-mentioned means) on a membrane of the cartridge (as a corresponding mating part of the connection), wherein the membrane forms an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, in particular an element in the form of a wall at the far end of the reservoir chamber.

Preferably, the near end cap is made of a material that is not inductively heated, i.e., is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). The near end cap may be made of plastic or silicone. Such materials provide adequate insulation properties and are also inexpensive, which is of particular interest in view of the fact that the cartridge is preferably used in an aerosol generating article that is designed for single use only. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance. The near end cap may be manufactured by injection molding. That is, the near end cap may be an injection molded near end cap.

The near end cap preferably defines the near end of the cartridge. That is, other components that project beyond the near end cap in the near direction are absent. In particular, the near end of the cartridge may not comprise any connector or connection means, such as for connecting a mouthpiece to the cartridge. For example, when a rod-shaped cartridge has a cylindrical shape, the cartridge may have a flat near surface at its near end.

The cartridge may comprise a membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. The use of a membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber advantageously reduces the number of components to be assembled and thus simplifies the design and assembly of the cartridges. Preferably, the membrane is not made in one piece with any other element in the form of a wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber (it is separate from any of them). Advantageously, this facilitates the manufacture of the cartridge, in particular, since this may provide the possibility of producing other parts of the cartridge by means of extrusion, such as a channel for transferring steam or an outer circular side wall of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber.

In the context of this document, the term "membrane" refers to a dividing wall separating the evaporation chamber from the reservoir chamber, i.e. separating a portion of the internal space of the cartridge into the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber.

In order to avoid excessive dissipation of the energy provided by the alternating magnetic field in the membrane, the membrane is preferably not inductively heated. That is, the membrane is preferably made of a material that is not inductively heated, that is, non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). In addition, this can help reduce the risk of a user getting a burn when touching an article containing a cartridge according to the present invention shortly after the heating process.

The membrane may be made of plastic or silicone. Such materials provide adequate insulation properties and are also cheap, which is of particular interest because the cartridge is preferably used in an aerosol-generating product designed for single use only. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance. The membrane may be manufactured by injection molding. That is, the membrane may be an injection molded membrane.

Preferably, the membrane comprises a through hole through which a channel for transporting steam passes or in which it is retained at the distal end portion.

The membrane may comprise a near recess forming a near portion of the through hole, in which the vapor transfer channel is retained in the far end portion. The inner cross-section of the near recess may be larger than the inner cross-section of the far portion of the through hole, which is different from the near portion. As a result, the near recess forms a stop for the far end portion of the vapor transfer channel in order to fix the position of the vapor transfer channel at least in the far direction. In addition, the inner cross-section of the far portion of the through hole may correspond to the inner cross-section of the vapor transfer channel. As a result, the air flow passage entering the vapor transfer channel through the through hole of the membrane may smoothly continue from the evaporation chamber to the vapor transfer channel. This is advantageous with respect to the unimpeded flow of air/aerosol through the cartridge. Alternatively, the internal cross-section of the distal portion of the through-hole may be larger or smaller than the internal cross-section of the vapor transport channel. As a consequence, the air flow passage through the cartridge is not smooth, which may cause turbulence in the air/aerosol flow. Turbulent air/aerosol flow may be required to promote aerosol formation.

The membrane may comprise a near insertion seat projecting into the reservoir chamber, wherein the near insertion seat forms a near portion of the through opening in which the far end portion of the steam transfer channel is retained. That is, the near insertion seat may be considered as a projection extending into the reservoir chamber, which comprises a recess forming a near portion of the through opening. The inner cross-section of the near insertion seat may be larger than the inner cross-section of the far portion of the through opening, which is different from the near portion. As a result, as described above with respect to the near recess, the near insertion seat forms a stop for the far end portion of the steam transfer channel in order to fix the position of the steam transfer channel at least in the far direction. In order to provide a substantially smooth passage for the air flow through the cartridge, the internal cross-section of the distal portion of the through-hole may correspond to the internal cross-section of the vapor transfer channel. Alternatively, the internal cross-section of the distal portion of the through-hole may be larger or smaller than the internal cross-section of the vapor transfer channel in order to promote turbulent flow of the air/aerosol stream.

Preferably, a liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device passes through the membrane. For this purpose, the membrane may comprise one or more through-holes through which the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device passes. Preferably, the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device is fixedly held by the membrane. Advantageously, the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device is secured in the membrane before assembling the cartridge to facilitate assembly.

In order to prevent unwanted leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid, the cartridge may comprise at least one sealing ring for each one of the one or more through-holes of the membrane, located in or near the respective through-hole. In particular, the at least one sealing ring may be formed by means of overlay moulding around a part of the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device. Advantageously, this ensures, in particular, satisfactory insulation and facilitates the assembly of the cartridge. Preferably, the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device is provided with a sealing ring by means of overlay moulding before the assembly of the cartridge. Preferably, the at least one sealing ring is made of plastic or silicone. Such materials ensure suitable insulation properties and are also cheap, which is of particular interest in connection with the fact that the cartridge is preferably used in an aerosol-generating article designed for single use only. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance.

The membrane may comprise at least one filling opening intended for filling the aerosol-forming liquid into the reservoir chamber via the evaporation chamber. One or more filling openings may be located adjacent to the through opening of the membrane through which the vapor transfer channel passes or in which it is retained at the distal end portion. For example, the membrane may comprise two filling openings located laterally on opposite sides of the through opening. In order to close at least one filling opening after filling the reservoir chamber with the aerosol-forming liquid, the cartridge may comprise a distant plug element that hermetically closes at least one filling opening of the membrane. In the case where the membrane comprises more than one filling opening, the distant plug element is preferably designed to close each of the filling openings. Alternatively, the cartridge may comprise a separate distant plug element for each of the filling openings. Preferably, the distant plug element is attached to a cap at the distant end, which forms at least a wall element at the distant end of the evaporation chamber, in particular is an integral part thereof. Details of the cap at the distant end have been further described above. Alternatively, the distant plug element may not be formed in one piece with any wall element of the evaporation chamber. Likewise, the distant plug element may not be formed in one piece with any wall element of the reservoir chamber. Like the membrane itself, the distant plug element may be made of plastic or silicone, in particular of PEEK (polyetheretherketone), to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance.

The membrane can be mounted in the cartridge by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. A press fit or a snap connection in particular allows for a simple assembly of the membrane. Welding or adhesive connections provide satisfactory insulation of the joint between the membrane and the corresponding mating part of the connection. Preferably, the membrane is mounted in a cartridge sleeve forming at least one of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber (or at least a part thereof) and an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber (or at least a part thereof). Likewise, the membrane can be mounted in an outer sleeve part of a solid main part of the cartridge forming at least an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber and preferably also an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. The details of the cartridge sleeve and the solid main part will be described further below. It is also possible that the cartridge comprises a cup-shaped cap at the far end and a cup-shaped cap at the near end, wherein the cup-shaped cap at the far end forms a wall at the far end and a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber, and the cup-shaped cap at the near end forms a wall at the near end and a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber. In this configuration, each of the cup-shaped caps at the ends is attached to the membrane so that the membrane holds the cup-shaped cap at the far end and the cup-shaped cap at the near end together and forms a wall at the far end of the reservoir chamber and a wall at the near end of the evaporation chamber. The details of the cup-shaped cap at the far end and the cup-shaped cap at the near end have already been further described above.

The membrane may comprise a circular cuff, providing a hermetic fit of the membrane in the cartridge. In particular, the membrane may comprise a circular cuff, providing a hermetic fit of the membrane relative to the cartridge sleeve, forming at least one of an element in the form of a circular wall of the evaporation chamber and an element in the form of a circular wall of the reservoir chamber, or relative to the outer part in the form of a sleeve, or relative to at least one of a cup-shaped cap at the far end and a cup-shaped cap at the near end, as described above.

The cartridge may comprise a cartridge sleeve. The cartridge sleeve may form at least one of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber (or at least a part thereof) and an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber (or at least a part thereof). In particular, the cartridge sleeve may extend along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber, i.e. preferably along the entire length in the axial direction of the cartridge.

The cartridge case may have an internal cross-section and an external cross-section of any shape. In particular, the cartridge case may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or polygonal internal cross-section. Similarly, the cartridge case may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or polygonal external cross-section.

The cartridge sleeve may be a tubular, in particular a cylindrical, sleeve or a cylindrical tube. A tubular sleeve, in particular a cylindrical sleeve or a cylindrical tube, is particularly easy to manufacture, in particular by extrusion. Accordingly, the cartridge sleeve may be an extruded cartridge sleeve.

Preferably, the cartridge sleeve is made of a material that is not inductively heated, i.e., is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). For example, the cartridge sleeve may be made of plastic or silicone. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance.

The cartridge sleeve may be combined with a cap at the distal end as described above, which may be mounted on the distal end of the cartridge sleeve. Similarly, the cartridge sleeve may be combined with a cap at the near end as described above, which may be mounted on the near end of the cartridge sleeve. In particular, the cap at the far end may be mounted on the distal end of the cartridge sleeve by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. Similarly, the cap at the near end may be mounted on the near end of the cartridge sleeve by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection.

When the cartridge sleeve forms only the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber or the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of both the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, the cap at the distal end preferably has the form of a plug or comprises a cover plate (containing or not containing an insert portion), as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the distal end forms the element in the form of a wall at the distal end of the evaporation chamber.

When the cartridge sleeve forms only a circular outer side wall element of the reservoir chamber, the cap at the far end is preferably cup-shaped as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the far end forms both a wall element at the far end of the evaporation chamber and a circular outer side wall element of the evaporation chamber.

Similarly, when the cartridge sleeve forms only a circular outer side wall element of the reservoir chamber or a circular outer side wall element of both the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, the cap at the near end preferably has the form of a plug or comprises a cover plate (with or without an insert portion), as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the near end forms a wall element at the near end of the reservoir chamber.

When the cartridge sleeve forms only the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber, the cap at the near end is preferably cup-shaped, as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the near end forms both the element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber and the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber.

Preferably, the cartridge sleeve is not formed integrally with (is separate from) the cap at the distal end. Likewise, the cartridge sleeve is preferably not formed integrally with (is separate from) the cap at the proximal end.

In order to reduce the number of components to be assembled, the cartridge may comprise a single-piece main part which comprises a near end part and at least one of an outer part in the form of a sleeve and an inner part in the form of a tube, wherein the outer part in the form of a sleeve forms at least an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber (or at least a part thereof), wherein the near end part forms an element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber, and wherein the inner part in the form of a tube forms a channel for transporting steam (or at least a part thereof). The inner part in the form of a tube is located, in particular coaxially, inside the outer part in the form of a sleeve and, thus, also the element in the form of an inner wall of the reservoir chamber. The near end part may comprise a through opening into which the near end of the inner part in the form of a tube of the channel for transporting steam opens, in particular the near end of the inner part in the form of a tube. Preferably, the integral main part comprises a near end part and both an outer part in the form of a sleeve and an inner part in the form of a tube. Advantageously, the outer part in the form of a sleeve can also form an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber (or at least a part thereof). Advantageously, such an integral main part facilitates the design and assembly of the cartridge. The near end part can correspond to the above-described cap at the near end, forming an element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber.

In particular, the outer part in the form of a sleeve can extend along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber. Alternatively, the outer part in the form of a sleeve can extend along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber, i.e. preferably along the entire length in the axial direction of the cartridge. The inner part in the form of a tube can extend along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber, in particular between the near end part and the membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber. The far end of the inner part in the form of a tube can be mounted on the membrane, preferably by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. Likewise, the membrane can be mounted on the outer part in the form of a sleeve, preferably by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. The outer part in the form of a sleeve may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal internal cross-section and a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal external cross-section. Similarly, the inner part in the form of a tube may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal internal cross-section and a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal external cross-section.

Preferably, the integral main part is combined with a cap at the distal end, as further described above. That is, the integral main part is not formed in one piece with the cap at the distal end (is separate from it). The cap at the distal end can be mounted on the distal end of the integral main part, in particular by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection. When the outer part in the form of a sleeve forms an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of both the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, the cap at the distal end preferably has the form of a plug or comprises a cover plate (with or without an insert portion), as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the distal end forms an element in the form of a wall at the distal end of the evaporation chamber. When the outer part in the form of a sleeve forms only an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber, the cap at the distal end is preferably cup-shaped as described above. In this configuration, the cap at the distal end forms both an element in the form of a wall at the distal end of the evaporation chamber and an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. Preferably, the integral main part is made of a material that is not inductively heated, that is, is non-conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). For example, the integral main part can be made of plastic or silicone. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), in order to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance. The integral main part can be manufactured by injection molding. That is, the integral main part can be an integral main part molded under injection.

The steam transfer channel may be located inside the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the element in the form of a reservoir. When the element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the element in the form of a reservoir is formed by a cartridge sleeve, as described above, the steam transfer channel may be located inside the cartridge sleeve, in particular, coaxially relative to the cartridge sleeve.

As stated above, the steam transfer channel preferably forms an element in the form of an inner side wall of the reservoir chamber. The presence of the steam transfer channel, which also forms an element in the form of an inner side wall of the reservoir chamber, allows for a very compact design of the cartridge. In this configuration, the volume of the reservoir chamber can have a substantially ring shape, in particular a hollow cylindrical shape.

The vapor transfer channel may extend along a lengthwise extension in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber, in particular between the near end of the reservoir chamber and the far end of the reservoir chamber, more particularly between the cap at the near end (as described above) and the membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber.

In particular, the cartridge may comprise an inner tube forming a channel for transporting steam. In particular, the inner tube may be similar to the inner part in the form of a tube of the above-described integral main part, also separate from any other element in the form of a wall of the reservoir chamber, such as a cap at the near end and a membrane. That is, the inner tube is preferably not made in one piece with any element in the form of a wall of the reservoir chamber, other than an element in the form of a circular inner side wall of the reservoir chamber.

The inner tube can extend along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber, in particular between the cap at the near end and the membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the reservoir chamber and the evaporation chamber. The far end of the inner tube can be mounted on the membrane, for example in a near recess or a near seat for inserting the membrane. Similarly, the near end of the inner tube can be mounted in the cap at the near end, for example in a far recess or a far seat for inserting the cap at the near end. Preferably, the inner tube can be mounted on the membrane and the cap at the near end by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection or by means of welding or by means of an adhesive connection.

The steam transfer channel, in particular the inner tube, may be cylindrical. The cylindrical shape is particularly easy to manufacture, in particular by extrusion. Accordingly, the steam transfer channel may be an extruded steam transfer channel. In particular, the inner tube may be an extruded inner tube.

The steam transfer channel, in particular the inner tube, may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal internal cross-section. Similarly, the steam transfer channel, in particular the inner tube, may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal external cross-section.

Preferably, the steam transfer channel, in particular the inner tube, is made of a material that is not inductively heated, i.e. is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetic (not ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic). For example, the cartridge sleeve can be made of plastic or silicone. Preferably, the plastic is a thermoplastic material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) to ensure satisfactory thermal resistance.

In the context of this document, the term "liquid-transfer susceptor device" refers to a susceptor device configured to perform two functions: transfer and heating of the aerosol-forming liquid. Similarly, the liquid-transfer susceptor device can be considered as an inductively heated channel for the liquid. The use of such a liquid-transfer susceptor device advantageously reduces the number of required components and, thus, facilitates the manufacture of the cartridge, since it makes it possible to avoid having separate means for transferring and heating the aerosol-forming liquid. In the context of this document, the term "susceptor device" ("susceptor device") refers to a component comprising at least one susceptor material configured to convert electromagnetic energy into heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. This may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses or eddy currents induced in the susceptor material, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials due to the switching of magnetic domains within the material under the influence of an alternating electromagnetic field. Eddy currents are induced in electrically conductive susceptor materials. In the case of an electrically conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor material, heat is generated by both eddy currents and hysteresis losses.

In general, the liquid-transporting susceptor may have any shape and configuration that are suitable for transporting the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir chamber to the evaporation chamber. In particular, the liquid-transporting susceptor may comprise a wick element. The configuration of the wick element may be a multi-wire wire, a multi-wire rope of material, a mesh, a mesh tube, several concentric mesh tubes, a fabric, sheets of material or foam (or other porous solid) with sufficient porosity, a roll of metal mesh with fine holes or any other arrangement of metal foil, fiber or mesh or any other geometry that has an appropriate size and configuration to implement the capillary action as described herein.

In particular, the liquid-transporting current collecting device may comprise a thread bundle comprising a plurality of threads. Preferably, the thread bundle is a bundle of untwisted threads. In a bundle of untwisted threads, the threads of the thread bundle extend next to each other without intersecting each other, preferably along the entire length of the thread bundle. Likewise, the thread bundle may comprise a twisted portion in which the threads of the thread bundle are twisted. The twisted portion may increase the mechanical stability of the thread bundle. The use of threads for transporting liquids is particularly advantageous since the threads by their nature provide a capillary action. Moreover, in a thread bundle, the capillary action is further enhanced by the narrow gaps formed between the plurality of threads when they are bundled. This applies in particular to a parallel arrangement of threads along which the capillary action is constant since the narrow gaps between the threads do not change along the parallel arrangement.

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

As another example, the bundle of threads may comprise a first impregnation section, a second impregnation section and an intermediate section between the first impregnation section and the second impregnation section. Along at least the intermediate section, a plurality of threads may be arranged parallel to each other. With regard to the specific configuration of the article having a reservoir zone and an evaporation zone, each of the first impregnation section and the second impregnation section may be arranged at least partially in the reservoir chamber, while the intermediate section may be arranged in the evaporation chamber. In particular, the bundle of threads may have a substantially U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped shape, wherein each of the first impregnation section and the second impregnation section may at least partially form a shoulder, respectively, of the U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped shape, and wherein the intermediate section may form a base, respectively, of the U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped shape. That is, the arms of the U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped bundle of threads can be located at least partially in the reservoir chamber, while the base of the U-shaped, or C-shaped, or V-shaped bundle of threads can be located in the evaporation chamber.

The bundle of filaments may also be a linear bundle of filaments, that is, a substantially rectilinear, non-curved or non-curved bundle of filaments, wherein one end portion of the bundle of filaments may be located in the evaporation chamber, and the other end portion of the bundle of filaments may be located in the reservoir chamber.

The liquid-transporting current-receiving device may comprise at least a first current-receiving material. Additionally, the liquid-transporting current-receiving device may comprise a second current-receiving material. For example, the liquid-transporting current-receiving device may comprise a plurality of first threads comprising the first current-receiving material or made of it, and a plurality of second threads comprising the second current-receiving material or made of it.

While the first current-collecting material can be optimized with respect to heat loss and thus heating efficiency, the second current-collecting material can be used as a temperature marker. For this purpose, the second current-collecting material preferably comprises one of a ferrimagnetic material or a ferromagnetic material. In particular, the second current-collecting material can be selected in such a way as to have a Curie temperature corresponding to a given heating temperature. The magnetic properties of the second current-collecting material at its Curie temperature change from ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to paramagnetic, which is accompanied by a temporary change in its electrical resistance. Thus, by monitoring the corresponding change in the electrical current absorbed by the induction source, it is possible to detect when the second current-collecting material has reached its Curie temperature and thus when the given heating temperature has been reached.

Preferably, the cartridge has a substantially cylindrical shape. The cartridge may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal outer cross-section.

The cartridge may have a length in the range of 20 millimeters to 90 millimeters, in particular from 30 millimeters to 40 millimeters, for example 38 millimeters. Similarly, the cartridge may have a diameter in the range of 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, in particular from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, for example 7.5 millimeters.

The reservoir chamber may have a length in the range from 10 millimeters to 60 millimeters, in particular from 20 millimeters to 40 millimeters, for example 25 millimeters.

The evaporation chamber may have a length in the range from 5 millimeters to 50 millimeters, in particular from 10 millimeters to 30 millimeters, for example 12 millimeters or 13 millimeters, or 15 millimeters.

The reservoir chamber may have a volume in the range from 100 cubic millimeters to 6000 cubic millimeters, in particular from 400 cubic millimeters to 1000 cubic millimeters.

The evaporation chamber may have a volume in the range from 100 cubic millimeters to 6000 cubic millimeters, in particular from 400 cubic millimeters to 1000 cubic millimeters.

The reservoir chamber may be filled with at least one liquid aerosol-forming substrate, i.e. an aerosol-forming liquid. Alternatively, the reservoir chamber may be empty. In this configuration, the cartridge may be considered as an empty cartridge for manufacturing an aerosol-generating article, which is to be filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and, possibly, assembled with other components, such as a mouthpiece, resulting in a finished article. The reservoir chamber may be designed such that it is refillable, such as through filling openings in a cap at the proximal end or in a membrane, as further mentioned above.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-forming liquid" refers to a liquid capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol when the aerosol-forming liquid is heated. The aerosol-forming liquid is designed to be heated. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain both solid and liquid aerosol-forming material or components. The aerosol-forming liquid may contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the liquid when heated. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming liquid may contain a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming liquid may further contain an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol-forming agents include glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming liquid may also contain other additives and ingredients, such as nicotine or flavoring agents. In particular, the aerosol-forming liquid may contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The aerosol-forming liquid may be a water-based aerosol-forming liquid or an oil-based aerosol-forming liquid.

The present invention further relates to a rod-shaped aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device with induction heating. This article comprises a cartridge according to the present invention, described herein, wherein the evaporation chamber is located at the distal end of the article.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to a consumable part intended for use with an aerosol generating device with induction heating, in particular to a consumable part that is subject to disposal after a single use. Alternatively, the article can be designed for multiple uses. For this purpose, the reservoir chamber of the cartridge of the article can be designed with the possibility of refilling, as further described above. In particular, the article can be designed with the possibility of insertion into an aerosol generating device with induction heating. Preferably, the aerosol generating article comprises at least one liquid that is stored in the reservoir chamber of the cartridge and is intended for heating rather than for combustion, and which, when heated, releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol.

The article may comprise a mouthpiece in the proximal end portion of the article. That is, the mouthpiece is preferably located near the cartridge. In the context of this document, the term "mouthpiece" refers to a part of the article that can be placed in the user's mouth for directly inhaling the aerosol from the article. Preferably, the mouthpiece is located adjacent to the reservoir chamber, in particular adjacent to the wall element at the proximal end of the reservoir chamber. In particular, the mouthpiece may adjoin the reservoir chamber, in particular adjacent to the wall element at the proximal end of the reservoir chamber.

The mouthpiece may be in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber via a steam transfer channel. Preferably, the steam transfer channel opens directly into a fluid passage through the mouthpiece. For this purpose, the mouthpiece may comprise a steam inlet at the distal end of the mouthpiece and a steam outlet at the proximal end of the mouthpiece for releasing the evaporated liquid from the article. The fluid passage through the mouthpiece extends from the steam inlet to the steam outlet.

The mouthpiece may comprise at least one of an acetate filter plug, a hollow acetate tube, a plastic tube, and an aerosol cooling element. The filter may be used to filter unwanted components of the aerosol. The mouthpiece may also comprise additional material, such as a flavoring material, to be added to the aerosol. The hollow acetate tube or the plastic tube may comprise a central air passage. The aerosol cooling element may provide the ability to cool the aerosol exiting the vapor transfer channel of the cartridge. The aerosol cooling element may be an element having a large surface area and low draw resistance, such as from 15 mm H2O to 20 mm H2O.

The mouthpiece can have a length in the range from 3 millimeters to 15 millimeters, in particular from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, for example 7 millimeters.

As further mentioned above, the article may further comprise a first wrapper, wrapped circumferentially around the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber and, if present, preferably around at least the distal portion of the mouthpiece. Advantageously, the wrapper may serve to hold the mouthpiece and the cartridge together. This results in an article having a rod-shaped outer shape, similar or identical to already provided articles containing solid substrates, and which is thus compatible for use with already provided aerosol generating devices. In particular, the wrapper may contribute to giving the article a visual and tactile similarity to traditional cigarettes. For the same purpose, the article may further comprise a second wrapper, wrapped circumferentially around the mouthpiece and, preferably, around the proximal end portion of the cartridge over the first wrapper. The second wrapper may further increase the visual and tactile similarity to traditional cigarettes. The first wrapper and, if present, the second wrapper may be a paper wrapper. It may also be possible that the second wrapper is wrapped around the mouthpiece and preferably around the near end portion of the cartridge, and that the first wrapper is subsequently wrapped over the second wrapper around the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, as well as around at least the far portion of the mouthpiece. The first and second wrappers may be wrapped around the mouthpiece and the cartridge so that the free ends of the respective wrapper overlap each other. Each of the first wrapper and the second wrapper may contain an adhesive that adheres the free ends of the respective wrapper to each other.

Preferably, the article has a substantially cylindrical shape. The article sleeve may have a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal outer cross-section.

A wall-shaped feature at the far end of the evaporation chamber, in particular a cap at the far end of the cartridge, if present, may define the farthest end of the product.

The product may have a length in the range from 23 millimeters to 65 millimeters, in particular from 35 millimeters to 50 millimeters, for example, 45 millimeters.

Additional features and advantages of the aerosol generating article according to the present invention have already been described in relation to the cartridge according to the present invention and are thus equally applicable.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to the present invention, which is described herein as an article.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" describes an electrical device capable of interacting with at least one aerosol generating article containing at least one aerosol generating liquid, for example, to generate an aerosol by inductively heating the aerosol generating liquid inside an evaporation chamber using a current collecting device of the article. Preferably, the aerosol generating device is a puffing device for generating an aerosol directly inhaled by the user through the user's mouth. In particular, the aerosol generating device is a hand-held aerosol generating device.

The device may comprise a receiving cavity for retrievably accommodating at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article, in particular at least a portion of the evaporation chamber of the article.

The aerosol generating device comprises an induction heating device designed and positioned so as to generate an alternating magnetic field in the receiving cavity for the purpose of inductively heating the aerosol-forming liquid in the aerosol generating article when the article is placed in the aerosol generating device.

In order to generate an alternating magnetic field, an aerosol generating device with induction heating, in particular an induction heating device, may comprise at least one induction coil surrounding at least a portion of the liquid-transporting susceptor device located in the evaporation chamber when the article is placed in the cavity of the device. In particular, the induction coil may surround exclusively the portion of the liquid-transporting susceptor device that is located in the evaporation chamber when the article is placed in the cavity of the device. Preferably, the induction coil is located around the receiving cavity, in particular around that portion of the receiving cavity in which the evaporation chamber is located when the article is placed in the cavity of the device, more specifically, around that portion of the receiving cavity in which a portion of the evaporation chamber containing a portion of the liquid-transporting susceptor device is located when the article is placed in the cavity of the device. At least one induction coil may be a helical coil or a flat planar coil, in particular a disk coil or a curved planar coil.

The induction heating device may comprise an alternating current (AC) generator. The AC generator may be powered by a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device. The AC generator is operatively connected to at least one induction coil. In particular, at least one induction coil may be an integral part of the AC generator. The AC generator is configured to generate a high-frequency oscillating current to pass through at least one induction coil to generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may be supplied to at least one induction coil continuously after activation of the system or may be supplied intermittently, for example from puff to puff.

Preferably, the induction heating device comprises a DC to AC converter comprising an inductive-capacitive network, wherein the inductive-capacitive network comprises a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor. The DC to AC converter can be connected to a DC power supply.

The induction heating device is preferably designed to generate a high-frequency magnetic field. In the context of this document, the high-frequency magnetic field may be in the range of 500 kHz (kilohertz) to 30 MHz (megahertz), in particular 5 MHz (megahertz) to 15 MHz (megahertz), preferably 5 MHz (megahertz) to 10 MHz (megahertz).

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a controller configured to control the heating process, preferably in a feedback configuration, in particular to control the heating of the aerosol forming liquid to a predetermined operating temperature. The operating temperature used to heat the aerosol forming liquid may be in the range from 100 degrees Celsius to 300 degrees Celsius, in particular from 150 degrees Celsius to 250 degrees Celsius, for example, equal to 230 degrees Celsius.

The controller may be a general controller of the aerosol generating device or may be a part thereof. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, such as a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may comprise additional electronic components, such as at least one DC-to-AC converter and/or power amplifiers, such as a class C power amplifier or a class D power amplifier, or a class E power amplifier. In particular, the induction source may be a part of the controller.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a power supply unit, in particular a DC power supply unit configured to provide a DC supply voltage and a DC supply current for the induction source. Preferably, the power supply unit is a battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power supply unit may be rechargeable. The power supply unit may have a capacity that allows storing sufficient energy for one or more uses by the user. For example, the power supply unit may have sufficient capacity to ensure continuous aerosol generation for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply unit may have sufficient capacity to ensure the ability to perform a given number of puffs or individual activations of the induction source.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise a flow concentrator located around at least a portion of the induction coil and configured to distort the alternating magnetic field of the induction coil in the direction of the receiving cavity. Thus, when the article is placed in the receiving cavity, the alternating magnetic field is distorted in the direction of the current-receiving (susceptor) device. Preferably, the flow concentrator comprises a flow concentrator foil, in particular a multilayer flow concentrator foil.

Additional features and advantages of the aerosol generating system according to the present invention have already been described in relation to the cartridge and aerosol generating article according to the present invention and are thus equally applicable.

In general, for the purposes of this document, areas or components of a cartridge, aerosol-generating article, or aerosol-generating device that are near the user's mouth when the system is in use are referred to as "proximal." Areas that are further away are referred to as "distal."

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

Example Ex1: A cartridge of a rod-shaped aerosol generating article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating device, the cartridge comprising:

an evaporation chamber at the distal end of the cartridge for evaporating a liquid therein to form an aerosol, wherein the evaporation chamber comprises at least one air inlet;

a reservoir chamber near the evaporation chamber for storing the liquid that forms the aerosol;

a liquid-transfer current-collecting device configured and positioned to transfer an aerosol-forming liquid from a reservoir chamber to an evaporation chamber and to be inductively heated when used with a device for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid within the evaporation chamber;

a vapor transfer channel providing fluid communication for the evaporated liquid forming the aerosol from the evaporation chamber to the area near the reservoir chamber;

wherein, with the exception of at least one air inlet and fluid communication from the evaporation chamber to the region near the reservoir chamber, the evaporation chamber is completely enclosed by wall-shaped elements, wherein any wall-shaped element of the evaporation chamber is not inductively heated.

Example Ex2: A cartridge according to example 1, comprising a cap at the distal end, forming at least a wall-like element at the distal end of the evaporation chamber, wherein the cap at the distal end is not formed in one piece with any wall-like element of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex3: Cartridge as in example Ex2, but with the cap at the far end made of plastic or silicone.

Example Ex4: A cartridge as in any of Examples Ex2-EX3, wherein the cap at the far end defines the farthest end of the cartridge.

Example Ex5: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex2-EX4, wherein the cap at the distal end is cup-shaped, comprising a lower portion forming a wall-like element at the distal end of the evaporation chamber, and a portion in the form of a sleeve forming a circular outer side wall-like element of the evaporation chamber.

Example Ex6: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex2-EX5, wherein the cap at the far end is in the form of a plug.

Example Ex7: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the steam transfer channel extends along the reservoir chamber, forming a feature in the form of a circular inner side wall of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex8: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge sleeve forming at least a portion of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber and an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber.

Example Ex9: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex1-EX7, comprising a solid main part which comprises a near end part and at least one of an outer part in the form of a sleeve and an inner part in the form of a tube, wherein the outer part in the form of a sleeve forms at least an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber, wherein the near end part forms an element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber, and wherein the inner part in the form of a tube forms a channel for transporting steam.

Example Ex10: A cartridge according to example Ex9, wherein the outer part in the form of a sleeve additionally forms an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber.

Example Ex11: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex8-EX10, wherein the cartridge sleeve or the outer sleeve portion has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal internal cross-section.

Example Ex12: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex8-EX11, wherein the cartridge sleeve or the outer sleeve-shaped portion has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal outer cross-section.

Example Ex13: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex8-EX12, wherein the cartridge sleeve or outer sleeve-shaped part is made of plastic or silicone.

Example Ex14: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a membrane forming an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex15: A cartridge according to example Ex14, wherein the membrane is separate from any other element in the form of the wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex16: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex14-EX15, wherein the membrane is made of PEEK or silicone.

Example Ex17: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex14-EX16, wherein at least one of the liquid-transfer current collector and the vapor-transfer channel passes through the membrane.

Example Ex18: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex14-EX17, wherein the membrane comprises at least one filling opening for filling the aerosol-forming liquid into the reservoir chamber via the evaporation chamber.

Example Ex19: A cartridge according to example Ex18, wherein the cartridge comprises an element in the form of a distant plug, hermetically sealing at least one opening for filling the membrane.

Example Ex20: A cartridge according to example Ex19, wherein the distal plug is preferably attached to the cap at the distal end, in particular is an integral part of the cap at the distal end.

Example Ex21: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex14-EX20, wherein the membrane is mounted in the cartridge, in particular, if present, in a cartridge sleeve or a sleeve-shaped part, by means of a press fit or by means of a snap-fit connection or by means of welding.

Example Ex22: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge comprises an internal tube forming at least part of a channel for transporting steam and an element in the form of a circular internal side wall of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex23: Cartridge according to example Ex22, where the inner tube is made of plastic or silicone.

Example Ex24: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex22-EX23, wherein the inner tube has a cylindrical shape.

Example Ex25: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex22-EX24, wherein the inner tube is not formed in one piece with any element in the form of a wall of the chamber-reservoir other than an element in the form of a circular inner side wall of the chamber-reservoir.

Example Ex26: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex22-EX25, wherein the inner tube has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal internal cross-section.

Example Ex27: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex22-EX26, wherein the inner tube has a circular, elliptical, oval, triangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal or polygonal outer cross-section.

Example Ex28: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a cap at the near end forming a wall-like element at the near end of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex29: A cartridge according to example Ex28, wherein the cap at the near end is cup-shaped, comprising a lower part forming a wall-like element at the far end of the evaporation chamber, and a part in the form of a sleeve forming a circular outer side wall-like element of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex30: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex28-Ex29, wherein the cap at the near end is in the form of a plug.

Example Ex31: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex28-EX30, wherein the cap at the near end is separate from any wall element of the evaporation chamber.

Example Ex32: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex28-EX31, wherein the cap at the near end is separate from any wall element of the reservoir chamber other than the wall element at the near end.

Example Ex33: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex28-EX32, wherein the cap at the near end is made of plastic or silicone.

Example Ex34: A cartridge according to any of the examples Ex28-EX33, wherein the cap at the near end comprises a through hole through which the near end portion of the steam transfer channel passes, or in which it is supported or terminates, forming a single unit.

Example Ex35: A cartridge according to any of examples Ex28-EX34, wherein the cap at the proximal end comprises at least one filling opening for filling the reservoir chamber with an aerosol-forming liquid.

Example Ex36: A cartridge according to example Ex35, wherein the cartridge comprises a member in the form of a near plug, hermetically sealing at least one opening for filling the cap at the near end.

Example Ex37: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the liquid channel comprises a wick element, in particular a bundle of threads, preferably a bundle of untwisted threads.

Example Ex38: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge has a substantially cylindrical shape.

Example Ex39: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge has a length extension in the range of from 20 millimeters to 90 millimeters, in particular from 30 millimeters to 40 millimeters, for example 38 millimeters.

Example Ex40: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the cartridge has a diameter in the range of from 4 millimeters to 12 millimeters, in particular from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, for example 7.5 millimeters.

Example Ex41: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the reservoir chamber has a length extension in the range from 10 millimetres to 60 millimetres, in particular from 20 millimetres to 40 millimetres, for example 25 millimetres.

Example Ex42: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the evaporation chamber has a volume in the range from 100 cubic millimeters to 6000 cubic millimeters, in particular from 400 cubic millimeters to 1000 cubic millimeters.

Example Ex43: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the evaporation chamber has a length extension in the range from 5 millimetres to 50 millimetres, in particular from 10 millimetres to 30 millimetres, such as 12 millimetres or 13 millimetres, or 15 millimetres.

Example Ex44: A cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the evaporation chamber has a volume in the range from 100 cubic millimeters to 6000 cubic millimeters, in particular from 400 cubic millimeters to 1000 cubic millimeters.

Example Ex45: A rod-shaped aerosol generating article for use with an induction-heated aerosol generating device, the article comprising a cartridge according to any of the previous examples, wherein the evaporation chamber is located at the distal end of the article.

Example Ex46: An article according to example Ex45, further comprising a mouthpiece at the proximal end portion of the article.

Example Ex47: An article according to example Ex46, wherein the mouthpiece is located adjacent, preferably adjoining, the reservoir chamber, in particular, the wall-shaped element at the near end of the reservoir chamber.

Example Ex48: An article according to any of examples Ex46-Ex47, wherein the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber via a steam transfer channel.

Example Ex49: An article according to any of examples Ex46-Ex48, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a steam outlet for releasing the evaporated liquid from the article.

Example Ex50: An article according to any of examples Ex46-Ex49, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one of an acetate filter plug, a hollow acetate tube, a plastic tube and an aerosol cooling element.

Example Ex51: An article according to any of the examples Ex46-Ex50, wherein the mouthpiece has a length in the range from 3 millimetres to 15 millimetres, in particular from 5 millimetres to 10 millimetres, for example 7 millimetres.

Example Ex52: An article according to any of examples Ex45-Ex51, further comprising a first wrapper wrapped circumferentially around the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, and preferably, if present, around at least the distal portion of the mouthpiece.

Example Ex53: An article according to example Ex52, further comprising a second wrapper wrapped circumferentially around the mouthpiece and preferably around the proximal end portion of the cartridge over the first wrapper.

Example Ex54: An article according to any of examples Ex52-Ex53, wherein the first wrapper and, if present, the second wrapper are paper wrappers.

Example Ex55: An article according to any of examples Ex45-Ex54, wherein the article has a substantially cylindrical shape.

Example Ex56: An article according to any of examples Ex45 to Ex55, wherein the cap at the distal end defines the distalmost end of the article.

Example Ex57: An article according to any of examples Ex45-Ex56, wherein the article has a length in the range from 23 millimetres to 65 millimetres, in particular from 35 millimetres to 50 millimetres, for example 45 millimetres.

Example Ex58: An aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating article according to any of examples Ex45-Ex57 and an aerosol generating device with induction heating for use with the article.

Example Ex59: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex58, in which the aerosol generating device comprises a receiving cavity for removably receiving at least a portion of an aerosol generating article, in particular at least a portion of an evaporation chamber of the article.

Example Ex60: An aerosol generating system according to example Ex59, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an induction coil surrounding at least a portion of the liquid-transferring susceptor device located in the evaporation chamber when the article is placed in the cavity of the device.

Now, additional examples will be described with reference to figures in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the general construction and components of an aerosol generating article according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows an aerosol generating article according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows an aerosol generating system according to the present invention, comprising an aerosol generating device with induction heating and an aerosol generating article according to Fig. 2;

Fig. 4-7 show details of a cartridge according to an embodiment that is used in the aerosol generating article of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8-11 show details of a second embodiment of a cartridge that can alternatively be used in the aerosol generating article of Fig. 2;

Fig. 12-13 show details of a third embodiment of a cartridge that can alternatively be used in the aerosol generating article of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 14-16 show details of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge that can alternatively be used in the aerosol generating article of Fig. 2.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exploded view of the general structure and components of a rod-shaped aerosol generating article 1 according to the present invention. As will be described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 3, the aerosol generating article 1 is designed for use with an aerosol generating device with induction heating for evaporating an aerosol-forming liquid 19 provided by the aerosol generating article 1.

The aerosol generating article 1 shown in Fig. 1 comprises two main components: a cylindrical cartridge 10 for storing and evaporating therein a liquid 19 forming an aerosol, and a cylindrical mouthpiece 90 through which the user can puff to provide a flow of air through the article 1 (as indicated by the dotted arrow 21), which entrains volatile compounds released from the liquid 19 forming an aerosol and condenses to form an aerosol leaving the article 1 at the proximal end 92 of the mouthpiece 90.

According to the present invention, the cartridge 10 comprises an evaporation chamber 11 at the distal end of the cartridge 10 for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid therein. The evaporation chamber 11 comprises two air inlet openings 13, allowing air to enter the product when the user takes a drag through the mouthpiece 90. The cartridge 10 further comprises a reservoir chamber 12 near the evaporation chamber 11 for storing the aerosol-forming liquid 19. In addition, the cartridge 10 comprises a liquid-transferring susceptor device 40, designed and positioned so as to transfer the aerosol-forming liquid 19 from the reservoir chamber 12 to the evaporation chamber 11. Additionally, the liquid transfer susceptor device 40 is designed and positioned to be inductively heated when exposed to an alternating magnetic field when used with a suitable aerosol generating device for evaporating the aerosol-forming liquid 19 within the evaporation chamber 11. Furthermore, the cartridge 10 comprises a vapor transfer channel 20 that provides fluid communication for air and the evaporated aerosol-forming liquid from the evaporation chamber 11 to a region near the reservoir chamber 13, i.e., to the mouthpiece 90, which is located adjacent to the wall element 14 at the near end of the reservoir chamber 12. As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the mouthpiece 90 according to the present example comprises a hollow acetate tube providing a central passage 91 for fluid through the mouthpiece 90, into which the steam transfer channel 20 opens directly, allowing the aerosol formed inside the article to exit the article through a steam outlet of the passage 91 for fluid at the proximal end 92 of the mouthpiece 90.

The cartridge 10 and the mouthpiece 90 are separate parts that can be manufactured separately, in particular, in different locations, and then assembled with each other to form the aerosol-generating article 1 according to the present invention. For the assembly, the cylindrical mouthpiece 90, having approximately the same cross-sectional shape and diameter as the cylindrical cartridge 10, can be positioned adjacent to the cartridge 10 near the reservoir chamber 12 so that it abuts the wall element 14 at the near end of the reservoir chamber 12. Subsequently, as indicated in Fig. 1, the first wrapper 95 can be wrapped around at least an axial portion of the cartridge 10 and the mouthpiece 90 to hold the mouthpiece 90 and the cartridge 10 together. As also indicated in Fig. 1, the second wrapper 96 can be wrapped in a circular manner around the mouthpiece 90 and preferably around the proximal end portion of the cartridge 10 over the first wrapper 95. The first wrapper 95 and the second wrapper 96 can be wrapped around the mouthpiece 90 and the cartridge 10 so that the free ends of the respective wrapper 95, 96 overlap each other. Each of the first wrapper and the second wrapper can contain an adhesive that glues the free ends of the respective wrapper to each other. Ultimately, the result of this process is an article 1 generating an aerosol, having a rod-shaped outer shape, similar or identical to already provided articles containing solid substrates, for example, as described in document WO 2015/177294 A1.

A first illustrative embodiment of such an article 101 is shown in Fig. 2 . Elements identical or similar to elements of the general design of the article schematically shown in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numbers, but with an increase of 100. Additional details of the article 101, in particular the cartridge 110 and its components, are further described below with reference to Figs. 4-7 . According to the general design of the product, the product 101 comprises a cylindrical cartridge 110 and a cylindrical mouthpiece 190 formed by a hollow acetate tube, which are arranged coaxially next to each other and wrapped in first and second paper wrappers 195, 196. The cartridge 110 comprises a cylindrical cartridge sleeve 170, which forms a single element 117 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber 111 and an element 116 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber 112. The cartridge 110 further comprises a cap 130 at the near end, which forms an element 114 in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber 112. Similarly, the cartridge 110 comprises a cap 150 at the far end, which forms an element 115 in the form of a wall at the far end of the chamber 111 evaporation. Both the cap 130 at the near end and the cap 150 at the far end are mounted by means of a press fit in the near opening and the far opening of the cartridge sleeve 170, respectively. The cartridge further comprises a disc-shaped membrane 160, which forms an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber 111 and the reservoir chamber 112 and, thus, divides the interior space of the evaporation chamber 111 with the interior space of the reservoir chamber 112. Like the cap 130 at the near end and the cap 150 at the far end, the disc-shaped membrane 160 is mounted by means of a press fit in the cartridge sleeve 170 between its two ends so that the interior space of the cartridge sleeve 170 is divided in a ratio of approximately 1 to 3.

In order to transfer the aerosol-forming liquid 119, which is stored in the reservoir chamber 112, to the evaporation chamber 111, the cartridge 110 according to the present embodiment comprises a liquid-transferring susceptor device 140, formed by a U-shaped bundle of threads 141, which comprises a plurality of threads arranged parallel to each other. Due to the parallel arrangement of the threads in the bundle, narrow spaces are formed between the plurality of threads, which provide a capillary action and, thus, are able to transfer the liquid along the extension of the threads in length. At least a part of the threads is made of an inductively heated material, for example, stainless steel. Therefore, the bundle of threads 141 is able to perform two functions: transfer and heating of the aerosol-forming liquid. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the U-shaped bundle of threads 141 comprises a base and two arms, wherein the arms pass through the corresponding passage openings 161 in the membrane 160. The corresponding distant part of each arm is located in the reservoir chamber 112 for impregnation with the liquid 119 forming the aerosol. Therefore, the distant parts of the two arms can be designated as impregnation sections 142. In contrast, the base and the corresponding near part of each arm are located inside the evaporation chamber to form the evaporation section 143, which is inductively heated when exposed to the action of an alternating magnetic field. In this case, the liquid 119 forming the aerosol, which was transferred from the reservoir chamber 112 by means of the impregnation sections 142 to the evaporation section 143, evaporates inside the evaporation chamber 111. In order to allow air to enter the article 101 for generating an aerosol, the evaporation chamber 111 comprises two air inlet openings 113 at the distal end of the article 101. To transfer air and vaporized liquid in a proximal direction to the mouthpiece 190, the cartridge 110 according to the present embodiment comprises an inner tube 121, which forms a transfer channel 120 that provides fluid communication between the evaporation chamber 111 and the central passage 191 of the mouthpiece 190. Further details of the cap 130 at the proximal end, the cap 150 at the distal end, the inner tube 121 and the membrane 160 are further described below with reference to Figs. 4-7.

Due to the rod-shaped outer shape and the arrangement of the evaporation chamber 111 in the distal end portion of the cylindrical article 101, the article 101 is compatible for use with an aerosol generating device 3 with induction heating, which is already provided for consumable parts with solid substrates, as will now be described with respect to Fig. 3. As a result, the device can be used in a universal manner with different types of articles for generating aerosols from different types of aerosol-forming substrates, in particular from both solid and liquid substrates.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates an aerosol generating system 2 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The system 2 comprises an aerosol generating article 101, which is shown in Fig. 2, and also an aerosol generating device 3 with induction heating, which is capable of interacting with the article 101 to generate an aerosol. For this, the aerosol generating device 3 comprises a receiving cavity 4 formed inside the housing of the device at the near end of the device 3. The receiving cavity 4 is designed to be able to receive and remove at least a portion of the aerosol generating article 101. In particular, the aerosol generating device 3 is designed with the possibility of inductively heating the heating section 143 of the bundle of threads 141 to a temperature that is sufficient for evaporating the liquid forming the aerosol transferred from the reservoir chamber 112 to the heating section 143 by means of the impregnation sections 142. For this purpose, the device 3 comprises an induction heating device comprising an induction coil 5. In the present embodiment, the induction coil 5 is a single helical coil arranged around the near end portion of the receiving cavity 4 so that it surrounds only the heating section 143 of the liquid-transferring susceptor device 140 when the article 101 is placed in the cavity 4. Accordingly, when the induction coil 5 is driven by an alternating current when using the device 3, the induction coil 5 generates an alternating magnetic field penetrating mainly into the heating section 143 in the evaporation chamber 111 of the article 101. In contrast, due to the local heating, the impregnation sections 142 of the U-shaped bundle of threads 141 remain at temperatures below the evaporation temperature. In this way, the boiling of the aerosol-forming liquid 191 inside the reservoir chamber 112 is prevented. Therefore, during operation, the liquid-transferring susceptor device 140 has a temperature profile demonstrating a temperature increase from temperatures below the evaporation temperature of the aerosol-forming liquid 191 in the impregnation sections 142 to temperatures above the corresponding evaporation temperature in the heating section 143. The aerosol-generating device 3 further comprises a controller 6 for controlling the operation of the entire system 2, in particular, for controlling the heating operation. In addition, the aerosol-generating device 3 comprises a power supply unit 7 providing electric power for generating an alternating magnetic field. Preferably, the power supply unit 7 is a battery, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery. The power supply unit 7 can have a capacity that allows storing sufficient energy for one or more uses by the user. Both the controller 6 and the power supply unit 7 are located at the rear of the aerosol generating device 3.

In the system 2, when the user takes a puff through the mouthpiece 190, air is drawn into the cavity 4 at the edge of the opening 8 for inserting the article. The air flow then passes in the direction of the far end of the cavity 4 through the passage formed between the inner surface of the cylindrical cavity 4 and the outer surface of the article 101. At the far end of the cavity 4, the air flow enters the evaporation chamber 111 through the air inlet openings 113. From there, the air flow passes further through the channel 120 for transferring the vapor to the mouthpiece 190, through which it eventually leaves the article 101. In the evaporation chamber 111, the evaporated liquid 119, which forms the aerosol, is entrained by the air flow. Upon further passage through the channel 120 for transferring steam and the central passage 191 for air of the mouthpiece 190, the flow of air and evaporated liquid 119 cools with the formation of an aerosol, which leaves the article 101 through the mouthpiece 190.

Referring to Fig. 4-7 , further details of the cartridge 110 of the article 101 according to Fig. 2-3 are described below. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view according to Fig. 2, in which the mouthpiece 190 and the first and second wrappers 195, 196 are not shown. Similarly, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge 110 according to Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a front view of the membrane 160 when viewed in the near direction, while Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cap 150 at the far end.

As can be seen in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the inner tube 121, which forms the channel 120 for transporting the vapor, is a cylindrical tube having a circular inner cross-section and a circular outer cross-section. Preferably, the inner tube 121 is made of plastic. Due to its cylindrical shape, it can advantageously be produced by extrusion. As can be further seen in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the inner tube 121 extends coaxially with the cartridge sleeve 170 from the cap 130 at the near end to the membrane 160 along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber 112. Thus, the inner tube 121 also forms an element in the form of an inner side wall of the reservoir chamber 112. Due to this, the volume of the reservoir chamber 112 is essentially hollow cylindrical. In particular, the inner tube 121 is not formed in one piece with the cap 130 in the form of a plug at the near end and the disc-shaped membrane 160 (it is formed separately from them). As can be best seen in Fig. 4, the cap 130 at the near end contains a through hole 135 in the continuation of the fluid communication provided by the channel 120 for transporting steam. In particular, the cap 130 at the near end comprises a distant recess 136, forming a distant part of the through hole 135, in which the near end part of the inner tube 121 is held. The inner cross-section of the distant recess 136 is larger than the inner cross-section of the remaining near part 137 of the through hole 135. As a result, the distant recess 136 forms a stop for the inner tube 121 for the purpose of fixing its position in the near direction. The inner cross-section of the near part 137 of the through hole 135 corresponds to the inner cross-section of the inner tube 121, thus the passage for the air flow through the channel 120 for transporting steam smoothly continues through the near part 137 of the through hole 135.

In a similar manner, the distant end portion of the inner tube 121 is retained in the through-hole 165 of the membrane 160, which connects the channel 120 for transporting steam with the evaporation chamber 111. Like the cap 130 at the near end, the membrane 160 comprises a near recess 166, forming a near portion of the through-hole 165, in which the channel for transporting steam is retained in the distant end portion. The internal cross-section of the near recess 166 is larger than the internal cross-section of the remaining distant portion 167 of the through-hole 165, in order to provide a stop for the inner tube 121 in the distant direction. In order to ensure a smooth continuation of the passage for the air flow from the evaporation chamber 111 into the steam transfer channel 120, the internal cross-section of the distal portion 167 of the through-hole 165 corresponds to the internal cross-section of the inner tube 121. The fact that both ends of the inner tube 121 are held in the recesses 136, 166 proves to be particularly advantageous with regard to a proper hermetic fit between the steam transfer channel 140 and the wall-like elements at the ends of the reservoir chamber 112.

As already described above, the membrane 160 also comprises two through holes 161 through which the arms of the U-shaped bundle of threads 141 pass. The dimensions of the cross-sections of the through holes 161 are selected so that the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device 140 is fixedly held by the membrane 160. Preferably, the liquid-transporting current-collecting (suspender) device 140 is fixed in the membrane 160 before assembling the cartridge 110 to facilitate assembly. As shown in Fig. 6, the membrane further comprises two filling holes 169 located laterally on opposite sides of the through hole 165 for filling the aerosol-forming liquid 191 into the reservoir chamber 112 through the evaporation chamber 111 before mounting the cap 150 at the distal end of the cartridge sleeve 170.

In addition, the membrane 160 comprises a circular cuff 168, which has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the inner cross-section of the cartridge sleeve 170. Thus, the cuff 168 serves for the fixed installation of the membrane 160 in the cartridge 110 by means of a press fit. In addition, the cuff 168 ensures a hermetic fit of the membrane 160 relative to the inner surface of the cartridge sleeve 170, thus preventing leakage of the aerosol-forming liquid from the reservoir chamber 112 into the evaporation chamber.

The main part in the form of a plug of the cap 130 at the near end, which is completely inserted into the near end of the cartridge sleeve 170, also has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the inner cross-section of the cartridge sleeve 170. As a result, the cap 130 at the near end is also hermetically and immovably installed in the cartridge sleeve 170 by means of a press fit.

Both the cap 130 at the near end and the membrane are preferably made of silicone. Silicone has suitable insulating properties and is cheap, which is of particular interest in connection with the fact that the cartridge 110 is preferably used in the aerosol-generating article 101, which is made for single use only. Also, silicone is not inductively heated, which prevents excessive dissipation of the energy provided by the alternating magnetic field in the membrane 160 and the cap 130 at the near end.

As can be best seen in Fig. 7 in combination with Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the cap 150 in the form of a plug at the distal end comprises a cover plate 151 and an insert portion 152. The cover plate 151 extends radially outwardly beyond the insert portion 152 and the inner cross-section of the cartridge sleeve 170 so that it adjoins the distal front end of the cartridge sleeve 170. The insert portion 152 is inserted into the distal end portion of the cartridge sleeve 170, which forms an element 117 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber 111. In the present embodiment, the insert portion 152 comprises an insert ring 153 and two support posts 154, extending along the inner surface of the element 117 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber 111. The length of the support posts 154 is selected such that the posts 154 adjoin the membrane 160, and the cover plate 151 adjoins the far front end of the cartridge sleeve 170, when the plug 150 at the far end is installed in the cartridge 110. As a result, the cap 150 at the far end is fixed in place in the near direction. And vice versa, the membrane 160 is fixed in the far direction, as well as by means of the inner tube 121 and the cap at the near end, also in the near direction.

Additionally, the cap 150 in the form of a plug at the far end comprises at the near end of each support post 154 an element 159 in the form of a plug for hermetically sealing the openings 169 for filling in the membrane 160, when the plug 150 at the far end is installed in the cartridge 110. Advantageously, this configuration makes it possible to isolate the openings 169 for filling and to close the far end of the evaporation chamber 111 in one step by installing the cap 150 in the form of a plug at the far end.

According to the present embodiment, the air inlet holes 113 in the evaporation chamber 111 are formed in the cap 150 at the distal end. As can be best seen in Fig. 7, each air inlet hole 113 comprises an air ventilation groove 157 formed in the outer surface of the cap 150 at the distal end facing the cartridge sleeve 117, that is, in the outer surface of the insert ring 153 and the outer part of the cover plate 151.

Preferably, the cap 150 at the distal end and the cartridge 117 are made of PEEK to provide satisfactory thermal resistance of the article 101. Additionally, PEEK is not inductively heated and thus prevents the user from being burned when touching the article 101 shortly after the heating process.

Fig. 8-11 shows a second embodiment of a cartridge 210 according to the present invention, which can be alternatively used in an aerosol-generating article according to Fig. 2. The general installation of this cartridge is similar to the installation of the cartridge shown in Fig. 4-7. Therefore, identical or similar features are designated by the same reference numerals, but with an increase of 100. In contrast to the first embodiment according to Fig. 4-7, the cartridge 210 according to Fig. 8-11 comprises a cylindrical inner tube 221 having an elliptical inner and outer cross-section. The predominantly elliptical cross-section provides more free space in the reservoir chamber for arranging the impregnation sections 242 of the bundle 241 of threads on both sides of the main axis of the elliptical inner tube 221. Accordingly, the through hole 235 in the cap 230 at the near end and the through hole 265 in the membrane 260 also have an elliptical cross-section corresponding to the dimensions and orientation of the elliptical inner and outer cross-sections of the inner tube 221.

Furthermore, in contrast to the first embodiment according to Fig. 4-7, the membrane 260 of the cartridge 210 according to Fig. 8-11 comprises a proximal seat 266 for insertion protruding into the reservoir chamber 212. Details of the membrane 260, in particular the proximal seat 266 for insertion, are shown in Fig. 10. The near seat 260 for insertion forms the near part of the through hole 265, in which the far end part of the inner tube 221 is retained. Thus, the near seat 266 for insertion can be considered as a protrusion, extending into the chamber-reservoir 212, which contains a recess, forming the near part of the through hole 265. The elliptical internal cross-section of the near seat 266 for insertion is larger than the elliptical internal cross-section of the remaining far part 267 of the through hole 265, thus providing a stop for the far end part of the inner tube 221 in the far direction. In order to provide a substantially smooth passage for the air flow through the cartridge 210, the elliptical internal cross-section of the far part 267 of the through hole 265 corresponds to the elliptical internal cross-section of the inner tube 221.

As can be further seen in Fig. 10, the membrane 260 of the cartridge 210 according to the second embodiment does not comprise any filling openings, in contrast to the first embodiment according to Figs. 4-7. Instead, as shown in Fig. 11, the cap 230 at the near end comprises two filling openings 239, located laterally on opposite sides of the elliptical through opening 235 for filling the aerosol-forming liquid 291 into the reservoir chamber 212 through the near end of the cartridge 210. To hermetically close the filling openings 239 after filling the reservoir chamber 212, the cartridge 210 comprises a member 233 in the form of a near plug, the details of which are also shown in Fig. 11. In order to have a substantially flat near surface at the near end of the cartridge 210, the cap 230 at the near end comprises a near recess 231 in which a near plug element 233 is received. One or more filling holes may be located adjacent to the through hole 235 of the cap at the near end. For example, the cap at the near end may comprise two filling holes located laterally on opposite sides of the through hole. The near plug element 233 comprises a disk 232 with projections 238 sealed into the filling holes 239 of the cap 230 at the near end. In order to allow the aerosol to freely leave the cartridge 210 in the near direction, the element 233 in the form of a near plug comprises a through hole 234 in the disk 232, coinciding with the through hole 235 of the cap 230 at the near end. Preferably, the cross-section of the through hole 234 of the element in the form of a near plug corresponds to the internal cross-section of the channel 220 for transferring steam to ensure a smooth passage for the air flow.

Fig. 12-13 shows a third embodiment of a cartridge 310 according to the present invention, which can be alternatively used in an aerosol-generating article according to Fig. 2. The general installation of this cartridge is similar to the installation of the cartridge shown in Fig. 4-7. Therefore, identical or similar features are designated by the same reference numerals, but with an increase of 200. Unlike the first embodiment according to Fig. 4-7, the cartridge 310 according to Fig. 12-13 does not comprise a cylindrical cartridge barrel, but a cup-shaped cap 330 at the near end and a cup-shaped cap 350 at the far end. The cup-shaped cap 330 at the near end comprises a lower portion 331 forming a wall element 314 at the near end of the reservoir chamber 312, and a portion 332 in the form of a sleeve (a side wall of a bowl shape) forming a member 315 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber 312. Similarly, the cup-shaped cap 350 at the far end comprises a lower portion 351 forming a wall element 315 at the far end of the evaporation chamber 311, and a portion 352 in the form of a sleeve (a side wall of a bowl shape) forming a member 317 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber 311. In this configuration, the reservoir chamber 312 and the evaporation chamber are substantially completely formed by the cap 330 at the near end and the cap 350 at the far end, respectively. The missing wall elements are formed by the membrane 360, which is also used as a connecting link to which the cap 330 at the near end and the cap 350 at the far end are attached by means of a press fit. As can be seen in Fig. 12, the membrane 360 comprises a circular protrusion 363, to which the far surface of the part 332 in the form of a sleeve and the near surface of the part 352 in the form of a sleeve are adjacent.

Additionally, in contrast to the first embodiment according to Fig. 4-7, the cup-shaped cap 330 at the near end of the cartridge 210 according to Fig. 12-13, like the membrane 260 according to Fig. 8-11, comprises a distant seat 336 for insertion, protruding into the reservoir chamber 312, which forms a through hole 335, and in which the near end portion of the channel 320 for transporting steam is retained.

In Fig. 14-16 a fourth embodiment of a cartridge 410 according to the present invention is shown, which can be alternatively used in the aerosol-generating article according to Fig. 2. The general installation of this cartridge is similar to the installation of the cartridge shown in Fig. 4-7. Therefore, identical or similar features are designated by the same reference numerals, but with an increase of 300. In contrast to the first embodiment according to Fig. 4-7, the cartridge 410 according to Fig. 14-16 does not comprise a cartridge sleeve, an inner tube and a cap at the near end, which are separate from each other. Instead, the cartridge 410 comprises a one-piece main part 480, comprising a near end portion 483, an outer portion 487 in the form of a sleeve and an inner part 482 in the form of a tube, located coaxially inside the outer portion 487 in the form of a sleeve. The outer part 487 in the form of a sleeve extends along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber 412 and the evaporation chamber 411 and, thus, forms an element 416 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber 412, as well as an element 417 in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber 411. The near end part 483 forms an element 414 in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber 412, containing a through hole 485, into which the near end of the inner part 482 in the form of a tube opens. The inner part 482 in the form of a tube forms a channel 420 for transporting steam and at the same time an element in the form of an inner wall of the hollow cylindrical reservoir chamber 412. In the present embodiment, the inner part 482 in the form of a tube extends along the entire length in the axial direction of the reservoir chamber 412 and passes further through the through hole 465 of the membrane 460 into the evaporation chamber 411. Advantageously, such a solid main part 410 facilitates the design and assembly of the cartridge 410. The near end part can correspond to the above-described cap at the near end, forming an element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber. Like other embodiments, the membrane 460 is mounted inside the outer portion 487 in the form of a sleeve, preferably by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection, or by means of welding, or by means of an adhesive connection using a collar 468. The integral main portion 480 is combined with a cap 450 at the distal end, as further described above, which is not made integral with the integral main portion 480 and is mounted on the distal end of the integral main portion 480 by means of a press fit or by means of a snap connection, or by means of welding, or by means of an adhesive connection. Both the integral main portion 480 and the cap 450 at the distal end are preferably injection molded using PEEK to prevent a user from being burned when touching the article containing the cartridge 410 shortly after the heating process.

Referring to Fig. 16, the cartridge 410 further comprises sealing rings 449 for each of the through holes 461 of the membrane 460. In the present embodiment, the sealing rings 449 are formed by means of overlay molding around those parts of the liquid-transferring susceptor device 440 that pass through the through holes 461. Advantageously, this in particular ensures satisfactory insulation and facilitates the assembly of the cartridge 410. Preferably, the bundle 441 of threads forming the liquid-transferring susceptor device 440 is formed by means of overlay molding with the sealing rings 449 before the assembly of the cartridge 410.

For the purposes of the present specification and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, etc., are to be understood as modified in all instances by the term "about". Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically recited herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is to be understood as A ± 5 percent A. In this context, the number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within the normal standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances, when used in the appended claims, may vary by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A varies does not materially affect the fundamental and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therebetween that may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims (22)

1. A rod-shaped aerosol generating article for use with an induction heated aerosol generating device, said article comprising a cartridge and a mouthpiece, wherein the cartridge comprises: an evaporation chamber at the distal end of the cartridge for evaporating a liquid therein to form an aerosol, wherein the evaporation chamber comprises at least one air inlet; a reservoir chamber near the evaporation chamber for storing the liquid that forms the aerosol; a liquid transfer susceptor device configured and positioned to transfer an aerosol-forming liquid from a reservoir chamber to an evaporation chamber, and also to be capable of induction heating when used with a device for evaporating an aerosol-forming liquid within the evaporation chamber; a vapor transfer channel providing fluid communication for the evaporated liquid forming the aerosol from the evaporation chamber to the area near the reservoir chamber; wherein, with the exception of at least one air inlet and fluid communication from the evaporation chamber to the region near the reservoir chamber, the evaporation chamber is completely enclosed by wall-shaped elements, wherein any wall-shaped element of the evaporation chamber is not inductively heated, wherein the mouthpiece is located in the near end portion of the said product, and the evaporation chamber of the cartridge is located in the far end portion of the product, and wherein said article further comprises a first wrapper wrapped circumferentially around the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber, and around at least the distal portion of the mouthpiece. 2. The article according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cap at the distal end, forming at least a wall-like element at the distal end of the evaporation chamber, wherein the cap at the distal end is not formed in one piece with any wall-like element of the reservoir chamber. 3. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the channel for transferring steam runs along the chamber-reservoir, forming an element in the form of a circular internal side wall of the chamber-reservoir. 4. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cartridge comprises a cartridge sleeve that forms at least part of an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber and an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the evaporation chamber. 5. An article according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, characterized in that it comprises a solid main part, which comprises a near end part and at least one of an outer part in the form of a sleeve and an inner part in the form of a tube, wherein the outer part in the form of a sleeve forms at least an element in the form of a circular outer side wall of the reservoir chamber, wherein the near end part forms an element in the form of a wall at the near end of the reservoir chamber, and wherein the inner part in the form of a tube forms a channel for transferring steam. 6. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cartridge contains a membrane that forms an element in the form of a common wall of the evaporation chamber and the reservoir chamber. 7. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cartridge comprises an internal tube forming at least part of a channel for transferring steam and an element in the form of a circular internal side wall of the reservoir chamber. 8. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the cartridge comprises a cap at the near end, forming a wall-shaped element at the near end of the reservoir chamber. 9. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid-transferring susceptor device comprises a wick element, in particular a bundle of threads, preferably a bundle of untwisted threads. 10. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouthpiece comprises at least one of an acetate filter plug, a hollow acetate tube, a plastic tube, and an aerosol cooling element. 11. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a second wrapper wrapped circumferentially around the mouthpiece and preferably around the proximal end portion of the cartridge over the first wrapper. 12. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouthpiece is located adjacent to, preferably adjoins, the reservoir chamber, in particular, to a wall-shaped element at the near end of the reservoir chamber. 13. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber via a channel for transferring steam. 14. An article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouthpiece comprises a steam outlet for releasing evaporated liquid from the article. 15. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating article according to any of the preceding claims and an inductively heated aerosol generating device for use with the article.