AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH ADAPTION TO AMBIENT ENVIRONMENT
The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge comprises a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet (22) and an upstream end comprising an air inlet (16). The cartridge further comprises a liquid storage portion (12) arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. The liquid storage portion comprises a liquid sensorial media (14). The cartridge further comprises a diffuser (20). The diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet. The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least two cartridges and to an aerosol-generating device.
The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device.
Aerosol-generating devices are known. One type of aerosol-generating device is an electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes typically use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate which is vaporized to form an aerosol. “Heat-not-burn” (HNB) devices may heat one or more solid aerosol-forming substrates to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilised without burning the solid aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, hybrid aerosol-generating devices, having both liquid aerosol-forming functionality and HNB functionality are known. All three of these devices, liquid aerosol-forming devices or electronic cigarettes, HNB devices and hybrid devices are aerosol-generating devices.
In aerosol-generating devices, ambient air is drawn into the device for generating an inhalable aerosol. Ambient conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, may influence the generated aerosol due to differences in the ambient air that is drawn into the aerosol-generating device
It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with consistent aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device, in which the influence of the conditions of the ambient air drawn into the aerosol-generating device are minimized or eliminated.
According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge may comprise a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet and an upstream end comprising an air inlet. The cartridge may further comprise a liquid storage portion arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. The liquid storage portion may comprise a liquid sensorial media. The cartridge may further comprise a diffuser. The diffuser may be arranged downstream of the air inlet.
The diffuser may create bubbles, when air enters into the cartridge via the air inlet. When the air bubbles pass the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, the liquid sensorial media maybe entrained in the air bubbles. The amount of liquid sensorial media entrained in the air flowing through the cartridge may be increased by providing the diffuser.
The diffuser may be attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may be fluidly attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may be fluidly connected with the air inlet. By attaching the diffuser in this way, air drawn into the cartridge may be fully drawn through the diffuser.
The diffuser may be arranged adjacent the air inlet. The air drawn into the cartridge will flow through the diffuser according to this configuration of the diffuser.
The diffuser may be disc-shaped. The diffuser may be pad-shaped. Such a shape of the diffuser may lead to air being laterally distributed through the diffuser. The lateral distribution of the air may lead to a large amount of small bubbles of air being created and being drawn through the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. The term ‘lateral’ refers to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
The diffuser may comprise a plurality of fibers. The diffuser may comprise a plurality of interstices. The interstices may be arranged between the fibers. The diffuser may comprise a mesh. The fibers may constitute the mesh. The interstices may be arranged between the fibers constituting the mesh. This shape of the diffuser may lead to the formation of bubbles, when air flows through the diffuser and into the liquid storage portion.
The diffuser may be arranged within the liquid storage portion. The air inlet of the cartridge may be arranged in the outer confinement of the liquid storage portion.
A fluid path may be established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid storage portion and the fluid outlet.
The air inlet may be configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the cartridge. The term ‘ambient air’ refers to air surrounding the cartridge. If the cartridge is received in an aerosol-generating device, as described in more detail below, ‘ambient air’ refers to air surrounding the cartridge as well as the aerosol-generating device. The ambient air may be drawn into the cartridge by a user drawing on the aerosol-generating device, such as a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. As a consequence of the user drawing on the aerosol-generating device, a negative pressure may be created within the aerosol-generating device. This negative pressure may lead to a negative pressure being applied to the air outlet of the cartridge. As a consequence, air may be drawn through the cartridge. The air being drawn through the cartridge may be the ambient air that enters the cartridge through the air inlet.
The fluid outlet may be configured to enable fluid to be drawn out of the cartridge. Predominantly, the ambient air drawn through the cartridge and enriched with the liquid sensorial media will be drawn out of the fluid outlet.
The fluid outlet may comprise a one-way valve. As a consequence, fluid may be prevented from entering the cartridge through the fluid outlet. The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the top airflow channel as described in more detail below. The one-way valve may prevent contamination of the liquid storage portion by hindering any residues from entering into the liquid storage portion via the fluid outlet.
The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may protrude from the downstream end of the cartridge.
The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may be made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.
The air inlet may comprise a one-way valve. As a consequence, fluid may be prevented from exiting the cartridge through the fluid inlet. The one-way valve may open in response to a pressure drop in the liquid storage portion. The one-way valve may prevent leakage of liquid out of the air inlet at the distal end of the cartridge.
The one-way valve of the air inlet may protrude from the upstream end.
The one-way valve of the air inlet may be made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.
The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may have a smaller diameter than the one-way valve of the air inlet. As a consequence, multiple cartridges may be stacked on top of each other. In more detail, a relatively large one-way valve of an air inlet of a cartridge may be placed on top of a relatively small one-one-way valve of the air outlet of a cartridge. In this way, at least two cartridges, preferably more than two cartridges, may be stacked on top of each other. Sticking cartridges on top of each other may lead to ambient air being subsequently drawn through all of these cartridges. This embodiment may be beneficial, if multiple cartridges are used by a user at the same time. Potentially, this may increase the liquid sensorial media entrained by the ambient air drawn through the cartridges. As a further option, different liquid sensorial media may be provided in the different cartridges. A combination of the different liquid sensorial media maybe entrained in the ambient air drawn through these cartridges.
The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may have a diameter of between 0.75 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, most preferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters. The diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid outlet refers to the outer diameter.
The one-way valve of the air inlet may have a diameter of between 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15 millimeters. The diameter of the one-way valve of the air inlet refers to the outer diameter.
Preferably, the diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid outlet corresponds to an inner diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid inlet. In this way, multiple cartridges can be stacked on top of each other by pushing the fluid outlet of one cartridge into the air inlet of another cartridge. Between the fluid outlet of one cartridge and the air inlet of another cartridge, a connection may be established. The connection may be a friction fit. Alternatively, the connection may be established by any known connection means.
The cartridge may have a height of between 7 millimeters to 40 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, most preferable of between 11 millimeters to 21 millimeters.
The cartridge may comprise a housing.
The housing may have a thickness of between 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, preferable of between 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, most preferable of between 0.35 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters.
The housing may have a double wall. A double wall may prevent leakage of liquid sensorial media from the liquid storage portion, if the outer wall of the housing is damaged.
The housing may comprise a transparent plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass. The housing may be at least partly opaque or transparent. The housing may be fully opaque or transparent. Preferably, the housing is transparent such that a user can see into the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may be transparent. A user may thus see what kind of liquid sensorial media is contained in the liquid storage portion. Further, a user may see the filling status of the liquid storage portion.
The opaque or transparent part of the cartridge may be UV-resistant. The opaque or transparent part of the cartridge may comprise a UV-resistant polymer. The opaque or transparent part of the cartridge may comprise a UV-resistant coating. UV-resistance may increase the shelf life of the liquid sensorial media of the liquid storage portion.
The air inlet may be arranged in the housing. The air inlet may connect the outer environment with the inner of the liquid storage portion. The fluid outlet may be arranged in the housing. The fluid outlet may connect the inner of the liquid storage portion with the outer environment.
The cartridge may be cylindrical. The cartridge may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cartridge may be angular. The cartridge may have square or rectangular cross-section.
The downstream end may comprise electrical connection means. The upstream end may comprise electrical connection means. Between the downstream end electrical connection means and the upstream end electrical connection means, and electrical connection may be provided. If the cartridge is received in the aerosol-generating device, as described in more detail below, electrical current may flow through the cartridge by means of the electrical connection means and the electrical connection.
The liquid sensorial media may comprise a flavorant. The liquid sensorial media may comprise nicotine. The liquid sensorial media may comprise water. If the cartridge is received in an aerosol-generating device, the air drawn through the cartridge will be used for aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating device. The generated aerosol may be modified by the liquid sensorial media of the cartridge. Exemplarily, the flavor of the generated aerosol may be modified by the flavorant of the liquid sensorial media. Similarly, the nicotine content of the generated aerosol may be modified. Water of the liquid sensorial media may increase the humidity of the air being used for aerosol generation. Water is a particularly preferred embodiment, since the aerosol generation may be made more consistent by providing water in the cartridge. Preferably, the liquid sensorial media may consist of water. Particularly if the aerosol generation should be consistent in different environments, such as dry and humid conditions, providing a cartridge containing water may lead to a consistent humidity of the air being drawn through the cartridge and being subsequently used for aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating device. A more consistent aerosol generation may be the result of this embodiment.
The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least two cartridges as described herein.
The kit may comprise two or more series-connected cartridges. A series-connection of cartridges may be realized by connecting a respective downstream end of a cartridge with a respective upstream end of another cartridge. Particularly, as described herein, the one-way valves of the cartridges may protrude from the respective ends of the cartridges. These protruding one-way valves may be connected to each other. A one-way valve of a fluid outlet of one cartridge may be fluidly connected with a one-way valve of an air inlet of another cartridge.
The kit may comprise two or more parallel-connected cartridges. In this embodiment, the cartridges may be arranged adjacent each other. The cartridges may be arranged laterally adjacent to each other. If these cartridges are used in an aerosol-generating device, ambient air may be drawn parallel through the cartridges at the same time.
The liquid sensorial media of one cartridge may be different from the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridge. This embodiment is particularly preferred, since using cartridges with different liquid sensorial media gives the user the opportunity to modify the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device in a desired way. For example, a desired flavor may be combined with a desired nicotine content.
The liquid sensorial media of one cartridge may comprise one of nicotine, flavorant and water and the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridge may comprise a different one of nicotine, flavorant and water.
As an alternative embodiment, instead of providing a kit comprising at least two separate cartridges, a single cartridge may be provided with at least two liquid storage portions.
The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may comprise two or more individual liquid storage compartments. Each liquid storage compartment may comprise a liquid comprising a liquid sensorial media. The individual liquid storage compartments may comprise identical liquids. Alternatively, at least one liquid storage compartment may comprise a liquid composition which differs from a liquid composition of another liquid storage compartment. At least one liquid storage compartment may comprise a liquid sensorial media which differs from a liquid sensorial media of another liquid storage compartment.
Each liquid storage compartment may have an individual compartment air inlet and an individual compartment liquid outlet. The cartridge may comprise means for one or both of individually opening and individually closing one or both of the compartment air inlet and the compartment liquid outlet.
The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more series-connected liquid storage compartments. The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more series-connected liquid storage compartments such that, when the cartridge is attached to both the top portion and the main portion, a continuous fluid connection is provided along the main and top airflow channels from the main air inlet to the cavity via the liquid storage portion of the cartridge, wherein the fluid connection is provided subsequently through the two or more series-connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.
The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments. The liquid storage portion may comprise two or more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments such that, when the cartridge is attached to both the top portion and the main portion, a continuous fluid connection is provided along the main and top airflow channels from the main air inlet to the cavity via one of the parallel-connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid storage portion of the cartridge. Alternatively, the liquid storage portion may comprise two or more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments such that, when the cartridge is attached to both the top portion and the main portion, a continuous fluid connection is provided along the main and top airflow channels from the main air inlet to the cavity via at least two of the parallel-connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid storage portion of the cartridge.
The liquid storage portion may be configured such that the user may choose between the two or more parallel-connected liquid storage compartments to provide the fluid connection and to participate in the aerosol generation. A user may thus choose between different liquid sensorial media stored in the different parallel-connected liquid storage compartments. A cartridge may be provided which can be used in different configurations generating different types of aerosols.
Alternatively or in addition, an aerosol being modified by a superimposition of different liquid sensorial media from different liquid storage compartments may be generated. For example, different liquid sensorial media comprising different flavorants may be used in different liquid storage compartments. A user may thus create a specific flavour combining different flavorants by selecting a specific combination of liquid storage compartments to participate in aerosol-generation.
The liquid storage portion of the cartridge may comprise both parallel-connected and series-connected liquid storage compartments.
By means of the parallel-connected liquid storage compartments and, alternatively or in addition, the series-connected liquid storage compartments various different types and configurations of cartridges may be selected.
By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, the user experience is modifiable. By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, the user experience is modifiable by the user. By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, the user experience is more easily modifiable. By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, the flavor of the generated aerosol is modifiable. By means of the different types and configurations of cartridges, the nicotine-content of the generated aerosol is modifiable.
As used herein the term ‘liquid sensorial media’ relates to a liquid composition capable of modifying an airflow in contact with the liquid sensorial media. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or a vapor, cooling an airflow, and filtering an airflow. For example, the liquid sensorial media may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or a vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensorial media is a flavorant or comprises a flavorant. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid sensorial media may comprise one or both of a cooling substance for cooling an airflow passing through the liquid sensorial media and a filter substance for capturing unwanted components in the airflow. Water may be used as a cooling substance. Water may be used as a filtering substance for capturing particles such as dust particles from the airflow. Water may increase humidity of the airflow. The liquid sensorial media may serve as one or more of a nicotine providing liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a volume enhancer.
Each individual liquid storage portion compartment preferably comprises a diffusor as described herein.
The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably receive a cartridge as described herein or a kit as described herein.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a receiving region for receiving a cartridge. The receiving region is preferably arranged upstream of the cavity.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouthpiece. A user may draw on the mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow channel. The airflow channel may start at an air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. Downstream of the air inlet, the airflow channel may lead to the receiving region. If the cartridge is received in the receiving region, the airflow channel may fluidly connect the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device with the air inlet of the cartridge received in the receiving region. Subsequently, the air may be drawn through the cartridge as described herein. The airflow channel may continue downstream of the fluid outlet of the cartridge towards the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. In the cavity, the air enriched with the liquid sensorial media of the cartridge may flow through the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element for heating the air and the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. As result, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be heated together with the air flowing into the cavity from the airflow channel. The aerosol may be generated as a consequence and subsequently inhaled by the user.
The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge being attached to the aerosol-generating device and with an aerosol-generating article being received in the cavity. Therefore, an inhalable aerosol may contain a mixture of substances derived from both a liquid sensorial media comprised in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge and an aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge being attached to the aerosol-generating device, but without an aerosol-generating article being received in the cavity. Therefore, an inhalable aerosol may contain substances derived from the liquid sensorial media comprised in a liquid storage portion of the cartridge, only.
The aerosol-generating device may be used without a cartridge being attached to the aerosol-generating device, but with an aerosol-generating article being received in the cavity. Therefore, an inhalable aerosol may contain substances derived from the aerosol-forming substrate comprised in the aerosol-generating article, only.
The aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably attach the cartridge. Thereby, the cartridge may be easily replaced by the user. The user may replace an emptied cartridge. The user may select between different cartridges holding different liquids. The different cartridges may be colour-coded with different colours such that the user may easily distinguish between the different liquids.
The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.
The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.
The cavity may be adapted such that air may flow through the cavity. The top airflow channel may extend into the cavity. The liquid storage portion of a cartridge may be fluidly connected with the cavity via the top airflow channel. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user. The open end of the cavity may comprise the air outlet. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.
The cavity may be arranged in a top portion of the aerosol-generating device. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a main portion. The receiving region for receiving the cartridge may be arranged between the top portion and the main portion. The cartridge may be sandwiched between the top portion of the main portion.
The top portion may comprise a heating element and the main portion may comprise a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may comprise a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, a lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate or a lithium-polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.
The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 Volts to 4.5 Volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 Amp to 10 Amps (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 Watts to 45 Watts). The aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting a DC current supplied by the DC power supply to an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may comprise a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The power supply may be configured to provide the alternating current.
The power supply may be adapted to power an induction coil and may be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class-E power amplifier is preferable for operating at high frequency. As used herein, the term ‘high frequency oscillating current’ means an oscillating current having a frequency of between 500 kilohertz and 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of from 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably from 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably from 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.
In another embodiment the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, e.g. between 100 kHz and 400 KHz. In the embodiments, where a Class-D or Class-C power amplifier is used, switching frequencies in the lower kHz range are particularly advantageous. A switching transistor will have a ramp-up and ramp-down time, a down time and an on time. Hence, if in a Class-D power amplifier a set of two or four (operating in pairs) switching transistors are used, a switching frequency in the lower kHz range will take into account a necessary down time of one transistor before the second one is ramped-up, in order to avoid a destruction of the power amplifier.
The heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive” ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium- titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese-, gold- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetai® and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required.
The heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni—Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.
An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.
The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink, or heat reservoir comprising a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and subsequently releasing the heat over time to the aerosol-forming substrate. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material), or is a material capable of absorbing and subsequently releasing heat via a reversible process, such as a high temperature phase change. Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fibre, minerals, a metal or alloy such as aluminium, silver or lead, and a cellulose material such as paper. Other suitable materials which release heat via a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, a metal, metal salt, a mixture of eutectic salts or an alloy. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be arranged such that it is directly in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate and can transfer the stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, the heat stored in the heat sink or heat reservoir may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by means of a heat conductor, such as a metallic tube.
The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by means of heat conduction. The heating element may be at least partially in contact with the substrate, or the carrier on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, the heat from either an internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by means of a heat conductive element.
During operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be completely contained within the aerosol-generating device. In that case, a user may puff on a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, during operation a smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate may be partially contained within the aerosol-generating device. In that case, the user may puff directly on the smoking article.
The heating element of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a resistive heating element. The heating element of the top portion may comprise a resistive heating element. The heating element of the aerosol-generating device may comprise an induction heating element. The heating element of the top portion may comprise an induction heating element.
The induction heating element may be configured to generate heat by means of induction. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor arrangement. A single induction coil may be provided. A single susceptor arrangement may be provided. Preferably, more than a single induction coil is provided. A first induction coil and a second induction coil may be provided. Preferably, more than a single susceptor arrangement is provided. The induction heating element may comprise a central susceptor arrangement and a peripheral susceptor arrangement.
The central susceptor arrangement may be a tubular susceptor. The induction heating element may comprise a peripheral induction coil and a tubular susceptor. The tubular susceptor may circumscribe at least a portion of the top airflow channel.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be an additional tubular susceptor. The additional tubular susceptor may circumscribe at least a portion of the cavity.
The induction heating element may comprise a peripheral induction coil, a tubular susceptor, and an additional tubular susceptor. The induction coil, the tubular susceptor, and the additional tubular susceptor may be coaxially aligned.
The central susceptor arrangement may comprise a central susceptor. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two central susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise more than two central susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise four central susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may consist of four central susceptors. At least one of, preferably all, of the central susceptor(s) may be elongate.
The central susceptor may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. If multiple central susceptors are provided, each central susceptor may be arranged equidistant parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.
A downstream end portion of the central susceptor arrangement may be rounded, preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. A downstream end portion of the central susceptor may be rounded, preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. If multiple central susceptors are provided, preferably each downstream end portion of each central susceptor may be rounded, preferably bend inwards towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. The rounded end portion may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article over the central susceptor arrangement. Alternatively to a rounded end portion, the end portion may be tapered or chamfered towards the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.
The central susceptor arrangement may be arranged around the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. If multiple central susceptors are provided, the central susceptors may be arranged in a ring-shaped orientation around the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article may be centred in the cavity by means of the arrangement of the central susceptor arrangement.
The central susceptor arrangement may be hollow. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two central susceptors defining a hollow cavity between the central susceptors. The hollow configuration of the central susceptor arrangement may enable airflow into the hollow central susceptor arrangement. The top airflow channel may extend through the hollow central susceptor arrangement. A wick may be provided within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. As described herein, preferably the central susceptor arrangement comprises at least two central susceptors. Preferably, gaps are provided between the at least two central susceptors. As a consequence, airflow may be enabled through the central susceptor arrangement. The airflow may be enabled in a direction parallel or along the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. Preferably, by means of the gap, airflow may be enabled in a lateral direction. Lateral airflow may enable aerosol generation due to contact between the incoming air and the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article through the gaps between the central susceptors. Heating of the central susceptor arrangement may lead to heating of a wick provided within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. Heating of the wick may lead to aerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, heating of the central susceptor arrangement, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, may lead to aerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. The central susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the inside of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol may be drawn in a downstream direction through the hollow central susceptor arrangement.
The central susceptor arrangement may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The central susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two central susceptors defining a hollow cavity with a ring-shaped cross-section. The central susceptor arrangement may be tubular. If the central susceptor arrangement comprises at least two central susceptors, the central susceptors may be arranged to form the tubular central susceptor arrangement. Preferably, airflow is enabled through the central susceptor arrangement through gaps between the central susceptors.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise an elongate, preferably blade-shaped susceptor, or a cylinder-shaped susceptor. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two blade-shaped susceptors. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged surrounding the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged inside of the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may be arranged for holding the aerosol-generating article, when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptors may have flared downstream ends to facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the blade shaped susceptors. Air may flow into the cavity between the blade-shaped susceptors. Gaps may be provided between individual blade-shaped susceptors. The air may subsequently contact or enter into the aerosol-generating article. A uniform penetration of the aerosol-generating article with air may be achieved in this way, thereby optimizing aerosol generation. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the outside of the aerosol-generating article.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two peripheral susceptors. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise multiple peripheral susceptors. At least one of, preferably all of, the peripheral susceptors may be elongate. At least one of, preferably all of, the peripheral susceptors may be blade-shaped.
A downstream end portion of the peripheral susceptor arrangement may be flared. At least one of, preferably all of, the peripheral susceptors may have flared downstream end portions.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be arranged around the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be arranged around the central susceptor arrangement. If the peripheral susceptor arrangement comprises multiple peripheral susceptors, each peripheral susceptor may be arranged equidistant parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may define an annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity between the peripheral susceptor arrangement and the central susceptor arrangement. The annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity may be the cavity for insertion of the aerosol-generating article. The central susceptor arrangement may be arranged in the annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity. The annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity may be configured to receive the aerosol-generating article.
The peripheral susceptor may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise at least two peripheral susceptors defining a hollow cavity with a ring-shaped cross section. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be tubular.
The peripheral susceptor arrangement may have an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the central susceptor arrangement. Between the peripheral susceptor arrangement and the central susceptor arrangement, the annular hollow cylinder-shaped cavity may be arranged.
The central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptor arrangement may be coaxially arranged.
The induction coil may surround both the central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptor arrangement. The first induction coil may surround a first region of the central and peripheral susceptor arrangements. The second induction coil may surround a second region of the central and peripheral susceptor arrangements. A region surrounded by an induction coil may be configured as a heating zone as described in more detail below.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may be made from a material having a high magnetic permeability. The flux concentrator may be arranged surrounding the induction heating element. The flux concentrator may concentrate the magnetic field lines to the interior of the flux concentrator thereby increasing the heating effect of the susceptor arrangement by means of the induction coil, and prevent the alternating magnetic field from the inductor to interfere with other devices in the surroundings.
The aerosol-generating device may comprise a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the induction coil. The controller may be electrically connected to the first induction coil and to the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electrical current supplied to the induction coil(s), and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).
The power supply and the controller may be connected to the induction coil, preferably the first and second induction coils and configured to provide the alternating electric current to each of the induction coils independently of each other such that, in use, the induction coils each generate the alternating magnetic field. This means that the power supply and the controller may be able to provide the alternating electric current to the first induction coil on its own, to the second induction coil on its own, or to both induction coils simultaneously. Different heating profiles may be achieved in that way. The heating profile may refer to the temperature of the respective induction coil. To heat to a high temperature, alternating electric current may be supplied to both induction coils at the same time. To heat to a lower temperature or to heat only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article or of the liquid in the wick, alternating electric current may be supplied to the first induction coil only. Subsequently, alternating electric current may be supplied to the second induction coil only.
The controller may be connected to the induction coils and the power supply. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the induction coils from the power supply. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuitry capable of providing control. The controller may comprise further electronic components. The controller may be configured to regulate a supply of current to the induction coil(s). Current may be supplied to the induction coil(s) continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff by puff basis.
The power supply and the controller may be configured to vary independently the amplitude of the alternating electric current supplied to each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil. With this arrangement, the strength of the magnetic fields generated by the first and second induction coils may be varied independently by varying the amplitude of the current supplied to each coil. This may facilitate a conveniently variable heating effect. For example, the amplitude of the current provided to one or both of the coils may be increased during start-up to reduce the initiation time of the aerosol-generating device.
The controller may be configured to be able to chop the current supply on the input side of the DC/AC converter. This way the power supplied to the induction coil(s) may be controlled by conventional methods of duty-cycle management.
The first induction coil of the aerosol-generating device may form part of a first circuit. The first circuit may be a resonant circuit. The first circuit may have a first resonant frequency. The first circuit may comprise a first capacitor. The second induction coil may form part of a second circuit. The second circuit may be a resonant circuit. The second circuit may have a second resonant frequency. The first resonance frequency may be different from the second resonance frequency. The first resonance frequency may be identical to the second resonance frequency. The second circuit may comprise a second capacitor. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit depends on the inductance of the respective induction coil and the capacitance of the respective capacitor.
Both the top cartridge connector and the main cartridge connector may comprise electrically conductive elements being adapted to establish electric contact between the top portion and the main portion when the top cartridge connector is directly attached to the main cartridge connector according to the second mode of operation. Alternatively or in addition, both the top cartridge connector and the main cartridge connector may comprise electrically conductive elements being adapted to establish electric contact between the top portion and the main portion when the top cartridge connector is attached to a proximal end of a cartridge and the main cartridge connector is attached to a distal end of a cartridge according to the first mode of operation.
The invention may further relate to a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material including volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. Homogenised tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term ‘crimped sheet’ denotes a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. An aerosol-former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the device. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerine. Where present, the homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol-former content of equal to or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.
As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable by the user drawing or puffing on a mouthpiece at a proximal or user-end of the device. An aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be insertable into the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.
Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
A: Cartridge for an aerosol-generating device comprising:
- a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet,
- an upstream end comprising an air inlet,
- a liquid storage portion arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid sensorial media, and
- a diffuser,
B: The cartridge according to example A, wherein the diffuser is attached to the air inlet.
C: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser is arranged adjacent the air inlet.
D: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser is fluidly connected with the air inlet.
E: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser is disc-shaped.
F: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser is pad-shaped.
G: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of fibers.
H: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of interstices.
I: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the diffuser comprises a mesh.
J: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein a fluid path is established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid storage portion and the fluid outlet.
K: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the air inlet is configured to enable ambient air to be drawn into the cartridge.
L: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid outlet is configured to enable fluid to be drawn out of the cartridge.
M: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a one-way valve.
N: The cartridge according to example M, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet protrudes from the downstream end.
O: The cartridge according to example M or N, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.
P: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the air inlet comprises a one-way valve.
Q: The cartridge according to example P, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet protrudes from the upstream end.
R: The cartridge according to example P or Q, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.
S: The cartridge according to any of examples M to O, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than the one-way valve of the air inlet.
T: The cartridge according to any of examples M to O or S, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a diameter of between 0.75 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, most preferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters.
U: The cartridge according to any of examples P to R, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet has a diameter of between 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15 millimeters.
V: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge has a height of between 7 millimeters to 40 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 25 millimeters, most preferable of between 11 millimeters to 21 millimeters.
W: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge comprises a housing.
X: The cartridge according to example , wherein the housing has a thickness of between 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, preferable of between 0.3 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, most preferable of between 0.35 millimeters to 0.75 millimeters.
Y: The cartridge according to example W or X, wherein the housing has a double wall.
Z: The cartridge according to any of examples W to Y, wherein the housing comprises a transparent plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass.
AA: The cartridge according to any of examples W to Z, wherein the air inlet is arranged in the housing.
AB: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AA, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged in the housing.
AC: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AB, wherein the housing is at least partly opaque or transparent.
AD: The cartridge according to any of examples W to AC, wherein the housing is fully opaque or transparent.
AE: The cartridge according to example AC or AD, wherein the opaque or transparent part of the cartridge is UV-resistant.
AF: The cartridge according to any of examples AC to AE, wherein the opaque or transparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistant polymer.
AG: The cartridge according to any of examples AC to AF, wherein the opaque or transparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistant coating.
AH: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the cartridge is cylindrical.
Al: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the downstream end comprises electrical connection means.
AJ: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the upstream end comprises electrical connection means.
AK: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid sensorial media comprises a flavorant.
AL: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid sensorial media comprises nicotine.
AM: The cartridge according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid sensorial media comprises water.
AN: Kit comprising at least two cartridges according to any of the preceding examples.
AO: Kit according to example AN, wherein the kit comprises two or more series-connected cartridges.
AP: Kit according to example AN or AO, wherein the kit comprises two or more parallel-connected cartridges.
AQ: Kit according to any of examples AN to AP, wherein the liquid sensorial media of one cartridge is different from the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridge.
AR: Kit according to any of examples AN to AQ, wherein the liquid sensorial media of one cartridge comprises one of nicotine, flavorant and water and the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridge comprises a different one of nicotine, flavorant and water.
AS: Aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to removably receive a cartridge according to any of examples A to AN or a kit according to any of examples AN to AR.
Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.
The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
The cartridge 10 comprises an air inlet 16. The air inlet 16 comprises or is configured as a one-way valve 18. Through the air inlet 16, ambient air can enter the cartridge 10. Particularly, ambient air can be drawn into the liquid storage portion 12 of the cartridge 10.
Fluidly attached to the air inlet 16, a diffuser 20 is provided. The diffuser 20 is configured to laterally distribute the air entering the liquid storage portion 12 via the air inlet 16. The diffuser 20 is disk or pad-shaped. The diffuser 20 comprises a mesh of fibers. Between the mesh of fibers, interstices are provided. Air entering through the air inlet 16 is drawn through the diffuser 20. After exiting the diffuser 20, the air is configured as a multitude of bubbles drawn through the liquid sensorial media 14.
In the embodiment shown in
Within the top portion 28, a cavity 32 is provided. The cavity 32 is configured such that an aerosol-generating article 34 can be inserted into the cavity 32. The aerosol-generating article 34 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. In or around the cavity 32, a heating element for heating the inner of the cavity 32 is provided. For aerosol generation, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34 is heated by means of the heating element. At the same time, the heating element is configured to heat the air that is drawn into the cavity 32.
The air that is drawn into the cavity 32 is drawn through the cartridge 10 before being drawn into the cavity 32. In other words, the cartridge 10 is arranged upstream of the cavity 32. For drawing air into the cartridge 10, the main body 30 may comprise an inlet and an airflow channel. The inlet of the main body 30 is fluidly connected with the air inlet 16 of the cartridge 10 via the airflow channel. For drawing air enriched with liquid sensorial media 14 from the fluid outlet 22 of the cartridge 10 into the cavity 32, a top airflow channel may be provided within the top portion 28.
The cartridge 10 is received in a receiving region 36 of the aerosol-generating device 26. The receiving region 36 is arranged between the top portion 28 and the main body 30. The cartridge 10 is preferably sandwiched between the top portion 28 and the main body 30. During use, a user may place the cartridge 10 between the top portion 28 and the main body 30. Additionally, a user may insert the aerosol-generating article 34 into the cavity 32. Subsequently, a user may activate the aerosol-generating device 26, preferably by pressing a button, and draw on the aerosol-generating article 34. As a consequence, a negative pressure is created within the aerosol-generating device 26. Ambient air is therefore drawn into the aerosol-generating device 26. The ambient air is initially drawn through the cartridge 10. In the cartridge 10, the ambient air is enriched with the liquid sensorial media 14 of the cartridge 10. Exemplarily, the ambient air may be enriched with flavorant, nicotine or the humidity of the ambient air may be increased due to the liquid sensorial media 14 comprising water. After passing the cartridge 10, the air is further drawn into the cavity 32 and flows through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34. The air is heated by means of the heating element and an aerosol inhalable by the user is formed.
The generated aerosol is a combination of the air being enriched by the liquid sensorial media 14 and by being heated and flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34.
The attachment between the individual cartridges 10 is facilitated by the shape of the air inlet 16 and fluid outlet 22 of the respective cartridges 10. The fluid outlet 22 is shaped such that the fluid outlet 22 of one cartridge 10 can be inserted into the air inlet 16 of another cartridge 10. The outer diameter of the fluid outlet 22 corresponds to the inner diameter of the air inlet 16. The attachment between the individual cartridges 10 is facilitated by a friction fit. As a consequence of the attachment between the individual cartridges 10, air drawn through the cartridges 10 is drawn through both cartridges 10. As a consequence, liquid sensorial media 14 from both cartridges 10 is entrained in the air drawn through the cartridges 10. A user may choose different cartridges 10 containing different liquid sensorial media 14 to create a desired effect. Exemplarily, one cartridge 10 may be used comprising a nicotine-containing liquid sensorial media 14, while the second chosen cartridge 10 may comprise a flavorant-containing liquid sensorial media 14.
Claims
1-22. (canceled)
23. A cartridge for an aerosol-generating device comprising:
- a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet comprises a one-way valve,
- an upstream end comprising an air inlet, wherein the air inlet comprises a one-way valve,
- a liquid storage portion arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid sensorial media, and
- a diffuser,
- wherein the diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet, wherein the diffuser creates bubbles from an airflow in order to entrain the liquid sensorial media in the generated bubbles, and wherein the diffuser is arranged adjacent the air inlet.
24. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser is attached to the air inlet.
25. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser is fluidly connected with the air inlet.
26. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser is disc-shaped or pad-shaped.
27. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of fibers and preferably plurality of interstices.
28. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the diffuser comprises a mesh.
29. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein a fluid path is established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid storage portion and the fluid outlet.
30. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet protrudes from the downstream end of the cartridge, and wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet protrudes from the upstream end of the cartridge.
31. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than the one-way valve of the air inlet.
32. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a diameter of between 0.75 millimeters to 7 millimeters, preferably of between 1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, most preferable of between 1.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters.
33. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet has a diameter of between 8 millimeters to 25 millimeters, preferably of between 9 millimeters to 15 millimeters.
34. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the cartridge comprises a housing, and wherein the housing preferably comprises a transparent plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass.
35. The cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the housing is at least partly opaque or transparent.
36. The cartridge according to claim 35, wherein the opaque or transparent part of the cartridge is UV-resistant, wherein preferably the opaque or transparent part of the cartridge comprises a UV-resistant polymer or a UV-resistant coating.
37. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the downstream end of the cartridge comprises electrical connection means, and wherein the upstream end of the cartridge comprises electrical connection means.
38. The cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the liquid sensorial media comprises one or more of: flavorant, nicotine and water.
39. A kit comprising at least two cartridges according to claim 23.
40. The kit according to claim 39, wherein the kit comprises two or more series-connected cartridges.
41. The kit according to claim 39, wherein the liquid sensorial media of one cartridge is different from the liquid sensorial media of the other cartridge.
42. An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to removably receive a cartridge according to claim 23.
43. An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the device is configured to removably receive two or more parallel-connected cartridges of the kit of claim 39.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 25, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 16, 2023
Inventors: Rui Nuno Batista (Morges), Ricardo Cali (Mannheim), Daria Tzimoulis (La Croix-sur-Lutry), Adela Sahraoui (Lausanne)
Application Number: 17/792,866
