EP4493002A1

EP4493002A1 - A cartridge for a vapour generating device

Info

Publication number: EP4493002A1
Application number: EP23710718.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jaakko MCEVOY; Tilen CEGLAR
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-03-14
Filing date: 2023-03-09
Publication date: 2025-01-22
Also published as: US20250176627A1; WO2023174785A1

Abstract

A vapour generating device has a cartridge (2) and a base part (5) having a heat source (20), the cartridge having a liquid reservoir (4) containing a vapour generating liquid, a vaporization chamber (6) in communication with the reservoir, at least one air channel (24) extending from an air inlet (22), through the vaporisation chamber to an air outlet (26) and a fluid transfer medium (8) extending from the reservoir (4) to the chamber (6). A first portion (8a) of the fluid transfer medium extends substantially vertically along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion (8b) extends in a different plane to the first portion, the first portion being at least double the length of the second portion which extends in a plane transverse to the air flow channel (24).

Description

A CARTRIDGE FOR A VAPOUR GENERATING DEVICE

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a vapour generating device, such as an electronic cigarette. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate in particular to a cartridge for an electronic cigarette and to an electronic cigarette incorporating the cartridge.

Technical Background

Electronic cigarettes are an alternative to conventional cigarettes. Instead of generating a combustion smoke, they vaporize a liquid which can be inhaled by a user. The liquid typically comprises an aerosol-forming substance, such as glycerine or propylene glycol, that creates the vapour when heated. Other common substances in the liquid are nicotine and various flavourings.

The electronic cigarette is a hand-held inhaler system, typically comprising a mouthpiece section, a liquid store and a power supply unit. Vaporization is achieved by a vaporizer or heater unit which typically comprises a heating element in the form of a heating coil and a fluid transfer element such as a wick. Vaporization occurs when the heater heats the liquid in the wick until the liquid is transformed into vapour.

Conventional cigarette smoke comprises nicotine as well as a multitude of other chemical compounds generated as the products of partial combustion and/or pyrolysis of the plant material. Electronic cigarettes on the other hand deliver primarily an aerosolized version of an initial starting e-liquid composition comprising nicotine and various food safe substances such as propylene glycol and glycerine, etc., but are also efficient in delivering a desired nicotine dose to the user. Electronic cigarettes need to deliver a satisfying amount of vapour for an optimum user experience whilst at the same time maximizing energy efficiency.

WO 2017/179043 discloses an electronic cigarette comprising a disposable cartridge and a reusable base part. The cartridge has a simplified structure which is achieved by keeping the main heating element in the re-usable base part, while the cartridge is provided with a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit is configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the proximity⁷ of liquid in the cartridge to produce a vapour for inhalation by a user. The establishment and satisfactory maintenance of a thermal contact between the reusable base part that contains the heat source and the fluid transfer medium, such as a ceramic wick in the disposable cartridge, can prove difficult. One manner in which this has been improved is by the provision of a deformable thermal interface membrane between the heater and the porous wick. The membrane is a flexible, thin membrane configured to assist in rapid and even heating of the target in an accurate and defined geometry, reducing the amount of lateral thermal spreading (i.e. thermal losses).

US 2020/383378 Al (Nicoventures) relates to an aerosol generation apparatus including a device part and a removable cartridge part, wherein the device part includes a heater; and the cartridge part includes a reservoir for source liquid and a vaporization surface arranged to be in fluid communication with the reservoir for source liquid, wherein the vaporization surface is brought into thermal communication with the heater when the cartridge part is coupled to the device part for use such that the vaporization surface is heated when the heater is activated to cause vaporization of at least a portion of source liquid in fluid communication with the vaporization surface. A wick may be held within a supporting member with the base part of the wick contacting a heat transfer element. When in position, the heat transfer element slightly compresses the U-shaped wick, essentially flattening out the curve of the U- shape. This increases the surface area of the wick that is in contact with the vaporization surface of the heat transfer element and additionally ensures constant contact between the vaporization surface of the heat transfer element and the wick. The flow⁷ of air through the device impinges on the heater, causing it to flow around the heater and the wick and exit the device. This can create problems, including recirculating flow⁷ behind the heater/wick structure which can lead to condensation and leakage of liquid. Furthermore, the heater shields the wick from the flow⁷.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved vapour generating device, in particul r an e-cigarette device, and disposable cartridges for use with said device that aim to overcome, or at least alleviate, the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Summary⁷ of the Disclosure

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for a vapour generating device, the cartridge being configured to thermically connect to a base part having at least one heat source, the cartridge comprising: a liquid reservoir for containing a vapour generating liquid; a vaporization chamber in communication with the liquid reservoir; at least one air channel extending from an air inlet, through the vaporisation chamber to an air outlet; and a fluid transfer medium extending from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber for absorbing and transferring liquid to the vaporization chamber, wherein at least a first portion of the fluid transfer medium extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion extends in a different plane or axis to the first portion, the first portion being of a greater length than the length of the second portion.

Preferably, at least part of the air channel is transverse to the second portion. More preferably still, the second portion lies in a plane transverse to the vaporisation chamber. By “the air channel is transverse to the second portion” it is meant that the second portion extends across the vaporisation chamber in order to maximise the interaction between air flowing through the chamber and the surface of the second portion the wick. Put another way, the second portion of the wick lies in a plane that is defined by a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is transverse to the predominant direction of air flow through the vaporisation chamber and the second axis is substantially parallel to the predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for a vapour generating device, the cartridge being configured to thermically connect to a base part having at least one heat source, the cartridge comprising: a liquid reservoir for containing a vapour generating liquid; a vaporization chamber in communication with the liquid reservoir; at least one air channel extending from an air inlet, through the vaporisation chamber to an air outlet; and a fluid transfer medium extending from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber for absorbing and transferring liquid to the vaporization chamber, wherein at least a portion of the fluid transfer medium lies in a plane transverse to the air flow channel.

Put another way, at least a portion of the wick lies in a plane that is defined by a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is transverse to the predominant direction of air flow through the vaporisation chamber and the second axis is substantially parallel to the predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber. In general terms, a vapour is a substance in the gas phase at a temperature lower than its critical temperature, which means that the vapour can be condensed to a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, whereas an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets, in air or another gas. It should, however, be noted that the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapour’ may be used interchangeably in this specification, particularly with regard to the form of the inhalable medium that is generated for inhalation by a user.

Preferably, the fluid transfer medium includes a first portion extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion extending in a plane transverse to the vaporisation chamber, the length of the first portion preferably being at least a third longer than the length of the second portion, more preferably at least double the length of the second portion.

In a preferred embodiment of both the first and second aspects of the disclosure, at least the second portion of the fluid transfer medium is at least partially deformable.

The fluid transfer medium is preferably a woven or non-woven fabric, such as cotton or fibre glass.

The first portion preferably extends substantially vertically (longitudinally) at least partially into the liquid reservoir and the second portion protrudes into and terminates in the vaporisation chamber, preferably substantially perpendicularly to the first portion.

In a preferred embodiment the length to width ratio of the fluid transfer medium (i.e. aspect ratio of the planar medium) is at least 2.0, more preferably at least 3.0, especially at least 4.0 and/or the ratio of the length of the first portion to the length of the second portion is at least 1.2:1, more preferably at least 3:1, especially at least 4:1. However, the exact dimensions will depend upon the size of the liquid reservoir with the first portion preferably extending substantially the length of the liquid reservoir.

The fluid transfer medium may be a beam, rod or planar structure with a substantially L or U- shaped profile, where profile here refers to a cross-sectional or side view. Preferably, the first portion of the fluid transfer medium is substantially straight. Alternatively, the first portion of the fluid transfer medium is curved. Preferably, at least the second portion of the fluid transfer medium is provided with a support structure, preferably a perforated support structure. Preferably, the support structure is provided over an intended upper surface of the second portion, opposing the surface that contacts the heat source.

It is preferable for the surface area of the second portion to be substantially the same as the surface area of the heat source that is brought into contact therewith. A thermal interface membrane may be provided in between the second portion and the heat source.

At least part of the second portion of the fluid transfer medium may be structured to form at least one air flow channel within the fluid transfer medium. The at least one air flow channel within the second portion may extend substantially parallel with the predominant direction of air flow through the vaporisation chamber of the cartridge. Preferably, the second portion is transverse to the air channel but the at least one air flow channel within the fluid transfer medium extends axially or parallel with the air flow channel of the cartridge.

Additionally, at least one leak prevention member may be provided in the air channel, the leak prevention member being selected from at least one of a one-way valve and a S -shaped channel.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a vapour generating device comprising: a base part having at least one heat source and a power supply and a cartridge according to the first or the second aspect of the disclosure connected to the base part wherein the second portion of the fluid transfer medium at least partially contacts the heat source. More preferably, the second portion of the fluid transfer medium deforms on contact with the heat source to conform with the profile of the heat source.

Preferably, the vapour generating device comprises an electronic cigarette.

As used herein, the term “electronic cigarette” may include an electronic cigarette configured to deliver an aerosol to a user, including an aerosol for inhalation/vaping. An aerosol for inhalation/vaping may refer to an aerosol with particle sizes of 0.01 to 20 pm. The particle size may be between approximately 0.015 pm and 20 pm. The electronic cigarette may be portable.

It is to be appreciated that the cartridge and the base part may include any one or more components conventionally included in a vapour generating device. The inlet may be provided at the base of the cartridge, at the side or at the top of the cartridge. An appropriate channel flows from the inlet, through the vaporisation chamber and to the outlet, the second portion of the fluid transfer medium preferably traversing the channel.

The base part of the device may include a power supply unit, e.g. a battery, connected to the heat source. In operation, upon activating the electronic cigarette, the power supply unit electrically heats the heat source, such as a heating element, of the base part, which then provides its heat by conduction to a heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit, in turn, provides the heat to the fluid transfer medium resulting in vaporization of the liquid absorbed therein. As this process is continuous, liquid from the liquid store is continuously absorbed by the transfer medium. Vapour created during the above process is transferred from the vaporization chamber via the vapour flow channel in the cartridge so that it can be inhaled via the outlet by a user of the device. Once the liquid in the liquid store is used up, the cartridge may be disconnected from the base part and a new cartridge fitted, enabling the reuse of the base part.

The heat source of the base part may comprise a protruding heater extending from the base part so that, in use, the heater extends into the chamber of the cartridge deforming the membrane around the heater.

The power supply unit, e.g. battery', may be a DC voltage source. For example, the power supply unit may be aNickel-metal hydride battery', a Nickel cadmium battery', or a Lithium based battery', for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, a Lithium-Ion or a Lithium-Polymer battery'. The base part may further comprise a processor associated with electrical components of the electronic cigarette, including the battery'.

The cartridge may further comprise: a cartridge housing at least partially including the liquid store and the vaporization chamber, and the vapour floyv channel extending along the cartridge housing and in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber. The cartridge housing may have a proximal end configured as a mouthpiece end which is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber via the vapour flow channel and a distal end associated with the base part. The mouthpiece end may be configured for providing the vaporized liquid to the user. The cartridge may comprise a thermal interface membrane.

In one embodiment, the liquid store may be provided in the main body of the cartridge with the vapour flow channel extending from an inlet at the base and one side of the cartridge, along the base of the cartridge to the vaporization chamber and up one side of the cartridge to the outlet located centrally at the mouthpiece end. Alternatively, the liquid store may be disposed around the vapour outlet channel.

The cartridge housing may be made of one or more of the following materials: aluminium, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimides, such as Kapton®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HOPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polycarbonates (PC), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins and vinyl resins.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate schematically the general concept of a cartridge provided with a predominantly vertical fluid transfer medium according to the present disclosure;

Figures 3A to 3D are schematic drawings illustrating a cartridge provided with different predominantly vertical fluid transfer mediums according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 4A is a front cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

Figure 4B is a view along line A-A of the cartridge of Figure 4A fitted with a L-shaped fluid transfer medium;

Figure 4C is a view along line A-A of the cartridge of Figure 4A fitted with a U-shaped fluid transfer medium;

Figure 5 A is a plan view of a vapour generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5B is an expanded front cross-sectional view through the upper part of the vapour generating device shown in Figure 5 A (through line A-A of Figure 5C);

Figure 5C is an expanded side cross-sectional view through the upper part of the vapour generating device shown in Figure 5 A (through line B-B of Figure 5B);

Figure 6A is a side perspective cross-sectional view⁷ through part of a cartridge according to yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 6B is a front cross-sectional view of the cartridge of Figure 6A;

Figure 6C is a partial expanded view⁷ of the cartridge of Figure 6A;

Figure 7 is a side perspective cross-sectional view⁷ through a lower part of a cartridge according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 8 is a schematic transparent front view⁷ of an upper part of a vapour generating device according to yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 9 is a schematic transparent side perspective view of an upper part of the vapour generating device shown in Figure 8.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Embodiments of the present disclosure wall now⁷ be described by w⁷ay of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings and in w⁷hich like features are denoted with the same reference numerals.

The present disclosure relates to a vapour generating device, particularly in the form of an electronic cigarette for vaporizing a liquid. The electronic cigarette can be used as a substitute for a conventional cigarette. The electronic cigarette comprises a base part and a cartridge (also referred to in the art as a “capsule” or “pod”) thermically connectable to the base part. The base part is thus the main body part of the electronic cigarette and is preferably re-usable.

The base part generally comprises a housing accommodating therein a pow⁷er supply unit in the form of a battery⁷ connected to a heating element located at a first end of the housing. The heating element may be in the form of a rigid protruding heater unit that protrudes out of the base part for partial receipt within the cartridge or capsule. The first end of the housing of the base part has an interface configured for matching a corresponding interface of the cartridge and may include one or more connectors for mechanically coupling the cartridge to the base part. The battery⁷ is configured for providing the heating element with the necessary⁷ pow⁷er for its operation, allowing it to become heated to a required temperature. The battery may also be connected to a controller, enabling the required power supply for its operation and the controller may be operationally connected to the heater unit.

The cartridge (capsule or pod) comprises a cartridge housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may constitute a mouthpiece end configured for being introduced directly into a user's mouth. Alternatively, a mouthpiece may be fitted to the proximal end. The cartridge comprises a base portion and a liquid storage portion, where the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid store or reservoir configured for containing therein the liquid L to be vaporized. The liquid L may comprise an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol and may contain other substances such as nicotine and acids. The liquid L may also comprise flavourings such as e.g. tobacco, menthol or fruit flavour. The liquid store may extend between the proximal end towards the distal end and a vapour transfer channel may extend from an inlet provided at the base, middle or top of the cartridge to an outlet. A vaporisation chamber preferably extends between the liquid store and the base of the cartridge, the vaporisation chamber in fluid communication with the vapour transfer channel.

The base portion of the cartridge is provided with a fluid transfer medium, such as a porous wick which extends between the liquid store and the vaporisation channel. Upon connection of the interfaces between the cartridge and the base part of the device, the heater unit protrudes into the chamber immediately below the base of the porous wick, thereby enabling heating of the liquid in the wick until the liquid is transformed into vapour. A thermal interface membrane may be provided between the heater and the porous wick. The membrane is a flexible, thin membrane and may be configured to ensure rapid and even heating of the target in an accurate and defined geometry. The thermal interface membrane may be comprised in the cartridge, and more specifically in the base of the cartridge. The vaporisation chamber may be located within the cartridge above the thermal interface membrane. Thus, upon connection of the interfaces between the cartridge and the base part of the device, the heater unit deforms the thermal interface membrane when it protrudes into the vaporisation chamber and the vaporisation chamber remains sealed within the cartridge by the thermal interface membrane. The heater thus does not come into direct physical contact with either the wick or the liquid. It is important to provide good contact between the heating element in the base part of the device and the fluid transfer medium in the cartridge with efficient air flow through these parts. The arrangement of a separate base part with heating element for connection to a cartridge containing the liquid to be vaporised results in greater heat losses due to the need to transfer heat through more material. This may be impeded further by the presence of the fluid transfer medium, such as a wick, which increases the thermal contact resistance and increases the input energy required to reach the boiling point of the liquid in the wick.

The present disclosure addresses this problem by improving the interaction between the fluid transfer medium and the heating element, providing greater transfer of liquid through the fluid transfer medium and improved air flow through the device, with a more even distribution of air flow to obtain even vapor removal. This is achieved by the orientation and/or dimensions of the fluid transfer medium in the vaporisation chamber being optimized such as to utilize the complete vaporization zone (i.e. the interface between the fluid transfer medium and the heat source).

The general concept of the present disclosure is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic simplified diagram of a cartridge 2 prior to connection to a base part. Figure 2 illustrates the positioning of the heating element 20 once a base part is connected to the cartridge 2. The cartridge has a liquid reservoir 4 and a vaporisation chamber 6 with a fluid transfer medium in the form of a wick 8 and a thermal interface membrane 10 extending over an opening into the chamber on the lower surface of the cartridge. The cartridge has a longitudinal axis extending through the liquid reservoir. The wick is a woven or non-woven fabric formed of, for example, cotton or fibre glass, and has a first part that extends in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the cartridge (this may be predominantly vertical in a use orientation) with a smaller second part that extends in a different plane or axis to the first part (the second part is substantially horizontal in a use orientation, in the example shown)

The wick may be shaped from a generally planar material bent to form the first and second parts. The second part is provided at an angle to the first part, for example a generally 90 degree angle, such that the wick has a generally L-shaped or U-shaped cross section. Thus, the first part of the wick is characterised by a first plane defined by first and second axes, and the second part is characterised by a second plane defined by third and fourth axes. One of the first and second axes may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. Both of the third and fourth axes are transverse to the longitudinal axes of the cartridge, and may be for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

As discussed above, the cartridge comprises a vaporisation chamber in communication with a vaporisation channel. One of the third and fourth axes is substantially parallel to a predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber. “Predominant” is intended to refer to the direction of bulk airflow through the vaporisation chamber as it is drawn from the inlet towards the outlet. In use air drawn through the device flows across the planar surface of the second part of the wick, permitting greater contact between the air and the heated wick within the vaporisation chamber than would occur in the case of a non-planar wick.

The planar wick has an aspect ratio of at least 2.0, preferably at least 4.0, and the wick is bent in the cartridge to provide the vertical and horizontal parts. The bent wick has a high length (i.e. length in a vertical/ axial direction) to width (i.e. length in the horizontal direction) ratio, preferably being at least double the length in the vertical direction, preferably the ratio of the length in the vertical direction: length in the horizontal direction is at least 3:1, more preferably 4:1, especially at least 6: 1. The axial portion (first part) of the wick 8 extends throughout the liquid reservoir 4 and the horizontal portion (second part) is substantially in line with the membrane 10. Additionally, a support structure 30, such as perforated support structure, is provided adjacent the upper surface of the horizontal/bent portion of the wick.

The connection of the base part to the cartridge causes the heating element 20 to be pressed up against the bent portion (second part) of the wick 8 (see Figure 2). The bent portion of the wick that contacts the heating element is dimensioned to be substantially the same size as the area of contact with the heating element. The wick is deformable and supported by the support structure 30 which ensures even contact over a larger heating surface area, with the support structure ensuring more consistent contact pressure during the lifecycle of the cartridge. Additionally, the axial portion of the wick extending substantially or entirely throughout the liquid reservoir 4 enhances the racking process, particularly when the device is operated beyond normal angles, reducing the risk of dry puffing. Figures 3 A to 3D are further schematic diagrams illustrating various wick configurations for a cartridge according to the present disclosure. The wick may be a beam-like or planar structure formed into a preferred shape, for example by hot stamping or rolling with an optional embossed structure to form channels for vapour delivery (discussed in further detail below). Figure 3A shows a L-shaped wick corresponding to that shown in Figures 1 and 2, having a straight long axial first portion 8a and a straight short horizontal second portion 8b. Figure 3B again has a substantially L-shaped wick of two portions 8a, 8b but the long axial portion 8a is curved. Nevertheless, this curved portion still extends generally longitudinally through the reservoir. Figure 3C illustrates a U-shaped wick, having two long straight axial first portions 8a extending substantially throughout the length of the liquid reservoir 4 connected by a relatively short horizonal second portion 8b. Figure 3D show's a wick similar to that of Figure 3C but with curved axial first portions 8a. As demonstrated in all four embodiments, the wick has a much longer axial/vertical portion compared with the horizontal portion that contacts the heat source. Further, the horizontal second portion is transverse to the heat source and is characterised by a plane that has an axis substantially parallel to the predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber.

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate the cartridge of the present disclosure in further detail and demonstrate how- the positioning of the wick 8 in the vaporisation chamber 6 of the cartridge improves heating and air/vapour flow through the device. The base part of the vapour generating device is again omitted for the sake of simplicity but the positioning of the heating element 20 when the base part is connected to the cartridge 2 is shown. The thermal interface membrane 10 is also omitted for the sake of simplicity.

An upper side of the cartridge is provided with an air inlet 22 in fluid communication with a channel 24 that extends down the side of the liquid reservoir 4, through the vaporisation chamber 6 and up the other side of the cartridge to an outlet 26 (see Figure 4A). Drawing air through the outlet 26 causes air to enter at the inlet 22 pass through the vaporisation chamber 6 where liquid is heated by the heating element 20 via the wick 8 resulting in it evaporating and entering the vaporisation chamber and being delivered to the outlet 26 by flow' through the channel 24. The air flow's through the base of the cartridge, and specifically through the vaporisation chamber 6, in a direction w'hich is predominantly transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The rack 8 is positioned in the vaporisation chamber 6 and pressed against the heating element 20. Figure 4B illustrates the arrangement for a L-shaped wick 8 whereas Figure 4C shows the arrangement for a U-shaped wick according to the disclosure. The L or U-shaped wick 8 is placed vertically in the cartridge 2 with the vertical portion 8a of the wick extending substantially throughout the reservoir 4 and the short portion 8b protruding from the reservoir into the vaporisation chamber 6 and pressed against the heating element to ensure good contact. The surface area of the short portion 8b that contacts the heating element is substantially the same as the surface area of the heating element 20. Airflow is then able to pass transversely over and through the part of the wick 8b in the vaporisation chamber 6. In this manner, the vaporisation zone (area of contact between the wick 8b and the heating element 20) encloses the entire heat source surface and vapour can join the main airflow through the entire outer surface of the wick part that is exposed in the vaporisation chamber. Additionally, vapor channels can be introduced in the rack that ensure direct vapor escape paths at the interface rath the heating element (discussed in further detail below).

The attachment of a cartridge 2 to a base part 5 is shown in Figures 5 A to 5C wherein identical features already discussed in relation to earlier figures are provide with the same reference numerals. The wick 8 has a first long vertical portion 8a extending through the liquid reservoir 4 with a second shorter bent horizontal portion 8b extending through the vaporisation chamber 6. Figures 5B and 5C illustrate in more detail the preferred components making up the interconnection between the heat source of the base part 5 and the wick 8. The heating element 20 of the base part is provided with an insulating layer 50 immediately beneath it and the element is pressed up into the vaporisation chamber of the cartridge 2 deforming the interface membrane 10. A perforated wick support 30 presses down on the bent portion 8b of the wick providing close contact between the heater surface and the wick 8b. The positioning of the bent portion 8b and the heating element 20 in the vaporisation chamber 6 allows air to interact with both the wick and the heat source to obtain more even and greater vapor generation. A leakage prevention system 40, such as a one-way valve or S-shaped channel, is provided in the air flow channel 24.

Figures 6A to 6C illustrate in further detail the internal arrangement of the components in a cartridge according to the present disclosure. Again, identical features already discussed in relation to earlier figures are provided with the same reference numerals. The figures show the top part of the base part 5 connected to the cartridge 2. The first longer axial portion 8a of the rack extends vertically into the liquid reservoir 4 and bends at the base of the reservoir to form the second horizontal portion 8b which extends into the vaporisation chamber 6. The heat source 20 is pressed against this portion and air flows through the vaporisation chamber contacting both the wick 8b and the heat source 20 (see, in particular, Figures 6B and 6C).

The embodiments shown in Figure 4A to 6C have the fluid transfer medium 8 orientated so that the lower bent portion 8b extends transversely to the direction of air flow through the air channel 24 that extends between the inlet 22 and the outlet 24. This causes airflow in the vaporisation chamber 6 to flow transversely with respect to the part of the wick 8b that is pressed against the heating element 20. As a result, the vaporisation zone (i.e. the contact between the rack and the heat source) encloses the entire heat source surface and vapor can join the main airflow through the entire outer surface of the wick part that is exposed in the vaporisation chamber. This improves the vapor escape path and delivery⁷ and allows for vapor to be better extracted from the vaporisation zone.

Figure 7 illustrates how this may be improved further still by the incorporation of air flow channels 80c in the lower surface of the bent deformable portion of the wick 80b. Preferably these channels 80c are provided in the transverse direction with respect to the major axis of the wick, being the same direction as the airflow through the device. This allows for maximum interaction of the airflow with both the fluid transfer medium (wick) and the heat source while allowing for control of airflow distribution across these parts to obtain even vapor removal.

Ideally, the long vertical/ axial portion of the fluid transfer medium is positioned substantially centrally within the liquid reservoir rath the short portion arranged over and substantially in line with (e.g. parallel to) the interface membrane for receipt of the heat source.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a vapour generating device according to the present disclosure. This device is similar to that shown in Figure 7 but the wick 800 is positioned in a different orientation rath respect to the airpath that flows through the device. The long axial part 800a again extends vertically substantially throughout the length of the liquid reservoir 4 but the horizontal portion 800b is orientated in line or parallel with the air channel 24. Air flow channels 800c are provided in the lower surface of the wick in line with the air channel 24. This arrangement also provides good liquid absorption, delivery to the heat source and provides good contact between the wick and heat source. It will be understood from Figures 8 and 9 that although the wick 800 is orientated at substantially 90 degrees to the wicks shown in Figures 4-7, the plane of the second part 800b of the wick is nevertheless transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, and defines a plane having an axis which is parallel to the predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber. Thus the advantages described above stemming from the low er portion of the wick being aligned with the transverse airflow' through the vaporisation chamber 6 apply equally to the wick shown in Figure 8 and 9.

The provision of a cartridge with a deformable predominantly axially orientated wick in accordance with the present disclosure ensures optimized contact between the heat source and the liquid to be vaporised. The thermal contact resistance is reduced and less input energy is required to reach the boiling point of the liquid in the wick.

The skilled person will realize that the present disclosure by no means is limited to the described exemplary⁷ embodiments. In particular, it will be understood that the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” refer to the orientation shown in the Figures, winch represents a a ty pical use orientation, and are not intended to be limiting. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Moreover, the expression "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. Other non-limiting expressions include that "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality' and that a single unit may fulfil the functions of several means. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Finally, while the present disclosure has been illustrated in detail in the drawings and in the foregoing description, such illustration and description is considered illustrative or exemplary’ and not restrictive; the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cartridge for a vapour generating device, the cartridge being configured to thermically connect to a base part having at least one heat source, the cartridge comprising: a liquid reservoir for containing a vapour generating liquid; a vaporization chamber in communication with the liquid reservoir; at least one air channel extending from an air inlet, through the vaporisation chamber to an air outlet; and a fluid transfer medium extending from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber for absorbing and transferring liquid to the vaporization chamber, wherein at least a first portion of the fluid transfer medium extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion extends in a different plane or axis to the first portion, the first portion being of a greater length than the length of the second portion.

2. A cartridge for a vapour generating device, the cartridge being configured to thermically connect to a base part having at least one heat source, the cartridge comprising: a liquid reservoir for containing a vapour generating liquid; a vaporization chamber in communication with the liquid reservoir; at least one air channel extending from an air inlet, through the vaporisation chamber to an air outlet; and a fluid transfer medium extending from the liquid reservoir to the vaporization chamber for absorbing and transferring liquid to the vaporization chamber, wherein at least a first portion of the fluid transfer medium extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge and a second portion extends in a different plane or axis to the first portion, the second portion extending in a plane transverse to the air flow channel.

3. The cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion extends in a plane transverse to the air flow channel.

4. The cartridge as claimed in claim 2, wherein the length of the first portion is at least a third longer than the length of the second portion.

5. The cartridge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein second portion of the wick is substantially planar, the plane being defined by a first axis and a second axis, wherein the first axis is transverse to the predominant direction of air flow through the vaporisation chamber and the second axis is substantially parallel to the predominant direction of airflow through the vaporisation chamber.

6. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second portion of the fluid transfer medium is at least partially deformable.

7. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion extends substantially vertically at least partially into the liquid reservoir and the second portion protrudes into and terminates in the vaporisation chamber, preferably substantially perpendicularly to the first portion.

8. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aspect (length to width) ratio of the planar fluid transfer medium is at least 2.0 and/or the ratio of the length of the first portion to the length of the second portion is at least 1.2:1, preferably at least 3:1.

9. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid transfer medium has a substantially L or U-shaped profile.

10. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the fluid transfer medium is substantially straight, or the first portion of the fluid transfer medium is curved.

11. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the second portion of the fluid transfer medium is provided with a support structure, preferably a perforated support structure.

12. The cartridge as claimed in claim 11, wherein the support structure is provided over an intended upper surface of the second portion, opposing the surface that contacts the heat source.

13. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the second portion of the fluid transfer medium is structured to form at least one air flow channel within the fluid transfer medium.

14. The cartridge as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one air flow channel within the fluid transfer medium extends axially or parallel with the air channel of the cartridge.

15. The cartridge as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one leak prevention member is provided in the air channel, the leak prevention member being selected from at least one of a one-w-ay valve and a S-shaped channel.

16. A vapour generating device comprising: a base part having at least one heat source and a pow-er supply and a cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims connected to the base part wherein the second portion of the fluid transfer medium at least partially contacts the heat source, preferably wherein the second portion of the fluid transfer medium deforms on contact with the heat source to conform with the profile of the heat source.