IL293299A

IL293299A - Aerosol-generating device with piercing assembly

Info

Publication number: IL293299A
Application number: IL293299A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products Sa
Priority date: 2019-12-02
Filing date: 2020-12-02
Publication date: 2022-07-01
Also published as: JP2023503446A; CN114745979A; BR112022009931A2; US20230000143A1; EP4069008A1; WO2021111304A1; KR20220109394A

Description

WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE WITH PIERCING ASSEMBLY This disclosure relates to piercing systems for piercing cartridges used in aerosol- generating devices. More particularly, this disclosure relates to piercing assemblies for use in shisha devices.

Traditional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured such that vapor and smoke pass through a water basin before inhalation by a consumer. Shisha devices may include one outlet, or more than one outlet so that the device may be used by more than one consumer at a time. Use of shisha devices is considered by some to be a leisure activity and a social experience.

Typically, traditional shishas are used in combination with a substrate, sometimes referred to in the art as hookah tobacco, tobacco molasses, or simply as molasses. Traditional shisha substrates are relatively high in sugar (in some cases, up to ~50 % vs. the ~20 % typically found in conventional tobacco substrates, such as in combustible cigarettes). The tobacco used in shisha devices may be mixed with other ingredients to, for example, increase the volume of the vapor and smoke produced, to alter flavor, or both.

Traditional shisha devices employ charcoal, such as charcoal pellets to heat and sometimes combust the tobacco substrate to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Using charcoal to heat the tobacco may cause full or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. Additionally, charcoal may generate harmful or potentially harmful products, such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and pass through the water basin to the outlet.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion by-products is to employ e-liquids rather than tobacco. Shisha devices that employ e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but deprive shisha consumers of the traditional tobacco-based experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters to heat, but not combust, tobacco. Such electrically heated heat-not-burn shisha devices heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to produce an aerosol from the substrate without combusting the substrate, and therefore reduce or eliminate by-products associated with combustion of tobacco.

Shisha devices may employ a cartridge for housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be filled with such aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, preferably shisha substrate, such as molasses—a mixture 1 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 of tobacco, water, sugar, and other components, such as glycerine, flavors, etc. The heating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate aerosol, which is conveyed through an airflow path to a user.

In order to facilitate airflow through the cartridge and the flow of the aerosol from the cartridge, a shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls. The cartridge may include one or more holes at the top, one or more holes at the bottom, or both one or more holes at the top and one or more holes at the bottom. Alternatively, the top may be open, that is, the top wall may be partially or completely absent.

Prior art cartridges typically have one or more openings on at least one of the walls of the cartridge, such as in one or both of the top and bottom walls. At least some of the holes or openings in the top and bottom walls may be closed by a removable (for example, peelable) sealing layer, such as a film, sticker, or liner, during storage. The removable layer may protect the contents (for example, the molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (for example, pulled or peeled off) by a user prior to first use of the cartridge.

The holes or openings in the cartridge, if left unsealed, may lead to loss of freshness (for example, moisture content) or contamination of the substrate, as well as issues with leakage. For one or more reasons, such as in order to maintain freshness, to prevent leakage of the substrate, or to preserve the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, it is desirable to form the openings or holes of the cartridge only immediately prior to use.

It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly for piercing cartridges used in aerosol-generating devices. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that can be incorporated as part of an aerosol-generating device. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that does not require additional equipment in addition to the aerosol- generating device. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that is convenient and easy to use. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that can be used with a cartridge that does not have pre-formed air inlets or outlets. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that reduces the chance of injury to the user when piercing a cartridge.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a piercing assembly is provided that can be used in aerosol-generating devices. For example, the piercing assembly may be used in shisha devices. The piercing assembly may be used to form one or more openings 2 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 in a cartridge. For example, the piercing assembly may be used to form one or more openings in a shisha cartridge.

The piercing assembly may be mounted onto or may be integral with a stem pipe. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of an aerosol-generating device. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of a shisha device.

The piercing assembly comprises a body with a through opening. The opening may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly comprises a plurality of piercing elements at its upstream end. The piercing elements are configured for piercing (for example, creating one or more holes in) a cartridge.

The piercing assembly may be operated by inserting a cartridge into a cap or into the piercing assembly disposed at the mouth of the aerosol-generating device vessel. The cap may be placed onto the piercing assembly, and the cap along with the cartridge may be pressed down toward the piercing assembly. The piercing elements of the piercing assembly may pierce (for example, create one or more holes in) the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device and the cartridge may be a shish cartridge.

The piercing system of the present disclosure may provide various advantages to both the manufacturer and the user. Some of the advantages include that the piercing system is convenient, easy, and safe to use. The user of the shisha device does not need additional equipment to pierce a cartridge. Further, the user can pierce the cartridge without having to directly handle a piercing element, reducing the chance of injury from sharp objects. The piercing assembly may also allow the cartridge to be pierced without removing a sticker or film from the cartridge. The cartridge may be placed into the shisha device prior to opening of the cartridge. The piercing assembly thus reduces the chance of leaks and other messes. The piercing element enables the use of a cartridge without pre-formed perforations. This allows for cheaper, faster, and easier manufacturing of cartridges.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the piercing system may comprise a stem pipe comprising a hollow tube extending from an upstream end to a downstream end along a longitudinal axis; and a piercing assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly may comprise a body with a through opening coaxial with the hollow tube, the body comprising an upstream body end. The piercing assembly may comprise a plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end. The plurality of piercing elements may comprise a piercing edge or piercing point. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented upward in the upstream direction. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. The piercing 3 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 edge may extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the piercing assembly may be part of the device and a user may pierce the cartridge without coming into contact with the piercing elements.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the piercing system comprises a stem pipe comprising a hollow tube extending from an upstream end to a downstream end along a longitudinal axis; and a piercing assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly comprises a body with a through opening coaxial with the hollow tube. The body comprises an upstream body end. The piercing assembly comprises a plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end. The plurality of piercing elements may comprise a piercing edge or piercing point. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented upward in the upstream direction. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. The piercing edge may extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the piercing assembly is part of the device and a user may pierce the cartridge without coming into contact with the piercing elements.

Each of the plurality of piercing elements may have a piercing end extending from the body. One or more of the piercing ends may extend from the upstream body end to at least a first distance, and one or more of the piercing ends extend to a second distance. The first distance may be different from the second distance. In some embodiments, each of the piercing ends extends from the upstream body end to a distance different from each of the other piercing ends. Surprisingly, less force is required to pierce the cartridge, when the piercing ends are not all at the same height.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of piercing elements comprises a triangular shape in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of piercing elements comprises, in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis, a curved shape. In some embodiments, the curved shape may terminate at a piercing edge.

The plurality of piercing elements may be retractable. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are integrally formed with the body of the piercing assembly. The piercing assembly may be removably attachable to the stem pipe. The piercing assembly may be rotatable about the longitudinal center axis. In some embodiments, the piercing assembly is integrally formed with the stem pipe.

The body of the piercing assembly may comprise a sealing ring. The sealing ring may be configured to sealingly mate with a cartridge. The plurality of piercing elements may 4 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 be disposed within the body. The plurality of piercing elements may be disposed downstream of the sealing ring.

The piercing system may comprise an absorption element housed within the body.

The piercing system may be used with an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol- generating device may comprise a vessel comprising an interior volume and a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The interior volume may be configured for housing a liquid. The piercing system may be at the mouth of the vessel. The piercing system may be adjacent the mouth of the vessel. The piercing system may be arranged such that the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. The aerosol- generating device may comprise a cap. The cap may be removably mountable at the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. The cap may be configured to receive a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The piercing assembly of the piercing system may be configured to pierce a first wall of the cartridge. The cap may also comprise a cap piercing element configured to pierce a second wall of the cartridge.

The piercing system may be used with a shisha device. The shisha device comprises a vessel comprising an interior volume and a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The interior volume may be configured for housing a liquid. The piercing system may be at the mouth of the vessel. The piercing system may be adjacent the mouth of the vessel. The piercing system may be arranged such that the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cap. The cap may be removably mountable at the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. The cap may be configured to receive a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The piercing assembly of the piercing system may be configured to pierce a first wall of the cartridge. The cap may also comprise a cap piercing element configured to pierce a second wall of the cartridge.

A method of using the aerosol-generating device may comprise inserting a cartridge either into the cap of the aerosol-generating device or into the body of the piercing assembly, and placing the cap at the mouth of the vessel such that the cartridge is received in a receptacle of the cap and is oriented toward the upstream end of the piercing stem pipe. The method may include pushing the cap against the piercing assembly, causing the piercing assembly to pierce a wall of the cartridge.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or liquid droplets or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or liquid droplets may comprise one or more volatile flavor compounds.

WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 Aerosol may be visible or invisible. Aerosol may include vapors of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature. Aerosol may include vapors of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature, in combination with solid particles or in combination with liquid droplets or in combination with both solid particles and liquid droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol comprises nicotine.

The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. In some embodiments, an aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to volatilize one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. As an alternative to heating or combustion, in some cases volatile compounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed inside the cartridge. Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol- forming substrate upon heating. Aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a non- tobacco-containing material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant- based material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants.

The terms "integral" and "integrally formed" are used herein to describe elements that are formed in one piece (a single, unitary piece). Integral or integrally formed components may configured such that they cannot be separably removed from each other without causing structural damage to the piece.

The term "piercing edge" is used herein to describe an edge that is capable of piercing a cartridge. A piercing edge has a length. A piercing edge may terminate at a piercing end. An example of a piercing edge is a knife edge.

The term "piercing point" is used herein to describe a pointed end of an object that is capable of piercing a cartridge. An example of a piercing point is a needle tip.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 6 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 As used herein, "or" is generally employed in its sense including "one or the other or both" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with numeric values to include normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilled in the art and is understood to have the same meaning as "approximately." The term "about" understood to cover a typical margin of error. A typical margin of error may be, for example, ±5 % of the stated value.

As used herein, "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising" or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to". It will be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed in "comprising," and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

The term "substantially" as used herein can be understood to modify the term that follows by at least about 90 %, at least about 95 %, or at least about 98 %. The term "not substantially" as used herein can be understood to have the inverse meaning of "substantially," i.e., modifying the term that follows by not more than 10 %, not more than %, or not more than 2 %.

Any direction referred to herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions or orientations are described herein for clarity and brevity are not intended to be limiting of an actual device or system. Devices and systems described herein may be used in a number of directions and orientations.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise a vessel comprising an interior volume configured for housing a liquid. The vessel may comprise a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cap comprising a receptacle for receiving a cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may also comprise a stem pipe. The stem pipe may comprise a hollow tube that provides a part of the air flow path within the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may be a shisha device. A shisha device may comprise a vessel comprising an interior volume configured for housing a liquid. The vessel 7 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 may comprise a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The shisha device may comprise a cap comprising a receptacle for receiving a cartridge. The shisha device may also comprise a stem pipe. The stem pipe may comprise a hollow tube that provides a part of the air flow path within the shisha device.

The stem pipe may be mounted at the mouth of the vessel. The stem pipe comprises a hollow tube with an upstream end and a downstream end and an airflow path extending through the hollow tube from the upstream end to the downstream end. The downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. In use, the downstream end of the stem pipe typically extends below a liquid level inside the vessel. The piercing assembly may be mounted onto the upstream end of the stem pipe. Alternatively, the piercing assembly may be integrally formed as a part of the stem pipe. As a cartridge is placed at the piercing assembly and pushed down, the piercing assembly engages one or more walls of the cartridge, piercing one or more openings into the wall. Advantageously, the user is able to pierce the cartridge without the need for additional equipment. Further, the user may pierce the cartridge without coming into contact with the piercing elements themselves, thus reducing the chance of injury from sharp objects. The piercing assembly may reduce the chance of leaks and other messes from a cartridge with openings because the openings are only formed after the cartridge is placed in the shisha device.

The piercing assembly comprises a body with an upstream end and a downstream end. The body may comprise a through opening extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. The through opening advantageously enables airflow down through the stem pipe. The body may have any suitable shape. The body may be generally tubular. In some embodiments, the body has an outer wall that is cylindrical or frustoconical. The body of the piercing assembly may have a longitudinal axis extending along the through opening. The longitudinal axis may be a center axis. The through opening of the body may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

At the upstream end or adjacent the upstream end of the body, the piercing assembly comprises a plurality of piercing elements. The piercing elements may have a length extending parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Each of the piercing elements has a piercing end configured for piercing a cartridge. The piercing end may be oriented upward. The piercing end may be oriented toward the center axis of the body.

The piercing element may have any suitable shape that is capable of piercing the cartridge. The piercing end may comprise a piercing point or a piercing edge, or both a 8 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 piercing point and a piercing edge. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are needle- like extensions that terminate in a piercing point. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are knife-like extensions that have a piercing edge. The piercing edge may be oriented facing a direction toward the inside of the body. In some embodiments, the piercing edge is oriented toward the center axis. The piercing edge may be present at least at the upstream end of the piercing element. The piercing edge may extend from the upstream end to the downstream end along the length of the piercing element.

In some embodiments, the piercing element has a curved or cupped shape when viewed from above. The piercing element may include a center portion. The center portion may extend axially upward from the body of the piercing assembly. The center portion may define a piercing point. The center portion may also define at least a portion of a piercing edge. The center portion may be flanked by two side portions. The side portions may be bent or folded inward toward the center axis. The piercing element may further comprise a base. The base may connect (for example, attach) the piercing element to the body of the piercing assembly. The piercing element may be formed from a flat piece of material. For example, the piercing element may be formed by cutting a shape from a flat sheet of metal and bending or folding portions of the cut shape to form the center portion, side portions, and base. The side portions and base may be bent or folded toward one side of the center portion to form the cupped shape.

The piercing element may comprise a triangular shape in its cross section transverse to the length of the piercing element. The triangular shape may have straight sides or one or more curved sides. The piercing element may have a symmetrical shape (for example, symmetrical about a longitudinal axis). The piercing element may have an asymmetrical shape. The piercing edge may be oriented toward the center axis of the assembly body. That is, a bisector of the piercing edge in a transverse cross section may run through the center axis. Alternatively, the piercing edge may be oriented toward the inside of the body but not toward the center axis. In other words, the angle bisector of the piercing edge in a transverse cross section may not run through the center axis.

In some embodiments, where the piercing element has a piercing edge oriented toward the inside of the body, the piercing element may have a flat (for example, planar) or substantially flat triangular top.

In some embodiments, the piercing elements may comprise a piercing edge with a curved shape. For example, the piercing edge may be curved about a longitudinal axis parallel to the length of the piercing element. Piercing elements with a curved piercing edge 9 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 may be combined with a piercing assembly body that is rotatably movable about the stem Pipe.

The back side of the piercing element (for example, the side facing away from the body of the piercing assembly) may have any suitable shape. For example, the back side may be substantially flat or may be curved. In some embodiments, the back side may have a bottom portion tapered toward the body of the assembly.

The piercing elements may be mounted or formed on the body symmetrically about the perimeter. Alternatively, the piercing elements may be mounted asymmetrically. The piercing elements may be mounted at different heights. Surprisingly, less force is required to pierce the cartridge, when the piercing elements are not all at the same height. In such embodiments, force may be applied gradually, causing the piercing elements to pierce the wall of the cartridge one by one. In some embodiments, one or more of the piercing ends extends to a first distance from the upstream end of the body, and one or more of the other piercing ends extends to a second distance from the upstream end, where the first distance is different from the second distance. In one embodiment, a third piercing end and optionally further piercing ends extend to different distances. In one embodiment, each of the piercing ends extends to a distance different from other piercing ends.

In some embodiments, the piercing assembly comprises the piercing elements that are needle-like such that the piercing ends comprise a piercing point. The needle-like piercing elements comprising a piercing point may be attached directly to the body or alternatively may be attached to a disc. The disc may comprise a domed surface and an outer edge onto which the piercing elements are attached. The disc may be mounted in a horizontal orientation onto the upstream end of the stem pipe by space bars. The space bars may provide a gap between the disc and the upstream end of the stem pipe to allow for air flow.

The piercing assembly may comprise any suitable number of piercing elements. In some embodiments, the piercing assembly comprises 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 8 or more, 10 or more, 12 of more, or 15 or more piercing elements. The piercing assembly may comprise 50 or fewer, 40 or fewer, 30 or fewer, 25 or fewer, 20 or fewer, or or fewer piercing elements. In some embodiments, the piercing assembly comprises 4 to piercing elements. In embodiments with small needle-shaped piercing elements, the number of piercing elements may be greater, such as for example from 20 to 40.

The body of the piercing assembly may be made of any suitable material. For example, the body may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or a combination thereof.

WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 In some embodiments, the body is made from a heat resistant material. In some embodiments, the body is made from a thermally insulating material. The piercing elements may be made of any suitable material. For example, the piercing elements may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are made of metal. The piercing elements may be attached to the body in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are joined to the body by welding or by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the piercing elements are integrally formed with the body.

In some embodiments, the piercing elements are recessed into the body of the piercing assembly. Recessed piercing elements may be integrally formed with the body. The piercing elements may be disposed inside the body such that the recessed piercing ends of the piercing elements do not extend past the upstream end of the body. The piercing elements may comprise a piercing edge, a piercing point, or both a piercing edge and a piercing point.

The piercing assembly may comprise a sealing ring. The sealing ring may be disposed at or adjacent the upstream end of the body. The sealing ring may be made of a resilient or elastic material. The sealing ring may be configured to be compressed by the cartridge. The sealing ring may be configured to seal against the wall of the cartridge. A portion of the inside wall of the body may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The angled portion may be collinear with the side wall of the cartridge. The sealing ring may be disposed below or downstream of the angled portion.

In embodiments where the piercing assembly comprises recessed piercing elements, the body may comprise a sealing ring upstream of the piercing elements. The cartridge may be pushed down past the sealing ring until the cartridge engages the piercing elements pointing inwardly below the sealing ring.

In some embodiments, the plurality of piercing elements are retractable. In some embodiments, the plurality of piercing elements are retractable within the body.

The body of the piercing assembly may be coupled with the stem pipe by any suitable mechanism. The body may be simply mounted (for example, placed) onto the upstream end of the stem pipe. The body may be removably attachable to the stem pipe. The body may be coupled with the stem pipe by a mechanical attachment, such as friction fit, snap fit, threaded connection, or a bayonet connection. The body may be joined to the stem pipe by welding or by an adhesive. The body may be movably (for example, rotatably) 11 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 coupled with the stem pipe. In some embodiments, the body is integrally formed with the stem pipe.

The piercing assembly may be configured to move rotatably about the center axis when pushed down with the cartridge. To guide the rotational movement, the piercing system may include a track and corresponding pin on the stem pipe and the body of the assembly. The track may be on the stem pipe and the pin may be on the body. Alternatively, the track may be on the body and the pin may be on the stem pipe. The track and pin cooperate to guide the rotational motion of the body about the center axis when the body is moved downward. The piercing system may further include a compression spring. The compression spring may be configured to bias the body upward by applying a spring force to the body. For example, when a user presses the cartridge down to pierce the cartridge, the cartridge presses down on the body, causing the body to move down in a rotating motion. Once the user lets go of the cartridge, the spring may return the body to its original position. The stem pipe may include a flange that supports the spring. The body may include a ledge that rests or pushes down on the spring. In some embodiments, the rotatably movable body is combined with piercing elements comprising a piercing edge curved along the length of the piercing element.

In some embodiments, the piercing assembly comprises an absorption element. The absorption element may comprise a ring-shaped element. The ring- shaped absorption element may be configured to fit around the stem pipe. The absorption element may be disposed adjacent the upstream end of the stem pipe in a space between the stem pipe and the body of the piercing assembly. The absorption element may be made from a high retention material. The absorption element may be constructed to absorbed liquids, such as any leaked liquid or condensate.

The shisha device may further comprise a cap. The cap may be removably mountable to the shisha device. The cap may be removably mountable at the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. For example, the cap may seal against the mouth of the vessel. In some embodiments, the cap may seal against the piercing assembly. The cap may be configured to receive a shisha cartridge in a receptacle. The user may use the cap to push down on the cartridge to pierce the cartridge using the piercing assembly. Alternatively, the user may press directly on the cartridge to pierce the cartridge, and the place the cap on afterwards.

A method of using the shisha device may comprise placing or inserting a cartridge on the body of the piercing assembly or in the cap; placing the cap at the mouth of the vessel 12 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 with the bottom wall of the cartridge oriented toward the piercing assembly; and pushing the cap against the piercing assembly, causing the piercing assembly to pierce a wall of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is placed directly onto the body of the piercing assembly. The cap may be placed onto the piercing assembly and cartridge such that the cartridge is received in the receptacle inside the cap. In some embodiments, the cartridge is placed inside the receptacle of the cap, and the cap is used to place the cartridge onto the piercing assembly. The user may press on the cartridge or may use the cap to push the cartridge down against the piercing elements to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge.

Piercing one or more walls of the cartridge forms one or more air inlets or outlets in the cartridge and may establish an airflow path through the cartridge. Once the airflow path is formed, the aerosol-generating device (for example shisha device) may be used to generate aerosol that may be inhaled by the user.

The cartridge may comprise any suitable body defining a cavity. Aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed in the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistant materials, such as a heat resistant metal or polymer. The body may comprise a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may comprise any of aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the body comprises aluminum.

The cartridge may be of any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may have a shape configured to be received by a shisha device. The cartridge may have a substantially cuboidal shape, cylindrical shape, frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the cartridge has a generally cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.

The shisha device is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge by conduction. The cartridge is preferably shaped and sized to allow contact with, or minimize distance from, a heating element of the shisha device to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge. The heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism, such as by resistive heating or by induction. In order to facilitate inductive heating, the cartridge may be provided with a susceptor. For example, the cartridge body may be made from or include a material (for example, aluminum) that is capable of acting as a susceptor, or a susceptor material may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge. A susceptor material may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge in any form, for example a powder, a solid block, shreds, etc. 13 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing compounds that may form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The volatile compounds may be released by a chemical reaction or by a mechanical stimulus, such as ultrasound. Aerosol-forming substrate may be solid or liquid or may comprise both solid and liquid components. Aerosol- forming substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco. The tobacco containing material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-based material. Aerosol- forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. Aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is a shisha substrate. A shisha substrate is understood to mean a consumable material that is suitable for use in a shisha device. Shisha substrate may include molasses.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, one or more of: powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of: herb leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include compounds or mixtures of compounds which, in use, facilitate formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the shisha 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. Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3- 14 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 butanediol and, most preferred, glycerine. The aerosol-forming substrate may include any suitable amount of an aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate may be equal to or greater than 5 % on a dry weight basis, and preferably greater than 30 % by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol former content may be less than about 95 % on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the aerosol former content is up to about %.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably includes nicotine and at least one aerosol former. In some embodiments, the aerosol former is glycerine or a mixture of glycerine and one or more other suitable aerosol formers, such as those listed above.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorants, sweeteners, etc. In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sugars in any suitable amount. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes invert sugar. Invert sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by splitting sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate includes from about 1 % to about 40 % sugar, such as invert sugar, by weight. In some example, one or more sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as cornstarch or maltodextrin.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sensory- enhancing agents. Suitable sensory-enhancing agents include flavorants and sensation agents, such as cooling agents. Suitable flavorants include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combination thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper, anethole, linalool, and any combination thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include molasses. As used herein, "molasses" means an aerosol-forming substrate composition comprising about 20 % or more sugar. For example, the molasses may include at least about 25 % by weight sugar, such as at least about 35 % by weight sugar. Typically, the molasses will contain less than about 60 % by weight sugar, such as less than about 50 % by weight sugar.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (for example, molasses or tobacco substrate) may be disposed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, about 3 g to about 25 g of the aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity. The cartridge may include at least 6 g, at least 7 g, at least 8 g, or at least 9 g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include up to 15 g, up to 12 g; up to 11 g, or up to 10 g of aerosol-forming WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 substrate. Preferably, from about 7 g to about 13 g of aerosol-forming substrate is disposed in the cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to indicate a material that does not substantially degrade at temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (e.g., about 150 °C to about 300 °C). The carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate deposited on a first major surface, on second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier may be formed of, for example, a paper, or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a low mass open mesh metallic screen, or a perforated metallic foil or any other thermally stable polymer matrix. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of powder, granules, pellets, shreds, spaghettis, strips or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundle into which tobacco components have been incorporated. The non-woven fabric or fiber bundle may comprise, for example, carbon fibers, natural cellulose fibers, or cellulose-derivative fibers.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall. The sidewall may be cylindrical or frustoconical, extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. For example, the sidewall and the bottom wall may be an integral single part. The sidewall and the bottom wall may be two parts configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the sidewall and the bottom wall may be configured to engage one another by threaded engagement or interference fit. The sidewall and the bottom wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the sidewall and the bottom wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall and sidewall may be a single integral part. The sidewall and the top wall may be two parts configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, sidewall and the top wall may be configured to engage one another by threaded engagement or interference fit. The sidewall and the top wall may be two parts joined together. For example, the sidewall and the top wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall, sidewall and bottom wall may all be a single integral part. The top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall may be three separate parts configured to engage one another in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, the sidewall, and the bottom wall may be configured to engage by threaded engagement interference fit, welding, or an adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form a heatable wall or surface. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or a surface to which heat may be applied, either directly or indirectly. The heatable wall or surface may function as a 16 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 heat transfer surface through which heat may be transferred from outside of the body to the cavity or to an internal surface of the cavity.

Preferably, the body of the cartridge has a length (for example, an axial length along a vertical center axis) of about 15 cm or less. In some embodiments, the body has a length of about 10 cm or less. The body may have an inside diameter of about 1 cm or more. The inside diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or more. The cartridge may have a heatable surface area in the cavity from about 25 cm2 to about 100 cm2, such as from about cm2 to about 100 cm2. The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm3 to about cm3; preferably from about 25 cm3 to about 40 cm3. In some embodiments, the body has a length in a range from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inside diameter of the body may be from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may have a heatable surface area in the cavity from about 30 cm2 to about 100 cm2, such as from about 70 cm2 to about 100 cm2. The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm3 to about 50 cm3; preferably from about cm3 to about 40 cm3. Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or ventilation holes through one or more walls of the body. The ventilation holes may be inlets, outlets, or both. The ventilation holes may be disposed at the bottom wall, top wall, sides, or a combination thereof, of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include any preformed openings or ventilation holes. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes preformed openings or ventilation holes only in one wall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or ventilation holes in the top wall only. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by the piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a shisha device. In some embodiments, one or more inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge walls by the piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used with a shisha device. In some embodiments, the top wall of the cartridge may be absent or may define one or more openings to form the one or more inlets of the cartridge. One or more openings may be formed in the bottom wall of the cartridge to form the one or more outlets of the cartridge. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide a suitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the cartridge. In some examples, the RTD through the cartridge, from the inlet or inlets to the outlet or outlets, may be from about 10 mm H2O to about 50 mm H2O, preferably from about mm H2O to about 40 mm H2O. The RTD of a specimen refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the specimen when it is traversed by an air flow under steady conditions in which the volumetric flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the output end. 17 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 The RTD of a specimen may be measured using the method set out in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

The one or more openings, once formed, on the body may cover 5 % or greater, % or greater, 15 % or greater, 20 % or greater, or 25 % or greater of the area of the wall the openings are on. For example, if the openings are on the top wall, the openings may cover at least 5 % of the area of the top wall. The one or more openings on the body may cover % or less, 50 % or less, 40 % or less, or 30 % or less of the area of the wall the openings are on.

The cartridge may further include a seal or layer covering one or more preformed openings prior to use. The cartridge may include a first removable seal covering the one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering the one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air flow through the inlets and outlets to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and to extend shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable label of sticker, foil, or the like. The seal may comprise a pierceable label of sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be affixed to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as with an adhesive, crimping, welding, or otherwise being joined to the container. The seal may comprise a tab that may be grasped to peel or remove the label, sticker, or foil from the cartridge.

In some embodiments the cartridge is a shisha cartridge that may be used with any suitable shisha device. Preferably, the shisha device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate but not to combust the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha device may be configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature in a range from about 150 °C to about 300 °C; more preferably from about 180 °C to about 250 °C or from about 200 °C to about 230 °C.

The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be configured to contact or to be in proximity to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received in the receptacle. The heating element may form at least part of the receptacle. For example, the heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle. The shisha cartridge may be configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cavity by conduction. In some embodiments, the heating element includes an electric heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element includes a resistive heating component. For example, the heating element may include one or more resistive 18 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 wires or other resistive elements. The resistive wires may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute heat produced over a broader area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device may include control electronics operably coupled to the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the temperature to which the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is heated. The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, include a controller or a memory and a controller. The controller may include one or more of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. Control electronics may include memory that contains instructions that cause one or more components of the circuitry to carry out a function or aspect of the control electronics. Functions attributable to control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

The electronic circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power. The power may be supplied to the heater element in the form of pulses of electrical current.

In some examples, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and to control the supply of power to the heating element depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this manner, the control electronics may regulate the temperature of the resistive element.

The shisha device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple. The temperature sensor may be operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. The temperature sensor may be positioned in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to insert into the cartridge when received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the aerosol- forming substrate being heated. In addition or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. In addition or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be positioned to detect temperature at an aerosol outlet of the shisha device or a portion thereof. The sensor may transmit signals regarding the sensed temperature to the control electronics. The control electronics may adjust heating of the heating elements in response to the signal to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor. 19 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 The control electronics may be operably coupled to a power supply. The shisha device may include any suitable power supply. For example, a power supply of a shisha device may be a battery or set of batteries. The batteries of the power supply may be rechargeable, removable and replaceable, or rechargeable and removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, heavy duty type or standard batteries existing in the market, such as used for industrial heavy-duty electrical power-tools. Alternatively, the power supply may be any type of electric power supply including a super or hyper-capacitor. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external electrical power source, and electrically and electronically designed for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power supply employed, the power supply preferably provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly for at least one shisha session until aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or needing to connect to an external electrical power source. Preferably, the power supply provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly for at least about minutes of continuous operation of the device, before being recharged or needing to connect to an external electrical power source.

In one example, a shisha device includes an aerosol-generating element that includes a cartridge receptacle, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and an air inlet. The cartridge receptacle is configured to receive a cartridge according to the present disclosure containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may define at least part of a surface of the receptacle.

The shisha device includes an air inlet channel in fluid connection with the receptacle. In use, when the substrate inside the cartridge is heated, aerosol former components in the substrate vaporize. Air flowing from the air inlet channel through the cartridge becomes entrained with aerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ pre-heated air and typically employ an airflow path such that the air travels in the vicinity of the heat source upon puffing. Further, some electrically heated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiation heat transfer by increasing the heated surface area.

The air inlet channel may include one or more apertures through the cartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and into the cartridge receptacle through the one or more apertures. If a channel includes more than one aperture, the channel may include a manifold to direct air flowing through the WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 channel to each aperture. Preferably, the shisha device includes two or more air inlet channels.

As described above, the cartridge may include one or more openings (such as inlets or outlets) formed in the cartridge body, allowing air to flow through the cartridge (for example, after having been pierced by the piercing assembly). If the receptacle includes one or more inlet apertures, at least some of the inlets in the cartridge may align with the apertures in the top of the receptacle. The cartridge may include an alignment feature configured to mate with a complementary alignment feature of the receptacle to align the inlets of the cartridge with the apertures of the receptacle when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle.

Air that enters the cartridge may flow across or through, or both across and through the aerosol-forming substrate, entraining aerosol, and exiting the cartridge and receptacle via an aerosol outlet. From the aerosol outlet, the air carrying the aerosol enters a vessel of the shisha device via the stem pipe.

The shisha device may include any suitable vessel defining an interior volume configured to contain a liquid and defining an outlet in the headspace above a liquid fill level. The vessel may include an optically transparent or opaque housing to allow a consumer to observe contents contained in the vessel. The vessel may include a liquid fill demarcation, such as a liquid fill line. The vessel housing may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the vessel housing may include glass or suitable rigid plastic material. Preferably, the vessel is removable from a portion of the shisha assembly comprising the aerosol- generation element to allow a consumer to fill, empty or clean the vessel.

The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level by a consumer. The liquid preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, flavorants, or colorants and flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical and herbal infusions.

Aerosol entrained in air exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned in the vessel. The conduit may be coupled to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel, such that aerosol flowing through the vessel flows through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid, into headspace of the vessel and exits through a headspace outlet, for delivery to a consumer. 21 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 The headspace outlet may be coupled to a hose comprising a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a consumer. The mouthpiece may include an activation element, such as a switch activatable by a user, a puff sensor arranged to detect a user puffing on the mouthpiece, or both a switch activatable by the user and a puff sensor. The activation element is operably coupled to the control electronics of the shisha device. The activation element may be wirelessly coupled to the control electronics. Activation of the activation element may cause the control electronics to activate the heating element, rather than constantly supplying energy to the heating element. Accordingly, the use of an activation element may serve to save energy relative to devices not employing such elements to provide on-demand heating rather than constant heating.

For purposes of example, one method for using a shisha device as described herein is provided below in chronological order. The vessel may be detached from other components of the shisha device and filled with water. One or more of natural fruit juices, botanicals, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but should not exceed a fill level mark that may optionally exist on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled to the shisha device. The cartridge may be placed directly onto the body of the piercing assembly. The cap may be placed onto the piercing assembly and cartridge such that the cartridge is received in the receptacle inside the cap. In some embodiments, the cartridge is placed inside the receptacle of the cap, and the cap is used to place the cartridge onto the piercing assembly. The user may press on the cartridge or may use the cap to push the cartridge down against the piercing elements to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge. The device may then be turned on. Turning on the device may initiate a heating profile of a heating element, to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at or above a vaporization temperature but below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol forming compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate vaporize, generating an aerosol. The user may puff on the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue using the device as long as desired or until no more aerosol is visible or being delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut off when the cartridge or a compartment of the cartridge is depleted of usable aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with a fresh cartridge after, for example, receiving the cue from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge is depleted or nearly depleted. The shisha device may be turned off at any time by a consumer by, for example, switching off the device. 22 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 The shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one example, puffing action from the user will create a suction effect causing a low pressure inside the device which will cause external air to flow through an air inlet of the device, into the air inlet channel, and into the receptacle. The air may then flow through the cartridge in the receptacle and become entrained with aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate. The air with entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle, flows through the conduit to the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol will then bubble out of the liquid and into head space in the vessel above the level of the liquid, out the headspace outlet, and through the hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. The flow of external air and the flow of the aerosol inside the shisha device may be driven by the action of puffing from the user.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic side and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge after having been pierced by the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2D is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of a piercing assembly and shisha device cap according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a cartridge and the piercing system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic views of parts of the piercing assembly according to an embodiment. 23 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 FIGS. 6A-6C are schematic views of a piercing element for the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7 A and 7B are perspective and top views, respectively, of a piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a piercing system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9E are side, top, and bottom views of a piercing element according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a top view of a piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 10B-1 OF are side, top, and bottom views of the piercing element of FIG. 10A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a piercing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a top view of a piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12B-12F are side, top, and bottom views of the piercing element of FIG. 12A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are various views of a spring actuated piercing system according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a piercing system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the piercing assembly of FIGS. 14A and 14B according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of a piercing element of the piercing assembly of FIGS. 14A and 14B according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15C is a sectional side view of a cartridge for use in the piercing assembly of FIGS. 14A and 14B according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a rolled-open view of piercing elements of a piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a piercing assembly comprising the piercing elements of FIG. 16A according to an embodiment. 24 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 FIGS. 17A-17D are top and side views of a piercing assembly according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a piercing assembly with an absorption element according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic view of a shisha device and cap with piercing assembly in use according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20A is cross-sectional side view of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20B is an exploded view of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of the support ring of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the grip element of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are schematic cross sectional side and bottom views, respectively, of the outer shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 28A-28D are side views of the track and pin in different positions during use of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 19A according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain liquid and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical infusions and herbal infusions.

The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol- generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 2comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the side surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, portion of the air inlet channel 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters the receptacle 140. The pre-heated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by heating element 160, to carry aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol- forming substrate. The air exits an outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190. The conduit 190 may be a stem pipe.

The conduit (for example, stem pipe) 190 carries the air and aerosol into the vessel below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through the liquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol to the mouth of a user. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to, or form a part of, the hose 20.

An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thick arrows in FIG. 1.

The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activation element may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a puff sensor or the like. The activation element 27 may be placed at any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in condition for use or to cause control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by causing power supply 35 to energize the heating element 160.

The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in any suitable position of the aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, various embodiments of the body 210 of a cartridge 200 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 2 26 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 inside the body. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body 210. The top may comprise a flange 219 that extends from the sidewall 212 as shown in FIG. 2B. The flange 219 may rest on shoulder of a receptacle of a shisha device so that cartridge 2may be readily removed from the receptacle after use by grasping the flange. The bottom wall 213 (or the top wall 215 or both the bottom 213 and the top 215) may have a plurality of apertures 216 (217) to allow air flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the apertures 216 are formed upon piercing of the cartridge 200 with the piercing system. A schematic bottom view of the cartridge 200 is shown in FIG. 2C, where the pierced openings 216 can be seen along the corner of the bottom wall 213 and side wall 212.

The apertures 216, 217 of the top 215 and bottom 213 may be aligned with each other. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic partial view of a shisha device 100 comprising the piercing system 300. An exploded view of the piercing system 300 is shown in FIG. 4 and views of the individual parts are shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. The piercing system 300 includes a stem pipe 190 and a piercing assembly 301. The stem pipe 190 comprises a hollow tube with an upstream end 191 and a downstream end 192 and an airflow path extending through the hollow tube from the upstream end 191 to the downstream end 192. The piercing assembly 301 may be mounted onto the upstream end 191 or may be integrally formed as a part of the stem pipe 190.

The piercing assembly 301 comprises a body 310 with an upstream end 311 and a downstream end 312. The body 310 comprises a through opening 313 extending from the upstream end 311 to the downstream end 312 along a center axis A. The opening 313 may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190. The piercing assembly 301 comprises a plurality of piercing elements 330 at its upstream end 311. The piercing elements 330 are configured for piercing (for example, creating one or more holes in) the cartridge 200.

The piercing element 330 may have any suitable shape that is capable of piercing the cartridge 200. The piercing element 330 has an upstream end 331 and a downstream end 332. The upstream end 331 is the piercing end. In some embodiments, the piercing element 330 has a piercing edge 333, as shown in FIG. 5B. In some embodiments, the piercing element 330 has a piercing point 334, as shown in FIG. 5C. The piercing element 330 may also have a piercing edge 333 that terminates in a piercing point 334.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the piercing element 330 has a curved or cupped shape when viewed from above (see top view in FIG. 6B). The piercing element 3 27 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 may include a center portion 336. The center portion 336 may define a piercing point 334. The center portion 336 may also define at least a portion of a piercing edge 333. The center portion 336 may be flanked by two side portions 337. The side portions 337 may be bent or folded inward toward the center axis A. The piercing element 330 may further comprise a base 338. The base 338 may be used to attach the piercing element 330 to the body 310 of the piercing assembly 301. The piercing element 330 may be formed from a flat piece of material shown in FIG. 6C. The side portions 337 and base 338 may be bent or folded along the dotted lines toward one side of the center portion 336 to form the cupped shape.

The piercing system 300 may be operated by placing a cartridge 200 onto the piercing assembly 301 disposed at the mouth of the shisha device vessel. The cartridge may be pressed down toward the piercing assembly 301, causing the piercing elements 330 to pierce a wall (for example, the bottom wall 213 or the side wall 212) of the cartridge 200. If a cap 400 is used, the cartridge 200 may be pressed down by pressing on the cap 400. Cap 400 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, 21-26, 27A, 27B, and 28A-D.

The piercing elements 330 of the piercing assembly 301 may pierce the cartridge 2to create one or more inlets or outlets in the cartridge 200. FIG. 3B shows a partial view of the top of the shisha device with the piercing assembly and cap, where airflow through the cap and the pierced cartridge 200 are shown with arrows.

An embodiment of the piercing assembly 301 is shown in FIGS. 7A and76B. The piercing assembly 301 comprises a plurality of piercing elements 330. Although eight piercing elements 330 are shown, the number of piercing elements may vary. Further, the types of piercing elements may vary, and the piercing assembly 301 may include more than one type of piercing element 330.

The piercing elements 330 are disposed at the upstream end 311 of the body 310. The piercing elements 330 are oriented such that the piercing end (upstream end 331) of the piercing element 330 is oriented upward when the upstream end 311 of the body 310 is oriented upward. If the piercing element 330 has a piercing edge 333, the piercing edge 3may be oriented toward the through opening 313 of the body 310. The piercing elements 330 are located on the body 310 such that they may come into contact with the cartridge 2when the cartridge 200 is moved axially toward the body 310.

In some embodiments, the piercing elements 330 are symmetrical or symmetrically placed such that the piercing edge 333 is oriented toward the center axis A of the piercing assembly body 310, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. 28 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 An exemplary embodiment of a piercing element 330 is shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. The piercing element 330 extends from an upstream end 331 to a downstream end 332. The piercing element 330 comprises a piercing edge 333, as seen in the front view in FIG. 9A and side view in FIG. 9B. The piercing edge 333 may be present at the upstream end 331 of the piercing element 330. The piercing edge 333 may extend from the upstream end 331 to the downstream end 332 along the length of the piercing element 330. The bottom portion of the back side may be tapered toward the front, as seen in the side view in FIG. 9B. The piercing element 330 may comprise a triangular shape in its cross section, as seen in the top and bottom views in FIGS. 9D and 9E. In the embodiment shown, the piercing element 3comprises a substantially flat triangular top.

In another embodiment, the piercing edge 333 is disposed at the top (at the upstream or piercing end 331) of the piercing element 330, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10F.

In some embodiments, the piercing elements 330 are asymmetrical or are asymmetrically placed along the edge of the body 310 such that the piercing edge 333 is not oriented toward the center axis A of the piercing assembly body 310, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

An exemplary embodiment of an asymmetrical piercing element 330 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12F. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, although the piercing edge 333 is oriented toward the inside (the through opening 313) of the body, the piercing edge 333 does not point toward the center axis A. In other words, the angle bisector of the piercing edge 333 in a transverse cross section does not run through the center axis A.

The piercing edge 333 may have a curved shape, as shown in FIG. 12B. The curved piercing edge 333 may be present at the upstream end 331 of the piercing element 330. The curved piercing edge 333 may extend from the upstream end 331 to the downstream end 332 along the length of the piercing element 330. The bottom portion of the back side may be tapered toward the front, as seen in the side view in FIG. 12C. The piercing element 3may comprise a triangular shape in its cross section, as seen in the top and bottom views in FIGS. 12E and 12F. The triangular shape may have curved sides. In the embodiment shown, the piercing element 330 comprises a substantially flat triangular top.

The curved piercing edge 333 may be combined with a piercing assembly 3configured to move rotatably about the center axis A when pushed down with the cartridge 200. The piercing system 300, shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, may include a track 194 on the stem pipe 190 and a corresponding pin 314 on the body 310 of the assembly. Alternatively the track may be on the body 310 and the pin may be on the stem pipe 190. The track 1 29 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 and pin 314 cooperate to guide the rotational motion of the body 310 about the center axis A when the body 310 is moved downward. The piercing system 300 may further include a compression spring 340. The compression spring 340 may be configured to bias the body 310 upward. The stem pipe 190 may include a flange 195 that supports the spring. The body 310 may include a ledge 335 that rests or pushes down on the spring 340.

In some embodiments, the piercing elements are integrally formed with the body 3of the piercing assembly. Further, in some embodiments, the piercing elements 330 may be recessed into the body 310 of the piercing assembly, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In such embodiments, the piercing elements 330 may be disposed inside the cavity of the body 310, and the piercing ends 351 of the piercing elements 330 do not extend past the upstream end 311 of the body 310. The piercing elements 330 may be integral with the body 310 such that the inside wall 316 forms the piercing elements 330. The piercing elements 330 may comprise an extension 350 extending inward from the inside wall 316 of the body 310, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The piercing elements 330 may comprise a piercing edge, a piercing point, or both.

The body 310 may further comprise a sealing ring 315 configured to seal against the wall of the cartridge 200. A portion 316A of the inside wall 316 of the body 310 may be angled relative to a vertical line parallel to the center axis A. The sealing ring 315 may be disposed below or downstream of the angled portion 316A. The angled portion 316A may have an angle a as shown in FIG. 15B. The angle a may be the same as the angle of the side wall 212 of the cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 15C. The sealing ring 315 may be made of an elastic material that may be compressed by the cartridge 200 as the cartridge is pushed down into the body 310 of the piercing assembly 301. The cartridge 200 may be pushed down past the sealing ring 315 until the bottom and side walls of the cartridge engage the piercing elements 330 pointing inwardly below the sealing ring 315.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the piercing ends 333 of the piercing elements 330 may be at different levels when viewed from the side of the piercing assembly 301. For example, one or more of the piercing ends 333 may extend to a first distance D1 from the upstream end 311 of the body 310, and one or more of the piercing ends 333 may extend to a second distance D2 from the upstream end 311, where the first distance D1 is different from the second distance D2. In one embodiment, a third piercing end and optionally further piercing ends extend to different distances. In one embodiment, each of the piercing ends extends to a distance different from other piercing ends.

WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 In some embodiments, the piercing elements 330 are needle-like such that the piercing ends 333 of the piercing elements 330 comprise a piercing point 334 as shown in FIGS. 17A-17D. The piercing elements 330 comprising a piercing point 334 may be attached directly to the body 310, or alternatively may be attached to a disc 354 as shown. The disc 354 may comprise a domed surface and an outer edge 356 to which the piercing elements 330 are attached. The disc 354 may be mounted onto the upstream end 191 of the stem pipe 190 by space bars 358. The space bars 358 may provide a gap between the disc 3and the upstream end 191 of the stem pipe 190 to allow for air flow.

In some embodiments, shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the piercing assembly comprises an absorption element 360. The absorption element 360 may comprise a ring- shaped element. The ring-shaped element may be configured to fit around the stem pipe 190. The absorption element 360 may be disposed adjacent the upstream end 191 of the stem pipe 190 in a space between the stem pipe 190 and the body 310 of the piercing assembly 301.

A partial schematic view of a shisha device with the cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIG. 19A. The cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 housing the piercing assembly 401. The piercing assembly 401 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inside wall of the outer shroud 420. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated for example, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on the inside end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 at least partially disposed within the outer shroud. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of the shisha device 100. Once the cartridge 2has been pierced by the piercing assembly 401, an airflow path is established through the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 19B.

An example of a cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 are shown in FIGS. 21-26. The cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a center axis. The longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.

The cap outer frame 410, shown in FIG. 21, may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing the piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 4may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inside wall. The protrusion 414 may be 31 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 configured for pressing on the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.

The cap 400 may include a grip element 450, shown in FIG. 26, configured to grip the cartridge 200. The grip element 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more grip fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to upper ends 453. The grip element 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430, as shown in FIG. 20A. The one or more grip fingers 452 may be configured such that the ends of the grip fingers 452 abut against an upper flange of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430.

The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configured for fastening a support plate 460 (FIG. 25) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be fastened by other means, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 4may be a substantially round plate with a center hole 461 extending through the plate. The support plate 460 may be sized to hold the piercing assembly 401 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 20A.

The outer shroud 420, shown in FIGS. 22, 27A, and 27B, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer shroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440 and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 comprises the piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centered with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 4or may be attached to the inside of the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piecing edges or piercing points 441. The piecing edges or piercing points 441 are configured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of the cartridge 200. The piercing element 440 may have a width W440. The width W440 may be configured such that the piercing element 440 is able to fit through an opening 437 on the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.

The inner shroud 430, shown in FIG. 24, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall comprising first part 433 and a second part 434. The first part 433 may be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter, and the second part 434 may be a cylindrical wall with a second 32 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The first and second parts 433, 434 may be separated by a shoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support the compression spring 470. The compression spring 470 may fit around the first part 433. The end of the compression spring 470 may be supported on the shoulder 435, so that the spring may be compressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shroud 440 may define a cavity 439 for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud 4may have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 may be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 for facilitating airflow through the inner shroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is received in the opening 437.

The outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 may include a track and pin system to guide the movement of the outer shroud 420. The outer shroud 420 may comprise one or more pins 425 extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 4may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 28A-28D. At first, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a first position P1. The first position P1 may be considered a rest position. The guide track may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may comprise a second position P2, which may be a piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and a second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. A force may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, the cap 410 may be pressed down (for example, by a user) to move the pin from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (see arrow in FIG. 28A), where the piercing element 440 engages and pierces the cartridge 200. When the force removed, for example, when pressure is released from (for example, the user lets go of) the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 up to a third position P3. The movement of the cap during the initial pushing down of the cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of the cap to allow the cap to return to the third (use) position is defined by the first portion of the track. In the third position P3, an airflow path is open through the openings formed in the cartridge 200, and is open between an exterior of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user may again press on the cap outer frame 410, 33 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 causing the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to move to a fourth position P4, from where the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the initial first position P1. The movement of the cap during the second instance of pushing down on the cap to release the cap is defined by the second portion of the track.

Thus, piercing systems for shisha devices are described. Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described inconnection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337 CLAIMS

1. A piercing system for a shisha device, the piercing system comprising:a stem pipe comprising a hollow tube extending from an upstream end to a downstream end along a longitudinal axis; anda piercing assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe, the piercing assembly comprising:a body with a through opening coaxial with the hollow tube, the body comprising an upstream body end; anda plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end, wherein each of the plurality of piercing elements has a piercing end extending from the body, and wherein one or more of the piercing ends extend from the upstream body end to at least a first distance and one or more of the piercing ends extend to a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

2. The piercing system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of piercing elements comprise a piercing edge oriented radially inwardly toward the longitudinal axis and optionally extending longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

3. The piercing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the piercing ends extends from the upstream body end to a distance different from each of the other piercing ends.

4. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the plurality of piercing elements comprises a triangular shape in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis.

5. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the plurality of piercing elements comprises, in a cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis, a curved shape.

6. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of piercing elements are retractable.

7. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing assembly is removably attachable to the stem pipe. 35 WO 2021/111304 PCT/IB2020/061337

8. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the piercing assembly is rotatable about the longitudinal center axis.

9. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a sealing ring configured to sealingly mate with a cartridge, and optionally wherein the plurality of piercing elements are recessed within the through opening of the body, proximal to the sealing ring.

10. The piercing system according to any of the preceding claims further comprising an absorption element housed within the body.

11. An aerosol-generating device comprising:a vessel comprising an interior volume configured for housing a liquid, the vessel comprising a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume; anda piercing system according to any of the claims above, mounted at the mouth, wherein the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume.

12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11 further comprising a cap removably mountable at the mouth of the vessel and the cap is configured to receive a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 12, wherein the piercing assembly of the piercing system is configured to pierce a first wall of the cartridge and wherein when the cap comprises a cap piercing element configured to pierce a second wall of the cartridge.

14. A method of using the aerosol-generating device of claim 12 or 13, the method comprising:inserting a cartridge into the cap of the aerosol-generating device or into the body of the piercing assembly;placing the cap at the mouth of the vessel such that the cartridge is received in a receptacle of the cap and is oriented toward the upstream end of the piercing stem pipe; andpushing the cap against the piercing assembly, causing the piercing assembly to pierce a wall of the cartridge. 36