JP2023503446A - Aerosol generator with penetrating assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A piercing system for use with an aerosol generating device may be used to form one or more openings in a shisha cartridge. A penetration system includes a penetration assembly and a stem pipe. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of the aerosol generator. The lead-through assembly includes a body having a lead-through opening. The opening may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly includes a plurality of piercing elements at its upstream end. The piercing element is configured to pierce the cartridge. The piercing assembly can be operated by placing the cartridge on the piercing assembly and depressing the cartridge. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to piercing systems for piercing cartridges used in aerosol generating devices. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to penetration assemblies for use with shisha devices.

Conventional shisha devices are used to smoke tobacco and are configured so that the vapor and smoke pass through a basin prior to inhalation by the consumer. A shisha device may include one outlet or may include two or more outlets so that the device may be used by two or more consumers at the same time. Using a shisha machine is considered by some to be a recreational activity and a social experience.

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

Conventional shisha devices employ charcoal (such as charcoal pellets) to heat and sometimes burn tobacco substrates to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user. Using charcoal to heat tobacco may result in total or partial combustion of the tobacco or other ingredients. Additionally, charcoal may produce harmful or potentially harmful products such as carbon monoxide, which may mix with the shisha vapor and pass through the basin. to reach the exit.

One way to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and combustion byproducts is to employ e-liquids rather than cigarettes. Shisha devices that employ e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but deprive the shisha consumer of the traditional cigarette-derived experience.

Other shisha devices have been proposed that employ electric heaters to heat, but not burn, tobacco. Such electrically heated non-combustion shisha devices heat a tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate, thus reducing or eliminating by-products associated with tobacco combustion.

A shisha device may employ a cartridge for containing the aerosol-forming substrate. Cartridges may be filled with such aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco, preferably a shisha substrate such as molasses (a mixture of tobacco, water, sugar and other ingredients such as glycerin, flavorings, etc.). The heating system of the electrically heated shisha device heats the contents of the cartridge to generate an aerosol, which is carried through the airflow path to the user.

The shisha cartridge may have one or more holes through one or more walls to facilitate airflow through and aerosol flow from the cartridge. The cartridge may include one or more holes on the top, or one or more holes on the bottom, or both one or more holes on the top and one or more holes on the bottom. Alternatively, the top may be open, ie 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 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 during storage by a removable (eg, peelable) sealing layer such as a film, sticker, or liner. A removable layer may protect the contents (eg, molasses) from exposure to air and oxygen. The removable layer may be removed (eg, pulled or peeled off) by the user prior to first use of the cartridge.

Cartridge holes or openings, if unsealed, can lead to loss of freshness (eg, moisture content) or contamination of the substrate as well as leakage problems. For one or more reasons such as to maintain freshness, to prevent leakage of the substrate, or to preserve the quality and integrity of the substrate during storage, the opening or hole in the cartridge is formed only immediately before use. It is desirable to

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 generator. It would be desirable to provide a feedthrough assembly that is convenient and easy to use. It would be desirable to provide a feedthrough assembly that can be used with cartridges that do not have preformed air inlets or outlets. It would be desirable to provide a piercing assembly that reduces the likelihood of user injury when piercing a cartridge.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a piercing assembly that can be used in an aerosol generating device. For example, the piercing assembly can be used in a shisha device. A piercing assembly may be used to form one or more openings within the cartridge. For example, a piercing assembly can be used to form one or more openings in the shisha cartridge.

The lead-through assembly may be mounted on the stem pipe or may be integral with the stem pipe. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of the aerosol generator. The stem pipe may be incorporated as part of the shisha device.

The lead-through assembly includes a body having a lead-through opening. The opening may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe. The piercing assembly includes a plurality of piercing elements at its upstream end. The piercing element is configured to pierce (eg, create one or more holes) the cartridge.

The pierce assembly can be operated by inserting the cartridge into the cap or into the pierce assembly located at the mouth of the aerosol generator vessel. A cap may be placed on the piercing assembly and the cap along with the cartridge may be pushed down toward the piercing assembly. A piercing element of the piercing assembly may pierce (eg, create one or more holes) the cartridge. The aerosol generator may be a shisha device and the cartridge may be a shisha cartridge.

Penetration systems of the present disclosure may provide various advantages to both manufacturers and users. Advantages include that the penetration system is convenient, simple, and safe to use. The user of the shisha device does not need additional equipment to pierce the cartridge. Additionally, the user can pierce the cartridge without having to directly handle the piercing element, reducing the potential for damage with sharp objects. The piercing assembly may also allow the cartridge to be pierced without removing the sticker or film from the cartridge. The cartridge may be placed in the shisha device prior to opening the cartridge. Thus, the lead-through assembly reduces the likelihood of leaks and other complications. The piercing element allows the use of cartridges that do not have pre-formed perforations. This allows the cartridge to be manufactured cheaper, faster and easier.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a penetration system comprises a stem pipe including a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis from an upstream end to a downstream end, and a penetration assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe. obtain. The lead-through assembly may include a body having a lead-through opening coaxial with the hollow tube, the body including an upstream body end. The piercing assembly may include a plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end. A plurality of piercing elements may include piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented upward in the upstream direction. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented radially inward toward the longitudinal axis. The piercing edge may extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the piercing assembly may be part of the device, allowing the user to pierce the cartridge without contacting the piercing element.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a penetration system includes a stem pipe including a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis from an upstream end to a downstream end, and a penetration assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe. Prepare. The lead-through assembly includes a body having a lead-through opening coaxial with the hollow tube. The body includes an upstream body end. The piercing assembly includes a plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end. A plurality of piercing elements may include piercing edges or piercing points. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented upward in the upstream direction. The piercing edge or piercing point may be oriented radially inward toward the longitudinal axis. The piercing edge may extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the piercing assembly is part of the device, allowing the user to pierce the cartridge without contacting the piercing element.

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

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of penetrating elements includes a triangular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of penetrating elements includes a cross-section with a curved shape in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the curved shape may terminate in a penetrating edge.

The plurality of penetrating elements may be retractable. In some embodiments, the penetrating element is integrally formed with the body of the penetrating assembly. The piercing assembly may be removably attachable to the stem pipe. The lead-through assembly may be rotatable about the central longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the piercing assembly is integrally formed with the stem pipe.

The body of the penetration assembly may include a seal ring. The seal ring may be configured to sealingly mate with the cartridge. A plurality of penetrating elements may be disposed within the body. A plurality of piercing elements may be arranged downstream of the sealing ring.

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

Penetration systems can be used in aerosol generating devices. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a vessel containing an interior volume and a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The internal volume may be configured to contain liquid. The penetration system can be at the mouth of the vessel. The penetration system may be adjacent to the mouth of the vessel. The penetration system may be arranged such that the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. The aerosol generator may comprise a cap. The cap may be removably mountable on the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. The cap can be configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. A piercing assembly of the piercing system may be configured to pierce the first wall of the cartridge. The cap may also include a cap piercing element configured to pierce the second wall of the cartridge.

Penetration systems can be used in shisha devices. A shisha device comprises a vessel containing an interior volume and a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The internal volume may be configured to contain liquid. The penetration system can be at the mouth of the vessel. The penetration system may be adjacent to the mouth of the vessel. The penetration system may be arranged such that the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. The aerosol generator may comprise a cap. The cap may be removably mountable on the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. The cap can be configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. A piercing assembly of the piercing system may be configured to pierce the first wall of the cartridge. The cap may also include a cap piercing element configured to pierce the second wall of the cartridge.

A method of using the aerosol generator includes inserting the cartridge into the cap of the aerosol generator or into the body of the piercing assembly, the cartridge being received within the receptacle of the cap and upstream of the piercing stem pipe. placing the cap on the mouth of the vessel so that it is oriented toward the end. The method may include pressing the cap against the piercing assembly to cause the piercing assembly to penetrate the wall of the cartridge.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The gas may be air. The solid particles or droplets may contain one or more volatile flavor compounds. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature, in combination with solid particles, or in combination with droplets, or in combination with both solid particles and droplets. In some embodiments, the aerosol includes nicotine.

The term "aerosol-forming substrate" is used herein to refer to a material capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the 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 chemical reaction or by mechanical stimulation such as ultrasound. The aerosol-forming substrate may be placed inside the cartridge. Aerosol-forming substrates may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrates may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. Aerosol-forming substrates may include plant-derived materials. Aerosol-forming substrates may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain 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, inseparable piece). Unitary or integrally formed components may be configured such that they cannot be separably removed from each other without causing structural damage to the parts.

The term "penetration edge" is used herein to describe an edge capable of penetrating the cartridge. The penetrating edge has a length. The penetrating edge may terminate in a penetrating end. One example of a penetrating edge is a knife edge.

The term "penetration point" is used herein to describe a pointed end of an object capable of penetrating the cartridge. One example of a pierce point is the tip of a needle.

Also, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass embodiments that have plural referents, but not the content of which unless otherwise expressly provided by

As used herein, "or" is generally used in its sense to include "one, or the other, or both," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "about" is used herein in conjunction with numerical values to include normal variations in measurements, as would be expected by one of ordinary skill in the art, and is understood to have the same meaning as "approximately." The term "about" is understood to encompass the typical margin of error. A typical margin of error may be, for example, ±5% of the indicated value.

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

The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain advantages, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Moreover, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments is not intended to imply that other embodiments are not useful or exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims. not intended to

As used herein, the term "substantially" can be understood to be at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98% to the extent of the meaning of the subsequent term it modifies. The term "not substantially", as used herein, means the opposite of "substantially" (i.e., the subsequent term is reduced by no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%). modify).

Any directions referred to herein, such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "up", "down" and other directions or orientations are for clarity and brevity. are not intended to be limiting of the actual device or system described herein. The devices and systems described herein may be used in numerous directions and orientations.

An aerosol-generating device may comprise a vessel that includes an interior volume configured to contain a liquid. The vessel may include a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a cap containing a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The aerosol generator may also include a stem pipe. A stem pipe may comprise a hollow tube that provides a portion of the airflow path within the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generator may be a shisha device. A shisha device may comprise a vessel including an internal volume configured to contain a liquid. The vessel may include a mouth in fluid communication with the interior volume. The shisha device may comprise a cap including a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. The shisha device may also include a stem pipe. The stem pipe may comprise a hollow tube that provides part of the airflow path within the shisha device.

A stem pipe may be installed in the mouth of the vessel. The stem pipe includes a hollow tube having an upstream end and a downstream end and an airflow path extending through the hollow tube from the upstream end to the downstream end. A downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume of the vessel. In use, the downstream end of the stem pipe can normally extend below the liquid level inside the vessel. A lead-through assembly may be mounted on the upstream end of the stem pipe. Alternatively, the lead-through assembly may be integrally formed as part of the stem pipe. When the cartridge is placed in the piercing assembly and depressed, the piercing assembly engages one or more walls of the cartridge and extends through one or more openings in the walls. Advantageously, the user can pierce the cartridge without the need for additional equipment. Further, the user can pierce the cartridge without contacting the piercing element itself, thus reducing the potential for damage with sharp objects. Because the openings are formed only after the cartridge is placed in the shisha device, the piercing assembly may reduce the likelihood of leaks and other complications from cartridges with openings.

The feedthrough assembly includes a body having an upstream end and a downstream end. The body may include a through opening extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. The through opening advantageously allows airflow to descend through the stem pipe. The body can 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 lead-through assembly may have a longitudinal axis extending along the lead-through opening. The longitudinal axis can be the central axis. The through opening of the body may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe.

At or adjacent the upstream end of the body, the piercing assembly includes a plurality of piercing elements. The penetrating element may have a length that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Each of the piercing elements has a piercing end configured to pierce the cartridge. The penetrating end may be oriented upward. The penetrating end may be oriented toward the central axis of the body.

The piercing element may have any suitable shape capable of piercing the cartridge. A piercing end can include a piercing point or a piercing edge, or both a piercing point and a piercing edge. In some embodiments, the piercing element is a needle-like extension that terminates at a piercing point. In some embodiments, the penetrating element is a knife-like extension with a penetrating edge. The penetrating edge may be oriented so as to face in a direction towards the interior of the body. In some embodiments, the penetrating edge is oriented toward the central axis. A 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 penetrating element has a curved or cupped shape when viewed from above. A penetrating element may include a central portion. The central portion may extend axially upward from the body of the lead-through assembly. The central portion may define a pierce point. The central portion may also define at least a portion of the penetrating edge. The central portion may be adjacent to the two lateral portions. The side portions may be bent or folded inward toward the central axis. The penetrating element may further include a base. The base may connect (eg, attach) the penetrating element to the body of the penetrating assembly. The penetrating element may be formed from a flat piece of material. For example, a penetrating element may be formed by cutting a shape from a metallic flat sheet of material and bending or folding portions of the cut shape to form a central portion, side portions, and a base. The side portions and base may be bent or folded toward one side of the central portion to form a cup shape.

The penetrating element may include a triangular cross-section transverse to the length of the penetrating element. The triangular shape may have straight sides or one or more curved sides. The penetrating element may have a symmetrical shape (eg, symmetrical about a longitudinal axis). The penetrating element may have an asymmetrical shape. The through edge may be oriented toward the central axis of the assembly body. That is, the bisector of the penetrating edge in cross-section may extend through the central axis. Alternatively, the penetrating edge may be oriented toward the interior of the body, but not toward the central axis. In other words, the angle bisector of the penetrating edge in cross-section may not extend through the central axis.

In some embodiments, if the penetrating element has a penetrating edge oriented toward the interior of the body, the penetrating element may have a flat (e.g., planar) or substantially flat triangular top. .

In some embodiments, a penetrating element can include a penetrating edge having a curved shape. For example, the penetrating edge may be curved about a longitudinal axis parallel to the length of the penetrating element. A penetrating element having a curved penetrating edge may be combined with a penetrating assembly body that is rotatably movable about the stem pipe.

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

The piercing elements may be mounted or formed symmetrically around the circumference on the body. Alternatively, the penetrating element may be mounted asymmetrically. Penetrating elements may be installed at different heights. Surprisingly, less force is required to pierce the cartridge if all piercing elements are not at the same height. In such embodiments, the force is applied gradually and the penetrating element penetrates the walls of the cartridge one by one. In some embodiments, one or more of the penetrating ends extend a first distance from the upstream end of the body, one or more of the other penetrating ends extend a second distance from the upstream end, and a second The first distance is different than the second distance. In one embodiment, the third piercing end and optionally the further piercing end extend different distances. In one embodiment, each of the piercing ends extends a different distance than the other piercing ends.

In some embodiments, the piercing assembly includes a piercing element that is needle-like such that the piercing end includes a piercing point. A needle-like piercing element containing a piercing point may be attached directly to the body or alternatively to the disc. The disc may include a dome-shaped surface and an outer edge on which the penetrating element is mounted. The disk may be mounted in a horizontal orientation on the upstream end of the stem pipe by a space bar. A space bar may provide a gap between the disc and the upstream end of the stem pipe to allow air flow.

A penetrating assembly may include any suitable number of penetrating elements. In some embodiments, the piercing assembly includes 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, 8 or more, 10 or more, 12 or more, or 15 or more piercing elements. The piercing assembly may include 50 or less, 40 or less, 30 or less, 25 or less, 20 or less, or 15 or less piercing elements. In some embodiments, the penetrating assembly includes 4-10 penetrating elements. In embodiments with small needle-shaped piercing elements, the number of piercing elements may be higher, eg, 20-40.

The body of the penetrating assembly may be made of any suitable material. For example, the body may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the body is made from a heat resistant material. In some embodiments, the body is made from an insulating material. The penetrating element may be made of any suitable material. For example, penetrating elements may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the penetrating element is made of metal. The penetrating element may be attached to the body in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the penetrating element is attached to the body by welding or by an adhesive. In some embodiments, the penetrating element is integrally formed with the body.

In some embodiments, the penetrating element is recessed into the body of the penetrating assembly. The recessed penetrating element may be integrally formed with the body. The piercing element may be positioned within the body such that the recessed piercing end of the piercing element does not extend beyond the upstream end of the body. A piercing element can include a piercing edge, a piercing point, or both a piercing edge and a piercing point.

The feedthrough assembly may include a seal ring. A seal ring may be positioned at or adjacent to the upstream end of the body. The sealing ring may be made of resilient or elastic material. The seal ring may be configured to be compressed by the cartridge. The sealing ring may be configured to seal against the walls of the cartridge. A portion of the inner wall of the body may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body. The angled portion may be collinear with the sidewall of the cartridge. A seal ring may be positioned below or downstream of the angled portion.

In embodiments where the penetrating assembly includes a recessed penetrating element, the body may include a sealing ring upstream of the penetrating element. The cartridge may be pushed down past the sealing ring until the cartridge engages a piercing element that faces inwardly below the sealing ring.

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

The body of the lead-through assembly may be connected with the stem pipe by any suitable mechanism. The body may simply be mounted (eg, stationary) on 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 a friction fit, snap fit, threaded connection, or bayonet connection. The body may be joined to the stem pipe by welding or adhesive. The body may be movably (eg, rotatably) coupled to the stem pipe. In some embodiments, the body is integrally formed with the stem pipe.

The piercing assembly may be configured to rotatably move about a central axis when depressed by the cartridge. The penetration system may include tracks and pins on the body of the stem pipe and assembly to guide the rotational movement. The track may be on the stem pipe and the pin on the body. Alternatively, the track may be on the body and the pin on the stem pipe. The track and pin cooperate to guide rotational movement of the body about the central axis as the object moves downward. The penetration 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 the user depresses the cartridge to penetrate the cartridge, the cartridge depresses the body and the body moves downward in a rotational motion. When the user releases the cartridge, the spring can 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 depresses the spring. In some embodiments, the rotatably movable body is associated with a penetrating element that includes curved penetrating edges along the length of the penetrating element.

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

The shisha device may further include a cap. The cap may be removably mountable on the shisha device. The cap may be removably mountable on the mouth of the vessel or adjacent the piercing assembly. For example, the cap may be sealed against the mouth of the vessel. In some embodiments, the cap may be sealed to the piercing assembly. The cap may be configured to receive a shisha cartridge within the receptacle. A user may use the cap to depress the cartridge and use the piercing assembly to pierce the cartridge. Alternatively, the user may press directly on the cartridge to pierce the cartridge and then put the cap in place.

A method of using the shisha device involves placing or inserting the cartridge onto the body of the penetration assembly or into the cap, orienting the bottom wall of the cartridge toward the penetration assembly, and placing the cap on the mouth of the vessel. Securing and pressing the cap against the piercing assembly to force the piercing assembly through the wall of the cartridge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge is placed directly on the body of the penetrating assembly. The cap may be placed over the piercing assembly and the cartridge such that the cartridge is received within 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. A user may push the cartridge or use the cap to push the cartridge down against the piercing element to pierce one or more walls of the cartridge.

One or more air inlets or outlets may be formed in the cartridge by penetrating one or more walls of the cartridge to establish an air flow path through the cartridge. Once the airflow path is formed, an aerosol generating device (eg, a shisha device) can be used to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

A cartridge may include any suitable body defining a cavity. An aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed within the cavity of the cartridge. The body is preferably formed from one or more refractory materials such as refractory metals or polymers. 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, a cylindrical shape, a frusto-conical shape, or any other suitable shape. The cartridge preferably has a generally cylindrical shape or a generally frusto-conical 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 adapted to provide efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge, to allow contact with the heating element of the shisha device, or to and from the heating element of the shisha device. It is preferably shaped and sized to minimize distance. Heat may be generated by any suitable mechanism (eg, by resistive heating or by induction). The cartridge may be provided with a susceptor to facilitate induction heating. For example, the cartridge body may be made of or include a material capable of functioning as a susceptor (eg, aluminum), or the susceptor material may be provided within the cavity of the cartridge. . The susceptor material may be provided within the cartridge cavity in any form (eg, powder, solid block, pieces, etc.).

Any suitable aerosol-forming substrate may be provided within the cavity defined by the body of the cartridge. Aerosol-forming substrates are preferably substrates capable of releasing volatile compounds. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol-forming compound. Volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Volatile compounds may be released by chemical reactions or by mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound. Aerosol-forming substrates may be solid or liquid, or may contain both solid and liquid components. Aerosol-forming substrates may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. A nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. Aerosol-forming substrates may include plant-derived materials. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises tobacco. The tobacco-containing material preferably comprises volatile tobacco flavor compounds that 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 non-tobacco-containing materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain 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 suitable for use in a shisha device. The shisha base may contain molasses.

Aerosol-forming substrates can include, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, puffed tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former. Suitable aerosol formers include compounds, or mixtures of compounds, that facilitate the formation of a dense, stable aerosol in use and that are substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperatures of the shisha device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol monoacetate, diacetate or triacetate). etc.), and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). Particularly preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, most preferably glycerin. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain any suitable amount of aerosol former. For example, the aerosol former content of the substrate may be 5% or more 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 55%.

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

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

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate includes one or more sensate enhancers. Suitable sensory enhancers include flavors and sensates (such as cooling agents). Suitable flavoring agents include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or combinations 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, an aerosol-forming substrate may include molasses. As used herein, "molasses" means an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing about 20% or more sugar. For example, molasses may comprise at least about 25% sugar by weight, such as at least about 35% sugar by weight. Typically, molasses contains less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

Any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate (eg, molasses or tobacco substrate) may be placed in the cavity. In some preferred embodiments, about 3g to about 25g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity. The cartridge may contain at least 6g, at least 7g, at least 8g, or at least 9g of aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may contain up to 15 g, up to 12 g, up to 11 g, or up to 10 g of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, about 7g to about 13g of aerosol-forming substrate is placed in the cavity.

Aerosol-forming substrates may be provided on or embedded within a thermally stable carrier. The term "thermally stable" is used herein to indicate materials that do not substantially degrade at temperatures to which substrates are typically heated (eg, from about 150° C. to about 300° C.). The carrier may comprise a thin layer of substrate deposited on the first major surface, or on the second major outer surface, or on both the first and second major surfaces. The carrier is formed of, for example, a paper or paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a low mass open mesh metal screen, or a perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymeric matrix. good too. Alternatively, the carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, pieces, spaghetti, strips, or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven fabric or fiber bundle into which the tobacco component is incorporated. The nonwoven fabric or bundle of fibers may comprise, for example, carbon fibres, natural cellulose fibres, or cellulose derivative fibres.

The body of the cartridge may include one or more walls. In some embodiments, the body includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls. The sidewall may be cylindrical or frusto-conical extending from the bottom to the top. The body may include one or more parts. For example, the side walls and bottom wall may be an integral single piece. The side and bottom walls may be two pieces configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side and bottom walls may be configured to engage one another by a threaded or interference fit. The side and bottom walls may be two pieces joined together. For example, the side walls and bottom wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall and side walls may be a single unitary piece. The side walls and top wall may be two pieces configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the side walls and top wall may be configured to engage one another through a threaded or interference fit. The side walls and top wall may be two pieces joined together. For example, the side walls and top wall may be joined together by welding or by an adhesive. The top wall, side walls and bottom wall may all be a single unitary piece. The top wall, side walls and bottom wall may be three separate pieces configured to engage each other in any suitable manner. For example, the top wall, side walls, and bottom wall may be configured to engage one another by a threaded fit, an interference fit, a weld, or an adhesive.

One or more walls of the body may form heatable walls or surfaces. As used herein, "heatable wall" and "heatable surface" mean an area of a wall or surface to which heat may be applied either directly or indirectly. A heatable wall or surface may act as a heat transfer surface through which heat can be transferred from the outside of the body to the cavity or the inner surface of the cavity.

The body of the cartridge preferably has a length (eg, axial length along the vertical central 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 inner diameter of about 1 cm or greater. The inner diameter of the body may be about 1.75 cm or greater. The cartridge may have a heatable surface area in the cavity of about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . In some embodiments, the body has a length ranging from about 3.5 cm to about 7 cm. The inner diameter of the body may be from about 1.5 cm to about 4 cm. The body may have a heatable surface area within the cavity of about 30 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , such as about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ , preferably from about 25 cm ³ to about 40 cm ³ . Preferably, the body is cylindrical or frustoconical.

The cartridge body may include one or more openings or vent holes through one or more walls of the body. Vent holes may be inlets, outlets, or both. The vent holes may be located in the bottom wall of the cartridge, the top wall, the sides, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cartridge does not include preformed openings or vents. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes preformed openings or vent holes in only one wall. For example, the cartridge may include openings or vent holes in the top wall only. In some embodiments, one or more inlets or one or more outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. to enable. In some embodiments, one or more inlets and outlets are formed in the cartridge wall by a piercing assembly to allow air to flow through the aerosol-forming substrate when the cartridge is used in a shisha device. In some embodiments, the top wall of the cartridge may be absent or define one or more openings to form one or more inlets of the cartridge. One or more openings may be formed in the bottom wall of the cartridge to form one or more outlets of the cartridge. One or more of the inlets and outlets are preferably sized and shaped to provide a suitable withdrawal resistance (RTD) through the cartridge. In some embodiments, the RTD through the cartridge from inlet(s) to outlet(s) may be from about 10 mm H ₂ O to about 50 mm H ₂ O; ₂ O to about 40 mm H ₂ O is preferred. The sample RTD refers to the static pressure difference between the two ends of the sample as it is traversed by airflow under steady conditions with a volumetric flow rate of 17.5 milliliters/second at the output end. The RTD of a specimen may be measured using the method described in ISO Standard 6565:2002.

The one or more openings on the body, when formed, may cover 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, 20% or more, or 25% or more of the area of the wall in which the openings reside. For example, if the opening is on the top wall, the opening may cover at least 5% of the area of the top wall. One or more openings on the body may cover no more than 75%, no more than 50%, no more than 40%, or no more than 30% of the area of the wall in which they reside.

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 one or more inlets and a second removable seal covering one or more outlets. The first and second seals are preferably sufficient to prevent air from flowing through the inlet and outlet to prevent leakage of the contents of the cartridge and 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. A label, sticker, or foil may be applied to the cartridge in any suitable manner, such as by gluing, crimping, welding, or otherwise bonded to the container. The seal may include 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 can be used with any suitable shisha device. The shisha device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge sufficiently to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but not to burn the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the shisha device heats the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature ranging 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. may be configured to heat to

The shisha device may include a receptacle for receiving the cartridge. A shisha device may include a heating element. The heating element may be configured to contact or be proximate to the body of the cartridge when the cartridge is received within 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 comprises 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 wires or other resistive elements. A resistive wire may be in contact with a thermally conductive material to distribute the heat generated over a larger area. Examples of suitable electrically 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. 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. Control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, a controller, or memory and controller. The controller may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, digital signal processor, gate array, microprocessor, or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuits. The control electronics may include memory containing instructions that cause one or more components of the circuit to perform functions or aspects of the control electronics. The functionality attributed to the control electronics in this disclosure may be embodied as one or more of software, firmware, hardware.

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

In some embodiments, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and control the delivery of power to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can adjust the temperature of the resistive element.

The shisha device may include a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple. A temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element. A temperature sensor may be positioned at any suitable location. For example, a temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into the cartridge when received within the receptacle to monitor the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate being heated. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor may be in contact with the heating element. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature sensor may be positioned to detect the temperature at the aerosol outlet of the shisha device or a portion thereof. The sensor may send a signal related to the sensed temperature to the control electronics. Control electronics may adjust the heating of the heating element in response to the signal to achieve the proper temperature at the sensor.

Control electronics may be operably coupled to the power supply. The shisha device may include any suitable power source. For example, the power source of the shisha device may be a battery or set of batteries. The battery of the power source may be rechargeable, or removable and replaceable, or rechargeable, removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used. For example, commercial heavy-duty type batteries or standard batteries (such as those used for industrial heavy-duty power tools). Alternatively, the power source may be any type of power including supercapacitors or hypercapacitors. Alternatively, the assembly may be connected to an external power supply and may be designed electrically and electronically for such purpose. Regardless of the type of power source employed, the power source must be charged at least once until the aerosol is depleted from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power supply. It is preferable to provide sufficient energy for normal functioning of the assembly during one shisha session. The power supply provides sufficient energy for the normal functioning of the assembly for at least about 70 minutes of continuous operation of the device before being recharged or requiring connection to an external power supply. preferably provided.

In one embodiment, a shisha device includes an aerosol-generating element including 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 an aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element may define at least a portion of the 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, the aerosol former constituents in the substrate vaporize. Air flowing through the cartridge from the air inlet channel becomes entrained in the aerosol generated from the aerosol former components in the cartridge.

Some electrically heated shisha devices employ preheated air and typically employ an airflow path whereby the air moves near the heat source as the smoke is drawn. Additionally, some electrically heated shisha devices employ elements that increase radiant heat transfer by increasing the surface area that is heated.

The air inlet channel may include one or more openings through the cartridge receptacle such that air from outside the shisha device may flow through the channel and through the one or more openings into the cartridge receptacle. . If the channel includes more than one opening, it may include a manifold for directing air flowing through the channel to each opening. The shisha device preferably includes two or more air inlet channels.

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

Air entering the cartridge may flow over, through, or over and through the aerosol-forming substrate, entrain the aerosol, and exit the cartridge and receptacle via the aerosol outlet. . From the aerosol outlet, the aerosol-carrying air enters the vessel of the shisha device via the stem pipe.

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

The vessel may be filled to a liquid fill level by the consumer. The liquid preferably comprises water, which may optionally be infused with one or more coloring agents, or flavoring agents, or coloring and flavoring agents. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of plant and herbal decoctions.

Air-entrained aerosol exiting the aerosol outlet of the receptacle may travel through a conduit positioned within the vessel. so that the aerosol flowing through the vessel passes through the opening of the conduit, then through the liquid, into the headspace of the vessel, and out through the headspace outlet for delivery to the consumer; The conduit may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol-generating element and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel.

The headspace outlet may be connected to a hose with a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to the consumer. The mouthpiece may include an activation element such as a user-activatable switch, or a smoke inhalation sensor arranged to detect the user's inhalation at the mouthpiece, or both the user-activatable switch and the smoke inhalation sensor. good. The activation element is operatively connected 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. As a result, the use of activation elements may serve to save energy compared to devices that do not employ such elements, providing heating on demand rather than constant heating.

For illustrative purposes, one method of 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, plant infusions, and herbal infusions may be added to the water for flavoring. The amount of liquid added should cover a portion of the conduit but not exceed a fill level mark that may optionally be present on the vessel. The vessel is then reassembled to the shisha device. The cartridge may be placed directly on the body of the penetrating assembly. The cap may be placed over the piercing assembly and the cartridge such that the cartridge is received within 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 push the cartridge or use the cap to push the cartridge down against the piercing element 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 the heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature above the vaporization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but below the combustion temperature. The aerosol-forming compound on the aerosol-forming substrate vaporizes to generate an aerosol. The user may smoke the mouthpiece as desired. The user may continue to use the device for a desired length of time or until no aerosol is visible or delivered. In some embodiments, the device may be arranged to automatically shut down when the cartridge, or a compartment of the cartridge, is depleted of available aerosol-forming substrates. In some embodiments, the consumer may refill the device with an unused cartridge, for example, after receiving a signal from the device that the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge has been depleted or nearly depleted. A shisha device can be turned off at any time by the consumer, for example by switching off the device.

A shisha device may have any suitable air management. In one example, the act of puffing from the user creates a suction effect to create a low pressure inside the device, which forces external air through the air inlet of the device and into the air inlet channels. and let it flow into the receptacle. Air can then flow through the cartridge in the receptacle and be entrained in the aerosol produced from the aerosol-forming substrate. Air with entrained aerosol then exits the aerosol outlet of the receptacle and flows through a conduit to the liquid inside the vessel. The aerosol then bubbles out of the liquid, enters the headspace above the level of the liquid in the vessel, exits the headspace outlet, and exits through a hose and mouthpiece for delivery to the consumer. pass through The external air flow and the aerosol flow inside the shisha device may be driven by the action of puffing from the user.

Reference is now made to the drawings that illustrate one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure. It should be appreciated, however, that other embodiments not shown in the drawings are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to elements in different figures is not intended to indicate that different numbered elements cannot be the same or similar to other numbered elements. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not for purposes of limitation. Schematic representations presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a shisha device. 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. FIG. 2C is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge after being pierced by a piercing assembly, according to one embodiment. 2D is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of a penetration assembly and a shisha device cap, according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a cartridge and penetration system, according to one embodiment. 5A-5C are schematic diagrams of parts of a feedthrough assembly, according to one embodiment. 6A-6C are schematic illustrations of penetrating elements for a penetrating assembly, according to one embodiment. 7A and 7B are perspective and top views, respectively, of a feedthrough assembly, according to one embodiment. 8A and 8B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a penetration system, according to one embodiment. 9A-9E are side, top, and bottom views of a penetrating element, according to one embodiment. FIG. 10A is a top view of a feedthrough assembly, according to one embodiment. 10B-10F are side, top, and bottom views of the penetrating element of FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment. 11A and 11B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a penetration system, according to one embodiment. Figure 12A is a top view of a lead-through assembly, according to one embodiment. 12B-12F are side, top, and bottom views of the penetrating element of FIG. 12A, according to one embodiment. 13A and 13B are various views of a spring-actuated penetration system, according to one embodiment. 14A and 14B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a penetration system, according to one embodiment. Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of the penetrating assembly of Figures 14A and 14B, according to one embodiment. Figure 15B is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the penetrating element of the penetrating assembly of Figures 14A and 14B, according to one embodiment. Figure 15C is a cross-sectional side view of a cartridge used in the penetrating assembly of Figures 14A and 14B, according to one embodiment. FIG. 16A is a roll-open view of a penetrating element of a penetrating assembly, according to one embodiment. Figure 16B is a perspective view of a penetrating assembly including the penetrating element of Figure 16A, according to one embodiment. 17A-17D are top and side views of a feedthrough assembly, according to one embodiment. 18A and 18B are top and perspective views, respectively, of a penetrating assembly with an absorbent element, according to one embodiment. 19A and 19B are schematic illustrations of a shisha device with a piercing assembly and a cap in use, according to one embodiment. Figure 20A is a cross-sectional side view of the cap and penetration system of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. FIG. 20B is an exploded view of the cap and penetration system of FIG. 20A. Figure 21 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view of the spring and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view of the support ring and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view of a grasping element and penetration system of the cap of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. 27A and 27B are schematic cross-sectional side and bottom views, respectively, of the outer shroud and penetration system of the cap of FIG. 19A, according to one embodiment. 28A-28D are side views of the track and pin in different positions during use of the cap and penetration system of FIG. 19A, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shisha device 100. As shown in FIG. Apparatus 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above the fill level of liquid 19 . Liquid 19 preferably comprises water, optionally infused with one or more coloring agents, or one or more flavoring agents, or one or more coloring agents and one or more flavoring agents. good. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of plant and herbal decoctions.

Device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130 . Aerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160 . Heating element 160 may form at least one surface of receptacle 140 . In the illustrated embodiment, heating element 160 defines the sides of receptacle 140 . Aerosol-generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into device 100 . In some embodiments, a portion of air inlet channel 170 is formed by heating element 160 to heat the air before it enters receptacle 140 . The preheated air then enters cartridge 200, which is also heated by heating element 160 and carries the aerosol generated by the aerosol-forming body and aerosol-forming substrate. Air exits the outlet of aerosol-generating element 130 and enters conduit 190 . Conduit 190 may be a stem pipe.

A conduit (eg, stem pipe) 190 conveys air and aerosol into vessel 17 below the level of liquid 19 . Air and aerosols may bubble through liquid 19 and exit headspace outlet 15 of vessel 17 . A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to deliver the aerosol to the user's mouth. Mouthpiece 25 may be attached to hose 20 or may form part thereof.

Exemplary airflow paths for the device in use are illustrated in FIG. 1 by heavy arrows.

Mouthpiece 25 may include activation element 27 . The activation element 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be an inhalation sensor or the like. Actuation element 27 may be positioned at any other suitable location on device 100 . Activation element 27 may communicate wirelessly with control electronics 30 to arm device 100 or cause control electronics to activate heating element 160, for example by causing power supply 35 to power heating element 160. .

Control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located at any suitable location on aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of element 130 as illustrated in FIG.

2A-2D, various embodiments of the body 210 of the cartridge 200 are shown. Body 210 may include sidewalls 212 , top wall 215 , and bottom wall 213 that define cavity 218 . Side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frusto-conical as shown. FIG. 2A shows body 210 with a portion of top 215 removed to show cavity 218 inside the body. Body 210 may define a central axis A that extends through body 210 . As shown in FIG. 2B, the top may include a flange 219 extending from side wall 212 . The flange 219 may rest on the shoulder of the shisha device receptacle so that the cartridge 200 can be easily removed from the receptacle after use by grasping the flange. Bottom wall 213 (or top wall 215, or both bottom 213 and top 215) has a plurality of openings 216 (217) to allow air to flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. can have According to embodiments of the present disclosure, openings 216 are formed as the cartridge 200 is pierced by the piercing system. A schematic bottom view of cartridge 200 is shown in FIG. 2C, in which pierced openings 216 are visible along the corners of bottom wall 213 and side wall 212 .

Openings 216, 217 in top 215 and bottom 213 may be aligned with each other. Cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include openings along sidewall 212 .

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

Penetration assembly 301 includes a body 310 having an upstream end 311 and a downstream end 312 . Body 310 includes a through opening 313 extending along central axis A from upstream end 311 to downstream end 312 . Opening 313 may be coaxial with the hollow tube of stem pipe 190 . Penetration assembly 301 includes a plurality of piercing elements 330 at its upstream end 311 . Penetrating element 330 is configured to penetrate (eg, create one or more holes) cartridge 200 .

Penetrating element 330 may have any suitable shape capable of penetrating cartridge 200 . Penetrating element 330 has an upstream end 331 and a downstream end 332 . The upstream end 331 is a penetrating end. In some embodiments, penetrating element 330 has a penetrating 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 terminating at a piercing point 334 .

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, penetrating element 330 has a curved or cupped shape when viewed from above (see top view in FIG. 6B). Penetrating element 330 may include a central portion 336 . A central portion 336 may define a pierce point 334 . Central portion 336 may also define at least a portion of penetrating edge 333 . The central portion 336 may be adjacent two lateral portions 337 . The side portions 337 may be bent or folded inward toward the central axis A. Penetrating element 330 may further include a base 338 . Base 338 may be used to attach penetrating element 330 to body 310 of penetrating assembly 301 . Penetrating element 330 may be formed of a flat piece of material as shown in FIG. 6C. Side portion 337 and base portion 338 may be bent or folded along dotted lines toward one side of central portion 336 to form a cup shape.

Penetration system 300 may be operated by placing cartridge 200 on penetration assembly 301 located at the mouth of the shisha device vessel. The cartridge may be pushed down toward piercing assembly 301 to cause piercing element 330 to pierce a wall (eg, bottom wall 213 or side wall 212) of cartridge 200. FIG. If cap 400 is used, cartridge 200 may be pushed down by pushing cap 400 . Cap 400 is described below with reference to Figures 19A, 19B, 20A, 20B, 21-26, 27A, 27B, and 28A-D.

Penetrating element 330 of penetrating assembly 301 may penetrate cartridge 200 to create one or more inlets or outlets within cartridge 200 . FIG. 3B shows a partial view of the top of the shisha device with the piercing assembly and cap, with the airflow through the cap and piercing cartridge 200 indicated by arrows.

An embodiment of a lead-through assembly 301 is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Penetrating assembly 301 includes a plurality of penetrating elements 330 . Although eight piercing elements 330 are shown, the number of piercing elements can vary. Further, the type of penetrating element may vary, and the penetrating assembly 301 may include more than one type of penetrating element 330 .

A piercing element 330 is positioned at the upstream end 311 of the body 310 . The piercing element 330 is 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 penetrating element 330 has a penetrating edge 333 , the penetrating edge 333 may be oriented toward the through opening 313 of the body 310 . Penetrating element 330 is positioned on body 310 such that it can contact cartridge 200 when cartridge 200 is moved axially toward body 310 .

In some embodiments, the penetrating element 330 is symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned such that the penetrating edge 333 is oriented toward the central axis A of the penetrating assembly body 310, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. .

An exemplary embodiment of penetrating element 330 is shown in FIGS. 9A-9E. Penetrating element 330 extends from upstream end 331 to downstream end 332 . Penetrating element 330 includes a penetrating edge 333, as seen in the front view of FIG. 9A and the side view of FIG. 9B. A piercing edge 333 may be present at the upstream end 331 of the piercing element 330 . Penetrating edge 333 may extend from upstream end 331 to downstream end 332 along the length of penetrating element 330 . The bottom portion of the back surface may taper toward the front surface, as seen in the side view of FIG. 9B. Penetrating element 330 may include a triangular shape in its cross-section, as seen in the top and bottom views of FIGS. 9D and 9E. In the illustrated embodiment, penetrating element 330 includes a substantially flat triangular top portion.

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

In some embodiments, penetrating element 330 is symmetrical along an edge of body 310 such that penetrating edge 333 is not oriented toward central axis A of penetrating assembly body 310, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. or asymmetrically placed.

An exemplary embodiment of an asymmetric penetrating element 330 is shown in Figures 12A-12F. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the piercing edge 333 is not oriented toward the interior of the body (through opening 313) and the piercing edge 333 is not oriented toward the central axis A. In other words, the angle bisector of the penetrating edge 333 in cross section does not extend through the central axis A.

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

A curved piercing edge 333 may be combined with a piercing assembly 301 that is configured to rotatably move about a central axis A when depressed by the cartridge 200 . The penetration system 300 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B may include tracks 194 on the stem pipe 190 and corresponding pins 314 on the body 310 of the assembly. Alternatively, the track may be on body 310 and the pin on stem pipe 190 . Track 194 and pin 314 cooperate to guide rotational movement of body 310 about central axis A as body 310 moves downward. Penetration system 300 may further include a compression spring 340 . Compression spring 340 may be configured to bias body 310 upward. Stem pipe 190 may include a flange 195 that supports the spring. Body 310 may include a ledge 335 that rests or depresses spring 340 .

In some embodiments, the penetrating element is integrally formed with the body 310 of the penetrating assembly. Further, in some embodiments, the penetrating element 330 may be recessed into the body 310 of the penetrating assembly, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In such embodiments, the penetrating element 330 may be disposed within the cavity of the body 310 and the penetrating end 351 of the penetrating element 330 does not extend beyond the upstream end 311 of the body 310 . Penetrating element 330 may be integral with body 310 such that inner wall 316 forms penetrating element 330 . Penetrating element 330 may include an extension 350 extending inwardly from inner wall 316 of body 310, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The piercing element 330 may include piercing edges, piercing points, or both.

Body 310 may further include a seal ring 315 configured to seal against the walls of cartridge 200 . A portion 316A of the inner wall 316 of the body 310 may be angled with respect to a vertical line parallel to the central axis A. Seal ring 315 may be positioned below or downstream from angled portion 316A. The angled portion 316A can have an angle α, as shown in FIG. 15B. Angle α may be the same as the angle of sidewall 212 of cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 15C. Sealing ring 315 may be made of a resilient material that can be compressed by cartridge 200 when the cartridge is pushed down into body 310 of penetrating assembly 301 . The cartridge 200 may be pushed down past the sealing ring 315 until the bottom and sidewalls of the cartridge engage the inwardly facing piercing elements 330 below the sealing ring 315 .

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

In some embodiments, the piercing element 330 is needle-like such that a piercing end 333 of the piercing element 330 includes a piercing point 334, as shown in Figures 17A-17D. Penetrating element 330, including piercing point 334, may be attached directly to body 310, or alternatively, may be attached to disk 354, as shown. Disk 354 may include a domed surface and an outer edge 356 to which penetrating element 330 is attached. Disk 354 may be mounted on upstream end 191 of stem pipe 190 by space bar 358 . Space bar 358 may provide a gap between disk 354 and upstream end 191 of stem pipe 190 to allow air flow.

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

A partial schematic view of a shisha device with cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIG. 19A. Cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 that houses a penetrating assembly 401 . Penetration assembly 401 may include an outer shroud 420 and a penetrating element 440 on the inner wall of outer shroud 420 . In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, penetrating element 440 may be disposed on inner end wall 421 . Penetration assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 disposed at least partially within the outer shroud. Penetrating element 440 may be oriented toward cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of shisha device 100 . As shown in FIG. 19B, an airflow path is established through cartridge 200 when cartridge 200 is pierced by piercing assembly 401 .

An example of cap 400 and lead-through assembly 401 is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. Detailed views of each of the elements of cap 400 and penetrating assembly 401 are shown in FIGS. Cap 400 and lead-through assembly 401 may define a longitudinal axis A. As shown in FIG. The longitudinal axis A can be the central axis. Longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of stem pipe 190 .

The cap outer frame 410 shown in FIG. 21 may include a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412 . Outer frame 410 may define cavity 419 for receiving lead-through assembly 401 . First end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inner wall. Protrusions 414 may be configured to push against outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 .

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

Outer frame 410 may optionally include threaded holes 462 configured to secure support plate 460 ( FIG. 25 ) to the bottom of outer frame 410 . Alternatively, support plate 460 may be secured by other means, such as by adhesive. Support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate having a central hole 461 extending therethrough. Support plate 460 may be sized to retain lead-through assembly 401 within cavity 419 of outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 20A.

The outer shroud 420 shown in FIGS. 22, 27A and 27B is constructed to fit at least partially within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410 . Outer shroud 420 may include a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between first end wall 421 and open second end 422 . Outer shroud 420 may define cavity 429 for housing penetrating element 440 and inner shroud 430 . Outer shroud 420 includes penetrating elements 440 . Penetrating element 440 extends axially downward into the cavity of outer shroud 420 . Penetrating element 440 is centered with respect to longitudinal axis A of outer shroud 420 . Penetrating element 440 may be integral with outer shroud 420 or may be mounted within first end wall 421 of outer shroud 420 . Penetrating element 440 may include one or more penetrating edges or points 441 . A piercing edge or piercing point 441 is configured to pierce a wall (eg, top wall) of cartridge 200 . Penetrating element 440 may have a width W440. Width W 440 may be configured to allow penetrating element 440 to fit through opening 437 on inner shroud 430 . Outer shroud 420 may include bottom flange 427 . A 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 fit at least partially within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420 . Inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall that includes first portion 433 and second portion 434 . First portion 433 can be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter and second portion 434 can be a cylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. First portion 433 and second portion 434 may be separated by shoulder 435 . Shoulder 435 may be constructed to support compression spring 470 . A compression spring 470 may fit around the first portion 433 . The ends of compression spring 470 may be supported on shoulder 435 such that the spring may be compressed against shoulder 435 . An outer wall of inner shroud 430 may extend between first end wall 431 and open second end 432 . Inner shroud 440 may define cavity 439 for receiving cartridge 200 . Inner shroud 430 may have opening 437 in first end wall 431 . Opening 437 may be configured to receive penetrating element 440 . Opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 to facilitate airflow through inner shroud 430 while penetrating element 440 is received within opening 437 .

Outer shroud 420 and inner shroud 430 may include a track and pin system for guiding movement of outer shroud 420 . Outer shroud 420 may include one or more pins 425 extending radially inward from cylindrical outer wall 423 thereof. Inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to one or more pins 425 . An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 28A-28D. Initially, cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 are in first position P1. The first position P1 can be considered a rest position. The guide track can include a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may include a second position P2, which may be a piercing position for the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. A third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin axially and radially. A force may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, the cap 410 may be pushed down (eg, by a user) to move the pin from the first position P1 to the second position P2. (See arrow in FIG. 28A), a penetrating element 440 engages and penetrates cartridge 200 . When the force is removed, e.g., pressure is released (e.g., released by a user) from cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420, compression spring 470 returns cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 to third position P3. . Initial depression of the cap to penetrate the cartridge and movement of the cap during release of the cap to return the cap to the third (use) position are defined by the first position of the track. At the third position P3, the airflow path opens through an opening formed in the cartridge 200 and opens between the outside of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove cap 400, the user presses cap outer frame 410 again to move cap outer frame 410 and outer shroud 420 to fourth position P4, from which compression spring 470 causes cap outer frame 410 and Return the outer shroud 420 to the initial first position P1. Movement of the cap during a second instance of depressing and releasing the cap is defined by a second portion of the track.

Thus, a penetration system for a shisha device is described. Various modifications and variations of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Although the invention has been described in connection 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 obvious to those skilled in the mechanical, chemical and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are within the scope of the following claims. It is intended to fit.

Claims (14)

A penetration system for a shisha device, the penetration system comprising:
a stem pipe comprising a hollow tube extending along a longitudinal axis from an upstream end to a downstream end;
a lead-through assembly at the upstream end of the stem pipe, the lead-through assembly comprising:
a body including a through opening coaxial with said hollow tube, said body including an upstream body end; and
a piercing assembly including a plurality of piercing elements at the upstream body end;
Each of the plurality of piercing elements has a piercing end extending from the body, one or more of the piercing ends extending at least a first distance from the upstream body end, one or more of the piercing ends comprising: A penetrating system extending a second distance, wherein the first distance is different than the second distance. one or more of said plurality of penetrating elements are oriented radially inwardly toward said longitudinal axis and optionally have penetrating edges extending longitudinally parallel to said longitudinal axis; 2. The penetration system of claim 1, comprising: 3. The penetration system of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said piercing ends extends a different distance from said upstream body end than each of the other piercing ends. The penetrating system of any of claims 1-3, wherein one or more of the plurality of penetrating elements includes a triangular cross-section transverse to the longitudinal axis. 5. The penetrating system of any of claims 1-4, wherein one or more of the plurality of penetrating elements includes a curved shaped cross section transverse to the longitudinal axis. The penetrating system of any of claims 1-5, wherein the plurality of penetrating elements are retractable. The penetration system of any preceding claim, wherein the penetration assembly is removably attachable to the stem pipe. The penetration system of any of claims 1-7, wherein the penetration assembly is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The body comprises a sealing ring configured to sealingly mate with the cartridge, and optionally the plurality of penetrating elements are recessed into the through opening of the body proximally of the sealing ring. Penetration system according to any of claims 1 to 8, which is concave. The penetration system of any of claims 1-9, further comprising an absorbent element housed within the body. An aerosol generator,
a vessel including an interior volume configured to contain a liquid, said vessel including a mouth in fluid communication with said interior volume;
a penetration system according to any of claims 1-10 mounted in the mouth, wherein the downstream end of the stem pipe extends into the interior volume. Generator. 12. The aerosol generating device of claim 11, further comprising a cap removably mountable on the mouth of the vessel, the cap configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The piercing assembly of the piercing system is configured to pierce a first wall of the cartridge, and the cap includes a cap piercing element configured to pierce a second wall of the cartridge. 13. The aerosol generating device of claim 12, comprising: 14. A method of using an aerosol generator according to claim 12 or 13, said method comprising
inserting a cartridge into the cap of the aerosol generating device or into the body of the piercing assembly;
placing the cap on the mouth of the vessel such that the cartridge is received within the receptacle of the cap and oriented toward the upstream end of the through-stem pipe;
pressing the cap against the piercing assembly to cause the piercing assembly to penetrate a wall of the cartridge.

Images