KR20220121857A - Aerosol-generating devices that adapt to their surroundings - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device. The cartridge includes a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet and an upstream end comprising an air inlet. The cartridge further comprises a liquid reservoir arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. The liquid reservoir contains a liquid sensory medium. The cartridge further includes a diffuser. A diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet. The invention further relates to a kit comprising at least two cartridges and an aerosol-generating device.

Description

Aerosol-generating devices that adapt to their surroundings

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device.

Aerosol-generating devices are known. One type of aerosol-generating device is an electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes typically use a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is vaporized to form an aerosol. A “non-combustible heating” (HNB) device can heat one or more solid aerosol-forming substrates to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the solid aerosol-forming substrate. Also known are hybrid aerosol-generating devices having both a liquid aerosol-forming function and a HNB function. All three of these devices, liquid aerosol-forming devices or e-cigarettes, HNB devices and hybrid devices are all aerosol-generating devices.

In an aerosol-generating device, ambient air is drawn into the device to generate an inhalable aerosol. Ambient conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, can affect the aerosol generated due to differences in the ambient air drawn into the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device with consistent aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have an aerosol-generating device in which the effects of the conditions of the ambient air drawn into the aerosol-generating device are minimized or eliminated.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating device is provided. The cartridge may include a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet and an upstream end comprising an air inlet. The cartridge may further comprise a liquid reservoir arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end. The liquid reservoir may comprise a liquid sensory medium. The cartridge may further include a diffuser. A diffuser may be arranged downstream of the air inlet.

The diffuser can create bubbles when air enters the cartridge through the air inlet. When air bubbles pass through the liquid reservoir of the cartridge, the liquid sensory medium may become entrained in the air bubbles. The amount of liquid sensory medium entrained in the air flowing through the cartridge can be increased by providing a diffuser.

The diffuser may be attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may be fluidly attached to the air inlet. The diffuser may be in fluid communication with the air inlet. By attaching the diffuser in this way, the air drawn into the cartridge can be completely drawn through the diffuser.

The diffuser may be arranged adjacent the air inlet. Air drawn into the cartridge will flow through the diffuser according to this configuration of the diffuser.

The diffuser may be disk-shaped. The diffuser may be pad-shaped. A diffuser of this shape allows air to be distributed laterally through the diffuser. The lateral distribution of air can result in a large number of small air bubbles being created and drawn through the liquid reservoir of the cartridge. The term 'lateral' refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The diffuser may include a plurality of fibers. The diffuser may include a plurality of gaps. A gap may be arranged between the fibers. The diffuser may include a mesh. The fibers may constitute a mesh. A gap may be arranged between the fibers constituting the mesh. A diffuser of this shape can result in the formation of bubbles when air flows through the diffuser into the liquid reservoir.

The diffuser may be arranged within the liquid reservoir. The air inlet of the cartridge may be arranged in an external configuration of the liquid reservoir.

A fluid path may be established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid reservoir and the fluid outlet.

The air inlet may be configured to draw ambient air into the cartridge. The term 'ambient air' refers to the air surrounding the cartridge. When a cartridge is housed in an aerosol-generating device, 'ambient air' refers to the cartridge as well as the air surrounding the aerosol-generating device, as described in more detail below. Ambient air may be drawn into the cartridge by aspiration by a user on an aerosol-generating device, such as an aerosol-generating article contained within a cavity of the aerosol-generating device or a mouthpiece of an aerosol-generating device. As a result of the user inhaling the aerosol-generating device, a negative pressure may be created within the aerosol-generating device. This negative pressure can lead to a negative pressure applied to the air outlet of the cartridge. As a result, air can be drawn through the cartridge. The air drawn through the cartridge may be ambient air entering the cartridge through an air inlet.

The fluid outlet may be configured to allow fluid to be drawn out of the cartridge. Primarily, ambient air drawn through the cartridge and enriched with the liquid sensory medium will be drawn from the fluid outlet.

The fluid outlet may include a one-way valve. As a result, fluid can be prevented from entering the cartridge through the fluid outlet. The one-way valve may be configured to open in response to a pressure drop in the top airflow channel, as described in more detail below. The one-way valve may prevent contamination of the liquid reservoir by preventing any residue from entering the liquid reservoir through the fluid outlet.

A one-way valve of the fluid outlet may protrude from a downstream end of the cartridge.

The one-way valve at the fluid outlet may be made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

The air inlet may include a one-way valve. As a result, fluid may be prevented from exiting the cartridge through the fluid inlet. The one-way valve may open in response to a pressure drop in the liquid reservoir. The one-way valve may prevent leakage of liquid from the air inlet at the distal end of the cartridge.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may protrude from the upstream end.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may be made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

The one-way valve at the fluid outlet may have a smaller diameter than the one-way valve at the air inlet. As a result, multiple cartridges can be stacked on top of each other. More specifically, the relatively large one-way valve of the air inlet of the cartridge may be disposed on top of the relatively small one-way valve of the air outlet of the cartridge. In this way, at least two cartridges, preferably more than two cartridges, can be stacked on top of each other. Securing the cartridges on top of each other allows ambient air to be subsequently drawn through both of these cartridges. Such an implementation may be beneficial when multiple cartridges are used by a user at the same time. Potentially, this could increase the liquid sensory medium entrained by ambient air drawn through the cartridge. As a further option, different liquid sensory media may be provided in different cartridges. Combinations of different liquid sensory media may be entrained in the ambient air drawn through these cartridges.

The one-way valve of the fluid outlet may have a diameter of 0.75 mm to 7 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, most preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm. The diameter of the one-way valve at the fluid outlet refers to the outer diameter.

The one-way valve of the air inlet may have a diameter between 8 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 15 mm. The diameter of the one-way valve of the air inlet refers to the outer diameter.

Preferably, the diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid outlet corresponds to the inner diameter of the one-way valve of the fluid inlet. In this way, multiple cartridges can be stacked on top of each other by pushing the fluid outlet of one cartridge into the air inlet of the other cartridge. Between the fluid outlet of one cartridge and the air inlet of the other cartridge, a connection may be established. The connection may be a friction fit. Alternatively, the connection may be established by any known connection means.

The cartridge may have a height of between 7 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 25 mm, most preferably between 11 mm and 21 mm.

The cartridge may include a housing.

The housing may have a thickness of 0.25 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, most preferably 0.35 mm to 0.75 mm.

The housing may have a double wall. Even if the outer wall of the housing is damaged, the double wall can prevent leakage of the liquid sensing medium from the liquid reservoir.

The housing may comprise transparent plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass. The housing may be at least partially opaque or transparent. The housing may be completely opaque or transparent. Preferably, the housing is transparent so that the user can see the liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir may be transparent. Thus, the user can see what kind of liquid sensory medium is contained in the liquid reservoir. In addition, the user can see the filling state of the liquid reservoir.

The opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge may be UV resistant. The opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge may include a UV resistant polymer. The opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge may include a UV resistant coating. UV resistance can increase the shelf life of the liquid sensory medium in the liquid reservoir.

The air inlet may be arranged in the housing. The air inlet may connect the external environment with the interior of the liquid reservoir. The fluid outlet may be arranged in the housing. The fluid outlet may connect the interior of the liquid reservoir with an external environment.

The cartridge may be cylindrical. The cartridge may have a circular cross-section. Alternatively, the cartridge may be prismatic. The cartridge may have a rectangular or rectangular cross-section.

The downstream end may comprise electrical connection means. The upstream end may comprise electrical connection means. Between the downstream end electrical connection means and the upstream end electrical connection means, an electrical connection may be provided. When the cartridge is housed in an aerosol-generating device, current may flow through the cartridge by means of an electrical connection means and an electrical connection, as described in more detail below.

The liquid sensory medium may include a flavoring agent. The liquid sensory medium may include nicotine. The liquid sensory medium may include water. When the cartridge is housed in an aerosol-generating device, the air drawn through the cartridge will be used for aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating device. The generated aerosol may be deformed by the liquid sensory medium of the cartridge. Illustratively, the flavor of the generated aerosol may be modified by the flavoring agent of the liquid sensory medium. Similarly, the nicotine content of the generated aerosol can be modified. Water in the liquid sensory medium can increase the humidity of the air used for aerosol generation. Water is a particularly preferred embodiment, since aerosol generation can be made more consistent by providing water in the cartridge. Preferably, the liquid sensory medium may consist of water. In particular, when aerosol generation is to be consistent in different environments, such as dry and wet conditions, providing a cartridge containing water provides a consistent humidity of the air drawn through the cartridge and subsequently used for aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating device. can cause More consistent aerosol generation may be a result of this embodiment.

The present invention also relates to a kit comprising at least two cartridges, as described herein.

A kit may include two or more series connected cartridges. The series connection of cartridges can be realized by connecting each downstream end of a cartridge with each upstream end of another cartridge. In particular, as described herein, the one-way valve of the cartridge may protrude from each end of the cartridge. These protruding one-way valves can be connected to each other. The one-way valve of the fluid outlet of one cartridge may be in fluid communication with the one-way valve of the air inlet of the other cartridge.

A kit may contain two or more parallel connected cartridges. In this embodiment, the cartridges may be arranged adjacent to each other. The cartridges may be arranged laterally adjacent to each other. When these cartridges are used in an aerosol-generating device, the ambient air can be drawn parallelly through the cartridge at the same time.

The liquid-sensing medium of one cartridge may be different from the liquid-sensing medium of another cartridge. This embodiment is particularly preferred because the use of cartridges with different liquid sensory media gives the user the opportunity to modify the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device in a desired manner. For example, a desired flavor can be combined with a desired nicotine content.

The liquid sensory medium in one cartridge may include one of nicotine, flavor and water, and the liquid sensory medium in the other cartridge may include a different one of nicotine, flavor and water.

As an alternative embodiment, instead of providing a kit comprising at least two separate cartridges, a single cartridge may have at least two liquid reservoirs.

The liquid reservoir of the cartridge may include two or more separate liquid storage compartments. Each liquid storage compartment may contain a liquid comprising a liquid sensory medium. The individual liquid storage compartments may contain the same liquid. Alternatively, the at least one liquid storage compartment may comprise a different liquid composition from the liquid composition of the other liquid storage compartment. The at least one liquid storage compartment may contain a liquid sensory medium that is different from the liquid sensory medium of the other liquid storage compartment.

Each liquid storage compartment may have a separate compartment air inlet and a separate compartment liquid outlet. The cartridge may include means for individually opening and individually closing the compartment air inlet and/or compartment liquid outlet.

The liquid reservoir may comprise two or more series connected liquid storage compartments. The liquid reservoir may include two or more series connected liquid storage compartments such that when the cartridge is attached to both the top and the main part, the liquid reservoir is continuous along the main airflow channel and the top airflow channel from the primary air inlet through the liquid reservoir of the cartridge to the cavity. A direct fluid connection is provided, wherein the fluid connection is subsequently provided through two or more series connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid reservoir of the cartridge.

The liquid reservoir may comprise two or more parallel connected liquid storage compartments. The liquid reservoir may include two or more parallel connected liquid storage compartments such that when the cartridge is attached to both the top and main portions, the main air inlet to the cavity through one of the parallel connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid reservoir of the cartridge. A continuous fluid connection is provided along the airflow channel and the top airflow channel. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir may comprise two or more parallel connected liquid storage compartments such that at least two of the parallel connected liquid storage compartments of the liquid reservoir of the cartridge from the main air inlet when the cartridge is attached to both the top and main parts. A continuous fluid connection is provided along the main airflow channel and the top airflow channel through the dog to the cavity.

The liquid reservoir may be configured to allow a user to select between two or more parallel connected liquid storage compartments to provide a fluid connection and participate in aerosol generation. Thus, the user can select among different liquid sensory media stored in different parallel-connected liquid storage compartments. Cartridges may be provided, which may be used in different configurations for generating different types of aerosols.

Alternatively or additionally, an aerosol that is deformed by the superposition of different liquid sensory media from different liquid storage compartments may be generated. For example, different liquid sensory media with different flavoring agents may be used in different liquid storage compartments. Thus, a user can create a specific flavor combining different flavoring agents by selecting a specific combination of liquid storage compartments to participate in aerosol generation.

The liquid tenon of the cartridge may include both parallel and series connected liquid storage compartments.

A variety of different types and configurations of cartridges can be selected by means of parallel-connected liquid storage compartments and, alternatively or additionally, with series-connected liquid storage compartments.

Different types and configurations of cartridges can transform the user experience. Different types and configurations of cartridges may transform the user experience by the user. With different types and configurations of cartridges, the user experience can be modified very easily. Different types and configurations of cartridges can modify the flavor of the generated aerosol. By different types and configurations of cartridges, it is possible to modify the nicotine content of the generated aerosol.

As used herein, the term 'liquid sensory medium' relates to a liquid composition capable of modifying the airflow in contact with the liquid sensory medium. The modification of the airflow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the airflow, and filtering the airflow. For example, a liquid sensory medium may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid sensory medium is or comprises a flavoring agent. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid sensory medium may include a cooling material for cooling the airflow passing through the liquid sensory medium, and/or a filter material for trapping unwanted components in the airflow. Water can be used as a cooling material. As a filtration material for trapping particles such as dust particles from the air stream, water may be used. Water can increase the humidity of the air stream. The liquid sensory medium may serve as one or more of nicotine to provide a liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a volume enhancer.

Each individual liquid reservoir compartment preferably comprises a diffuser as described herein.

The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may include a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably receive a cartridge as described herein or a kit as described herein.

The aerosol-generating device may include a receiving area for receiving the cartridge. The receiving area is preferably arranged upstream of the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may include a mouthpiece. To inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device, the user can inhale on the end of the mouth. Alternatively, the user may directly inhale the aerosol-generating article inserted into the cavity.

The aerosol-generating device may include an airflow channel. The airflow channel may start at an air inlet of the aerosol-generating device. Downstream of the air inlet, an airflow channel may be directed into the receiving area. When the cartridge is received in the receiving region, the airflow channel may be in fluid communication with an air inlet of the aerosol-generating device with an air inlet of a cartridge received in the receiving region. Air may then be drawn through the cartridge as described herein. The airflow channel may continue downstream of the fluid outlet of the cartridge towards the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. In the cavity, air enriched with the liquid sensory medium of the cartridge may flow through the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element for heating the air and the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. Consequently, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article may be heated with air flowing from the airflow channel into the cavity. The aerosol may be generated as a result and then inhaled by the user.

The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge attached to the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article contained within a cavity. Thus, an inhalable aerosol may contain a mixture of substances derived from both the liquid sensory medium contained in the liquid reservoir of the cartridge and the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may be used with a cartridge attached to the aerosol-generating device but without the aerosol-generating article contained within the cavity. Thus, an inhalable aerosol may contain only substances derived from the liquid sensory medium contained in the liquid reservoir of the cartridge.

The aerosol-generating device may be used without a cartridge attached to the aerosol-generating device but with an aerosol-generating article contained within a cavity. Thus, an inhalable aerosol may contain only substances derived from the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to removably attach the cartridge. Accordingly, the cartridge can be easily replaced by the user. The user can replace the empty cartridge. The user can choose between different cartridges holding different liquids. The different cartridges may be color coded with different colors so that the user can easily distinguish between the different liquids.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of an air aperture arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along a central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter that corresponds to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

The cavity may be configured to allow air to flow through the cavity. A top airflow channel may extend into the cavity. The liquid reservoir of the cartridge may be in fluid communication with the cavity through an upper airflow channel. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user. The open end of the cavity may include an air outlet. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or the user may inhale directly on the aerosol-generating article. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

The cavity may be arranged within an upper end of the aerosol-generating device. Additionally, the aerosol-generating device may comprise a main part. A receiving area for accommodating the cartridge may be arranged between the upper end and the main portion. The cartridge can be sandwiched between the main part and the upper part.

The upper end may include a heating element, and the main portion may include a power supply for supplying power to the heating element. The power supply may include a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-hydrogen alloy battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of electrical charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more usage experiences; For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate the aerosol for a period of about six minutes, or a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide for individual activation of a predetermined number of puffs or heating elements.

The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage ranging from 2.5 V to 4.5 V, and a DC supply current ranging from 1 A to 10 A (corresponding to a DC supply ranging from 2.5 W to 45 W). is). The aerosol-generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into an alternating current. The DC/AC converter may include a Class-D, Class-C or Class-E power amplifier. The power supply may be configured to provide alternating current.

The power supply may be adapted to power the induction coil and may be configured to operate at a high frequency. Class-E power amplifiers are desirable for operation at high frequencies. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kHz to 30 MHz. The high frequency oscillation current may have a frequency of 1 MHz to 30 MHz, preferably 1 MHz to 10 MHz, and more preferably 5 MHz to 8 MHz.

In other implementations, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kHz range, for example from 100 kHz to 400 KHz. In embodiments where class-D or class-C power amplifiers are used, switching frequencies in the low kHz range are particularly advantageous. The switching transistor will have a ramp up and ramp down time, a down time and an on time. Thus, in a class-D power amplifier, if a set of two or four (operating in pairs) switching transistors is used, the switching frequency in the lower kHz range is reduced so that the second transistor ramps up to avoid breaking the power amplifier. We will consider the required down time of one transistor before it becomes available.

The heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (eg, molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials consisting of ceramic materials metal materials. not limited Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- , gold- and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. For the composite material, the electrically resistive material may be selectively embedded in the insulating material, encapsulated or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa depending on the energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties required.

The heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where “internal” and “external” refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different conductivity, or an electrically resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods passing through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include heating wires or filaments such as nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr), platinum, tungsten or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or over the rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In this exemplary arrangement, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then interposed in another insulating material, such as glass. A heater formed in this way can be used to both heat the heating element and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate such as polyimide. The flexible heating foil may be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), a ceramic heater, a flexible carbon fiber heater, or on a substrate of a suitable shape. It may be formed using a coating technique such as plasma vapor deposition. The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In this exemplary arrangement, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this way can be used both for heating the external heating element and for monitoring the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink, or heat reservoir, comprising a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and subsequently releasing heat over a period of time relative to the aerosol-forming substrate. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material) or is a material that can absorb and subsequently release heat through a reversible process such as a high temperature phase change. Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mats, glass fibers, minerals, metals or alloys such as aluminum, silver or lead, and cellulosic materials such as paper. Other suitable materials that dissipate heat through a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, mixtures or alloys of eutectic salts. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be arranged to directly contact the aerosol-forming substrate and transfer the stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, heat stored in a heat sink or thermal reservoir may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by a thermal conductor such as a metal tube.

The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by heat conduction. The heating element may be at least partially in contact with the substrate or carrier on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, heat from either the internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by the thermally conductive element.

During operation, the aerosol-forming substrate may be completely contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user may puff on the mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a smoking article containing the aerosol-forming substrate during operation may be partially contained within the aerosol-generating device. In this case, the user may puff the smoking article directly.

The heating element of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a resistive heating element. The heating element at the top may include a resistive heating element. The heating element of the aerosol-generating device may comprise an induction heating element. The heating element at the top may include an induction heating element.

The induction heating element may be configured to generate heat by induction. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a susceptor arrangement. A single induction coil may be provided. A single susceptor arrangement may be provided. Preferably, more than a single induction coil is provided. A first induction coil and a second induction coil may be provided. Preferably, more than a single susceptor arrangement is provided. The induction heating element may include a central susceptor arrangement and a peripheral susceptor arrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may be a tubular susceptor. The induction heating element may include a peripheral induction coil and a tubular susceptor. The tubular susceptor may surround at least a portion of the top airflow channel.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be an additional tubular susceptor. A further tubular susceptor may surround at least a portion of the cavity.

The induction heating element may include a peripheral induction coil, a tubular susceptor, and a further tubular susceptor. The induction coil, the tubular susceptor, and the additional tubular susceptor may be coaxially aligned.

The central susceptor arrangement may include a central susceptor. The central susceptor arrangement may include at least two central susceptors. A central susceptor arrangement may include more than two central susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may include four central susceptors. The central susceptor arrangement may consist of four central susceptors. At least one, preferably all, of the central susceptor(s) may be elongate.

The central susceptor may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. Where multiple central susceptors are provided, each central susceptor may be arranged equidistantly parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.

The downstream distal end of the central susceptor arrangement may be rounded and preferably curved inward towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. The downstream distal end of the central susceptor may be rounded and preferably curved inward towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. Where multiple central susceptors are provided, preferably the downstream distal end of each central susceptor may be rounded and preferably curved inwardly towards the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. The rounded distal end may facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article over the central susceptor arrangement. Alternatively to the rounded distal end, the distal end may be tapered or chamfered towards the longitudinal central axis of the cavity.

The central susceptor arrangement may be about a central longitudinal central axis of the cavity. Where multiple central susceptors are provided, the central susceptors may be arranged in a ring-shaped orientation about the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. When the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity, the aerosol-generating article may be centered within the cavity by the arrangement of the central susceptor arrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may be hollow. The central susceptor arrangement may include at least two central susceptors defining a hollow cavity between the central susceptors. The hollow configuration of the central susceptor arrangement may enable airflow into the hollow central susceptor arrangement. The top airflow channel may extend through the hollow central susceptor arrangement. The wick may be provided in a hollow central susceptor arrangement. As described herein, preferably the central susceptor arrangement comprises at least two central susceptors. Preferably, a gap may be provided between at least two central susceptors. Consequently, airflow can be activated through the central susceptor arrangement. The airflow may be activated in a direction parallel to or along the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. Preferably, by means of the gap, the airflow can be activated laterally. The lateral airflow may enable aerosol generation due to contact between the incoming air through the gap between the central susceptor and the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. Heating of the central susceptor arrangement may result in heating of a wick provided within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. Heating of the wick may result in aerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, heating of the central susceptor arrangement may result in aerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor arrangement when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. The central susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol may be drawn in a downstream direction through the hollow central susceptor arrangement.

The central susceptor arrangement may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The central susceptor arrangement may include at least two central susceptors defining a hollow cavity having a ring-shaped cross-section. The central susceptor arrangement may be tubular. Where the central susceptor arrangement includes at least two central susceptors, the central susceptor may be arranged to form a tubular central susceptor arrangement. Preferably, the airflow is activated through the central susceptor arrangement through the gap between the central susceptors.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may comprise an elongate, preferably blade-shaped susceptor, or a cylindrical susceptor. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may include a blade-shaped susceptor. A blade-shaped susceptor may be arranged surrounding the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptor may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. A blade-shaped susceptor may be arranged inside the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptor may be arranged to retain the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity. The blade-shaped susceptor may have a flared downstream end to facilitate insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the blade-shaped susceptor. Air may flow into the cavity between the blade-shaped susceptors. A gap may be provided between the individual blade-shaped susceptors. Subsequently, air may contact or enter the aerosol-generating article. A uniform penetration of the aerosol-generating article into the air can be achieved in this way, thereby optimizing the aerosol generation. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be configured to heat the exterior of the aerosol-generating article.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may include at least two peripheral susceptors. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may include multiple peripheral susceptors. At least one, preferably all, of the peripheral susceptors may be elongated. At least one, preferably all, of the peripheral susceptors may be blade-shaped.

The downstream end of the peripheral susceptor arrangement may be flared. At least one, preferably all, of the peripheral susceptors may have a flared downstream distal end.

The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be arranged about a central longitudinal axis of the cavity. A peripheral susceptor array may be arranged around a central susceptor array. Where the peripheral susceptor arrangement includes a plurality of peripheral susceptors, each peripheral susceptor may be arranged equidistantly parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity.

The peripheral susceptor array may define an annular hollow cylindrical shaped cavity between the peripheral susceptor array and the central susceptor array. The annular hollow cylindrical shaped cavity may be a cavity for insertion of an aerosol-generating article. The central susceptor arrangement may be arranged in a cavity of an annular hollow cylindrical shape. The annular hollow cylindrical shaped cavity may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article.

The peripheral susceptor may have a ring-shaped cross-section. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may include at least two peripheral susceptors defining a hollow cavity having a ring-shaped cross-section. The peripheral susceptor arrangement may be tubular.

The peripheral susceptor array may have an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the central susceptor array. Between the peripheral susceptor arrangement and the central susceptor arrangement, an annular hollow cylindrical cavity may be arranged.

The central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptor arrangement may be arranged coaxially.

The induction coil may surround both the central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptor arrangement. A first induction coil may surround a first region of the central and peripheral susceptor arrangement. A second induction coil may surround a second region of the central and peripheral susceptor arrangement. The area surrounded by the induction coil may be configured as a heating zone as described in more detail below.

The aerosol-generating device may include a flux concentrator. The flux concentrator can be made of a material with high magnetic permeability. The flux concentrator may be arranged surrounding the induction heating element. The flux concentrator can increase the heating effect of the susceptor array by the induction coil by concentrating the magnetic field line inside the flux concentrator and prevent the alternating magnetic field from the inductor from interfering with other devices in the surrounding environment.

The aerosol-generating device may include a controller. The controller may be electrically coupled to the induction coil. The controller may be electrically coupled to the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the current supplied to the induction coil(s) and thus the magnetic field strength generated by the induction coil(s).

The power supply and controller may be connected to an induction coil, preferably the first and second induction coils, and in use may be configured to provide alternating current to each of the induction coils independently of each other such that the induction coils each generate an alternating magnetic field. have. This means that the power supply and the controller can simultaneously provide alternating current to the first inductor coil itself, the second inductor coil itself, or both inductor coils. In this way different heating profiles can be achieved. The heating profile may refer to the temperature of each induction coil. In order to heat up to a high temperature, alternating current can be supplied to both induction coils at the same time. An alternating current may be supplied only to the first induction coil for heating to a lower temperature or for heating only a portion of the aerosol-generating article or the aerosol-forming substrate of the wick liquid. Subsequently, alternating current can only be supplied to the second induction coil.

The controller may be coupled to the induction coil and the power supply. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power from the power supply to the induction coil. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, microcontroller, or application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may include additional electronic components. The controller may be configured to regulate the supply of current to the induction coil(s). Current may be supplied to the induction coil(s) continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as with each puff.

The power supply unit and the controller may be configured to independently vary the amplitude of the alternating current supplied to each of the first induction coil and the second induction coil. With this arrangement, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the first and second induction coils can be independently varied by varying the amplitude of the current supplied to each coil. This can conveniently promote a variable heating effect. For example, the amplitude of the current provided to one or both of the coils may be increased during start-up to reduce the initiation time of the aerosol-generating device.

The controller may be configured to chop the current supply at the input side of the DC/AC converter. In this way, the power supplied to the induction coil(s) can be controlled by conventional duty cycle management methods.

The first induction coil of the aerosol-generating device may form part of a first circuit. The first circuit may be a resonant circuit. The first circuit may have a first resonant frequency. The first circuit may include a first capacitor. The second induction coil may form part of the second circuit. The second circuit may be a resonant circuit. The second circuit may have a second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be different from the second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be the same as the second resonant frequency. The second circuit may include a second capacitor. The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit depends on the inductance of each induction coil and the capacitance of each capacitor.

Both the upper cartridge connector and the main cartridge connector may include an electrically conductive element adapted to establish electrical contact between the upper end and the main portion when the upper cartridge connector is directly attached to the main cartridge connector according to the second mode of operation. . Alternatively or additionally, both the upper cartridge connector and the primary cartridge connector may have an upper portion and a main portion when, according to a first mode of operation, the upper cartridge connector is attached to the proximal end of the cartridge and the primary cartridge connector is attached to the distal end of the cartridge. and electrically conductive elements adapted to establish electrical contact therebetween.

The invention may also relate to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material comprising a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenised tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered and crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “crimped sheet” refers to a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming agent. An aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and substantially resists thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Preferred aerosol formers are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol former is glycerin. The homogenized tobacco material, if present, may have an aerosol former content of at least 5% by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably between 5% and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents.

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-generating article' refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol directly inhalable by a user who inhales or puffs on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user-side end of the device. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol-generating device.

A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of other embodiments, implementations, or aspects described herein.

A: A cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, comprising:

downstream end including the fluid outlet;

upstream end including air inlet;

a liquid reservoir arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end and comprising a liquid sensory medium; and

including a diffuser,

and the diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet.

B: The cartridge of embodiment A, wherein the diffuser is attached to the air inlet.

C: The cartridge according to embodiment A or embodiment B, wherein the diffuser is arranged adjacent to the air inlet.

D: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-C, wherein the diffuser is in fluid communication with the air inlet.

E: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-D, wherein the diffuser is disc-shaped.

F: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-E, wherein the diffuser is pad-shaped.

G: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-F, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of fibers.

H: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-G, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of gaps.

I: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-H, wherein the diffuser comprises a mesh.

J: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-I, wherein a fluid path is established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid reservoir and the fluid outlet.

K: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-J, wherein the air inlet is configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the cartridge.

L: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-K, wherein the air inlet is configured to allow fluid to be drawn out of the cartridge.

M: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-L, wherein the fluid inlet comprises a one-way valve.

N: The cartridge of embodiment M, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet protrudes from the downstream end.

O: Cartridge according to embodiments M or N, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

P: The cartridge of any of embodiments A-O, wherein the air inlet comprises a one-way valve.

Q: The cartridge of embodiment P, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet projects from the upstream end.

R: Cartridge according to embodiment P or embodiment Q, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet is made of plastic, preferably EPDM or PEEK.

S: The cartridge of any of embodiments M-O, wherein the one-way valve at the fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than the one-way valve at the air inlet.

T: according to any one of embodiments M to O or S, the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a diameter of 0.75 mm to 7 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, most preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm having a cartridge.

U: The cartridge according to any one of embodiments P to R, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet has a diameter between 8 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 15 mm.

V: The cartridge according to any one of embodiments A to U, wherein the cartridge has a height of between 7 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 25 mm, most preferably between 11 mm and 21 mm.

W: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-V, wherein the cartridge comprises a housing.

X: Cartridge according to embodiment W, wherein the housing has a thickness of 0.25 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, most preferably 0.35 mm to 0.75 mm.

Y: The cartridge of embodiment W or embodiment X, wherein the housing has a double wall.

Z: The cartridge according to any one of embodiments W to Y, wherein the housing comprises transparent plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass.

AA: The cartridge of any of embodiments W-Z, wherein the air inlet is arranged within the housing.

AB: The cartridge of any of embodiments W-AA, wherein the fluid outlet is arranged within the housing.

AC: The cartridge of any one of embodiments W-AB, wherein the housing is at least partially opaque or transparent.

AD: The cartridge of any one of embodiments W-AC, wherein the housing is completely opaque or transparent.

AE: The cartridge of embodiments AC or AD, wherein the opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge is UV resistant.

AF: The cartridge of any one of embodiments AC-AE, wherein the opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge is a UV resistant polymer.

AG: The cartridge of any one of embodiments AC-AF, wherein the opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge is a UV resistant coating.

AH: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-AG, wherein the cartridge is cylindrical.

AI: The cartridge according to any one of embodiments A-AH, wherein the downstream end comprises electrical connection means.

AJ: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-AI, wherein the upstream end comprises electrical connection means.

AK: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-AJ, wherein the liquid sensory medium comprises a flavoring agent.

AL: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-AK, wherein the liquid sensory medium comprises nicotine.

AM: The cartridge of any one of embodiments A-AL, wherein the liquid sensory medium comprises water.

AN: The kit of any of embodiments A-AM, comprising at least two cartridges.

AO: The kit of embodiment AN, wherein the kit comprises two or more series connected cartridges.

AP: The kit of embodiment AN or embodiment AO, wherein the kit comprises two or more parallel connected cartridges.

AQ: The kit of any one of embodiments AN-AP, wherein the liquid sensory medium in one cartridge is different from the liquid sensory medium in the other cartridge.

AR: The liquid sensory medium of any one of embodiments AN-AQ, wherein the liquid sensory medium in one cartridge comprises one of nicotine, a flavoring agent and water, and the liquid sensory medium in the other cartridge comprises nicotine, a flavoring agent and A kit comprising a different one of water.

AS: an aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, wherein the aerosol-generating device is a cartridge according to any one of embodiments A-AN or any one of embodiments AN-AR An aerosol-generating device configured to removably receive a kit according to claim 1 .

Features described in connection with one embodiment are equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
1 shows a cartridge according to the invention.
2 shows an aerosol-generating device according to the invention.
3 shows a further embodiment comprising two cartridges.
4 shows a further embodiment of the cartridge.
5 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device using the cartridge shown in FIG. 4 .
6 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device using a cartridge similar to the cartridge shown in FIG. 3 .

1 shows a cartridge 10 . The cartridge 10 includes a liquid reservoir 12 . In the liquid reservoir 12 , a liquid sensory medium 14 is provided. Liquid sensory medium 14 may include one or more of a flavoring agent, nicotine, and water. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid sensory medium 14 is water.

Cartridge 10 includes an air inlet 16 . The air inlet 16 includes or consists of a one-way valve 18 . Via the air inlet 16 , ambient air can enter the cartridge 10 . In particular, ambient air may be drawn into the liquid reservoir 12 of the cartridge 10 .

A diffuser (20) fluidly attached to the air inlet (16) is provided. The diffuser 20 is configured to laterally distribute the air entering the liquid reservoir 12 through the air inlet 16 . The diffuser 20 is shaped like a disk or pad. The diffuser 20 comprises a mesh of fibers. A gap is provided between the meshes of fibers. Air entering through the air inlet 16 is drawn in through the diffuser 20 . After exiting the diffuser ( 20 ), the air is constituted as a number of bubbles drawn through the liquid sensory medium ( 14 ).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid sensory medium 14 fills approximately half of the liquid reservoir 12 . This may indicate that the liquid reservoir 12 is half used. The new liquid reservoir 12 can be completely filled with the liquid sensory medium 14 . At the downstream end of the cartridge 10, a fluid outlet 22 is provided. The fluid outlet 22 may include or consist of a one-way valve 24 . Air entrained into the liquid sensory medium 14 may exit the cartridge 10 through the fluid outlet 22 .

2 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device 26 . The cartridge 10 described in connection with FIG. 1 may be used with an aerosol-generating device 26 . The aerosol-generating device 26 comprises an upper end 28 and a body 30 .

In the upper end 28 , a cavity 32 is provided. The cavity 32 is configured such that the aerosol-generating article 34 can be inserted within the cavity 32 . The aerosol-generating article 34 includes an aerosol-forming substrate. In or around the cavity 32 , a heating element is provided for heating the interior of the cavity 32 . To generate the aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34 is heated by means of a heating element. At the same time, the heating element is configured to heat the air drawn into the cavity 32 .

Air drawn into the cavity 32 is drawn through the cartridge 10 before being drawn into the cavity 32 . That is, the cartridge 10 is arranged upstream of the cavity 32 . To draw air into the cartridge 10 , the body 30 may include an inlet and an airflow channel. The inlet of the body 30 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 16 of the cartridge 10 through an airflow channel. An upper airflow channel may be provided in the upper end 28 to draw enriched air from the fluid outlet 22 of the cartridge 10 into the cavity 32 and into the liquid sensory medium 14 .

The cartridge 10 is received in the receiving area 36 of the aerosol-generating device 26 . The receiving area 36 is arranged between the upper end 28 and the body 30 . The cartridge 10 is preferably sandwiched between the upper end 28 and the body 30 . In use, a user may place the cartridge 10 between the upper end 28 and the body 30 . Accordingly, the user may insert the aerosol-generating article 34 into the cavity 32 . Subsequently, the user can preferably press a button to activate the aerosol-generating device 26 and aspirate the aerosol-generating article 34 . As a result, a negative pressure is created in the aerosol-generating device 26 . Thus, ambient air is drawn into the aerosol-generating device 26 . Ambient air is initially drawn through the cartridge 10 . In the cartridge 10 , ambient air is enriched with the liquid sensory medium 14 of the cartridge 10 . Illustratively, the ambient air may be enriched with a flavoring agent, nicotine, or the humidity of the ambient air may be increased due to the liquid sensory medium 14 comprising water. After passing through cartridge 10 , air is further drawn into cavity 32 and flows through the aerosol-forming substrate of aerosol-generating article 34 . The air is heated by the heating element and an aerosol inhalable by the user is formed.

The aerosol generated is a combination of air enriched and heated by the liquid sensory medium 14 and flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article 34 .

3 shows an embodiment in which two cartridges 10 are attached to each other. The cartridge 10 as shown in FIG. 3 has a rectangular cross section compared to the circular cross section of the cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 1 . This shows that the specific shape of the cartridge 10 can be appropriately selected. Instead of the specific cartridges 10 stacked as shown in FIG. 3 , two cylindrical cartridges 10 may be stacked, if appropriate, as shown in FIG. 1 .

Attachment between individual cartridges 10 is facilitated by the shape of the air inlet 16 and fluid outlet 22 of each cartridge 10 . The fluid outlet 22 is shaped such that the fluid outlet 22 of one cartridge 10 can be inserted into the air inlet 16 of the other cartridge 10 . The outer diameter of the fluid outlet 22 corresponds to the inner diameter of the air inlet 16 . Attachment between the individual cartridges 10 is facilitated by a friction fit. As a result of the attachment between the individual cartridges 10 , the air drawn through the cartridges 10 is drawn through the two cartridges 10 . As a result, the liquid sensory medium 14 from both cartridges 10 is entrained in the air drawn through the cartridges 10 . The user may select different cartridges 10 containing different liquid sensory media 14 to produce the desired effect. Illustratively, one cartridge 10 containing nicotine containing liquid sensory medium 14 may be used, while the second selected cartridge 10 may include flavoring containing liquid sensory medium 14 .

4 shows a different implementation for combining different liquid sensory media 14 . In this embodiment, a single cartridge 10 is provided. However, two separate liquid reservoirs 12 are provided in a single cartridge 10 . Each liquid reservoir 12 is configured similarly to the cartridge 10 as described herein. More specifically, each liquid reservoir 12 includes an air inlet 16 , a liquid sensing medium 14 , a diffuser 20 and a fluid outlet 22 . As shown in Fig. 4, the two liquid reservoirs 12 are arranged next to each other. The air drawn into the cartridge 10 is drawn through separate liquid reservoirs 12 in parallel. After exiting the individual liquid reservoirs 12 , the air is combined and flows through the fluid outlet 22 of the cartridge 10 .

5 shows an embodiment of an aerosol-generating device 26 , in which two cartridges 10 are accommodated in a receiving area 36 of the aerosol-generating device 26 . As an alternative to providing two cartridges 10 as shown in FIG. 5 , a cartridge 10 containing two separate liquid reservoirs 12 as shown in FIG. 4 may be used in a receiving area for a similar effect. (36) can be arranged.

6 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device 26 in which two cartridges 10 are stacked on top of each other, similar to the arrangement of the cartridges 10 as shown in FIG. 3 . Air is subsequently drawn through the individual cartridges 10 for the desired effect.

Claims (22)

A cartridge for an aerosol-generating device, comprising:
a downstream end comprising a fluid outlet comprising a one-way valve;
an upstream end comprising an air inlet comprising a one-way valve;
a liquid reservoir arranged between the downstream end and the upstream end and comprising a liquid sensory medium; and
including a diffuser,
and the diffuser is arranged downstream of the air inlet. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein the diffuser is attached to the air inlet. A cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diffuser is arranged adjacent to the air inlet. 4. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser is in fluid communication with the air inlet. 5. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser is disk-shaped or pad-shaped. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser comprises a plurality of fibers and preferably a plurality of gaps. 7. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser comprises a mesh. 8. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fluid path is established between the air inlet, the diffuser, the liquid reservoir and the fluid outlet. 9. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet protrudes from a downstream end of the cartridge and a one-way valve of the air inlet protrudes from an upstream end of the cartridge. 10. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a smaller diameter than the one-way valve of the air inlet. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way valve of the fluid outlet has a diameter of 0.75 mm to 7 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, most preferably 1.5 mm to 3 mm. cartridge. 12. Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way valve of the air inlet has a diameter of between 8 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 15 mm. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cartridge comprises a housing, the housing preferably comprising clear plastic or glass, preferably borosilicate glass. The cartridge of claim 13 , wherein the housing is at least partially opaque or transparent. The cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge is UV resistant, preferably the opaque or transparent portion of the cartridge comprises a UV resistant polymer or UV resistant coating. 16. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream end of the cartridge comprises electrical connection means and the upstream end of the cartridge comprises electrical connection means. 17. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the liquid sensory medium comprises one or more of a flavoring agent, nicotine, and water. 18. A kit comprising at least two cartridges according to any one of claims 1 to 17. 19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the kit comprises two or more series connected cartridges. 20. The kit according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the liquid sensory medium in one cartridge is different from the liquid sensory medium in the other cartridge. 21. An aerosol-generating device comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, said aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or a cartridge according to any one of claims 18 to 20 An aerosol-generating device configured to removably receive a kit according to claim 1 . 22. The aerosol-generating device of claim 21, wherein the device is configured to removably receive two or more parallel connected cartridges of the kit of any of claims 18-20.

Images