KR20240089059A - Improved cartridge and aerosol generation system - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (1100) comprising a heating element (1102), and an aerosol-generating system (1000) comprising a cartridge (1200) comprising a housing (1202), a wick element (1204), and a deflection means (1206). The cartridge can be engaged with and disengaged from the device. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element is in the disengaged wick element position and is not in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is at an engaged wick element position relative to the housing that is different from the unengaged wick element position, is in contact with the heating element, and the biasing means is such that the wick element moves in a force direction that is not parallel to the engaged direction. biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position to apply force to the heating element.

Description

Improved cartridge and aerosol generation system

The present disclosure relates to cartridges and aerosol-generating systems for use with aerosol-generating devices.

Some aerosol-generating systems include an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Other aerosol-generating systems include aerosol-generating devices and aerosol-generating articles comprising solid aerosol-forming substrates. In use, the aerosol-generating device is typically engaged with a cartridge or aerosol-generating article to heat the aerosol-forming substrate and form an aerosol.

Aerosol-generating articles having solid aerosol-forming substrates typically have the advantage of being able to generate aerosols with a taste closely similar to that of a conventional cigarette. This allows smokers of conventional cigarettes to easily transition to a system using these aerosol-generating articles.

Cartridges with liquid aerosol-forming substrates typically have the advantage of more precise control over the composition of the substrate and greater consistency between substrates.

It would be beneficial to provide a cartridge usable with an aerosol-generating device configured for use with an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid substrate. The owner of the device can then choose whether to use a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or an article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate with the device. For example, aerosol generation typically has an elongated (internal) heating element that will penetrate the solid aerosol-forming substrate and heat it from within, or a tubular (external) heating element that is typically positioned around the solid aerosol-forming substrate and will heat it. It would be beneficial to provide cartridges for use with the device.

According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating system is provided. The system may include an aerosol generating device and cartridge. The device may include a heating element. The cartridge may include a housing. The cartridge may also include a wick element. The cartridge may include deflection means. The cartridge may be engaged with the device. The cartridge may be disengaged from the device. When the cartridge is disengaged from the device, the wick element may be at the disengaged wick element position. In the unlocked wick element position, the wick element may not be in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element may be at the engaged wick element location. The engaged wick element position may be different from the unlocked wick element position relative to the housing. In the engaged wick element position, the wick element may be in contact with the heating element. From the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position. From the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position such that the wick element applies a force to the heating element in the force direction.

As will be understood by a person skilled in the art after reading this disclosure, the force applied by the wick element to the heating element in the force direction may be the total resulting force applied to the heating element by the wick element.

The cartridge can be engaged with and disengaged from the device by moving the cartridge relative to the device in the engagement direction.

The force direction may not be parallel to the fastening direction, for example substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction.

Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating system is provided including an aerosol-generating device and a cartridge. The aerosol-generating device includes a heating element. The cartridge includes a housing, wick element, and deflection means. The cartridge can be engaged with and disengaged from the device by moving the cartridge relative to the device in the engagement direction. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element is in a disengaged wick element position where the wick element is not in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is at an engaged wick element position relative to the housing that is different from the unengaged wick element position, the wick element is in contact with the heating element and the biasing means is such that the wick element is not parallel to the engaging direction. The wick element is biased toward the unlocked wick element position to apply a force to the heating element in the force direction.

Advantageously, when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means biases the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position such that the wick element applies a force to the heating element. This force can provide consistent, tight contact between the wick element and the heating element. This allows aerosols to form relatively quickly when the heating element is activated.

Advantageously, the force direction is not parallel to the fastening direction. Accordingly, the total resulting force applied by the wick element to the heating element is non-zero in a direction other than parallel to the fastening direction. If the heating element extends in the fastening direction, this may advantageously mean that the wick element contacts the side of the heating element and applies a force to the side. This can be advantageous because, in some aerosol-generating devices, the side of the heating element is the main heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wick element to contact. Additionally, this arrangement allows the wick element to contact the heating element at desired locations along the length of the heating element. This can be particularly advantageous if the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

The heating element may include an external heating surface. The wick element may include an external contact surface. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the external heating surface of the heating element may contact the external contact surface of the wick element. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the external heating surface of the heating element may contact the external contact surface of the wick element.

Advantageously, this arrangement allows the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be wicked from inside the wick element towards the outside of the wick element for heating. This arrangement also advantageously allows the liquid aerosol-forming substrate at or near the external contact surface of the wick element to be rapidly evaporated by the heating element and entrained in the airflow across or through the wick element.

The heating element may be an elongated heating element. The heating element may have a length extending in the direction of the heating element. The heating element may have a width extending in a width direction perpendicular to the direction of the heating element. The heating element may have a thickness extending in a thickness direction perpendicular to one or both the heating element direction and the width direction. The length of the heating element may be 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 times or more than one or both of its width and thickness. The width of the heating element may be 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, or 30 times or more its thickness. The force direction may not be parallel to the heating element direction, for example perpendicular to the heating element direction.

Advantageously, a force direction that is not parallel to the direction of the heating element, for example perpendicular, may mean that in use the wick element contacts the side of the heating element and applies a force thereto. This can be advantageous because, in some aerosol-generating devices, the side of the heating element is the main heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wick element to contact. Additionally, this arrangement allows the wick element to contact the heating element at desired locations along the length of the heating element. This can be particularly advantageous if the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

The heating element may be substantially flat. The heating element may include a side. The external heating surface may include or be a side surface. The sides may be defined by the width and length of the heating element. A side of the heating element may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of the heating element. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element may contact a side of the heating element. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element may apply a force to the side of the heating element.

It may be advantageous for the wick element to contact the side of the heating element when in use, because in some aerosol-generating devices, the side of the heating element is the main heating surface of the heating element and provides a relatively large area for the wick element to contact. . Additionally, this arrangement allows the wick element to contact the heating element at desired locations along the length of the heating element. This can be particularly advantageous if the temperature of the heating element varies along its length.

When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force applied to the heating element by the wick element may be greater than 0.1 newtons.

Advantageously, a force of greater than 0.1 newtons can achieve sufficiently close contact between the wick element and the heating element.

When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force applied to the heating element by the wick element may be less than 10 newtons.

Depending on the heating element, forces exceeding 10 newtons may run the risk of destroying or otherwise damaging the heating element. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the force to be less than 10 newtons to reduce the risk of destroying the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may include a chamber. The chamber may be intended to receive at least a portion of the cartridge. The heating element may be located at least partially within the chamber. Engaging the cartridge with the aerosol-generating device may include receiving at least a portion of the cartridge within the chamber, for example, by moving the cartridge in an engagement direction relative to the device.

Advantageously, the chamber may reduce the likelihood that a user will touch the heating element. Advantageously, the chamber can help protect the heating element. Advantageously, the chamber can help guide the cartridge to position the wick element into an engaged wick element position.

The cartridge may be engaged with the device in only one particular orientation, or in only a predetermined number of orientations, for example in only two, three, or four orientations. The cartridge may be keyed to the device. The cartridge may be keyed to the device such that the cartridge can be engaged with the device in only one specific orientation, or in only a predetermined number of orientations, for example in only two, three, or four orientations.

The device may include a device guide member. The cartridge may include a cartridge guide member. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the cartridge guide member may be engaged with the device guide member. Engagement between the cartridge guide member and the device guide member allows the cartridge to be engaged with the device in only one specific orientation, or in a predetermined number of orientations, for example, in only two, three, or four orientations. do.

By way of example, the cartridge, eg the housing of the cartridge, may be shaped such that the cartridge can be received within the chamber at least partially in only one orientation. Alternatively, the cartridge, eg the housing of the cartridge, may be shaped such that the cartridge can be received within the chamber at least partially in only two orientations.

As another example, the chamber of the device may include two recesses extending along the length of the chamber. The cartridge may include corresponding protrusions. The protrusion may need to be inserted into one of the two recesses to allow the cartridge to be received within the device. Accordingly, the cartridge can be engaged with the device in only two orientations - a first orientation, corresponding to the protrusion being received in the first recess, and a second orientation, corresponding to the protrusion being received in the second recess.

Advantageously, a cartridge that can be engaged with the device in only one of a predetermined number of orientations can ensure that the wick element is in contact with the desired surface of the heating element when in the engaged wick element position. For example, if the heating element is a substantially flat blade-shaped heating element with two opposing sides, it may be desirable for the cartridge to engage the device such that the wick element contacts one of the sides of the heating element. In order to make this contact reliable and easy, the cartridge can be engaged with the device in only one orientation or in only two orientations - orientations in which the wick element is in contact with one of the two sides of the heating element.

The fastening direction may be parallel to the heating element direction.

The device can define the longitudinal direction of the device. The device may have a length extending in the longitudinal direction of the device. The length of the device may be greater than one or both of the width and thickness of the device, for example, 100%, 200%, 300%, 500%, or 1,000% or more. The longitudinal direction of the device may be parallel to one or both of the heating element direction and the fastening direction.

The chamber may define the longitudinal direction of the chamber. The longitudinal direction of the chamber may be parallel to one or both of the fastening direction and the heating element direction. The longitudinal direction of the chamber may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the device.

The cartridge may define the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. The longitudinal direction of the cartridge may be parallel to one or both of the fastening direction and the heating element direction. The longitudinal direction of the cartridge may be parallel to one or both of the longitudinal direction of the chamber and the longitudinal direction of the device.

The heating element may be for penetrating the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may include a free end. The free end may be tapered. Advantageously, the tapered free end can make it easier for the heating element to penetrate the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

The heating element may include a base. The base may be positioned at the end of the heating element opposite the free end. The base of the heating element may be located at the base of the chamber of the device. The heating element, eg a base of the heating element, may be fixed to the device, eg a chamber of the device, eg a base of the chamber of the device. Advantageously, such securing may secure the heating element in place to prevent movement of the heating element upon engaging and disengaging the device and cartridge.

The heating element may comprise or be a heating blade, pin or rod, for example a heating blade, pin or rod for penetrating a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

The heating element may be positioned substantially centrally within the chamber of the device. The heating element may be positioned at a radially central location within the chamber of the device. The length of the heating element may extend along the length of the chamber.

Additionally, or as an alternative to an internal heating element configured to penetrate the solid aerosol-forming substrate and heat the substrate from the inside, the device may include an external heating element configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate from the outside. This is explained in more detail below.

The chamber may be defined at least in part by an external chamber wall. The heating element may be located at or near the outer chamber wall. A heating element may define at least a portion of the chamber wall. The heating element may be located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber. The heating element may include a heating surface facing radially inward. The heating element may include a heating surface directed toward the center of the chamber. The heating element may include an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the exterior surface. The heating element may be a tubular heating element. The radial center of the tubular heating element may coincide with the radial center of the chamber.

In addition to the heating element, the device may include a second heating element. One or both of the heating element and the second heating element may be configured to heat the solid aerosol-forming substrate from the outside. This is explained in more detail below.

The device may include a second heating element. The second heating element can be opposite the heating element. The device can be configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate between the heating element and the second heating element. The second heating element may be located at or near the outer chamber wall. The second heating element may define at least a portion of the chamber wall. The second heating element may be located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber. The second heating element may include a heating surface facing radially inwardly. The second heating element may include a heating surface facing toward the center of the chamber. The second heating element may include an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the interior surface may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the exterior surface.

Regardless of the type of heating element used, the heating element may include a heating surface. In use, the heating surface can provide a non-uniform temperature surface. The temperature of the heating surface can vary along the direction of the heating element. The temperature of the heating surface may vary along the length of the heating element.

The heating element may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion, such as at least 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, or 100° C. higher than the second portion. The first portion may be spaced apart from the second portion along the heating element direction. The first portion may be spaced apart from the second portion along the length of the heating element.

Advantageously, having a temperature that varies along the length of the heating element allows the temperature at the point where the wick element contacts the heating element to be selected by selecting where along the length of the heating element the wick element contacts the heating element. let it be For example, the first cartridge may include an elongated wick element configured to contact the heating element at a first point where the temperature is expected to be about 280°C. This temperature may be optimal for vaporizing the particular liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the first cartridge. The second cartridge may include a short wick element configured to contact the heating element at a second point, further away from the base and closer to the free end of the heating element than the first point, where the temperature is expected to be about 320°C. do. This temperature may be optimal for vaporizing the particular liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the second cartridge.

The heating element may include a base. The heating element may include a free end. The second portion may be positioned closer to the base than the first portion. The first portion may be positioned closer to the free end than the second portion. The second portion may be positioned closer to the base than the free end. The first portion may be positioned closer to the free end than to the base. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element may contact the second portion of the heating element.

Advantageously, in the engaged wick element position, the wick element can contact and apply a force to the second part of the heating element, and the second part of the heating element can be closer to the base than the free end. . If the wick element contacts the heating element closer to the base, the force may apply a smaller moment to the heating element about the base. A smaller moment applied to the heating element around the base may reduce the likelihood of the heating element breaking. Accordingly, the wicking element in contact with the second part of the heating element can advantageously reduce the likelihood of the heating element breaking under the force applied to the heating element by the wicking element. Additionally, the second portion of the heating element may operate at a lower temperature than the first portion of the heating element. These lower temperatures may be more suitable for vaporizing some liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

A non-uniform temperature heating surface can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, if the heating element is an electrical resistance heating element, the heating element may include electrical resistance tracks on the substrate. The track may be positioned on the external heating surface of the heating element. In use, current can flow through the track and heat the heating element. A non-uniform temperature heating surface can be achieved by varying the thickness of the track as it extends along the length of the heating element, thereby varying the resistivity of the track along the length of the heating element. Alternatively, the track may take a tortuous path along the length of the heating element and the spacing between adjacent turns may be varied. In this case, if adjacent turns are located closer together, more heat can be generated and the heating element temperature in this area can be higher than the heating element temperature in areas where adjacent turns are further apart. As another alternative, the tracks could include different materials with different electrical resistances, which could be used to provide a non-uniform temperature heating surface. If the heating element is a heating element capable of induction heating, the heating element may include or be formed from a susceptor material, and the thickness of the heating element may vary along the length of the heating element. Accordingly, when exposed to a fluctuating electromagnetic field, a thinner area of the heating element may generate less heat than a thicker area of the heating element. As another example, if the heating element is a heating element capable of induction heating, the material composition of the heating element may vary along the length of the heating element. For example, some areas may contain a greater proportion of susceptor elements than other areas and therefore may be heated to a higher temperature in the presence of a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize various methods for providing a non-uniform temperature heating surface.

According to the present disclosure, a cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device is provided. The device may include a heating element. The cartridge may include a wick element. The cartridge may include a housing. The cartridge may include deflection means. The wick element may be movable relative to the housing, for example between an unfastened wick element position and a fastened wick element position. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position.

Accordingly, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cartridge is provided for use with an aerosol-generating device having a heating element. The cartridge includes a wick element, a housing, and biasing means. The wick element is movable between an unlocked wick element position and an engaged wick element position relative to the housing. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means biases the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position.

Advantageously, when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means biases the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position. In use, this may mean that, in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contacts the heating element of the device and applies a force to the heating element. This force can provide consistent, tight contact between the wick element and the heating element. This allows aerosols to form relatively quickly when the heating element is activated.

Like the cartridge of the first aspect system, the cartridge of the second aspect can be configured to engage and disengage from an aerosol-generating device, for example, by moving the cartridge in an engaging direction relative to the device. When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element may be in an unengaged wick element position and not in contact with the heating element. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element may be at the engaged wick element location and may be in contact with the heating element.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element towards the heating element.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means may bias the wick element toward one or both of the unengaged wick element position and the heating element such that the wick element applies a force to the heating element in the direction of the force. .

Advantageously, the force can provide consistent, tight contact between the wick element and the heating element. This allows an aerosol to be formed relatively quickly from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wick element when the heating element is activated.

The force direction may not be parallel to the fastening direction, for example substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction. The force applied by the wick element to the heating element in the force direction may be the total resultant force applied to the heating element by the wick element.

Advantageously, the force direction may not be parallel to the fastening direction. If the heating element extends in the fastening direction, this may advantageously mean that the wick element contacts the side of the heating element and applies a force. This can be advantageous because in conventional aerosol-generating devices with an elongated internal heating element, the sides of the heating element provide a relatively large area for the wick element to contact.

The deflection means may be provided at least in part by a wick element. At least a portion of the deflection means may be integral with the wick element. The wick element may bias the wick element toward an unengaged wick element position when the wick element is at an engaged wick element position. As such, the biasing means may be considered as part of the wicking element, or the wicking element may be considered as comprising the biasing means.

Advantageously, if the biasing means is completely provided by the wick element, no additional biasing means may be required. Advantageously, if the biasing means are partially provided by a wick element, a greater force can be applied to the heating element than if the biasing means are not provided at all by a wick element.

When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element can be elastically deformed. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is such that the elasticity of the wick element biases the wick element toward one or both of the heating element and the unlocked wick element position, for example, directing at least a portion of the force to the heating element. It can be elastically deformed to apply. The wick element may be coupled directly or indirectly to the housing. A portion of the wick element may be secured to the housing. For example, an end of the wick element may be secured to the housing. The other end of the wick element may not be secured to the housing. In this sense, the wick element can act like a cantilever.

Advantageously, using the elasticity of the wick element can provide a reliable method of applying a desired amount of force to the heating element. This may be because the wick element can be expected to elastically deform by the same amount each time the cartridge is engaged with the device, thus applying the same force to the heating element.

The deflection means may be provided at least in part by a resistive component. When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the resistance component may apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element, for example by biasing the wick element toward one or both of the heating element and the unlocked wick element position.

Advantageously, if the biasing means is provided entirely by the resistance component, there can be greater design freedom for the wicking element as it no longer provides a biasing means. Advantageously, if the biasing means is partly provided by a resistive element, a greater force can be applied to the heating element than if the biasing means is not provided at all by a resistive element.

The resistance component may be separate from the wick element. The resistance component may be in contact with the wick element. The resistance component may be coupled to the wick element.

The resistance component may be a spring or include a spring, such as a helical spring, spiral spring, gas spring, leaf spring, or other type of spring. The resistance component may include or be a spring-like component. The resistive component may include or be an elastically deformable material, such as an elastically deformable polymer or foam. When the wick element is in an engaged wick element position, the resistive component may be in a higher energy state than when the wick element is in an unengaged wick element position. For example, when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the resistance component may be compressed. In this compressed state, the resistive element may act to expand, thereby providing at least part of the deflection means.

The wick element may comprise a structure, for example an elastically deformable structure. The elastically deformable structure may provide, at least in part, a means of deflection.

When the wicking element is in a fastened wicking element position, the elastically deformable structure can be elastically deformed.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the elastically deformable structure can be elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the elastically deformable structure can be elastically deformed such that the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position.

Advantageously, the elastically deformable structure can provide a reliable way to apply a force of a certain magnitude to the heating element. This may be because the elastically deformable structure can be expected to elastically deform by the same amount each time the cartridge is engaged with the device, thus applying the same force to the heating element.

The wick element, for example an elastically deformable structure of the wick element, may comprise one or more wires. The wick element, eg an elastically deformable structure of the wick element, may comprise one or more wire networks, eg interwoven wire networks.

The wick element, for example an elastically deformable structure of the wick element, may comprise a mesh. The mesh may be formed by one or more wire networks, for example interwoven wire networks. The mesh may be formed by forming a plurality of holes in one or more sheet materials.

Advantageously, the mesh may provide suitable properties that enable the wicking element to at least partially provide a means of deflection and also provide suitable wicking properties to enable the wicking element to wick the liquid aerosol-forming substrate towards the heating element of the device when in use. You can.

A mesh can define multiple apertures. Each aperture may have a dimension of less than 1000, 800, 600, 400, 200, 100, 80, 60, 40, or 20 μm. Each aperture may have a dimension greater than 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 200, 400, or 600 μm. Each aperture may have a dimension of 10 to 600, 10 to 400, 10 to 200, 10 to 150, or 10 to 100 μm.

Advantageously, these aperture dimensions can provide suitable wicking properties for the wicking element.

The wicking element, e.g., the mesh or wire of the wicking element, may comprise or be formed of a material having a Young's modulus (also known as elastic modulus) of at least 0.01, 1, 5, 50, 100, or 150 gigapascals (GPa). .

Advantageously, a larger elastic modulus allows the wick element to apply a greater force for a given deflection.

The wick element, such as the mesh or wire of the wick element, comprises a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 20, 15, 10, 5, 2, or 0.1 mega Siemens/meter (10^6 S/m) at 20°C. This can be formed.

In some arrangements, it may be possible for current to flow through or be induced within the wick element. For example, if the heating element is configured to be inductively heated due to the presence of a fluctuating electromagnetic field, it is possible for the fluctuating electromagnetic field to create eddy currents within the wick element. Alternatively, if the heating element comprises an electrical resistance track through which a current passes to heat the heating element in use, it is possible that if the wick element is in contact with this track, some current may flow through the wick element. In such a scenario, it may be advantageous to reduce the current flowing through the wick element to reduce the amount of heat generated by this current flow in portions of the wick element located relatively far from the heating element. Therefore, lower electrical conductivity may be advantageous.

The wicking element, e.g., the mesh or wire of the wicking element, may comprise or be formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 400, 200, 100, 50, 30, or 20 Watts per meter Kelvin (W/mK) at 20°C. You can.

Advantageously, the low thermal conductivity can reduce the amount of heat transferred from the heating element into the wick element, especially those parts of the wick element located relatively far from the heating element.

The wire may be non-magnetic. The wire may be a metal wire, for example a steel wire such as a stainless steel wire.

Advantageously, metal wires, such as steel or stainless steel wires, can provide suitable physical properties for the wick element, such as suitable elastic modulus, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.

The wick element may include support material. The support material can increase the rigidity of the wick element. One or more of the elastically deformable structure, mesh, and wires of the wick element may include or be formed from a support material. The support material may be or include a polymeric or plastic material. Advantageously, the support material allows the wick element to apply a greater force for a given deflection.

At least a portion of the outer surface of the wicking element may include or be formed from a support material. At least a portion of the wicking element may be covered or laminated by a support material. The wick element may include a liquid retention material, as discussed in more detail later. The support material may have a greater Young's modulus than the liquid retention material. At least a portion of the liquid retention material may be covered or laminated by a second material. Advantageously, polymeric or plastic materials can help provide an appropriate level of flexibility to the wick element. The thickness of each wire may be 10, 15, 25, or 50 μm or more. The thickness of each wire may be less than 200, 150, 100, or 75 μm. The thickness of each wire is 10 to 200 μm, or 10 to 150 μm, or 10 to 100 μm, or 10 to 75 μm, or 15 to 200 μm, or 15 to 150 μm, or 15 to 100 μm, or 15 to 75 μm. It may be μm.

It may be preferable that the thickness of each wire is 10 to 200 μm, and it may be particularly preferable that the thickness of each wire is 15 to 75 μm.

Advantageously, a wire having such a thickness is sufficiently malleable to be formed into the desired shape for the wick element, but also sufficiently resistant to elastic deformation to be able to apply an appropriate amount of force to the heating element in use. You can.

Each aperture may have a dimension greater than the thickness of each wire. Each aperture may have a dimension greater than the thickness of each wire bounding that particular aperture. Each aperture may have a dimension of no more than three times the thickness of each wire. Each aperture may have dimensions of no more than three times the thickness of each wire bounding that particular aperture.

Advantageously, these aperture dimensions, especially in combination with the wire thicknesses listed above, can ensure that the wicking element has appropriate wicking properties.

The wick element may include a liquid retention material. The liquid retention material may be in contact with the elastically deformable structure. At least a portion of the liquid retention material may be retained within the elastically deformable structure. The liquid retention material may contact the mesh or form part of the mesh.

Advantageously, use of a liquid retention material allows the wick element to retain more of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The mesh may include one or more filaments, for example non-metallic filaments. Each filament may include a liquid-retaining material or may be formed of a liquid-retaining material.

The liquid retention material may include or be formed from one or more of cotton, wool, glass fiber, viscose yarn, and rayon.

Advantageously, these liquid retaining materials are capable of retaining large volumes of liquid.

The wicking element may include one or more wires formed from a first material. The wick element may include one or more filaments formed from a second material. The second material may be different from the first material. The mesh may be a hybrid mesh that includes one or more wires formed from a first material and one or more filaments formed from a second material different from the first material. One or more of the one or more wires may be in contact with one or more of the one or more filaments. One or more wires may be interwoven with one or more filaments.

Advantageously, the use of hybrid mesh allows different materials to be used to achieve different purposes of the mesh. For example, the first material may be a metallic material and may provide appropriate elasticity to the mesh such that the wicking element at least partially provides a means for deflection. The second material may be a liquid retention material and may allow the mesh to retain more of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The first material may include or be a metal, such as steel or stainless steel. Advantageously, metals such as steel and stainless steel can provide suitable properties for the wick element, such as elastic modulus, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity.

The second material may be a liquid retention material. The second material may include one or more of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon. The second material can be any of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon. Advantageously, these materials allow the wick element to retain more of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The wick element may include a plurality of filaments. The filament may be as described above and may therefore be formed from a liquid-retaining material. A plurality of filaments may be twisted, for example, in the form of a rope.

The plurality of filaments may be reinforced by one or both of a reinforcing mesh and one or more reinforcing wires. Features described herein with respect to mesh may be applicable to reinforcing mesh. Features described herein with respect to wires can be applied to reinforcing wires.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

The wicking element may include two mesh strips. Features described herein with respect to mesh can be applied to mesh strips.

The wick element may include a liquid retention material sandwiched between two mesh strips.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

The wicking element may include a folded mesh strip. Features described herein with respect to mesh may be applicable to folded mesh strips.

The wicking element may include a liquid retention material between the folds of the folded mesh strip.

The folded mesh strip can be folded to provide space between two substantially opposing surfaces. The wick element may include a liquid retention material in the space between opposing surfaces.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

The wicking element may include multi-folded mesh strips. That is, the wicking element may include a mesh strip including one or more folds. Features described herein with respect to mesh can be applied to multi-folded mesh strips.

The wicking element may include a liquid retention material between one or more folds of the multi-folded mesh strip.

The mesh strips may be folded multiple times to provide at least two spaces between substantially opposing surfaces. The wick element may include a liquid retention material in one or more of the spaces between opposing surfaces.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

Wick elements may include rolled or scrolled meshes. The end views of the rolled or scrolled mesh may appear substantially helical. Features described herein with respect to meshes can be applied to scrolled meshes.

The wicking element may include a liquid retention material wrapped within or within a rolled or scrolled mesh.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

The wicking element may comprise a substantially tubular mesh. The features described herein in relation to meshes can be substantially applied to tubular meshes.

The wicking element may comprise a liquid retention material substantially within a tubular mesh.

A substantially tubular mesh may provide space between surfaces forming a substantially tubular mesh. The wick element may contain a liquid retention material within the space.

Advantageously, this arrangement can provide a wicking element with suitable elasticity and suitable wicking properties.

The wicking element may include a mesh, and when the wicking element is in an engaged wicking element position, the mesh may be in contact with the heating element.

The mesh may include multiple wires. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, more than 60%, 80%, or 90% of the wires, for example each of the wires, may be in contact with the heating element. Thus, as an example, the mesh may include 10 wires, and at least 6, 8, or 9 of these wires, or all 10 of these wires may be in contact with the heating element. Advantageously, a larger proportion of the number of wires in contact with the heating element allows the wick element to apply a greater force to the heating element for a given deflection of the wick element.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the contact area between the wick element and the heating element may be less than 2,000 square millimeters, and more specifically less than 500 square millimeters.

Advantageously, the relatively small contact area between the wick element and the heating element can minimize heat dissipation into the wick element. Instead, more heat generated by the heating element can be used to vaporize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate that is in close proximity to the contact area between the wick element and the heating element.

The cartridge may include a counter element. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the counter element may contact the heating element. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the counter element exerts a counterforce on the heating element in the counterforce direction, for example to at least partially counteract the force applied to the heating element by the wick element. It can be approved.

Advantageously, the counter element can reduce the net bending moment produced by the force on the heating element. Accordingly, the counter element may reduce the likelihood that the force will destroy or otherwise damage the heating element.

The counterforce direction may be substantially opposite the force direction. Advantageously, this allows the force and counterforce to result in a net force of zero.

The counter element may be a second wick element. Advantageously, this allows the cartridge to efficiently utilize the heat generated from the two heating elements, or from the two heating surfaces of the heating elements, to generate the aerosol.

The wick element and counter element can be separated. The wick element and counter element may be connected. The wick element and the counter element may be connected such that liquid is wicked from the wick element to the counter element or from the counter element to the wick element.

The heating element, for example an elongated heating element, may have a first surface, for example a first heating surface, facing in a first direction. The heating element may have a second surface facing a second direction, for example a second heating surface. The second direction can be substantially opposite the first direction.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element may contact the first surface. The wick element can apply a force to the first surface. When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the counter element may contact the second surface. The counter element can apply a counterforce to the second surface.

The wick element may include a wick element contact portion. The counter element may include a counter element contact. When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may contact the heating element. For example, when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contact may contact a first surface of the heating element and the counter element contact may contact a second surface of the heating element.

Advantageously, in this arrangement, the counterforce applied by the counter element can substantially oppose the force applied by the wick element.

When the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be in contact or may be separated by a distance of less than 5, 3, 2, or 1 mm. In the fastened wick element position, the heating element may be received between the wick element and the counter element, for example between the wick element contact and the counter element contact.

Advantageously, the small or no separation distance in the rest position of the wick element and the counter element means that when the heating element is received between the wick element and the counter element, both the wick element and the counter element exert forces on the heating element. It may mean authorizing.

When the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be configured to resist separation. When the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion may be configured to resist separation by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm.

When the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the biasing means may resist separation of the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion. When the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the biasing means may resist separation of the wicking element contact and the counter element contact by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm.

Thus, advantageously, when the heating element is received between the wick element and the counter element to increase the separation therebetween, both the wick element and the counter element are capable of applying a force to the heating element.

Features described in relation to wick elements can be applied to counter elements. The counter element may be substantially identical to the wick element. For example, the features described in relation to the structure, materials, and shape of the wick element can be applied to the counter element.

The wick element may include a first portion. The first portion may extend in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. The wick element may include a protrusion protruding from the first portion in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge. The protrusion may include a wick element contact portion.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, a protrusion of the wick element may be configured to contact the heating element.

The wick element, for example a protrusion of the wick element, may include a curved outer portion. The wick element contact portion may be adjacent to or part of the curved outer portion.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the heating element may be in the engaged heating element position.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the heating element, for example at least a portion of the curved outer portion may be bent toward the heating element. As it extends, it may curve away from the direction of the heating element.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion extends toward the base of the heating element in the direction of the heating element or away from the free end of the heating element. Can be curved away from direction.

Advantageously, the curved outer portion may serve to guide the heating element to the engaged heating element position. This may reduce the likelihood of the heating element sticking to the wicking element, for example the tapered end of the heating element sticking to the mesh aperture of the wicking element.

When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, at least a portion of the curved outer portion extends away from the base of the heating element in the direction of the heating element or toward the free end of the heating element. Can be curved away from direction.

Advantageously, this can reduce the contact area between the wick element and the heating element.

At least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the fastening direction as the curved outer portion extends in the fastening direction. Advantageously, this may serve to guide the heating element to the engaged heating element position.

At least a portion of the curved outer portion may be curved away from the fastening direction as the curved outer portion extends in a direction opposite to the fastening direction. Advantageously, this can reduce the contact area between the wick element and the heating element.

The outer curved portion of the wick element may be curved to guide the heating element toward the engaged heating element position as the cartridge is engaged with the device.

The cartridge may include a reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid reservoir holds a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the wick element. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the counter element.

Advantageously, the reservoir allows the cartridge to hold more liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The cartridge may include a second reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir can hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the counter element.

The cartridge may be refilled, for example with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir can be refilled, for example with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The second reservoir can be refilled, for example with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Advantageously, this allows the cartridge to be reused.

The aerosol-generating device may include a power source, such as a battery. The power source may be connected to the heating element. The aerosol-generating device may include a controller. The controller may be connected to a power source. The controller may be connected to the heating element. The control circuit may control the supply of power from the power source to the heating element. The controller may control the temperature of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may be handheld. The aerosol-generating device may be portable. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may be similar in size to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol-generating device may be substantially vertical cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating device may have a total length of 30 mm to 150 mm. The aerosol-generating device may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 30 mm.

The heating element may be an electric heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat electrically resistively. The heating element may include an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. It is not limited to this. These 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, and metals of the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, Constantan, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, tantalum-, tin-, molybdenum-, tungsten- , gallium-, manganese-, and iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminum based alloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 4300 Broadway Suites, Denver, Colorado, 1999. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material can optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material and vice versa, depending on the energy transfer dynamics and the external physicochemical properties required. The heating element may comprise a metal etched foil insulated between two layers of inert material. In such cases, the inert material may include Kapton®, an all-polyimide or mica foil. Kapton® is a company owned by E.I., 1007 Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19898, USA. It is a registered trademark of du Pont de Nemours and Company.

The heating element may be configured to be inductively heated. The heating element may include a susceptor material. When used, susceptor materials can convert electromagnetic energy into heat. Suitable susceptor materials include carbon, carbon-based materials, graphene, graphite, expanded graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. It is not limited. Suitable susceptor materials may include ferromagnetic materials such as ferritic iron, ferromagnetic alloys such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite. Suitable susceptor materials may be or include aluminum. The susceptor material may include greater than 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, or 90 weight percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material.

The wick element may be formed or comprised of a non-susceptor material. The counter element may be formed or comprised of a non-susceptor material. The cartridge may be formed of or comprised of a non-susceptor material. Advantageously, this can minimize or prevent substantial heating of the wick element or cartridge when exposed to fluctuating electromagnetic fields. This allows the cartridge to be used efficiently with devices configured to inductively heat a heating element.

The cartridge may include an air inlet. The cartridge may include an air outlet. The cartridge may include an airflow passage. The airflow passage may connect the airflow inlet to the airflow outlet. In use, air may flow through the air inlet, then across, through or past the wick element, and then through the air outlet.

The cartridge may include a mouthpiece or mouth end. The mouthpiece or mouth end may include an air outlet. In use, the mouthpiece or mouth end can be placed into the user's mouth for the user to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating system.

Features described with respect to the first aspect can also be applied to the second aspect. Features described with respect to the second aspect can also be applied to the first aspect.

For example, a cartridge according to the second aspect may include any of the features described with respect to the cartridge of the system of the first aspect. The cartridge according to the second aspect may be a cartridge of the system of the first aspect.

As another example, the cartridge of the first aspect system may include any of the features described with respect to the cartridge according to the second aspect. The cartridge of the system of the first aspect may be a cartridge according to the second aspect.

As used herein, the term “aerosol” may refer to a dispersion of solid particles, or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. Aerosols may be visible or invisible. Aerosols can include solid particles, or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, as well as vapors of substances that are normally liquid or solid at room temperature.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” may refer to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating or burning the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. Aerosol-forming substrates may include plant-based materials. Aerosol-forming substrates may include homogenized plant-based materials. The aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. Aerosol-forming substrates may include tobacco-containing materials. Tobacco-containing materials may contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds. These compounds can be released from aerosol-forming substrates upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized tobacco material. Aerosol-forming substrates may include other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more of water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

As used herein, the term “dimension of an aperture” or any synonymous term may refer to a dimension measured between two opposing surfaces of an aperture. Therefore, if the aperture is bounded by a wire, for example, the dimensions of the aperture do not include the thickness of the wire. The dimension may pass through the center of the cross section of the aperture. For example, if the aperture has a substantially square cross-section, the dimensions of the aperture may be the side lengths of the square. If the aperture has a substantially circular cross-section, the dimension of the aperture may be the diameter of the circular cross-section. If the aperture has a substantially rectangular cross-section, the dimensions of the aperture may be the length of the long side of the rectangular cross-section, or the length of the short side. If the aperture has an irregular cross-section, the dimensions of the aperture may be the average opening dimension. The dimensions of the apertures referred to herein were measured using a microscope, but any suitable method may be used.

As used herein, the term "elongate" may refer to a component having a length that is more than 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, or 100 times its width and thickness. there is.

The invention is defined in the claims. However, 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.

Example Ex1. An aerosol generating system, comprising:

An aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element; and

A cartridge comprising a housing, a wick element, and a deflection means,

The cartridge is capable of engaging and disengaging from the device,

here:

When the cartridge is disengaged from the device, the wick element is in an unlocked wick element position where the wick element is not in contact with the heating element;

When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is in an engaged wick element position in which the wick element contacts the heating element, which is different from the unlocked wick element position relative to the housing, and the deflection and wherein the means biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position such that the wick element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction.

Example Ex2. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex1, wherein the cartridge is capable of engaging and disengaging from the device by moving the cartridge relative to the device in an engaging direction.

Example Ex3. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex2, wherein the force direction is not parallel to the fastening direction.

Example Ex4. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex3, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction.

Example Ex5. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex4, wherein the heating element comprises an external heating surface.

Example Ex6. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex5, wherein the wicking element comprises an external contact surface that contacts the heating element when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position.

Example Ex7. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex5, wherein the wick element includes an external contact surface, and when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the external heating surface of the heating element contacts the external contact surface of the wick element.

Example Ex8. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex7, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element, and the force direction is not parallel to the direction of the heating element.

Example Ex9. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force applied to the heating element by the wick element is greater than 0.1 newtons and optionally less than 10 newtons.

Example Ex10. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1-Ex9, wherein the aerosol-generating device includes a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge.

Example Ex11. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex10, wherein the heating element is located at least partially within the chamber.

Example Ex12. The method of embodiment Ex10 or Ex11, wherein engaging the device with the cartridge comprises receiving at least a portion of the cartridge within the chamber, for example by moving the cartridge relative to the device in the engaging direction. aerosol generating system.

Example Ex13. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex12, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element.

Example Ex14. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex13, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element.

Example Ex15. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex14, wherein the device defines a device longitudinal direction and the heating element direction is parallel to the device longitudinal direction.

Example Ex16. Depending on one of the embodiments Ex10 to Ex12, the aerosol-generating system according to embodiments Ex14 or Ex15, wherein the chamber defines a longitudinal direction of the chamber, and the heating element direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chamber.

Example Ex17. The aerosol-generating device according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex16, wherein the heating element is for penetrating a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex18. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex17, wherein the heating element comprises a free end.

Example Ex19. The aerosol-generating system according to Example Ex18, wherein the free end is tapered, for example tapered into a line or point.

Example Ex20. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex19, wherein the heating element comprises a base.

Example Ex21. Depending on the embodiment Ex18 or Ex19, the aerosol-generating system according to embodiment Ex20, wherein the base is located at the end of the heating element opposite the free end.

Example Ex22. Depending on one of the embodiments Ex10 to Ex12, the aerosol-generating system according to embodiment Ex19 or embodiment Ex20, wherein the base of the heating element is located at the base of the chamber of the device.

Example Ex23. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex22, wherein the heating element is a heating blade, pin or rod, for example a heating blade, pin or rod for penetrating a solid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex24. The method according to any one of embodiments Ex10 to Ex12, or in accordance with any of embodiments Ex10 to Ex12, according to any one of embodiments Ex13 to Ex23, wherein said heating element is located substantially centrally within said chamber. system.

Example Ex25. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex24, wherein the device comprises a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge, the chamber being defined at least in part by an external chamber wall.

Example Ex26. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex25, wherein the heating element is located at or near the outer chamber wall or defines at least a portion of the chamber wall.

Example Ex27. The aerosol-generating system of embodiment Ex25 or Ex26, wherein the heating element is located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber.

Example Ex28. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex27, wherein the heating element comprises a heating surface facing radially inward.

Example Ex29. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex28, wherein the heating element comprises a heating surface facing the center of the chamber.

Example Ex30. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex25 to Ex29, wherein the heating element includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface being configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the exterior surface.

Example Ex31. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex30, wherein the heating element is a tubular heating element.

Example Ex32. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex31, wherein the device comprises a second heating element.

Example Ex33. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex32, wherein the second heating element is opposite the heating element.

Example Ex34. The aerosol-generating system of embodiment Ex32 or Ex33, wherein the device is configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate between the heating element and the second heating element.

Example Ex35. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex32 to Ex34, wherein the second heating element is located at or near the outer chamber wall or defines at least a portion of the chamber wall.

Example Ex36. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex32 to Ex35, wherein the second heating element is located closer to the outer chamber wall than the center of the chamber.

Example Ex37. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex32 to Ex36, wherein the second heating element comprises a heating surface facing radially inward.

Example Ex38. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples Ex32-Ex37, wherein the second heating element comprises a heating surface facing the center of the chamber.

Example Ex39. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex32 to Ex38, wherein the second heating element includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface being configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the exterior surface.

Example Ex40. The aerosol-generating system of any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex39, wherein the heating element comprises a heating surface.

Example Ex41. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex40, wherein in use, the heating surface provides a non-uniform temperature surface.

Example Ex42. The method of any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex41, wherein the heating element comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being at a temperature higher than the second part, for example 5, 10 degrees higher than the second part. , an aerosol-generating system configured to be heated to a temperature greater than 20, 30, 50, 75, or 100 degrees Celsius.

Example Ex43. The aerosol-generating system of Example Ex42, wherein the heating element includes a base, and the second portion is located closer to the base than the first portion.

Example Ex44. The aerosol-generating system of embodiment Ex42 or Ex43, wherein the heating element includes a free end, and the first portion is positioned closer to the free end than the second portion.

Example Ex45. The aerosol-generating system according to any one of embodiments Ex42 to Ex44, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contacts the second portion of the heating element.

Example Ex46. A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device having a heating element, the cartridge comprising a wick element, a housing, and deflection means,

the wick element is movable relative to the housing between an unlocked wick element position and an engaged wick element position,

and wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means biases the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position.

Example Ex47. The cartridge of embodiment Ex46, wherein the cartridge is configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol-generating device, such as by movement of the cartridge relative to the device in an engaging direction.

Example Ex48. The cartridge of embodiment Ex46 or Ex47, wherein the cartridge is configured such that when the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element is in the disengaged wick element position and is not in contact with the heating element.

Example Ex49. The cartridge according to any one of embodiments Ex46 to Ex48, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is at the engaged wick element position and is in contact with the heating element.

Example Ex50. The method of any one of embodiments Ex46 to Ex49, wherein when the wick element is at the engaged wick element position, the biasing means directs the wick element towards one or both of the unlocked wick element position and the heating element. Deflecting cartridge.

Example Ex51. The method of any of embodiments Ex46 to Ex50, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the biasing means causes the wick element to apply a force to the heating element in the force direction. A cartridge positioning and biasing the wick element toward one or both of the heating elements.

Example Ex52. The cartridge of Example Ex51, wherein the force direction is not parallel to the fastening direction.

Example Ex53. The cartridge of Example Ex51, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction.

Example Ex54. The cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex53, wherein the biasing means is provided at least in part by the wick element.

Example Ex55. The method of any of embodiments Ex1 to Ex54, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is such that the elasticity of the wick element biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position, e.g. For a cartridge or system that is elastically deformed to apply at least a portion of the force to the heating element.

Example Ex56. The cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex55, wherein the biasing means is provided at least in part by a resistive element.

Example Ex57. The method of Example Ex56, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the resistance component directs at least a portion of the force to the heating element, e.g., to bias the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position. Authorizing cartridge or system.

Example Ex58. The cartridge or system of embodiment Ex56 or Ex57, wherein the resistance component comprises one or more of a spring, such as a helical spring, a spiral spring, or a leaf spring, and an elastically deformable material.

Example Ex59. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex58, wherein the wick element comprises an elastically deformable structure.

Example Ex60. The cartridge or system of Example Ex59, wherein the elastically deformable structure provides the biasing means.

Example Ex61. The method of Example Ex59 or Example Ex60, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure moves the wick element to the unlocked wick element position. A cartridge or system that is elastically deformed to deflect toward.

Example Ex62. The method of any of embodiments Ex59 to Ex61, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the elastically deformable structure causes the elasticity of the elastically deformable structure to bias the wick element toward the heating element. A cartridge or system that is elastically deformed.

Example Ex63. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex59-Ex62, wherein the elastically deformable structure of the wick element comprises one or more wires.

Example Ex64. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex59 to Ex63, wherein the elastically deformable structure of the wick element comprises a mesh.

Example Ex65. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex64, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh.

Example Ex66. The cartridge or system of embodiment Ex64 or Ex65, wherein the mesh defines a plurality of apertures.

Example Ex67. The cartridge or system of Example Ex66, wherein each aperture has a dimension of less than 1000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, or 100 μm.

Example Ex68. The cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex64 to Ex67, wherein the mesh comprises a wire network, for example an interwoven wire network.

Example Ex69. The method of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex68, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element has a thickness of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, or 150 gigapascals (GPa). A cartridge or system comprising or formed from a material having a Young's modulus or elastic modulus of greater than or equal to.

Example Ex70. The method of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex69, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element has a density of 20, 15, 10, 5, or 2 mega Siemens/meter (10^6) at 20°C. A cartridge or system comprising or formed from a material having an electrical conductivity of less than S/m).

Example Ex71. The method of any of Examples Ex1 through Ex70, wherein the wicking element, or the wire of the wicking element, or the mesh of the wicking element is less than 100, 50, 30, or 20 Watts per meter Kelvin (W/mK) at 20°C. A cartridge or system comprising or formed from a material having a thermal conductivity of

Example Ex72. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex63 to Ex71, wherein the wire is a metal wire, for example a steel wire such as a stainless steel wire.

Example Ex73. The method of any one of Examples Ex63 to Ex72, wherein the thickness of each of the wires is 10 to 200 μm, or 10 to 150 μm, or 10 to 100 μm, or 10 to 75 μm, or 15 to 200 μm, or 15 to 150 μm. μm, or 15 to 100 μm, or 15 to 75 μm.

Example Ex74. Embodiment Ex68, or in a case dependent on embodiment Ex68, any one of embodiments Ex69 to Ex73, wherein the mesh has a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a dimension of not more than 3 times the thickness of each of the wires. having, cartridge or system.

Example Ex75. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1-Ex74, wherein the wick element comprises a liquid retention material.

Example Ex76. Cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, or embodiments Ex66 to Ex75 depending on embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, wherein the mesh comprises one or more filaments, for example non-metallic filaments.

Example Ex77. The cartridge or system of Example Ex76, wherein each filament comprises or is formed of a liquid retention material.

Example Ex78. The cartridge or system of Example Ex75 or Ex77, wherein the liquid retention material comprises or is formed of one or more of cotton, wool, fiberglass, viscose yarn, and rayon.

Example Ex79. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1-Ex78, wherein the wick element includes one or more wires formed of a first material and one or more filaments formed of a second material different from the first material.

Example Ex80. The cartridge or system of Example Ex79, wherein the one or more wires are in contact with the one or more filaments.

Example Ex81. Embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, or, depending on embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, any one of embodiments Ex66 to Ex80, wherein the mesh is formed of at least one wire formed of a first material and a second material different from the first material. A hybrid mesh, cartridge or system containing one or more filaments.

Example Ex82. The cartridge or system of Example Ex81, wherein the one or more wires are interwoven with the one or more filaments.

Example Ex83. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex79 to Ex82, wherein the first material comprises or is a metal, such as steel or stainless steel.

Example Ex84. The method of any one of Examples Ex79 to Ex83, wherein the second material comprises one or more of cotton, wool, glass fiber, viscose yarn, and rayon, or wherein the second material comprises cotton, wool, glass fiber, viscose yarn, and rayon.

Example Ex85. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex84, wherein the wick element comprises a plurality of filaments, the plurality of filaments being twisted, for example in the form of a rope.

Example Ex86. The cartridge or system of Example Ex85, wherein the plurality of filaments are reinforced by one or more wires or mesh.

Example Ex87. The cartridge or system according to any one of examples Ex1 to Ex86, wherein the wicking element comprises two mesh strips.

Example Ex88. The cartridge or system of Example Ex87, wherein the wick element comprises a liquid retention material disposed between the two mesh strips.

Example Ex89. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex88, wherein the wicking element comprises a folded mesh strip.

Example Ex90. The cartridge or system of Example Ex89, wherein the wicking element comprises a liquid retention material between the folds of the folded mesh strip.

Example Ex90. The cartridge or system of embodiment Ex89 or Ex90, wherein the mesh strip is folded to provide a space between two substantially opposing surfaces, and the wicking element includes a liquid retention material in the space between the opposing surfaces.

Example Ex91. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex90, wherein the wicking element comprises a multi-folded mesh strip.

Example Ex92. The cartridge or system of Example Ex91, wherein the wicking element comprises wicking material between one or more folds of the multi-folded mesh strip.

Example Ex93. The method of embodiment Ex91 or Ex92, wherein the mesh strip is folded multiple times to provide at least two spaces between substantially opposing surfaces, and the wicking element retains liquid in one or more of the spaces between the opposing surfaces. A cartridge or system containing material.

Example Ex94. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex93, wherein the wicking element comprises a scrolled mesh.

Example Ex95. The cartridge or system of Example Ex94, wherein the wick element includes liquid retention material wrapped within or within the scrolled mesh.

Example Ex96. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1-Ex95, wherein the wicking element comprises a substantially tubular mesh.

Example Ex97. The cartridge or system of Example Ex96, wherein the wick element comprises a liquid retention material within the substantially tubular mesh.

Example Ex98. The cartridge or system of Example Ex96 or Ex97, wherein the substantially tubular mesh provides a space between surfaces defining the substantially tubular mesh, and the wick element includes a liquid retention material within the space.

Example Ex99. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex98, wherein the wicking element comprises a mesh, and wherein the mesh contacts the heating element when the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position.

Example Ex100. Embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, or depending on embodiments Ex64 or Ex65, according to any one of embodiments Ex66 to Ex98, wherein when the wicking element is in the fastened wicking element position, the mesh is in contact with the heating element. , cartridge or system.

Example Ex101. The method of Example Ex99 or Ex100, wherein the mesh includes a plurality of wires, and when the wicking elements are at the fastened wicking element positions, at least 60%, 80%, or 90% of the wires are, for example Each of the plurality of wires contacts the heating element.

Example Ex102. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex101, wherein the contact area between the wick element and the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position is less than 2,000 or 500 square millimeters.

Example Ex103. The cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex102, wherein the cartridge comprises a counter element.

Example Ex104. The cartridge or system of embodiment Ex103, wherein the counter element is configured to contact the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position.

Example Ex105. The method of embodiment Ex103 or Ex104, wherein when the wick element is in the fastened wick element position, the counter element is configured to counteract, for example, at least in part the force applied to the heating element by the wick element. A cartridge or system configured to apply a force to the heating element.

Example Ex106. The cartridge or system of Example Ex105, wherein the counterforce direction is substantially opposite the force direction.

Example Ex107. The cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex103 to Ex106, wherein the counter element is a second wick element.

Example Ex108. The method of any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex107, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element having a first heating surface facing a first direction and a second heating surface facing a second direction, optionally the second direction being A cartridge or system substantially opposite a first direction.

Example Ex109. The cartridge of embodiment Ex108, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element is configured to contact the first heating surface and the counter element is configured to contact the second heating surface. Or system.

Example Ex110. The method according to any one of embodiments Ex103 to Ex107, or embodiments Ex108 or Ex109 when depending on one of embodiments Ex103 to Ex107, wherein said wicking element comprises a wicking element contact, and said counter element comprises a counter element contact. wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are configured to contact the heating element.

Example Ex111. The method of Embodiment Ex110, wherein when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contact portion is configured to contact the first heating surface of the heating element, and the counter element contact portion is configured to contact the second heating surface of the heating element. A cartridge or system configured to contact a heating surface.

Example Ex112. The method of Example Ex110 or Ex111, wherein when the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are in contact or separated by a distance of less than 5, 3, 2, or 1 mm. , cartridge or system.

Example Ex113. The method of any of embodiments Ex110 to Ex112, wherein when the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the wicking element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are separated or separated by a predetermined distance, e.g. 1, 2, or A cartridge or system configured to resist separation by more than 3 mm.

Example Ex114. The method of any one of embodiments Ex110 to Ex113, wherein when the wicking element is in the unlocked wicking element position, the biasing means resists separation of the wicking element contact and the counter element contact, or the wicking element contacting and A cartridge or system wherein the counter element contact resists being separated by more than a predetermined distance, for example 1, 2, or 3 mm.

Example Ex115. The cartridge or system of any of embodiments Ex1 to Ex114, wherein the cartridge defines a cartridge longitudinal direction and the wick element includes a first portion extending longitudinally of the cartridge.

Example Ex116. The cartridge or system of Embodiment Ex115, wherein the wick element includes a protrusion protruding from the first portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge.

Example Ex117. The cartridge or system of embodiment Ex115 or Ex116, wherein the protrusion of the wick element is configured to contact the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position.

Example Ex118. Cartridge or system according to any one of embodiments Ex1 to Ex117, wherein the protrusion of the wick element, for example of embodiments Ex116 or Ex117, comprises a curved outer portion.

Example Ex119. The method of embodiment Ex118, wherein the wick element comprises a wick element contact configured to contact the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, and the wick element contact is adjacent or adjacent to the curved outer portion. A cartridge or system that is part of it.

Example Ex120. The cartridge or system of Example Ex118 or Ex119, wherein at least a portion of the curved outer portion curves away from the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position.

Example Ex121. The method according to any one of embodiments Ex118 to Ex120, wherein the heating element extends in the direction of the heating element, for example if the heating element is an elongated heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element, and the heating element is curved. At least a portion of the outer portion is curved away from the heating element direction as the curved outer portion extends toward the heating element.

Example Ex122. The cartridge or system of any of embodiments Ex118-Ex121, wherein at least a portion of the curved outer portion is curved away from the engaging direction as the curved outer portion extends in the engaging direction.

Example Ex123. The method according to any one of embodiments Ex118 to Ex122, wherein when the wick element is with the fastened wick element, the heating element is in the fastened heating element position, and the curved outer portion of the wick element is such that the cartridge is A cartridge or system that, when engaged with a device, is curved to guide the heating element toward the engaged heating element location.

Example Ex124. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1 to Ex123, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex125. The cartridge or system of embodiment EX124, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the wick element.

Example Ex126. The cartridge or system of embodiment EX124 or EX125, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the counter element.

Example Ex127. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex124-Ex126, wherein the cartridge comprises a second reservoir for a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex128. The cartridge or system of embodiment EX127, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the counter element.

Example Ex129. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex1-Ex128, wherein the cartridge is refillable with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex130. The cartridge or system of any of Examples Ex124 to Ex128, wherein the reservoir is refillable with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example Ex131. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex130, wherein the wick element is formed of or consists of a non-susceptor material.

Example Ex132. The cartridge or system according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex131, wherein the cartridge is formed of or consists of a non-susceptor material.

Now, the embodiment will be further described with reference to the drawings.
Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first aerosol-generating system.
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the second aerosol-generating system.
Figure 3 shows a diagram of a first alternative wicking element.
Figure 4 shows a diagram of a second alternative wicking element.
Figure 5 shows a diagram of a third alternative wicking element.
Figure 6 shows a diagram of a fourth alternative wicking element.
Figure 7 shows a diagram of a fifth alternative wicking element.
Figure 8 shows a diagram of a sixth alternative wick element.

1 shows a cross-sectional view of a first aerosol-generating system 1000. System 1000 includes an aerosol generating device 1100 and a cartridge 1200.

Apparatus 1100 includes a resistive heating element 1102, a power supply 1104 in the form of a battery, and a controller 1106. Power supply 1104 is coupled to heating element 1102 and controller 1106 is coupled to heating element 1102 and power supply 1104. Heating element 1102 is located at a radially central location within cylindrical chamber 1108 of device 1100. Chamber 1108 is configured to receive a portion of cartridge 1200.

Cartridge 1200 includes a housing 1202, a wick element 1204, a deflection means 1206, a counter element 1208 in the form of a second wick element, a counter element deflection means 1210, and a first refill of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. a refillable reservoir 1212 and a second refillable reservoir 1214 of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Wick element 1204 is in fluid communication with first reservoir 1212 and counter element 1208 is in fluid communication with second reservoir 1214.

The cartridge 1200 can be fastened to and disengaged from the device 1100 by moving the cartridge 1200 in the fastening direction with respect to the device 1100. In the implementation shown in Figure 1, the fastening direction is downward with respect to the page.

Cartridge 1200 is keyed to chamber 1108 so that it can be received within the chamber in only one orientation - the orientation shown in Figure 1. This is accomplished using a protrusion (not shown) on the housing 1202 of the cartridge 1200 and a corresponding longitudinally extending recess (not shown) in the chamber 1108 to receive the protrusion.

Cartridge 1200 may also be temporarily secured at a certain depth within chamber 1108. 1 uses a snap-fit connection between protrusion 1215 on cartridge 1200 and first protrusion 1115 and second protrusion 1117 on chamber 1108 of device 1100. This is achieved by, but any suitable connection may be used.

When the cartridge 1200 is disengaged from the device 1100 (not shown), the wick element 1204 is in the unlocked wick element position where the wick element 1204 is not in contact with the heating element 1102, and the counter Element 1208 is in an unlocked counter element position where neither counter element 1208 nor heating element 1102 is in contact.

When cartridge 1200 is engaged with device 1100 (as shown in FIG. 1 ), wicking element 1204 is at an engaged wicking element position relative to housing 1202 that is different from the unengaged wicking element position. , the counter element 1208 is at a engaged counter element position relative to the housing 1202 that is different from the unlocked counter element position.

In the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element 1204 is in contact with the heating element 1102 and the biasing means 1206 causes the wicking element 1204 to exert a force on the heating element 1102 in a force direction perpendicular to the fastening direction. The wicking element 1204 is biased toward the unlocked wicking element position to apply. This force ensures consistent, close contact between the heating element 1102 and the wick element 1204 at the desired location on the heating element 1102.

Similarly, in the engaged counter element position, the counter element 1208 is in contact with the heating element 1102 and the counter element biasing means 1210 is such that the counter element 1208 is perpendicular to the fastening direction and opposite the force direction. The counter element 1208 is biased toward the unlocked counter element position to apply a counterforce to the heating element 1102 in the force direction. This counterforce ensures consistent, close contact between heating element 1102 and counter element 1208 at desired locations on heating element 1102. The counterforce also opposes the force to reduce the bending moment acting on the heating element 1102 relative to the base of the heating element 1102.

In use, after engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, the user may puff the mouth end 1203 of the cartridge 1200. This causes the air to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1. Air flow downward toward the base of the device's chamber 1108 is detected by a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 1100. The puff detection mechanism sends a signal to the controller 1106, which causes the power supply 1104 to supply current to the heating element 1102 accordingly. This causes the heating element 1102 to heat and vaporize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wick element 1204 and the counter element 1208 proximate to the heating element 1204. This evaporated aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in the airflow through the cartridge 1200 and is cooled and condensed to form an aerosol. This aerosol is then delivered to the user through the mouth end 1203 of the cartridge 1200. As the aerosol-forming substrate near the heating element 1102 evaporates, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the first and second reservoirs is wicked toward the heating element 1102 by the wick element 1204 and counter element 1208.

The various components of device 1100 and cartridge 1200 will now be described in greater detail.

Heating element 1102 of device 1100 is an elongated heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the heating element direction is parallel to the fastening direction and is also parallel to the chamber longitudinal direction defined by chamber 1108 .

Heating element 1102 includes a tapered free end and a base located at an end of heating element 1102 opposite the free end. The base of the heating element 1102 is located and secured to the base of the chamber 1108.

Heating element 1102 includes an electrically insulating ceramic substrate and electrically resistive platinum tracks positioned on the ceramic substrate. Heating element 1102 is substantially flat blade shaped and includes a first flat external heating surface and a second flat external heating surface. The first external heating surface faces the second external heating surface. The first external heating surface and the second external heating surface are defined by the width and length of the heating element 1102.

In use, power supply 1104 passes electric current through an electrical resistance track. This causes the heating element 1102, in particular both the first and second outer heating surfaces of the heating element 1102, to be resistively heated to the operating temperature.

In use, the first and second external heating surfaces provide a non-uniform temperature surface. In particular, a substantially central region of the first external heating surface reaches a maximum temperature of about 350° C. Points farther from this area are generally colder. The temperature profile of the second external heating surface is similar to the temperature profile of the first external heating surface. The temperature at the base and free end of heating element 1102 can be as low as about 220° C. during operation. When the wick element 1204 is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element 1204 contacts the heating element 1102 below the central region of the first outer heating surface, as shown in FIG. 1 . At the point of contact between the wick element 1204 and the heating element 1102, the temperature of the heating element 1102 is approximately 300°C.

Accordingly, heating element 1102 may be considered to include a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion. With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first portion can be considered to be a substantially central area of the first outer heating surface, and the second portion can be considered to be the area where the wick element 1204 contacts the heating element 1102. It may be considered to be a portion of the first outer heating surface substantially below the central region. Accordingly, the first part is located closer to the free end and further from the base than the second part.

Wick element 1204 includes an external contact surface that contacts a first external heating surface of heating element 1102 when wick element 1204 is in the engaged wick element position. Counter element 1208 is essentially a mirrored version of wick element 1204 and, as shown in FIG. 1 , when counter element 1208 is in the engaged counter element position, the second outer portion of heating element 1102 It includes an external contact surface that contacts the heating surface.

In the implementation shown in Figure 1, the biasing means 1206 is provided by a wicking element 1204. Specifically, when cartridge 1200 is engaged with device 1100, the stainless steel mesh of wick element 1204 causes the elasticity of wick element 1204 to bias wick element 1204 to an unlocked wick element position. It is elastically deformed to apply force to the heating element 1102.

Similarly, counter element deflection means 1210 are provided by counter element 1208. Specifically, when the cartridge 1200 is engaged with the device 1100, the mesh of the counter element 1208 is such that the elasticity of the counter element 1208 deflects the counter element 1208 to the disengaged counter element position, causing the heating element to It is elastically deformed to apply a counter force to (1102).

The mesh of wick elements 1204 and counter elements 1208 is a hybrid mesh formed by a network of interwoven wires and filaments. The wire is made of stainless steel and has a wire diameter of approximately 70 μm. The filament is made from a liquid-retaining material, particularly woven viscose rayon thread.

The meshes each define a plurality of apertures, each aperture being approximately square in shape, with an aperture dimension, in this case a square side length of about 100 μm.

To form the wick element 1204, the originally substantially flat mesh of the wick element 1204 is rolled with a second liquid retention material. This causes the wick element 1204 to have a scrolled appearance, with the second liquid retention material wrapped into the scrolled mesh. This mesh is then bent into the shape shown in Figure 1. Counter element 1208 is formed in a similar manner.

When the wicking element 1204 is in the engaged wicking element position, the counter element 1208 is in the engaged counter element position and applies a counterforce to the heating element 1102 in the counterforce direction opposite the force direction, Corresponds to the force applied to the heating element 1102 by the wick element 1204. The force applied to heating element 1102 by wick element 1204 is approximately 1 newton. The counterforce applied by counter element 1208 to heating element 1102 is also about 1 newton.

Before engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, the wick element 1204 is in the unlocked wick element position and the counter element 1208 is in the unlocked counter element position, outside of the wick element 1204. The contact surface and the outer contact surface of the counter element 1208 contact each other. By engaging the cartridge 1200 with the device 1100, the heating element 1102 is inserted between the wick element 1204 and the counter element 1208, thereby causing the outer contact surface of the wick element 1204 and the counter element 1208. ) are separated by the thickness of the heating element 1102, which is approximately 3 mm.

The biasing means 1206 and the counter element biasing means 1210 (in this embodiment, the elasticity of the mesh of these elements) resist this separation of the outer contact surface of the wick element 1204 and the outer contact surface of the counter element 1208. . Accordingly, these elastic properties provide applied force and counterforce to the heating element 1102.

Cartridge 1200 defines a cartridge longitudinal direction and wick element 1204 includes a first portion 1216 extending longitudinally of the cartridge. This first portion extends into a first reservoir 1212 of liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Wick element 1204 includes a protrusion 1218 that protrudes from first portion 1216 in a direction transverse to the length of the cartridge. In this implementation, protrusions 1218 are formed as the mesh is bent into shape, as described above. However, the wick element 1204 and the protrusion 1218 of the wick element 1204 may be formed by other suitable methods. The outer contact surface of wick element 1204 is located on protrusion 1218.

The protrusion 1218 comprising the external contact surface is curved. Specifically, the protrusion 1218 curves away from the heating element direction as the protrusion 1218 extends in the direction of the heating element, and also as the protrusion 1218 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

The counter element 1208 similarly includes a counter element first portion 1220 extending longitudinally toward the cartridge and into a second reservoir 1214 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as well as a counter element protrusion 1222 extending in the direction of the heating element. and also includes a counter element protrusion 1222 that is curved away from the heating element direction as the counter element protrusion 1222 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

This curvature allows only a small contact area to be maintained between the wick element 1204 and the heating element 1102, and between the counter element 1208 and the heating element 1102. The curvature of the protrusions 1218, 1222 closest to the base of the chamber 1108 in FIG. 1 also positions the heating element 1102 in the engaged position shown in FIG. 1 when the cartridge 1200 is engaged with the device 1100. Helps guide you to the location of the heating element.

Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the second aerosol generating system 2000. System 2000 includes an aerosol generating device 2100 and a cartridge 2200.

Device 2100 includes a heating element 2102, a power supply 2104 in the form of a battery, an induction coil 2105, and a controller 2106. The power supply 2104 is connected to the induction coil 2105, and the controller 2106 is connected to the induction coil 2105 and the power supply 2104. Heating element 2102 is a tubular heating element located at the radial periphery of the cylindrical chamber 2108 of device 2100. Chamber 2108 is configured to receive a portion of cartridge 2200.

Cartridge 2200 includes a housing 2202, a wick element 2204, a deflection means 2206, a counter element 2208 in the form of a second wick element, a counter element deflection means 2210, and a refill of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Includes possible storage 2212.

The cartridge 2200 can be engaged with and disengaged from the device 2100 by moving the cartridge 2200 relative to the device 2100 in an engaging direction. In the implementation shown in Figure 2, the fastening direction is downward with respect to the page.

Cartridge 2200 is keyed to chamber 2108 so that it can be received within the chamber in only one orientation - the orientation shown in Figure 2. This is accomplished using a protrusion 2205 on the housing 2202 of the cartridge 2200 and a corresponding longitudinally extending recess 2105 in the chamber 2108 to receive the protrusion 2205.

When the cartridge 2200 is separated from the device 2100 (not shown), the wick element 2204 is in the unlocked wick element position where the wick element 2204 is not in contact with the heating element 2102 and the counter element. 2208 is in an unlocked counter element position where counter element 2208 is also not in contact with heating element 2102.

When cartridge 2200 is engaged with device 2100 (as shown in FIG. 2 ), wick element 2204 is at an engaged wick element position relative to housing 2202 that is different from the unlocked wick element position. , the counter element 2208 is at a engaged counter element position relative to the housing 2202 that is different from the unlocked counter element position.

In the engaged wicking element position, the wicking element 2204 is in contact with the heating element 2102 and the biasing means 2206 causes the wicking element 2204 to press against the heating element 2102 in a force direction substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction. The wick element 2204 is biased toward the unlocked wick element position to apply force. This force ensures consistent, close contact between the heating element 2102 and the wick element 2204.

Similarly, in the engaged counter element position, the counter element 2208 is in contact with the heating element 2102 and the counter element biasing means 2210 is such that the counter element 2208 is substantially perpendicular to the engaging direction and opposite to the force direction. The counter element 2208 is biased toward the unlocked counter element position to apply a counter force to the heating element 2102 in the direction of the counter force. This counterforce ensures consistent, close contact between heating element 2102 and counter element 2208.

In use, after engaging the cartridge 2200 with the device 2100, the user may puff the mouth end 2203 of the cartridge 2200. This causes the air to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1. Air flow inward through an air inlet near the base of the chamber 2108 of the device is detected by a puff detection mechanism (not shown) of the device 2100. The puff detection mechanism transmits a signal to the controller 2106, which causes the power supply 2104 to supply alternating current to the induction coil 2105 accordingly. This causes the induction coil 2105 to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Heating element 2102 is formed from a susceptor material and the fluctuating electromagnetic field causes eddy currents to flow within heating element 2102. This causes the heating element 2102 to heat and vaporize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held by the wick element 2204 and the counter element 2208 proximate to the heating element 2204. This vaporized aerosol-forming substrate is entrained in an airflow through the cartridge 2200, cooled, and condensed to form an aerosol. This aerosol is then delivered to the user through the mouth end 2203 of the cartridge 2200. As the aerosol-forming substrate near heating element 2102 evaporates, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate within the reservoir is wicked toward heating element 2102 by wick element 2204 and counter element 2208.

The various components of device 2100 and cartridge 2200 will now be described in more detail.

Heating element 2102 of device 2100 is a tubular heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the heating element direction is parallel to the fastening direction and is also parallel to the chamber longitudinal direction defined by chamber 2108 . Heating element 2102 in this embodiment is a tubular heating element, but could be replaced with two separate heating elements facing each other on opposite sides of chamber 2108.

Heating element 2102 includes a heating surface that points radially inward toward the center of chamber 2108 of device 2100.

Wick element 2204 includes an external contact surface that contacts the heating surface of heating element 2102 when wick element 2204 is in the engaged wick element position. Counter element 2208 is essentially a mirrored version of wick element 2204 and, as shown in FIG. 2 , opposes the heating surface of heating element 2102 when counter element 2208 is in the engaged counter element position. Includes an external contact surface in contact with the part.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the biasing means 2206 is provided by a resistance element in the form of a helical spring, although any suitable spring or other resistance element may be used. When cartridge 2200 is engaged with device 2100, wick element 2204 is pushed radially inward by tubular heating element 2102 of device 2100. This compresses the helical spring. Accordingly, the helical spring resists this inward movement and applies a force to the heating element 2102 by biasing the wick element 2204 toward the unlocked wick element position.

Similarly, the counter element biasing means 2210 is provided by a counter element resistance element, also in the form of a helical spring. When cartridge 2200 is engaged with device 2100, counter element 2208 is pushed radially inward by tubular heating element 2102 of device 2100. The helical spring resists this inward movement. Accordingly, the helical spring biases counter element 2208 toward the unlocked counter element position and applies a counterforce to heating element 2102.

When the wicking element 2204 is in the engaged wicking element position, the counter element 2208 is in the engaged counter element position and applies a counterforce to the heating element 2102 in the counterforce direction opposite the force direction. The force applied to heating element 2102 by wick element 2204 is approximately 1 newton. The counterforce applied by counter element 2208 to heating element 2102 is also approximately 1 newton.

Wick element 2204 includes a mesh. Counter element 2208 also includes a mesh. The mesh of wick elements 2204 and counter elements 2208 is a hybrid mesh formed by a network of interwoven wires and filaments. The wire is made of stainless steel and has a wire diameter of approximately 30 μm. The filament is made from a liquid-retaining material, particularly woven viscose rayon thread.

The meshes each define a plurality of apertures, each aperture being approximately square in shape, with an aperture dimension of, in this case, a square side length of approximately 50 μm.

Cartridge 2200 defines the cartridge longitudinal direction. Wick element 2204 includes a first portion 2216 extending longitudinally of the cartridge. This first portion extends into the reservoir 2212 of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Wick element 2204 includes a protrusion 2218 that protrudes from first portion 2216 in a direction transverse to the length of the cartridge. The external contact surface of wicking element 2204 is located on protrusion 2218 of wicking element 2204.

The protrusion 2218 comprising the external contact surface is curved. Specifically, the protrusion 2218 curves away from the heating element direction as the protrusion 2218 extends in the direction of the heating element, and also as the protrusion 2218 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

Counter element 2208 similarly comprises a counter element first portion 2220 extending longitudinally of the cartridge and into a reservoir 2212 of liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as well as a counter element protrusion 2222 extending in the direction of the heating element. and also includes a counter element protrusion 2222 that is curved away from the heating element direction as the counter element protrusion 2222 extends in a direction opposite to the heating element direction.

This curvature allows only a small contact area to be maintained between the wick element 2204 and the heating element 2102, and between the counter element 2208 and the heating element 2102.

Advantageously, the cartridges described herein can be used with devices for use with solid aerosol-forming substrates. The cartridge 1200 of system 1000 of FIG. 1 may be used with a device 1100 that includes an internal heating element 1102 for penetrating a solid aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article. The cartridge 2200 of system 2000 of FIG. 2 can be used with a device 2100 that includes an external heating element 2102 for heating the solid aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article from outside the article.

There are many options for the shape, construction, and materials of the wick and counter elements of the cartridges described herein. Some options for wicking elements are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3-8. The vertical line to the right of each of Figures 3-8 represents the heating surface of the heating element and is included solely to indicate the preferred orientation of the wick element when in use.

3 shows a diagram of a first alternative wicking element 3000. The first alternative wick element 3000 includes a plurality of filaments. The filaments are formed from a liquid-retaining material, especially wool, but any suitable liquid-retaining material may be used. A rope 3002 is formed by twisting a plurality of filaments.

The plurality of filaments are reinforced by a plurality of reinforcement wires 3004 and 3006. The reinforcing wires 3004 and 3006 are formed of non-magnetic stainless steel, particularly American Iron and Steel Institute 304 (AISI 304) stainless steel.

4 shows a diagram of a second alternative wicking element 4000. The second alternative wicking element 4000 includes a first strip of mesh 4002 and a second strip of mesh 4004. The two strips 4002, 4004 of the mesh are formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires form substantially square apertures with a diameter of approximately 60 μm, each aperture having a dimension of approximately 90 μm.

The second alternative wicking element 4000 includes a liquid retention material 4006 sandwiched between two strips of mesh 4002, 4004. In this implementation, liquid retention material 4006 is cotton, but any suitable liquid retention material may be used.

The two strips 4002, 4004 of mesh may be fused together at one or more points and secured together, may be bonded to liquid retention material 4006, or may be bonded to each other by other means.

5 shows a diagram of a third alternative wicking element 5000. The third alternative wicking element 5000 includes a folded mesh strip 5002. Mesh strips 5002 are made of metal and formed by stamping holes from a metal sheet. The third alternative wicking element 5000 also includes a liquid retention material 5004 between the folds of the folded mesh strips 5002. Specifically, folded mesh strip 5002 is folded to provide a space between two substantially opposing surfaces, and liquid retention material 5004 is located in the space between the opposing surfaces.

6 shows a diagram of a fourth alternative wicking element 6000. The fourth alternative wicking element 6000 includes multi-folded mesh strips 6002. That is, the wicking element comprises a mesh strip comprising more than one fold. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, multi-folded mesh strip 6002 includes two folds. Multi-folded mesh strips 6002 are formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires form substantially square apertures with a diameter of approximately 60 μm, each aperture having a dimension of approximately 90 μm.

The fourth alternative wicking element 6000 also includes a first liquid retention material 6004 between the first folds of the multi-fold mesh strip 6002, and a second liquid retention material 6004 between the second folds of the multi-fold mesh strip 6002. Includes liquid retention material 6006. That is, the mesh strip is folded twice to provide two spaces between substantially opposing surfaces, and the first liquid retaining material 6004 is a second space between the two opposing surfaces created by the first fold. Located in the first space, the second liquid retaining material 6006 is located in the second space between the two opposing surfaces created by the second fold.

7 shows a diagram of a fifth alternative wicking element 7000. A fifth alternative wicking element 7000 includes a scrolled mesh 7002. As shown in Figure 7, the ends of the scrolled mesh appear substantially helical. The mesh rolled to form scrolled mesh 7002 is formed from a network of interwoven wires of stainless steel. The wires form substantially square apertures with a diameter of approximately 60 μm, each aperture having a dimension of approximately 90 μm. The liquid retention material 7004 was wrapped into a rolled or scrolled mesh 7002. Scrolled mesh 7002 places a layer of liquid retention material 7004 on top of the mesh, then rolls the layer of liquid retention material 7004 and the mesh together, and then rolls the mesh and liquid retention material 7004 together. It was formed by bending into the shape shown in Figure 7.

8 shows a diagram of a sixth alternative wicking element 8000. The sixth alternative wicking element 8000 includes a substantially tubular mesh 8002. The mesh rolled into tubular mesh 8002 is a hybrid mesh formed from a network of interwoven wires 8006 of stainless steel and woven viscose rayon filaments 8008. The wire has a diameter of approximately 70 μm. The mesh forms a plurality of substantially square apertures, each aperture having a dimension of approximately 90 μm. The sixth alternative wicking element 8000 also includes a liquid retention material 8004 retained within the substantially tubular mesh.

Each of the wicking elements shown in Figures 3-8 has a similar shape formed by longitudinal extensions and projections similar to the wicking and counter elements shown in Figures 1 and 2, although those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of other shapes are possible. You will understand.

For the purposes of this description and the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc. are to be understood in all instances as being modified by the term “about.” Additionally, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include therein any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically recited herein. Therefore, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 10% of A. In this context, number A may be considered to include a numerical value that is within the normal standard error of measurement for the characteristic that number A modifies. In some examples used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, so long as the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel feature(s) of the claimed invention. Additionally, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include therein any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims (14)

An aerosol generating system, comprising:
An aerosol-generating device comprising a heating element; and
A cartridge comprising a housing, a wick element, and a deflection means,
The cartridge can be engaged with and disengaged from the device by moving the cartridge relative to the device in an engaging direction,
here:
When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element is in a disengaged wick element position where the wick element is not in contact with the heating element;
When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is in an engaged wick element position relative to the housing that is different from the unlocked wick element position, the wick element is in contact with the heating element, and the biasing means is in contact with the heating element. By biasing the wick element towards the unlocked wick element position, the wick element applies a force to the heating element in a force direction that is not parallel to the direction of engagement, the force being applied by the wick element to the heating element. The total resulting force applied to the aerosol-generating system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the heating element includes an external heating surface and the wick element includes an external contact surface, and when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the external heating surface of the heating element is an external contact surface of the wick element. and bordering aerosol-generating systems. 3. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force direction is substantially perpendicular to the fastening direction. 4. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein when the cartridge is engaged with the device, the force applied to the heating element by the wick element is greater than 0.1 Newton. 5. An aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating element is an elongated heating element with a length extending in the direction of the heating element, and the direction of force is not parallel to the direction of the heating element. 6. The cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to be heated to a higher temperature than the second portion, the cartridge When engaged with the device, the wick element contacts the second portion of the heating element. A cartridge for use with an aerosol-generating device having a heating element, the cartridge comprising a wick element, a housing, and deflection means,
the wick element is movable relative to the housing between an unlocked wick element position and an engaged wick element position,
When the wicking element is in the engaged wicking element position, the biasing means biases the wicking element towards the unlocked wicking element position,
the cartridge is configured to engage and disengage from the aerosol-generating device by moving the cartridge relative to the device in an engaging direction,
The cartridge:
When the cartridge is not engaged with the device, the wick element is in the unlocked wick element position and is not in contact with the heating element;
When the cartridge is engaged with the device, the wick element is in the engaged wick element position and in contact with the heating element, and the biasing means biases the wick element toward the unlocked wick element position, A cartridge, wherein the wick element is configured to apply a force to the heating element in a force direction non-parallel to the engagement direction, wherein the force is configured to be the total resultant force applied to the heating element by the wick element. 8. A cartridge or aerosol-generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cartridge comprises a counter element in contact with the heating element and configured to apply a counterforce to the heating element in the counterforce direction. 9. A cartridge or aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein the counter element is a second wick element. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the wick element comprises a wick element contact and the counter element comprises a counter element contact.
When the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, the wick element contact portion and the counter element contact portion contact the heating element,
When the wick element is in the unlocked wick element position, the wick element contact portion and the counter element contact portion are in contact or separated by a distance of less than 3 mm. 11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the wick element has a wick element contact configured to contact the heating element when the wick element is in the engaged wick element position, and an adjacent wick element contact. comprising a curved outer portion,
wherein the curved outer portion is curved away from the engaging direction as the curved outer portion extends in one or both of the engaging direction and a direction opposite to the engaging direction. 12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the wick element comprises a mesh, the mesh comprising a plurality of wires defining a plurality of apertures, each of the plurality of wires being between 10 and 200 μm. A cartridge or aerosol generating system having a thickness of 13. The cartridge or aerosol-generating system of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of apertures has a dimension less than three times the thickness of each of the plurality of wires. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the wick element is in the fastened wick element position, the wick element is elastically deformed and the elasticity of the wick element causes the fastened wick element to be elastically deformed. A cartridge or aerosol generating system providing said biasing means to bias said wick element towards a released wick element position.