WO2023117671A1 - Cartouche remplaçable à capillaire - Google Patents

Cartouche remplaçable à capillaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023117671A1
WO2023117671A1 PCT/EP2022/086102 EP2022086102W WO2023117671A1 WO 2023117671 A1 WO2023117671 A1 WO 2023117671A1 EP 2022086102 W EP2022086102 W EP 2022086102W WO 2023117671 A1 WO2023117671 A1 WO 2023117671A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
capillary
storage portion
liquid storage
replaceable cartridge
liquid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/086102
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Enrico TURRINI
Original Assignee
Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Philip Morris Products S.A. filed Critical Philip Morris Products S.A.
Priority to CN202280082069.6A priority Critical patent/CN118382375A/zh
Priority to KR1020247019735A priority patent/KR20240126858A/ko
Publication of WO2023117671A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023117671A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/44—Wicks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a replaceable cartridge containing a liquid agent to be aerosolized.
  • Cartridges which contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and a wicking element.
  • the wicking element normally retains a high volume of the aerosol-forming substrate even when the cartridge is depleted.
  • the liquid transfer in these cartridges depends on the correct orientation of the cartridge allowing the transport of the liquid through the wicking element. Close contact between the wicking element and an aerosolization element for forming an aerosol from the liquid aerosol-forming substrate can also lead to the production of harmful and potentially harmful constituents or might hamper the production of the aerosol.
  • a replaceable cartridge configured for being detachably connectable to an aerosol-generating device.
  • the replaceable cartridge may comprise a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid agent.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a liquid outlet for directing the liquid agent out of the liquid storage portion.
  • the replaceable cartridge may comprise a capillary being in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet.
  • the capillary may have a cross-section and a longitudinal length. The surface of the cross-section of the capillary may remain constant along at least a part of the longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • a replaceable cartridge configured for being detachably connectable to an aerosol-generating device.
  • the replaceable cartridge comprises a liquid storage portion for storing liquid agent.
  • the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid outlet for directing the liquid agent out of the liquid storage portion.
  • the replaceable cartridge furthermore comprises a capillary being in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet.
  • the capillary has a crosssection and a longitudinal length. The surface of the cross-section of the capillary remains constant along at least a part of the longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • the term “longitudinal length” refers to the length of the capillary along a longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • the liquid storage portion comprises a longitudinal axis and extends along this longitudinal axis.
  • the capillary therefore may extend along the longitudinal axis.
  • the capillary extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • the part of the capillary extending either along or parallel to the longitudinal axis may have a surface of the cross-section, which remains constant along the complete longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • cross-section of the capillary refers to the cross-section of the capillary perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • crosssections in different areas of the longitudinal length of the capillary may have the same area or surface of the cross-section. This may allow a constant and reliable transport of the liquid agent through the capillary via capillary action.
  • cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion refers to the cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • cross-sectional areas of the liquid storage portion may have the same area in different areas of the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion or may have different areas in different areas of the longitudinal axis in other embodiments of the liquid storage portion.
  • a cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion at the upstream end of the capillary may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion at the downstream end of the capillary.
  • the replaceable cartridge of the present invention may allow a constant and reliable transport of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet. Since the surface of the cross-section of the capillary remains constant for at least a part of the longitudinal length of the capillary, a reliable transport of the liquid agent along the longitudinal length of the capillary to the liquid outlet may be provided.
  • the capillary furthermore may ensure that a vast amount of the liquid agent is used before the replaceable cartridge is depleted. This may reduce the amount of liquid agent remaining in an empty cartridge.
  • the capillary furthermore may allow the transport of the liquid agent independent of the orientation of the cartridge.
  • the replaceable cartridge of the present invention furthermore may allow to keep an aerosolization element separate from the cartridge and its liquid storage portion.
  • the aerosolization element may be configured for generating an aerosol from the liquid agent.
  • the aerosolization element may be part of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosolization element may be placed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet of the replaceable cartridge, when the replaceable cartridge is connected to the aerosol-generating device. This may avoid discarding the aerosolization element when the liquid agent stored in the storage portion of the replaceable cartridge has been used.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary may be the same at an upstream portion of the capillary compared to the surface of the cross-section of the capillary at a downstream portion of the capillary. This may allow an easy and constant transport of liquid agent through the capillary between the upstream portion of the capillary and the downstream portion.
  • upstream and “downstream”, are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the replaceable cartridge in relation to the direction in which liquid agent flows through the capillaries of the liquid storage portion to the liquid outlet during use of the cartridge.
  • the upstream end of the replaceable cartridge may comprise the opening between the capillary and the liquid storage portion allowing entry of the liquid agent from the storage portion into the capillary.
  • the downstream end of the replaceable cartridge may comprise the liquid outlet allowing the liquid agent to exit the liquid storage portion and the cartridge.
  • Components, or portions of components, of the replaceable cartridge may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions with respect to the path of the liquid agent through the replaceable cartridge.
  • the replaceable cartridge may be configured to be detachably connectable to a mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the replaceable cartridge may be configured to be detachably connectable directly to the mouthpiece, so that the mouthpiece is located adjacent to the liquid outlet.
  • the replaceable cartridge may comprise connection elements for connecting the replaceable cartridge with the aerosol-generating device.
  • the capillary may be formed between two opposing surfaces of two walls within the replaceable cartridge.
  • the capillary may allow the transport of the liquid agent along the length of the capillary through the capillary due to capillary action.
  • Capillary action may be driven by one or more of the forces of adhesion, cohesion, pressure difference between different compartments of the replaceable cartridge or surface tension.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary remains constant along the full longitudinal length of the capillary. This may ensure a reliable transport of the liquid agent along the full longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a first wall with a first inner surface and may comprise a second wall with a second inner surface.
  • the capillary may be located between the opposing first inner surface and second inner surface.
  • the capillary may be formed between the opposing first inner surface and second inner surface.
  • the capillary may be located centrally within the liquid storage portion.
  • the first inner surface of the first wall may run parallel to the opposing second inner surface of the second wall. This may result in a rectangular surface area of the cross-section of the capillary.
  • the capillary may comprise the first wall and the second wall being located in the liquid storage portion and protruding from the liquid agent being located in the liquid storage portion towards the liquid outlet.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise an outer shell as the first wall.
  • the liquid storage portion furthermore may comprise an inner shell as the second wall.
  • the inner shell may be housed in the outer shell of the liquid storage portion.
  • the first capillary may be located between the inner shell and the outer shell.
  • the first capillary may be located between an outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell.
  • the inner surface of the outer shell may be the first inner surface of the first wall.
  • the outer surface of the inner shell may be the second inner surface of the second wall.
  • the first capillary therefore may be formed along the complete interface between the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the inner shell. This may allow the first capillary to be formed along the circumference of the liquid storage portion.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise an upstream cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the capillary.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a downstream cross- sectional area at the downstream end of the capillary.
  • the cross-sectional area may taper from the upstream cross-sectional area towards the downstream cross-sectional area.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a longitudinal axis.
  • the capillary may extend along an extension direction.
  • the extension direction may extend from an upstream end of the capillary to the downstream end of the capillary.
  • the extension direction may be tilted towards the longitudinal axis.
  • the tilted towards the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion of 0.1 degree to 15 degrees, more preferably may be tilted towards the longitudinal axis by an angle of 2 degrees to 6 degrees.
  • This also may simplify the manufacturing process for the liquid storage portion. This may allow the manufacturing of one or both of the inner shell and the outer shell with greater manufacturing tolerances.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise or may have a frusto-conical shape.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise or may have a frusto-pyramidal shape.
  • This may be a cone with the top part being cut off so that the cone is located between two parallel planes.
  • This may be a pyramid with the top part being cut of so that the pyramid is located between two parallel planes.
  • the cartridge may furthermore comprise an upstream lid.
  • the upstream lid may be configured for closing the upstream end of the liquid storage portion.
  • the upstream lid may be in contact with the outer shell when the upstream lid closes the liquid storage portion.
  • the upstream lid may be secured to the outer shell by employing one or more of: press fit connection, laser welding, hot pressing, or overmoulding.
  • the upstream end of the inner shell may comprise at least one slot.
  • the at least one slot may be configured for being spaced apart from the upstream lid when the upstream lid closes the upstream end of the liquid storage portion.
  • the at least one slot may be formed at the upstream end of the capillary. This may allow a fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the capillary along the upstream lid.
  • the upstream end of the inner shell may comprise between 2 to 7 slots. This may provide a plurality of entry points for the liquid agent from the liquid storage portion into the capillary.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a housing.
  • the outer shell may comprise the housing.
  • the inner shell may be located within the liquid storage portion inside the housing and the capillary may be formed between the housing and the inner shell.
  • the overall geometric shape of the inner shell may conform to the overall geometric shape of the housing, the outer shell. This may allow the formation of the capillary between the housing and the inner shell.
  • the housing, the outer shell and the inner shell may have a tubular or cylindrical shape.
  • the housing and the inner shell may be concentric in order to allow the formation of the capillary.
  • the liquid storage portion comprises a housing and the inner and outer shell are located within the housing. This may enable the incorporation of a capillary with an inner shell and an outer shell in the inside of the liquid storage portion, independently of the shape of the housing of the liquid storage portion. This may also help to increase the overall size of the liquid storage portion since its size would not be restricted by the dimensions of the outer shell and the inner shell.
  • the outer shell and the inner shell may also have a tubular or cylindrical shape.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the capillary may have a circular surface, preferably a ring-shaped surface.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary may remain constant in different areas of the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary at an upstream section of the capillary may remain the same as the surface of the cross-section of the capillary at a downstream section of the capillary. This may ensure a reliable and constant transport of the liquid agent between the upstream section of the capillary and the downstream section via capillary force.
  • the outer shell and the inner shell may have any shape suitable to form a capillary between the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the inner shell.
  • the inner and the outer shell may be hollow polygonal prisms.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary may have a hollow polygonal shape.
  • the outer shell and the inner shell may be hollow rectangular prisms.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the capillary may have a hollow rectangular shape.
  • a distance between the first inner surface of the first wall and the second inner surface of the second wall may be between 0.05 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters. Preferably the distance may be between the outer surface of the inner shell and the inner surface of the outer shell.
  • a distance in this range may particularly well suited in order to transport the liquid agent via capillary action.
  • the capillary may comprise protrusions.
  • the protrusions may be in contact with the first inner surface and the second inner surface.
  • the protrusions also may be in contact with the third inner surface of the third wall and the fourth inner surface of the fourth wall if a second capillary is present in the replaceable cartridge.
  • the protrusions may protrude from one or both of the first inner surface and the second inner surface into the interior of one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary.
  • the protrusions may serve in order to maintain the same distance between the first inner surface and the second inner surface for at least a part of the length of the first capillary. Likewise, the protrusions may also serve in order to maintain the same distance between the third inner surface and the fourth inner surface for at least a part of the length of the second capillary. The protrusions therefore may maintain the same width of one or both of the first and second capillary along at least a part of the length of the capillary.
  • One or both of the first and second capillary may extend between adjacent protrusions. This may ensure an easy transport of the liquid agent via capillary action and maintaining the same width of the capillary owing to the protrusions.
  • the protrusions may extend along the central longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • the protrusions may extend within the interior of one or both of the first capillary and second capillary. This may ensure that a width of the first and second capillary remains the same along the central longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • a portion of one or both of the first and second capillary being adjacent to the liquid outlet may be free of the protrusions. This may enable a homogeneous capillary transfer of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • the portion of one or both of the first and second capillary being free of the protrusions may be the downstream portion of one or both of the first and second capillary.
  • a downstream portion of the inner shell being adjacent to the liquid outlet may be free of the protrusions. This may enable the liquid agent to be transported freely to the liquid outlet. This may still enable the protrusions present in an upstream portion of outer surface of the inner shell to maintain a constant width of the capillary.
  • the protrusions may comprise ribs.
  • the ribs may extend at least a part of the length of the first and second capillary. This may enable the ribs to maintain a constant with along at least a part of the length of the capillary.
  • the ribs may comprise a width and a length. The length of the ribs may be larger than the width. This may ensure that the ribs can extend along at least a part of the length of the first and second capillary without interfering with the capillary transfer of the liquid agent through the capillaries.
  • the capillary may be located between adjacent ribs.
  • a plurality of ribs may be arranged in the interior of the capillary, surrounding the circumference of the liquid storage portion. In particular, the plurality of ribs may comprise 3 or 4 ribs being arranged around the circumference of the liquid storage portion.
  • the number of N separate ribs may be arranged in the interior of the capillary. Preferably these ribs then may be spaced apart around the circumference of the inner shell at 360 degree/N. This may ensure proper positioning of the inner shell relative to the outer shell. For example, if 2 ribs are present, these 2 ribs may be spaced apart by 180 degrees.
  • the ribs may be located on one or both of the inner surface of the outer shell or on the outer surface of the inner shell.
  • the inner shell may comprise an air inlet.
  • the air inlet may be configured for allowing air to enter the inner shell.
  • a diameter of the air inlet may be between 0.5 millimeters and 3 millimeters, preferably between 1 millimeter to 2 millimeters.
  • the air inlet may ensure the entry of air into the interior of the liquid storage portion. This may allow a continuous transport of the liquid agent through the capillary even when a large part of the liquid agent has already been used. This also may allow air to enter the liquid storage portion and to replace the consumed liquid agent. This may also prevent the formation of a low pressure in the inner shell. This may also allow a reliable transport of the liquid agent to the capillary to the liquid outlet even in the case that the replaceable cartridge is rotated upside down.
  • the inner shell of the liquid storage portion may comprise a liquid outlet face.
  • the liquid outlet face may be located opposite of the liquid outlet.
  • the air inlet may be located in the liquid outlet face of the inner shell of the liquid storage portion.
  • the liquid outlet face may be located at the downstream end of the inner shell.
  • a wicking element may be located adjacent to the liquid outlet face of the inner shell.
  • the wicking element may be located between the liquid outlet face of the inner shell and the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking element may be in direct contact with one or both of the liquid outlet face and the liquid outlet. This may allow a reliable transport of the liquid agent from the capillary to the wicking element and further to the liquid outlet. This may allow to uniformly distribute the liquid agent within the wicking element for aerosolization. This may furthermore provide a buffer reservoir to compensate for fluctuations in the delivery of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking element may have a cylindrical shape. Such a shape may be able to effectively allow the storing and transport of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet in the case that the inner and outer shell are tubular or comprise or have a frusto-conical shape or a frusto- pyramidal shape.
  • An upstream end of the inner shell may be spaced apart from the outer shell. This may provide the opening for fluid communication between the first capillary and the liquid storage portion. This may allow the liquid agent to enter the space between the inner shell and the outer shell.
  • the shape of the inner shell may conform to the geometric body of the outer shell. This may ease the formation of the first capillary between the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the inner shell. This may ease the formation of the first capillary along the circumference of the liquid storage portion.
  • the inner shell and the outer shell may have a geometrical body being selected from: cylindrical body, cubical body, rectangular cuboidal body, pyramidal body or polygonal body.
  • These geometrical shapes may be particularly suitable in order to provide a first capillary.
  • the first wall may comprise a first plate with a first inner surface.
  • the second wall may comprise a second plate with a second inner surface.
  • the capillary may be formed between the opposing first inner surface of the first plate and the second inner surface of the second plate. If the first plate runs parallel to the second plate, a rectangular surface area of the cross-section of the capillary may be formed.
  • This may provide a capillary extending along a large part of the interface of the two plates. This may provide a capillary able to transport a large amount of liquid agent via capillary action.
  • the capillary may be formed along a large part of the interface between the first inner surface of the first plate and the second inner surface of the second plate.
  • the capillary may be formed covering between 60 percent to 99 percent of the interface between the first plate and the second plate, preferably between 70 percent to 90 percent of the interface. This may ensure that the capillary has a size big enough in order to transport large quantities of the liquid agent via capillary action.
  • the width of the capillary may be the distance between the opposing first inner surface and second inner surface.
  • the replaceable cartridge furthermore may comprise a third plate arranged lateral to the second plate.
  • a second capillary may be formed between the third plate and the second plate. This may allow the formation of a second capillary similar to the first capillary.
  • the second capillary may be formed lateral to the first capillary.
  • the presence of the second capillary may accelerate transport of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • the second capillary may also ease the transport of the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • the “capillary” described above will be referred to as the “first capillary”.
  • first wall, second wall, or the third wall may comprise at least one opening for fluid communication between one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary and the liquid storage portion.
  • first capillary may comprise a first opening in one or both the first wall and the second wall.
  • second capillary may comprise a second opening in one or both the third wall and the second wall.
  • the opening may ensure a reliable fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the capillary.
  • one or both of the first opening and the second opening are located at the bottom end of the liquid storage portion opposite of the liquid outlet.
  • first opening and the second opening preferably may be located at an upstream end of the capillary in the respective walls of the capillary. Additionally, openings may be present in the walls at downstream portions of the capillary or in positions located between the upstream end and the downstream end of the capillary.
  • a number of N plates is present in the liquid storage portion of the replaceable cartridge.
  • the N plates are all arranged one after the other, preferably the N plates are all arranged lateral to each other.
  • a capillary is formed between two adjacent plates. Plates may be flanked on both sides by adjacent plates, so that these plates may be part of two separate capillaries.
  • the N plates thereby may form N- 1 capillaries, wherein N is an integer with 3 ⁇ N ⁇ 10.
  • the capillaries may extend from the liquid agent in the liquid storage portion towards the liquid outlet and all may be in fluid communication with both the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet. Such an arrangement may accelerate the transport of the liquid agent via capillary forces to the liquid outlet.
  • One or more of the first wall, second wall, third wall or any of the number of N plates may comprise a material that is hydrophilic with a water contact angle smaller than 90 degrees.
  • the material may be selected from a group consisting of: hydrophilic polymer, glass, silicon, and metals.
  • hydrophilic polymer may be one or more of polycarbonate (PC), or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • the capillaries located between adjacent walls or plates may be formed with the use of adhesives, hot stamping or employing an interlocking design. Plates or walls may comprise connection elements allowing the connection of the plates to each other, thereby forming the capillaries.
  • the replaceable cartridge furthermore may comprise a wicking element.
  • the wicking element may be arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking element may be configured for absorbing and supplying the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking element may be located between one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary and the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking element may be configured to provide a reliable transport of the liquid agent from one end of the capillary to the liquid outlet.
  • the wicking material may comprise a retention material configured to absorb the liquid agent.
  • the retention material may transport the liquid agent from the capillary to the liquid outlet.
  • the retention material may comprise a fiber material.
  • the retention material may comprise one or more of cellulose acetate fibre, paper, porous polymer and charcoal.
  • the retention material may comprise plastic, for example polyethylene or polypropylene fibers.
  • the retention material may also comprise porous ceramic.
  • the cellulose acetate fiber may be cellulose acetate tow.
  • the porous polymer may be porous resins, such as a phenylformaldehyde resin.
  • the retention material may comprise cellulose acetate.
  • the wicking material may comprise a flat disk-like shape.
  • the thickness of the wicking material may range from 0.1 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably from 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters, preferably from 0.5 millimeters to 1 millimeter.
  • the wicking material may be located in the interface between the outer shell and the inner shell. In one embodiment, the thickness of the wicking material may be the distance between the outer shell and the inner shell in the area around the liquid outlet. In another embodiment the wicking material may protrude through the liquid outlet outside of the outer shell.
  • a thickness of the wicking material may be reduced in comparison to conventional wicking materials. This may reduce the chances of forming harmful and potentially harmful constituents when the wicking material is adjacent or near to heated aerosolization element.
  • the wicking material may comprise a porous material.
  • the wicking material may have a porosity of about 50 percent to 99 percent, preferably 60 percent to 80 percent.
  • porosity refers to a fraction of void space in the wicking material.
  • the porosity maybe calculated by the method of gas expansion (Boyle’s law). There are also other techniques then can be applied for the porosity measurement, such as PALS measurements, neutron and X-ray scattering, mercury injection, density methods, petrographic methods. For the application of most of these methods the bulk volume of the sample should also be measured.
  • ) that is defined as the fraction of the bulk volume Vb of a porous element that is not occupied by solid matter. The volume not occupied by solid matter is the pore volume V p : ⁇
  • ) V p /Vb.
  • the material of the wicking element may have a high elasticity. This may enable the wicking element to compensate for an axial tolerance of the replaceable cartridge. In particular, axial tolerances with regard to the positioning of the inner shell in relation to the outer shell may be compensated.
  • the Young modulus of the wicking element preferably may be selected from the range O.OIMPa to 50MPa and more preferably from 0.5MPa to 5MPa.
  • the wicking element may be in fluid communication with one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary. This may ensure a quick transport of the liquid agent through one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary.
  • the liquid storage portion may comprise a housing.
  • An air inlet may be located in the housing.
  • the air inlet may be located at the downstream end of the housing. This may allow air to enter the liquid storage portion. This may allow air to reliably replace liquid agent within the liquid storage portion which has been used.
  • the outer shell may comprise the housing.
  • the outer shell may be the housing.
  • the replaceable cartridge furthermore may comprise an aerosolization element.
  • the aerosolization element is separated from the replaceable cartridge and for example may be part of the aerosol-generating device. This may enable to replace the cartridge without the need for replacing the aerosolization element.
  • the aerosolization element may be configured for generating an aerosol from the liquid agent.
  • the aerosolization element may be in fluid communication with the liquid outlet.
  • the aerosolization element may be adjacent to the liquid outlet of the replaceable cartridge.
  • the aerosolization element may be configured to evaporate the liquid agent.
  • the aerosolization element may be configured to mix the evaporated liquid agent with ambient air for providing an aerosol.
  • the aerosolization element may be located adjacent to the wicking element.
  • the aerosolization element may be in direct contact with the wicking element.
  • the aerosolization element may comprise one or more of: a heater or a piezoelectric transducer.
  • the aerosolization element may comprise a piezoelectric transducer.
  • the piezoelectric transducer may be a piezoelectric actuator.
  • the piezoelectric actuator may be a mesh which may be configured to be vibratable.
  • the mesh configured to be vibratable may be configured to be vibratable upon application of electric energy.
  • the piezoelectric actuator may be configured to evaporate the liquid agent upon application of electric energy. In particular, upon application of electric energy the piezoelectric actuator being a vibratable mesh may start to vibrate, thereby evaporating the liquid agent.
  • the mesh may comprise stainless steel, silicon or other materials.
  • a piezoelectric material in the form of a ring may be applied over the mesh.
  • the mesh may comprise a plurality of small openings with a diameter smaller than 10 micrometers. The liquid agent may pass through the openings when the mesh vibrates thereby creating an aerosol through Rayleigh or capillary breakup mechanism.
  • the mesh may be located downstream of the liquid outlet. This may enable liquid agent to exit the liquid storage portion and to be evaporated by the mesh.
  • the mesh may be configured to be one or both of being vibratable or being heatable. One or both of vibrating or heating the mesh may evaporate liquid agent being in contact with the mesh.
  • the mesh may be our metal mesh or a mesh made of piezoelectric material.
  • the liquid agent in the liquid storage portion of the replaceable cartridge may comprise at least one aerosol-former.
  • An aerosol-former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the temperature of operation of the system.
  • Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.
  • Aerosol formers may be polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butanediol and glycerine.
  • the aerosol-former may be propylene glycol.
  • the aerosol former may comprise both glycerine and propylene glycol.
  • the liquid agent may comprise 50 weight percent to about 18 weight percent of water. This may ensure that the viscosity of the liquid is sufficiently low. This may enable a mesh to evaporate the liquid agent.
  • the liquid agent may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.
  • the liquid agent may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavours.
  • the liquid agent may comprise nicotine.
  • the liquid agent may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5 percent and about 10%, for example about 2 percent.
  • the aerosol-generating system may comprise a replaceable cartridge as described herein.
  • the aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosolgenerating device may be configured to be detachably connectable to the cartridge.
  • a further embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol-generating system.
  • the aerosol-generating system comprises a replaceable cartridge as described herein and an aerosol-generating device.
  • the aerosol-generating device is configured to be detachably connectable to the cartridge.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more of: a battery, a communication interface for a user, control circuitry for controlling the aerosolization element.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within the casing of the aerosol-generating device.
  • the power supply is a Lithium- ion battery.
  • the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-lron- Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery.
  • the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor.
  • the power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the aerosolization element.
  • the aerosol-generating device may comprise electric control circuitry.
  • the electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor.
  • the microprocessor may be part of a control unit.
  • the electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components.
  • the electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the aerosolization element. Power may be supplied to the aerosolization element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the aerosolization element in the form of pulses of electrical current.
  • the electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the aerosolization element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the aerosolization element dependent on the electrical resistance of the aerosolization element.
  • the aerosol-generating device may include a user interface to activate the device, for example a button to turn on and off the aerosol-generating device, in particular the aerosolization element.
  • the aerosol-generating device may also be activated by a puff sensor.
  • the user interface also may comprise a display to indicate a state of the device or the filling level of the replaceable cartridge.
  • a replaceable cartridge configured for being detachably connectable to an aerosol-generating device comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid agent, the liquid storage portion comprising a liquid outlet for directing the liquid agent out of the liquid storage portion, and a capillary being in fluid communication with the liquid storage portion and the liquid outlet, the capillary having a cross-section and a longitudinal length, wherein the surface of the cross-section of the capillary remains constant along at least a part of the longitudinal length of the capillary.
  • Example Ex2 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a first wall with a first inner surface and a second wall with a second inner surface wherein the capillary is located between the opposing first inner surface and second inner surface, preferably wherein the capillary is formed between the opposing first inner surface and second inner surface, more preferably wherein the capillary is located centrally within the liquid storage portion.
  • Example Ex3 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises an outer shell as the first wall and an inner shell as the second wall, the inner shell being housed in the outer shell of the liquid storage portion and wherein the capillary is located between the inner shell and the outer shell, preferably wherein the capillary is located between an outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell.
  • Example Ex4 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises an upstream cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the capillary and a downstream cross-sectional area at the downstream end of the capillary, and wherein the cross-sectional area tapers from the upstream cross-sectional area towards the downstream cross-sectional area.
  • Example Ex5 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a longitudinal axis and wherein the capillary extends along an extension direction, wherein the extension direction is titled towards the longitudinal axis, preferably wherein the extension direction is titled towards the longitudinal axis by an angle of 0.1 degree to 15 degrees, more preferably by an angle of 2 degrees to 6 degrees.
  • Example Ex6 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex4 or Ex5, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises or has a frusto-conical shape.
  • Example Ex7 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex4 to Ex6, further comprising an upstream lid, the upstream lid configured for closing the upstream end of the liquid storage portion.
  • Example Ex8 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the upstream end of the inner shell comprises at least one slot, the at least one slot being configured to be spaced apart from the upstream lid when the upstream lid closes the upstream end of the liquid storage portion.
  • Example Ex9 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a housing and wherein one of: the inner and the outer shell are located within the housing, or the outer shell comprises the housing.
  • Example Ex10 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Example Ex3 or Example Ex4, wherein the inner and the outer shell are tubular and wherein the cross-section of the capillary has a circular surface, preferably a ring-shaped surface
  • Example Ex11 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 to Ex8, wherein the inner and the outer shell or hollow polygonal prisms and wherein the surface of the cross-section of the capillary has a hollow polygonal shape.
  • Example Ex12 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding examples Ex3 to
  • a distance between the first inner surface and second inner surface is between 0.02 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, preferably wherein a distance between the outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell is between 0.05 millimeters and 0.5 millimeters, more preferably wherein a distance between the outer surface of the inner shell and an inner surface of the outer shell is between 0.03 millimeters and 0.08 millimeters.
  • Example Ex13 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 to Ex12, wherein the capillary comprises protrusions, said protrusions being in contact with the first inner surface and the second inner surface, more preferably wherein the protrusions comprise ribs.
  • Example Ex14 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the protrusions extend along the central longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion, more preferably wherein a downstream portion of the inner shell being adjacent to the liquid outlet is free of the protrusions.
  • Example Ex15 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 to Ex14, wherein the inner shell comprises an air inlet, the air inlet being configured for allowing air to enter the inner shell, preferably wherein a diameter of the air inlet is between 0.5 millimeters and 6 millimeters, preferably between 0.5 millimeter and 3 millimeters.
  • Example Ex16 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 to Ex15, wherein the inner shell comprises a liquid outlet face, the liquid outlet face being located opposite of the liquid outlet of the cartridge.
  • Example Ex17 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein a wicking element is located adjacent to the liquid outlet face of the inner shell, preferably wherein the wicking element is located between the liquid outlet face of the inner shell and the liquid outlet.
  • Example Ex18 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example Ex15, further being dependent on example Ex16, wherein the air inlet is located in the liquid outlet face of the inner shell.
  • Example Ex19 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example Ex3, wherein an upstream end of the inner shell is spaced apart from the outer shell for providing the opening for the liquid agent to enter the space between the inner shell and the outer shell.
  • Example Ex20 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex3 to Ex19, wherein the shape of the inner shell conforms to the geometrical body of the outer shell, preferably wherein the inner shell and the outer shell have a geometrical body being selected from: cylindrical body, cubical body, rectangular cuboidal body, pyramidal body or polygonal body.
  • Example Ex21 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding Example Ex2, wherein the first wall comprises a first plate with a first inner surface and wherein the second wall comprises a second plate with a second inner surface and wherein the capillary is formed between the opposing first inner surface of the first plate and the second inner surface of the second plate, preferably wherein the surface of the cross-section of the capillary is rectangular.
  • Example Ex22 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, further comprising a third plate being arranged lateral to the second plate, wherein a second capillary is formed between the third plate and the second plate, preferably wherein N plates are present in the liquid storage portion, being arranged lateral to each other and wherein N-1 capillaries are formed between the plates, wherein N is an integer with 3 ⁇ N ⁇ 10.
  • Example Ex23 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the
  • N-1 capillaries are in fluid communication with the liquid outlet.
  • Example Ex24 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples
  • first wall, second wall, third wall comprise at least one opening for fluid communication between one or both of the first capillary and the second capillary and the liquid storage portion.
  • Example Ex25 The replaceable cartridge of any the preceding examples, further comprising a wicking element arranged adjacent to the liquid outlet, the wicking element being configured for absorbing and supplying the liquid agent to the liquid outlet.
  • Example Ex26 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples, wherein the liquid storage portion comprises a housing and wherein an air inlet is located in the housing, preferably wherein the air inlet is located at a downstream end of the housing.
  • Example Ex27 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples, further comprising an aerosolization element configured for generating an aerosol from the liquid agent, preferably wherein the aerosolization element is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet.
  • Example Ex28 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example further dependent on any of the examples Ex25, wherein the aerosolization element is located adjacent to the wicking element, preferably wherein the aerosolization element is in direct contact with the wicking element.
  • Example Ex29 The replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples
  • the aerosolization element comprises one or more of a: heater or a mesh.
  • Example Ex30 The replaceable cartridge of the preceding example, wherein the mesh is located downstream of the liquid outlet, preferably wherein the mesh is configured to be vibratable, more preferably wherein the cartridge comprises a piezoelectric element configured for vibrating the mesh.
  • Example Ex31 An aerosol-generating system comprising a replaceable cartridge of any of the preceding examples Ex1 to Ex30, and an aerosol-generating device being configured to be detachably connected to the cartridge.
  • Example Ex32 The aerosol-generating system of the preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises one or more of: a battery, a communication interface for a user, control circuitry for controlling the aerosolization element.
  • Fig. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a replaceable cartridge along its longitudinal axis in accordance with the present invention comprising an inner shell, an outer shell and a wicking element;
  • Fig. 1 B depicts a cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge of Fig. 1A in a plane perpendicular to the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1A
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a replaceable cartridge in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an inner shell of a replaceable cartridge including ribs
  • FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of an inner shell of the replaceable cartridge with ribs
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a replaceable cartridge of the present invention
  • Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of a capillary formed between two plates, which is employed in the replaceable cartridge shown in Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a replaceable cartridge of the present invention including a tubular capillary located in the liquid storage portion of the replaceable cartridge;
  • Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device connected to a replaceable cartridge of the present invention
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of another of the cartridge
  • Fig. 11 shows a three-dimensional, perspective view of an outer shell of the liquid storage portion
  • Fig. 12 depicts a three-dimensional, perspective few of an inner shell of the liquid storage portion
  • Fig. 13a and 13b depict a cross-sectional dimensional view of a cartridge and a three- dimensional view of a cartridge with the assembled inner shell, outer shell and wicking element.
  • Fig. 1A depicts a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a replaceable cartridge 10 of the present invention.
  • the replaceable cartridge 10 comprises a first wall 22, which can form the outer shell of the replaceable cartridge. Additionally, the replaceable cartridge comprises a second wall 24. This second wall 24 forms the inner shell of the replaceable cartridge.
  • the capillary 20 is formed between the outer shell and the inner shell, in particular between the inner surface 22A of the outer shell 22 and the outer surface 24A of the inner shell 24.
  • the width 26 of the capillary 20 is also shown in Fig. 1A.
  • the capillary extends along the longitudinal axis 28 of the liquid storage portion. This ensures a constant and reliable transport of the liquid agent 14 out of the liquid storage portion 12 through the capillary 20 towards the liquid outlet 32.
  • a wicking element 30 is located between the capillary 20 and the liquid outlet 32.
  • the wicking element 30 may be located between the liquid outlet 32 and the liquid outlet face 24A of the inner shell 24. This wicking element may be able to absorb liquid agent and to furthermore transport the liquid agent in a uniform way towards the liquid outlet 32.
  • the inner shell 24 includes an opening 36 at the upstream end of the capillary. This opening 36 provides a fluid communication between the capillary 20 and the liquid agent 14 in the liquid storage portion 12.
  • An aerosolization element 33 is located adjacent to the liquid outlet 32.
  • the aerosolization element 33 may be configured for generating an aerosol from the liquid agent 14.
  • the aerosolization element 33 may for example comprise a mesh.
  • the mesh may comprise a vibratable mesh or a heatable mesh.
  • An air inlet 34 may be present in the liquid outlet face 24A of the inner shell 24. This inlet 34 may allow air to enter the liquid storage portion 12 and thereby replace used liquid agent. This may prevent the formation of a lower pressure within the liquid storage portion compared to the pressure outside the liquid storage portion.
  • Fig. 1 B a cross-sectional view of the replaceable cartridge shown in Fig. 1A along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 as indicated by the dashed lines 29 and 31 in Fig. 1A.
  • This cross-sectional view shows a cross-section through the tubular replaceable cartridge including the outer shell and the inner shell.
  • the inner surface 22A of the outer shell and the outer surface 24A of the inner shell are shown.
  • the capillary 20 is formed between the inner surface of the outer shell and the outer surface of the inner shell and the surface 20A of the cross-section of the capillary is indicated as a striped area.
  • the area of the surface 20A of the cross-section of the capillary remains the same in a cross-section in the upstream area of the replaceable cartridge indicated by the dashed line 29 and in the downstream area of the replaceable cartridge indicated by the dashed line 31. This allows a reliable and constant transport of the liquid agent through the capillary.
  • the surface of the cross-section of the capillary has a ring-shaped form.
  • Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the replaceable cartridge 10 of Fig. 1 A and B.
  • the replaceable cartridge of Fig. 2 does not include a wicking element 30, but rather includes a part 20A of the capillary 20 which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28 and which directly delivers the liquid agent 14 to the liquid outlet 32.
  • the direction of flow of the liquid agent 14 from the liquid storage portion 12 into the capillary 20 is indicated by the arrow 38.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of an inner shell 24 which can be used for example in the replaceable cartridges shown in the figures 1 and 2.
  • the outer surface 24A of the inner shell 24 comprises protrusions in the form of ribs 40. These ribs 40 allow a reliable positioning of the inner shell 24 in relation to the outer shell 22 in the replaceable cartridges of the present invention. This may ensure that the width of the capillary formed between the inner shell and the outer shell remains constant in the area of the ribs.
  • a capillary can be formed between adjacent ribs 40, allowing the transport of the liquid agent via capillary action.
  • the liquid outlet face 24A of the inner shell includes the air inlet 34.
  • Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the inner shell 24.
  • This inner shell 24 includes ribs 40, wherein a downstream portion 24B of the outer surface 24A is free of the ribs 40. This allows free flow of liquid agent near the liquid outlet. These ribs 40 are still able to provide a reliable positioning between the inner shell and the outer shell. The direction of flow of the liquid agent between the ribs 40 towards the downstream end of the capillary is indicated by the arrow 42.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of a replaceable cartridge 10 wherein the capillary 20 is formed between a first wall 22 and the second wall 24. Both the first wall 22 and the second wall 24 are plates.
  • the capillary 20 is formed between the inner surface 22A of the first plate 22 and the inner surface 24A of the second plate 24.
  • the capillary 20 is in fluid communication with the liquid agent 14 and the wicking element 30.
  • the width of the capillary 20 between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate remains constant along the length of the capillary. This enables a reliable and constant supply of liquid agent 14 via capillary action.
  • Forming the capillary 20 between the plates may enable a design of a replaceable cartridge 10 independent of the overall geometric shape of the liquid storage portion.
  • Air inlets 34 are present which allow air to enter the liquid storage portion in order to avoid the formation of a low pressure in the liquid storage portion.
  • Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of the first plate 22 and the second plate 24 employed in the replaceable cartridge 10 of Fig. 5. Both plates 22 and 24 are parallel to each other and allow the formation of the capillary 20 between the plates.
  • the area 22A of the cross-section of this capillary 20 has a rectangular shape.
  • Lateral protrusions are present in one or both of the inner surface 22A of the first plate and the inner surface 24A of the second plate as indicated by the dashed circles 21. These lateral protrusions protrude from one inner surface to the inner surface of the opposing plate and allow a closing of the capillary 20 on both lateral ends of the plates. Likewise, these lateral protrusions allow a constant and reliable spacing apart of both plates, enabling that the width of the capillary 20 formed between both plates remains constant.
  • Fig. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of another replaceable cartridge 10.
  • This cartridge 10 includes a first capillary 20 formed between the outer shell 22, and between the inner shell 24.
  • the capillary is located centrally within the liquid storage portion of the replaceable cartridge. This allows the housing of the liquid storage portion to adopt a shape different to the capillary.
  • the capillary 20 is in fluid communication with the liquid agent 14 and the wicking element 30.
  • the capillary extends along the longitudinal axis 28 of the liquid storage portion and the cartridge.
  • An air inlet 34 is present allowing the entry of air into the liquid storage portion, thereby avoiding low pressure when the liquid agent is consumed.
  • Fig. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating device 46 connected to a replaceable cartridge 10 of the present invention.
  • the replaceable cartridge 10 can be inserted via an opening into the aerosol-generating device 46 and a spring 15 is present which is able to press the replaceable cartridge against the aerosolization element 33.
  • the replaceable cartridge 10 comprises an inner shell and an outer shell 22, 24 and is connected to a mouthpiece 48 via the device 46.
  • the aerosol-generating device 46 includes a housing 54 which comprises control circuitry 52.
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the aerosol-generating device 46 of Fig. 8.
  • the opening 56 can be clearly seen through which the replaceable cartridge 10 can be detachably connected to the aerosol-generating device 46.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the cartridge 10.
  • the cartridge 10 comprises an outer shell 22 housing an inner shell 24. Between the outer shell 22 and the inner shell 24 the capillary 20 is formed.
  • the liquid storage portion comprises a longitudinal axis 28.
  • the extension direction of the capillary 20 from the upstream end to the downstream end of the capillary 20 is indicated by the dashed arrow 58. This results in a tilting angle 60 of the extension direction of the capillary 20 in relation to the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion.
  • the cartridge 10 has an overall frusto-conical shape.
  • a diameter 64 of the liquid storage portion at the upstream end of the capillary is larger than the diameter 66 of the liquid storage portion at the downstream end of the capillary 20.
  • the respective diameter of the liquid storage portion at the upstream end or at the downstream end of the capillary is determined by the distance between the opposing sidewalls of the inner shell circumscribing the liquid storage portion 12. This is due to the upstream cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion being larger than the downstream cross-sectional area of the liquid storage portion.
  • the cartridge 10 furthermore comprises an upstream lid 62 which closes the upstream end of the liquid storage portion 12.
  • An air inlet 34 is present in the liquid outlet face 24A of the inner shell 24.
  • Fig. 11 shows a three-dimensional, perspective view of an outer shell 22 including protrusions 40 in the form of ribs. These protrusions 40 contact the inner shell when the cartridge is assembled. These protrusions have the same thickness along the longitudinal axis of the liquid storage portion. These protrusions 40 can ensure that the same width of the capillary is present at the upstream end of the capillary as at the downstream end of the capillary.
  • Fig. 12 shows a three-dimensional, perspective view of an inner shell 24 including an air inlet 34.
  • the inner shell 24 also comprises slots 68 at an upstream end of the inner shell.
  • Fig. 13a depicts a cross-sectional three-dimensional view of an assembled cartridge 10. It can clearly be seen that the capillary 20 is formed between the inner shell 24 and the outer shell 22. Slots 68 at the upstream end of the inner shell 24 enable a fluid communication between the liquid storage portion and the capillary 20. These slots 68 are spaced apart from the upstream lid 62. At the downstream end of the capillary 20 a wicking element 30 is present.
  • Fig. 13b shows the three-dimensional view of the assembled cartridge of Fig. 13a.

Landscapes

  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une cartouche remplaçable conçue pour pouvoir être reliée amovible à un dispositif de génération d'aérosol, la cartouche comprenant : une partie de stockage de liquide pour stocker un agent liquide, la partie de stockage de liquide comprenant une sortie de liquide pour diriger l'agent liquide hors de la partie de stockage de liquide, et un capillaire étant en communication fluidique avec la partie de stockage de liquide et la sortie de liquide, le capillaire ayant une section transversale et une longueur longitudinale, la surface de la section transversale du capillaire restant constante le long d'au moins une partie de la longueur longitudinale du capillaire.
PCT/EP2022/086102 2021-12-20 2022-12-15 Cartouche remplaçable à capillaire WO2023117671A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202280082069.6A CN118382375A (zh) 2021-12-20 2022-12-15 具有毛细管的可更换筒
KR1020247019735A KR20240126858A (ko) 2021-12-20 2022-12-15 모세관을 갖는 교체 가능한 카트리지

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21216094 2021-12-20
EP21216094.9 2021-12-20

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WO2023117671A1 true WO2023117671A1 (fr) 2023-06-29

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CN (1) CN118382375A (fr)
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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0893071A1 (fr) * 1997-07-23 1999-01-27 Japan Tobacco Inc. Dispositif générateur d'arÔme
US20160353802A1 (en) * 2014-02-10 2016-12-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartridge for an aerosol-generating system
WO2017025310A1 (fr) * 2015-08-07 2017-02-16 Philip Morris Products S.A. Système de génération d'aérosol à gestion améliorée de la circulation d'air
WO2017093535A1 (fr) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Jt International S.A. Système et procédé de chauffage pour un dispositif d'inhalation
WO2020025644A1 (fr) * 2018-07-30 2020-02-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de vapotage électronique comprenant un tampon de transfert avec des fibres orientées
WO2020127482A1 (fr) * 2018-12-19 2020-06-25 Jt International S.A. Cigarette électronique
US20200329767A1 (en) * 2016-01-08 2020-10-22 Altria Client Services Llc Element for an aerosol-generating system comprising disabling mechanism

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0893071A1 (fr) * 1997-07-23 1999-01-27 Japan Tobacco Inc. Dispositif générateur d'arÔme
US20160353802A1 (en) * 2014-02-10 2016-12-08 Philip Morris Products S.A. Cartridge for an aerosol-generating system
WO2017025310A1 (fr) * 2015-08-07 2017-02-16 Philip Morris Products S.A. Système de génération d'aérosol à gestion améliorée de la circulation d'air
WO2017093535A1 (fr) * 2015-12-03 2017-06-08 Jt International S.A. Système et procédé de chauffage pour un dispositif d'inhalation
US20200329767A1 (en) * 2016-01-08 2020-10-22 Altria Client Services Llc Element for an aerosol-generating system comprising disabling mechanism
WO2020025644A1 (fr) * 2018-07-30 2020-02-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositif de vapotage électronique comprenant un tampon de transfert avec des fibres orientées
WO2020127482A1 (fr) * 2018-12-19 2020-06-25 Jt International S.A. Cigarette électronique

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KR20240126858A (ko) 2024-08-21

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