Patent Description:
In many known aerosol-generating systems, an aerosol-forming substrate is heated and vaporised to form a vapour. The vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol. In some aerosol-generating systems, such as electrically heated smoking systems, this aerosol is then inhaled by a user. These aerosol-generating systems often comprise two parts, a cartridge and a control body. The control body contains electronics for controlling the aerosol-generating system. Cartridges for aerosol-generating systems typically comprise an aerosol-forming substrate and a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. A cartridge of this type may include electrical contacts for electrically connecting the heater to the control body. The aerosol-forming substrate is typically a liquid.

Some prior art cartridges have one or more removable or frangible barriers to prevent leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate prior to use. The barriers can be removed or broken when a user is ready to use the cartridge. However, such arrangements have a number of drawbacks. For example, the barriers may be accidentally removed or broken during transport. After such a barrier has been removed or broken, it may not be possible to reseal the cartridge. This may lead to leaking of liquid aerosol-forming substrate prior to first use, or between uses of a multiple use cartridge. Leakage of liquid may interfere with the electrical components of the system, or cause inconvenience for the consumer, or both. Furthermore, such arrangements may be difficult for a consumer to handle, or difficult to manufacture, or both.

<CIT> discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a first fluidic channel and a first airflow passage and the second component comprises a second fluidic channel and a second airflow passage. A joint rotatably couples the first component to the second component. Rotation, via the joint, of the first component and the second component from a first angle to a second angle relative to one another couples the first fluidic channel to the second fluidic channel.

It would be desirable to address these problems, or at least to provide a viable alternative.

The invention is defined in the appended independent claim <NUM>, to which reference should now be made. Optional features of the invention are defined in dependent claims. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol generating system. The cartridge may comprise a first component comprising a reservoir holding aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-forming substrate outlet. The cartridge may comprise a second component comprising an aerosol-forming substrate inlet and an aerosol-generating element. The cartridge may further comprise a sliding mechanism connecting the first component to the second component, and configured to allow the first component to translate from a first position to a second position, relative to the second component. In the first position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet may be not aligned with one another, so that the aerosol-forming substrate cannot pass from the first component to the second component. In the second position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet may be aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate can pass from the first component to the second component.

Advantageously, the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet being not aligned in the first position prevents fluid communication between the reservoir and the aerosol-generating element in the first position. This prevents aerosol-forming substrate from contacting the aerosol-generating element before it is desired. Aerosol-forming substrate in contact with the aerosol-generating element for prolonged periods may lead to corrosion of metal parts of the aerosol-generating element.

The aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet may be formed on opposing parallel walls of the first and second components respectively. In the first position, the outlet may be not aligned with the inlet and in the second position the outlet may be aligned with the inlet along an axis perpendicular to the parallel walls.

Additionally, the sliding mechanism may be configured to allow the first component to translate only in a lateral direction, orthogonal to the axis perpendicular to the parallel walls.

The first component and the second component may be joined by the sliding mechanism. Advantageously, the first component and the second component contact one another. The first component may comprise at least a first part of the sliding mechanism. The second component may comprise at least a second part of the sliding mechanism. The first part of the sliding mechanism may be configured to engage with the second part of the sliding mechanism. The first part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a protrusion and the second part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a recess that engages with the protrusion. The sliding mechanism may comprise linear sliding guides. The second part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a track and the first part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a guide that engages with the track. Alternatively, the first part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a track and the second part of the sliding mechanism may comprise a guide that engages with the track.

The first component may further comprise a first airflow channel comprising a first air inlet and a first air outlet. The second component may further comprise a second airflow channel comprising a second air inlet and a second air outlet.

In the first position the first air inlet and the second air outlet may be not aligned with one another so that air cannot pass between the second airflow channel and the first airflow channel. In the second position the first air inlet and the second air outlet may be aligned with one another so that air can pass between the second airflow channel and the first airflow channel.

The sliding mechanism may be configured to allow the first component to translate in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the first airflow channel.

In the second position, the aerosol-generating element may be in fluid communication with the first airflow channel.

Advantageously, in the first position both the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and inlet and the first air inlet and the second air outlet are not in fluid communication so the aerosol-forming substrate cannot pass between the first and second components.

The cartridge may further comprise a breakable member coupled to the first component and the second component. The breakable member may be configured to resist movement of the first component. The breakable member may be configured to break if sufficient force is applied to break it. Advantageously, the breakable member may prevent accidental translation of the first component before first use. The breakable member may be a frangible seal.

In the first position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet may be sealed by the second component. This prevents leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate into the second component or to outside of the cartridge. Preferably, the cartridge may further comprise a sealing element between the first component and the second component. The sealing element may be configured to prevent leakage of aerosol-forming substrate from the first component when the first component is not in the second position. Advantageously, this prevents loss of aerosol-generating substrate or access to the aerosol-generating substrate by the user, unless the first component is the second position. The sealing element may be fixed to the second component. The sealing element may be a substantially flat sheet. The sealing element may comprise or be formed from an elastomer. For example the sealing element may comprise of be formed from rubber, silicon, or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The sealing element may be fixed to the second component on the wall comprising the aerosol-forming substrate inlet. The sealing element may comprise at least one opening to allow fluid transfer across when the first component is in the second position. Preferably, the sealing element is a substantially flat sheet comprising a first opening over the aerosol-forming substrate inlet and a second opening over the second air outlet.

The first component may comprise one or more ribs. The one or more ribs may surround the aerosol-forming substrate outlet. When the first component is in the first position, the aerosol-forming substrate outlet may be sealed by the one or more ribs pressing against the sealing element. Preferably, the one or more ribs may further surround the first air inlet. When the first component is in the first position, the first air inlet may be sealed by the one or more ribs pressing against the sealing element. The one or more ribs may comprise a rib situated between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the first air inlet. The rib situated between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the first air inlet may advantageously press against the sealing element and seal the aerosol-forming substrate outlet from the first air inlet. This may prevent fluid passing directly between the first air inlet and the aerosol-forming substrate outlet. For example, the rib situated between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the first air inlet may press against the sealing element and prevent the aerosol-forming substrate from being transferred from the aerosol-forming substrate outlet directly into the first air inlet.

When the first component is in the second position the one or more ribs may be aligned with the first and second openings in the sealing element. Advantageously, this may allow aerosol-forming substrate to pass from the first component to the second component and air to pass between the second airflow channel and the first airflow channel. Advantageously, in the second position the rib situated between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet and the first air inlet may press against the sealing element between the first and second sealing element openings and seal the aerosol-forming substrate outlet from the first air inlet.

Alternatively, a sealing element may be fixed to the first component and the second component may comprise one or more ribs.

The sliding mechanism may be configured to allow the first component to be translated relative to the second component in a single direction. Unidirectional translation of the first component may advantageously prevent unnecessary back and forth sliding, which could lead to excessive wear and thus damage to the cartridge. The second component may comprise a ratchet mechanism that retains the first component in the second position. Alternatively, the first component may comprise a ratchet mechanism that retains the first component in the second position.

Optionally, the cartridge may comprise a locking mechanism that retains the first component in the second position. This may advantageously prevent accidental sliding of the first component relative to the second component during use.

The first component may further comprise a retractable member that retains the first component in the second position, the retractable member configured to be retracted when in the first position and to be extended into a cavity in the second component when in the second positon.

The second component may comprise a capillary material adjacent to the aerosol-generating element. The capillary material may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating element. A capillary material is a material that actively conveys liquid from one end of the material to another. The capillary material delivers aerosol-generating substrate to the aerosol-generating element. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibres or threads or other fine bore tubes. The fibres or threads may be generally aligned to convey aerosol-forming substrate towards the aerosol-generating element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms a plurality of small bores or tubes, through which the aerosol-forming substrate can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are a sponge or foam material, ceramic- or graphite-based materials in the form of fibres or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastics material, a fibrous material, for example made of spun or extruded fibres, such as cellulose acetate, polyester, or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, terylene or polypropylene fibres, nylon fibres or ceramic. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity so as to be used with different aerosol-forming substrate physical properties. The aerosol-forming substrate has physical properties, including but not limited to viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point and vapour pressure, which allow the aerosol-forming substrate to be transported through the capillary medium by capillary action.

The aerosol-generating element may comprise a first side and a second side. The first side may oppose the second side. The first side may be exposed to the second airflow channel and the second side may be exposed to the capillary material. The aerosol-generating element may comprise fluid-permeable material. Fluid may pass through the fluid-permeable material in a liquid or a vapour form. The second airflow channel may be in fluid communication with the capillary material via the fluid permeable aerosol-generating element.

The aerosol-generating element may comprise a heating element. Heating the aerosol-forming substrate may release volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate as a vapour. The vapour may then cool within an airflow (such as within the first airflow channel) to form an aerosol. The heating element may comprise a substantially flat heating element to allow for simple manufacture. Geometrically, the term "substantially flat" heating element is used to refer to a heating element that is in the form of a substantially two dimensional topological manifold. Thus, the substantially flat heating element extends in two dimensions along a surface substantially more than in a third dimension. In particular, the dimensions of the substantially flat heating element in the two dimensions within the surface is at least five times larger than in the third dimension, normal to the surface. An example of a substantially flat heating element is a structure between two substantially imaginary parallel surfaces, wherein the distance between these two imaginary surfaces is substantially smaller than the extension within the surfaces. In some embodiments, the substantially flat heating element is planar. In other embodiments, the substantially flat heating element is curved along one or more dimensions, for example forming a dome shape or bridge shape.

The aerosol-generating element may comprise fluid permeable mesh. The heating element may comprise a plurality of interstices or apertures extending from the second side to the first side and through which fluid may pass. The heating element may comprise a plurality of electrically conductive filaments. The term "filament" is used throughout the specification to refer to an electrical path arranged between two electrical contacts. A filament may arbitrarily branch off and diverge into several paths or filaments, respectively, or may converge from several electrical paths into one path. A filament may have a round, square, flat or any other form of cross-section. A filament may be arranged in a straight or curved manner.

The heating element may be an array of filaments, for example arranged parallel to each other. Preferably, the filaments may form a mesh. The mesh may be woven or non-woven. The mesh may be formed using different types of weave or lattice structures. Alternatively, the electrically conductive heating element consists of an array of filaments or a fabric of filaments. The mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments may also be characterized by its ability to retain liquid. The electrically conductive filaments may define interstices between the filaments and the interstices may have a width of between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres. Preferably, the filaments give rise to capillary action in the interstices, so that in use, liquid to be vaporized is drawn into the interstices, increasing the contact area between the heating element and the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The electrically conductive filaments may form a mesh of size between <NUM> and <NUM> filaments per centimetre (+/- <NUM> percent). Preferably, the mesh density is between <NUM> and <NUM> filaments per centimetres (+/- <NUM> percent). More preferably, the mesh density is approximately <NUM> filaments per centimetre. The width of the interstices may be between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres, preferably between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres, more preferably approximately <NUM> micrometres. The percentage of open area of the mesh, which is the ratio of the area of the interstices to the total area of the mesh may be between <NUM> percent and <NUM> percent, preferably between <NUM> percent and <NUM> percent, more preferably approximately <NUM> percent.

The electrically conductive filaments may have a diameter of between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres, preferably between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres, more preferably between <NUM> micrometres and <NUM> micrometres, and most preferably approximately <NUM> micrometres. The filaments may have a round cross section or may have a flattened cross-section.

The area of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments may be small, for example less than or equal to <NUM> square millimetres, preferably less than or equal to <NUM> square millimetres, more preferably approximately <NUM> square millimetres. The size is chosen such to incorporate the heating element into a handheld system. Sizing of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments less or equal than <NUM> square millimetres reduces the amount of total power required to heat the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments while still ensuring sufficient contact of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments may, for example, be rectangular and have a length between <NUM> millimetres to <NUM> millimetres and a width between <NUM> millimetres and <NUM> millimetres. Preferably, the mesh has dimensions of approximately <NUM> millimetres by <NUM> millimetres.

The aerosol-generating element may be configured to be resistively heated. In other words, the aerosol-generating element may be configured to generate heat when an electrical current is passed though the heating element. The heating element, or portions thereof, may comprise or be formed from any material with suitable electrical and mechanical properties, for example a suitable, electrically resistive material. Suitable materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material. Such composite materials may comprise doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and metals from the platinum group.

Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminium based alloys and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys. Timetal® is a registered trade mark of Titanium Metals Corporation <NUM> Broadway Suite <NUM>, Denver Colorado. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material or vice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the external physicochemical properties required. The heating element, or portions thereof, may comprise a metallic etched foil insulated between two layers of an inert material. In that case, the inert material may comprise Kapton®, all-polyimide or mica foil. Kapton® is a registered trade mark of E. du Pont de Nemours and Company, <NUM> Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware <NUM>, United States of America. A combination of materials may be used to improve the control of the resistance of the substantially flat heating element. For example, materials with a high intrinsic resistance may be combined with materials with a low intrinsic resistance. This may be advantageous if one of the materials is more beneficial from other perspectives, for example price, machinability or other physical and chemical parameters. Advantageously, a substantially flat filament arrangement with increased resistance reduces parasitic losses. Advantageously, high resistivity heaters allow more efficient use of battery energy.

Preferably, the filaments are made of wire. More preferably, the wire is made of metal, most preferably made of stainless steel.

The electrical resistance of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments of the heater element is preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> Ohms. More preferably, the electrical resistance of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments is between <NUM> and <NUM> Ohms, and more preferably about <NUM> Ohm. Preferably, the electrical resistance is equal or greater than <NUM> Ohms. More preferably, the electrical resistance of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments is between <NUM> Ohms and <NUM> Ohms, and most preferably about <NUM> Ohms.

The heating element may be part of a heater assembly. The heater assembly may comprise the heating element and electrical contact portions, electrically connected to the heating element. The electrical contact portions may be two electrically conductive contact pads. The electrically conductive contact pads may be positioned at an edge area of the heating element. Preferably, the at least two electrically conductive contact pads may be positioned on extremities of the heating element. An electrically conductive contact pad may be fixed directly to electrically conductive filaments of the heating element. An electrically conductive contact pad may comprise a tin patch. Alternatively, an electrically conductive contact pad may be integral with the heating element. The electrical resistance of the mesh, array or fabric of electrically conductive filaments is preferably at least an order of magnitude, and more preferably at least two orders of magnitude, greater than the electrical resistance of the electrical contacts. This ensures that the heat generated by passing current through the heating element is localized to the mesh or array of electrically conductive filaments. It is advantageous to have a low overall resistance for the heating element if the system is powered by a battery. A low resistance, high current system allows for the delivery of high power to the heating element. This allows the heating element to heat the electrically conductive filaments to a desired temperature quickly.

Alternatively, the heating element may comprise a heating plate in which an array of apertures is formed. The apertures may be formed by etching or machining, for example. The plate may be formed from any material with suitable electrical properties, such as the materials described above in relation to filaments of a heating element.

The aerosol-generating element may comprise a susceptor element. In other words, the aerosol-generating element may be configured to operate by inductive heating. In operation, the susceptor may be heated by eddy currents induced in the susceptor. Hysteresis losses may also contribute to the inductive heating.

The aerosol-generating element may atomise the aerosol-forming substrate by a method other than heating. For example, the aerosol-generating element may comprise a vibrating membrane or may force the aerosol-forming substrate through a fine mesh.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid at room temperature. In that case the reservoir may be described as a liquid reservoir. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in another condensed form, such as a solid at room temperature, or may be in another condensed form, such as a gel, at room temperature. Volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Volatile compounds may be released by moving the aerosol-forming substrate through passages of a vibratable element. The aerosol-forming substrate may be liquid at room temperature. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both liquid and solid components. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The nicotine containing liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material.

The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. 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. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include glycerine and propylene glycol. Suitable aerosol-formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols, such as triethylene glycol, <NUM>,<NUM>-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. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavours. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine and at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former may be glycerine or propylene glycol. The aerosol former may comprise both glycerine and propylene glycol. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, for example about <NUM>%.

The cartridge may further comprise a mouthpiece. The first component may comprise a mouthpiece. Alternatively, the second component may comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be connected to the second air outlet. The mouthpiece may be removable. A user may apply a negative pressure to the mouthpiece drawing air from the second air inlet to the first air outlet, allowing aerosol to be drawn by the user. Alternatively, the cartridge may be configured to allow a user to draw directly on the first air outlet.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise the cartridge of the first aspect, and a control body connected to the cartridge. The control body may comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating element.

The control body may comprise at least one electrical contact element configured to provide an electrical connection to the aerosol-generating element when the control body is connected to the cartridge. The electrical contact element may be elongate. The electrical contact element may be spring-loaded. The electrical contact element may contact an electrical contact pad in the cartridge.

The control body may comprise control circuitry configured to control a supply of power from the power supply to the aerosol-generating element.

The control circuitry may comprise a microcontroller. The microcontroller is preferably a programmable microcontroller. The control circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The control circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the aerosol-generating element. Power may be supplied to the aerosol-generating element continuously following activation of the system or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the aerosol-generating element in the form of pulses of electrical current.

The control body may comprise a power supply configured to supply power to the control circuity and to the aerosol-generating element. Alternatively, the control body may comprise a first power supply configured to supply power to the control circuitry and a second power supply configured to supply power to the aerosol-generating element. The power supply may be a DC power supply. The power supply may be a battery. The battery may be a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, a Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. The battery may be a Nickel metal hydride battery or a Nickel cadmium battery. The power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and be configured for many cycles of charge and discharge. The power supply may have a capacity that allows for the storage of enough energy for one or more user experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for the continuous generation of aerosol for a period of around six minutes, corresponding to the typical time taken to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the aerosol-generating element.

The control body may be detachably connected to the cartridge. The control body may be connected to the second component of the cartridge. The control body may comprise a connecting portion for engagement with a connection end of the cartridge. The control body may be connected to the cartridge via a screw thread of the cartridge mated with a corresponding screw thread of the control body. Alternatively, the control body may be connected to the cartridge via apertures in the cartridge which form a snap fit connection with corresponding protrusions on the control body. Or, the control body may be connected to the cartridge via apertures in the control body which form a snap fit connection with corresponding protrusions on the cartridge. The second component of the cartridge may be substantially received within a cavity in the control body.

The sliding mechanism may be configured to allow the first component to translate in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the control body.

The aerosol-generating system may be a handheld aerosol-generating system configured to allow a user to suck on a mouthpiece to draw an aerosol through the first air outlet. The aerosol-generating system may have a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol-generating system may have a total length between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The aerosol-generating system may have an external diameter between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Features of one aspect of the disclosure may be applied to the other aspects of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term "aerosol" refers to a dispersion of solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets, in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. The aerosol may include vapours of substances that are ordinarily liquid or solid at room temperature as well as solid particles, or liquid droplets, or a combination of solid particles and liquid droplets.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating or combusting the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former. As used herein, the term "aerosol-former" refers to any suitable compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of an aerosol, for example a stable aerosol 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, <NUM>,<NUM>-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.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise glycerol, also referred to as glycerine, which has a higher boiling point than nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise propylene glycol. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material may contain volatile tobacco flavour compounds. These compounds may be released from the aerosol forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenised tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants.

As used herein, the term "liquid aerosol-forming substrate" is used to refer to an aerosol-forming substrate in condensed form. Thus, the "liquid aerosol-forming substrate" may be, or may comprise, one or more of a liquid, gel, or paste. If the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is, or comprises, a gel or paste, the gel or paste may liquidise upon heating. For example, the gel or paste may liquidise upon heating to a temperature of less than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees Celsius.

As used herein, the term "heating element" encompasses both an element that is configured to itself raise in temperature when supplied with power and an element that is configured to give rise to an increase in temperature of a coupled component when supplied with power, such as an inductor coil coupled to a susceptor element.

As used herein, a "susceptor element" means a conductive element that heats up when subjected to a changing magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the susceptor element and/or hysteresis losses. Possible materials for the susceptor elements include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminium and virtually any other conductive elements. Advantageously the susceptor element is a ferrite element. The material and the geometry for the susceptor element can be chosen to provide a desired electrical resistance and heat generation.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system <NUM>. The aerosol-generating system <NUM> comprises a cartridge <NUM> and a control body <NUM>. The cartridge comprises a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM>. In this example, the aerosol-generating system <NUM> is an electrically operated smoking system, often referred to as an e-cigarette system.

The control body <NUM> is portable and has a size comparable to a conventional cigar or cigarette. The control body <NUM> comprises a battery <NUM>, such as a lithium iron phosphate battery, and a controller <NUM> electrically connected to the battery <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> comprises a first component <NUM> comprising a first airflow channel formed between a first air inlet <NUM> and a first air outlet <NUM>. A mouthpiece <NUM> is mounted over the first air outlet <NUM>. A liquid aerosol-forming substrate is held in a reservoir <NUM>. An aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the reservoir <NUM>. The cartridge further comprises a second component <NUM>. The second component <NUM> comprises an aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> in fluid communication with a capillary material <NUM> and an aerosol-generating element <NUM>. In this example, the capillary material <NUM> has a fibrous structure and is formed from polyester, though any suitable material could be used. The aerosol-generating element <NUM> comprises a generally planar, fluid permeable mesh heating element, formed from a plurality of filaments. Electrically conductive contact pads are fixed to the aerosol-generating element. When the cartridge <NUM> is connected to the control body <NUM>, the electrically conductive contact pads are electrically connected to the two electrical contacts in the control body <NUM>. Power is provided to the aerosol-generating element <NUM> from the battery <NUM> via this electrical connection. The second component further comprises a second airflow channel comprising a second air inlet <NUM> and a second air outlet <NUM>. The aerosol-generating element <NUM> is in fluid communication with the second airflow channel. The aerosol-generating element is positioned downstream of the second air inlet <NUM> and upstream of the second air outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the cartridge <NUM> with the first component <NUM> in the first position. In the first position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> are not aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate cannot pass between the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM>. In particular, the aerosol-forming substrate cannot pass between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> as they are not in fluid communication. As such, the first position may be considered to "seal" the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol forming substrate inlet <NUM> from one another. This inhibits the leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate from the first component <NUM> into the second component <NUM>, therefore inhibiting leakage into the aerosol-generating element <NUM>. As one option, the system <NUM> can be purchased by a user in the first position. A breakable member such as a frangible seal may be coupled to the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>. The breakable member could be configured to break if sufficient force is applied. This can inhibit inadvertent translation of the first component <NUM> relative to the second component <NUM> until the breakable member is forcibly broken by a user manually translating the first component <NUM> relative to the second component <NUM>.

A sliding mechanism <NUM> connects the first component <NUM> to the second component <NUM>. The sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate from a first position (shown in <FIG>) to a second position (shown in <FIG>), relative to the second component <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the sliding mechanism is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the first airflow channel.

The sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to be translated relative to the second component <NUM> in a single direction. The cartridge <NUM> may further comprise a mechanism configured to retain the first component in the second position such as a ratchet mechanism. The first component <NUM> is therefore prevented from being translated multiple times by the user. After first use the first component <NUM> is maintained in the second position. Alternatively, the sliding mechanism <NUM> could be configured to allow back and forth translation of the first component <NUM> relative to the second component <NUM>. Therefore, between uses of the aerosol-generating system <NUM> the user could translate the first component <NUM> between the first position and the second position.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system comprising the cartridge of <FIG>. In <FIG> the first component <NUM> is in a second position and the cartridge <NUM> is connected to the control body <NUM>.

The control body <NUM> comprises two electrical contacts which are electrically connected to the battery <NUM> and configured to provide power to the cartridge <NUM> via an electrical connection to corresponding contacts in the cartridge <NUM>. This electrical connection is a wired connection and is not shown in <FIG>. In another embodiment, contact points may be configured for inductively heating a susceptor in the cartridge <NUM>. The control body <NUM> is detachably connected to the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the control body <NUM> is connected to the cartridge <NUM> via apertures in the cartridge <NUM> which form a snap fit connection with corresponding protrusions on the control body <NUM>, this snap fit connection is not shown in <FIG>.

When the first component <NUM> is in the second position the first air inlet <NUM> and the second air outlet <NUM> are aligned with one another so that air can pass between the second component <NUM> and the first component <NUM>. In the second position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> are aligned with one another. Therefore, aerosol-forming substrate can pass between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM>. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate within the reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating element <NUM> within the second component <NUM>. The aerosol-forming substrate within the reservoir <NUM> is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating element <NUM> via the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> in the first component, the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> in the second component and the capillary material <NUM>. In the second position, the aerosol-generating element <NUM> is in fluid communication with the first airflow channel, via the second airflow channel. The aerosol-generating element <NUM> comprises a fluid permeable mesh heating element, comprising a first side and a second side. The first side is exposed the capillary material <NUM>. The second side opposes the first side and is exposed to the second airflow channel. The capillary material <NUM> is configured to transport aerosol-generating substrate to the aerosol-generating element <NUM>.

The user receives the cartridge <NUM> in the first position. Prior to first use, the user translates the first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> from the first position to the second position, relative to the second component <NUM>. The aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> are formed on opposing parallel walls of the first <NUM> and second <NUM> components respectively. The sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the user to translate the first component <NUM> only in a lateral direction orthogonal to the axis perpendicular to the parallel walls.

The user then connects the cartridge <NUM> to the control body <NUM> via apertures in the cartridge <NUM> which form a snap fit connection with corresponding protrusions on the control body <NUM>. This also electrically connects the cartridge <NUM> to the control body <NUM>. The battery <NUM> and controller <NUM>, via the two electrical contacts in the control body <NUM>, become electrically connected to the aerosol-generating element <NUM>, via electrically conductive contact pads in the cartridge <NUM>. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating element <NUM> comprises a susceptor element. The battery <NUM> and the controller <NUM> are electrically connected to an inductor. When the user connects the cartridge <NUM> to the control body <NUM> the aerosol-generating element <NUM> is inductively coupled to the inductor.

Alternatively, the user could translate the first component <NUM> from the first position to the second position, relative to the second component <NUM>, after connection of the cartridge <NUM> to the control body <NUM>.

The system shown in <FIG> shows the aerosol-generating system <NUM> with the first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> in the second position. In this position, the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> are aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate can pass from the first component <NUM> to the second component <NUM>. The system is configured so that a user can puff or suck on the first air outlet <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> to draw aerosol into their mouth. In operation, when a user puffs on the mouthpiece <NUM>, air is drawn through the second airflow channel from the second air inlet <NUM>, past the aerosol-generating element <NUM>, to the first air inlet <NUM> and through the first airflow channel to the first air outlet <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> controls the supply of electrical power from the battery <NUM> to the cartridge <NUM> when the system is activated. This in turn controls the amount and properties of the vapour produced by the aerosol-generating element <NUM>. The control circuitry <NUM> may include an airflow sensor and the control circuitry may supply electrical power to the aerosol-generating element <NUM> when user puffs on the cartridge <NUM> are detected by the airflow sensor. When a user sucks on the first air outlet <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, the aerosol-generating element <NUM> is activated and generates a vapour that is entrained in the airflow passing through the first and second airflow channels. The vapour cools to form an aerosol, which is then drawn into the user's mouth through the first air outlet <NUM>.

After use of the aerosol-generating system, the user may translate the first component <NUM> from the second position back to the first position, relative to the second component <NUM>. Alternatively, the sliding mechanism <NUM> may be configured to allow the first component <NUM> to be translated relative to the second component <NUM> in a single direction.

<FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of a cartridge <NUM> of a second embodiment of the invention that comprises a longitudinally arranged sliding mechanism <NUM>, with a first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> in a first position. The cartridge <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes an aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and an aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> formed on opposing parallel walls of a first <NUM> and a second <NUM> component, respectively. In the first position, shown in <FIG>, the outlet <NUM> is not aligned with the inlet <NUM> and in the second position the outlet <NUM> is aligned with the inlet <NUM> along an axis perpendicular to the parallel walls. The sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component to translate only in a lateral direction orthogonal to the axis perpendicular to the parallel walls. In this embodiment the parallel walls are parallel to a longitudinal axis of a first airflow channel. Therefore, the sliding mechanism illustrated in <FIG> is configured to translate the first component in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first airflow channel.

<FIG> illustrates the cartridge <NUM> with a longitudinal sliding mechanism <NUM>, with the first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> in the second position. The aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> are aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate can pass between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>.

In this embodiment the aerosol-generating system operates in substantially the same way as the first embodiment. The user translates the first component <NUM> from the first position to the second position, relative to the second component <NUM>, and then connects the cartridge <NUM> to a control body. When the first component <NUM> is in the second position, the user puffs on the first air outlet <NUM>. The aerosol-generating element <NUM> is activated and generates a vapour of the aerosol-forming substrate. The vapour is entrained in the airflow passing from the second air inlet <NUM> through the first and second airflow channels. In the airflow channels the vapour cools to form an aerosol, which is then drawn into the user's mouth through the first air outlet <NUM>. After use of the aerosol-generating system, the user may translate the first component <NUM> from the second position back to the first position, relative to the second component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded three-dimensional view of a cartridge <NUM> of a third embodiment of the invention, with a first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> in a first position. <FIG> illustrates an alternative airflow channel and aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> arrangement to that illustrated in <FIG>. The configuration of a first air inlet <NUM>, first air outlet <NUM>, second air inlet <NUM> and second air outlet <NUM>, relative to the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> is different in the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> compared to the cartridge of <FIG>. In the cartridge <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the second air outlet <NUM> is adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate, relative to the second component <NUM>. <FIG> shows the second component <NUM> comprising elastomer sheet sealing element <NUM> configured to prevent leakage of aerosol-forming substrate from the first component <NUM> when the first component <NUM> is not in the second position.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded three-dimensional view of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>, with the first component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> in the second position.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the first component <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the first air inlet <NUM> is adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate, relative to the second component <NUM>. Ribs <NUM> surround, and are in-between, the first air inlet <NUM> and the first substrate outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the second component of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the second air outlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM>. The substantially flat elastomer sheet sealing element <NUM> is fixed to the second component <NUM>.

When the cartridge is assembled and the first component <NUM> is in the first position, the sealing element <NUM> interacts with the ribs <NUM> of the first component. The ribs <NUM> press against the sealing element <NUM>. This seals the first air inlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> so that fluid cannot pass between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>, or between the first air inlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM>. When the first component <NUM> is in the second position, the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> is aligned with the first opening in the sealing element <NUM> over the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM>. Furthermore, the first air inlet <NUM> is aligned with the second opening in the sealing element <NUM> over the second air outlet <NUM>. Therefore, when the first component <NUM> is in the second position, aerosol-forming substrate can pass between the first components <NUM> the second component <NUM>. The rib situated between the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> and the first air inlet <NUM> presses against the sealing element <NUM> between the first opening in the sealing element and the second opening in the sealing element. This prevents fluid passing directly between the first air inlet <NUM> and the aerosol-forming substrate outlet when <NUM> when the first component <NUM> is in the first position or in the second position.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge <NUM> of <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second air outlet <NUM> is adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate inlet <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate, relative to the second component <NUM>. Furthermore, the first air inlet <NUM> is adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate outlet <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sliding mechanism <NUM> is configured to allow the first component <NUM> to translate, relative to the second component <NUM>. The second air inlet <NUM> is configured for air to enter the second airflow channel in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which air exits the second airflow channel through the second air outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating system <NUM> of the third embodiment of the invention. The aerosol-generating system <NUM> of <FIG> shows the first component <NUM> of the cartridge in the second position relative to the second component <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is connected to the control body <NUM>. The second component <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> is substantially received within a cavity in the control body <NUM>. The control body <NUM> comprises a battery <NUM>, and a controller <NUM> electrically connected to the battery <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is configured to provide power to the cartridge <NUM> via an electrical connection. This electrical connection is a wired connection and is not shown in <FIG>.

In the third embodiment the aerosol-generating system operates in substantially the same way as the first embodiment. The user via the sliding mechanism <NUM>, translates the first component <NUM> from the first position to the second position, relative to the second component <NUM>, and then connects the cartridge <NUM> to a control body. Subsequently, the user puffs on the first air outlet <NUM>. The aerosol-generating element <NUM> is activated, vaporising the aerosol-forming substrate. The vapour is entrained in the airflow passing from the second air inlet <NUM> through the first and second airflow channels. The vapour cools to form an aerosol, which is drawn into the user's mouth through the first air outlet <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for an aerosol generating system (<NUM>, <NUM>), the cartridge (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a reservoir (<NUM>) holding aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol-forming substrate outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and an aerosol-generating element (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a sliding mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connecting the first component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the second component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to allow the first component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to translate from a first position to a second position, relative to the second component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein in the first position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are not aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate cannot pass from the first component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the second component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and in the second position the aerosol-forming substrate outlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the aerosol-forming substrate inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are aligned with one another so that the aerosol-forming substrate can pass from the first component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the second component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).