阅读说明：本技术 吸入器装置以及消耗品烟弹 (Inhaler device and consumable cartridge ) 是由 西蒙·霍罗德 克里斯托弗·J·罗韦 安德鲁·R·J·罗根 于 2017-06-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种消耗品烟弹和一种吸入器装置10。该消耗品烟弹(1)包括限定腔体(C)的外壳(2),该外壳包括第一区域(4)和第二区域(6)。弹性囊袋位于所述外壳的腔体内并且包封汽化液体(L)。该外壳的第一区域(4)包括可刺穿部分(5),并且该第二区域包括预穿孔部分(6a)。该囊袋在该第一区域与该外壳断开、并且被配置成在其被该吸入器装置的刺穿构件刺穿时破裂或被切开,使得该囊袋的已破裂或切开区域形成显著大于该刺穿的截面面积的开口。(The present invention relates to a consumable cartridge and an inhaler device 10. The consumable cartridge (1) comprises a housing (2) defining a cavity (C), the housing comprising a first region (4) and a second region (6). An elastomeric bladder is located within the cavity of the housing and encloses a vaporized liquid (L). The first region (4) of the housing comprises a pierceable portion (5) and the second region comprises a pre-perforated portion (6 a). The sachet is disconnected from the housing at the first region and is configured to rupture or be cut when it is pierced by a piercing member of the inhaler device such that the ruptured or cut region of the sachet forms an opening that is significantly larger than the pierced cross-sectional area.)

1. A consumable cartridge (1) for an inhaler device (10), the consumable cartridge (1) comprising:

-a housing (2) defining a cavity (C), the housing comprising a first region (4) and a second region (6); and

-an elastomeric bladder located within the cavity of the housing and enclosing a vaporized liquid (L);

wherein the first region (4) of the housing comprises a pierceable portion (5) and the second region comprises a pre-perforated portion (6 a); and wherein the sachet is disconnected from the housing at the first region, and wherein the sachet is configured to rupture or be cut when it is pierced by a piercing member of the inhaler device such that the ruptured or cut region of the sachet forms an opening that is substantially larger than the pierced cross-sectional area.

2. A consumable cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing extends axially between a first region at one axial end of the housing and a second region at an axially opposite end of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises a main portion (2a) containing the first region and a cover (6a) attached to the main portion.

3. A consumable cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the cover (6a) is perforated and located at the second region to form the pre-perforated portion (6 a).

4. A consumable cartridge according to any preceding claim, wherein the capsule is fixedly connected to the casing at a connection point (P) remote from the pierceable region.

5. A consumable cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the connection point (P) is located on a main part of the casing adjacent to the cover (6a) or on the cover (6 a).

6. A consumable cartridge according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein the pocket is attached to the housing between the main part and the cover (6 a).

7. A consumable cartridge according to any of claims 4-6, wherein the elasticity of the capsule and the location of the connection point (P) are such that the capsule can be disconnected from the pierceable member after the capsule has been ruptured or cut.

8. A consumable cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pierceable region of the cartridge is a weakened portion of the outer shell.

9. A consumable cartridge according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the pierceable region of the cartridge is an aperture covered by a sealing membrane or film.

10. A consumable cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the cover comprises a porous material.

11. A consumable cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the cover is formed from a separate part and is sealed to the main part of the housing by heat treatment or adhesive.

12. A consumable cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial cross-section of the outer shell is substantially circular.

13. A consumable cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial cross-section of the outer shell is non-circular.

14. A consumable cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the pocket is less than the volume of the housing cavity, such that an air pocket is formed inside the consumable cartridge.

15. An inhaler device (10) configured for receiving a consumable cartridge according to claim 1, comprising a mouthpiece segment () and a power supply unit (19), wherein the inhaler device comprises:

a vaporizing unit () comprising a heater 18 "and a wick 18' inside a vaporizing chamber (21),

-a cartridge chamber (13) configured for receiving a consumable cartridge (1), and

a piercing member (15) located inside the cartridge chamber (13), said piercing member having a tip portion (16) and a liquid transport portion (17),

wherein the core (18') is located inside the piercing member and has an exposed liquid delivery portion (17) extending outside the tubular piercing member (15), and wherein the heater is located at the exposed liquid delivery portion (17), and wherein an abutment portion (44) having an abutment surface (45) closes the cartridge chamber (13) such that the abutment portion seals the perforated region of the consumable cartridge.

16. Inhaler device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the consumable cartridge chamber further comprises a resilient member configured to exert an expulsion force on the consumable cartridge that expels it from the cartridge chamber such that the consumable cartridge is separated from the cartridge chamber when the mouthpiece section and the power supply unit are separated from each other.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a consumable cartridge for an inhaler device, such as a personal vaporizer device or an electronic cigarette. The invention also relates to an inhaler device configured to receive such a consumable cartridge.

Background

Inhaler devices for personal use (such as electronic cigarettes or also referred to as "electronic cigarettes") have gained popularity over the past decade as a replacement for traditional smoking articles like cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos. Electronic cigarettes typically use a vaporizer to vaporize a vaporized liquid, such as nicotine liquid, from an internal reservoir. Many e-cigarettes are therefore referred to as "open can systems" in which the user refills the internal reservoir with a refill bottle. Because the technology used in personal vaporizer devices is still very rudimentary, advances in the design and configuration of such devices have continually improved their performance and their reliability, as well as their ease of manufacture and their cost of manufacture.

Some inhaler devices are configured to be refilled with a vaporizing liquid in the form of a consumable cartridge, or so-called "cartomizer", which is a consumable that includes an e-liquid reservoir and a vaporizing unit that includes a wick and a heating element. These consumable cartridges or atomizers do not require manual refilling of the e-cigarette reservoir and are easy for the consumer to use. However, they are typically not hermetically sealed, and therefore, e-liquid may deteriorate over time if stored for any period of time prior to use. In addition, a disadvantage of the atomizer is the need to replace the vaporization unit (i.e., heater and wick) with the e-liquid reservoir.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved consumable cartridge for an inhaler device, such as a personal vaporizer device or an electronic cigarette. In particular, it is desirable to provide such a new and improved consumable cartridge which ensures a satisfactory and reproducible e-cigarette experience.

It is desirable to provide a consumable cartridge that reduces user exposure to e-liquid.

It is also desirable to provide a consumable cartridge that cannot be refilled.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a consumable cartridge for an inhaler device, the consumable cartridge comprising:

-a housing defining a cavity, the housing comprising a first region and a second region; and

-an elastomeric bladder located within the cavity of the housing and enclosing a vaporized liquid;

wherein the first region of the housing comprises a pierceable portion and the second region comprises a pre-perforated portion; and wherein the sachet is disconnected from the housing at the first region, and wherein the sachet is configured to rupture or be cut when it is pierced by a piercing member of the inhaler device such that the ruptured or cut region of the sachet forms an opening that is substantially larger than the cross-sectional area of the piercing member.

Significantly larger means that liquid can flow through between the piercing member and the pouch to fill the housing. Preferably, the opening in the pocket provides a distance of more than 1mm from the piercing member.

The invention is based on the realization that the inner pouch can be ruptured with a significant deformation, so that it cannot be refilled. In addition, the casing protects the elastomeric bladder from accidental rupture and thus helps prevent contact with the elastomeric film. Refilling the cavity of the housing will also be difficult, since the housing after use is provided with openings in both its first and second areas.

The piercing area is provided with an orifice, i.e. "pre-piercing", before the consumable cartridge is introduced inside the inhaler device. In contrast, the puncturing step of the consumable cartridge is carried out when the consumable cartridge is introduced into the cartridge chamber of the inhaler device.

Preferably, in use, once the sachet has been cut or ruptured, it does not seal around the piercing member. Rather, there is a space between the pouch and the piercing member so that the vaporized liquid contained by the pouch easily flows out of the resilient pouch into the cavity of the housing.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the housing extends axially between a first region at one axial end of the housing and a second region at an axially opposite end of the housing, and wherein the housing comprises a main portion containing the first region and a cover attached to the main portion.

Preferably, the cover is perforated and located at the second region to form the pre-perforated portion.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pouch is fixedly connected to the housing at a connection point remote from the pierceable region.

The connection point may be located on a main portion of the housing adjacent the cover or on the cover. Alternatively, the bladder is attached to the housing between the main portion and the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the elasticity of the sachet and the location of the connection point are such that the sachet can be disconnected from the pierceable member after the sachet has been ruptured or cut.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pierceable region of the cartridge is a weakened portion of the outer shell. Alternatively, the pierceable region of the cartridge is an aperture covered by a sealing membrane or film. Alternatively, the pierceable region has an opening in the housing that provides direct access to the piercing member to the sachet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover comprises a porous material. The porous material enables the housing to provide a small orifice through which liquid from the cavity passes, but inhibits dirt from entering the cavity of the housing.

The cover may be formed from a separate part and sealed to the main part of the housing by heat treatment or adhesive.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the axial cross-section of the housing is substantially circular.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the axial cross-section of the housing is non-circular. The non-circular shape of the housing forms a channel (which may carry vapor) between the cartridge chamber and the consumable cartridge. The non-circular cross-section of the housing may be a regular convex polygon, a lobed shape, an elliptical shape or a combination of shapes. The formation of an (air) channel between the wall of the housing and the cartridge chamber is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the inhaler device has a vaporisation chamber located in the power supply unit and thus remote from the mouthpiece. Air from the vaporisation chamber thus flows, in use, through the capsule between the wall of the cartridge and the consumable cartridge.

Preferably, the volume of the pocket (when filled with e-liquid) is less than the volume of the housing cavity, so that an air pocket is formed inside the consumable cartridge prior to use of the cartridge.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an inhaler device configured for receiving a consumable cartridge, the inhaler device comprising a mouthpiece section and a power supply unit, wherein the inhaler device comprises:

a vaporizing unit comprising a heater and a wick inside a vaporizing chamber,

-a cartridge chamber configured for receiving a consumable cartridge, and

a piercing member located inside the cartridge chamber, said piercing member having a tip portion and a liquid delivery portion,

wherein the wick is located inside the piercing member and has an exposed liquid delivery portion extending outside the tubular piercing member, and wherein the heater is located in the exposed liquid delivery portion, and wherein an abutment portion having an abutment surface closes the cartridge chamber such that the abutment portion seals the perforated region of the consumable cartridge.

Preferably, the piercing member is substantially tubular and open at both ends, the tip portion end being located in the cartridge chamber and the other end opening into the vaporisation chamber through a plate or dividing wall separating the cartridge chamber from the vaporisation chamber, and the piercing member being mounted on the plate or dividing wall.

The heater within the vaporization chamber and the exposed liquid delivery portion of the wick together form a vaporization unit. The vaporization unit and piercing member together and the connected structures (e.g., the divider plate or wall of the device and associated external structures) may form a disposable vaporization assembly that can be disposed of and replaced at any time when the vaporization unit reaches the end of its useful life. In some embodiments, the vaporizing unit may be formed as a disposable mouthpiece section. In other embodiments, the vaporization assembly may be formed as a separate assembly operable to interconnect between the nozzle segment and the power supply unit.

In some preferred embodiments, the cartridge chamber is located between the vapour outlet of the mouthpiece through which the user inhales vapour in use and the vaporisation unit. In such embodiments, the device preferably comprises one or more channels passing through the partition wall or plate, between the cartridge and the inner wall of the cartridge chamber, and through the mouthpiece to the vapour outlet.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cartridge chamber further comprises a resilient member configured for exerting an expulsion force on the consumable cartridge that expels it from the cartridge, such that the consumable cartridge is separated from the cartridge chamber when the mouthpiece section and the power supply unit are separated from each other.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts, and in which:

figure 1a is a schematic perspective view of an inhaler device according to the invention;

figure 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inhaler device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

figure 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inhaler device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

figure 1c is a schematic cross-sectional view of an inhaler device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

2(a) to 2(c) are a series of schematic cross-sectional views showing a consumable cartridge according to one embodiment deployed in an inhaler cartridge chamber according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3(a) to 3(e) are a series of schematic cross-sectional views of a consumable cartridge according to an embodiment of the invention.

4(a) to 4(e) are schematic cross-sectional views showing another embodiment of a consumable cartridge deployed in an inhaler cartridge chamber according to the embodiment of FIGS. 2(a) to 2 (c);

5(a) to 5(e) are a series of schematic cross-sectional views showing a consumable cartridge according to another embodiment deployed in an inhaler device according to the invention;

figures 6 to 8 are schematic cross-sectional perspective views of an inhaler device according to the invention and a consumable cartridge according to the invention; and

fig. 9(a) to 9(d) illustrate an exemplary manufacturing process of the elastic pouch according to the present invention.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention by way of example and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description.

It should be appreciated that common and/or well-understood elements that may be useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not necessarily depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these embodiments. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps in a method embodiment may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

Detailed Description

As best seen in fig. 1a to 1d, an inhaler device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The inhaler device 10 comprises a mouthpiece section 14 and a power supply unit 19. The power supply unit 19 is only schematically shown and in practice is typically much larger than shown in the drawings to allow for the required battery volume. The mouthpiece section 14 includes a housing 12 and an internal cartridge chamber 13. The cartridge chamber 13 is configured for receiving a consumable cartridge 1 containing a vaporized liquid L (see e.g. fig. 2 a-2 c).

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1b, the nozzle section 14 further comprises a vaporization chamber 21, which accommodates the vaporizer unit 18. The vaporizer unit 18 includes a heater 18' and a wick 18 ". The vaporisation chamber 21 may have an air inlet opening 22 for receiving and drawing ambient air into the vaporisation chamber 21 when a user inhales at the tip of the mouthpiece section 14.

The cartridge chamber 13 comprises a piercing member 15 (aligned with the axial extension of the inhaler device) having an axial extension which extends from the cartridge chamber 13 and into the vaporizer chamber 21. The piercing member 15 is a tubular element comprising a tip portion 16 configured for piercing or cutting through the consumable cartridge 1. The wick 18 "is located inside the piercing member 15 and has an exposed liquid delivery portion 17 that extends outside the tubular piercing member 15 inside the vaporization chamber 21. The piercing member 15 preferably has lateral holes 23 which communicate with the central passage of the piercing member 15 so that the vaporized liquid can be drawn into the wick 18 "by capillary action.

The lateral apertures 23 provide a mechanism for liquid to penetrate into the core along the entire length of the piercing member. The piercing member 15 may be provided with a length extending along the entire axial inner length of the consumable cartridge 1. The lateral holes 23 may be provided along the entire length of the piercing member 15, whereby a reliable absorption of the liquid L from the cartridge 1 into the core may be ensured.

The wick 18 "comprises a fibrous or porous wicking material configured to absorb and diffuse liquid. For example, the core 18' may comprise natural fibers such as cotton, wound glass or mineral fibers, or porous ceramic materials. The piercing member 15 is thus configured for establishing a fluid connection between the consumable cartridge 1 and the heater 18' via the wick 18 ". The liquid L flows from the cartridge chamber 13 to the wick 18 "due to capillary action.

The heater 18 may comprise a resistance heating wire or filament wound around the core 18 ". As illustrated in the embodiment of fig. 1b, the vaporizer unit 18 and piercing member 15 may be housed in the front tip of the nozzle section 14. As best seen in fig. 1b and 1c, the piercing member 15 may be attached to the bracket 26 or to a wall portion separating the cartridge chamber 13 from the vaporisation chamber 21.

In use of the inhaler device 10, access to the cartridge chamber 13 can be achieved by separating the mouthpiece section 14 from the power supply unit 19, whereby a used consumable cartridge 1 can be taken out of the cartridge chamber 13 and replaced with a new consumable cartridge. The suction nozzle section 14 and the power supply unit 19 may engage with each other by means of, for example, a screw connection, a bayonet coupling, a hinged connection or a snap-lock connection. The nozzle segments 14 and the power supply unit 19 may also be engaged with each other by other types of locking mechanisms, such as a mechanical arrangement with a lever configured for locking and releasing the nozzle segments 14 and the power supply unit 19 to each other.

Alternatively, as illustrated in fig. 1c and 1d, the vaporizer unit 18 may be located in a housing 19' of the power supply unit 19. An advantage of locating the heater in the housing 28 of the power unit 19 is that the heater can be located further from the tip of the mouthpiece so that less heat is transferred to the user's mouth. In this embodiment, as illustrated in fig. 1c, the vaporization chamber 21 is located in the housing 28 of the power supply unit 19. The piercing member 15 and the vaporizing unit 18 are fixedly attached to the power supply unit 19, for example by being connected to the flange 26. The nozzle segment 14 further comprises an abutment portion 44 having an abutment surface 45 configured for sealing the perforation area 6a of the consumable cartridge 1.

In a similar embodiment as illustrated in fig. 1d, the vaporizer unit 18 can also be accommodated in a separate vaporizing assembly unit 42, which can be disconnected from the nozzle section 14 and the power supply unit 19. The suction nozzle section 14, the cartridge chamber 13 including the vaporizer unit 18, and the power supply unit 19 can be releasably connected to one another in the same way as the suction nozzle section 14 and the power supply unit 19 are connected, for example, by screwing. By locating the carburettor unit in a separate unit, the carburettor can be replaced independently of the nozzle section 14 and the power supply unit 19, if required.

Referring to fig. 2(a) to 2(c), a consumable cartridge 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is further illustrated. The consumable cartridge 1 comprises a housing 2 having a generally cylindrical cross-section in the axial direction of the consumable cartridge 1. However, the cross-section is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may be hexagonal, square, elliptical, multi-lobed, etc., as illustrated in fig. 3a to 3 d. Alternatively, the housing 2 of the consumable cartridge 1 may be provided with ribs 35. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge chamber 13 may be provided with a non-circular cross-section or ribs. The non-circular cross-section of the consumable cartridge or cartridge chamber 13 is advantageous when the heater 18' is located in the housing 28 of the power supply unit 30, since this shape may form an air channel between the cartridge chamber 13 and the consumable cartridge 1. In addition, in certain embodiments (as illustrated in fig. 1c and 1 d), the incoming air flowing from the air inlet 22 to the vaporisation chamber 21 needs to pass through the cartridge chamber 13, whereby the guiding path is advantageous.

The consumable cartridge 1 has a first region 4 and a second region 6. The pierceable region 5 and the piercing region 7 are located in the first region 4 and the second end region 6, respectively.

Preferably, the first region 4 and the second region 6 are arranged at opposite distal ends in the axial direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The consumable cartridge comprises a perforated cover 6a in the second end region 6, which perforated cover is provided with a plurality of apertures 7' in this embodiment. The perforated cover 6a is attached to the main portion 2a of the housing 2 and together (i.e. the main portion 2a of the housing 2 and the cover 6) forms the housing 2. For example, the pre-perforated cover 6a may be attached to the housing 2 by heat treatment or adhesive. Alternatively, the pre-perforated cover 6a may be constituted by a porous and permeable cover. The porous cover member allows liquid L to pass through the cover member while minimizing the possibility of dirt entering the cavity C of the housing 2 before the housing is inserted into the inhaler device 10. The porous cover member 6a in this embodiment is formed of a hydrophobic material so that the surface thereof remains dry.

The pierceable region 5 may be provided with a pierceable membrane 5b which seals the housing 2 in an un-pierced state. Optionally, an opening seal, for example in the shape of an O-ring, may be arranged at the pierceable opening 5 to provide a tight fit around the piercing member 15. The pierceable membrane 5b inhibits the ingress of dirt into the cavity C of the housing 2. Optionally, the housing 2 may have an opening/orifice that allows the piercing member 15 to enter the sachet 3 directly.

The inner elastic bag 3 is located inside the outer case 2. The elastic bladder is configured to hermetically enclose and store the vaporized liquid L. The elastic bag 3 is disconnected from the inner wall of the casing 2. Preferably, the elastic bladder 3 is fixedly attached to the main portion 2a of the casing 2 at a point P adjacent to the pre-perforated cover. The point P is preferably located on the pre-perforated cover 6 a. Alternatively, the point P may be located on the housing 2. In this embodiment, the inner flexible pouch 3 is expanded to more than twice its capacity by inserting e-liquid when manufacturing the consumable cartridge 2, and then sealed to reduce the rate of degradation of the e-liquid contained within the consumable cartridge prior to use of the consumable cartridge within the inhaler device 10. This is safely achieved by using a pouch made of a material that is sufficiently elastic and greatly assists in rupturing the elastomeric pouch 3 and allowing the e-liquid to flow out of the elastomeric pouch.

When the inhaler device 10 is ready for use, the mouthpiece section 14 is separated from the power supply unit 19 and the consumable cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge chamber 13. As shown in fig. 2a to 2c, during the introduction of the consumable cartridge 1 into the cartridge chamber 13, the piercing member 15 is aligned with the first pierceable region 5 of the consumable cartridge 1.

When engaging the power supply unit 19 with the suction nozzle segment 14, the tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15 is pushed against the first pierceable region 5, so that the housing 2 is pierced. The tip portion 16 of piercing member 15 is then further introduced into the interior of housing 2 and causes the elastomeric bladder 3 to rupture. When the elastic bladder 3 is ruptured, the vaporized liquid L flows out of the elastic bladder and fills the internal cavity C of the housing 2. As shown in fig. 1c, due to its elastic properties, elastic bladder 3 contracts toward point P on perforated cover 6 a. This is advantageous because the sachet 3 moves away from the piercing member 15 and avoids the sachet 3 covering the lateral aperture 23 and tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15.

Once the consumable cartridge is ruptured, it no longer retains fluid. At this point, the responsibility for containing the fluid falls on the device associated with the housing 2 of the consumable cartridge 1. This can be alleviated by designing the engaging portion 40 such that it does not rupture the consumable cartridge in its initial engaged state. Thus, the rupturing step is performed once the first connection portion 40a and the second connection portion 40b of the engagement portion 40 are moved further against each other.

The flexible and elastic material enables the rupture of the elastic capsule 3 in such a way that the rupture forms an opening in the flexible membrane 3 that is larger than the corresponding cross-sectional area of the tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15. The volume of the internal cavity C of the housing 2 is greater than the volume of the elastic membrane 3 (in its filled state, when containing the vaporized liquid L). The difference in volume between the internal cavity C and the volume occupied by the elastic bladder 3 in its filled state is constituted by the volume of air. This volume of air forms an air pocket inside the cartridge chamber 13 when the flexible membrane 3 breaks. The cavitation regulates the pressure inside the cartridge chamber 13 and prevents the vaporized liquid L from leaking into the cartridge chamber 13.

When the user wants to start the device, the user activates the power supply unit 19 by pressing an activation button (not shown). The power from the power supply unit 19 activates the heater 18'. By activating the heater 18', the liquid in the wick 18 "is heated and vaporized into a vapor V inside the vaporization chamber 21. The user can extract the vapor V from the device by inhaling into the mouthpiece. When the user inhales, fresh air enters the vaporisation chamber 21 through the air inlet opening 22. The air inlet opening 22 may be a single or multiple openings formed in the housing 12 or the suction nozzle 14.

Once the consumable cartridge 1 is depleted, the inhaler device 10 can be opened and the consumable cartridge 1 can be removed. The consumable cartridge 1 may be manually removed by pulling it out of the cartridge chamber 13. To facilitate removal of the consumable cartridge, a gripping member, such as a tab or flap, may be located on the first end region 4 or the second end region 6 of the housing 2 of the consumable cartridge 2. The grip is located on the end regions 4, 6, exposed to the user and disengaged from the cartridge chamber 13 when the power supply unit 19 is separated from the mouthpiece section 14. Alternatively, the inhaler device 10 may further comprise a consumable cartridge ejection mechanism. In a simple embodiment, the consumable cartridge ejection mechanism may comprise a resilient member such as a coil spring or leaf spring. The inhaler device 10 may also be provided with a mechanical cartridge ejection mechanism that may be activated by a lever.

The spent consumable cartridge 1 has an orifice in both the first end region 4 and the second end region 6. In particular, one of these areas is pre-perforated, while the other area is perforated during use of the consumable cartridge 1. The consumable therefore has an aperture on the opposite side of the housing 2 when it has been used. These apertures provide refill protection because if a user attempts to refill a consumable cartridge at a first aperture, the cartridge may leak from a second aperture.

The outer shell 2 and the elastic capsule 3 are manufactured by two separate steps of the manufacturing process of the consumable cartridge 1. The housing 2 is preferably manufactured by using a thermoplastic material in a moulding process. The elastic pouch is preferably manufactured by:

-extruding the elongated member,

-closing the end portion of the elongated member,

filling the elongated member with a vaporized liquid L until a predetermined internal pressure is reached,

-applying a pair of clamping members on the elongated member, the pair of clamping members being arranged at a distance from each other,

applying heat to the clamping members such that two sealing areas are formed on the elongated member,

-cutting between the two sealing areas,

-connecting an elastic bladder to a pre-perforated cap, and

-placing the pouch and cap inside the housing.

Alternatively, the consumable cartridge may be manufactured by shaping the housing 2 with a suitable material, such as a thermoplastic. The elastomeric bladder 3 may be produced in a standardized "balloon forming process" and then the elastomeric bladder 3 is filled with the vaporized liquid L and introduced into the housing 2. The perforated cover 6a is attached to the housing. Preferably, in the same step, the neck of the balloon extends between the envelope 2 and the perforated cover 6a, so that when the envelope 2 and the perforated cover 6a are connected together, the neck of the elastic bladder 3 is connected at point P. Alternatively, the elastomeric bladder may be connected to the perforated cap 6a at point P.

Referring to fig. 4(a) to 4(e) of the drawings, there is shown a consumable cartridge 1 and an inhaler device 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The inhaler device 10 is similar to the first embodiment illustrated in fig. 1a to 1 c. However, the inhaler device of figures 4(a) to 4(e) differs from the first embodiment in that the piercing member 15 is longer, such that it exceeds the axial length of the consumable cartridge 1.

As best seen in fig. 4b, the consumable cartridge 1 has a cylindrical casing 2 enclosing a cavity C for containing a volume of vaporized liquid L. Therefore, the housing 2 directly contains the liquid L. The consumable cartridge 1 comprises a first pierceable region 5 and a second pierceable region 7 on opposite surfaces in an axial direction of the consumable cartridge 1.

When the piercing member 15 is longer in the axial direction than the consumable cartridge, the piercing member is able to pierce the housing 2 of the consumable cartridge 1 in two distal positions in the axial direction of the consumable cartridge 1. The power supply unit 19 or the end cap may be provided with a recess 36. The recess 36 forms a space for accommodating the piercing member 15 when the piercing member pierces the consumable cartridge 1 in the second position of the consumable cartridge 1.

The first pierceable region 5 and the second pierceable region 7 may be formed as weakenings in the housing 2. These weakenings form low resistance zones and contribute to piercing the consumable cartridge in these areas. Preferably, the first pierceable region 5 has a weakened portion and the second pierceable region housing 2 has a cover or membrane. This will facilitate filling of the consumable cartridge 1 during the manufacturing process.

Alternatively, the pierceable regions 5, 7 may each be formed as orifices in the housing 3 and sealed by the first pierceable membrane 3 and the second pierceable membrane 3'. Preferably, the pierceable region 5, 7 is centered with respect to the consumable cartridge and the piercing member 15. The sealing membrane 3, 3 'may comprise an elastomeric material such that the membrane 3, 3' seals when pierced and provides a tight fit around the piercing member 15. This prevents the liquid L from leaking through the membrane 3, 3' and/or through the first 5 and second 7 pierceable regions.

The first pierceable region 5 and the second pierceable region 7 may be formed as recesses in the wall of the housing 2. The recess protects the weakened portion from being opened accidentally.

In use, when the consumable cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge chamber 13, the tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15 is aligned with and passes through the pierceable region 5 of the housing 2, as seen in fig. 4(b) and 4 (c). As seen in fig. 4(d), as the cartridge 1 is inserted further into the chamber 13, the tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15 is also aligned with the second pierceable region 7.

As seen in fig. 4(e), the cartridge 1 is driven or pushed fully into the chamber 13 by rotating or otherwise connecting the power supply unit 19 to the housing 12 of the inhaler device 10. This causes the tip portion 16 of the piercing member 15 to pierce the second pierceable region 7 such that the piercing member 15 extends through the entire axial length of the housing 2. In the closed inhaler device 10, the tip portion 16 protrudes beyond the end region 6 and rests within a corresponding recess in the end cap 19.

Fig. 5(a) to 5(c) and 6 to 8 show another alternative embodiment of a consumable cartridge 1 and an inhaler device 10 according to the invention. The inhaler device 10 is similar to the second embodiment shown in fig. 1a to 1 c. The consumable cartridge 1 is also similar to the previous embodiment shown in fig. 4a to 4e, but the structure of the pierceable regions 5, 7 is different. By enabling the two piercing apertures to be located in axially opposite positions of the consumable cartridge 1, the consumable cartridge 1 functions the same as in the previous embodiment.

The consumable cartridge 1 comprises a generally cylindrical casing 2 defining a cavity C for containing a volume of vaporized liquid L. The consumable cartridge 1 has a first pierceable region 5 and a second pierceable region 7, both provided with a sheet-like pierceable membrane or membrane. The housing 2 may include a main portion 2a and a cover portion 6. The advantage of the lid portion 6 is that it provides a larger access opening for filling the container with the vaporizing liquid during the manufacturing process of the consumable cartridge 1.

In use, the consumable cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge chamber and pierced by the piercing member 15 in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, whereby the first pierceable region 5 is pierced. The cartridge 1 is further inserted into the chamber 13 by pressing the consumable cartridge 1 in the direction of the arrow as seen in fig. 7. Since the piercing member 15 is longer than the housing 2 of the consumable cartridge 1, the tip portion 16 meets the opposite end region 6 of the housing, which has the second opening 7 covered and sealed by the membrane 3'. By connecting an end cap 19 (e.g. a power supply unit or a battery unit) to the housing 12 of the device 10, the cartridge 1 is driven or pushed completely into the chamber 13 and is pierced at the second pierceable region 7.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power supply unit or battery unit 19 will typically cooperate with a controller or microcontroller module present in the inhaler device 10. These are operatively connected to the aerosol generating device 18 in order to provide power or current to the heating coils and control the vaporization process. A sensor (not shown) may optionally be provided in the piercing member 15 to determine the liquid content remaining in the cartridge 1.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations exist. It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. In general, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

It will also be understood that, herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," "contains," "has," "having" and any variations thereof, are intended to be interpreted in an inclusive (i.e., non-exclusive) sense such that a process, method, apparatus, device, or system described herein is not limited to those features or components or steps listed, but may include other elements, features, components, or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an," as used herein, are intended to be construed to mean one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impart any numerical requirement or order to their objects to establish importance.