A Method of Filling a Cartridge for a Vapour Generating System

Abstract

A cartridge for a vapour generating system includes a reservoir for storing a vapour generating liquid. A method of filling the cartridge includes: (i) introducing (S1) a vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a first opening; (ii) venting (S2) air from the reservoir via a second opening during step (i); and (iii) positioning (S3) first and second valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings.

Claims

1. A method of filling a cartridge for a vapour generating system, the cartridge comprising a reservoir for storing a vapour generating liquid, the method comprising: (i) introducing a vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a first opening; (ii) venting air from the reservoir via a second opening during step (i); and (iii) positioning first and second valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and second openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber, and step (iii) comprises positioning first and second one-way valves in the corresponding first and second openings to seal the first and second openings to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir and to allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber through the first and second one-way valves.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge further comprises first and second air inlets in communication with the vaporization chamber, and step (iii) comprises positioning the first and second one-way valves in the corresponding first and second air inlets to permit airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second one-way valves includes a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, and step (iii) comprises: positioning the first sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve in the corresponding first and second opening to seal the first and second openings; and positioning the second sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve in the corresponding first and second air inlet to allow one-way airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the second sealing portion is positioned upstream of the first sealing portion in an airflow direction towards the vaporization chamber.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a proximal end and a distal end, the first and second openings are positioned at the distal end, and steps (i) and (ii) are performed with the cartridge oriented such that the distal end is positioned above the proximal end.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein step (i) comprises introducing the vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via a filling needle or a filling tube.

8. A cartridge for a vapour generating system, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir configured to store a vapour generating liquid; a first opening configured for introducing vapour generating liquid into the reservoir; and a second opening configured for venting air from the reservoir during the introduction of vapour generating liquid into the reservoir via the first opening; wherein the cartridge further comprises a vaporization chamber and first and second one-way valves positioned in the first and second openings, respectively, to prevent the escape of liquid from the reservoir through the first and second openings and to allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber through the first and second one-way valves.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge further comprises first and second air inlets in communication with the vaporization chamber, and the first and second one-way valves are positioned in the first and second air inlets, respectively, to permit airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second one-way valves include a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the first sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve is positioned in the corresponding first and second opening to seal the first and second openings, and the second sealing portion of each first and second one-way valve is positioned in the corresponding first and second air inlet to allow one-way airflow through the first and second air inlets to the vaporization chamber.

11. The cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the second sealing portion is positioned upstream of the first sealing portion in an airflow direction towards the vaporization chamber.

12. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the cartridge includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the first and second openings are positioned at the distal end.

13. A vapour generating system comprising: a base part having at least one heating element; and a cartridge according to claim 8 thermically connected to the base part.

14. The vapour generating system according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge includes a heat transfer unit and the heating element is separated from the vaporization chamber by the heat transfer unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a vapour generating system comprising a base part and a cartridge;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a cartridge according to the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 2 prior to sealing first and second openings;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 after sealing the first and second openings; and

[0050] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a method for filling a cartridge according to the present disclosure with a vapour generating liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is shown diagrammatically a vapour generating system 1 for vaporizing a vapour generating liquid to generate a vapour (or aerosol) for inhalation by a user of the system 1. The vapour generating system 1 comprises a base part 10 and a cartridge 12 thermically connected to the base part 10. The base part 10 is thus the main body part of the vapour generating system 1 and is preferably re-usable.

[0053] The base part 12 comprises a housing 14 accommodating a power supply unit in the form of a battery 16 connected to a resistive heating element 18 located at a first end 14a of the housing 14. The first end 14a of the housing 14 has an interface 15 configured for matching a corresponding interface of the cartridge 12. The interface 15 may, for example, be in the shape of a tubular cartridge seating and can comprise a connector for releasably connecting the cartridge 12 to the cartridge seating. The battery 16 is configured for providing the heating element 18 with the necessary electrical power for its operation, allowing it to become heated to a required temperature. The battery 16 is also connected to a processor 20, enabling the required power supply for its operation. The processor 20 is connected to the heating element 18 and controls its operation.

[0054] Referring additionally to FIGS. 2 to 4, the cartridge 12 comprises a cartridge housing 22 having a proximal end 24 and a distal end 26. The proximal end 24 may constitute a mouthpiece end configured for being introduced directly into a user's mouth and may, therefore, also be designated as the mouth end 24. In some embodiments, a mouthpiece may be fitted to the proximal end 24. However, it is also possible to configure the vapour generating system 1 with a separate mouthpiece portion, releasably connectable to the base part 10 and whereby the cartridge 12 is enclosed inside the vapour generating system 1.

[0055] The cartridge 12 comprises a base portion 28 and a liquid storage portion 30. The liquid storage portion 30 comprises a reservoir 32, configured for containing therein a vapour generating liquid, and a vapour outlet channel 34. The vapour generating liquid may comprise an aerosol-forming substance such as propylene glycol and/or glycerol and may contain other substances such as nicotine and acids. The vapour generating liquid may also comprise flavourings such as, e.g., tobacco, menthol, or fruit flavour. The reservoir 32 may extend generally between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 26, but is spaced from the distal end 26. The reservoir 32 may surround, and coextend with, the vapour outlet channel 34.

[0056] As best seen in FIG. 4, the base portion 28 of the cartridge 12 may be configured to sealingly close off the distal end 26 of the cartridge 12. The base portion 28 comprises a plug assembly 36 comprising first and second plug members 36a, 36b, a disc shaped sorption member 38 having a centrally positioned hole 40 and a heat transfer unit 42 which are all positioned at the distal end 26 of the cartridge housing 22, and more particularly in the space formed between the reservoir 32 and the distal end 26. The plug assembly 36, and more specifically the first plug member 36a, closes the distal end 26 of the cartridge housing 22 and thereby retains the vapour generating liquid in the reservoir 32.

[0057] The first plug member 36a is provided with a circumferential surface 46 that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir 32. The first plug member 36a may be formed of a material with an elasticity that provides a sealing effect when the circumferential surface 46 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir 32. For example, the first plug member 32a may comprise rubber or silicone. Alternatively, the first plug member 36a may comprise a thermoplastic material which enables the first plug member 36a and the reservoir 32 to be joined together by, e.g., ultrasonic welding. The first plug member 36a comprises a connecting portion 44 which is configured to sealingly connect to a distal end 34a of the vapour outlet channel 34 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0058] The cartridge 12 includes a vaporization chamber 48 defined between the first plug member 36a and the heat transfer unit 42. The sorption member 38 is positioned in the vaporization chamber 48. The first plug member 36a includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced liquid outlets 50 which provide a controlled flow of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32 to the sorption member 38 positioned in the vaporization chamber 48 adjacent to the liquid outlets 50.

[0059] The sorption member 38 is positioned in the vaporization chamber 48 between the liquid outlets 50 and the heat transfer unit 42. The sorption member 38 is configured, on the one hand, for absorbing therein some of the vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32, and, on the other hand, for being heated by the heat transfer unit 42 thereby allowing the vapour generating liquid absorbed therein to be vaporized in the vaporization chamber 48.

[0060] When the base part 10 and the cartridge 12 are assembled together as shown in FIG. 1, the heating element 18 of the base part 10 contacts the heat transfer unit 42 of the cartridge 12, such that the cartridge 12 is thermically connected to the base part 10. In operation, the heating element 18 is resistively heated by the power from the battery 16 and provides its heat to the heat transfer unit 42 via conduction. The heat from the heat transfer unit 42 is then transferred to the sorption member 38, mainly by conduction. Thus, the sorption member 38 is heated indirectly by the heat transfer unit 42, and not directly by the heating element 18 of the base part 10. The heating element 18 in the base part 12 ideally needs to attain a temperature of around 500° C. in order to transfer enough heat such that the connection between the sorption member 38 and the heat transfer unit 42 reaches a temperature at which vaporization occurs (typically between 200° C. and 250° C.). As a result of heating of the sorption member 38, the vapour generating liquid absorbed therein from the reservoir 32 is vaporized in the vaporization chamber 48, and the vapour escapes from the vaporization chamber 48 via the vapour outlet channel 34 when a user sucks on the proximal (mouth) end 24 of the cartridge 12. The vapour cools and condenses as it flows through the vapour outlet channel 34 to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by a user via the proximal (mouth) end 24.

[0061] The cartridge 12 comprises first and second openings 52, 54 in communication with the reservoir 32 which allow the reservoir 32 to be filled with vapour generating liquid. Specifically, the first opening 52 allows vapour generating liquid to be introduced into the reservoir 32 whilst the second opening 54 allows air to be vented from the reservoir 32 whilst it is being filled with vapour generating liquid via the first opening 52. Thus, overpressure inside the reservoir 32 is avoided during filling and the reservoir 32 can be easily filled with vapour generating liquid. In the illustrated example, the first and second openings 52, 54 are at the distal end 26 of the cartridge housing 22 and are formed in the first plug member 36a.

[0062] The cartridge 12 also comprises first and second air inlets 56, 58 to allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber 48 during use of the vapour generating system 1 when a user sucks on the proximal (mouth) end 24 of the cartridge 12 as described above. In the illustrated example, the first and second air inlets 56, 58 are formed in the second plug member 36b and allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber 48 along a path formed between the first and second plug members 36a, 36b as shown in FIG. 4.

[0063] The cartridge 12 comprises first and second one-way valves 60, 62, both of which include a first sealing portion 60a, 62a and a second sealing portion 60b, 62b. When the first and second one-way valves 60, 62 are fitted to the cartridge as shown in FIG. 4, the first sealing portions 60a, 62a are positioned in the corresponding first and second openings 52, 54 and the second sealing portions 60b, 62b are positioned in the first and second air inlets 56, 58. The first sealing portions 60a, 62a provide a liquid tight seal which prevents the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32 via the first and second openings 52, 54 after the reservoir 32 has been filled with vapour generating liquid in the manner described above. The first and second one-way valves 60, 62 are typically formed of a material with an elasticity that provides a sealing effect when the first sealing portions 60a, 62a are positioned in the corresponding first and second openings 52, 54. For example, the first and second one-way valves 60, 62 may comprise rubber or silicone.

[0064] The second sealing portions 60b, 62b, which may comprise a duck bill valve or a similar non-return valve, allow air to flow to the vaporization chamber 48 through the first and second air inlets 56, 58, but do not allow air to flow in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the second sealing portion 60b, 62b of each first and second one-way valve 62 is positioned upstream of the first sealing portion 60a, 62a in an airflow direction towards the vaporization chamber 48. Thus, air can flow to the vaporization chamber 48 through the second sealing portions 60b, 62b and the first and second air inlets 56, 58, without being obstructed by the first sealing portions 60a, 62a. Thus, the geometry of the first sealing portions 60a, 62a can be optimised to provide a liquid-tight seal and thereby prevent the leakage of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 6, an exemplary method of filling the cartridge 12 comprises the steps of: [0066] S1—introducing a vapour generating liquid into the reservoir 32 via a first opening 52; [0067] S2—venting air from the reservoir 32 via a second opening 54 during step S1; and [0068] S3—positioning first and second valves 60, 62 (e.g., one-way valves as described above) in the corresponding first and second openings 52, 54 to seal the first and openings 52, 54 to prevent the escape of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32 through the first and second openings 52, 54.

[0069] Step S1 is performed with the cartridge 12 oriented as shown in FIG. 3, that is with the distal end 26 positioned above the proximal end 24. A filling needle or filling tube can be used to facilitate the introduction of vapour generating liquid into the reservoir 32 via the first opening 52 and thereby minimise the risk of spillage. The first and second one-way valves 60, 62 are then positioned in the first and second openings 52, 54 (step S3) with the distal end 26 positioned above the proximal end 24. Because of the elastic and flexible nature of the first and second one-way valves 60, 62, they can be pushed into the first and second openings 52, 54 allowing a liquid-tight seal to be formed. After the cartridge 12 has been filled with vapour generating liquid and the first and second one-way valves 60, 62 have been positioned in the first and second openings 52, the cartridge 12 is ready for use and can be connected to the base part 10 in the manner described above. At this point, the cartridge 12 can be held in any orientation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) without any leakage of vapour generating liquid from the reservoir 32 occurring.

[0070] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to those embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0072] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.