Abstract
A piercing system includes a cap mountable on an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device includes an aerosol-generating element with a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge housing an aerosol-forming substrate. The cap may be engageable with the body. The cap has a frame comprising a cavity arranged for receiving the cartridge. The cap includes a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge. The cap may be movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a second position, where in the second position, the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge to pierce the cartridge.
Claims
1. An aerosol-generating device comprising: an aerosol-generating element comprising a body and a receptacle for receiving a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate; a vessel having a liquid fill level and defining a head space outlet above the liquid fill level; a conduit for conveying airflow from the receptacle to the vessel; and a cap engageable with the body, the cap comprising: a frame comprising a cavity and having a center axis, wherein the cavity is arranged for receiving the cartridge; and a piercing element disposed within the cavity and configured to pierce a wall of the cartridge, wherein the cap is movable, relative to the body, between a first position and a second position, between the second position and a third position, and between the third position and the first position, and wherein the third position is an intermediate position between the first and second positions, in which an air path between an external environment, the cavity, and the receptacle is open.
2. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the cap frame comprises a side wall, an open end, and a closed end comprising an end wall, wherein the center axis extends from the open end to the closed end, and wherein the piercing element is oriented to face toward the open end.
3. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 2, wherein the piercing element is disposed adjacent the closed end.
4. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the piercing element is coaxial with the center axis.
5. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the cap further comprising a spring element biasing the piercing element away from the receptacle.
6. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein in the first position, the piercing element is not engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle, and wherein in the second position, the piercing element is engaged with the cartridge received in the receptacle to pierce the cartridge.
7. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, the cap further comprising an outer shroud and an inner shroud disposed within the outer shroud, wherein the outer shroud comprises the piercing element and wherein the inner shroud defines the cavity, and wherein the outer shroud is axially movable relative to the inner shroud.
8. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the inner shroud comprises a cylindrical side wall coaxial with the center axis, and an end wall at one end of the cylindrical side wall, the end wall comprising an opening configured to receive the piercing element.
9. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 8, wherein when the piercing element is received in the end wall opening and the cap is in the third position, a gap configured to allow airflow through the opening of the end wall of the inner shroud remains between the piercing element and the end wall of the inner shroud.
10. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 7, wherein the inner shroud comprises one or more guide tracks and the outer shroud comprises one or more track pins configured to cooperate with the one or more guide tracks.
11. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein each of the one or more guide tracks comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defining a first distance and the second portion defining a second distance that is shorter than the first distance.
12. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein the first portion is configured to guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction.
13. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 11, wherein and end position of the first portion defines a piercing position of the piercing element.
14. The aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a second piercing element in a base of the receptacle of the body, wherein the second piercing element extends from the base of the receptacle into the receptacle in a direction away from the base of the receptacle.
Description
[0093] Reference will now be made to the drawings, which depict one or more embodiments described in this disclosure. However, it will be understood that other embodiments not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. The use of different numbers to refer to components in different figures is not intended to indicate that the different numbered components cannot be the same or similar to other numbered components. The figures are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Schematic drawings presented in the figures are not necessarily to scale.
[0094] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a shisha device.
[0095] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the body of a shisha cartridge for use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
[0096] FIG. 3A is a schematic bottom view of a shisha cartridge after having been pierced by the piercing assembly according to an embodiment.
[0097] FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of a shisha cartridge use in the shisha device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment.
[0098] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic view of a shisha device and cap with piercing assembly in use according to an embodiment.
[0099] FIG. 5A is cross-sectional side view of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0100] FIG. 5B is an exploded view of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 5A.
[0101] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the cap frame of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0102] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0103] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the spring of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0104] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the inner shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0105] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the support ring of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0106] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the grip element of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0107] FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic cross sectional side and bottom views, respectively, of the outer shroud of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0108] FIGS. 13A-13D are side views of the track and pin in different positions during use of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0109] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional schematic partial view of the use of the cap and piercing system of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment.
[0110] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an example of a shisha device 100. The device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an interior volume configured to contain liquid 19 and defining a headspace outlet 15 above a fill level for the liquid 19. The liquid 19 preferably includes water, which may optionally be infused with one or more colorants, one or more flavorants, or one or more colorants and one or more flavorants. For example, the water may be infused with one or both of botanical infusions and herbal infusions.
[0111] The device 100 also includes an aerosol-generating element 130. The aerosol-generating element 130 includes a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form at least one surface of the receptacle 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the side surfaces of the receptacle 140. The aerosol-generating element 130 also includes an air inlet channel 170 that draws air into the device 100. In some embodiments, portion of the air inlet channel 170 is formed by the heating element 160 to heat the air before the air enters the receptacle 140. The pre-heated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by heating element 160, to carry aerosol generated by the aerosol former and the aerosol-forming substrate. The air exits an outlet of the aerosol-generating element 130 and enters a conduit 190.
[0112] The conduit 190 carries the air and aerosol into the vessel 17 below the level of the liquid 19. The air and aerosol may bubble through the liquid 19 and exit the headspace outlet 15 of the vessel 17. A hose 20 may be attached to the headspace outlet 15 to carry the aerosol to the mouth of a user. A mouthpiece 25 may be attached to, or form a part of, the hose 20.
[0113] An exemplary air flow path of the device, in use, is depicted by thick arrows in FIG. 1.
[0114] The mouthpiece 25 may include an activation element 27. The activation element 27 may be a switch, button or the like, or may be a puff sensor or the like. The activation element 27 may be placed at any other suitable location of the device 100. The activation element 27 may be in wireless communication with the control electronics 30 to place the device 100 in condition for use or to cause control electronics to activate the heating element 160; for example, by causing power supply 35 to energize the heating element 160.
[0115] The control electronics 30 and power supply 35 may be located in any suitable position of the aerosol-generating element 130, including locations other than the bottom portion of the element 130 as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0116] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, various embodiments of the body 210 are shown. The body 210 may include a side wall 212, a top wall 215, and a bottom wall 213 defining a cavity 218. The side wall 212 may be cylindrical or frustoconical, as shown. FIG. 2A shows the body 210 with a portion of the top 215 removed, showing the cavity 218 inside the body. The body 210 may define a center axis A extending through the body 210. The top may comprise a flange 219 that extends from the sidewall 212 as shown in FIG. 2B.
[0117] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or both of the top 215 and bottom 213 of the body may have a plurality of apertures 217, 216 to allow air flow through the cartridge when the cartridge is in use. The apertures 217 of the top 215 may be formed by the piercing assembly. The cartridge 200 may also or alternatively include apertures along the sidewall 212. The apertures 216 of the bottom 213 may be blocked by a peelable seal or liner when the cartridge is stored prior to use or may be formed by a second piercing assembly on the side of the bottom wall.
[0118] A partial schematic view of a shisha device with the cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIG. 4A. The cap 400 may include an outer frame 410 housing the piercing assembly 401. The piercing assembly 401 may include an outer shroud 420 and a piercing element 440 on the inside wall of the outer shroud 420. In some embodiments, such as those illustrated for example, the piercing element 440 may be disposed on the inside end wall 421. The piercing assembly 401 may further include an inner shroud 430 at least partially disposed within the outer shroud. The piercing element 440 may be oriented toward a cartridge 200 placed within a receptacle of the shisha device 100. Once the cartridge 200 has been pierced by the piercing assembly 401, an airflow path is established through the cartridge 200, as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0119] An example of a cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Detailed views of each of the elements of the cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 are shown in FIGS. 6-11. The cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 may define a longitudinal axis A. The longitudinal axis A may be a center axis. The longitudinal axis A may be coaxial with the hollow tube of the stem pipe 190.
[0120] The cap outer frame 410, shown in FIG. 6, may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 413 extending between a first end wall 411 and an open second end 412. The outer frame 410 may define a cavity 419 for housing the piercing assembly 401. The first end wall 411 may have a protrusion 414 extending from the inside wall. The protrusion 414 may be configured for pressing on the outer shroud 420 while leaving a gap between the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420.
[0121] The cap 400 may include a grip element 450, shown in FIG. 11, configured to grip the cartridge 200. The grip element 450 may include a ring member 451 and one or more grip fingers 452. The one or more grip fingers 452 extend from the ring member 451 to upper ends 453. The grip element 450 may be positioned within the inner shroud 430, as shown in FIG. 5A. The one or more grip fingers 452 may be configured such that the ends of the grip fingers 452 abut against an upper flange of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430.
[0122] The outer frame 410 may optionally include screw holes 462 configured for fastening a support plate 460 (FIG. 10) to the bottom of the outer frame 410. Alternatively, the support plate 460 may be fastened by other means, such as by an adhesive. The support plate 460 may be a substantially round plate with a center hole 461 extending through the plate. The support plate 460 may be sized to hold the piercing assembly 401 inside the cavity 419 of the outer frame 410, as shown in FIG. 5A.
[0123] The outer shroud 420, shown in FIGS. 7, 12A, and 12B, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 419 of the cap outer frame 410. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a cylindrical outer wall 423 extending between a first end wall 421 and an open second end 422. The outer shroud 420 may define a cavity 429 for housing the piercing element 440 and the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 comprises the piercing element 440. The piercing element 440 extends axially downward inside the cavity of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 is centered with respect to a longitudinal axis A of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may be integral with the outer shroud 420 or may be attached to the inside of the first end wall 421 of the outer shroud 420. The piercing element 440 may comprise one or more piecing edges or piercing points 441. The piecing edges or piercing points 441 are configured to pierce a wall (for example, top wall) of the cartridge 200. The piercing element 440 may have a width W440. The width W440 may be configured such that the piercing element 440 is able to fit through an opening 437 on the inner shroud 430. The outer shroud 420 may comprise a bottom flange 427. The bottom flange 427 may extend outwardly from the bottom of the outer wall 423.
[0124] The inner shroud 430, shown in FIG. 9, is constructed to at least partially fit within the cavity 429 of the outer shroud 420. The inner shroud 430 may have an outer wall comprising first part 433 and a second part 434. The first part 433 may be a cylindrical wall with a first diameter, and the second part 434 may be a cylindrical wall with a second diameter. The second diameter may be greater than the first diameter. The first and second parts 433, 434 may be separated by a shoulder 435. The shoulder 435 may be constructed to support the compression spring 470. The compression spring 470 may fit around the first part 433. The end of the compression spring 470 may be supported on the shoulder 435, so that the spring may be compressed against the shoulder 435. The outer wall of the inner shroud 430 may extend between a first end wall 431 and an open second end 432. The inner shroud 440 may define a cavity 439 for receiving a cartridge 200. The inner shroud 430 may have an opening 437 at the first end wall 431. The opening 437 may be configured to receive the piercing element 440. The opening 437 may further include one or more channels 438 for facilitating airflow through the inner shroud 430 while the piercing element 440 is received in the opening 437.
[0125] The outer and inner shrouds 420, 430 may include a track and pin system to guide the movement of the outer shroud 420. The outer shroud 420 may comprise one or more pins 425 extending radially inwardly from its cylindrical outer wall 423. The inner shroud 430 may include one or more tracks 436 corresponding to the one or more pins 425. An exemplary track 436 and the path guided by the track 436 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. At first, the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 are in a first position P1. The first position P1 may be considered a rest position. The guide track may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The guide track may comprise a second position P2, which may be a piercing position of the piercing element. The first portion may define a first distance between the first position P1 and a second position P2. The first portion may define a third position P3. The third position P3 may be a use position. The second portion may define a second distance between the third position P3 and a fourth position P4. The second distance may be shorter than the first distance. The first portion may guide the track pin in an axial direction and in a radial direction. A force may be applied to the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, for example, the cap 410 may be pressed down (for example, by a user) to move the pin from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (see arrow in FIG. 13A), where the piercing element 440 engages and pierces the cartridge 200. When the force removed, for example, when pressure is released from (for example, the user lets go of) the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420, the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 up to a third position P3. The movement of the cap during the initial pushing down of the cap to pierce the cartridge and the release of the cap to allow the cap to return to the third (use) position is defined by the first portion of the track. In the third position P3, an airflow path is open through the openings formed in the cartridge 200, and is open between an exterior of the shisha device and the vessel. To release and remove the cap 400, the user may again press on the cap outer frame 410, causing the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to move to a fourth position P4, from where the compression spring 470 returns the cap outer frame 410 and the outer shroud 420 to the initial first position P1. The movement of the cap during the second instance of pushing down on the cap to release the cap is defined by the second portion of the track.
[0126] The operation of the shisha device 100 and the cap 400 and piercing assembly 401 are also schematically shown in FIG. 14. The shisha device 100 includes an aerosol-generating element 130 with a receptacle 140 configured to receive a cartridge 200 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating element 130 may also include a heating element 160. The heating element 160 may form a part of the receptacle 140. A user may begin by placing the cartridge 200 in the receptacle 140 (step 1) and placing the cap 400 onto the cartridge 200 (step 2) such that the cartridge 200 is received in the inner shroud 430. If the cap includes a grip element 450, the top of the cartridge 200 may slide past the grip element 450 such that the grip fingers 452 grip the cartridge 200. The user may then push on the cap to pierce the cartridge 200 (step 3). After letting go of the cap 400, the spring 470 pushes the cap frame 410 and outer shroud 420 up into the operating position (step 4). In the operating position, the air path through the cartridge 200 is open, and the user may use the shisha device as usual. After using the shisha device, the user may push on the cap 400 again to release the cap (step 5). The track-and-pin system will guide the motion of the cap 400, allowing the spring 470 to return the cap 400 to its beginning position (step 6). The user may then remove the cap 400 from the device (step 7).
[0127] Thus, piercing systems for shisha devices are described. Various modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the mechanical arts, chemical arts, and aerosol-generating article manufacturing or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
