INHALATION DEVICE WITH EASY EXCHANGEABLE CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION

Abstract

 An inhalation device (1) comprises an aerosol generation unit (3), a chamber (4) for receiving an exchangeable cartridge (2) containing an aerosolisable liquid, an inlet (5) fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit (3) and configured for engaging the exchangeable cartridge (2) in the chamber (4) to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge (2) and the aerosol generation unit (3), and a lid (6) having an open position allowing access to the chamber (4) and a closed position in which it closes the chamber (4), and causing the exchangeable cartridge (2) to be pressed against the inlet (5) to induce the engagement when it changes from the open position to the closed position.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to inhalation devices using exchangeable cartridges, and more precisely to the installation of the exchangeable cartridges in the chambers of such inhalation devices.

Background

[0002] Some inhalation devices (or aerosol generation devices) comprise at least one aerosol generation unit, a chamber for receiving an exchangeable cartridge (or capsule) containing an aerosolisable liquid, and an inlet, such as a hollow needle fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit and configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge in the chamber to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit.

[0003] The aerosol generation unit is arranged for heating aerosolisable liquid originating from the exchangeable cartridge to generate an aerosol that a user may inhale, possibly through a mouthpiece during a vaping session. The heating of the aerosolisable liquid may be carried out by conduction, convection and/or radiation by a heater of the aerosol generation unit, possibly housed inside a heating chamber.

[0004] When this type of inhalation device (or aerosol generation device) is portable, i.e. usable when held by a user, it further comprises a battery (or power source) possibly rechargeable and storing electrical energy that is used by the aerosol generation unit for generating the aerosol. In this case the inhalation device may be a vaporizer or an electronic cigarette.

[0005] The aerosolisable liquid may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components. An active component may be carried by a carrier which may include propylene glycol or glycerin, for instance. A flavoring may also be present in the aerosolisable liquid and may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar, for instance.

[0006] Moreover, in the following description the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas. Such a suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to, or include, a vapor, and may include one or more components of the aerosolisable liquid.

[0007] In an inhalation device of the type described above the user has to manually install the exchangeable cartridge in the reception chamber, which generally requires that he/she presses the exchangeable cartridge against the inlet, e.g. a hollow needle, to cause the opening, e.g. piercing, of the cartridge for establishing fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit. This is not an easy task when the exchangeable cartridge is introduced into the chamber giving access to the inlet through a lateral insertion opening defined in the inhalation device body and having a normal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of this body while the needle is set parallel to this longitudinal axis.

[0008] To ease the installation of the exchangeable cartridge, the chamber needs to have internal dimensions notably greater than those of this exchangeable cartridge, which increases the bulkiness of the inhalation device. Moreover, the inhalation device needs to comprise an internal device allowing the exchangeable cartridge to stay in a correct position inside the chamber without moving to avoid leakage of aerosolisable liquid, which increases its complexity, its weight and its price.

[0009] There have been proposed in the patent documents EP-B1 3463533 and EP-A1 3175722 inhalation devices in which the exchangeable cartridge is introduced into the chamber through a main opening extending along the longitudinal axis of the inhalation device body instead of the lateral opening, after having decoupled a first part of the inhalation device from a second part comprising the main opening and the chamber. In these examples of embodiment, the piercing of the exchangeable cartridge by the needle is carried out when the user proceeds to couple the first and second parts of the inhalation device. In the patent document EP-B1 3463533 the first part is the mouthpiece, while in the patent document EP-A1 3175722 the first part is a body opposite to the mouthpiece and comprising the rechargeable battery and the controller. These solutions ease the installation of the exchangeable cartridge in the correct position in the chamber, but they force the first and second parts of the inhalation device to be equipped with additional coupling means, and they weaken the inhalation device because its first and second parts need to be manipulated two times (decoupling and coupling) each time the user changes the exchangeable cartridge. The coupling operation is also rendered more difficult due to the parts being separable. There is also a risk of losing the parts or damaging the coupling means if the parts are not properly aligned.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the inhalation device and provide a simpler and more reliable solution for coupling an exchangeable cartridge to the inhalation device.

Summary of the invention

[0011] The proposed invention provides notably an embodiment of an inhalation device comprising at least one aerosol generation unit, a chamber for receiving an exchangeable cartridge containing an aerosolisable liquid, and an inlet fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit and configured for engaging with the exchangeable cartridge in the chamber to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge and the aerosol generation unit.

[0012] This inhalation device is characterized in that it further comprises a lid having an open position allowing access to the chamber and a closed position in which it closes the chamber, and causing the exchangeable cartridge to be pressed against the inlet to induce the fluid engagement when the lid changes from the open position to the closed position.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet is a hollow needle configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge for establishing fluid communication.

[0014] Therefore, the installation of the exchangeable cartridge is very simple and easy since the user has only to introduce (at least partially) the exchangeable cartridge into the chamber and then to close the lid.

[0015] The embodiment of inhalation device may comprise other aspects or features, considered separately or combined, as defined hereafter.

• In an example of embodiment, the inhalation device may also comprise a mechanism coupled to the lid and arranged for moving the exchangeable cartridge towards the inlet, e.g. needle, to induce the engagement, e.g. piercing, when the lid changes from the open position to the closed position.
• The mechanism may comprise a pusher arranged for moving linearly the exchangeable cartridge towards the inlet, e.g. needle.
• The chamber may comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge between the pusher and the inlet, e.g. needle, when the lid is in the open position.
• The pusher may comprise a surface contacting a bottom of the exchangeable cartridge when the exchangeable cartridge is moved.
• The pusher may be coupled to the lid by a gearing mechanism.
• In another example of embodiment, the lid may be configured to push the exchangeable cartridge towards the inlet, e.g. needle, when it changes from the open position to the closed position.
• The needle may comprise a part that is set in the chamber in a position substantially perpendicular to the lid in the closed position and to the exchangeable cartridge.
• The chamber may comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge between the needle and an opening that is accessible when the lid is in the open position.
• In another example of embodiment, the aerosol generation unit may comprise at least one liquid jet device arranged for producing liquid drops of aerosol on demand.
• The (each) liquid jet device may comprise a micro heater or a resistive heater.
• The liquid jet device may comprise a micro electro-mechanical system (or MEMS) die. The MEMS die may comprise a vaporizer arranged to vaporize a liquid received from the cartridge and generate vapor. The vaporizer may comprise a micro heater or resistive heater.

[0016] The proposed invention provides also an embodiment of a system comprising an inhalation device such as the one described above, and an exchangeable cartridge containing an aerosolisable liquid and arranged for being received in the chamber of this inhalation device.

[0017] Also for instance, the inhalation device of this system may comprise a needle defining the inlet, and the exchangeable cartridge of this system may further comprise at least one septum configured for being perforated by the needle of the inhalation device to establish a fluid communication with the aerosol generation unit of the inhalation device.

[0018] For instance, the exchangeable cartridge of this system may also comprise at least one sealing member arranged for surrounding the needle sealingly.

Brief description of the figures

[0019] The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting examples and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which :

• Figure 1 (FIG.1) schematically illustrates a first example of embodiment of a system according to the invention, before the closing of the lid of its inhalation device,
• Figure 2 (FIG.2) schematically illustrates the system of figure 1 after the closing of the lid of its inhalation device,
• Figure 3 (FIG.3) schematically illustrates a second example of embodiment of a system according to the invention, before the closing of the lid of its inhalation device, and
• Figure 4 (FIG.4) schematically illustrates the system of figure 3 after the closing of the lid of its inhalation device.

Detailed description of embodiments

[0020] The invention aims, notably, at offering an inhalation device 1 allowing an easy installation of exchangeable cartridges 2, and a system 7 comprising such an inhalation device 1 and at least one exchangeable cartridge 2.

[0021] In the following description it will be considered that the inhalation device (or aerosol generation device) 1 is an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette or else personal vaporizer). But an inhalation device 1 according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as it may receive at least one exchangeable cartridge in a chamber and may allow the generation of an aerosol by aerosolizing, e.g. by heating, an aerosolisable liquid contained in an exchangeable cartridge.

[0022] It is recalled that an "aerosolisable liquid" may comprise one or more components such as propylene glycol, glycerine, nicotinoid(s), cannabinoid(s), caffeine, flavouring, or combinations thereof.

[0023] It is also recalled that the term "aerosol" may include a suspension of precursor as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets, vapor and gas, and that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.

[0024] As illustrated in figures 1 to 4, an inhalation device 1, according to the invention, comprises at least one aerosol generation unit 3, a chamber 4, an inlet 5 (for instance a (hollow) needle), and a lid 6. Preferably and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the inhalation device 1 also comprises a controller (or control device) 8 and a power source 9.

[0025] The controller (or control device) 8 is arranged for controlling at least the working of each aerosol generation unit 3.

[0026] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the controller 8 and the possible power source 9 may belong to a body 10 of the inhalation device 1. Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the controller 8 may be fixed onto a printed circuit board (or PCB) 11 (here housed in the body 10).

[0027] The power source 9 is arranged for storing electrical energy that is necessary to the working of the aerosol generation unit(s) 3 and controller 8. For instance, the power source 9 may be a rechargeable battery, and in this case, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the body 10 may comprise an electrical connector 12 to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the power source 9. Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket. The charger cable and/or the (AC) adapter may belong to the inhalation device 1 or system 7.

[0028] The chamber 4 is arranged for receiving an exchangeable cartridge 2 containing an aerosolisable liquid. In the illustrated examples, the chamber 4 is defined in the body 10 of the inhalation device 1. In the following description it will be considered that the inhalation device 1 comprises only one body 10. But it could comprise at least two bodies coupled together (for instance by magnets, clipping, or screwing by means of two corresponding threaded portions, as non-limiting examples). In this case, one of these bodies comprises the aerosol generation unit(s) 3, the chamber 4, the inlet 5 (for instance a hollow needle) and the lid 6, and another body comprises the controller (or control device) 8 and the power source 9.

[0029] The (each) aerosol generation unit 3 is arranged, when it is supplied with electrical energy provided by the power source 9, for transforming an aerosolisable liquid (initially contained in an exchangeable cartridge 2) into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive draws (or puffs or inhalation phases) during a vaping session.

[0030] The inlet 5 is located at least partly in the chamber 4. It is fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit 3 and configured for engaging with the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the chamber 4 to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge 2 and the aerosol generation unit 3.

[0031] In the following description it will be considered, as illustrated, that the inlet 5 is defined by a (hollow) needle located at least partly in the chamber 4. So, the needle 5 is fluidly connected to the aerosol generation unit 3 and configured for piercing the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the chamber 4 to establish a fluid communication between the exchangeable cartridge 2 and the aerosol generation unit 3. But in a variant of this embodiment the inlet 5 could be defined by a wicking material, possibly part of the exchangeable cartridge 2.

[0032] The lid 6 is mounted laterally in the body 10 (here) in the vicinity of an opening 13, and has an open position and a closed position. In the open position (illustrated in figures 1 and 3) the lid 6 allows access to the chamber 4 through the opening 13 of the body 10, and therefore allows the user of the inhalation device 1 to retrieve an empty exchangeable cartridge 2 and/or to install a new exchangeable cartridge 2. In the closed position (illustrated in figures 2 and 4) the lid 6 closes the chamber 4 and therefore masks the opening 13. For instance, the lid 6 is mounted rotatably relatively to the body 10 (arrow F1).

[0033] This lid 6 is arranged for causing the exchangeable cartridge 2 to be pressed against the needle 5 to induce its piercing when it changes from the open position to the closed position, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4.

[0034] So, when the user has partially introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6, the exchangeable cartridge 2 is progressively moved towards the needle 5 and then pierced, until it reaches a predefined position in which the needle 5 has a predefined part therein. In this predefined position the lid 6 is in its closed position and the user may start a vaping session. In other words, the installation of the exchangeable cartridge 2 is very simple and easy since the user has only to introduce the exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4 (fully (figures 1 and 2) or partially (figures 3 and 4)), and then to close the lid 6. Moreover, this avoids decoupling of sub parts of the inhalation device 1, and therefore renders the latter (1) more sustainable.

[0035] At least two different embodiments may cause the exchangeable cartridge 2 to be pressed against the needle (or inlet) 5 to reach its predefined position.

[0036] In a first example of embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the inhalation device 1 comprises a mechanism 14 coupled to the lid 6. This mechanism 14 is arranged for moving the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle (or inlet) 5 to induce its piercing (or engagement) when the lid 6 changes from the open position to the closed position. So, when the user has introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6 (arrow F1), the latter (6) acts on the mechanism 14 which moves the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5.

[0037] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, the mechanism 14 may comprise a pusher 15 arranged for moving linearly (arrow F2) the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5. In the illustrated example, the needle 5 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body 10, so the pusher 15 moves the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 in a direction parallel to this longitudinal axis (arrow F2).

[0038] In this first example of embodiment the chamber 4 must comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge 2 between the pusher 15 and the needle 5 when the lid 6 is in the open position. So, the user must fully introduce the exchangeable cartridge 2 into the space of the chamber 4 before closing the lid 6.

[0039] Also for instance, the pusher 15 may comprise a surface 28 contacting a bottom of the exchangeable cartridge 2 when the exchangeable cartridge 2 is moved.

[0040] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 1 and 2, in this first example of embodiment the pusher 15 may be coupled to the lid 6 by a gearing mechanism 14. This gearing mechanism 14 may comprise several gears 16 and a cable 17 connected to the pusher 15 and to one of these gears. But it could also comprise a lever possibly participating to the transformation of a rotation of the lid 6 into a translation of the pusher 15 (and therefore of the exchangeable cartridge 2), as in a scotch yoke mechanism or a Scott Russell mechanism or else a rack-and-pinion mechanism, for instance. With such a gearing mechanism 14, when the user has fully introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the space of the chamber 4 and starts to close the lid 6 (arrow F1), the gears 16 start to rotate, which pulls on the cable 17 and therefore on the pusher 15 which translates the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 (arrow F2). Now, when the user starts to open the lid 6, the gears 16 starts to rotate, which releases the cable 17 and therefore allows the pusher 15 to move away from the exchangeable cartridge 2 because it is coupled to a return spring (not illustrated).

[0041] In a second example of embodiment illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the inhalation device 1 is simpler because it does not comprise any mechanism. Here, the lid 6 is configured to push the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 when it changes from the open position to the closed position. So, when the user has partially introduced an exchangeable cartridge 2 into the chamber 4, and starts to close the lid 6 (arrow F1'), the latter (6) acts (i.e. pushes) directly on the exchangeable cartridge 2 to move it towards the needle 5.

[0042] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 3 and 4, the needle 5 may comprise a part that is set in the chamber 4 in a position substantially perpendicular to the lid 6 (when it is in the closed position) and to the exchangeable cartridge 2 (and therefore to the body longitudinal axis).

[0043] In this second example of embodiment the chamber 4 must comprise a space for receiving the exchangeable cartridge 2 between the needle 5 and the opening 13 (which is accessible when the lid 6 is in the open position). So, the user has just to introduce the partially the exchangeable cartridge 2 into this space of the chamber 4 before closing the lid 6.

[0044] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting example of figures 3 and 4, the lid 6 may comprise an internal surface 18, oriented towards the chamber 4 when it is in the closed position, and comprising a protuberance 19 in a central part to allow a balanced move (i.e. a translation) of the exchangeable cartridge 2 towards the needle 5 when the lid 6 pushes the exchangeable cartridge 2. Guiding means (not illustrated) may be also provided for the sliding movement of the exchangeable cartridge 2 in the housing.

[0045] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the (each) aerosol generation unit 3 may comprise at least one liquid jet device 20 arranged for producing liquid drops of aerosol on demand (i.e. during each puff of a vaping session). This liquid jet device 20 is supplied with aerosolisable liquid originating from the exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5.

[0046] These liquid drops of aerosol are generated in an area 21 located at a distance from an outlet 22 through which the user of the inhalation device 1 can inhale them.

[0047] For instance, the outlet 22 may be part of a mouthpiece 23. In the examples of embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 4, the mouthpiece 23 is an interchangeable piece that is coupled to the body 10. But this mouthpiece 23 could be integral with the body 10.

[0048] Also for instance, the liquid jet device 20 may comprise a micro heater or a resistive heater. As an example the liquid jet device 20 may comprise a micro electro-mechanical system (or MEMS) die. In this embodiment, the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 comprises a vaporization component (or vaporizer) using thermal inkjet technology, for instance. The vaporization component (or vaporizer) typically comprises at least one vaporization chamber heated by heater and arranged to vaporize a liquid received from the exchangeable cartridge 2 and generate vapor. The vaporizer may comprise a micro heater or resistive heater.

[0049] Each heater is arranged for heating the aerosol-forming material until the water it contains vaporizes and a gas bubble is created. The gas bubble is comprised of a phase change of the aerosol-forming material, usually liquid, and potentially air trapped in the liquid. The amount of the aerosol-forming material being boiled is about 1% of the total amount. In other words, around 1 % of the aerosol-forming material is superheated to form a gas bubble. This 1% consists of the amount of aerosol-forming material that is the closest to the heater. Gas being much more voluminous than liquid, it provides the force to push out from the aerosol generation unit 3. This allows approximately 80-90% of the aerosol-forming material above the gas bubble to be ejected. Gas bubbles grow as they are heated until being large enough that they force liquid droplets to be ejected. The gas bubbles also escape when the liquid droplets are ejected. This creates a vacuum which causes more liquid to be drawn into the aerosol generation unit 3 from the exchangeable cartridge 2. The process then repeats.

[0050] For instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 may be fixed (or defined) on a printed circuit board 24 hermetically attached to the inner face 25 of the body 10 before (or upstream of) the outlet 22. For instance and as illustrated, the micro electro-mechanical system die 20 is set in a position facing the outlet 22. The printed circuit board 24 being hermetically attached to the inner face 25 of the body 10, it comprises at least one through-hole allowing the air, coming from outside (through at least one inlet defined in the body 10) and sucked by the user during a puff (or inhalation phase), to cross it to reach the area 21 where it is mixed with the generated aerosol. Alternative implementations are also possible.

[0051] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the inhalation device 1 may also comprise a filter 26 coupled to each exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5 and to each micro electro-mechanical system die 20. This filter 26 is arranged for filtering the aerosolisable liquid coming from the exchangeable cartridge 2 via the needle 5 before it reaches each micro electro-mechanical system die 20. This filter 26 prevents the passage of particles from the exchangeable cartridge 2 to the aerosol generation unit 3. Such particles, which could be introduced into an exchangeable cartridge 2 during its filling and/or which could come from a poor quality aerosolisable liquid, could interfere with the operation of an aerosol generation unit 3. In particular, they could plug the small thermal firing chambers of the micro electro-mechanical system die 20.

[0052] For instance, this filter 26 may comprise a chamber comprising a filtering means that is crossed by the aerosol-forming material coming from the exchangeable cartridge 2. This filtering means may be a mesh (for instance a metallic mesh, and preferably a stainless-steel mesh).

[0053] Also for instance, and as illustrated in the non-limiting examples of figures 1 to 4, the exchangeable cartridge 2 may comprise at least one septum 27 configured for being perforated by the needle 5 to establish a fluid communication with the aerosol generation unit 3.

[0054] Moreover, the exchangeable cartridge 2 may also comprise at least one sealing member arranged for surrounding the needle 5 sealingly, to avoid leakage of aerosolisable liquid.

[0055] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some block diagrams of figures 1 to 4 herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry and/or combination of elements embodying the principles of the invention.

[0056] The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended to illustrate in a non-limiting manner the invention for the skilled person. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. Inhalation device (1) comprising at least one aerosol generation unit (3), a chamber (4) for receiving an exchangeable cartridge (2) containing an aerosolisable liquid, and an inlet (5) fluidly connected to said aerosol generation unit (3) and configured for engaging with said exchangeable cartridge (2) in said chamber (4) to establish a fluid communication between said exchangeable cartridge (2) and said aerosol generation unit (3),
wherein it further comprises a lid (6) having an open position allowing access to said chamber (4) and a closed position in which it closes said chamber (4), and causing said exchangeable cartridge (2) to be pressed against said inlet (5) to induce said engagement when said lid (6) changes from said open position to said closed position.

2. Inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein it further comprises a mechanism (14) coupled to said lid (6) and arranged for moving said exchangeable cartridge (2) towards said inlet (5) to induce said engagement when said lid (6) changes from said open position to said closed position.

3. Inhalation device according to claim 2, wherein said mechanism (14) comprises a pusher (15) arranged for moving linearly said exchangeable cartridge (2) towards said inlet (5).

4. Inhalation device according to claim 3, wherein said chamber (4) comprises a space for receiving said exchangeable cartridge (2) between said pusher (15) and said inlet (5) when said lid (6) is in said open position.

5. Inhalation device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said pusher (15) comprises a surface contacting a bottom of said exchangeable cartridge (2) when said exchangeable cartridge (2) is moved.

6. Inhalation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said pusher (15) is coupled to said lid (6) by a gearing mechanism (16).

7. Inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein said lid (6) is configured to push said exchangeable cartridge (2) towards said inlet (5) when it changes from said open position to said closed position.

8. Inhalation device according to claim 7, wherein said inlet (5) comprises a part that is set in said chamber (4) in a position substantially perpendicular to said lid (6) in said closed position and to said exchangeable cartridge (2).

9. Inhalation device according to claim 8, wherein said chamber (4) comprises a space for receiving said exchangeable cartridge (2) between said inlet (5) and an opening (13) that is accessible when said lid (6) is in said open position.

10. Inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said aerosol generation unit (3) comprises at least one liquid jet device (20) arranged for producing liquid drops of aerosol on demand.

11. Inhalation device according to claim 10, wherein said liquid jet device (20) comprises a micro heater or a resistive heater.

12. Inhalation device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said liquid jet device (20) comprises a micro electro-mechanical system die.

13. System (7), wherein it comprises an inhalation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, and an exchangeable cartridge (2) containing an aerosolisable liquid and arranged for being received in said chamber (4) of said inhalation device (1).

14. System according to claim 13, wherein said inhalation device (1) comprises a needle defining said inlet (5), and said exchangeable cartridge (2) comprises at least one septum (27) configured for being perforated by said needle (5) to establish a fluid communication with said aerosol generation unit (3) of said inhalation device (1).

15. System according to claim 14, wherein said exchangeable cartridge (2) comprises at least one sealing member arranged for surrounding said needle (5) sealingly.

Drawing