CN117897064A - Aerosol generating system with replaceable mouthpiece - Google Patents
Aerosol generating system with replaceable mouthpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CN117897064A CN117897064A CN202280054979.3A CN202280054979A CN117897064A CN 117897064 A CN117897064 A CN 117897064A CN 202280054979 A CN202280054979 A CN 202280054979A CN 117897064 A CN117897064 A CN 117897064A
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- aerosol
- mouthpiece
- main unit
- cartridge
- generating system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 title description 60
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 86
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 45
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 44
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 14
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 13
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 13
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 12
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 8
- -1 platinum group metals Chemical class 0.000 description 8
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 5
- PUPZLCDOIYMWBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N (+/-)-1,3-Butanediol Chemical compound CC(O)CCO PUPZLCDOIYMWBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 2
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019437 butane-1,3-diol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 2
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- ZDJFDFNNEAPGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl tetradecanedioate Chemical compound COC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC ZDJFDFNNEAPGOP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052715 tantalum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N tantalum atom Chemical compound [Ta] GUVRBAGPIYLISA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N triacetin Chemical compound CC(=O)OCC(OC(C)=O)COC(C)=O URAYPUMNDPQOKB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethylene glycol Chemical compound OCCOCCOCCO ZIBGPFATKBEMQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 description 2
- KMZHZAAOEWVPSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,3-dihydroxypropyl acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OCC(O)CO KMZHZAAOEWVPSE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000531 Co alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000640 Fe alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- GYHNNYVSQQEPJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Gallium Chemical compound [Ga] GYHNNYVSQQEPJS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004348 Glyceryl diacetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000990 Ni alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tin Chemical compound [Sn] ATJFFYVFTNAWJD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium Chemical compound [Zr] QCWXUUIWCKQGHC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000001931 aliphatic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229930013930 alkaloid Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000003797 alkaloid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- YXTPWUNVHCYOSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N bis($l^{2}-silanylidene)molybdenum Chemical compound [Si]=[Mo]=[Si] YXTPWUNVHCYOSP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- IZMOTZDBVPMOFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethyl dodecanedioate Chemical compound COC(=O)CCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC IZMOTZDBVPMOFE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002148 esters Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052733 gallium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000019443 glyceryl diacetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001087 glyceryl triacetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013773 glyceryl triacetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052735 hafnium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N hafnium atom Chemical compound [Hf] VBJZVLUMGGDVMO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L manganese(2+);methyl n-[[2-(methoxycarbonylcarbamothioylamino)phenyl]carbamothioyl]carbamate;n-[2-(sulfidocarbothioylamino)ethyl]carbamodithioate Chemical compound [Mn+2].[S-]C(=S)NCCNC([S-])=S.COC(=O)NC(=S)NC1=CC=CC=C1NC(=S)NC(=O)OC WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006262 metallic foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910021343 molybdenum disilicide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052758 niobium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010955 niobium Substances 0.000 description 1
- GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N niobium atom Chemical compound [Nb] GUCVJGMIXFAOAE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000419 plant extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000098 polyolefin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon carbide Chemical compound [Si+]#[C-] HBMJWWWQQXIZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910010271 silicon carbide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001256 stainless steel alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000005846 sugar alcohols Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000601 superalloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052718 tin Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960002622 triacetin Drugs 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052726 zirconium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
- A24F40/485—Valves; Apertures
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
Abstract
The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece includes an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the mouthpiece and corresponding structural components of the main unit define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel form an air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element.
Description
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating system. The present disclosure further relates to a replaceable mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system.
Background
It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating inhalable vapour. Such systems may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature that volatilizes one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. In an aerosol-generating system or device, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be delivered from a liquid storage portion to an electrical heating element. Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-generating substrate evaporates to form an aerosol. The liquid matrix may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may be formed as a replaceable cartridge or a refillable cartridge comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be attached to an aerosol-generating device to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.
The replaceable cartridge may include a variety of different aerosol-forming substrates. Some of these aerosol-forming substrates may be suitable for adult use only. Reliability and quality of aerosol-forming substrates are increasingly important.
Aerosols generated by evaporating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may condense at the sidewalls of the airflow path. This may be particularly relevant in cold environments. Further, when a user uses the aerosol-generating system in a cold environment, the mouthpiece may become unacceptably cold.
Disclosure of Invention
It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that provides a protection mechanism against misuse and counterfeiting.
It is also desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that may reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow path downstream of the heater. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system that can direct condensed aerosol droplets back toward the heater from a location downstream of the heater. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating system having a comfortable warm mouthpiece that is not dependent on ambient temperature.
According to an embodiment of the invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit may comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may comprise an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and the main unit may have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the mouthpiece and corresponding structural components of the main unit may define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel may form an air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element.
According to an embodiment of the invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece includes an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the mouthpiece and corresponding structural components of the main unit define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel form an air flow path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the heating element.
According to an embodiment of the invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece includes an outlet channel and an outlet through which aerosol exits the system, allowing a user to inhale the aerosol. The mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. These corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit define an inlet and an inlet channel from the inlet to the heater when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit.
In an embodiment, there is at least one air inlet. In an embodiment, there are two air inlets. In an embodiment, there are more than two air inlets. In an embodiment, there are one or more air inlets.
The airflow path may include an inflow path and an outflow path. The outflow path may be fluidly connected to the inflow path. The outflow path may deliver air combined with the aerosol to the outlet. When the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol may be formed. The aerosol-forming substrate may be vaporized at the heater. When the vapor formed at the heater is absorbed in and cooled in a gas stream flowing through the device from the inlet, through the inlet channel to the heater, and downstream of the heater in the outlet channel, an aerosol may be formed. The aerosol may continue to form as it is transported in the outlet channel to the outlet. That is, the aerosol may cool as it is transported in the outlet channel to the outlet. The aerosol may condense as it is transported in the outlet channel to the outlet. The aerosol particles may combine to form larger aerosol particles as the aerosol is transported in the outlet channel to the outlet. The aerosol may form smaller aerosol particles as it is transported in the outlet channel to the outlet. The size of aerosol particles may be affected by the airflow velocity, temperature, pressure, and geometry of the airflow path in the system. Aerosol particles may strike surfaces in the outlet channel. Aerosol particles may adhere to surfaces in the outlet channel. Larger aerosol particles may adhere to surfaces in the outlet channel, resulting in aerosols having smaller average particle sizes reaching the outlet. The inlet channel is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled. After assembly of the aerosol-generating system of the invention, the aerosol-generating system may be used for inhalation of an aerosol.
The replaceable mouthpiece of the aerosol-generating device is designed to mate with the main unit to define an inlet channel to deliver airflow through the heater so that an aerosol can be formed. The user may inhale the aerosol via the outlet. Without the mouthpiece, the main unit becomes inoperable because no continuous airflow path is provided from the air inlet to the air outlet for inhalation of aerosol. Thus, the design of aerosol-generating systems represents an efficient protection mechanism against unauthorized use. The main unit alone does not allow the formation of aerosols suitable for inhalation. The individual main units do not have an air inlet. The individual main units do not have an inlet channel. The individual main units have no inlet or inlet channels. The separate main unit does not have a mechanism for delivering air entering the device through the inlet to the heater. The individual master units do not have such a mechanism: the mechanism is for delivering air that is conveyed through the device to the heater via the inlet channel such that when the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol may be formed and may be conveyed away from the heater in the outlet channel. Thus, the separate main unit does not have the necessary structure to generate an inhalable aerosol.
Furthermore, the design of the aerosol-generating system also helps to avoid counterfeiting, as only a mouthpiece having a specific design that cooperates with the main unit to create the inlet and inlet channel may be used with the main unit of the aerosol-generating system to create the inhalable aerosol. In addition, it is ensured in this way that only complementary components are used in the aerosol-generating system of the invention. Thus, a high quality of the product and the inhalable aerosol generated can be ensured.
The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate.
As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that may form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to be replaceable or refillable.
The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-forming agent such as propylene glycol or glycerol, as well as other additives and ingredients such as fragrances. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavourings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an alkaloid. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be represented as a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol-former that facilitates dense and stable aerosol formation. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as monoacetin, diacetin or triacetin; and aliphatic esters of monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerol and propylene glycol.
As used herein, an "aerosol-generating system" relates to a system comprising a main unit and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The main unit may be an "aerosol-generating device".
As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. An aerosol-forming substrate may be included in the cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, an electrical supply device, a heating chamber and a heating element.
The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The circuit may comprise further electronic components. The circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater element.
Preferably, the heating element is provided as part of the evaporation unit. The heating element may be any device suitable for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and evaporating at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate so as to form an aerosol. The heating element may be illustratively a coil heater, a capillary heater, a mesh heater, or a sheet metal heater. The heater may illustratively be a resistive heater that receives electrical power and converts at least a portion of the received electrical power into thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may be a susceptor inductively heated by a time-varying magnetic field. The heater may comprise only a single heating element or a plurality of heating elements. The temperature of the one or more heating elements is preferably controlled by an electrical circuit.
In any of the embodiments described above, the at least one heating element preferably comprises a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic materials and metal materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys containing nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum-titanium-zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, and iron, and alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel,And superalloys of iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in an insulating material, encapsulated by an insulating material or coated by an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties. Examples of suitable composite heater elements are disclosed in US-A-5 498 855, WO-A-03/095688 and US-A-5 514 630.
The evaporation unit may further comprise a capillary material for delivering the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heater element. The capillary material may have a fibrous or sponge-like structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a capillary bundle. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads or other fine bore tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to deliver liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms a plurality of small holes or tubes through which the liquid can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are porous materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge materials or foam materials. Examples of suitable materials include ceramic materials. Examples of suitable materials include graphite-based materials. Suitable materials may be fibres. A suitable material may be a sintered powder. A suitable material may be a metal foam. A suitable material may be a plastics material. Suitable materials may be fibrous materials. Suitable materials may be made from spun fibers. Suitable materials may be made from extruded fibers. Suitable materials may be made from cellulose acetate. Suitable materials may be made of polyester. Suitable materials may be made from bonded polyolefin. Suitable materials may be made of polyethylene. Suitable materials may be made of ethylene. Suitable materials may be made of polypropylene. Suitable materials may be made from nylon fibers. Suitable materials may be made of ceramics. Suitable materials may be made from a combination of one or more of ethylene, polyethylene, ethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity for use with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, which allow the liquid to be transported through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to transport the aerosol-forming substrate to the evaporator. The capillary material may extend into the gap in the evaporator.
One or more capillary cores may be arranged in contact with the liquid held in the liquid storage portion. One or more capillary cores may extend into the liquid storage portion. In this case, in use, liquid may be transferred from the liquid storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol-generating device by capillary action in the one or more capillary cores. One or more of the capillary cores may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the liquid storage portion to draw liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion into the aerosol-generating device.
The capillary material may be arranged to be in contact with the liquid held in the liquid storage portion. The capillary material may extend into the liquid storage portion. In this case, in use, liquid may be transferred from the liquid storage portion to the one or more elements of the aerosol-generating device by capillary action in the capillary material. The capillary material may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the liquid storage portion to draw liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion into the aerosol-generating device.
As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of the mouthpiece or a component or portion of a component of an aerosol-generating device used with the mouthpiece with respect to the direction in which air flows along an airflow path through the mouthpiece or aerosol-generating device during use of the mouthpiece or aerosol-generating device. A mouthpiece according to the present invention may comprise a proximal end through which, in use, aerosol exits the mouthpiece. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may be a mouthpiece connected to the aerosol-generating device. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece may also be referred to as the upstream end. The mouthpiece or the component or part of the component of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position with respect to the airflow path through the mouthpiece or the aerosol-generating device.
As used herein, the term "airflow path" refers to the path that air follows as it travels through the system. For example, an inlet channel, an outlet channel, and an outlet are structures that create a space that allows air to flow through the system. Air entering the device through the inlet, moving through the inlet passage, passing through the heater, passing through the outlet passage and exiting the device through the outlet follows the airflow path defined by these structures.
The air inflow path is an air flow path that guides air from the air inlet to the heater. The inflow path is an airflow path that guides air from the air inlet to the heater. The "air inflow path" and the "inflow path" are synonymous.
The terms "air inlet" and "inlet" are synonymous. An inlet is an opening in the system that allows ambient air, i.e., air surrounding the system, to enter the system.
The air outflow path is an air flow path that guides air from the heater to the air outlet. The outflow path is an airflow path that directs air from the heater to the outlet. The air from the heater to the outlet may comprise an aerosol. The "air outflow path" and the "outflow path" are synonymous.
The "air outlet" and "outlet" are synonymous. The air outflow path or the air in the outflow path may comprise an aerosol. The outlet is an opening in the system that allows air, including aerosols, to exit the system.
The air flow path is an air inflow path and an air outflow path. The airflow path may be used to deliver ambient air into the device, through the heater and to the outlet of the device. The airflow path may be used to deliver an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol. The airflow path may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet.
The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a replaceable mouthpiece. The cartridge may form an integral part of the mouthpiece. The cartridge may be refillable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may refill the cartridge so that the mouthpiece comprising the refillable cartridge may be reused. The design of the parts to be reusable helps to reduce waste and reduces the ecological impact of the device or system or cartridge on the environment.
The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a main unit of the aerosol-generating system. The cartridge may form an integral part of the main unit. The cartridge may be refillable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may refill the cartridge so that the mouthpiece comprising the refillable cartridge may be reused.
The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be replaceable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may remove the cartridge from the aerosol-generating system and may replace the used cartridge with a new filled cartridge.
When the aerosol-generating system is assembled, an air inflow path is defined between the mouthpiece and the main unit. The mouthpiece and the main unit may be connected using any suitable connection means. The connection means may comprise a screw connection, a friction fit or a form fit connection. The connection means may be configured such that the connection may be established manually by a user. This facilitates handling and assembly of the aerosol-generating system.
The mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. Structural components having complementary geometries are preferably provided at adjacent interface portions of the mouthpiece and the main unit. These interface portions are positioned adjacent to each other when the mouthpiece and the main unit are assembled. Structural components having complementary geometries are configured such that upon assembly of the aerosol-generating system, the structural components form an inlet and an inlet channel. The inlet and the inlet channel form an inflow path. The system may have more than one inlet and more than one inlet channel.
The airflow path may include an inlet passage and an outlet passage. An inlet channel extends between an inlet of the aerosol-generating system and the heating element. The inlet channel is for directing ambient air entering the system through the inlet towards a heating element where the air flow is mixed with supersaturated vapour comprising vaporising components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The resulting aerosol is directed along an outlet channel towards the outlet of the mouthpiece and may be inhaled by the user.
The entire inlet channel need not be defined by the mouthpiece and the corresponding structural component of the main unit having complementary geometry. The object of the invention has been achieved if at least a portion of the inlet channel is defined by a corresponding structural component of the mouthpiece and the main unit having a complementary geometry.
The entire airflow path need not be defined by the mouthpiece and the corresponding structural component of the main unit having complementary geometry. The object of the invention has been achieved if at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by the mouthpiece and a corresponding structural component of the main unit having complementary geometry.
The air inlet opening may be formed in an outer portion of the housing of the aerosol-generating system. Depending on the configuration of the aerosol-generating system, the air inlet opening may be formed in an outer portion of the housing of the main unit or mouthpiece. An air inlet opening may be formed between the main unit and the mouthpiece. The air inlet opening may be formed partially in both the main unit and the mouthpiece. When the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled together, an air inlet opening may be formed.
The inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined by the mouthpiece and a corresponding structural component of the main unit having complementary geometry.
The cartridge may be part of the main unit. If the cartridge is present as part of the main unit, the inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined between the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit. The inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined by corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and cartridge having complementary geometries.
The cartridge may have any shape or cross-section including oval, conical, rectangular, square, or angled. In an embodiment, the cartridge may have a tubular shape. The cartridge may have a central passage. The central passage may extend in the longitudinal direction through the entire cartridge. The barrel may have an annular distal end, an annular proximal end, an outer side surface, and an inner side surface. The inner side surface may define a central passage through the barrel.
The inlet passage may include a radial portion and an axial portion. The radial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between the proximal end of the cartridge and a corresponding radial wall element of the mouthpiece. To this end, the proximal end of the cartridge or the radial wall element of the mouthpiece or both may comprise a groove. In the assembled state, the slot extends in a radial direction from the air inlet opening to the interior of the aerosol-generating system.
The radial portion of the inlet passage may be in communication with the axial portion of the inlet passage. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between an inner side surface of the cartridge defining the central channel and an outer surface of the corresponding wall element of the mouthpiece. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be configured to direct the airflow towards a heating element of the aerosol-generating device. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between an inner side surface of the cartridge defining the tubular channel and an outer surface of the corresponding tubular wall element of the mouthpiece.
The wall element of the mouthpiece may be hollow. The wall element of the mouthpiece may define a central hollow channel forming part of the outlet channel of the airflow path. The hollow wall element of the mouthpiece may have any suitable cross-section. The cross section of the wall element may correspond to the cross section of the central passage of the cartridge. The cross-section of the wall element may be circular, oval, rectangular, square or angled. The wall element may have a tapered distal end. The tapered distal end may facilitate insertion of the wall element into the central channel of the cartridge when the aerosol-generating system is assembled. If the wall element is circular in cross-section, the wall element may also be referred to as a tubular wall element.
An outlet channel extends from the heating element to an outlet of the mouthpiece and is configured to direct the generated aerosol toward the outlet of the mouthpiece.
By designing the aerosol-generating device such that a portion of the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the complementary portion of the mouthpiece, a simple construction is obtained which achieves the objects of the invention. The main unit comprising the cartridge can only be used with a specific mouthpiece, which may have radial wall elements and complementary parts as described above. Only with such specific mouthpieces, the main unit may be used to generate an inhalable aerosol. Thus, it can be ensured that an aerosol is generated only when the correct and original mouthpiece is used. Thus, unauthorized use or forgery can be effectively prevented.
The mouthpiece may have an outer housing. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have any suitable shape. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the main unit. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a circular, oval, rectangular, square or angled cross-section. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer housing may have a lateral surface and a proximal end. The outlet may be defined at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.
The mouthpiece to be connected to the main unit may have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries corresponding to the shape of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the airflow path may be defined between the mouthpiece and the cartridge. The mouthpiece may have a first structural component which in the assembled state extends in a direction substantially parallel to the proximal side of the cartridge. The mouthpiece may have a second structural component which is hollow and which in the assembled state extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central passage of the cartridge. The hollow member may have a smaller size than the central passage of the cartridge such that, when assembled, the hollow member may extend into the central passage of the cartridge. The second structural part of the mouthpiece may be formed by the above-mentioned wall element of the mouthpiece. Thus, the airflow channel established between the mouthpiece and the cartridge may comprise a radial portion and a longitudinal portion.
The cartridge may be part of the mouthpiece. When the cartridge is part of the mouthpiece, the inlet channel of the airflow path may be formed between corresponding structural components of complementary geometry located at the bottom of the cartridge of the mouthpiece and at the top of the main unit when the system is assembled. When assembled, the inlet channel may be defined between the main unit and the barrel of the mouthpiece. The inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined by corresponding structural components of the main unit and the cartridge having complementary geometries.
The inlet passage may include a radial portion and an axial portion. The radial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between the proximal ends of the main unit and the cartridge and the corresponding radial wall element of the mouthpiece. To this end, the proximal end of the main unit or the radial wall element of the mouthpiece or both may comprise a groove. In the assembled state, the slot may extend in a radial direction from the air inlet opening to the interior of the aerosol-generating system.
The radial portion of the inlet passage may be in communication with the axial portion of the inlet passage. Also in this embodiment, the inlet channel extends between the air inlet opening of the aerosol-generating system and the heating element. The inlet channel is for directing ambient air towards a heating element in which the air stream is mixed with supersaturated vapour comprising vaporising components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The resulting aerosol is directed along an outlet channel towards the outlet of the mouthpiece and may be inhaled by the user.
In embodiments where the cartridge is part of the mouthpiece, the cartridge may be refillable or replaceable. In this case, the cartridge may be refilled or replaced when exhausted, and the mouthpiece may be reused.
The cartridge may also be configured to be neither refillable nor replaceable. In this case, when the cartridge is exhausted, the entire mouthpiece will be replaced.
Both the cartridge and the mouthpiece may be replaceable. One or both ends of the cartridge or mouthpiece may be protected by a sealing foil. The sealing foil may be a pierceable sealing foil that breaks during assembly of the aerosol-generating system. The sealing foil may be a removable sealing foil that is removed from the cartridge before the cartridge is assembled with the main device or main unit.
Such a sealing foil may protect the cartridge and the mouthpiece from debris or other unwanted contamination during transport, in particular before use.
A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.
Example a: an aerosol-generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece,
the main unit comprising a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate;
the mouthpiece includes an outlet channel;
wherein the mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries;
wherein the mouthpiece and the corresponding structural component of the main unit define an inlet channel when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit; and is also provided with
Wherein the inlet channel and the outlet channel form an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet via the heating element.
Example B: an aerosol-generating system according to example a, wherein the airflow path is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled.
Example C: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the aerosol-generating system comprises a cartridge for storing an aerosol-forming substrate.
Example D: an aerosol-generating system according to example C, wherein the cartridge is configured to be replaceable.
Example E: an aerosol-generating system according to example C or D, wherein the cartridge for storing aerosol-forming substrate is part of the main unit.
Example F: an aerosol-generating system according to example C or D, wherein the cartridge for storing aerosol-forming substrate is part of the replaceable mouthpiece.
Example G: an aerosol-generating system according to any of examples a to E, wherein the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the mouthpiece.
Example H: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the cartridge has a tubular shape.
Example I: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the cartridge defines a central channel.
Example J: an aerosol-generating system according to example I, wherein the airflow path passes through the central passage of the cartridge.
Example K: an aerosol-generating system according to example I or example J, wherein the complementary structural component of the mouthpiece or the main unit comprises a hollow element extending into the central channel of the cartridge.
Example L: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the mouthpiece has an outer housing having a lateral surface and a proximal end.
Example M: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the air inlet is arranged in the lateral surface of the outer housing of the mouthpiece.
Example N: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the air inlet is arranged in the lateral surface of the outer housing of the main unit.
Example O: an aerosol-generating system according to any preceding example, wherein the air outlet is arranged at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.
Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the invention.
Drawings
The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
fig. 1 shows an aerosol-generating system in a disassembled form;
fig. 2 shows the aerosol-generating system in an assembled form;
fig. 3 shows another aerosol-generating system in a disassembled form;
fig. 4 shows another aerosol-generating system in assembled form; and
figure 5 shows the aerosol-generating system with the sealing foil in a disassembled form.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a top portion of an aerosol-generating system 10 comprising a main unit 12, a cartridge 14 comprising a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16, and a replaceable mouthpiece 20.
The replaceable mouthpiece 20 is adapted to be removable from and connectable to the main unit 12 and has a generally cylindrical housing 22. The hollow tubular element 24 extends centrally along the entire length of the mouthpiece 20. An annular radial wall element 26 extends between the housing 22 of the mouthpiece 20 and the tubular element 24. The air inlet openings 28 are provided at opposite positions in the side surface of the housing 22. These air inlet openings 28 are arranged directly below the radial wall element 26.
The opening of the tubular element 24 at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 20 is configured as an outlet end 30 for inhalation by a user. The distal end 32 of the mouthpiece 20 is configured to be attached to the main unit 12. As can be seen from fig. 1, no continuous airflow path is defined in the mouthpiece 20 between the air inlet opening 28 and the outlet end 30.
The main unit 12 is an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge 14, a power supply, electronic circuitry and an evaporation unit 34. A cartridge 14 is disposed on the proximal end of the main unit 12. The cartridge 14 has a tubular shape and is configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16. The inner diameter of the central passage 17 of the cartridge 16 is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20.
The evaporation unit 34 comprises a porous ceramic member 36 in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 stored in the cartridge 14. A sealing element 38 is provided that prevents the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 from undesirably leaking to electrical components including the power supply and control circuitry.
The resistive heater element 40 is disposed on the back side of the porous ceramic member 36. The resistive heater element 40 is electrically connected to a power source of the aerosol-generating system via contacts 42. The power supply and control circuitry of the aerosol-generating system is provided in a lower part of the main unit, which is not shown in fig. 1.
When the resistive heater element 40 is activated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 absorbed in the porous ceramic member 36 volatilizes. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate is mixed with ambient air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is then transported through the airflow path to the outlet 30. To this end, an airflow path is defined within the assembled aerosol-generating system 10.
An assembled aerosol-generating system 10 is depicted in fig. 2. When assembled, the mouthpiece 20 fits around the cartridge 14 and frictionally engages the cartridge. In the fully assembled position, the airflow path 50 is defined between the mouthpiece 20 and a corresponding structural component of the main unit 12 having a complementary geometry. The airflow path 50 includes an inlet passage 52 and an outlet passage 54. The inlet channel 52 forms an inflow path that is the portion of the airflow path 50 that extends between the air inlet opening 28 and the evaporation unit 34. The outlet channel 54 forms an outflow path that is the portion of the airflow path 50 that extends between the evaporation unit 34 and the outlet 30.
In the embodiment depicted in fig. 2, the inlet passage 52 includes a radial portion 56 and an axial portion 58. A radial portion 56 of the inlet channel 52 is defined between the proximal end 19 of the cartridge 14 and the radial wall element 26 of the mouthpiece 20. The proximal end 19 of the cartridge 14 comprises radially extending slots 60 extending in a radial direction from the air inlet opening 28 towards the interior of the aerosol-generating system 10. The radial portion 56 of the inlet passage 52 extends into the axial portion 58 of the inlet passage 52.
An axial portion 58 of the inlet passage 52 is defined between the inside surface of the cartridge 14 and the outer surface of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20. The axial portion 58 of the inlet passage 52 is configured to direct the airflow toward the evaporation unit 34.
The outlet passage 54 is defined by the internal passage of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20. An outlet passage 54 extends from the evaporation unit 34 to the outlet end 30 of the aerosol-generating system 10.
When a user draws at the outlet end 30 of the mouthpiece 20, an airflow is established from the air inlet opening 28 through the inlet channel 52 towards the evaporation unit 34. The drawn air is mixed with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate 16 at the vaporization unit 34 to form an aerosol. The aerosol is delivered through the outlet passage 54 and is inhaled by the user at the outlet end 30.
Without the specific mouthpiece 20 having the configuration as depicted in fig. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device cannot be used to generate an inhalable aerosol. Thus, the aerosol-generating device can only be used with this particular mouthpiece 20, which helps to prevent or reduce unauthorized use and counterfeiting.
Fig. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 10 in a disassembled configuration, the aerosol-generating system comprising a main unit 12, a cartridge 14, and a replaceable mouthpiece 20.
In this embodiment, the replaceable mouthpiece 20 is adapted to be removable from and connectable to the main unit 12, and has a generally cylindrical housing 22. The replaceable mouthpiece includes a cartridge 14 and an evaporation unit 34.
The evaporation unit 34 again comprises a porous ceramic member 36 in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 stored in the cartridge 14. The ceramic member 36 has through holes 44 that allow air flow through the ceramic member 36.
In the embodiment of fig. 3, the cartridge 14 is permanently connected to the mouthpiece 20. However, in this embodiment, the cartridge 14 may also be configured to be replaceable. To this end, the housing 22 of the mouthpiece 20 may be configured to include two connectable portions. By breaking the two portions, the cartridge 14 may be accessible and may be replaced after depletion.
Upon assembly of the aerosol-generating system 10, the electrical contacts of the evaporation unit 34 are in contact with the corresponding electrical contacts 46 of the main unit 12.
In this embodiment, the main unit 12 is an aerosol-generating device comprising a power supply 47 and electronic circuitry 48. The main unit 12 further comprises an air inlet opening 28 of the aerosol-generating system 10. The air inlet opening 28 is connected to the main unit air passage 62. The other end of the main unit air channel 62 is open at the proximal end of the main unit 12.
Also, in the disassembled state, no continuous airflow path is defined between the air inlet opening 28 and the outlet end 30 of the aerosol-generating system 10.
Fig. 4 shows the aerosol-generating system 10 of fig. 3 in an assembled configuration. Upon assembly of the main unit 12 and the mouthpiece 20, a continuous air inlet channel 52 is formed extending from the air inlet opening 28 towards the evaporation unit 34. In more detail, the air inlet passage 52 extends from the air inlet opening 28 in the main unit 12 through the main unit air passage 62. The main unit air channel 62 is connected to an air inlet channel portion 63 formed at the interface between the proximal end of the main unit 12 and the distal end of the mouthpiece 20. This air inlet channel portion 63 is connected to the through-holes 44 in the ceramic member 36 and guides the air flow through the evaporation unit. The air flow is mixed with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate 16 at the vaporization unit 34 to form an aerosol. The aerosol is delivered through the outlet passage 54 and is inhaled by the user at the outlet end 30.
Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the aerosol-generating system 10 of the present invention. The aerosol-generating system 10 comprises a main unit 12, a replaceable cartridge 14 and a replaceable mouthpiece 20. In the left hand view of fig. 5, the aerosol-generating system 10 is shown in a partially disassembled state.
A new filled cartridge 14 has been inserted into the main unit 12. The proximal end of the cartridge 14 is protected by a removable sealing foil 64. The seal foil protects the canister 14 from debris or other unwanted contamination during transport and, in particular, prior to use. When the cartridge 14 is inserted into the main unit 12, and prior to use of the aerosol-generating system, the sealing foil 64 is removed.
The mouthpiece 20 depicted in fig. 5 is also still sealed at the distal and proximal ends. Each of these ends is still covered by a sealing foil 66. Each of these sealing foils 66 is used to protect the open end of the mouthpiece 20 from debris and contamination prior to use.
During assembly of the aerosol-generating system 10, the sealing foil 66 of the mouthpiece 20 is removed. In the right-hand view of fig. 5, the aerosol-generating system 10 is depicted in a fully assembled state.
Claims (12)
1. An aerosol-generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece,
the main unit comprising a cartridge for storing an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate;
the mouthpiece includes an outlet channel;
wherein the mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries;
wherein the mouthpiece and the corresponding structural component of the main unit define an inlet channel when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit; and is also provided with
Wherein the inlet channel and the outlet channel form an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet via the heating element.
2. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 1, wherein the airflow path is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled.
3. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 3, wherein the cartridge is configured to be replaceable.
4. An aerosol-generating system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the mouthpiece.
5. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge has a tubular shape.
6. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the cartridge defines a central channel.
7. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 6, wherein the airflow path passes through the central passage of the cartridge.
8. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the complementary structural component of the mouthpiece or the main unit comprises a hollow element extending into the central channel of the cartridge.
9. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece has an outer housing having a lateral surface and a proximal end.
10. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is arranged in the lateral surface of the outer housing of the mouthpiece.
11. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the air inlet is arranged in the lateral surface of the outer housing of the main unit.
12. An aerosol-generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the air outlet is arranged at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP21194354.3 | 2021-09-01 | ||
| EP21194354 | 2021-09-01 | ||
| PCT/EP2022/073965 WO2023031125A2 (en) | 2021-09-01 | 2022-08-29 | Aerosol-generating system with replaceable mouthpiece |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN117897064A true CN117897064A (en) | 2024-04-16 |
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ID=77595441
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202280054979.3A Pending CN117897064A (en) | 2021-09-01 | 2022-08-29 | Aerosol generating system with replaceable mouthpiece |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
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| CN (1) | CN117897064A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2023031125A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5498855A (en) | 1992-09-11 | 1996-03-12 | Philip Morris Incorporated | Electrically powered ceramic composite heater |
| US5514630A (en) | 1994-10-06 | 1996-05-07 | Saint Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corp. | Composition for small ceramic igniters |
| WO2003095688A2 (en) | 2002-05-09 | 2003-11-20 | Harmonics, Inc | Tapecast electro-conductive cermets for high temperature resistive heating systems |
| WO2015071703A1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2015-05-21 | Chen Léon | Atomizer unit for use in an electronic cigarette |
| GB201721766D0 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2018-02-07 | British American Tobacco Investments Ltd | Electronic aerosol provision system |
| ES2929474T3 (en) * | 2018-07-23 | 2022-11-29 | Juul Labs Inc | Airflow management for vaporizer device |
-
2022
- 2022-08-29 CN CN202280054979.3A patent/CN117897064A/en active Pending
- 2022-08-29 WO PCT/EP2022/073965 patent/WO2023031125A2/en active Application Filing
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| WO2023031125A2 (en) | 2023-03-09 |
| WO2023031125A3 (en) | 2023-04-27 |
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