CN118019465A

CN118019465A - Mouthpiece with condensation management features

Info

Publication number: CN118019465A
Application number: CN202280059022.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·N·巴蒂斯塔; E·萨迪拉托雷
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2021-09-01
Filing date: 2022-08-30
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Also published as: KR20240053587A; WO2023031209A3; WO2023031209A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system comprising an airflow path of the mouthpiece and a tapered guide member. The tapered guide member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The tapered guide member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Description

Mouthpiece with condensation management features

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system.

Background

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device or system for generating inhalable vapors. 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, 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 or 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.

Depending on the circumstances, excessive condensation of aerosol may occur within the mouthpiece during use of the aerosol-generating system. For example, at low temperatures in winter, the walls of the aerosol-generating device may become cold, such that excessive condensation of the aerosol may occur at the cold walls of the airflow path. For example, in environments where the relative humidity is high, excessive condensation of aerosols in the device may be promoted. The higher relative humidity of the air stream entering the device may reduce the amount of aerosol that the air stream can carry without excessive condensation.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device that may reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow path downstream of the heater. It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device that can direct condensed aerosol droplets back towards the heater from a location downstream of the heater. It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device that can capture condensed aerosol droplets to avoid leakage.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system is provided. The mouthpiece may include an airflow path for the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a guide member. The guide member may be tapered. The guide member may be arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The guide member may be configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system is provided. The mouthpiece includes an airflow path for the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a tapered guide member. The tapered guide member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The tapered guide member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device is provided that may reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in an airflow path downstream of a heater. A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device is provided that may direct condensed aerosol droplets back toward a heater from a location downstream of the heater. A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system or device is provided that can capture condensed aerosol droplets to avoid leakage.

Excessive condensation of aerosol and droplet formation may occur at the outer surface of the tapered guide member. Due to the configuration of the tapered guide member, droplets formed on the outer surface of the tapered guide member may be guided in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

The tapered guide member may be configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece by means of the tapered guide member, the tapered guide member being configured such that a tip of the tapered guide member faces in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

The tip of the tapered guide member may face in a direction toward the distal end of the mouthpiece. The tip of the tapered guide member may face in a direction towards the distal end of the aerosol-generating system when the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol-generating system. The tip of the tapered guide member may face in a direction towards the atomizer of the aerosol-generating system when the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol-generating system.

Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow conical guiding member, the condensed droplets may be guided towards the atomizer. Such guiding of the droplets may be driven by gravity, as most commonly aerosol-generating systems are used primarily in a generally upright or slightly inclined position, with the proximal end of the mouthpiece facing generally away from the centre of gravity. Alternatively or additionally, the guiding of the droplet may be driven by capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow conical guiding member.

Evaporation of the condensed droplets may occur in an atomization zone proximate the atomizer after the condensed droplets have been directed toward the atomizer.

The longitudinal axis of the tapered guide member may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. In addition, the base of the tapered guide member may be directed toward the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

The tapered guide member may be a hollow tapered guide member.

The hollow conical guide member may divide the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow conical guide member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow conical guide member. The upstream flow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. The downstream flow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. Both the upstream and downstream flow chambers may be homogenization chambers.

The homogenization chamber may aid in the development of the aerosol after the initial evaporation event. The homogenization chamber may help to create turbulent airflow. A more homogeneous distribution of volatilized particles in the aerosol can be achieved. A more uniform size of volatilized particles in the aerosol can be achieved.

The distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber may include a bowl-shaped wall element. The bowl-shaped wall element may serve as an additional guide member. The surface of the bowl-shaped wall element may comprise a hydrophobic material. This may advantageously reduce adhesion of the droplets to the wall. This may advantageously facilitate the guiding effect. The hollow conical guide member may comprise one or more orifices arranged to fluidly connect the upstream and downstream airflow chambers.

When arranged within the airflow chamber, preferably within the homogenizing chamber, the bowl-shaped wall element may additionally increase one or both of turbulence of the airflow and homogenization of the aerosol.

The hollow tapered guide member may include a plurality of apertures asymmetrically arranged at one or both of different axial and different radial positions of the hollow tapered guide member. Such irregular arrangement of the apertures on the hollow conical guide member may additionally improve turbulence of the air flow within the hollow conical guide member.

The base (widest portion) of the hollow conical guide member may comprise an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port.

The mouthpiece may comprise a high retention material disposed within the hollow conical guide member. The high retention material may include a capillary material as described herein.

The high retention material may be disposed at a tip region of the hollow tapered guide member.

Excessive condensation of aerosol and formation of droplets may occur within the interior space of the hollow conical guide member. Thus, droplets may form on the inner surface of the hollow conical guide member. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow conical guiding member, the droplet may be guided towards the high retention material. Such guiding of the liquid droplets may be driven by one or both of gravity and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow conical guiding member. The droplets may then be soaked and trapped within the high retention material. Thus, leakage may be advantageously reduced or avoided.

The surface of the tapered guide member may comprise a hydrophobic material. The inner surface of the tapered guide member may comprise a hydrophobic material. The outer surface of the tapered guide member may comprise a hydrophobic material. This may advantageously reduce the adhesion of the droplet to the surface and enhance the mobility of the droplet along the surface. This may advantageously facilitate the guiding effect.

The mouthpiece may be configured to be replaceable. The replaceable mouthpiece may be a disposable item. The mouthpiece may be reusable.

As used herein, the term "conical" may refer to a shape that may be substantially described by the geometry of a straight cone, an elliptical cone, a cone with an oval base, or a pyramid. The tapered shape may conform to the outer shape of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may have any suitable external shape. For example, the mouthpiece may have a substantially rectangular, square, oval, elliptical or circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece, i.e. perpendicular to the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section.

One or both of the shape and size of the cross-section may vary from the distal end to the proximal end of the mouthpiece. For example, the mouthpiece may have a generally circular cross-section with a constricted diameter in the region towards the proximal end, such that the proximal region of the mouthpiece assumes the shape of a truncated cone.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol-generating system comprises a main unit comprising a nebulizer. The aerosol-generating system comprises an airflow path of the system extending from the air inlet to the airflow path of the mouthpiece via the atomizer. The tapered guide member is configured to guide the liquid component condensed from the gas stream in a direction toward the atomizer.

The main unit may comprise a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The atomizer may be configured for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The atomizer may include a heating element. The atomizer may be configured as a heating element.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion. The main unit may include a main body and a replaceable cartridge. The body may comprise control electronics and power supply means. The body may comprise a nebulizer, or the cartridge may comprise a nebulizer and a liquid storage portion. The mouthpiece may be releasably attached to the cartridge. The cartridge may be releasably attached to the body. The mouthpiece and the barrel of the main unit together may form an integral replaceable part releasably attached to the main body.

The system may be a three-part system in which one end of the cartridge is releasably attached to the body and the other end of the cartridge is releasably attached to the mouthpiece. The system may be a three-part system in which the mouthpiece is releasably attached to the body and the cartridge is releasably attached to the body or releasably inserted into the body.

The system may be a two-part system in which the cartridge and mouthpiece form an integral part releasably attached to the body. The system may be a two-part system in which the body and the cartridge form an integral part releasably attached to the mouthpiece.

The aerosol-generating system may have any suitable external shape. For example, the aerosol-generating system may have a substantially rectangular, square, elliptical, oval, or circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating system, i.e. perpendicular to the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may be generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section. One or both of the shape and size of the cross-section may vary from the distal end to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating system.

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 compact 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 the controller. The circuit may comprise further electronic components. The circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the atomizer.

Preferably, the atomizer is provided as part of the evaporation unit. The atomizer may be any device suitable for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and evaporating at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

The atomizer may include a heating element. The heating element may illustratively be a coil heater, a capillary heater, a mesh heater, a sheet metal heater, or one or more conductive tracks on an insulating substrate. 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 heating element 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 the distal end of the 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 "gas flow path" means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to deliver ambient air. The airflow path may be used to deliver aerosols. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol.

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 airflow path may be 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 may facilitate handling and assembly of the aerosol-generating system.

The mouthpiece and the main unit may 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 may be positioned adjacent to each other when the mouthpiece and the main unit are assembled. These corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit may define an airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the atomizer or heating element when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit. The airflow path may be formed when the main unit and mouthpiece are assembled. In these embodiments, without a mouthpiece, the main unit may become inoperable because a continuous airflow path for inhaling the aerosol is not provided. Thus, the main unit alone does not allow the formation of aerosols suitable for inhalation. Thus, an efficient protection mechanism against unauthorized use may be provided.

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 used.

Such sealing foils protect the cartridge and mouthpiece from debris or other unwanted contamination during transport, particularly prior to 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: a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, comprising

An airflow path and a tapered guide member of the mouthpiece;

Wherein the tapered guide member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece, and

Wherein the tapered guide member is configured to guide condensed liquid components in a direction towards an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

Example B: the mouthpiece of example a, wherein the tip of the tapered guide member faces in a direction toward the distal end of the mouthpiece.

Example C: the mouthpiece of example a or example B, wherein the tapered guide member is a hollow tapered guide member.

Example D: a mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the longitudinal axis of the tapered guide member is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, and wherein the base of the tapered guide member is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

Example E: a mouthpiece according to example C or example D, wherein the tapered guide member is hollow and divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow tapered guide member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow tapered guide member.

Example F: the mouthpiece of example E, wherein the distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber comprises a bowl-shaped wall element.

Example G: a mouthpiece according to example E or example F, wherein the hollow conical guide member comprises one or more apertures arranged to fluidly connect the upstream and downstream airflow chambers.

Example H: the mouthpiece of example G, wherein the hollow conical guide member comprises a plurality of apertures asymmetrically arranged at different axial and radial positions of the hollow conical guide member.

Example I: a mouthpiece according to any of examples C to H, wherein the base of the hollow conical guide member comprises an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port.

Example J: the mouthpiece of any of examples C-I, comprising a high retention material disposed within the hollow tapered guide member.

Example K: the mouthpiece of example J, wherein the high retention material is disposed at a tip region of the hollow tapered guide member.

Example L: a mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the surface of the tapered guide member comprises a hydrophobic material.

Example M: a mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be replaceable.

Example N: an aerosol-generating system comprising

A mouthpiece according to any preceding example;

a main unit including an atomizer; and

An airflow path of the system extending from an air inlet to the airflow path of the mouthpiece via the atomizer;

Wherein the tapered guide member is configured to guide liquid components condensed from the gas stream in a direction toward the atomizer.

Example O: an aerosol-generating system according to example N, wherein the main unit comprises a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and wherein the atomizer is configured for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Example P: an aerosol-generating system according to example O, wherein the main unit comprises a main body and a replaceable cartridge,

The body includes control electronics and a power supply; and

The cartridge includes the atomizer and the liquid storage portion;

wherein the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, and wherein the cartridge is attached to the body.

Example Q: an aerosol-generating system according to example O, wherein the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit together form an integral replaceable portion releasably attached to the body.

Example R: an aerosol-generating system according to any of examples N to Q, wherein the atomizer comprises a heating element.

Example S: an aerosol-generating system according to any of examples N to R, wherein the mouthpiece is replaceable.

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 configuration;

fig. 2 shows an assembled aerosol-generating system;

Fig. 3 shows a part of an assembled aerosol-generating system; and

Fig. 4 shows a part of an assembled aerosol-generating system.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of a generally cylindrical aerosol-generating system comprising a replaceable mouthpiece 10 and a main unit 40 in a disassembled configuration.

The exchangeable holder 10 shown in fig. 1 comprises an optional bowl-shaped wall element 12 and an optional high retention material 13, both of which are omitted in the embodiment of fig. 2. The replaceable mouthpiece 10 includes an air inlet 14 and an open chamber portion 16.

The replaceable mouthpiece 10 comprises a hollow element. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow member is a hollow tubular member 18. However, the hollow elements may also have different shapes, such as hollow frusta cones or hollow cuboids, as long as the air flow path (as described below) is not blocked. The hollow tubular member 18 comprises a tapered end portion 20, a tube inlet opening 22, and a tube outlet opening 24. The tube outlet opening 24 is in direct fluid connection with an annular homogenization chamber 26. The bowl-shaped wall element 12 is located within the homogenization chamber at a distal portion of the homogenization chamber 26.

The mouthpiece 10 further comprises a tapered guide member 28 having an aperture 30. The longitudinal axis of the tapered guide member 28 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece 10. At the same time, the longitudinal axis of the tapered guide member 28 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system. The base of the tapered guide member 28 is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece 10 and simultaneously towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating system. The tapered guide member 28 is hollow defining an empty interior space 32.

Thus, the hollow conical guide member 28 divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10 into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow conical guide member 28 and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow conical guide member 28, wherein the interior space 32 of the hollow conical guide member 28 is the downstream airflow chamber, and wherein the homogenizing chamber 26 is the upstream airflow chamber.

The homogenization chamber 26 is fluidly connected with an interior space 32 of the hollow conical guide member 28 via an orifice 30. The base of the tapered guide member 28 forms an air outlet 34 for inhalation by a user.

As can be seen from the upper portion of fig. 1, a continuous airflow path is not defined in the mouthpiece 10 between the air inlet opening 14 and the outlet end 34. This is due to the open distal end of the mouthpiece 10 (see dashed line at the bottom end of the mouthpiece 10 in fig. 1) which does not provide a closed air passage from the air inlet 14 to the interior of the hollow tubular element 18.

The main unit 40 is an aerosol-generating device comprising a cartridge and heating section 42 and a power and control section 70. The cartridge and heating section 42 and the power and control section 70 may be removable or may be formed as an integral main unit 40.

The cartridge and heating section 42 includes a liquid storage portion 44 filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid storage portion 44 coaxially surrounds a tubular lumen 46 having an open proximal end 48. The inner diameter of the tubular cavity 46 is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular element 18 of the mouthpiece 10.

The cartridge and heating section 42 includes an atomizer configured as a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element comprises a ceramic heater body 50 connected to a resistor 52 and electrical contacts 54. The ceramic heater body 50 is a porous ceramic member in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion 44. Aerosolization region 56 is disposed in a bowl-shaped cavity surrounded by ceramic heater body 50. An overmolded seal 58, 60 for mounting the heating element in a leak-proof manner is further provided.

The power and control section 70 includes a controller 72 and a battery 74. The controller 72 is electrically connected to both the heating element contacts 54 and the battery 74.

When the heating element is activated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate absorbed in the porous ceramic member 50 volatilizes. The volatilized aerosol-forming substrate is mixed with ambient air to form an aerosol. To this end, an airflow path is defined within the assembled aerosol-generating system.

Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of an aerosol-generating system similar to the system of fig. 1 in an assembled configuration, with the replaceable mouthpiece 10 attached to the main unit 40. The difference with the system of fig. 1 is that the bowl-shaped wall element 12 and the high retention material 13 of fig. 1 are omitted in the embodiment of fig. 2.

In the assembled configuration, the mouthpiece 10 is wrapped around and frictionally engaged with the cartridge and heating section 42 of the main unit 40. In the fully assembled position, a closed airflow path is defined between the mouthpiece 10 and the cartridge of the main unit 40 and the corresponding structural components of the heating section 42 having complementary geometries. The airflow path extends from the air inlet 14 to the aerosolization zone 56 of the heating element, and further from the aerosolization zone 56 to the air outlet 34.

When a user draws at the outlet end 34 of the mouthpiece 10, an airflow is established from the air inlet opening 14 towards the aerosolization zone 56 where the drawn air mixes with the aerosolized aerosol-forming substrate. During aerosol formation, the mixture is delivered to an air outlet 34 where it is inhaled by the user. The airflow path is shown in more detail in fig. 3.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of the aerosol-generating system of fig. 2 in an assembled configuration, wherein the replaceable mouthpiece 10 is attached to the cartridge and heating section 42 of the main unit 40. In addition, unlike the mouthpiece 10 of fig. 2, the mouthpiece 10 of fig. 3 includes a bowl-shaped wall element 12.

When the user draws at the air outlet 34 of the mouthpiece 10, an airflow is established. Ambient air 62 enters the air inlet 14 to enter a first portion of the airflow path formed between a wall 64 of the mouthpiece 10 and a wall 66 of the cartridge and heating section 42. The air 62 further travels along a second portion of the airflow path formed between the walls 18, 20 of the mouthpiece 10 and the wall of the liquid storage portion 44 toward the aerosolization region 56. The drawn air mixes with the atomized aerosol-forming substrate at the aerosolization zone 56 so that an aerosol 68 is formed. Aerosol 68 is delivered through the tube inlet opening 22 into the hollow tubular member 18 having its tapered end portion 20. The aerosol 68 proceeds further into the annular homogenization chamber 26. The annular homogenization chamber 26 provides turbulent airflow, creating good conditions for homogenization of the aerosol 68. The bowl-shaped wall element 12 may additionally increase turbulence and homogenization within the annular homogenization chamber 26.

The mixture 68 then enters the aperture 30 to enter the interior space 32 of the tapered guide member 28 to eventually exit the mouthpiece 10 via the air outlet 34 for inhalation by the user. The orifices 30 are asymmetrically or irregularly positioned to additionally increase turbulence and homogenization within the interior space 32.

Fig. 4 shows a portion of an aerosol-generating system that is highly similar to the system of fig. 3, the only difference being that unlike the mouthpiece 10 of fig. 3, the mouthpiece 10 of fig. 4 comprises a high retention material 13. In fig. 4, the airflow path is not indicated. Instead, condensation management of the mouthpiece 10 is indicated. For the reasons described, a number of spot-shaped condensation droplets 80 are shown, and the direction of movement thereof is indicated by the arrow.

Excessive condensation of aerosols may occur when using an aerosol-generating system, for example in cold environments or in environments with high relative humidity. Condensation may result in the formation of droplets 80 at the walls of the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10.

Excessive condensation of aerosols and formation of droplets 80 may occur within the homogenization chamber 26. Thus, the liquid droplets 80 may form on the outer surface of the hollow conical guide member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of hollow tapered guide member 28, droplets 80 are directed toward heating element and aerosolization zone 56 where they may be heated to evaporate. Such guiding of the droplets may be driven by gravity, as most commonly aerosol-generating systems are used primarily in a generally upright or slightly inclined position, with the proximal end of the mouthpiece generally facing away from the centre of gravity. Further, the guiding of the droplets may be driven by capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow conical guiding member 28.

Excessive condensation of aerosol and formation of droplets 80 may occur within the interior space 32 of the hollow conical guide member 28. Thus, the liquid droplets 80 may form on the inner surface of the hollow conical guide member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow conical guide member 28, the droplet 80 is guided towards the high retention material 13. Such guiding of the liquid droplets may similarly be driven by one or both of gravity and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow tapered guide member 28. The droplets may then be soaked and trapped in the high retention material 13. Thus, leakage from the outlet end 34 of the mouthpiece 10 may be advantageously reduced or avoided.

In addition, the bowl shape of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 may help to direct condensed droplets 80 that have formed within the homogenization chamber 26 back toward the heating element and aerosolization zone 56 where the droplets may be heated to evaporate. This effect can be additionally enhanced when the surface of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 comprises a hydrophobic material.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, comprising

An airflow path and a tapered guide member of the mouthpiece;

Wherein the tapered guide member is arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece,

Wherein the tapered guide member is configured to guide condensed liquid components in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece, and

Wherein the tip of the tapered guide member faces in a direction towards the distal end of the mouthpiece.

2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the tapered guide member is a hollow tapered guide member.

3. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal axis of the tapered guide member is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, and wherein the base of the tapered guide member is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

4. A mouthpiece according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the tapered guide member is hollow and divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber arranged within the hollow tapered guide member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow tapered guide member.

5. A mouthpiece according to claim 4, wherein the distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber comprises a bowl-shaped wall element.

6. A mouthpiece according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the hollow conical guide member comprises one or more apertures arranged to fluidly connect the upstream and downstream airflow chambers.

7. A mouthpiece according to claim 6, wherein the hollow conical guide member comprises a plurality of apertures asymmetrically arranged at different axial and radial positions of the hollow conical guide member.

8. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the base of the hollow conical guide member comprises an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port.

9. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 2 to 8, comprising a high retention material disposed within the hollow tapered guide member.

10. A mouthpiece according to claim 9, wherein the high retention material is arranged at the tip region of the hollow tapered guide member.

11. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface of the tapered guide member comprises a hydrophobic material.

12. An aerosol-generating system comprising

A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim;

a main unit including an atomizer; and

13. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 12, wherein the main unit comprises a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; wherein the atomizer is configured for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate; wherein the main unit comprises a main body and a replaceable cartridge,

The body includes control electronics and a power supply; and

The cartridge includes the atomizer and the liquid storage portion; and

14. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit together form an integral replaceable part releasably attached to the main body.