EP4792672A1

EP4792672A1 - Aerosol-generating device

Info

Publication number: EP4792672A1
Application number: EP25157515.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benjamin James FORSTER
Original assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Current assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd
Priority date: 2025-02-12
Filing date: 2025-02-12
Publication date: 2026-08-19

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device having a main body and a mouthpiece body, the mouthpiece body comprising a lip-engaging portion and an article-receiving portion, the article-receiving portion having a cavity configured to receive an article comprising aerosol-forming material, wherein the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body so as to provide a first retracted position wherein the article-receiving portion is located within the main body and the lip-engaging portion extend from the main body, and an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed, such that an article may be inserted or removed.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device. In particular, although not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device having a main body and a mouthpiece body, the mouthpiece body providing a cavity configured to receive an article, wherein the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body.

BACKGROUND

A heat-not-burn (HNB) device, also known as a heated tobacco (HT) device, is a type of aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.
A heat-not-burn system may include a heating system and a consumable. Typically, the consumable includes tobacco material. In use, the tobacco material is heated by the heating system, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes moisture in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
Many HT systems use consumables that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end. The cylindrical consumable with its integral mouthpiece is typically inserted into a cavity in the main body of the HT device.
It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY

At its most general, the present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device, the device comprising a main body and a body having a cavity configured to receive an article, wherein the body having the cavity is moveable relative to the main body to provide selective access to an article.
In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device that comprises a main body and a mouthpiece body,

the mouthpiece body comprising a lip-engaging portion and an article-receiving portion,
the article-receiving portion having a cavity configured to receive an article comprising aerosol-forming material,
wherein the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body.

Optionally, the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body so as to provide a first retracted position wherein the article-receiving portion is located within the main body and the lip-engaging portion extends out from the main body.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body so as to provide an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed, such that an article may be inserted or removed.
In this way a reusable mouthpiece is provided as part of the device. Thus, a greater proportion of an aerosol-generating system comprising the device is reusable, improving sustainability and reducing waste in comparison to typical HT devices where the mouthpiece is part of the consumable stick and is discarded and replaced each time the user begins a session with a new consumable. The mouthpiece body may provide a mouthpiece which is integral with the main body of the device.
The cavity in the mouthpiece enables the device to receive aerosol-forming material in the form of an article which the user may insert themselves and which may be smaller than typical HT consumable sticks. In this way, the user may also be able to control the amount of aerosol-forming material inserted for a session, giving the user greater control over customising their experience of the session. Additionally, a higher quantity of aerosol-forming may be stored or transported in a smaller package material when in the form of articles for use with the device, for example, as opposed to typical HT consumables. The production of the articles for use with the device may be simpler and/or more efficient because the article may contain less elements, for example because additional features such as the mouthpiece are not required, and because the article may be smallerthan typical HT consumable sticks.
In the extended position both the lip-engaging portion and the article-receiving portion of the mouthpiece body may extend from the main body of the device. This may be referred to as the loading position. In this way, an article (for example, comprising aerosol-forming material such as tobacco) can be easily inserted and removed from the device. The extended position provides good access to the article-receiving portion and its cavity so that, for example, it may be easily inspected and/or cleaned.
In the first retracted position the article-receiving portion is located within the main body of the device whilst the lip-engaging portion extends out from the main body. For example, the article-receiving portion may be located within a chamber of the main body. This may be referred to as the active position. In this way an article may be secured within the device and the user can use the lip-engaging portion to inhale the aerosol produced as the device is used. The first retracted position may be configured to align the cavity and any article therein in proximity to a heating element in the main body to achieve the desired heating for aerosol production.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body is moveable to a second retracted position wherein both the article-receiving portion and the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body are located within the main body. For example, in a chamber of the main body. This may be referred to as the inactive or storage position. In this way the device may have a compact form factor when not in use and the lip-engaging portion may be protected from dirt and debris. For example, scratches and knocks to the mouthpiece body may be avoided, for example when the device is carried around in a pocket, increasing the durability of the device. In some examples, the mouthpiece body may be entirely housed within the main body in this position. In some examples, the mouthpiece body may be enclosed within the main body in this position. In some examples, an outer surface of the lip-engaging portion may lie flush with an outer surface of the main body in this position (that is, the downstream end of the mouthpiece body may be flush with the downstream end surface of the main body - this may also be referred to as the top of the main body).
The movement of the mouthpiece body between the extended position and retracted position(s) provides a compact, convenient solution for insertion and removal of aerosol-forming material from the device, ensuring that the device (including the mouthpiece) may be reusable and providing ease of use to the user.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body is slidable between positions. The mouthpiece body may be moveable along a longitudinal axis of the device. The mouthpiece body may be attached to the main body via a mechanical slider. The mouthpiece body may be in a coaxial arrangement with the main body.
In some examples, the mouthpiece body is able to slide freely in a chamber of the main body. The mouthpiece body may be moveable using gravity by tipping the device to extend or retract the mouthpiece. In this way, no further mechanism is required for movement which keeps the device simple and contributes to the longevity of the device.
A slider or other element for engagement by a user on an external face of the main body of the device may actuate movement of the mouthpiece body. In this way, the user may more easily control the movement of the mouthpiece body and the action of moving the mouthpiece body between positions may be a more satisfying experience for the user.
The mouthpiece body may be attached to the main body. That is, the mouthpiece body may be constrained and/or configured so as to be at least partially retained in the main body. For example, the mouthpiece body may have a flared base or other means to prevent the mouthpiece body falling out of the main body.
The mouthpiece body may be removable from the main body. The mouthpiece body may be removably attached to the main body. This may permit replacement of the mouthpiece body after extended use or damage and may allow the user to customise the device to have a mouthpiece of their choice.
Optionally, the device comprises a locking mechanism comprising a lock and an actuator, the lock configured to releasably secure the mouthpiece body in a chosen position on actuation of the actuator by a user. That is, the locking mechanism may be configured to secure the mouthpiece body in the first retracted position, the extended position, and/or the second retracted position. The locking mechanism may be configured to clamp the mouthpiece body in position and/or release the mouthpiece body on actuation by a user.
In this way, the mouthpiece body may be kept inside the main body of the device and protected while not in use and then be easily moved to the extended position or active position and secured in place for a session. Accidental extension and/or retraction of the mouthpiece body may be avoided.
In some examples, the actuator comprises a twistable element or rotatable portion, that is a portion of the actuator may be twistable/rotatable relative to the main body and/or the mouthpiece body. The twistable element may be twisted to actuate the locking mechanism and secure or release the mouthpiece body. Rotating the twistable element of the main body in a first direction may lock the mouthpiece and secure the mouthpiece body in a position. Rotating the twistable element of the main body in a second direction may unlock the mouthpiece and release the mouthpiece body so that it is moveable relative to the main body. This type of locking mechanism may be referred to as a twist-lock mechanism.
The twistable element may form a section that is flush with an outer housing of the main body. In this way the device has a sleek, clean look and is easily operated by the user.
Optionally, the device comprises a biasing element, wherein the biasing element urges the mouthpiece body towards the extended position. The biasing element may be a resilient element such as a spring. The device may be spring-loaded to urge the mouthpiece towards the extended position. In this way the device may be simpler and more satisfying to operate for the user.
The mouthpiece body may be substantially cylindrical. This may emulate a conventional cigarette or a typical HT consumable.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body has a diameter of 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. The diameter may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. The diameter may be 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body has an axial length of 20 mm or more and 120 mm or less. The axial length may be 20 mm or more, 30 mm or more, 40 mm or more, 50 mm or more, 60 mm or more, or 65 mm or more. The axial length may be 120 mm or less, 110 mm or less, 100 mm or less, 90 mm or less, 80 mm or less, or 70 mm or less.
The mouthpiece body may be substantially hollow. The mouthpiece body may be a tube.
The mouthpiece body may be substantially solid aside from the cavities and/or chambers defined herein and channels to allow air flow.
The mouthpiece body may be integrally formed. The mouthpiece may be unitary.
The mouthpiece body may be formed from one material. The mouthpiece body may be rigid. The mouthpiece body may be plastic, for example, a copolymer.
The cavity may be referred to as a cut-out or slot in the mouthpiece body.
The cavity may be entirely enclosed by the walls of the mouthpiece body aside from an aperture for inserting and removing an aerosol-generating article, with the aperture in a face of the mouthpiece body.
Alternatively, the walls of the mouthpiece body defining the cavity may form a skeletal structure or struts with the cavity having multiple open faces.
The cavity may be substantially cylindrical. The cavity may be substantially cuboid. The cavity may have a complementary shape to an aerosol-generating article. The cavity may be shaped to receive an aerosol-generating article in the form of a brick, pellet or pouch.
Optionally, the cavity is configured to receive an article having an axial length of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The axial length may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 12 mm or more. The axial length may be 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.
Optionally, the cavity has an axial length of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The axial length may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 12 mm or more. The axial length may be 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.
Optionally, the cavity is configured to receive an article having a diameter of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The diameter may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. The diameter may be 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.
Optionally, the cavity has an internal diameter of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The diameter may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. The diameter may be 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.
Optionally, the mouthpiece body defines a chamber for housing a filter element. The mouthpiece body may house a filter element. The chamber may be in the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body. The filter element may be housed within the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body. In this way, airflow through the mouthpiece may pass through the filter element after passing the aerosol-generating material of any article in the cavity. That is, the chamber for a filter element is downstream of the cavity.
The filter element may be removable and replaceable. The filter element may be releasably secured to the mouthpiece body, for example, the filter element may be attached to the mouthpiece body with an interference fit, tapering, spigots, a cam lock or other suitable means.
The downstream end of the mouthpiece body may define an aperture to the chamber. In this way, a filter element can be easily inserted into the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body through the downstream end of the mouthpiece body and the user can easily see that a filter is in place.
In this way, the user can experience the benefits of inhaling aerosol through a filter during use and/or more closely emulate the experience of a typical HT consumable, but the mouthpiece body remains reusable. The filter may be used over multiple sessions if desired. Thus, waste may be reduced relative to typical HT consumables where the whole stick including the mouthpiece filter is discarded after use.
A "filter element" is defined as a porous element configured to remove one or more components of the fluid passing therethrough, e.g. solid particles from a liquid or gas passed through the filter.
The filter elements may be formed from materials including cellulose acetate, polypropylene tow, activated charcoal, paper, extruded plant material, and like materials. The filter elements may be circumscribed with a plug wrap, e.g. a paper plug wrap, to help maintain the form of the filter element.
The filter elements may be solid. The filter elements may be hollow bore filter elements comprising one or more bores extending longitudinally through the filter element. The filter elements may retain flavorant elements, such as granules, pellets, strips, capsules or other objects.
In some examples, the aerosol-generating device is a heat-not-burn device. The device may be configured to generate aerosol that can be inhaled by the user by heating a solid aerosol precursor (that is, solid aerosol-forming material) such as tobacco.
In some examples, the device comprises a heating system configured to heat an aerosol-generating article disposed in the cavity of the mouthpiece. The heating system may comprise one or more heating elements arranged to heat an aerosol-generating article in the cavity of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the first retracted position.
The heating system may be arranged as an outside-in heater arrangement in which a heating element is arranged in or on a side wall of the cavity of the mouthpiece body into which the aerosol-generating article is inserted. The heating system may be arranged as an outside-in heater arrangement in which a heating element is arranged in the main body of the device such that it covers a side wall of the cavity of the mouthpiece body when the device is arranged in the first retracted position.
In this way, the heating element heats an outer surface of the article when inserted into the cavity and arranged in the first retracted position.
The heating system may be arranged as an inside-out heater arrangement in which a heating element is positioned in the aerosol-generating article when arranged in the active position. In this way, the heat from the heating element radiates out radially from within the consumable. The movement of the mouthpiece body between the extended and first retracted positions may be utilised to penetrate an article in the cavity with a heating element and provide inside-out heating.
The heating element may be provided in several forms. The heating element may comprise a cylindrical or rod-shaped heating element configured for insertion into an end of the article. The heating element may comprise a blade-shaped heating element defining a generally planar heating element configured for insertion into an end of the article. The heating element may comprise a helically wound heating element (coil heating element), a mesh heater element comprising a plurality of interconnected cells that together define a heating area, e.g. formed by a perforated sheet or network of interleaved wires, or a heater track in the form of a conductive channel formed on a substrate. The heating element may comprise a susceptor formed of a material configured to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat. The heating element may comprise an annulus (e.g. tube) into which the consumable is insertable.
It will be appreciated that many of these terms overlap. For example, a rod heater element may comprise heater tracks or a coil that generate the heat radiated by the rod heater element, or a tube heater may be heated by a heater track formed thereon.
The heating system may generate heat via one or more of several modes. Heat may be generated by resistive heating in which a current is passed through the resistive material of the heating element (e.g. the material of a wire, coil, mesh or track). Heat may be generated by microwave heating in which microwaves are directed towards a material to be heated. Heat may be generated by inductive heating in which an electromagnetic field is generated by an inductor. The electromagnetic field generates electrical currents in a conductive material (susceptor) that induce eddy currents to heat up the conductive material. The susceptor may be positioned about the article (an outside-in heating arrangement) or positioned in the article (an inside-out heating arrangement). Heat may be generated by infrared heating in which infrared radiated in directed towards a material to be heated.
A resistive heating element may be formed from a variety of suitable materials that include, but not limited to metals, metal alloys, ceramics, ceramic metals, carbon-based materials, and composites thereof.
Examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include: silver, copper, nickel, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, tantalum, platinium group metals, stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminium-titanium- zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containing alloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and iron-manganese-aluminium based alloys.
The resistive heating element may comprise one or more electrically conductive tracks formed of the abovementioned metal and metal alloys.
Examples of suitable ceramics include silicon carbide, molybdenum disilicide, aluminium oxide, silicon nitride, titanium carbide. The ceramic may be doped or undoped.
In some embodiments, the heating element may be formed on or comprise an electrically insulating substrate. The electrically insulating substrate may be a ceramic (e.g. aluminum oxide or zirconia), polymer (e.g. polyimide), fibrous material (e.g. paper or cardboard), or other like material suitable for providing electrical insulation and mechanical support to the heating element.
The electrically insulating substrate may have a thermal conductivity of less than 40 W/mK, a thermal conductivity of less than 30 W/mK a thermal conductivity of less than 20 W/mK a thermal conductivity of less than 10 W/mK.
The heating system may comprise a susceptor configured to generate heat in the presence of an electromagnetic field. The susceptor may be formed in the shape of a rod, sheet, band, or like shape. Suitable materials include metals, ceramics, and carbon-based materials such as graphite. The metal may be a ferromagnetic metal, such as iron, stainless steel, nickel, or cobalt. The metal may be a non-ferromagnetic metal, such as aluminium, copper or gold. Suitable ceramic materials include zirconia, aluminium oxide, and silicon carbide. The susceptor may be formed of at least 50% ferro- or para- magnetic material, or at least 70% ferro- or para- magnetic material.
In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an article for use in an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect.
The article comprises aerosol-forming material.
The article may be a heat-not-burn article. That is the article may comprise solid aerosol precursor.
The aerosol-forming material may comprise plant material.
The plant material may comprise or be formed of tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used, including, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Virginia tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco, rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos. Any suitable parts of the tobacco plant may be used, including leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers. The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming material may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.
The tobacco may be processed tobacco, steam treated stems or shredded dried stems. The tobacco material may be fermented, cured, uncured, toasted, or otherwise pre-treated. The tobacco may be unprocessed and/or untreated.
The aerosol-forming material may be absent of tobacco and/or nicotine.
The plant material may comprise at least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Arnica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Oestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longi flora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombi folia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
The aerosol-forming material may comprise one or more additives selected from vapour generators, carrier agents, humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.
The aerosol-forming material may comprise propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG). Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) are typically used as base materials that act as aerosol generators (alternatively referred to as aerosol-formers), carrier agents, and/or humectants. The aerosol-forming material may comprise, alternatively or in addition, other substances that function as one or more of aerosol generators, carrier agents, and humectants.
The humectant content of the aerosol-forming material may have a lower limit of at least 5 wt %, such as at least 10 wt %.
Flavourants may be provided in solid form, liquid form, gel form, or a combination thereof. Flavourants may include one or more of menthol (e.g. peppermint (mentha piperita), spearmint (mentha spicata), wild mint (Mentha Arventis), horse mint (Mentha longifolia), pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens variegata), applemint (Mentha suaveolens), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)), liquorice, chocolate/cocoa, fruit flavour (including e.g. apple, citrus, cherry, banana (Isoamyl acetate)), rose, vanilla (Ethylvanillin), spice (e.g. ginger, clove, cinnamon, star anise), tobacco extract/flavour, marijuana, hemp, cannabinoid compounds, citronella, orange, lemon, geraniol, thyme, fennel, green tea, black tea, coffee, salvia dorrii, salvia, passiflora incarnata, arctostaphylos uva-ursi, lobelia inflata, matcha, Yerba mate, lemon grass, flax, cedar wood, coumarin, helio, eucalyptus, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, chamomile, rosemary, lavender, rooibos, or combinations thereof. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming material or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming material.
The cannabinoid compounds may be selected from the non-exhaustive list comprising: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN).
Fillers can strengthen the aerosol-forming material. Fillers may comprise fibrous (non-tobacco) fillers such as cellulose fibres, lignocellulose fibres (e.g. wood fibres), jute fibres and combinations thereof.
Binders can act to bind together the components forming the aerosol-forming material. Binders may comprise starches and/or cellulosic binders such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, gums such as xanthan, guar, arabic and/or locust bean gum, organic acids and their salts such as alginic acid/ sodium alginate, agar and pectins.
The article may be in the form of a pellet, a brick, or a pouch. The aerosol-generating article may comprise aerosol-forming material as defined above and a wrapper.
The article may be free from additional elements including filter elements and/or heating elements.
The article may be shaped to fit the cavity of the aerosol-generating device as disclosed in the first aspect. That is, the aerosol-generating article may have a shape which is complementary to that of the cavity. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cuboid in shape.
The article may have an axial length of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The axial length may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 12 mm or more. The axial length may be 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, or 10 mm or less.
The article may have a diameter of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The diameter may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 8 mm or more, or 10 mm or more. The diameter may be 20 mm or less, 15 mm or less, 12 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less.
In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides use of an article according to the second aspect with a device according to the first aspect.
In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the first aspect, and an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be according to the second aspect.
A power supply is provided to operate the aerosol-generating system. The power supply may include a battery. Suitable batteries may include lithium-based batteries (e.g. lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries) and nickel-base batteries (e.g. nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries). The battery may be rechargeable via a wired or wireless connection. The power supply may, alternatively or in addition, include an external power outlet configured to charge the battery, bypass the battery, or to replace the battery altogether. The power supply may be or include another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor.
The power supply may be housed in the main body of the device.
In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device that comprises a main body and a mouthpiece, the mouthpiece having a cavity configured to receive a removable filter element, wherein the mouthpiece is moveable relative to the body. Optionally, the mouthpiece is moveable between an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed for removal of the filter element, and a retracted position wherein the mouthpiece is located within the main body.
In this way a reusable mouthpiece may be provided and the user can experience the benefits of inhaling aerosol through a filter during use and/or more closely emulate the experience of a typical HT consumable. The filter may be used over multiple sessions if desired. Thus, waste may be reduced relative to typical HT consumables where the whole stick including the mouthpiece filter is discarded after use.
The filter element may be as described with reference to the first aspect.
The downstream, user-engaging end of the mouthpiece may have an aperture defining an opening to the cavity. That is, the cavity may be open to the downstream or top end of the mouthpiece. In this way, the filter element may be slotted into an end of the mouthpiece.
Further features of the first aspect may apply to the fifth aspect, except where clearly impermissible.
In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device that comprising a main body and an article-receiving body, wherein the article-receiving body comprises a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article, wherein the article-receiving body is moveable relative to the main body between a retracted position wherein the cavity is housed within the main body, and an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed for insertion and removal of an aerosol-generating article.
Optionally, the main body comprises a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be integral with the main body. The mouthpiece may be reusable. The mouthpiece may be fixed. The mouthpiece may not be separable from the main body.
The features of the first aspect may apply to the sixth aspect, except where impermissible. In the sixth aspect the article-receiving body may not act as a mouthpiece. There may be no lip-engaging portion of the article-receiving body.
The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or following examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended figures in which like numerals denote like elements.

Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system;
Figure 2 shows the components of the aerosol-generating system;
Figure 3 shows examples of an aerosol-generating system with the mouthpiece body in different positions;
Figure 4 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the present disclosure, which includes the specification and claim(s), is not limited by specific construction details or process steps. Rather, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be embodied and practiced in various alternative ways without departing from the scope of the invention.
Unless defined otherwise, scientific and technical terms used herein have their meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art and that known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods.
In the present disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" may mean "one", "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
In the present disclosure, the term "or" means an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive.
In the present disclosure, the terms "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Unless stated otherwise, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement such that combinations of features are not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). This also applies to the phrase "in one example", "according to an example" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording not to be construed as limiting the features to a separate embodiment. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' examples(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all examples, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, reference to "the" example may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.
The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably.
Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 1 comprising a main body 20 and a mouthpiece body 8. In this example, the main body 20 is a heat-not-burn device (HNB) configured to produce an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming material 10 (e.g. a solid precursor, such as tobacco material) to a temperature below its combustion temperature, although it will be appreciated that the invention may be similarly applicable to an electronic vapour product (EVP) configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 wherein the article 30 comprises a liquid or gel precursor rather than a solid precursor.
The term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a material capable of releasing volatile components that can form an aerosol, e.g. by releasing volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming material 10. An "aerosol" is a dispersion of solid particles and/or liquid droplets dispersed in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible.
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the internal components of the main body 20 and the mouthpiece body 8. The cavity of the mouthpiece body 8 houses an article 30. The mouthpiece body 8 is shown in the first retracted position with respect to the main body 20. That is, a lip-engaging portion 81 of the mouthpiece body 8 extends from the main body 20 and an article-receiving portion having the cavity which holds an article 30 is located within the main body 20.
The mouthpiece body 8 is slidable in an internal chamber 22 of the main body 20, so that it may be moved between positions.
The article 30 comprises aerosol-forming material 10.
The aerosol-generating system 1 has an aerosol-generating unit 2 in the form of a heating system. The heating system comprises a heating element 2a configured to heat the article 30. In this example, the heating element 2a is arranged to wrap the cavity with article 30 in the first retracted position. When the heating element 2a is activated, heat is transferred radially inward from the heating element 2a to the aerosol-forming material 10. This may be referred to as 'outside-in' heating. The heating element 2a heats the aerosol-forming material 10 to a temperature lower than its combustion temperature such that an aerosol can be formed by evaporation, torrefaction and pyrolysis. The aerosol is subsequently entrained in an airflow produced by the action of the user drawing on the lip-engaging portion 81 of the mouthpiece body 8.
In this example, the heating element 2a is a resistive heating element although it will be appreciated that the aerosol-forming material 10 may be heated by any suitable means. For instance, the heating element 2a may comprise a susceptor (not shown) configured to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.
The aerosol-generating system 1 includes a power source 4. In this example, the power source 4 includes a battery 4a configured to supply electrical energy to operate the aerosol-generating unit 2 and other components. The aerosol-generating system 1 may be powered, alternatively or in addition to the battery 4a, by an external power source.
The mouthpiece body 8 defines an air passageway which transmits aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming material 10 to a downstream end (i.e. terminal end or mouth end, that is, the lip-engaging portion 81) of the mouthpiece body 8.
The main body 20 may include any one or more of electrical circuitry, a memory, a wireless interface, and one or more other components. The main body 20 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 25 on which components of the electrical circuitry, memory, wireless interface, and other components may be mounted.
The electrical circuitry may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the body 20 and article 30, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory. The wireless interface may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth. The other component(s) may include one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user, a pressure sensor 15, and/or a charging port 18.
The aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise one or more input and/or output elements. The input and/or output elements may form part of a user interface (Ul) of the system 1. For instance, figure 1 shows an input element in the form of a button 16 and an output element in the form of a set of lights (LEDs) 17. The button 16 is configured to control at least one function of system 1, such as power supply to the heating element 2a. The lights 17 are configured to convey information to the user regarding the state of the system 1 and/or article. It will be appreciated that the input element(s) may be provided in various forms such as touch screens, switches, and sensors, and the output element(s) may be provided in various forms such as display screens, speakers, or a haptic output generated by a vibration generator.
The main body 20 may comprise an element for actuating a locking mechanism to secure the mouthpiece body 8 is position relative to the main body 20. The element may be a button such as button 16.
Figure 3 shows examples of an aerosol-generating system 1 with the mouthpiece body 8 in different positions. The mouthpiece body 8 is shown in the second retracted position (left), the extended position (middle), and the first retracted position (right).
In the second retracted position (left), the mouthpiece body 8 is fully withdrawn into the main body 20. That is, both the article-receiving portion and the lip-engaging portion 81 are housed within the main body 20. In this example, the mouthpiece body 8 is located within the main body 20 with the top of the lip-engaging portion 81 flush with the outer surface of the main body 20.
In the extended position (middle), the lip-engaging portion 81 and the article-receiving portion 82 of the mouthpiece body 8 both extend from the main body 20. The cavity 83 is exposed for insertion of an article 30, comprising aerosol-forming material 10. In this example, the mouthpiece body 8, the cavity 83, and the article 30 are all cylindrical. The article 30 is sized to match the dimensions of the cavity 83. The article 30 is in the form of a pellet.
In other examples, a filter element 34 may be inserted instead of article 30. That is, the cavity 83 is exposed for insertion of a filter element 34. A filter element 34 may be inserted in addition to an article 30 comprising aerosol-forming material.
In the first retracted position (right), the article-receiving portion 82 of the mouthpiece body 8 is located within the main body 20 and the lip-engaging portion 81 extends out for interaction from the user to inhale aerosol.
The main body 20 comprises an element for actuating a locking mechanism to secure the mouthpiece body 8 in position relative to the main body 20. In this example, the element is a twistable element 23. The twistable element 23 may be rotated to clamp or release the mouthpiece body 8. When released the mouthpiece body 8 may be free to slide in an internal chamber 22 of the main body 20.
Figure 4 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 1 comprising a main body 20 and a mouthpiece body 8. In this example, the lip-engaging portion 81 of the mouthpiece body 8 houses a filter element 34. The mouthpiece body 8 defines a chamber into which a filter element 34 can be inserted. The chamber is open to the downstream end of the mouthpiece body 8. In this example, the filter element 34 is held in place by an interference fit with the walls of the mouthpiece body 8. The filter element 34 may be removed and replaced.

Claims

An aerosol-generating device comprising a main body and a mouthpiece body,
the mouthpiece body comprising a lip-engaging portion and an article-receiving portion,

the article-receiving portion having a cavity configured to receive an article comprising aerosol-forming material,

wherein the mouthpiece body is moveable with respect to the main body so as to provide a first retracted position wherein the article-receiving portion is located within the main body and the lip-engaging portion extends from the main body, and an extended position wherein the cavity is exposed, such that an article may be inserted or removed.
The aerosol-generating device of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece body is moveable to a second retracted position wherein both the article-receiving portion and the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body are located within the main body.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece body is movable along a longitudinal axis of the main body between positions.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, comprising a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising a lock and an actuator, the lock configured to secure the position of mouthpiece body relative to the main body.
The aerosol-generating device of claim 4, wherein the actuator comprises a twistable element.
The aerosol-generating device of claims 4 or 5, comprising a biasing element, wherein the biasing element urges the mouthpiece body towards the extended position.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece body is substantially cylindrical.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece body has an axial length of 40 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and/or a radius of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the cavity is configured to receive an article having an axial length of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and/or a diameter of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece body further defines a chamber in the lip-engaging portion for housing a filter element.
The aerosol-generating device of claim 10, wherein the downstream end of the lip-engaging portion of the mouthpiece body has an aperture for inserting a filter element into the chamber.
The aerosol-generating device of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating device is a heat-not-burn device.
An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any of claims 1 to 12 and an article.
Use of a heat-not-burn article with a device according to any of claims 1 to 12, the article having an axial length of 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and/or a diameter of 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.