JP2023511737A - Multi-channel reversed airflow mouthpiece for aerosol-generating articles with actuatable elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A mouthpiece (10) for an aerosol-generating article is formed from at least two main parts (30, 40) axially insertable into each other to define an aerosol flow path (20). . The two main parts are axially movable relative to each other between a first assembled position and a second assembled position. The mouthpiece further comprises an actuatable element (28) for modifying the properties of the aerosol upon actuation. Upon movement of the two main parts from the first assembled position to the second assembled position the actuatable element is actuated. The present invention is also directed to an aerosol generating system comprising a mouthpiece and a method of assembling the mouthpiece. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol-generating system comprising a mouthpiece and an aerosol-generating article, and a method of assembling a mouthpiece.

A number of different aerosol generating systems are known today in which inhalable vapors are generated in different ways. In so-called e-vaping devices, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is vaporized by an electrically powered heating device. In a heated non-combustion device, a solid aerosol-forming substrate, which may contain tobacco material, is heated but not combusted. These heated non-combustion devices may be electrically powered. There are also heated non-combustion systems in which heat is produced by combustion or chemical reactions.

In all of these systems, an aerosol-forming substrate is vaporized by a heating element, after which an aerosol is formed. Aerosol formation, particularly droplet size, total particulate matter yield (TPM), aerosol temperature, or aerosol homogeneity, depends on multiple factors such as air cooling and air pressure downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol formation also depends on environmental conditions such as temperature, air pressure, or humidity. As a result, changes in average temperature and changes in humidity level may be relevant factors affecting aerosolization formation in an aerosol generation system.

It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system to improve aerosol generation.

It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system that allows the aerosol generating system to reach optimized aerosolization regardless of environmental or climatic conditions.

It would be desirable to provide an adjustable mouthpiece that may be configured to affect the aerosolization properties during use and to meet user preferences. In particular, it would be desirable to provide an adjustable mouthpiece whose cooling and flavor characteristics may be adjusted during use to meet user preferences.

According to embodiments of the present invention, a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article is provided. The mouthpiece is formed from at least two main parts that can be axially inserted into each other to define an aerosol flow path. The two main parts are axially movable relative to each other between a first assembled position and a second assembled position. The mouthpiece further comprises actuatable elements for modifying the properties of the aerosol upon actuation. The actuatable element is actuated from a first assembled position to a second assembled position with movement of the two main parts.

The mouthpiece of the present invention allows for the management of airflow along the aerosol flow path from the aerosolization point of the aerosol generator to the outlet of the mouthpiece. In particular, the possibility of activating the actuatable elements is used to personalize the inhalation conditions modifying aspects of the generated aerosol, such as flavor, droplet size, temperature or total particulate matter yield. may

The aerosol flow path of the mouthpiece may include multiple channels. The total length of the aerosol flow path is defined by the sum of the lengths of each individual channel. The channel may be arranged such that the total length of the aerosol flow path may be greater than the axial length of the mouthpiece. Therefore, the particular arrangement of channels achieves an effective extension of the airflow path over conventional mouthpieces having only one generally straight airflow channel. Extending the airflow path enhances cooling and homogenization of the aerosol.

The channel may be a tubular channel. The tubular channel may be coaxially disposed within the mouthpiece. The inlet end of the mouthpiece may be in direct fluid connection with a tubular channel disposed along the central longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The airflow path may then continue through one or more further coaxially arranged channels. The outermost portion of the coaxially arranged tubular channel is in direct fluid connection with the outlet end of the mouthpiece.

A coaxial arrangement of the tubular channels provides a well-defined and symmetrical airflow path through the mouthpiece. Such a symmetrical design allows for optimal and reproducible inhalation conditions.

In mouthpiece embodiments, the direction of aerosol flow through the channels may differ. The direction of aerosol flow through the plurality of channels may be reversed between each successively disposed aerosol flow channel. In this way, the aerosol is guided multiple times through the mouthpiece from the inlet end to the outlet end, thereby achieving a significant extension of the airflow path.

A plurality of inflation chambers may be formed within the airflow path of the mouthpiece. These expansion chambers may be formed at a reversal point between two serially arranged tubular channels. The expansion chamber may affect the aerosol properties by temporarily expanding the airflow volume and by reversing the airflow direction. In this way a homogeneous aerosol with the desired particle size may be obtained. Additionally, the temperature of the aerosol may be reduced by expansion.

The outermost tubular channel may extend to the outlet end of the mouthpiece and may define an annular or ring-shaped outlet end of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may have any desired outer shape. Advantageously, the mouthpiece has an outer shape corresponding to the outer shape of the aerosol generating device to which it is attached. For example, the mouthpiece may have a tubular or cylindrical outer shape and may define a central longitudinal axis.

The outlet end of the mouthpiece may have any other desired configuration and may be formed by the outer walls of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a cavity recessed from the outlet end of the mouthpiece. This cavity may also be indicated as a volumetric recess. Such volumetric recesses may be considered final expansion chambers for the airflow path. As a result, the volumetric depressions may contribute to homogenization of the aerosol, and in particular may facilitate cooling of the aerosol. A recessed outlet may allow for more enhanced aerosolization to be reached at the outlet end of the mouthpiece, thus allowing for different consumer perception and satisfaction.

The mouthpiece may comprise a central channel extending from the inlet end and diverging radially along the direction of aerosol flow. The mouthpiece may further comprise at least two tubular channels coaxially disposed with respect to and in fluid communication with the central channel. The direction of aerosol flow through these three channels may be reversed between each successively disposed aerosol flow channel. As a result, in the central channel, the airflow direction is from the inlet end to the outlet end. In the adjacent second tubular channel, the airflow direction is reversed and passes from the outlet towards the inlet end. At the end of the second tubular channel, the airflow direction is reversed again so that in the third tubular channel the airflow direction is again directed towards the outlet end. At the end of the third tubular channel the aerosol exits the mouthpiece.

In this way, the aerosol is guided multiple times through the mouthpiece from the inlet end to the outlet end, thereby achieving a significant extension of the airflow path.

In order to further change the properties of the aerosol, the mouthpiece is provided with actuatable elements. The actuatable element may include substances for modifying the properties of the aerosol guided through the mouthpiece. Prior to actuating the actuatable element, the substance is prevented from interacting with the aerosol. Upon actuation of the actuatable element, a substance is released, which makes it possible to modify the properties of the aerosol. The property may be one or more of the sensory property of the aerosol, the dimensional property of the aerosol, and the flavor of the aerosol.

The actuatable element may comprise a frangible capsule in which is contained a substance for modifying the relevant properties of the aerosol. Upon actuation of the actuatable element, the liquid-enclosed capsule may rupture and the previously enclosed liquid may be released into the vicinity of the actuable element.

The actuatable element may comprise a base. Substrates may be used as supports for capsules that hold encapsulated liquids. A capsule holding an enclosed liquid may be attached to the substrate.

The substrate may be porous and configured to absorb pre-encapsulated liquid after actuation. The porous material may absorb at least a portion of the previously enclosed liquid. The porous material may be configured to absorb all of the pre-encapsulated liquid. By configuring the substrate to be able to absorb all of the expelled pre-encapsulated liquid, the liquid will be safely retained within the mouthpiece at all times. In particular, it is possible to avoid liquid leaving the mouthpiece through its outlet end.

The substrate may be a low density material with a low resistance to extraction (RTD). Due to its low withdrawal resistance, the substrate does not significantly affect the overall resistance to suck on the mouthpiece.

The substrate may be provided to extend at least partially across a cross-section of the aerosol flow channel within the mouthpiece when the main portion is in the second assembled position. The substrate may extend across at least 50 percent of the cross-section of the aerosol channel. The substrate may extend across at least 70 percent of the cross-section of the aerosol channel. The substrate may extend across at least 90 percent of the cross-section of the aerosol channel. The substrate may extend over substantially the entire cross-section of the aerosol channel. By providing the substrate at least partially within the aerosol flow path, the aerosol is at least partially guided through the substrate such that interaction between the previously encapsulated substance and the aerosol is facilitated.

The actuation means used for actuation of the actuatable element may depend on the type of encapsulation used. Gel capsules, such as hard shell or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be actuated by rupturing the shell. The shell may be ruptured by pushing or penetrating.

In embodiments one of the main parts may comprise a penetrating element for actuating the actuatable element. The piercing element may pierce a capsule holding an enclosed liquid upon actuation.

The penetrating element may be an elongated element. The penetrating element may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The piercing element may have a conical shape or may be needle-like.

The penetrating element may be configured such that the apex of the penetrating element is positioned at some distance from the actuatable element when the two main parts are in the first assembled position. Upon relative axial movement of the two main parts to the second assembled position, the penetrating element may be guided toward the actuatable element and to actuate the actuatable element. may be configured. The penetrating element may be configured to rupture the capsule of the actuatable element when the two main parts move to the second assembled position.

The piercing element may be configured to help define an aerosol flow path within the mouthpiece. The penetrating element may be shaped to guide the aerosol towards the substrate. For example, in the second assembled position, the apex of the conical penetrating element may penetrate completely through the base of the actuatable element and extend into the region upstream from the actuatable element. even better. The apex of the penetrating element may then be used to guide the aerosol into the wetted area of the substrate. In this way, the penetrating element may be used to enhance the interaction between the aerosol and the pre-encapsulated liquid.

The mouthpiece may be formed from any suitable material, such as polymeric materials. Suitable materials include food grade and/or medical grade polymers, especially thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPC-ET), polyoxymethylene compounds (POM), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE). , polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylic multipolymer, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), or cyclic olefin copolymer (COC).

The mouthpiece may be constructed from at least two main parts that can be axially inserted into each other. The two main parts may be formed such that when axially inserted into each other, the airflow path is defined by the two main parts.

The mouthpiece may be formed from an outer part and an inner part. The outer portion may form a central inner channel and may also comprise a tubular outer wall forming the outer wall of the mouthpiece.

The inner portion may have a hollow cylindrical shape with side walls, one open end and one closed end. The inner portion may be axially inserted into the outer portion in such a way that the sidewalls of the inner portion are located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer portion. Thus, a second channel is formed between the sidewall of the inner portion and the central channel. A third channel is implemented between the sidewall of the inner part and the outer wall of the outer part. Therefore, when the two parts are assembled, an airflow channel is formed from the inlet end through the central channel and through the second and third channels to the outlet end of the mouthpiece. This two-part construction facilitates the manufacture of a mouthpiece with a maze-like course of airflow paths.

This two-part construction allows the manufacture of separate parts by conventional and well-known blow molding processes. Such a process may be more convenient to handle than other potential manufacturing techniques required to manufacture a mouthpiece according to the invention as an integral part.

The two main parts of the mouthpiece can be assembled in the first position. The two main parts are further configured to be axially movable to the second assembled position. To accomplish this function, the two main parts of the mouthpiece may have corresponding interlocking structures. The interlocking structures engage each other such that, upon assembly, a mouthpiece with predetermined dimensions can be obtained. Additionally, the interlocking structure helps maintain the mouthpiece in the assembled configuration. In particular, an interlocking structure is formed, such as to prevent inadvertent disassembly of the mouthpiece during use.

The interlocking structure may comprise one or more projections and one or more locking cavities provided on opposing surfaces of the main portion of the mouthpiece. The interlocking structure may comprise three protrusions and three corresponding locking cavities provided on opposing surfaces of the main portion of the mouthpiece. Upon assembly, each of the one or more protrusions provided on the surface of one portion engages a corresponding locking cavity provided on the surface of the other portion of the mouthpiece. The protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of the sidewall of the inner portion, while the locking cavity may be provided on the inner surface of the outer wall of the outer portion.

The projections and locking cavities may be evenly distributed around the circumference of the two parts so that after assembly the two parts are securely held in a coaxially aligned position. The interlocking structure may be provided as a set of two or more interlocking structures provided at different axial positions along the side walls of the two main parts of the mouthpiece. Each set may consist of three or more protrusions and locking cavities. By providing two or more sets of interlocking structure, the two main parts can be securely held in a predetermined orientation with respect to each other.

By configuring the interlocking structure in the form of corresponding projections and locking cavities, a simple but reliable manufacture of the two-part mouthpiece is possible. The connection between the interlocking structures may be configured such that inadvertent disassembly of the mouthpiece is prevented while intended disassembly is facilitated by controlled pulling apart of the two parts. There is

Additional interlocking structures may be provided to allow the two main parts of the mouthpiece to be assembled at two different axial positions along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. For example, the outer part may comprise three sets of locking cavities cooperating with two sets of protrusions provided on the inner part. the inner part in such a way that two sets of protrusions on the inner part engage first and second sets of locking cavities on the outer part, thereby resulting in a mouthpiece having a first configuration; may be inserted into the outer portion. Alternatively, the inner portion may be inserted such that two sets of protrusions on the inner portion engage second and third sets of locking cavities on the outer portion, whereby A mouthpiece having a second configuration is obtained. The dimensions of the airflow channels formed in the mouthpiece in the first configuration and the second configuration are different from each other. The result is a mouthpiece with adjustable features for airflow management and overall aerosolization performance.

In the above embodiments, the inner portion may be arranged at two predetermined axial positions relative to the outer portion of the mouthpiece. Additional predetermined axial positions of the inner portion relative to the outer portion may be established by providing additional sets of interlocking structures. In this way the versatility of the corresponding mouthpiece can be further enhanced.

An actuatable element is provided within the mouthpiece. The actuatable element may be located between corresponding structures of the two bodies when the two bodies are assembled in the first position. The actuatable element may be held in place by being clamped within the mouthpiece. The actuatable element may be held in place by being clamped within one of the main parts or by being clamped between corresponding structures of the two main parts.

In one embodiment, the actuatable element may be located within one of the expansion chambers formed at the reversal point between successive longitudinal channels. For example, in the first assembled position of the two main parts of the mouthpiece, the actuatable element may be located in the first expansion chamber in the direction of flow of the aerosol through the mouthpiece. The actuatable element may have a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the inner body and may be frictionally retained within the inner body.

A piercing element may be provided at the closed end of the inner body of the mouthpiece. The penetrating element may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece with the pointed end extending into the inner volume of the mouthpiece. Upon axial movement of the two main parts to the second assembled position, the penetrating element formed at the closed end of the inner main part is moved so that the actuatable elements are connected to the penetrating element of the inner main part and the outer main part of the mouthpiece. It may move toward the actuatable element until it is clamped between the side walls of the central channel of the part. Upon completion of axial movement to the second assembled position, the penetrating element is moved further toward the actuatable element, thereby rupturing the capsule wall and releasing the encapsulated liquid.

The expelled liquid is dispersed into the substrate of the actuatable element and may then interact with any aerosol guided through the mouthpiece after this actuation procedure. The ejected liquid may be dispersed throughout the substrate. The ejected liquid may be partially dispersed throughout the substrate. The ejected liquid may be substantially completely dispersed throughout the substrate. By dispersing the dispersed liquid throughout the substrate, the available contact area for liquid-aerosol interaction is increased.

The mouthpiece of the present invention may be used with any type of aerosol-generating device, or aerosol-generating article. In this regard, the inlet end of the mouthpiece may comprise a connecting portion configured to attach the mouthpiece to such an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article.

The connecting portion may employ any suitable mechanism that allows a user to removably attach the mouthpiece to an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article. For example, the connecting part can be a male/female coupling. The male/female coupling may be correspondingly shaped coupling elements, which are configured to provide a friction fit or form fit connection.

A friction fit connection may be established by coupling elements having corresponding shapes that can be inserted into each other and maintained in a connected position by friction between the coupling elements.

A form-fit connection may be obtained by providing the coupling element with a threaded portion forming a threaded joint. Such coupling elements may include 90 degree male/female fittings that are quickly and securely attached to each other by a 90 degree rotation of the coupling element. Of course, coupling elements with larger angles of rotation may be employed. A male/female threaded coupling allows for a secure and leak-free connection and for airtight fastening of the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article.

The connecting portion may be configured as a pharmaceutical or medical device type coupling. Pharmaceutical or medical device type couplings may additionally increase the integrity of the generated aerosol.

The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising a mouthpiece as described above and an aerosol-generating device and/or aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece and aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article have corresponding connecting portions for removably attaching the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article is any currently available aerosol-generating device or article including, but not limited to, heated non-burning products (HNB) or vaping systems in which a liquid substrate is aerosolized. can be any of the

The invention also relates to a method for assembling a mouthpiece. The method includes providing an outer portion, the outer portion forming a central inner channel and an outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The method further includes providing an inner portion, the inner portion having a hollow cylindrical shape having side walls, one open end, and one closed end. The method further includes providing an actuatable element.

The actuatable element is inserted into the inner portion of the mouthpiece. The inner section is axially inserted into the outer section such that the sidewalls of the inner section lie between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer section. The actuatable element may be located within a first expansion chamber formed within the mouthpiece in the direction of flow of the aerosol.

The inner part and outer part used in the method for forming the mouthpiece may correspond to the inner part and the other part as described above. In particular, these parts may be provided with an interlocking structure so that upon their assembly a mouthpiece with predetermined dimensions and predetermined airflow paths is obtained.

Below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more of the features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[Example A]
A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article, the mouthpiece being formed from at least two main parts axially insertable into each other to define an aerosol flow path,
the two main parts are axially movable relative to each other between a first assembled position and a second assembled position;
The mouthpiece further comprises an actuatable element for modifying the properties of the aerosol upon actuation, and
A mouthpiece, wherein the actuatable element is actuated upon movement of the two main parts from the first assembled position to the second assembled position.

[Example B]
A mouthpiece according to example A, wherein the actuatable element comprises a substrate and an enclosed liquid.

[Example C]
A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding examples, wherein upon actuation of the actuatable element, the enclosed liquid is at least partially released into the substrate.

[Example D]
A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein one of the main portions comprises a penetrating element penetrating the actuable element for actuating the actuable element.

[Example E]
A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the penetrating element is an elongated element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece.

[Example F]
The preceding embodiment wherein the substrate is a low density material and the actuatable element is provided to extend at least partially across the cross-section of the aerosol flow channel when the main portion is in the second assembled position. A mouthpiece according to one of

[Example G]
the mouthpiece
an inlet end configured to allow the aerosol to flow into the mouthpiece;
an outlet end configured to allow the aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece;
an aerosol channel extending between an inlet end and an outlet end, and a mouthpiece formed such that the direction of aerosol flow is reversed at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end, and a substrate comprising: A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding examples, held in place by being clamped within the mouthpiece.

[Example H]
A mouthpiece is formed from an outer part and an inner part, the outer part forming a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of said mouthpiece, and the inner part having a side wall, one open end and one closed end. Having a hollow cylindrical shape, the inner portion is inserted axially into the outer portion in such a way that the sidewalls of the inner portion are located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer portion. A mouthpiece according to one of the examples.

[Example I]
a piercing element is provided at the closed end of the inner portion, and an apex of the piercing element extends from the actuatable element into the region upstream when the inner portion and the outer side of the mouthpiece are assembled in the second position; A mouthpiece as described in Example H.

[Example J]
A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the two main parts of the mouthpiece have corresponding interlocking structures that engage each other so as to obtain a mouthpiece with predetermined dimensions. .

[Example K]
One of the preceding embodiments, wherein the interlocking structure comprises one or more protrusions and one or more one or more locking cavities provided on opposing surfaces of the main portion of the mouthpiece. Mouthpiece according to one.

[Example L]
of the preceding embodiment, wherein the interlocking structure comprises one or more sets of interlocking structures whereby the two main parts may be assembled at two or more different axial positions relative to each other. Mouthpiece described in one of them.

[Example M]
An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and a mouthpiece as described in one of the preceding examples.

[Example N]
The aerosol-generating system of Example M, wherein the aerosol-generating device and the mouthpiece comprise corresponding connecting parts such that the mouthpiece is removably attachable to the aerosol-generating device.

[Example O]
A method for assembling a mouthpiece comprising:
(a) providing an outer portion, the outer portion forming a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of the mouthpiece;
(b) providing an inner portion, the inner portion having a hollow cylindrical shape having side walls, one open end and one closed end;
(c) providing an actuatable element;
(d) assembling the outer portion, the inner portion and the actuatable element by inserting the actuatable element into the inner portion and axially inserting the inner portion into the outer portion; whereby the sidewall of the inner portion is located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer portion.

Features described with respect to one aspect may be equally applicable to other aspects of the invention.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a mouthpiece according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a mouthpiece according to the invention with a two-part housing. 3 shows a 3D view and a plan view of the outlet end of the mouthpiece of FIG. 1. FIG. Figure 4 shows two embodiments of the actuatable element. FIG. 5 shows actuation of the actuatable elements. FIG. 6 shows the dimensions of the mouthpiece of FIG. FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generator with the mouthpiece of FIG.

In FIG. 1 a mouthpiece 10 according to the invention is illustrated. The mouthpiece is tubular in shape and defines an airflow path 20 between inlet end 12 and outlet end 14 . In Figure 1, the inlet end 12 is provided on the left side of the mouthpiece 10 and a connection portion 16 is provided for connecting the mouthpiece 10 to the aerosol generator. Outlet end 14 is provided at the opposite end of mouthpiece 10 and is configured to be placed into the mouth for inhalation by the user.

Airflow path 20 between inlet end 12 and outlet end 14 comprises a plurality of tubular channels 22, 23, 24 arranged concentrically and coaxially. The tubular channels 22 , 23 , 24 are arranged such that the airflow direction reverses twice before the aerosol exits the mouthpiece 10 at the outlet end 14 .

Mouthpiece 10 includes a central channel extending from an inlet end 12 and extending toward an outlet end 14 of the mouthpiece. The central channel 22 branches radially along the direction of aerosol flow. In other words, the diameter of central channel 22 increases along the direction of aerosol flow. At the end of the central channel 22 the flow direction of the aerosol is reversed and the aerosol is guided further towards the inlet end 12 of the mouthpiece 10 through a coaxially arranged intermediate tubular channel 23 . At the end of the intermediate channel 23 the flow direction of the aerosol is reversed again and the aerosol is guided through the coaxially arranged outer tubular channel 23 towards the outlet end 14 of the mouthpiece 10 . The aerosol is finally expelled through outlet end 14 for inhalation by the consumer.

In the design of the present invention, the length of airflow path 20 through mouthpiece 10 is effectively extended to allow additional time for heat energy to dissipate. In addition, expansion chambers 25,26 are formed at reversal points between successive channels 22,23,24. These expansion chambers 25, 26 assist in cooling and homogenizing the aerosol.

In addition to these, an actuatable element 28 located within the expansion chamber 25 is provided. Actuable elements 28 are provided within the airflow path 20 and are used to further modify the properties of the aerosol.

The maze-like airflow path 20 of the mouthpiece 10 is suitably obtained by manufacturing the housing of the mouthpiece 10 from two pieces as shown in FIG. 2A. A first or outer portion 30 of mouthpiece 10 is illustrated on the left side of FIG. The inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 is generally U-shaped. It has a hollow cylindrical shape with a side wall 42 , one open end 44 and one closed end 46 . A piercing element 84 is provided inside the closed end 46 . Penetrating element 84 has a conical shape with a pointed end. The pointed ends are directed toward the central channel 22 of the outer portion 30 . The inner portion 40 is formed such that its open end 44 can be axially inserted into the outer portion 30 of the mouthpiece 10 .

In addition to outer portion 30 and inner portion 40, actuatable element 28 is provided. During assembly of mouthpiece 10 , actuatable element 28 is inserted between inner portion 30 and outer portion 40 of mouthpiece 10 . This can be accomplished by first inserting the actuatable element 28 into the inner volume of the inner portion 40 . The inner portion 40 comprising the actuatable element 28 may then be inserted into the outer portion 30 of the mouthpiece 10 . When fully assembled, sidewall 42 of inner section 40 lies between central channel 22 and outer wall 36 of outer section 30 . Further, the actuatable element is located within the first expansion chamber 25 of the mouthpiece 10, as illustrated in Figure 2b.

The two main parts 30, 40 of the mouthpiece 10 have corresponding interlocking structures 50 which engage each other when the mouthpiece 10 is fully assembled. Interlocking structure 50 is configured to maintain mouthpiece 10 in a fully assembled configuration during the user experience. The interlocking structure 50 further ensures that a mouthpiece 10 having the desired dimensions is obtained.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 comprises projections 52 provided on the outer perimeter of the side walls 42 of the inner portion 40 . Outer portion 30 includes a corresponding locking cavity 54 provided in inner surface 38 of outer wall 36 of outer portion 30 . In the fully assembled condition, protrusions 52 on inner portion 40 engage locking cavities 54 on the other portion 30, as shown in FIG. 2B. The inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 includes two sets of projections 52A, 52B axially spaced from each other. The outer portion 30 of the mouthpiece 10 includes three sets of locking cavities 54A, 54B, 54C also axially spaced from each other.

Each set of projections 52A, 52B consists of three or more projections 52 equidistantly distributed around the circumference of sidewall 36 of inner portion 30. As shown in FIG. Correspondingly, each set of locking cavities 54A, 54B, 54C consists of three or more locking cavities 54, also equidistantly distributed over the inner surface 38 of the outer wall 36 of the outer portion 30. As shown in FIG. In the first assembled position of the two main parts, the projections 52A, 52B engage and are operable with the locking cavities 54A, 54B of the two main parts at this axial position, as shown in Figure 2b. elements are not activated. 5 by axially moving inner portion 40 toward a second assembled position in which projections 52A, 52B engage locking cavities 54B, 54C. The actuatable element may be actuated as such.

FIG. 3 shows perspective and side views of a mouthpiece 10 according to the invention. In the perspective view of FIG. 3A, the tubular overall shape of mouthpiece 10 and the spherical shape of closed end 46 of inner portion 40 can be seen. The side view of FIG. 3B shows the circumferential distribution of sets of three-element interlocking structures 50 equidistantly distributed around the circumference of each of the inner and outer portions 40,30.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of actuatable element 28 . Actuable element 28 includes a substrate 80 and capsules 82, 83 adhered to the substrate. Substrate 80 is provided in the form of a disc of low density cellulose acetate tow. Due to its low density, the substrate material has a low withdrawal resistance and does not cause a perceptible increase in the overall withdrawal resistance of the mouthpiece 10 and/or the aerosol forming system 100 in which the mouthpiece 10 is used. Sometimes.

As illustrated in Figure 4a, the capsules 82 provided on the actuatable element 28 may be provided as substantially spherical gel capsules. Capsule 82 may be filled with water, flavorants, or any other active liquid. Capsule 82 may be provided centrally within substrate 80 and may be affixed to substrate 80 by any conventional adhesive useful for this purpose. The diameter S of the substrate and the diameter T of the spherical capsule 82 may have dimensions as shown in Table 1 below.

The capsule may alternatively be provided as a flat capsule 83, as illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 4b. Flat capsule 83 may also be adhered to substrate 80 by conventional adhesives known to those skilled in the art. The flat capsules 83 of Figure 4b may contain the same liquid as the spherical capsules 82 of the embodiment of Figure 4a. The diameter S of substrate 80 and the diameter T of flat capsule 83 may have dimensions as shown in Table 1 below.

A piercing element 84 is provided for actuating the actuatable element 28 such that the enclosed liquid is released. The piercing element 84 and the piercing process will now be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 illustrates the mouthpiece of FIG. 2, the outer portion 30 of mouthpiece 10 comprising three sets of locking cavities 54 . As shown in FIG. 5a, the mouthpiece 10 is assembled in a first assembly in which two sets of protrusions 52A, 52B engage first and second sets of locking cavities 54A, 54B. May be assembled in position. In this first assembled position the actuatable element 28 is provided within the expansion chamber 25 and it has not yet been actuated.

To activate the actuatable element 28, the mouthpiece 10 may be placed in a second assembled position, as illustrated in Figure 5b. In this second assembled position, the inner portion 40 is pushed downwards from the outer portion 30 until the two sets of projections 52A, 52B engage the second and third sets of locking cavities 54B, 54C. further axially into the In this second assembled position, the penetrating element 84 provided at the closed end 46 of the inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 moves toward the actuatable element 28. As shown in FIG. Penetrating element 84 penetrates completely through capsule 82 and base 80 and into central channel 22 formed in the center of outer portion 30 of mouthpiece 10, as shown in FIG. 5b. It even extends slightly. Penetrating element 84 therefore extends into the upstream area forming actuatable element 28 . Penetrating element 84 ruptured the outer shell of capsule 82 . The previously encapsulated liquid is thereby released and dispersed into the surrounding substrate 80 . The actuatable element 28 extends over the entire cross-section of the airflow path 20 in this second assembled position, so that the completed aerosol is guided through the liquid-entrained substrate 80 . Therefore, pre-encapsulated liquid may be used to modify the aerosol after actuation of the actuatable element 28 and may produce desired effects during the user experience.

Both portions 30 and 40 of the mouthpiece 10 illustrated in the figures are formed from a thermoplastic polyester elastomer with food grade polymers used under manufacturing and quality control standards. FIG. 6 again shows the inner and outer portions of mouthpiece 10, and the preferred ranges for the dimensions shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 are listed in Table 1 below.

FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generating system 100 comprising an aerosol generating device 60 and a mouthpiece 10 as described above. The aerosol generator 60 comprises a housing 62 having a power supply 64 , control electronics 66 , an aerosol-forming substrate 68 and an aerosol-generating unit 70 . The aerosol-generating unit 70 includes an aerosol-forming chamber 72 provided at one end of the aerosol-generating device 60 . This end of the aerosol generator 60 further comprises a connecting portion 74 to which the mouthpiece 10 as described above can be connected. When the mouthpiece 10 is connected to the aerosol generator 60 , an airflow path 20 is established through the mouthpiece 10 from the aerosol forming chamber 72 . This allows the user to inhale the aerosol created within the aerosol forming chamber 72 through the mouthpiece 10 .

Claims (14)

A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article, the mouthpiece being formed from at least two main parts axially insertable into each other to define an aerosol flow path,
the two main parts are axially movable relative to each other between a first assembled position and a second assembled position;
said mouthpiece further comprising an actuatable element for modifying the properties of the aerosol upon actuation;
upon movement of the two main parts from the first assembled position to the second assembled position the actuatable element is actuated;
the mouthpiece
an inlet end configured to allow aerosol to flow into the mouthpiece;
an outlet end configured to allow the aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece;
the aerosol channel extends between the inlet end and the outlet end;
The mouthpiece is shaped such that the direction of flow of the aerosol is reversed at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end, and the actuatable element is clamped within the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is held in place by 2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the actuatable element comprises a substrate and an enclosed liquid, and wherein the substrate is held in place by being clamped within the mouthpiece. 3. A mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein upon actuation of the actuatable element the encapsulated liquid is at least partially released into the substrate. The substrate is a low density material and the actuatable element is provided to extend at least partially across the cross-section of the aerosol channel when the main portion is in the second assembled position. 4. A mouthpiece according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece is A mouthpiece according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said main portions comprises a penetrating element penetrating said actuatable element for actuating said actuatable element. 6. A mouthpiece according to claim 5, wherein the penetrating element is an elongated element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is formed from an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion forming a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of the mouthpiece, and the inner portion comprising a side wall, one open end and one closed end. having a hollow cylindrical shape with ends, said inner portion extending into said outer portion in such a way that said side wall of said inner portion is located between said central channel and said outer wall of said outer portion; A mouthpiece according to one of claims 1 to 6, which is inserted axially with the . A piercing element is provided at the closed end of the inner portion, and an apex of the piercing element is upstream from the actuatable element when the inner portion and the outer side of the mouthpiece are assembled in the second position. 8. A mouthpiece according to claim 7, extending into the area of . 9. A mouthpiece according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said two main parts of said mouthpiece have corresponding interlocking structures that engage with each other so as to obtain a mouthpiece with predetermined dimensions. mouthpiece. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the interlocking structure comprises one or more projections and one or more locking cavities provided on opposing surfaces of the main portion of the mouthpiece. mouthpiece. 10. The interlocking structure comprises one or more sets of interlocking structures whereby the two main parts may be assembled in two or more different axial positions relative to each other. Or a mouthpiece according to claim 10. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a mouthpiece according to one of claims 1-11. 13. The aerosol-generating system of claim 12, wherein the aerosol-generating device and the mouthpiece comprise corresponding connecting parts such that the mouthpiece is removably attachable to the aerosol-generating device. A method for assembling a mouthpiece comprising:
(a) providing an outer portion, said outer portion forming a central inner channel and an outer tubular wall of said mouthpiece;
(b) providing an inner portion, said inner portion having a hollow cylindrical shape having side walls, one open end and one closed end;
(c) providing an actuatable element;
(d) inserting said actuatable element into said inner portion and axially inserting said inner portion into said outer portion, thereby assembling possible elements whereby the sidewalls of the inner portion are located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer portion;
the mouthpiece
an inlet end configured to allow aerosol to flow into the mouthpiece;
an outlet end configured to allow the aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece;
the aerosol channel extends between the inlet end and the outlet end;
The mouthpiece is shaped such that the flow direction of the aerosol is reversed at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end, and the actuatable element is clamped within the mouthpiece. A method that is held in place by

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