KR20240053587A - Mouthpiece with condensation management function - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system comprising an airflow path of the mouthpiece and a cone-shaped guiding member. A cone-shaped guiding member is arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating system.

Description

Mouthpiece with condensation management function

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

It is known to provide aerosol-generating devices or systems for generating inhalable vapors. Such systems can heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without combusting the aerosol-forming substrate. In an aerosol-generating system, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate can be transferred from a liquid storage portion to an electrical heating element. When heated to the target temperature, the aerosol-generating substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The liquid substrate can be delivered to the heating element through a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may be formed as a replaceable or refillable cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be attached to the aerosol-generating device to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating device.

Depending on environmental circumstances, excessive condensation of aerosol may occur within the mouthpiece during use of the aerosol-generating system. For example, at low temperatures in winter, the walls of an aerosol-generating device may become cold such that excessive condensation of the aerosol may occur on the cold wall of the airflow path. For example, environments with high relative humidity may promote excessive condensation of aerosols within the device. Higher relative humidity of the air stream entering the device may reduce the amount of aerosol that can be transported in the air stream without excessive condensation.

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

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

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system is provided. The mouthpiece includes an airflow path for the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a cone-shaped guiding member. A cone-shaped guiding member is arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

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

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

The cone-shaped guide member is condensed in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece by the cone-shaped guide member configured to face the tip of the cone-shaped guide member in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece. It may be configured to guide the liquid component.

The tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction towards the distal end of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol-generating system, the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction toward the distal end of the aerosol-generating system. When the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol-generating system, the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction toward the nebulizer of the aerosol-generating system.

Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member, the condensed liquid droplets can be guided towards the atomizer. Guidance of these droplets may be driven by gravity, most commonly in an upright or slightly inclined position with the aerosol-generating system generally facing away from the center of gravity with the proximal end of the mouthpiece facing away. Because it becomes. Alternatively or additionally, the guidance of the droplet may be driven by the capillary effect of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member.

After the condensed liquid droplets are guided toward the nebulizer, vaporization of the condensed liquid droplets may occur in the nebulizing area proximate to the nebulizer.

The longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guiding member may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. Additionally, the base of the cone-shaped guiding member may be directed toward the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

The cone-shaped guide member may be a hollow cone-shaped guide member.

The hollow cone-shaped guiding member may divide the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber arranged within the hollow cone-shaped guiding member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. The upstream airflow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. The downstream airflow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. Both upstream and downstream airflow chambers can be homogenization chambers.

A homogenization chamber can assist in the evolution of the aerosol after the initial event of vaporization. A homogenization chamber can help create turbulent airflow. A more homogenized distribution of volatilized particles in the aerosol can be achieved. A more homogenized size of volatilized particles in the aerosol can be achieved.

The distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber may include a bowl-shaped wall element. The bowl-shaped wall element can function as an additional guiding element. The surface of the bowl-shaped wall element may comprise a hydrophobic material. This can advantageously reduce liquid droplets sticking to the wall. This can advantageously promote the guidance effect. The hollow cone-shaped guide member may include one or more apertures arranged to fluidly connect the upstream and downstream airflow chambers.

When arranged within an airflow chamber, preferably within a homogenization chamber, the bowl-shaped wall element can further increase one or both of the turbulence of the airflow and the homogenization of the aerosol.

The hollow cone-shaped guide member may include a plurality of apertures arranged asymmetrically at one or both different axial and different radial positions of the hollow cone-shaped guide member. This irregular arrangement of the apertures on the hollow cone-shaped guiding member can further improve the turbulence of the airflow within the hollow cone-shaped guiding member.

The base (widest portion) of the hollow cone-shaped guide member may include an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port.

The mouthpiece may include a high retention material arranged within a hollow cone-shaped guiding member. High retention materials may include capillary materials as described herein.

The high retention material may be arranged in the tip area of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

Excessive condensation of aerosol and droplet formation may occur within the internal space of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. Accordingly, liquid droplets can be formed on the inner surface of the hollow cone-shaped guide member. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member, the droplet can be guided towards the high retention material. This guidance of the droplet may be driven by one or both of the gravitational and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. The droplets can then be immersed by and trapped within the high-retention material. Accordingly, leakage can be advantageously reduced or avoided.

The surface of the cone-shaped guide member may include a hydrophobic material. The inner surface of the cone-shaped guide member may include a hydrophobic material. The outer surface of the cone-shaped guide member may include a hydrophobic material. This can advantageously reduce the sticking force of the liquid droplet to the surface and improve the mobility of the liquid droplet along the surface. This can advantageously promote the guidance effect.

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

As used herein, the term 'cone shape' may refer to a shape that can be substantially described by the geometry of a right circular cone, an elliptical cone, a cone with an oval base, or a pyramid. The cone shape may conform to the external shape of the mouthpiece.

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

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

According to embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol-generating system is provided comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol-generating system includes a main unit containing a nebulizer. The aerosol generating system includes an airflow path of the system extending from the air inlet through the nebulizer to the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction from the air stream towards the nebulizer.

The main unit may include a liquid storage portion for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The nebulizer may be configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The nebulizer may include a heating element. The nebulizer may consist of a heating element.

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

The system may be a three-part system, where one end of the cartridge may be releasably attached to the body and another end of the cartridge may be releasably attached to the mouthpiece. The system may be a three-part system, where the mouthpiece may be releasably attached to the body and the cartridge may be releasably attached to or releasably inserted into the body.

The system may be a two-part system, with the cartridge and mouthpiece forming an integral part that can be releasably attached to the body. The system may be a two-part system, with the body and cartridge forming an integral part that can be releasably attached to the mouthpiece.

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

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-forming substrate' relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. These volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of the cartridge. Cartridges may be configured to be replaceable or refillable.

Aerosol-forming substrates may be provided in liquid form. Liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include aerosol formers such as propylene glycol or glycerin, and other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents. Liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. Liquid aerosol-forming substrates may include alkaloids or cannabinoids. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate can have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in the liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be represented by a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol-forming agent that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; Esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Aerosol formers may be polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin, or mixtures thereof. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. Aerosol formers may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

As used herein, 'aerosol-generating system' relates to a system comprising a main unit and a cartridge comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The main unit may be an 'aerosol generating device'.

As used herein, an 'aerosol-generating device' relates to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may be included in the cartridge. An aerosol-generating device may include a housing, electrical circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

The electrical circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. A microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may additionally include electronic components. An electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply to the nebulizer.

Preferably, the nebulizer is provided as part of a vaporization unit. The nebulizer can be any device suitable for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

The nebulizer may include a heating element. The heating element may illustratively be a coil heater, capillary tube heater, mesh heater, or metal plate heater, or one or more electrically conductive tracks on an insulating substrate. The heater may be a resistance heater that receives power and converts at least a portion of the received power into heat energy. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may be a susceptor that is inductively heated by a time-varying magnetic field. The heating element may include only a single heating element or may include multiple heating elements. The temperature of the heating element or elements is preferably controlled by an electrical circuit.

In any of the above-described embodiments, the at least one heating element preferably comprises an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically “conductive” ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Including but not limited to this. These composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and metals of the platinum group. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-, aluminum-, titanium-, zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-, tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- , and iron-containing alloys, and nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® based superalloys, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material can be selectively embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer dynamics and external physicochemical properties required. Examples of suitable composite heater elements are disclosed in US-A-5 498 855, WO-A-03/095688 and US-A-5 514 630.

The vaporization unit may further include capillary material for delivering the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heater element. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises capillary bundles. For example, the capillary material may include a plurality of fibers or threads or other fine bore tubes. The fibers or threads may be globally aligned to convey liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may include a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of a capillary material forms a plurality of small pores or tubes through which liquid can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may include any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials are porous materials. Examples of suitable materials are sponge or foam materials. Examples of suitable materials include ceramic materials. Examples of suitable materials include graphite-based materials. A suitable material may be a fiber. A suitable material may be a sintered powder. A suitable material may be foamed metal. A suitable material may be a plastic material. Suitable materials may be fibrous materials. Suitable materials may be made from spun fibers. Suitable materials may be made from extruded fibers. A suitable material may be made from cellulose acetate. A suitable material may be made of polyester. A suitable material may be made of bonded polyolefin. A suitable material may be made of polyethylene. A suitable material may be made of ethylene. A suitable material may be made of polypropylene. A suitable material may be made of nylon fiber. A suitable material may be made of ceramic. Suitable materials may be made of a combination of one or more of ethylene, polyethylene, ethylene, polypropylene or nylon. Capillary materials can have any suitable capillary and porosity for use with different liquid properties. Liquids have physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, which allow the liquid to be transported through a capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to convey the aerosol-forming substrate to the vaporizer. The capillary material may extend into the gap of the vaporizer.

One or more capillary wicks may be arranged to contact the liquid held in the liquid storage portion. One or more capillary wicks may extend into the liquid storage portion. In this case, in use, the liquid can be transferred from the liquid storage portion to one or more elements of the aerosol-generating means by capillary action in one or more capillary wicks. The one or more capillary wicks may have a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the liquid storage portion so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion can be drawn into the aerosol-generating means.

The capillary material may be arranged to contact the liquid held in the liquid storage portion. Capillary material may extend into the liquid storage portion. In this case, in use, the liquid can be transferred from the liquid storage portion to one or more elements of the aerosol-generating means by capillary action in the capillary material. The capillary material can have a first end and a second end. The first end extends into the liquid storage portion so that the liquid aerosol-forming substrate held in the liquid storage portion can be drawn into the aerosol-generating means.

As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction in which air flows along the airflow path and through the mouthpiece or aerosol-generating device during its use. It is used to describe the relative position of a component or a portion of a component. A mouthpiece according to the invention may include a proximal end through which an aerosol exits the mouthpiece when in use. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the mouth end or downstream end. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating device may be a mouthpiece connected to the aerosol-generating device. The mouth end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol-generating device or mouthpiece may be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of a mouthpiece or aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative position to the path of airflow through the mouthpiece or aerosol-generating device.

As used herein, the term 'airflow path' refers to a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path can be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path can be used to transport aerosols. The airflow path can be used to transport mixtures of air and aerosol.

A cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a replaceable mouthpiece. The cartridge may form an integral part of the mouthpiece. The cartridge may be refillable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted, the user can refill the cartridge so that the mouthpiece containing the refillable cartridge can be reused. Designing parts to be reusable helps reduce waste and reduce the ecological impact of a device or system or cartridge on the environment.

The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate can be part of the main unit of the aerosol-generating system. The cartridge may form an integral part of the main unit. The cartridge may be refillable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted, the user can refill the cartridge so that the mouthpiece containing the refillable cartridge can be reused.

The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be replaceable. When the aerosol-forming substrate is spent, the user can remove the cartridge from the aerosol-generating system and replace the used cartridge with a freshly charged cartridge.

When assembling the aerosol-generating system, the airflow path may be defined between the mouthpiece and the main unit. The mouthpiece and main unit may be connected using any suitable connecting means. The connection means may include a screw connection, friction fit or form fit connection. The connection means may be configured to allow a user to establish a connection by hand. This may facilitate handling and assembly of the aerosol-generating system.

The mouthpiece and main unit may have corresponding structural components with complementary geometries. Structural components with complementary geometric shapes are preferably provided in adjacent interface parts of the mouthpiece and the main unit. Upon assembly of the mouthpiece and main unit, these interface parts may be positioned next to each other. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, these corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and main unit may define an airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet through the atomizer or heating element. The airflow path may be formed upon assembly of the main unit and mouthpiece. In these embodiments, without the mouthpiece, the main unit may become inoperable because a continuous airflow path for inhalation of the aerosol is not provided. Accordingly, the main unit alone does not allow the formation of an aerosol suitable for inhalation. Accordingly, an efficient protection mechanism against unauthorized use can be provided.

Both cartridge and mouthpiece may be replaceable. One or both ends of the cartridge or mouthpiece may be protected by a sealing foil. The sealing foil may be a punctureable sealing foil that is ruptured during assembly of the aerosol-generating system. The sealing foil may be a removable sealing foil that is removed from the cartridge prior to use.

This sealing foil protects the cartridge and mouthpiece from debris or other unwanted contamination during shipping and especially before use.

A non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. Any one or more features of these embodiments may be combined with any one or more features of another embodiment, implementation, or aspect described herein.

Example A: A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, comprising:

comprising an airflow path for the mouthpiece and the cone-shaped guiding member;

A cone-shaped guiding member is arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece,

A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, wherein the cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

Example B: The mouthpiece of Example A, wherein the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member faces in a direction toward the distal end of the mouthpiece.

Example C: The mouthpiece of Example A or Example B, wherein the cone-shaped guide member is a hollow cone-shaped guide member.

Embodiment D: The method of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guide member is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, and the base of the cone-shaped guide member is directed toward the proximal end of the mouthpiece. A mouthpiece.

Embodiment E: The method of Embodiment C or D, wherein the cone-shaped guide member is hollow and directs the airflow path of the mouthpiece to a downstream airflow chamber arranged within the hollow cone-shaped guide member and the hollow cone-shaped guide member. Mouthpiece, dividing into an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the.

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

Embodiment G: The mouthpiece of Embodiment E or F, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guiding member includes one or more apertures arranged to fluidly connect an upstream airflow chamber and a downstream airflow chamber.

Example H: The mouthpiece of Example G, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guide member includes a plurality of apertures asymmetrically arranged at different axial and radial positions of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

Example I: The mouthpiece of any of Examples C-H, wherein the base of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member includes an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port.

Example J: The mouthpiece of any of Examples C-I, comprising a high retention material arranged within a hollow cone-shaped guide member.

Example K: The mouthpiece of Example J, wherein the high retention material is arranged in the tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

Example L: The mouthpiece according to any of the previous examples, wherein the surface of the cone-shaped guide member comprises a hydrophobic material.

Embodiment M: The mouthpiece of any of the previous embodiments, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be replaceable.

Example N: An aerosol-generating system comprising:

A mouthpiece according to any of the previous embodiments;

a main unit containing a nebulizer; and

comprising an airflow path of the system extending from the air inlet through the nebulizer to the airflow path of the mouthpiece;

An aerosol-generating system, wherein the cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component from the airstream in a direction toward the nebulizer.

Example O: The aerosol-generating system of Example N, wherein the main unit includes a liquid storage portion for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and the nebulizer is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

Embodiment P: The method of embodiment O, wherein the main unit includes a body and a replaceable cartridge,

The main body includes control electronics and power supply;

The cartridge includes a nebulizer and a liquid storage portion;

An aerosol-generating system in which the mouthpiece is attached to a cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the body.

Example Q: The aerosol-generating system of Example O, wherein the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit together form an integrated replaceable part that can be releasably attached to the body.

Example R: The aerosol-generating system of any of Examples N-Q, wherein the nebulizer comprises a heating element.

Example S: The aerosol-generating system of any of Examples N-R, wherein the mouthpiece is replaceable.

Features described in relation to one embodiment can be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

The present invention will be further explained by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating system in a separate configuration.
Figure 2 shows the assembled aerosol generating system.
Figure 3 shows a portion of an assembled aerosol-generating system.
Figure 4 shows a portion of an assembled aerosol-generating system.

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of an aerosol-generating system of generally cylindrical shape comprising a replaceable mouthpiece 10 and a main unit 40 in separate configuration.

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

The replaceable mouthpiece 10 includes a hollow element. In the depicted embodiment, the hollow element is a hollow tubular element 18. However, as long as the airflow path is not blocked (as described below), the hollow element can also have a different shape, for example a hollow truncated cone or a hollow cuboid. The hollow tubular element 18 includes a conical end portion 20, a tube inlet opening 22, and a tube outlet opening 24. The tube outlet opening 24 is in direct fluid communication with the annular homogenization chamber 26. A bowl-shaped wall element 12 is positioned within the homogenization chamber 26 at its distal part.

The mouthpiece 10 further includes a cone-shaped guiding member 28 having an aperture 30. The longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guide member 28 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece 10. At the same time, the longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guiding element 28 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating system. The base of the cone-shaped guiding member 28 is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece 10 and simultaneously towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating system. The cone-shaped guide member 28 is hollow and surrounds the empty internal space 32.

Accordingly, the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28 directs the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10 through a downstream airflow chamber arranged within the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28 and the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28. Divided into a surrounding upstream airflow chamber, the inner space 32 of the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28 is a downstream airflow chamber, and the homogenization chamber 26 is an upstream airflow chamber.

The homogenization chamber 26 is in fluid communication with the internal space 32 of the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28 through an aperture 30. The base of the cone-shaped guide member 28 forms an air outlet 34 for inhalation by the user.

As can be seen from the upper portion of Figure 1, the continuous airflow path is not confined within the mouthpiece 10 between the air inlet opening 14 and the outlet end 34. This means that the open distal end of the mouthpiece 10 does not provide a closed air channel from the air inlet 14 to the interior of the hollow tubular element 18 (see dotted line at the lower end of the mouthpiece 10 in Figure 1 ).

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

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

The cartridge-and-heating section 42 comprises a nebulizer comprised of a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element includes a ceramic heater body 50 connected to an electrical resistance 52 and an electrical contact 54 . Ceramic heater body 50 is a porous ceramic component in fluid communication with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in liquid storage portion 44. The aerosolization zone 56 is provided within a bowl-shaped cavity surrounded by the ceramic heater body 50. Additionally, overmolded seals 58, 60 are provided for mounting the heating element in a leak-proof manner.

Power-and-control section 70 includes a controller 72 and battery 74. Controller 72 is electrically connected to both the contacts 54 of the heating element and the battery 74.

When the heating element is activated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate absorbed by the porous ceramic component 50 evaporates. The evaporated aerosol-forming substrate mixes with the surrounding air to form an aerosol. For this purpose, the airflow path is defined within the assembled aerosol-generating system.

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

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

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

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

When the user draws in a puff from the air outlet 34 of the mouthpiece 10, an airflow is established. Ambient air 62 enters the air inlet 14 and passes into a first portion of the airflow path formed between the wall 64 of the mouthpiece 10 and the wall 66 of the cartridge-and-heating section 42. . The air 62 further moves towards the aerosolization zone 56 along a second part of the airflow path formed between the walls 18 , 20 of the mouthpiece 10 and the walls of the liquid storage portion 44 . The drawn air mixes with the sprayed aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosolization zone 56, thereby forming an aerosol 68. The aerosol 68 is conveyed through the tube inlet opening 22 into a hollow tubular element 18 with its conical end portion 20. The aerosol 68 travels further into the annular homogenization chamber 26. The annular homogenization chamber 26 provides turbulent airflow to create favorable conditions for homogenization of the aerosol 68. The bowl-shaped wall element 12 can further increase turbulence and homogenization within the annular homogenization chamber 26.

The mixture 68 then enters the aperture 30 and advances into the inner space 32 of the cone-shaped guiding member 28, ultimately leading to the mouthpiece 10 through the air outlet 34 to be inhaled by the user. Exit to Apertures 30 are arranged asymmetrically or irregularly to further increase turbulence and homogenization within interior space 32.

Figure 4 shows a portion of an aerosol generating system very similar to that of Figure 3, except that, unlike the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 3, the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 4 includes a high retention material 13. It shows. In Figure 4, the airflow path is not shown. Instead, condensation management of the mouthpiece 10 is indicated. For this reason, several point-shaped condensed liquid droplets 80 are shown, and their direction of movement is indicated by arrows.

When aerosol-generating systems are used, for example, in cold environments or environments with high relative humidity, excessive condensation of aerosols may occur. Condensation may result in the formation of liquid droplets 80 on the walls of the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10.

Excessive condensation of aerosols and droplet 80 formation may occur within the homogenization chamber 26. Accordingly, the droplet 80 may be formed on the outer surface of the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28, the droplets 80 are guided towards the heating element and aerosolization zone 56, where the droplets may be heated and vaporized. Guidance of these droplets may be driven by gravity, most commonly in an upright or slightly inclined position with the aerosol-generating system generally facing away from the center of gravity with the proximal end of the mouthpiece facing away. Because it becomes. Additionally, the guidance of the droplet may be driven by the capillary effect in the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28.

Excessive condensation of aerosol and formation of droplets 80 may occur within the internal space 32 of the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28. Accordingly, the droplet 80 may be formed on the inner surface of the hollow cone-shaped guide member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28, the droplet 80 is guided towards the high retention material 13. This guidance of the droplet may similarly be driven by one or both of the gravitational and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28. The droplets can then be immersed and captured by the high retention material 13. Accordingly, leakage out of the outlet end 34 of the mouthpiece 10 can advantageously be reduced or avoided.

Additionally, the bowl shape of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 guides the condensed droplets 80 formed within the homogenization chamber 26 back towards the heating element and aerosolization zone 56 where the droplets can be heated and vaporized. can help you do it. This effect can be further enhanced when the surface of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 comprises a hydrophobic material.

Claims (14)

As a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system,
comprising an airflow path for the mouthpiece and the cone-shaped guiding member;
A cone-shaped guiding member is arranged in the airflow path of the mouthpiece,
The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece,
A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system, wherein the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member faces in a direction toward the distal end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the cone-shaped guide member is a hollow cone-shaped guide member. 3. Mouth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conical guiding member is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and the base of the conical guiding member is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece. peace. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the cone-shaped guiding member is hollow and directs the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber arranged within the hollow cone-shaped guiding member and an upstream surrounding the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. Mouthpiece, dividing into airflow chambers. The mouthpiece of claim 4 , wherein the distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber comprises a bowl-shaped wall element. Mouthpiece according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guiding member includes one or more apertures arranged to fluidly connect the upstream and downstream airflow chambers. Mouthpiece according to claim 6, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guide member includes a plurality of apertures asymmetrically arranged at different axial and radial positions of the hollow cone-shaped guide member. Mouthpiece according to claim 2 , wherein the base of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member includes an aperture configured as an airflow outlet port. Mouthpiece according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a high retention material arranged within a hollow cone-shaped guide member. Mouthpiece according to claim 9, wherein the high retention material is arranged in the tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member. 11. Mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the surface of the cone-shaped guide member comprises a hydrophobic material. An aerosol generating system, comprising:
A mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding claims;
a main unit containing a nebulizer; and
comprising an airflow path of the system extending from the air inlet through the nebulizer to the airflow path of the mouthpiece;
An aerosol-generating system, wherein the cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component from the airstream in a direction toward the nebulizer. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the main unit comprises a liquid storage portion for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate; The nebulizer is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate; The main unit includes the body and replaceable cartridges,
The main body includes control electronics and power supply;
The cartridge includes a nebulizer and a liquid storage portion;
An aerosol-generating system in which the mouthpiece is attached to a cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the body. 14. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit together form an integrated replaceable part that can be releasably attached to the body.