RU2791078C1 - Aerosol generating device with separable venturi element and aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol generating device with a separable Venturi element and an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device contains the main case, a mouthpiece, and a two-component Venturi node. The mouthpiece is made with the possibility of detachable connection to the main case. The two-component Venturi node contains an inlet part, an outlet part, the main airflow channel, and a narrowed airflow channel. The main airflow channel passes between the inlet part and the outlet part. The narrowed airflow channel is located in the main airflow channel. The inlet part of the two-component Venturi node is at least partially located in the main case, when attaching the mouthpiece to the main case, and the outlet part of the two-component Venturi node is at least partially located in the mouthpiece or is made as a single whole with the mouthpiece.

EFFECT: possibility of creation of a homogenous gas mixture in a two-component Venturi node to guarantee that only mouthpieces with suitable technical characteristics are attached to the main case of an aerosol generating device.

15 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device and a system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article.

It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhaled vapor. Such devices can heat the aerosol-forming substrate without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. These aerosol generating substrates may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. Such devices may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may be in the form of a rod for inserting the aerosol generating article into a heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. A heating element may be provided in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-generating substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Typically, the aerosol-forming substrate is vaporized by the action of the heating element, followed by the formation of an aerosol. Aerosol formation, in particular droplet size, depends on a variety of factors such as downstream cooling of the air relative to the aerosol-forming substrate and air pressure. In addition, the formation of aerosol can be influenced by the temperature and humidity of the environment.

In the document of the prior art WO 2016096497 A1 refers to aerosol-forming systems in which an aerosol is formed by evaporating a liquid substrate by means of a heater. The aerosol generating system comprises an air inlet and an air outlet; a liquid storage portion holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and having a liquid outlet; an airflow channel extending from an air inlet to an air outlet past a liquid outlet, the airflow channel being shaped such that there is a pressure drop within the airflow channel at the fluid outlet when air flows from the air inlet to the air outlet through the airflow channel; and a heating element disposed in the air flow path between the liquid outlet and the air outlet, the heating element closing off the air flow path and being fluid-permeable.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, comprising a main body, a mouthpiece that is removably attachable to the main body, and a two-component Venturi assembly. The two-piece venturi assembly is preferably a two-piece element throughout this specification. The two-component Venturi assembly comprises an inlet part, an outlet part, a main air flow channel passing between the inlet part and the outlet part, and a narrowed air flow channel located in the main air flow channel. The inlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly is at least partially located in the main body when the mouthpiece is attached to the main body, and the outlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly is at least partially located in the mouthpiece or is integral with the mouthpiece.

By providing a two-component Venturi assembly, the aerosol generation can be improved. Within the two-component Venturi assembly, optimized aerosol droplets can be generated. Typically, an aerosol generating article may be provided including features such as a cooling section to cool the airflow passing through the article and to generate an inhalable aerosol within the article itself. By providing the two-component Venturi assembly of the present invention, an aerosol generating article can be made more easily. For example, a cooling section may potentially be missing. The two-component Venturi assembly may be configured to reduce the temperature of the air containing the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate and flowing through the two-component Venturi assembly. The two-component Venturi assembly can be sized, in particular, to generate an aerosol having improved droplet size, or improved preferred droplet size ranges, or improved droplet size distribution.

By providing the two-piece venturi assembly in the aerosol generating device in such a way that the two-piece venturi assembly is partly in the main body and partly in the mouthpiece, it is possible to ensure that only mouthpieces with suitable specifications can be attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device. In this way, the manufacturer can ensure that only mouthpieces of the appropriate type can be attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device. As a result, it is possible to create a stable user experience and a homogeneous gas mixture in a two-component Venturi assembly.

One component, preferably an upstream component, of a two-component Venturi assembly may be part of the main body, or it may be integral with it. Preferably, the inlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly may be part of the main body, or it may be integral with it. The upstream component may include an inlet. The other component, preferably the downstream component, of the two-component venturi assembly may be part of the mouthpiece, or may be integral with it. Preferably, the outlet of the two-piece venturi may be part of the mouthpiece, or it may be integral with it. The downstream component may include an outlet portion. One or both of the main airflow passage and the narrowed airflow passage may be part of the main body or mouthpiece, or they may be integral with them. Alternatively, one or both of the main airflow passage and the narrowed airflow passage may be partially located within the main body or partially integral with it, and they may be partially located within the mouthpiece or partially integral with him. As an alternative to a two-piece Venturi assembly integral with the main body and mouthpiece, one or both of the upstream component and the downstream component of the two-piece Venturi assembly may be provided as separate elements. Preferably, the two-component Venturi assembly is a two-component Venturi element. The two-component Venturi assembly can be made as a two-component part.

One or more of the inlet part, the constricted air flow channel and the outlet part of the two-component venturi assembly may be made as plug-in parts. The inserts may be inserted into the main body and/or into the mouthpiece. The inserts of the two-component Venturi assembly can be manufactured separately from the additional elements of the aerosol generating device. The inserts of the two-component Venturi assembly can be produced in an injection molding process. The advantage of a two-component Venturi assembly containing plug-in parts can be simple and cheap to manufacture.

An advantage of the detachably attached mouthpiece configuration of the aerosol generating device is that it can be replaced. The mouthpiece can be interchangeable for different delivery profiles, different smoking sensations, and different ways to vaporize the aerosol. Different delivery profiles, different smoking sensations, and different ways of evaporating the aerosol may be referred to hereinafter as user experiences. Personalization can be beneficial to the user because the user is able to tailor the user experience to their personal preferences. The user can change the attached mouthpiece according to the desired feel of use. According to this aspect, the mouthpiece can be reusable, which makes it possible to reduce the generation of waste.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a part of a smoking article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion may include an outlet that is configured to be connected to an inlet of the micropump. The liquid storage portion may be configured to store the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be supplied to the evaporator. The liquid storage portion may be in the form of a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The cartridge may include a coating that covers the outlet of the liquid storage portion. The cover may be a removable sticker or sticker, such as a film sticker, which allows the cartridge to be protected prior to use. It is possible to manually remove said coating from the cartridge before inserting the cartridge into the main unit. Preferably, the cover is punched or pierced so that the cover opens automatically when the cartridge is inserted into the main module.

The cartridge may be a disposable article to be replaced with a new cartridge after the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is emptied or its contents fall below a minimum volume threshold. Preferably, the cartridge is preloaded with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be refillable.

The cartridge and its components may be made from thermoplastic polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder. The device is preferably a portable or hand-held device that can be comfortably held between the fingers of one hand. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device.

The aerosol generating device may include a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

The circuitry may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may contain additional electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to control the power supply to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the system, or it may be supplied intermittently, such as from puff to puff. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of electrical current pulses. The circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element and preferably control the power supply to the heating element in response to the electrical resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol generating device may include a power source, typically a battery, within the main body of the aerosol generating device. In one aspect, the power supply is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium battery such as a lithium cobalt, lithium iron phosphate, lithium titanium, or lithium polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that provides sufficient energy storage for one or more sessions of use; for example, the power supply may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a period in multiples of six minutes. In yet another example, the power supply may be of sufficient capacity to provide a given number of puffs or individual heating element activations.

The heating chamber may be configured to accommodate one or more aerosol generating articles. An aerosol-forming substrate may be placed in the heating chamber. The aerosol generating substrate may be placed in the aerosol generating device. The heating chamber may surround the heating element. The heating chamber may be a cavity. The placed aerosol-forming substrate can be heated. The placed aerosol-forming substrate can be heated to an elevated temperature. This temperature may be the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and at which the aerosol-forming substrate does not ignite. The two-component Venturi assembly may be configured to be coupled downstream to the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may include an internal heating element, preferably a heating pin or blade, disposed in the heating chamber and configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber.

The heating element may be an internal heating element, where "internal" refers to the aerosol-forming substrate. The inner heating element may be of any suitable shape. The internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or pins or rods that extend through the center of the aerosol-generating substrate and are preferably positioned to at least partially penetrate the interior of the aerosol-generating substrate. The inner heating element may be in the form of a heating blade.

The internal heater may be in the form of a casing or substrate having various electrically conductive portions, or in the form of an electrically resistive metal tube. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire, or a heating plate. If necessary, the internal heating element can be applied internally or externally to the solid support material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be made using a metal having a specific relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed into a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then overlaid with another insulating material, such as glass. Heaters made in this way can be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

The heating element may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an inductor and a current collector (susceptor). The inductor may be located at least partially around the heating chamber.

In general, a current collector (susceptor) is a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. When a current collector (susceptor) is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are usually induced in it and hysteresis losses occur, which leads to heating of the current collector (susceptor). Alternating electromagnetic fields generated by one or more inductors, such as the inductors of an induction heating device, heat a current collector (susceptor), which then transfers heat to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate, and thus an aerosol is formed. Heat transfer can occur mainly by conduction. Such heat transfer can best occur if the current collector (susceptor) is in intimate thermal contact with the tobacco material and the aerosol generating agent in the aerosol generating substrate.

The current collector (susceptor) may be in the form of a blade or pin for penetrating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, preferably at the center of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably at the center of the substrate portion of the aerosol-generating substrate. The current collector may not be directly connected to the inductor.

The current collector may be made of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The preferred current collector may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron or ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. A suitable current collector may be made of or comprise aluminum. Preferred current collectors can be heated to temperatures in excess of 250°C.

Preferred pantographs may be metal pantographs, such as stainless steel pantographs. However, current collector materials may also contain graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminium, niobium, inconel alloys (superalloys based on austenitic nickel-chromium), metallized films, ceramics such as zirconium dioxide, transition metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or metalloid components such as, for example, boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, or they can be made from them.

Preferably, the current collector material is a metallic current collector material.

The heating element may be in the form of a mesh heater or a coil-wick heater located downstream of the liquid storage portion. This aspect is particularly preferred if the aerosol-forming substrate is provided in the form of a liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion.

The heating element may be located downstream of the liquid storage part, preferably at the opening of the liquid storage part. The opening of the liquid storage part may be provided at the downstream end of the liquid storage part. The heating element may extend across the opening of the liquid storage portion. The heating element may be at least the same shape and size as the opening of the liquid storage portion. The heating element can completely cover the opening of the liquid storage part. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate, which is in the liquid storage part, can be vaporized using a heating element. The vaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate may exit through the heating element. The vaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate may exit through the heating element into the interior of the two-component venturi assembly, preferably into the inlet portion of the two-component venturi assembly. By positioning the heating element downstream of the liquid storage part, it is possible to generate an aerosol adjacent to, preferably close to, the liquid storage part.

The heating element may be a mesh heater, a coil heater, a coil and wick heater, or a metal plate heater. The heater may be, for example, a resistance heater that receives electrical power and converts at least a portion of the received electrical power into thermal energy. The heating element may comprise only one heating element or a plurality of heating elements. The temperature of the heating element or elements is preferably controlled by an electrical circuit. The electrically resistive heating element and the induction heating element may be battery-powered heating elements.

The electrically resistive heating element may be a heating element that contains an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials may include, without limitation: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys of metals and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese, gold and iron alloys as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal® and iron-manganese-aluminum superalloys. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated in or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the desired external physicochemical properties.

The electrically resistive heating element may be made using a metal having a certain relationship between temperature and resistivity. The metal can be formed into a track on a suitable insulating material such as a ceramic material and then covered with another insulating material such as glass. Heaters made in this way can be used both for heating and for monitoring the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

The two-component Venturi assembly is made in the form of a two-component Venturi assembly. One component of the two-piece Venturi assembly may be provided separately from the main body, however, it may be configured to be connected to the main body. One component of the two-piece venturi, preferably the inlet of the two-piece venturi, may be integral with the main body. One component of the two-component Venturi assembly, preferably the outlet of the two-component Venturi assembly, may be in the form of a mouthpiece for the aerosol generating device. One component of the two-component Venturi assembly may be in the form of a separate mouthpiece configured to be connected to the main body.

The aerosol generating device may include a connecting part. The connecting part may comprise a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part may be part of the main body. The second connecting part may be part of the mouthpiece. The main body may include a first connecting part for connection with the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include a second connecting part for connection with the main body.

The connection part may be a positive connection connection part. The connection part for the form-fitting connection can be a plug-in connection part. The connection part for positive connection may be a mechanical connection part.

The plug-in connection part may be a protrusion-recess type connection part. The lip-to-bottom fitting may include a male fitting and a female fitting. The female connecting part may be a socket. The male connecting part may be a plug. The second fitting may be a male fitting and the first fitting may be a female fitting or vice versa.

The mechanical connection part may comprise an O-ring connection part, or a swivel fitting part, or a snap fitting part. The swivel fitting may be a bayonet attachment or a screw fitting. The screw connection part may be a threaded connection. The threaded connection part may comprise threaded connection parts, i. e. a male threaded component and a female threaded component. When using a screw fitting, the mouthpiece may comprise an internal thread, preferably a female thread, and the main body may comprise an external thread, preferably a male thread, or vice versa.

The connecting part may be a friction-locked connecting part. The connecting part may be a magnetic connecting part.

The connecting part may be a combination of at least two of any of the above connecting parts. For example, the mouthpiece may be connected to the main body via a plug-in connection part and further via a screw connection part, preferably a combination of lip-socket connection parts and threaded connection parts.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a sealing element. The aerosol generating device may comprise more than one sealing element. The sealing member is capable of promoting a tight connection between the main body and the mouthpiece. The sealing element may be located in the connecting part. The sealing element may be located in a recess or groove. The connecting part may comprise a recess or a groove. The sealing element can be made in the form of a sealing ring. The o-ring connecting part may comprise an o-ring as a sealing member. The sealing ring may be located on the female connecting part. The sealing ring may be located on the male connection part. The o-ring coupling may comprise more than one of the sealing elements described herein. The sealing element may be a rubber-mounted seal. More than one sealing members may be provided.

The mouthpiece may be removably attachable to the main body. The mouthpiece can be replaced with a new/different mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be made with different characteristics, as described below. The mouthpiece may be provided with an optically or tactilely distinguishable coating. The optically distinguishable coating may be colored, preferably single-colored, more preferably multi-colored. One or more embossings may be provided in the tactilely distinguishable cover. The tactilely distinguishable coating may be provided with one or more impressions. The mouthpiece cover can be made with optically and tactilely distinguishable elements. For example, the mouthpiece cover may be a single color with one or more embossings. Mouthpiece customization may be available to the user by changing the attached mouthpiece according to the desired cover design.

A releasably attachable mouthpiece may be provided with a marker located on the outer side of the mouthpiece. The marker may be an optical marker or a tactile marker. The marker may be a boundary line, preferably having a color. Alternatively or additionally, the marker may contain a surface structure to identify the marker. The marker provides the ability to assist the user in attaching the mouthpiece in the correct direction. The marker provides the ability to indicate the correct attachment of the mouthpiece. For example, a removable two-component venturi assembly may be provided with a marker preferably located on the outside of the mouthpiece, more preferably on the outside adjacent to the mouthpiece connector.

The two-component Venturi assembly is designed to use the Venturi effect. In other words, the two-component Venturi assembly is shaped such that when fluid flows through the two-component Venturi assembly, a Venturi effect occurs. The two-component venturi assembly may be configured to use or provide a venturi effect, as described below. The two-component Venturi assembly may include an air flow channel located along the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. The air flow path may be a central air flow path.

The air flow channel may be located along the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. The longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. In other words, the air flow path of the two-component venturi assembly can be aligned with the aerosol generating device such that air can be drawn through the aerosol generating device into the air flow path of the two-component venturi assembly for subsequent inhalation by the user.

The Venturi effect is a reduction in fluid pressure as fluid flows through a constricted air flow passage. The structural elements of the two-component Venturi assembly of the present invention will be described in more detail below. The fluid flowing through the two-component Venturi assembly may be one or more of air, air containing or entrained with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol. Further, for simplicity, if the term "air" is used, this term may encompass air, air containing or entraining a vaporized aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol, or any mixture thereof. Preferably, air containing the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate flows through the constricted air passage of the two-component Venturi assembly. After exiting the constricted air passage of the two-component Venturi assembly, the air can expand and accelerate and thereby cool. Cooling the air can lead to the formation of droplets and hence the generation of aerosol.

The two-component Venturi assembly may be located downstream of the aerosol generating article containing the solid aerosol generating substrate and may be adjacent to the aerosol generating article. Alternatively, a two-component venturi assembly may be located downstream immediately after the cartridge storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and may be adjacent to the cartridge.

In the context of this document, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components of a two-component venturi assembly and an aerosol-generating article or cartridge according to the present invention with respect to the direction of drawing air through a two-component venturi assembly and an aerosol-generating article, or cartridge while in use. The term "downstream" can be understood as "located closer to the mouth end than to the far end". The term "upstream" can be understood as "located closer to the distal end than to the mouth end".

The two-piece venturi assembly may include a main air flow path that may extend through an inlet portion, a narrowed air flow path, and an outlet portion. The main air flow channel may also be referred to as an air flow channel.

The inlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly may be made narrower towards the constricted air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly, and the outlet portion of the two-component Venturi assembly may be made with expansion from the constricted air flow channel.

The inlet may be located adjacent to the upstream end of the two-component Venturi assembly. The outlet may be located adjacent to the downstream end of the two-component venturi assembly. The inlet part may be located opposite the outlet part. The constricted air flow passage may be located between the inlet part and the outlet part. The inlet may be positioned directly adjacent to the constricted air flow path. The constricted air flow passage may be positioned directly adjacent to the outlet portion. The inlet part can be made in such a way that air enters the two-component Venturi assembly. The outlet portion may be configured to allow air to be drawn out of the two-component Venturi assembly. The inlet portion, the constricted air flow path, and the outlet portion may be fluidly connected to each other. The inlet portion, the constricted air flow path, and the outlet portion together may form the air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly. The inlet, constricted air flow path, and outlet may together allow air to flow through the two-component venturi assembly.

The term "tapered" may indicate that the inner diameter of the inlet portion may decrease in the direction of the narrowed air flow path. In other words, the inner diameter of the inlet portion may decrease from the upstream side to the downstream side. The inlet portion may have a hollow conical shape. The inlet portion may taper towards the narrowed air flow path.

The term "expanding" may indicate that the inner diameter of the outlet portion may increase towards the downstream end of the two-component venturi assembly. In other words, the inner diameter of the outlet portion may increase from the upstream side to the downstream side. The outlet portion may have a hollow conical shape. The outlet portion may taper towards the narrowed air flow path. The constricted air flow passage may have a constant diameter.

The inlet part, the constricted air flow path and the outlet part may have a circular cross section. The inlet part, the constricted air flow channel and the outlet part may have other cross sections. One or more of the inlet portion, the constricted air flow path, and the outlet portion may have a circular, oval, rectangular, or other shaped cross section. The only requirement for a two-piece venturi assembly is that the cross-sectional area of the constricted airflow passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outlet, and thus the constricted airflow passage forms a constricted airflow passage. The constricted air flow path is the smallest diameter section between the inlet and outlet.

Depending on the design configuration of the outlet part of the two-component Venturi units, various characteristics can be realized. These different characteristics may be due to the different airflow configurations of the individual two-component venturi units, preferably outlets, more preferably outlet angles or lengths of outlets, or outlet angles and lengths of outlets. These characteristics can determine the feel of use.

The angle between the longitudinal axis of the inlet part and the inner wall of the inlet part may be referred to as the inlet angle. The longitudinal axis of the inlet may be identical to the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. The inlet angle can affect the size of the droplets formed during the generation process.

The angle between the longitudinal axis of the outlet part and the inner wall of the outlet part may be referred to as the outlet angle. The longitudinal axis of the outlet may be identical to the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. The outlet angle can affect the delivery of the aerosol.

In this regard, the outlet angle can influence the direction of the aerosol flow. The direction of the aerosol exiting the two-component Venturi assembly can be influenced as desired by selecting a particular outlet angle. In addition, the exit angle can affect the exit rate of the aerosol. The term "exit rate" may refer to the flow rate of an aerosol as it exits a two-component Venturi assembly. By using one or more of the direction of the aerosol and the speed of the aerosol exiting the two-component Venturi assembly, the delivery area of the aerosol to the user's mouth can be desired to be influenced. Thus, it is possible to optimize the delivery area of the aerosol by selecting a particular outlet angle. The aerosol delivery area may be within the user's throat. It may be desirable to create a feeling of delivery closer to the oral cavity or closer to the back of the throat. This delivery feel can be affected by the release angle.

The device may comprise at least a first air inlet located adjacent or upstream of the inlet portion of the two-component Venturi assembly, said first air inlet being fluidly connected to the main air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly.

By providing a first air inlet, it is possible to improve the airflow control performance. The first air inlet is capable of allowing the creation of a homogeneous aerosol mixture. It is also possible to achieve sufficient uniformity in the range of particle sizes and temperature of the aerosol at the outlet of the mouthpiece. The first air inlet makes it possible to create a channel for air flow. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device towards the main air flow path through the first air inlet. The main air flow path provided at the location of the aerosol-forming substrate and passing through the two-component Venturi assembly can be combined with the air flow path provided by the first air inlet. The air flow channel allows sufficient homogenization of the aerosol by supplying ambient air to the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate.

The first air inlet may be located in the housing wall of the aerosol generating device, preferably in the wall upstream of the heating element. The first air inlet may be in the form of a plurality of air inlets, preferably two air inlets. One air inlet may be located opposite another air inlet. The first air inlet may extend from the wall through the aerosol generating device to the aerosol generating article, preferably to the main air flow path of the aerosol generating article or to the above main air flow path. The first air inlet may be perpendicular to the extension of the aerosol generating article and/or to the extension of the main air flow channel. The vacuum created as a result of the Venturi effect allows ambient air to be drawn in through the first air inlet into the aerosol generating device. The first air inlet allows fresh air to be supplied to the main air flow path. The air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly and the air flow path formed by the air inlet may be combined or merged.

The air inlet may be a semi-open inlet. The air inlet may comprise, for example, a semi-permeable membrane that is air-permeable in only one direction, but air- and fluid-tight in the opposite direction. The air inlet may also comprise, for example, a non-return valve. Preferably, the air inlets are capable of allowing air to pass through the inlets only when certain conditions are met, such as a minimum reduction in pressure in the aerosol generating device or in the volume of air passing through the valve or membrane. It is possible to prevent the exit of air or liquid from the aerosol generating device through the semi-open inlet.

The first air inlet may be in the form of one or more cavities, preferably holes, channels or grooves. The shape of the cavity may be round, or elongated, or oval, or pointed.

The first air inlet may be fluidly connected to the main air flow path of the two-component venturi assembly. The first air inlet allows ambient air, preferably fresh air, to be supplied to the main air flow path. The first air inlet may be provided in the main body, preferably in the main body upstream of the aerosol generating article. The Venturi effect allows ambient air to be drawn through the first air inlet into the aerosol generating device, preferably into the main body, more preferably into the main air flow path.

The main air flow path may be the air flow path of a two-component Venturi assembly. The main air flow channel may be located along the longitudinal axis of the two-component Venturi assembly. The air stream may contain one or more of air, vaporized aerosol-forming substrate, and aerosol. The air flow may be from an upstream end of the inlet portion or from an aerosol generating article, preferably from a heating chamber. The air flow can flow into and through the inlet portion, the constricted air flow path, and the outlet portion.

The device may include at least a second air inlet located adjacent to the compressed air flow channel of the two-component Venturi assembly. The second air inlet may be fluidly connected to the main air flow path.

The advantage of providing a second air inlet that is fluidly connected to the main air flow path is optimized mixing. The ambient air, preferably fresh air, which flows through the first air inlet, may be saturated with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate. This homogenized aerosol can be mixed with fresh air from the second air inlet. This additional mixing of ambient air, preferably fresh air, allows the homogenization of the aerosol to be improved to achieve the desired homogenization.

A second air inlet may be provided in the mouthpiece, preferably upstream of the outlet portion of the two-component venturi assembly. Preferably, a second air inlet is provided downstream of the inlet portion of the two-component venturi assembly.

The Venturi effect, more preferably the vacuum created by the Venturi effect, allows ambient air to be drawn through the second air inlet into the aerosol generating device, preferably into the mouthpiece, more preferably into the main airflow passage. The Venturi effect allows ambient air to be drawn in through the secondary air flow path into the main air flow path.

The second air inlet may be in fluid communication with the main air flow conduit at the location of the constricted air flow conduit, preferably at the downstream end of the constricted air flow conduit.

The secondary air flow path may be the air flow path of the second air inlet. The secondary air flow path may extend along the entire length of the second air inlet. The length of the second air inlet may extend from the second air inlet opening in the mouthpiece housing to the main air flow passage.

The mouthpiece may contain a labyrinth. The labyrinth may be provided in the outlet portion of the two-component Venturi assembly. Air flow can pass through the labyrinth. The labyrinth allows for improved mixing of air flows, preferably mixing of ambient air with the aerosol of the main air flow channel. The labyrinth provides the possibility of optimizing the temperature of the aerosol. In this regard, the labyrinth allows an increase in the length of the air flow path through the two-component Venturi assembly and, therefore, cooling the aerosol as it flows through the two-component Venturi assembly. The labyrinth allows for improved aerosol generation.

The aerosol generating device may include a third airflow inlet. A third air inlet may be provided in the main body, preferably downstream of the inlet portion of the two-component venturi assembly. The third air inlet is preferably located upstream of the constricted air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly. The third air inlet is preferably located between the inlet portion of the two-component venturi assembly and the constricted air flow path of the two-component venturi assembly. The third inlet allows the aerosol homogenization to be further improved by drawing ambient air into the main airflow path.

Each of the air inlets can be configured to close. Closing the air inlet makes it possible to prevent the creation of an air flow through the air inlet. Closing one of the air inlets can be done manually. One of the air inlets can be closed automatically.

The constricted air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly may be in the form of a Venturi nozzle.

By providing a venturi nozzle in the constricted air passage of the two-component venturi assembly, it is possible to optimize aerosol generation. The reduction in pressure in the Venturi nozzle due to the Venturi effect makes it possible to draw air from the Venturi nozzle into the outlet part in the form of an optimized aerosol created, preferably a sufficiently homogenized aerosol.

The Venturi nozzle may be partially provided in the main body and partially in the mouthpiece.

As used herein, the term "nozzle" may refer to a device, preferably a tube or tube, that controls the direction of fluid flow or modifies fluid flow. For example, the flow rate, speed, direction, mass, shape and/or pressure of the stream that exits it.

The inlet part can be made narrower towards the main air flow channel, and the outlet part can be made widening away from the main air flow channel. The inlet part may be made narrower towards the constricted air flow channel, and the outlet part may be made widening away from the narrowed air flow channel.

An inlet part may be provided in the main body. The inlet may be directed towards the constricted air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly. An outlet may be provided in the mouthpiece for optimized aerosol generation.

The main body may include the first part of the main air flow channel of the two-component Venturi assembly. The mouthpiece may comprise a second portion of the main airflow passage of the two-component Venturi assembly.

The two-piece venturi assembly can be formed after the main body is attached to the mouthpiece. The two-piece venturi assembly can be formed by attaching the first portion of the main air flow path of the two-piece venturi assembly to the second portion of the main air flow path of the two-piece venturi assembly.

The first part of the main air flow channel of the two-component Venturi assembly may include the first part of the Venturi nozzle, and the second part of the main air flow channel of the two-component Venturi assembly may comprise the second part of the Venturi nozzle. Preferably, the first part of the main air flow passage is or includes an inlet part. Preferably, the second part of the main air flow channel is or includes an outlet part.

The venturi nozzle may be formed after the main body is attached to the mouthpiece. The venturi nozzle may be formed after attaching the first part of the main air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly to the second part of the main air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly.

The first part of the Venturi nozzle may be provided in the main body, preferably at the outlet of the main body. The second part of the Venturi nozzle may be provided in the mouthpiece, preferably at the mouthpiece inlet. The outlet of the main body may have a reduced diameter compared to the inlet of the two-piece Venturi assembly in the main body. The mouthpiece inlet may have a reduced diameter compared to the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi assembly in the mouthpiece. Due to the reduced diameters, it is possible to form a venturi nozzle after attaching the main body and the mouthpiece to each other.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the two-component venturi assembly can be fully integrated into the mouthpiece. The inlet part as well as the outlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly may be located in the mouthpiece. The inlet may be located at the upstream end of the mouthpiece. The outlet may be located downstream of the inlet. The constricted air flow passage may be located between the inlet and outlet portions. By attaching the mouthpiece to the main body, the mouthpiece may be at least partially inserted into the main body. The inlet portion may be positioned so that it is first inserted into the main body when the mouthpiece is attached to the main body. After attaching the mouthpiece to the main body, the inlet of the two-piece venturi assembly can be located in the main body, but still be an integral part of the mouthpiece.

The main body may be a two-piece main body. The main body may include a first part and a second part.

The first part may include a power supply, an electrical circuit, a heating chamber, a heating element, and at least in part an aerosol generating article.

The first part may be removably attachable to the first part. The first part and the second part of the main body can be attached to each other with the fixing part. The fastening part may contain a sealing element in order to be impermeable. The fastening part may be formed by the first fastening part and the second fastening part. The first fastening part may be located in the first part of the main body. The second fastening part may be located in the second part of the mouthpiece. The fastening part may be any type of connecting part described above in relation to the connection between the main body and the mouthpiece.

The inlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly may be located in the second part of the main body. The main body may be configured such that the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol generating substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber of the main body while separating the first part and the second part of the main body. The aerosol generating article may be held between the first main body part and the second main body part. The aerosol generating article can be completely surrounded by the first main body part and the second main body part after the first and second main body parts are attached to each other.

By making the two-component main body, it is possible to use an aerosol-generating article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate with an aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol generating article may be located upstream of the two-component Venturi assembly. The aerosol generating article may be located adjacent to the inlet of the two-component venturi assembly, preferably adjacent to the distal end of the inlet of the two-component venturi assembly. The aerosol generating article may be located partly in the first part of the main body and partly in the second part of the mouthpiece. The aerosol generating article may be located in a heating chamber.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a material capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to generate an aerosol that a user can directly inhale into their lungs through their mouth. The aerosol generating article may be disposable.

The aerosol generating article may comprise a substrate portion comprising an aerosol generating substrate and a filter portion. The filter part is preferably located downstream of the substrate part. Preferably, the two-component Venturi assembly is located downstream of the filter portion. The substrate part may be located directly adjacent to the filter part. The filtering part may be located directly adjacent to the two-component Venturi assembly.

The filter portion may comprise, for example, a hollow tubular filter portion, preferably a hollow acetate tube (HAT), a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT), or a plug of tow wrapped around a central cardboard tube, all of which the designs are known in the art of filter elements used in aerosol generating articles. The filter part preferably comprises a hollow central channel.

The filter portion may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the filter portion may be made from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; corrugated paper such as corrugated heat-resistant paper or corrugated parchment paper; and polymeric materials such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the filter part is made of cellulose acetate.

The filter part may include a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the filter portion comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The filter portion preferably has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

The filter portion may have an outer diameter of from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. For example, the filter portion may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the filter portion may have an outer diameter of approximately 5.3 mm. The filter portion may have a length of from about 10 mm to about 25 mm. In some embodiments, the filter portion may be approximately 13 mm long.

The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, other cross sections may be used as an alternative. Moreover, the cross-section of the aerosol-generating article may vary along its length, for example, by changing the cross-sectional shape or dimensions of the cross-section. The aerosol generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of 30 mm to 60 mm, preferably 40 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 45 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 4 mm to 8 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 6 mm, more preferably about 5.3 mm. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 mm. In addition, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of 10 mm to 55 mm, preferably 20 mm to 55 mm. The aerosol generating article may include an outer paper wrapper.

The aerosol generating article may comprise an aerosol generating substrate portion. An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-generating substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating article. Volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may alternatively comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain both non-liquid and liquid components. As a further alternative, the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol generating agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol forming agents are, for example: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; 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. The aerosol forming agents can be polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol generating agent may be propylene glycol. The aerosol forming agent may contain both glycerin and propylene glycol.

Preferably, the amount of aerosolizing agent is from 6 percent to 20 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, more preferably, the amount of aerosolizing agent is from 8 percent to 18 percent, by weight, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, most preferably, the amount of aerosol generating agent is from 10 percent to 15 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the amount of aerosolizing agent has a target value of about 13 percent by weight, based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. The most effective amount of aerosol generating agent will also depend on the aerosol-forming substrate, whether the aerosol-forming substrate contains plant leaf blades or homogenized plant material. For example, among other factors, the type of substrate will determine the extent to which the aerosol-forming agent is able to assist in the release of substances from the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material, including homogenized tobacco, such as made by a papermaking process or a molding process. An aerosol-generating article containing a non-liquid aerosol-forming tobacco-containing substrate may be referred to as a tobacco stick. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is non-liquid.

By using natural plant material in the form of leaf blades, the advantage of being able to obtain a more natural taste and appearance of the aerosol generating product is provided. The term "leaf blade" refers to the part of the leaf blade of a plant without a stem.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate, preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate, then the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, pieces, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing one or more of: grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, homogenized tobacco leaf, preferably reconstituted tobacco, more preferably molded tobacco leaf, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel, or suspension. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, it may be patterned to provide non-uniform flavor/aroma delivery during use.

Preferably, the non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprises a cut filler. In this document, the term "cut filler" is used to refer to a mixture of chopped plant material, in particular leaf blades, processed stems and veins, homogenized plant material, for example, made into the form of a sheet using molding or papermaking processes. The cut filler may also contain other cutting products, tobacco filler, or sauce. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cut litter comprises at least 25 percent of the plant lamina, more preferably at least 50 percent of the plant lamina, even more preferably at least 75 percent of the plant lamina, most preferably at least 90 percent of the plant lamina. plant plates. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea and cloves, however, the present invention is equally applicable to other plant material capable of releasing substances under the action of heat, which can subsequently form an aerosol.

Preferably, the tobacco plant material comprises laminae of one or more of light tobacco, dark tobacco, flavored tobacco, and tobacco filler. Light tobaccos are tobaccos with usually large, light-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "light tobacco" is used for tobaccos that have been fire-cured. Examples of light tobaccos are Chinese fired tobacco, Brazilian fired tobacco, US fired tobacco such as Virginia tobacco, Indian fired tobacco, Tanzania fired tobacco or other African fired tobaccos. Light tobacco is characterized by a high ratio of sugar to nitrogen. From an organoleptic point of view, light tobacco is a type of tobacco that, after drying, is associated with a spicy and full-bodied sensation. According to the present invention, light tobaccos are tobaccos with a reducing sugar content of from about 2.5 percent to about 20 percent, based on the dry weight of the leaves, and a total ammonia content of less than about 0.12 percent, based on the dry weight of the leaves. Reducing sugars contain, for example, glucose or fructose. Total ammonia contains, for example, ammonia and ammonia salts. Dark tobaccos are tobaccos with usually large, dark-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "dark tobacco" is used for tobaccos that have been air-dried. In addition, dark tobaccos can be fermented. Also included in this category are tobaccos used primarily for chewing, sniffing, cigars and pipe mixes. Typically, these dark tobaccos are air-dried and possibly fermented. From an organoleptic point of view, dark tobacco is a type of tobacco which, after drying, is associated with the smoky feel typical of dark cigars. Dark tobacco is characterized by a low ratio of sugar to nitrogen. Examples of dark tobaccos are Burley Malawi or other African Burley varieties, dark dried Brazilian Galpao, Indonesian sun-dried or air-dried Kasturi. According to the present invention, dark tobaccos are tobaccos with a reducing sugar content of less than about 5 percent, based on the dry weight of the leaves, and a total ammonia content of not more than about 0.5 percent, based on the dry weight of the leaves. Aromatic tobaccos are tobaccos that often have small, light-colored leaves. Throughout the present description, the term "aromatic tobacco" is used in relation to other tobaccos, which are characterized by a high content of aromatic substances, such as essential oils. From an organoleptic point of view, aromatic tobacco is a type of tobacco which, after drying, is associated with a spicy and aromatic sensation. Examples of aromatic tobaccos are Greek oriental, Turkish oriental, semi-oriental, and fire-cured, American Burley tobacco such as Perique, Rustica, or Maryland. The tobacco filler is not a specific type of tobacco; it contains tobacco types that are used primarily to complement other types of tobacco used in the blend and does not impart specific characteristic aromatic properties to the final product. Examples of tobacco fillers are stems, midribs or stems of other types of tobacco. A specific example is fire-cured stems from the lower petioles of Brazilian fire-cured tobacco.

The cut filler suitable for use in the present invention can generally be similar to the cut filler used for conventional smoking articles. The cutting width of the cut filler is preferably 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, more preferably the cut width of the cut filler is 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, and most preferably the cut width of the cut filler is 0.6 mm to 0 .9 mm. The width of the cut can play a role in the distribution of heat within the substrate portion of the product. In addition, the width of the cut can play a role in the drag resistance of the product. In addition, the cutting width can affect the overall density of the substrate portion.

The length of the threads of the cut filler is to some extent a random variable, since the length of the threads will depend on the overall size of the object from which the thread is cut. However, by conditioning the material prior to cutting, for example by controlling the moisture content and overall fineness of the material, longer strands can be cut. Preferably, the filaments are from about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters long before the filaments are formed into a substrate section. Obviously, if the threads are located in the substrate section in the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal extent of the section is less than 40 millimeters, then the finished substrate section may contain threads that will be shorter on average than the original length of the thread. Preferably, the length of the filaments of the cut filler is such that about 20 percent to 60 percent of the filaments extend along the entire length of the substrate portion. This prevents the filaments from easily separating from the substrate section.

The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may have a length of from 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably from about 25 mm to 35 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may have a length of approximately 32 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may have an outside diameter of from about 4 mm to about 8 mm. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate portion of an aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate portion may have an outer diameter of approximately 5.3 mm.

In the context of this document, the term "non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The substrate may be non-liquid. The substrate may be provided in the form of a gel. The substrate may be viscous. The substrate may be provided as a viscous gel. Volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may conveniently be part of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents. If the aerosol-forming substrate is provided in liquid form, then in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, certain physical properties, such as vapor pressure or viscosity of the substrate, are chosen to be suitable for use in the aerosol-generating system. The liquid preferably contains a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the liquid when heated. The liquid may contain water, ethanol or other solvents, plant extracts, nicotine solutions, and natural or artificial flavors. Preferably, the liquid further comprises an aerosol generating agent. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerin and propylene glycol. The concentration of nicotine in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 0.5% to about 10%, such as about 2%.

If the aerosol-generating substrate is provided in liquid form, then the liquid aerosol-generating substrate may be enclosed in the liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating article may be in the form of a cartridge. The liquid storage portion is configured to store the liquid aerosol-generating substrate to be supplied to the heating element of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge itself may comprise a heating element for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, the aerosol generating device may not include a heating element, but only supply electrical power to the heating element of the cartridge when the cartridge is received by the aerosol generating device. The liquid storage portion may include connectors, such as self-healing pierceable membranes, to facilitate delivery of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heating element. The membranes prevent unwanted leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. A suitable needle-shaped hollow tube may be provided for piercing the membrane. Part for storing liquid can be made in the form of a replaceable container or container.

The main body may include a liquid storage portion configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

It may be preferable to make a one-piece main body to include a liquid storage part in an aerosol generating device. The provision of a liquid storage portion in the aerosol generating device makes it possible to prevent waste generation. The liquid storage portion described above can be refilled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate cannot be replaced by a new substrate, as would be the case for a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The main body may be a one-piece main body if the aerosol-generating article contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

The liquid storage part is configured to be connected to at least one of the pumping device and the evaporator, preferably the heating element, by means of a corresponding connector hermetically sealed from the surrounding atmosphere. Preferably, said connectors are self-healing pierceable membranes. The membranes prevent unwanted leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. Part for storing liquid can be made in the form of a replaceable container or container. In order to connect the replaceable liquid storage part to the pumping device and/or the evaporator, the respective membrane may be pierced through with a suitable needle-shaped hollow tube. By connecting the pumping device and/or the evaporator to the liquid storage part, the membranes prevent unwanted leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, as well as air leakage from the liquid storage part and its penetration into it.

The present invention may further relate to a set of mouthpieces for use in an aerosol generating device. Each mouthpiece can be made with different characteristics from others.

The mouthpiece of the set of mouthpieces may be in the form of a detachable mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of the set of mouthpieces may be removably attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device. Various characteristics may be realized depending on the design configuration of the inlet and/or outlet of the two-component Venturi assembly. Each of the mouthpieces of the specified set of mouthpieces can be made as described above.

The term "characteristics" may refer to the physical properties in the two-component Venturi assembly, preferably in the inlet and/or outlet of the two-component Venturi assembly, and/or the mechanical properties of the two-component Venturi assembly, preferably the inlet and/or outlet of the two-component Venturi assembly. Physical properties can be velocity or pressure. Different velocities or pressures, preferably pressure changes, can contribute to different aerosol flow rates and different spatial extents of the path it travels. The mechanical properties may depend on the dimensions, material and/or design of the two-component venturi assembly. Different sizes of the two-component Venturi assembly can be provided by different inlet and/or outlet lengths, preferably by different outlet angles. The different characteristics may be due to the different configurations of the airflow passages of the individual parts of the two-piece venturi assembly, preferably the inlet and/or outlet, more preferably the outlet corners. Different materials for the inlet and/or outlet of a two-piece venturi may have different coefficients of friction. Different coefficients of friction can help provide different aerosol flow rates. Another design of the two-piece venturi assembly may be a propeller or thread within the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi assembly.

The different characteristics of the two-component Venturi assembly provide the ability to promote different modes of aerosol generation. These characteristics can determine the feel of use.

The present invention may further relate to a system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate as described herein.

The features described in relation to one aspect can be equally applied to other aspects of the invention.

The present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in FIG. 1a and 1b show an aerosol generating device in which the main body and the mouthpiece each comprise parts of a two-component venturi assembly;

in FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the aerosol generating device comprises a two-piece main body and three air inlets;

in FIG. 3a, 3c and 3b show an embodiment in which the heating element of the aerosol generating device is in the form of an induction heating element; And

in FIG. 4a and 4b show an embodiment of an aerosol generating device in which the aerosol generating substrate is provided in liquid form in a liquid storage portion downstream of which a mesh heater is provided;

On FIG. 5a, 5b and 5c show an embodiment in which the heating element is a mesh heater and the main body is a one-piece main body.

On FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10. The aerosol generating device 10 includes a main body 12 and a mouthpiece 14. The main body 12 includes a charging port 42, a power source 44, an electrical circuit 48, a heating element, preferably a grid heater 58, and a liquid storage portion 60, designed to hold the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece 14 is removably attachable to the main body 12 by means of a connecting part. The connecting part in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1a is a mechanical connection, preferably an O-ring connection 16. Near the grid heater 58 in FIG. 1 shows a two-component Venturi assembly. The two-component Venturi assembly in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a two-component element. The two-piece venturi assembly comprises an inlet 22, a constricted airflow passage 20 located in the main body 12, and an outlet 24 located in the mouthpiece 14. The constricted airflow passage 20 may be the smallest diameter portion of the main airflow passage . The inlet portion 22 of the two-component venturi assembly in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a part in which the diameter of the air flow path decreases from the mesh heater 58 to the constricted air flow path 20 of the two-component Venturi assembly. The constricted air flow passage 20 defines a constricted air flow passage for air to flow through the two-component venturi assembly. The outlet portion 24 expands from the constricted airflow passage 20 towards the downstream end of the two-component venturi assembly. Due to the narrowed air flow passage in the narrowed air flow path 20 compared to the inlet portion 22 and outlet portion 24 of the two-component Venturi assembly, the two-component Venturi assembly creates a Venturi effect. The venturi effect results in a decrease in pressure and an increase in velocity in the constricted air flow path 20 of the two-component venturi assembly and expansion of the air at the outlet to optimize aerosol generation.

On FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the two-piece venturi assembly is completely integrated into the mouthpiece 14. In this embodiment, the inlet 22, the constricted airflow channel 20, and the outlet 24 are integrally located in the mouthpiece 14. The mouthpiece 14 may be partially inserted into the main body 12. When the mouthpiece 14 is inserted into the main body 12, the inlet portion 22 is located adjacent to the mesh heater 58. Downstream of the inlet portion 22 is a constricted air flow passage 20. O-ring 16 can be installed to prevent leakage. However, in this embodiment, the O-ring 16 is optional. Downstream of the constricted compressed flow passage 20 is an outlet portion 24. The diameter of the constricted air passage 20 is reduced compared to the diameter of the inlet portion 22 and outlet portion 24.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 10 comprises a two-component venturi assembly. The main body 12 is designed as a two-piece main body. The main body 12 includes a first part 12a and a second part 12b. The first part 12a is adapted to be attached to the second part 12b. In the heating chamber 62 of the first part 12a of the main body, an aerosol-generating article 18 containing an aerosol-generating substrate can be inserted. The aerosol generating article can be held between the first part 12a and the second part 12b of the main body 12 after the first part 12a is attached to the second part 12b of the main body 12. The first part 12a includes a charging port 42, a power source 44, an electrical circuit 48, and a heating element. The heating element is in the form of an internal heating element, preferably a heating pin 50. The heating pin 50 extends through the center of the aerosol generating article 18, preferably through the substrate portion 36 of the aerosol generating article 18 containing the aerosol generating substrate. The second part 12b contains the inlet part 22 of the two-component Venturi assembly. The second part 12b further comprises the first part 20a of the constricted airflow passage 20 of the two-component Venturi assembly. A portion of the heating pin 50 and a portion of the aerosol generating article 18, preferably the filtering portion 38 of the aerosol generating article 18, may extend into the second portion 12b of the main body 12. The mouthpiece 14 comprises a second portion 20b of the constricted air flow path 20 and an outlet portion 24 of the two-component Venturi assembly. The mouthpiece 14 and the main body 12 can be separated as shown in FIG. 3a. On FIG. 3b, the main body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are attached to each other. The main body 12 comprises a first air inlet 26 in the first portion 12a of the main body 12, preferably upstream of the aerosol generating article 18. A second air inlet 30 is provided in the mouthpiece 14, preferably adjacent to the constricted air flow path 20, more preferably adjacent with the second part 20b of the narrowed channel 20 for air flow. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a third air inlet 32 located in the main body 12, preferably downstream of the inlet portion 22 of the two-component Venturi assembly. The third air inlet 32 is preferably located in the second portion 12b of the main body 12. The air inlets 26, 30 and 32 may each be a pair of two air inlets, preferably located on two opposite sides of the main body 12 or mouthpiece 14, as shown. in FIG. 3b. The first air inlet 26 is fluidly connected to the main air flow channel 28 . The main air flow path 28 is the air flow path of the two-component Venturi assembly. The second air inlet 30 is fluidly connected to the secondary air flow channel. The second air flow path is an air flow path of the second air inlet 30 . The aerosol generating article 18 in this embodiment shown in FIG. 3c comprises a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate comprising a filter portion 38, preferably a hollow acetate tube, and a substrate portion 36 containing a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The main body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are connected to each other by a connecting part. The connecting part has a first connecting part 40a on the main body 12 and a second connecting part 40b on the mouthpiece 14. The connecting part in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a is a male-female fitting. The male connecting part is the first connecting part 40a, and the female connecting part is the second connecting part 40b. On FIG. 3a shows the main body 12 separated from the mouthpiece 14. FIG. 3b shows the mouthpiece 12 attached to the mouthpiece 14.

On FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the heating element is an induction heating element comprising an inductor 52 and a current collector (susceptor) 54. The current collector (susceptor) 54 is embedded in the aerosol generating article 18, preferably in the substrate portion 36, as shown in FIG. 4c. The main body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are connected to each other by a connecting part similar to the connecting part shown in FIG. 3.

On FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the heating element is a mesh heater 58 and the main body 12 is a one-piece main body. The main body 12 in this embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b includes a liquid storage portion 60. The liquid storage portion 60 contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mesh heater 58 is located downstream of the liquid storage part 60, preferably blocking the opening of the liquid storage part 60. An opening in the liquid storage part is provided at the downstream end of the liquid storage part 60 . The mesh heater 58 extends across the opening of the liquid storage portion. The main body 12 includes an air inlet 56 located upstream of the inlet portion 22 of the two-component Venturi assembly.

Claims (19)

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: main body; a mouthpiece that is removably attachable to the main body; And two-component venturi assembly, moreover, the two-component Venturi assembly contains an inlet part, an outlet part, a main air flow channel passing between the inlet part and the outlet part, and a narrowed air flow channel located in the main air flow channel, while the inlet part is integral with the main body, and the final part is made in one piece with the mouthpiece. 2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first air inlet located adjacent to or upstream of the inlet portion, wherein the first air inlet is in fluid communication with the main air flow passage . 3. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one second air inlet located adjacent to the main air flow channel, the second air inlet being in fluid communication with the main air flow channel. 4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the second air inlet is in fluid communication with the main air flow path at the location of the narrowed air flow path. 5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the constricted air flow passage is in the form of a Venturi nozzle. 6. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet portion is narrowed towards the main air flow path and the outlet portion is widened away from the main air flow path. 7. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises a first portion of the main air flow passage and the mouthpiece comprises a second portion of the main air flow passage. 8. The aerosol generating device of claim 7, wherein the first portion of the main air flow path of the two-component venturi assembly comprises a first portion of a venturi nozzle, and the second portion of the main air flow path comprises a second portion of a venturi nozzle. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body comprises a first part and a second part, said second part being removably attached to said first part, wherein the inlet part of the two-component Venturi assembly is located in the second part of the main body, and wherein the main body is configured such that the aerosol generating article containing the aerosol generating substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber of the main body when the first part and the second part of the main body are detached. 10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, comprising an internal heating element, preferably a heating pin or a heating blade, disposed in the heating chamber and configured to penetrate the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber. 11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, comprising an inductor located at least partially around the heating chamber. 12. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the main body includes a liquid storage portion configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. 13. An aerosol generating device according to claim 12, comprising a heating element, preferably a mesh heater or a coil and wick heater, located downstream of the liquid storage portion. 14. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 10, 11 and 13, in which the heating element is in the form of an electrically resistive heating element or an induction heating element containing a susceptor material. 15. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate.

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