阅读说明：本技术 具有受保护空气入口的气溶胶生成装置 (Aerosol-generating device with protected air inlet ) 是由 R·埃米特 E·萨迪·拉托雷 于 2020-04-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种包括雾化室的气溶胶生成装置。所述雾化室被构造成接纳包含气溶胶形成基材的气溶胶生成制品。所述装置包括空气入口,环境空气能够通过所述空气入口流入所述气溶胶生成装置中。所述装置包括将所述空气入口与所述雾化室流体连接的气流路径。所述空气入口布置在所述气溶胶生成装置的凹入部分中。所述凹入部分的尺寸被设计成防止使用者的手指阻挡所述空气入口。(The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosolization chamber. The atomising chamber is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises an air inlet through which ambient air can flow into the aerosol-generating device. The device includes an airflow path fluidly connecting the air inlet with the nebulizing chamber. The air inlet is arranged in a recessed portion of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion is dimensioned to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet.)

1. An aerosol-generating device comprising:

an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate;

an air inlet through which ambient air can flow into the aerosol-generating device; and

an air flow path fluidly connecting the air inlet with the nebulizing chamber,

wherein the air inlet is arranged in a recessed portion of an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, and wherein the recessed portion is dimensioned to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet.

2. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion comprises a length of greater than 10mm, preferably greater than 15mm, preferably greater than 20mm, more preferably greater than 25 mm.

3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer surface is a curved outer surface and the recessed portion extends around at least a portion of the curved outer surface.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recessed portion comprises a base and at least one side wall, and wherein the air inlet is arranged in the base, in the side wall or in a transition portion between the base and the side wall.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein the angle between the base and the sidewall is less than 90 °, preferably less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 °.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed portion has a height of less than 20mm, preferably less than 15mm, preferably less than 10mm, preferably less than 7mm, more preferably less than 4 mm.

7. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed portion has a depth of at least 0.5mm, preferably at least 1mm, preferably at least 1.5mm, more preferably at least 2 mm.

8. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the recessed portion has an elongate shape.

9. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the recessed portion extends perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recessed portion is slit-shaped.

11. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element lining at least partially in the nebulizing chamber.

12. An aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol-generating device comprises a connector element for releasably attaching a mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating device.

13. A system, comprising:

an aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, and

a first mouthpiece element.

14. A system according to claim 13, comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

15. A system according to claim 13 or claim 14, comprising at least a second mouthpiece element, wherein the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element have one or more different characteristics.

Technical Field

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

Background

It is known to provide aerosol-generating devices for generating an inhalable vapour. Such devices may 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. Such aerosol-forming substrates may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod-like shape for inserting the aerosol-generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged within or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device typically comprises an air inlet for allowing ambient air to be drawn from the ambient environment outside the aerosol-generating device into the heating chamber. During use, the user may accidentally block the air inlet with his or her finger or hand. This may have a negative impact on aerosol generation by impairing airflow through the device.

It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device with more reliable aerosol generation. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device in which blockage of an air inlet by, for example, a user's hand or finger is substantially prevented. It is desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device to which a mouthpiece can be releasably attached, and in which blocking of an air inlet by, for example, a user's hand or finger is substantially prevented.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosolization chamber. The atomizing chamber may be a heating chamber. The atomising chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The atomising chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an air inlet through which ambient air may flow into the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an airflow path fluidly connecting the air inlet with the nebulizing chamber. The air inlet may be arranged in the recessed portion of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion may be provided in an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion may be configured to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet. The recessed portion may be dimensioned to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet. In some embodiments, the recessed portion may be shaped to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet. In some embodiments, the recessed portion may be sized and shaped to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device comprising an aerosolization chamber. The atomising chamber is configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device comprises an air inlet through which ambient air may flow into the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises an airflow path fluidly connecting the air inlet with the nebulizing chamber. The air inlet is arranged in a recessed portion of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion is provided in an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion is dimensioned to prevent a user's finger from blocking the air inlet.

By providing the air inlet in the recessed portion, the user can hold the device in any position and place his or her finger on the device in any position without the air inlet being blocked by the user's finger. The recessed portion may be configured as a recess. The recessed portion may be configured as a groove. The recessed portion may be configured as a slot. The recessed portion may be configured as a slit. The recessed portion may be configured as a valley. The recessed portion may be configured such that the air inlet is recessed radially inwardly from an outer surface of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The shape, size, or both shape and size of the recessed portion is designed to prevent the fingers of the user from blocking the air inlet. The recessed portion (in particular the air inlet) may therefore be substantially out of reach of the user. The recessed portion may have a side profile that prevents a user's fingers from penetrating the recessed portion.

As used herein, an "aerosol-generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article. The aerosol may be inhaled directly by the user, for example into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

The aerosol-generating device may be portable. The aerosol-generating device may be a handheld device. The device may be configured to be held by a user with one hand. The aerosol-generating device may be sized to be held by a user with one hand. The aerosol-generating device may be shaped to be held by a user with one hand. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to be held by a user with two fingers. The aerosol-generating device may be sized to be held by a user with two fingers. The aerosol-generating device may be shaped to be held by a user with two fingers.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The holder may be arranged to interact with the charging device. The charging device may be a pocket charger. The charging device may be a portable device. The charging device may be configured to transfer power from the power storage device of the charging device to the power storage device of the holder.

The nebulization chamber can be a cavity. The atomization chamber may have a cylindrical cross-section. The atomization chamber may have an elliptical, polygonal or rectangular cross-section. The nebulization chamber can be elongated. The nebulization chamber may extend along a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating device. The atomising chamber may be configured to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The shape of the nebulization chamber can be designed such that the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into the nebulization chamber.

An inhalable aerosol can be generated in the nebulizing chamber. To generate an inhalable aerosol, the aerosol-generating device comprises a nebulizer. The atomizer may be arranged in or at least partially surrounding the atomization chamber. An atomizer may be provided to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate to form an inhalable aerosol. The atomizer may comprise a heating element, in which case the atomizer will be indicated as heating element. In general, the atomizer may be configured as any device capable of atomizing an aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the atomizer may comprise a nebulizer or an atomizer nozzle that atomizes the aerosol-forming substrate based on the venturi effect. Thus, atomisation of the aerosol-forming substrate may be achieved by non-thermal aerosolization techniques. Mechanically vibrating vaporizers with vibrating elements, vibrating meshes, piezo-driven aerosols or surface acoustic wave aerosolization may be used. In some embodiments, the atomization chamber can be a heating chamber. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be an electrically powered heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating article may comprise a heating element.

In some embodiments, none of the device, the aerosol-forming substrate, or the aerosol-generating article comprises a heating element. Instead, the aerosol may be generated by one or more chemical reactions within the nebulization chamber.

The air inlet may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal or rectangular cross-section. The air inlet may be configured to allow ambient air to flow or be drawn into the aerosol-generating device. The air inlet is preferably provided externally of the aerosol-generating device. In this regard, the aerosol-generating device preferably comprises a housing. The air inlet may be provided in the housing. More than one air inlet may be provided. Multiple air inlets may be provided. The air inlet may comprise a one-way valve to only allow the intake of air. The air inlet may be provided at or near a distal end of the aerosol-generating device.

An airflow path may be provided between the air inlet and the nebulizing chamber. The airflow path may be arranged inside the aerosol-generating device. The gas flow path may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal or rectangular cross-section. The airflow path may be a straight airflow path. The airflow path may be a curved airflow path. The airflow path may be a serpentine airflow path. Other elements may be provided in the airflow path between the air inlet and the nebulization chamber. For example, the puff detection system may be arranged in or near the airflow path. In alternative embodiments, the puff detection system may be arranged at a different location within the aerosol-generating device. In alternative embodiments, there may not be a separate puff detection system.

In some embodiments, operation of the heating element as described in more detail below may be triggered by a puff detection system. Alternatively, it may be triggered by pressing a switch button that is held during the user's puff. The puff detection system may be provided as a sensor, which may be configured as an airflow sensor to measure airflow rate. The airflow rate is a parameter that is indicative of the amount of air that a user draws each time through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device. The onset of suction may be detected by an airflow sensor when airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. The start may also be detected when the user activates a button.

The sensor may also be configured as a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of air inside the aerosol-generating device that is drawn through the airflow path of the device by the user during inhalation. The sensor may be configured to measure a pressure difference or pressure drop between the pressure of ambient air outside the aerosol-generating device and the pressure of air drawn through the device by the user. The pressure of the air may be detected in the air inlet, the nebulizing chamber or any other channel or chamber through which air flows within the aerosol-generating device. When a user draws on the aerosol-generating device, a negative pressure or vacuum is created inside the device, wherein the negative pressure may be detected by the pressure sensor. The term "negative pressure" is understood to be relative to a pressure below ambient air pressure. In other words, when a user draws on the device, the air drawn through the device has a lower pressure than the ambient air outside the device. The start of suction may be detected by the pressure sensor if the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.

The recessed portion may have a base. In some embodiments, the recessed portion may have at least one sidewall. In some embodiments, the air inlet may be disposed in the base. In some embodiments, the air inlet may be disposed in the sidewall. In some embodiments, the air inlet may be arranged in a transition portion between the base and the sidewall.

Arranging the air inlet in the base or the side wall may have the advantage of protecting the air inlet. In this regard, if the air inlet is to be positioned directly on a flat outer side surface of the aerosol-generating device, the user may involuntarily block the air inlet during holding of the aerosol-generating device. Furthermore, air inlets that are not protected by being placed in the base or side walls of the recessed portion may become clogged or contaminated with unwanted contaminants. This is also prevented or reduced by placing the air inlet in the base or side wall of the recess. If the air inlet is arranged in a side wall of the recessed portion, the recessed portion may have a height as described herein that is greater than the width of a human finger, as the air inlet is protected from being blocked by the finger by the side wall.

The surface of the sidewall may be perpendicular to the base. Arranging the side wall perpendicular to the base may facilitate the safety protection of the air inlet arranged in the side wall. In this regard, if the air inlet is arranged in the side wall and the side wall is arranged in a vertical arrangement, a user gripping the aerosol-generating device may be prevented from blocking the air inlet by his or her fingers. The side wall may be perpendicular to an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device, for example a surface of the housing. Preferably, the side wall creates a step between an outer surface of the housing of the aerosol-generating device and the base of the recessed portion. The outer surface of the housing of the aerosol-generating device may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The base of the recessed portion may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The sidewall may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The recessed portion may have a side cross-sectional profile that prevents a user's fingers from penetrating the recessed portion. The recessed portion may have a u-shaped side cross-sectional profile. The recessed portion may have a side cross-sectional profile of a valley. With such a recess shape, the recess can be bridged by the fingers of the user without the fingers penetrating into the U-shape or the valley shape. In this way, the finger cannot completely seal the air inlet.

The side walls of the recessed portion may be arranged at the sides of the base. The sidewall may completely surround the base. The base may be recessed relative to an outer side surface of a housing of the aerosol-generating device. The sidewall may be configured as a transition between an outside surface of a housing of the aerosol-generating device and a base of the recessed portion. The concave portion may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or rectangular shape.

The angle between the base and the side wall may be less than 90 °, preferably less than 80 °, preferably less than 70 °. An angle may be measured between a surface of the base and a surface of the sidewall.

In other words, the side wall may be inclined away from the base such that the side wall is not completely perpendicular relative to the base. This prevents unwanted contaminants from accumulating between the base and the side wall. This arrangement may also optimize the cleaning of the recessed portion, as the transition between the base and the side wall may be more easily accessible using a cleaning tool such as a brush.

The single air inlet may be provided in the base, in the side wall or in a transition between the base and the side wall of the recess. In addition, the plurality of air inlets may be disposed at different locations along the base, the sidewall, and a transition between the base and the sidewall of the recessed portion. By providing a plurality of air inlets, blocking of the air inlets is prevented even more safely.

The air inlet may be provided with an elongated shape, preferably as a slit. By providing an air inlet with an elongated shape, it may be more difficult to block the air inlet.

The concave portion of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a length. The length of the recessed portion may be the longest dimension of the recessed portion. The length of the recessed portion can be measured from the most distal end of the recessed portion to the proximal end of the recessed portion. The length of the recessed portion may be measured in a tangential direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The recessed portion may have a height. The height of the recessed portion may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the length of the recessed portion. The height of the recessed portion may be measured in an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The height may be measured at an outer surface of the housing. The recessed portion may include a depth. The depth of the recessed portion may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the height of the recessed portion and perpendicular to the length of the recessed portion. The depth of the recessed portion may be measured in a direction from the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device to the innermost portion of the recessed portion, preferably to the base. The depth of the recessed portion may be measured in the radial direction. The innermost portion of the recessed portion may be radially inwardly recessed from an outer surface of the aerosol-generating device. The outer surface of the aerosol-generating device may comprise a surface that may be gripped or contacted by a user.

The length of the recessed portion may be greater than an average human finger. The length of the recessed portion may be greater than the average width of a human finger. When referring herein to the length of a human finger and the width of a human finger, it preferably refers to the typical length and width of the contact area between a human finger and an aerosol-generating device when the user holds the aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the length of the recessed portion may be greater than 10 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the recessed portion may be greater than 15 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the recessed portion may be greater than 20 mm.

Providing a recessed portion having such a length prevents a user from blocking the air inlet. With such a length, air can still flow from the surroundings into the recessed area on at least one side of the user's finger and through the air inlet.

In some embodiments, the area of the recessed portion that remains exposed on either side of the user's finger preferably should have a total surface area that is close to, more preferably equal to or greater than the surface area of the air inlet itself. This may help provide an RTD of the device within a desired range.

The height of the recessed portion may be less than the average width of the user's finger. The height of the recessed portion may be less than 20mm, preferably less than 15mm, preferably less than 10mm, preferably less than 7mm, more preferably less than 4 mm.

Providing a recessed portion having such a height prevents a user from touching the base of the recessed portion when placing a finger over the recessed portion. The height of the recessed portion may be measured from sidewall to sidewall of the recessed portion. If the sidewall is not perpendicular, the height of the recessed portion may be measured from a transition between the sidewall and the outer surface of the housing of the aerosol-generating device to an opposite transition of the recessed portion between the sidewall and the outer surface of the housing of the aerosol-generating device. The height of the recessed portion should be selected to be less than the typical width of a user's finger. Then, if a finger is placed on the recessed portion, the user will not be able to reach the base of the recessed portion.

By providing the recessed portion with such a height, it becomes possible to arrange the air inlet in the base of the recessed portion. The air inlet may be placed in the base of the recessed portion. If other air inlets are provided, these may also be placed in the base of the recess or in the side walls of the recess.

The recessed portion may have a depth of at least 0.5mm, preferably at least 1mm, preferably at least 1.5mm, more preferably at least 2 mm. Preferably, the recessed portion has a depth of at least between 1.5mm and 2.0 mm.

The depth of the recessed portion may be selected to prevent the user from accidentally blocking the air inlet with his or her finger. If the depth is chosen to be sufficiently deep, the user's fingers are prevented from reaching the base of the recessed portion. The depth of the recessed portion may be selected according to the height of the recessed portion. If the height is increased, the depth should also be increased. If the height is increased, the user may reach deeper into the recessed portion when placing a finger over the recessed portion. Thus, increasing the depth by height may help a user may not be able to reach the base of the recessed portion when placing a finger over the recessed portion.

The recessed portion may be arranged on the exterior of the aerosol-generating device. If the air inlet is provided in the base or side wall of the recessed portion, ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device by means of the air inlet.

The recessed portion may have an elongated shape. The recessed portion may extend perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The atomization chamber may be disposed adjacent the recessed portion. The recessed portion may have a curved configuration that curves around the shape of the nebulizing chamber.

In general, the outer surface of the aerosol-generating device may be a curved outer surface, and the recessed portion may extend around at least a portion of the curved outer surface. The concave portion may have a curved shape. In embodiments where the recessed portion has a curved shape or an outer shell, the length of the recessed portion referred to herein may be the tangential length of the recessed portion. In some such embodiments, the tangential length may be greater than 10mm, preferably greater than 15mm, preferably greater than 20mm, more preferably greater than 25 mm. The tangential length may be greater than 12mm to 20 mm. If the tangential length of the recessed portion is greater than the average finger width, the finger may not block the recessed portion because the finger does not readily deform around a curve.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be arranged to at least partially penetrate an interior portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be arranged to at least partially penetrate an interior portion of an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The heating element may be arranged to externally heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be arranged to externally heat an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. Where the heating element is arranged for external heating, in some embodiments, the heating element at least partially surrounds the atomization chamber. Where the heating element is arranged for external heating, in some embodiments the heating element is arranged to line at least a portion of the atomising chamber. In some embodiments, the heating element may be arranged in direct contact with the aerosol-forming substrate or an aerosol-generating article comprising the aerosol-forming substrate. This heating element may be denoted as an external heating element. Alternatively or additionally, an internal heating element may be provided.

In all aspects of the present disclosure, the heating element may comprise a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, platinum, gold, and silver. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, gold-containing alloys, iron-containing alloys, and superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timtal, and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated by or coated by the insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of the energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties.

The heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element or both, wherein "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a sleeve or substrate having different conductive portions, or a resistive metal tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating pins or rods extending through the centre of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include electrical wires or filaments, such as Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wires or heater plates. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited within or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a trace on a suitable insulating material (e.g., a ceramic material) and then sandwiched in another insulating material (e.g., glass). Heaters formed in this manner may be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

The external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, the external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (e.g., polyimide). The flexible heating foil may be shaped to conform to the periphery of the nebulizing chamber. Alternatively, the external heating element may take the form of a metal mesh, flexible printed circuit board, Molded Interconnect Device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fiber heater, or may be formed on a suitable shaped substrate using coating techniques (e.g., plasma vapor deposition). The external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a trace between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

The internal or external heating element may comprise a heat sink or reservoir comprising a material capable of absorbing and storing heat and then releasing the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate over time. The heat sink may be formed of any suitable material, such as a suitable metal or ceramic material. In one embodiment, the material has a high heat capacity (sensible heat storage material), or the material is one that is capable of absorbing and then releasing heat via a reversible process (e.g., high temperature phase change). Suitable sensible heat storage materials include silica gel, alumina, carbon, glass mat, glass fiber, minerals, metals or alloys such as aluminum, silver or lead, and cellulosic materials such as paper. Other suitable materials that release heat via a reversible phase change include paraffin, sodium acetate, naphthalene, wax, polyethylene oxide, metals, metal salts, optimum salt mixtures or alloys. The heat sink or heat reservoir may be arranged such that it directly contacts the aerosol-forming substrate and may transfer stored heat directly to the substrate. Alternatively, heat stored in a heat sink or heat reservoir may be transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate by means of a thermally conductive body (e.g. a metal tube).

The heating element advantageously heats the aerosol-forming substrate by means of conduction. The heating element may at least partially contact the substrate or a carrier on which the substrate is deposited. Alternatively, heat from the internal or external heating element may be conducted to the substrate by means of a heat conducting element.

Alternatively or in addition to the heating element being configured as a resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an inductive heating element. In this case, the heating element comprises an induction coil surrounding the susceptor element. The susceptor element may have the shape of an external or internal heater as described above. When located in the alternating electromagnetic field of the induction coil, eddy currents are generally induced and hysteresis losses occur in the susceptor element, causing heating of the susceptor element. Changing the electromagnetic field generated by one or several inductors, e.g. induction coils of an induction heating element, heats the susceptor element, which then transfers heat to the aerosol-forming substrate, such that an aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be primarily by thermal conduction. This heat transfer is optimal if the susceptor element is in close thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

The susceptor element may be formed from any material that is capable of being inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor elements may comprise or consist of ferromagnetic materials, such as ferromagnetic alloys, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptor elements may be or include aluminum. Preferably the susceptor element may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250 degrees celsius.

A preferred susceptor element is a metal susceptor element, such as stainless steel. However, the susceptor material may also include or be made from: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; inconel (Inconel alloy) (an austenitic (austenite) nickel-chromium based superalloy); a metallized film; ceramics such as zirconia; transition metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc., or metalloid components such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, etc. Preferably, the susceptor material is a metallic susceptor material.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a connector element for releasably attaching the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating device.

The connector element may be disposed downstream of the nebulization chamber. The connector element may be provided at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The connector element may have a through hole fluidly connecting the nebulizing chamber with a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol generated in the nebulization chamber can flow towards and through the connector element. The connector element may have a cylindrical shape. A sealing element, such as an O-ring, may be provided around the connector element. A plurality of sealing elements may be provided around the connector element. The sealing element may facilitate a sealed connection between the connector element and the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively or additionally, a sealing element may be provided at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device to seal the connection between the connector element and the aerosol-generating device. The connector element may be constructed as an integral part of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the connector element may be configured to releasably attach to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The connector element may be disposed directly adjacent to the proximal end of the nebulizing chamber. The connector element may be configured to be detachable from the aerosol-generating device for insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the nebulization chamber. After insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the nebulization chamber, the connector element may be attached to the aerosol-generating device, thereby securing the aerosol-generating article in the nebulization chamber.

The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably attached to the connector element. The mouthpiece may be part of an aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece is part of a system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a mouthpiece. The connector element may be provided as an integral element of the mouthpiece. Preferably, however, the connector element is provided as a separate element. Providing separate connector elements may enable a plurality of different mouthpieces to be connected with a single aerosol-generating device. The mouthpieces may each be of different dimensions so as to simulate the feel between the lips of a user of a conventional cigarette, an elongated cigarette, or an ultra-elongated cigarette. Different mouthpieces may be configured to generate different types of aerosols or different use experiences. For example, one mouthpiece may be configured to achieve a strong use experience, while another mouthpiece may be configured to produce a smooth use experience. In this regard, the aerosol may not be completely formed in the nebulization chamber of the aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is vaporised in the atomisation chamber and a mixture of the vaporised aerosol-forming substrate and ambient air drawn into the atomisation chamber through the air inlet and the airflow path is delivered towards the mouthpiece. Within the mouthpiece, one or more of cooling, pressurisation and expansion of the mixture of vapourised aerosol-forming substrate and ambient air may occur. This affects the aerosol generation. Preferably, therefore, a set of mouthpieces is provided.

By providing an air inlet on a recessed portion of the device housing rather than in or near the mouthpiece or the mouth end of the device, improved air flow management and Resistance To Draw (RTD) characteristics may be achieved.

Independently thereof, the or each mouthpiece may comprise a venturi element if a single mouthpiece or a plurality of mouthpieces is provided. A venturi element may be provided to optimize aerosol generation. The venturi element may be configured to take advantage of the venturi effect. The venturi element may be sized such that a venturi effect occurs when fluid flows through the venturi element. The venturi element may be configured to take advantage of or provide a venturi effect. The venturi element may include an airflow channel arranged along or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the venturi element. The airflow passage may be a central airflow passage. The venturi element may include an inlet portion, a central portion, and an outlet portion. In the inlet portion, the cross-section of the airflow passage may decrease toward the central portion. The cross-section of the gas flow channel may be smallest in the central portion. The cross-section of the gas flow channel may increase in the outlet portion. The inlet portion may be arranged upstream of the central portion. The outlet portion may be arranged downstream of the central portion. The venturi effect is the pressure reduction of the fluid during its flow through the constricted airflow path. The venturi element may include a constricted airflow passage, also referred to as a central portion. The fluid flowing through the venturi element may be one or more of air, an aerosol-forming substrate containing or entrained with the vaporising gas, and an aerosol. After exiting the central portion of the venturi element, the fluid may expand and accelerate, thus cooling. Cooling of the air may lead to droplet formation and thus aerosol generation.

By providing an air inlet on a recessed portion of the device housing rather than in or near the mouthpiece or the mouth end of the device, improved air flow management and Resistance To Draw (RTD) characteristics in aerosol-generating systems comprising venturi elements may be achieved.

The connector element may comprise a distal end for enabling a connection between the connector element and the aerosol-generating device. The connector element may further comprise a proximal end configured for enabling connection between the connector element and the mouthpiece.

If one or more separate mouthpieces are provided, the air inlet of the aerosol-generating device is beneficially used to draw ambient air into the aerosol-generating device. Thus, the separate mouthpiece does not have to have an air inlet in direct communication with the ambient environment outside the aerosol-generating device. Instead, the airflow channel of the mouthpiece may communicate with the nebulization chamber.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of electrical power to the heating element. The power may be supplied to the heating element continuously after activation of the aerosol-generating device, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electrical circuit may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and preferably control the supply of electrical power to the heating element in dependence on the resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require charging and may have a capacity to store sufficient energy for one or more use experiences; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of about six minutes or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of discrete activations of the suction or heating elements.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. The volatile compounds form an aerosol. The aerosol may be inhaled directly by the user, for example into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may be a smoking article. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article, or at least a portion thereof, may be disposable. Smoking articles comprising an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco may be referred to as tobacco rods.

The aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongate. 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 generally elongate. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may have a total length of between about 30mm and about 100 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 5mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a filter. The filter may be positioned at a downstream end of the aerosol-generating article. The filter may be a cellulose acetate filter. In one embodiment, the filter is about 7mm long, but may have a length of between about 5mm and about 10 mm.

As used herein, the terms "upstream", "downstream", "proximal", "distal" are used to describe the relative position of a component or portion of a component of an aerosol-generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof. The mouthpiece may be arranged at a downstream or proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The heating chamber may be arranged upstream of the mouthpiece. The air inlet may be arranged upstream of the heating chamber. The air inlet may be arranged upstream of the mouthpiece.

In some embodiments, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter of about 7.2 mm. Alternatively, the length of the aerosol-forming substrate may be about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of about 12 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a diameter of between about 5mm and about 12 mm. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an outer wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may further comprise a separator between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter. The divider may be about 18mm, but may be in the range of about 5mm to about 25 mm.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" relates to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds. Volatile compounds can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Such volatile compounds can be released by chemical reactions. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and gel components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both gel and liquid components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise solid, liquid and gel components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material.

In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former.

The aerosol former aids in the formation of an aerosol, such as a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerol and propylene glycol.

If the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of: a powder, granule, pellet, chip, strand, strip, or sheet containing one or more of herbaceous plant leaf, tobacco rib stock, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in bulk form, or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, which may be released upon heating of the substrate or upon reaction of the substrate with the reactants. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise capsules comprising, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavour compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, homogenized tobacco refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenised tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of greater than 5% by dry weight. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol former content of between 5 and 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise combining one or both of tobacco lamina and tobacco stem. In some embodiments, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may comprise one or more of the following: tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during, for example, the processing, handling and transport of tobacco. The sheet of homogenized tobacco material may comprise one or more intrinsic binders that are tobacco endogenous binders, one or more extrinsic binders that are tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof, to aid in agglomeration of the particulate tobacco; alternatively or additionally, the sheet of homogenized tobacco material may include other additives, including but not limited to tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavorants, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of a powder, granules, pellets, chips, strands, ribbons or sheets. Alternatively, the support may be a tubular support having a thin layer of solid substrate deposited on its inner surface or its outer surface or both its inner and outer surfaces. Such tubular supports may be formed, for example, from paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fibre mats, low mass open mesh metal screens or perforated metal foils or any other thermally stable polymer matrix.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. This advantageously promotes aggregation of the crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material to form the aerosol-generating substrate. However, it will be appreciated that the crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol-generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are disposed at acute or obtuse angles to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article has been assembled. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised tobacco material that is textured substantially uniformly over substantially its entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered crimped sheet of homogenised tobacco material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, a foam, a gel or a slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be deposited in a pattern so as to provide uneven flavour delivery during use.

An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, in use, facilitates 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 well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di-or triacetate; and fatty acid esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyldodecanedioate and dimethyltetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, for example, triethylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise other additives and ingredients, such as flavourants. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts and natural or artificial flavours. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% to about 10%, for example about 2%. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be represented as a cartridge.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and a first mouthpiece element as described above. In some embodiments, the system may comprise at least a second mouthpiece element as described above. As described above, the first mouthpiece element and the second mouthpiece element may differ in one or more respects. In some embodiments, the system comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, a system includes an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

The invention also relates to a set of mouthpieces as described above, configured to be releasably attached to a connector element of an aerosol-generating device as described above.

The invention also relates to a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and a set of mouthpieces as described above.

The invention may further relate to a method for providing an aerosol-generating device as described above, a mouthpiece as described above, an aerosol-generating article as described above, a set of mouthpieces as described above, a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described above and a system comprising a set of mouthpieces as described above and an aerosol-generating article as described above.

Features described in relation to one aspect may equally be applied to other aspects of the invention.

Drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating device;

figure 2 shows a side view of the aerosol-generating device of figure 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary side view of a recessed portion including an air inlet;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side view of a recessed portion with air inlets disposed in a sidewall of the recessed portion;

figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating device and an airflow passage through the aerosol-generating device;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the recessed portion and air inlet; and is

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device of figures 1 and 2.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows an aerosol-generating device having a housing 10. As depicted in fig. 5 and 7, an aerosolization chamber 12 is provided within the aerosol-generating device. Within the nebulizing chamber 12, an aerosol-generating article 14 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate may be received to generate an inhalable aerosol.

For generating the aerosol, an external heating element is provided which at least partially surrounds or lines the nebulization chamber 12. Ambient air may be drawn into the atomizing chamber 12 through the air flow passage 34 depicted in fig. 5 and 6 by way of the air inlet 16. The air inlet 16 is provided in the recessed portion 18. The recessed portion 18 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the recessed portion 18 has an elongated shape substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. A step is formed between the outer surface of the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device and the recessed portion 18 by means of the side wall 22 of the recessed portion 18. The side walls 22 and base 20 of the recess 18 are described in more detail in fig. 3 and 4 described below. This step protects the air inlet 16 from unwanted blockage of the air inlet 16 by a user's fingers when the user is holding the aerosol-generating device.

In fig. 1 and 2, in addition to the aerosol-generating device, a mouthpiece 24 is depicted. The mouthpiece 24 is provided as a separate element from the aerosol-generating device. The connection between the mouthpiece 24 and the aerosol-generating device is provided by means of a connector element 26 as depicted in figure 7. The connector element 26 may include one or more grooves 28 in which sealing elements, such as O-rings, may be disposed. The connector element 26 may be disposed proximal to the nebulizing chamber 12. The connector element 26 is removably detachable from the aerosol-generating device such that the aerosol-generating article 14 can be inserted into the nebulization chamber 12 of the aerosol-generating device, and subsequently, the connector element 26 can be connected with the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device in order to securely retain the aerosol-generating article 14 in the nebulization chamber 12 of the aerosol-generating device.

The separation of the mouthpiece 24 and the aerosol-generating device is optimised by locating the air inlet 16 in the aerosol-generating device rather than in the mouthpiece 24. By this separation, in addition to the airflow path that draws aerosol from the nebulization chamber 12 to the mouthpiece 24 and through the mouthpiece 24 into the mouth of the user, there is no need to provide an airflow path between the mouthpiece 24 and the nebulization chamber 12 of the aerosol-generating device. Thus, the configuration of the mouthpiece 24 can be simplified. At the same time, undesired blocking of the air inlet 16 is prevented by placing the air inlet 16 in the recess 18. Another advantage of the separation between the mouthpiece 24 and the aerosol-generating device is that a plurality of different mouthpieces 24 may be attached to the aerosol-generating device by means of a connecting element, so that a user may select different use experiences with the appropriate mouthpiece 24.

In fig. 3, an exemplary side view of the recessed portion 18 and the air inlet 16 is depicted. The recessed portion 18 is recessed relative to the outer surface of the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The concave portion 18 has an elongated shape of length L. The recessed portion 18 includes a base 20 and a sidewall 22. The side wall 22 is preferably oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The base 20 is preferably oriented in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device. The base 20 is preferably recessed radially inwardly compared to the outer surface of the housing 10 of the aerosol-generating device. The air inlet 16 may be disposed in a base 20 as depicted in fig. 3. Alternatively, the air inlet 16 may be arranged in the side wall 22 as depicted in fig. 4, or in the transition between the base 20 and the side wall 22. The recessed portion 18 is preferably curved. The curvature of the concave portion 18 and the length L of the concave portion 18 are configured such that air can flow into the concave portion 18 and into the air inlet 16 even if a user has placed a finger over the concave portion 18. In this case, due to the curvature and length L of the recessed portion 18, air may flow into the recess on either side of the user's finger and into the inlet 16 below the user's finger. Preferably, the recess has a maximum height H that is short enough for the finger to function as a bridge rather than filling the gap in the outer housing created by the recess.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative arrangement of the air inlet 16 in the side wall 22 rather than the base 20 as shown in fig. 3. Generally, more than one air inlet 16 may be provided. One or more air inlets 16 may be provided in the side wall 22. One or more air inlets 16 may be provided in the base 20. One or more air inlets 16 may be provided in the transition between the base 20 and the side wall 22.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating device relative to an airflow passage 34 through the aerosol-generating device. In fig. 5, the recessed portion 18 including the air inlet 16 is depicted adjacent to the atomizing chamber 12. However, the recessed portion 18 and the air inlet 16 may also be arranged upstream of the nebulizing chamber 12. The air inlet 16 is fluidly connected to the nebulizing chamber 12 by means of an air flow channel 34. In the embodiment depicted in fig. 5, the airflow channel 34 fluidly connects the air inlet 16 to a base 36 of the nebulizing chamber 12. At the base 36 of the nebulizing chamber 12, ambient air can thus enter the nebulizing chamber 12. Within the nebulization chamber 12, an aerosol-generating device 14 may be placed, which is not depicted in fig. 5. After becoming entrained with the vapourised aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol, the aerosol may flow out of the atomising chamber 12 through the outlet 38. Through the outlet 38, air comprising the vapourised aerosol-forming substrate may flow towards the mouthpiece 24 (not shown in figure 5).

Fig. 6 shows a more detailed cross-sectional view of the recessed portion 18 including the air inlet 16. Specifically, the dimensions of the recessed portion 18 are shown. In this regard, the recessed portion 18 includes a height H and a depth D. Both the height H and the depth D are measured perpendicular to the length L of the recessed portion 18 as shown in fig. 3. The height H is configured to be less than the width of the user's finger so that the user does not block the air inlet 16 when placing the finger over the recessed portion 18. The depth D may be selected such that, taking into account the height H, the finger may not deform and fill the recess to block the air inlet 16. Instead, the finger will act to bridge the gap H.

In the right part of fig. 6, a body of an aerosol-generating device is depicted, which may comprise other components of the aerosol-generating device, such as a battery 30 and an electrical circuit 32. In addition, figure 7 shows a mouthpiece 24 with a connecting portion 26 comprising a groove 28 in which a sealing element in the form of an O-ring is received. The O-ring is arranged to seal around an outer portion of the mouthpiece 24 relative to the aerosol-generating device. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 24 comprises a venturi element. Therefore, sealing the mouthpiece with respect to the device is of vital importance.