阅读说明：本技术 用于气溶胶生成制品的多通道和反向气流烟嘴 (Multi-channel and reverse airflow mouthpiece for aerosol-generating articles ) 是由 R·N·巴蒂斯塔 于 2020-04-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于气溶胶生成制品的烟嘴包括壳体,所述壳体具有配置成允许气溶胶流入烟嘴的入口端,配置成允许气溶胶流出烟嘴的出口端,以及在入口端和出口端之间延伸的气溶胶流动路径。烟嘴形成为使得气溶胶的流动方向在入口端和出口端之间反转至少一次。本发明还涉及包括气溶胶生成装置和烟嘴的气溶胶生成系统,以及用于组装烟嘴的方法。(A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article comprises a housing having an inlet end configured to allow an aerosol to flow into the mouthpiece, an outlet end configured to allow an aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece, and an aerosol flow path extending between the inlet end and the outlet end. The mouthpiece is formed such that the flow direction of the aerosol reverses at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a mouthpiece, and to a method for assembling a mouthpiece.)

1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article, the mouthpiece comprising a shell having

Configured to allow an aerosol to flow into the inlet end of the mouthpiece,

an outlet end configured to allow an aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece, an

An aerosol flow path extending between the inlet end and the outlet end,

wherein the mouthpiece is formed such that the flow direction of the aerosol reverses at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end, and

wherein the mouthpiece is formed by an outer part and an inner part, wherein the outer part forms a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of the mouthpiece, and wherein the inner part has a hollow tubular shape with side walls, one open end face and one closed end face, wherein the inner part is axially inserted into the outer part from the outlet end side in such a way that the side walls of the inner part are located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer part.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the inlet end of the holder comprises a connection portion configured to attach the holder to an aerosol-generating device.

3. A holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said aerosol flow path comprises a plurality of expansion chambers.

4. A holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said aerosol flow path comprises a plurality of coaxially arranged tubular channels.

5. A holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said holder comprises a cavity recessed from the outlet end of said holder.

6. A holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said holder comprises an annular outlet end.

7. A holder according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said holder comprises a central channel extending from said inlet end and radially diverging along the direction of aerosol flow, and wherein said holder further comprises at least two tubular channels coaxially arranged with respect to and in fluid communication with said central channel.

8. A holder according to claims 4 to 7, wherein said aerosol flow direction is reversed between each of successively arranged aerosol flow channels.

9. A holder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two main portions of said holder have corresponding interlocking structures engaging each other such that a holder having a predetermined size is obtained.

10. A holder according to claim 9, wherein said interlocking formations comprise one or more, preferably three fins provided at opposite surfaces of a main portion of said holder, and one or more, preferably three, projecting annular cavities.

11. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and a mouthpiece according to one of the preceding claims.

12. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 11, wherein the aerosol-generating device and the mouthpiece comprise corresponding connecting portions such that the mouthpiece is removably attachable to the aerosol-generating device.

13. A method for assembling a mouthpiece, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing an outer part, wherein the outer part forms a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of the mouthpiece,

(b) providing an inner part, wherein the inner part has a hollow tubular shape with side walls, one open end face and one closed end face,

(c) inserting the inner part into the outer part from the outlet end side in the axial direction such that the side wall of the inner part is located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer part.

Technical Field

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

Background

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

In all of these systems, the aerosol-forming substrate is vaporised by the heating element, whereupon an aerosol is formed. The formation of an aerosol, in particular the droplet size, total particulate matter production (TPM), aerosol temperature or homogeneity of the aerosol, depends on a number of factors, such as air cooling and air pressure downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. Aerosol formation is also dependent on environmental conditions such as temperature, air pressure or humidity. Thus, variations in the average temperature and humidity level may be relevant factors affecting the aerosol formation in an aerosol-generating system.

It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system to improve aerosol generation.

It is desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating system that allows the aerosol-generating system to achieve an optimized aerosolization independent of environmental or climatic conditions.

It is desirable to provide an adjustable mouthpiece that can be configured to affect the aerosolization characteristics during use and to meet user preferences.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece includes a housing having an inlet end configured to allow aerosol to flow into the mouthpiece, and an outlet end configured to allow aerosol to flow out of the mouthpiece. An aerosol flow path extends between the inlet end and the outlet end. The mouthpiece is formed such that the flow direction of the aerosol reverses at least once between the inlet end and the outlet end.

The mouthpiece of the present invention allows for the management of airflow from the aerosolization point of the aerosol-generating device towards the mouthpiece outlet. In this way optimal inhalation conditions can be obtained, enhancing all aspects of the generated aerosol, such as droplet size, temperature or total particulate matter production. The particular airflow management path uses multiple hydrodynamic expansion coefficients along the axial and radial airflow directions.

The mouthpiece may have any desired external shape. Advantageously, the outer shape of the mouthpiece corresponds to the outer shape of the aerosol-generating device to which the mouthpiece is to be attached. For example, the mouthpiece may have a tubular or cylindrical outer shape.

The aerosol flow path of the mouthpiece may comprise a plurality of channels. The total length of the aerosol flow path is defined by the sum of the lengths of each individual channel. The channels may be arranged such that the total length of the aerosol flow path may be greater than the axial length of the mouthpiece. Thus, by the specific arrangement of the channels, an effective extension of the airflow path is achieved relative to a conventional mouthpiece having only one substantially linear airflow channel. The extension of the airflow path enhances cooling and homogenization of the aerosol.

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

By the coaxial arrangement of the tubular channels, a regular and symmetrical airflow path through the mouthpiece is provided. Such a symmetrical design allows optimal and repeatable inhalation conditions.

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

A plurality of expansion chambers may be formed within the airflow path of the mouthpiece. These expansion chambers may be formed in the transition area between two consecutively arranged tubular channels. The expansion chamber affects the aerosol characteristics by temporarily expanding the gas flow volume and reversing the gas flow direction. In this way a homogeneous aerosol with the desired particle size can be obtained.

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

The outlet end of the mouthpiece may have any other desired form and may be formed by the outer wall of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a cavity recessed from the outlet end of the mouthpiece. The cavity may also be denoted as a volume recess. Such a volume recess may be considered as the final expansion chamber of the airflow path. Thus, the volume recess may contribute to the homogenization of the aerosol and may in particular facilitate the cooling of the aerosol. The recessed outlet may enable further enhanced aerosolization at the outlet end of the mouthpiece, and thus different consumer perception and satisfaction.

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

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

The mouthpiece may be formed from any suitable material, for example a polymeric material. Suitable materials include food and/or medical grade polymeric compounds, in particular thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPC-ET), polyoxymethylene compounds (POM), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acrylic polymers, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) or Cyclic Olefin Copolymers (COC).

The mouthpiece may be formed of at least two main parts which are axially insertable into each other. The two main portions may be formed such that when axially inserted into each other, an air flow path is performed between the two main portions.

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

The inner portion may have a hollow tubular shape with a side wall, one open end face and one closed end face. The inner part may be inserted axially into the outer part in such a way that the side wall of the inner part is located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer part. In this manner, a second channel is formed between the side wall of the inner section and the central channel. A third channel is formed between the side wall of the inner part and the outer wall of the outer part. Thus, when the two parts are assembled together, an airflow channel is formed from the inlet end through the central channel and further through the second and third channels towards the outlet end of the mouthpiece. The two-part construction facilitates the manufacture of a mouthpiece with a labyrinth-like course of airflow paths.

The two-part construction allows for the manufacture of the individual parts by a conventional and well-known blow molding process. Such a process may be easier to operate than other potential manufacturing techniques required to manufacture a mouthpiece according to the present invention as an integral part.

The outer part may comprise the inlet end of the mouthpiece.

The inner part can be inserted axially into the outer part from the outlet end side. This allows the inner portion to be inserted into and retracted from the outer portion in a state in which the outer portion is attached to the aerosol-generating article. The inner portion may be inserted into and retracted from the outer portion without requiring the outer portion to be detached from the aerosol-generating article. This enables easy replacement of the inner part of the mouthpiece. This makes the operation easy for the user.

The two main parts of the mouthpiece may have respective interlocking structures which, when assembled, engage with each other such that a mouthpiece of a predetermined size may be obtained. Furthermore, the interlocking structure helps to maintain the mouthpiece in the assembled configuration. In particular, an interlocking structure is formed to prevent inadvertent removal of the mouthpiece during use.

The interlocking structure may comprise one or more fins and one or more protruding annular cavities provided at opposing surfaces of the main portion of the mouthpiece. When assembled, each of the one or more fins provided on the surface of one part engages with a corresponding protruding annulus provided on the surface of the other part of the mouthpiece. The fins may be provided at the outer surface of the side wall of the inner part and the protruding annulus may be provided at the inner surface of the outer wall of the outer part.

The interlocking structures may be evenly distributed over the circumference of the two parts so that the two parts are securely held in a coaxially aligned position after assembly. To this end, the interlocking structures may be provided as one or more sets of interlocking structures. Each set may consist of three or more interlocking structures arranged at the same axial position and evenly distributed over the circumference of the two main parts of the mouthpiece. By providing two sets of interlocking structures, wherein each of said sets comprises at least three interlocking structures, the two main parts can be reliably held in a predetermined orientation relative to each other.

By arranging the interlocking structures in the form of corresponding fins and protruding ring cavities, a two-part mouthpiece can be manufactured simply and reliably. The connection between the interlocking structures may be configured such that unintentional disassembly of the mouthpiece is prevented, while the intended disassembly may be facilitated by controlled pulling apart of the two parts.

The interlocking structures may include additional sets of interlocking structures such that the two main portions may be assembled in two or more different axial positions relative to each other. For example, the outer portion may include three sets of projecting annular cavities that mate with two sets of fins disposed at the inner portion. The inner part may be inserted into the outer part in such a way that the two sets of fins of the inner part engage with the first and second sets of protruding ring cavities of the outer part, so that a mouthpiece with a first configuration is obtained. Alternatively, the inner part may be inserted such that the two sets of fins of the inner part engage with the second and third sets of protruding into the annular cavity of the outer part, such that a mouthpiece having a second configuration is obtained. The dimensions of the airflow channels formed within the mouthpiece in the first and second configurations are different from one another. Thus, a mouthpiece with adjustable characteristics in terms of airflow management and overall aerosolization performance is obtained.

In the above example, the inner part may be arranged at two predetermined axial positions relative to the outer part of the mouthpiece. By providing additional sets of interlocking structures, additional predetermined axial positions of the inner portion relative to the outer portion may be established. In this way the versatility of the respective mouthpiece can be further increased.

The size of the volume recess formed at the outlet end of the mouthpiece may vary depending on the depth to which the inner part is inserted into the outer part. This volume recess acts as a final expansion chamber before the consumer inhales the aerosol. It does therefore contribute to the overall homogenization and cooling characteristics of the mouthpiece. If the inner part is inserted into the outer part only to a small extent, a smaller volume recess is formed. If the inner part is inserted to a greater extent into the outer part, a larger volume recess is formed.

The interlocking structures may comprise additional sets of interlocking structures such that the two main parts may be assembled in two or more different axial positions relative to each other and the inner part may be inserted axially into the outer part from the outlet end side. This allows for repositioning the inner portion of the mouthpiece between two or more axial positions in an assembled state in which the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol-generating article. This enables easy repositioning of the inner part of the mouthpiece. This makes the operation easy for the user.

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

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

The friction-fit connection can be established by correspondingly shaped coupling elements which can be inserted into one another and are held in the connecting position by friction between the coupling elements.

A form-fitting connection may be obtained by providing the coupling element with a threaded portion forming a threaded joint. Such coupling elements may comprise 90 ° male/female fittings, which are quickly and reliably attached to each other by 90 ° rotation of the coupling elements. Of course, coupling elements comprising higher rotation angles may also be used. The male/female threaded coupling enables a reliable and leak-free connection and allows for securing the mouthpiece seal to the aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article.

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

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising a mouthpiece and an aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article as described above. The mouthpiece and the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article have corresponding connection portions to removably attach the mouthpiece to the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article may be any currently available aerosol-generating device or aerosol-generating article, including but not limited to a heated non-combustible product (HNB) or a vaporization system, in which a liquid substrate is aerosolized.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a mouthpiece is provided. The method comprises providing an outer portion, wherein the outer portion forms a central inner channel and a tubular outer wall of the mouthpiece. The method also includes providing an inner portion, wherein the inner portion has a hollow tubular shape with a sidewall, one open end face, and one closed end face. The mouthpiece is obtained by inserting the inner part in the outer part in the axial direction such that the side wall of the inner part is located between the central channel and the outer wall of the outer part.

The inner and outer portions used in the method for forming the mouthpiece may correspond to the inner and other portions described above. In particular, these portions may be provided with interlocking structures such that upon assembly thereof a mouthpiece having a predetermined size and a predetermined airflow path is obtained.

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 mouthpiece according to the invention;

figure 2 shows a two-part mouthpiece according to the invention;

figure 3 shows a 3D view and plan view of the outlet end of the mouthpiece of figure 1;

figure 4 shows a modification of the mouthpiece of figure 2;

figure 5 shows the dimensions of the mouthpiece of figure 2;

figure 6 shows an aerosol-generating device with the mouthpiece of figure 1.

Detailed Description

A mouthpiece 10 according to the present invention is depicted in figure 1. The mouthpiece is tubular and defines an airflow path 20 between the inlet end 12 and the outlet end 14. In figure 1, the inlet end 12 is disposed on the left hand side of the mouthpiece 10 and is provided with a connection portion 16 for connecting the mouthpiece 10 to an aerosol-generating device. The outlet end 14 is disposed at an opposite end of the mouthpiece 10 and is configured to be placed in the mouth by a user for inhalation.

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

The mouthpiece 10 comprises a central channel extending from an inlet end 12 and towards an outlet end 14 of the mouthpiece. The central passage 22 diverges radially in the direction of aerosol flow. In other words, the diameter of the central passage 22 increases in the direction of aerosol flow. At the end of the central channel 22, the flow direction of the aerosol is reversed and the aerosol is further directed through a coaxially arranged intermediate tubular channel 23 towards the inlet end 12 of the mouthpiece 10. At the end of the intermediate channel 23, the flow direction of the aerosol is again reversed and the aerosol is directed through the coaxially arranged outer tubular channel 23 towards the outlet end 14 of the mouthpiece 10. The aerosol is ultimately discharged through the outlet end 14 for inhalation by the consumer.

With the design of the present invention, the length of the airflow path 20 through the mouthpiece 10 is effectively extended so that there is additional time to dissipate the heat energy. In addition, expansion chambers 25, 26 are formed at the reversal points between the successive passages 22, 23, 24. These expansion chambers 25, 26 contribute to the cooling and homogenization of the aerosol. The recess 27 at the outlet end of the mouthpiece 10 also acts as an expansion chamber to aid in aerosol cooling and homogenization. The recess 27 may be defined by a portion of the inner wall of the mouthpiece 10 at the outlet end and an end face 46 disposed more rearwardly than the aperture at the outlet end. The expansion chamber may be defined by a portion of the inner wall of the mouthpiece 10 at the outlet end, the end face 46 and the aperture at the outlet end.

The labyrinth-like airflow path 20 of the mouthpiece 10 is suitably obtained by manufacturing the mouthpiece 10 from two parts as shown in figure 2A. The first or outer portion 30 of the mouthpiece 10 is depicted on the left hand side of figure 2a and defines an inlet 32, a connecting portion 34, the central passage 22 and a tubular outer wall 36 of the mouthpiece 10. The inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 is generally U-shaped. It has a hollow tubular shape with a side wall 42, one open end face 44 and one closed end face 46. The inner part 40 is formed such that it can be inserted axially with its open end 44 into the outer part 30 of the mouthpiece 10. When fully assembled, the side wall 42 of the inner portion 40 is located between the central passage 22 and the outer wall 36 of the outer portion 30.

The two main portions 30, 40 of the mouthpiece 10 have respective interlocking structures 50 which engage with each other when the mouthpiece 10 is fully assembled. The interlocking structures 50 are formed such that they hold the mouthpiece 10 in the fully assembled configuration during the user experience. The interlocking structure 50 also ensures that a mouthpiece 10 having a predetermined size is obtained.

In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the inner portion 40 of the mouthpiece 10 comprises protruding fins 52 provided at the outer circumference of the side wall 42 of the inner portion 40. The outer portion 30 includes a corresponding protruding annulus 54 provided to the inner surface 38 of the outer wall 36 of the outer portion 30. In the fully assembled state, the projecting fins 52 of the inner portion 40 engage the projecting annular cavity 54 of the other portion 30, as shown in fig. 2B. The inner and outer portions 40, 30 of the mouthpiece 10 each respectively comprise two sets of fins 52A, 52B and projecting annuli 54A, 54B axially spaced from one another. Each set of fins 52A, 52B consists of three or more fins 52 equally distributed over the circumference of the side wall 36 of the inner part 30. Accordingly, each set of projecting annuli 54A, 54B consists of three or more projecting annuli 54 equally spaced on the inner surface 38 of the outer wall 36 of the outer portion 30.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view and a side view of a mouthpiece 10 according to the present invention. In the perspective view of figure 3A, the tubular overall shape of the mouthpiece 10 and the spherical shape of the closed end face 46 of the inner portion 40 can be seen. The side view of fig. 3B shows the circumferential distribution of a set of interlocking structures 50 made up of three elements that are equally spaced.

Figure 4 relates to a modification of the mouthpiece of figure 3 in which the outer part 30 of the mouthpiece 10 comprises three sets of projecting annuli 54. The mouthpiece 10 may be assembled according to figure 4A with the two sets of fins 52A, 52B engaged with the first and second sets of projecting annuli 54A, 54B and the inner portion 40 inserted as far as possible into the outer portion 30. Alternatively, two sets of fins 52A, 52B may also engage with second and third sets of projecting annuli 54B, 54C, as shown in FIG. 4B. In the latter configuration, the inner portion 40 is inserted to a lesser extent into the outer portion 30, with the result that the expansion chambers 25, 26 within the mouthpiece 10 are enlarged. Depending on the modification selected, the mouthpiece 10 exhibits different air management characteristics and produces different aerosolization results. The user may select the appropriate modification based on environmental conditions or personal preferences.

The two parts 30, 40 of the mouthpiece 10 depicted in the figures are formed from a thermoplastic polyester elastomer with a food grade polymeric compound used under good production specifications. Figure 5 again shows the inner and outer portions of the mouthpiece and preferred ranges of dimensions shown in figure 5 are listed in table 1 below.

Figure 6 shows an aerosol-generating system 100 comprising an aerosol-generating device 60 as described above and a mouthpiece 10. The aerosol-generating device 60 comprises a housing 62 having a power supply 64, control electronics 66, an aerosol-forming substrate 68 and an aerosol-generating unit 70. The aerosol-generating unit 70 comprises an aerosol-forming chamber 72 provided at one end of the aerosol-generating device 60. The end of the aerosol-generating device 60 also comprises a connecting portion 74 to which a mouthpiece 10 as described above may be connected. When the mouthpiece 10 is connected to the aerosol-generating device 60, an airflow path 20 is established from the aerosol-forming chamber 72 through the mouthpiece 10. During the user experience, the user may inhale through the mouthpiece 10 the aerosol generated in the aerosol-forming chamber 72.