Aerosol generating device with detachable venturi element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a body, a mouthpiece configured to be removably attached to the body, and a two-piece venturi portion. The two-piece venturi portion comprises an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a main airflow channel extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a constriction airflow channel arranged in the main airflow channel. The inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion is at least partially arranged in the body when the mouthpiece is attached to the body, and the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion is at least partially arranged in the mouthpiece or is integrated with the mouthpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and a system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. Background Art

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a device can heat an aerosol-forming substrate without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. Such an aerosol-forming substrate can be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. Such a device can be arranged to receive an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article can have a strip shape so that the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element can be arranged in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Typically, the aerosol-forming substrate is vaporized by the heating element and then forms an aerosol. The formation of an aerosol (particularly droplet size) depends on a variety of factors, such as air cooling and air pressure downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate. In addition, ambient temperature and humidity can affect the generation of aerosols.

[0003] It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising a body, a mouthpiece configured to be removably attached to the body, and a two-piece venturi portion. Throughout the present disclosure, the two-piece venturi portion is preferably a two-piece element. The two-piece venturi portion comprises an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a main airflow channel extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a constriction airflow channel arranged in the main airflow channel. The inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion is at least partially arranged in the body when the mouthpiece is attached to the body, and the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion is at least partially arranged in the mouthpiece or is integrated with the mouthpiece.

[0005] Providing a two-piece venturi portion can enhance aerosol generation. Optimized aerosol droplets can be generated within the two-piece venturi portion. Conventionally, an aerosol generating article containing an element may have been provided, the element being, for example, a cooling section for cooling the air flow through the article and for generating an inhalable aerosol within the article itself. As in the present invention, by providing a two-piece venturi portion, the aerosol generating article can be constructed in a simpler manner. For example, the cooling section may be omitted. The two-piece venturi portion may be configured to reduce the temperature of air containing a vaporized aerosol-forming substrate flowing through the two-piece venturi portion. The two-piece venturi portion (particularly the size of the two-piece venturi portion) is configured to generate an aerosol having a preferred droplet size or a favorable droplet size distribution with a favorable droplet size or a favorable range.

[0006] Providing a two-piece venturi portion in an aerosol generating device, wherein the two-piece venturi portion is partly in the body and partly in the mouthpiece, can ensure that only mouthpieces of the correct specification can be attached to the body of the aerosol generating device. Thus, the manufacturer can be in a position to ensure that the correct type of mouthpiece can be attached to the body of the aerosol generating device. Thus, a consistent user experience and homogenized gas mixing of the two-piece venturi portion can be ensured.

[0007] One of the two-piece venturi parts (preferably the upstream part) can be part of the main body or can be integrated with the main body. Preferably, the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi part can be part of the main body or can be integrated with the main body. The upstream part can include the inlet portion. The other piece of the two-piece venturi part (preferably the downstream part) can be part of the mouthpiece or can be integrated with the mouthpiece. Preferably, the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi part can be part of the mouthpiece or can be integrated with the mouthpiece. The downstream part can include the outlet portion. One or both of the main airflow channel and the converging airflow channel can be part of the main body or the mouthpiece or can be integrated with the main body or the mouthpiece. Alternatively, one or both of the main airflow channel and the converging airflow channel can be partially in the main body or partially integrated with the main body, and partially in the mouthpiece or partially integrated with the mouthpiece. As an alternative to the two-piece venturi part being integrated with the main body and the mouthpiece, one or both of the upstream and downstream parts of the two-piece venturi part can be provided as separate elements. Preferably, the two-piece Venturi portion is a two-piece Venturi element.The two-piece Venturi portion may be configured as a two-piece portion.

[0008] One or more of the inlet portion, the constricted airflow channel and the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be configured as an insert portion. The insert portion may be inserted into the body and / or the mouthpiece. The insert portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be manufactured separately from the other elements of the aerosol generating device. The insert portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be manufactured in an injection molding process. Ease of manufacture and inexpensive manufacture may be an advantage of providing a two-piece venturi portion including an insert portion.

[0009] Interchangeability is an advantage of the removably attached configuration of the aerosol generating device mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be interchangeable for different delivery profiles, different smoking experiences, and different aerosol vaporizations. Different delivery profiles, different smoking experiences, and different aerosol vaporizations may be referred to hereinafter as use experiences. Customization may be enjoyable for the user, as the user may be able to adapt the use experience to his / her personal preferences. The user may replace the attached mouthpiece according to the desired use experience. According to this aspect, the mouthpiece may be reusable, which may reduce waste.

[0010] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article, such as a part of a smoking article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may include a liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion includes an outlet configured to be connected to an inlet of a micropump. The liquid storage portion may be suitable for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to be supplied to a vaporizer. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a container or reservoir for storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0011] The cartridge may include a cap that covers the outlet of the liquid storage portion. The cap may be a pull-off sticker or seal, such as a film seal, that protects the cartridge before use. The cap may be manually removed from the cartridge before the cartridge is inserted into the main unit. Preferably, puncturing or piercing the cap automatically opens when the cartridge is inserted into the main unit.

[0012] The cartridge may be a disposable article which is replaced with a new cartridge once the liquid storage portion of the cartridge is empty or below a minimum volume threshold. Preferably, the cartridge is preloaded with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be refillable.

[0013] The cartridge and its components may be made from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0014] The aerosol generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol generating article or cartridge to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating device may be a holder. Preferably, the device is a portable or handheld device that is suitable for holding between the fingers of a single hand. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device.

[0015] The aerosol generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

[0016] The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The circuit may include additional electronic components. The circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after activation of the system, or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff-by-puff basis. Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The circuit may be configured to monitor the resistance of the heating element and preferably control the supply of power to the heating element depending on the resistance of the heating element.

[0017] The aerosol generating device may include a power source, typically a battery, within the body of the aerosol generating device. In one aspect, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, lithium titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may need to be charged and may have a capacity to store enough 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 puffs or discontinuous activation of the heating element.

[0018] The heating chamber may be configured to receive one or more aerosol-generating articles. The heating chamber may receive an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be received in an aerosol-generating device. The heating chamber may surround a heating element. The heating chamber may be a cavity. The received aerosol-forming substrate may be heated. The received aerosol-forming substrate may be heated to an elevated temperature. The temperature may be a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-forming substrate does not burn. The two-piece venturi portion may be arranged as a heating chamber that may be connected downstream to an aerosol-generating device.

[0019] The aerosol generating device may comprise an internal heating element, preferably a heating needle or a heating blade, which is arranged in the heating chamber and is configured to penetrate into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber.

[0020] The heating element may be an internal heating element, where "internal" refers to the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take any suitable form. The internal heating element may be one or more heating spikes or needles or posts passing through the centre of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably arranged to at least partially penetrate an internal portion of the aerosol-forming substrate. The internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade.

[0021] The internal heater can be in the form of a housing or substrate with different conductive portions, or in the form of a resistive metal tube. Other alternatives include electric heating wires or filaments, for example, Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wires or heating plates. Optionally, the internal heating element can be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the resistive heating element can be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal can 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). The heater formed in this way can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

[0022] The heating element may be an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The induction coil may be arranged at least partially around the heating chamber.

[0023] In general, a susceptor is a material that can absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it into heat. When located in an alternating electromagnetic field, eddy currents are usually induced and hysteresis losses occur in the susceptor, thereby causing the heating of the susceptor. The electromagnetic field of the change generated by one or more inductors (e.g., the induction coil of an induction heating device) can heat the susceptor, and then the susceptor transfers heat to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol. Heat transfer can be mainly through thermal conduction. If the susceptor is in close thermal contact with the tobacco material and aerosol-forming agent of the aerosol-forming substrate, this heat transfer may be optimal.

[0024] The susceptor may have the shape of a blade or a needle for penetrating the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, preferably in the centre of the aerosol-forming substrate, preferably in the centre of the substrate portion of the aerosol-forming substrate.The susceptor may not be directly connected to the induction coil.

[0025] The susceptor may be formed from any material that can be heated by induction to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or a ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors may be or comprise aluminium. Preferred susceptors may be heated to a temperature in excess of 250°C.

[0026] The preferred susceptor may be a metal susceptor, such as stainless steel. However, the susceptor material may also include or be made of: graphite; molybdenum; silicon carbide; aluminum; niobium; Inconel alloy (a superalloy based on austenite nickel-chromium); metallized films; ceramics such as zirconium oxide; transition metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or metalloid components such as boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, etc.

[0027] Preferably, the susceptor material may be a metallic susceptor material.

[0028] The heating element may be configured as a mesh heater or a coil and wick heater arranged downstream of the liquid storage portion.This aspect is particularly preferred if the aerosol-forming substrate is provided as a liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion.

[0029] The heating element may be arranged downstream of the liquid storage portion, preferably at the opening of the liquid storage portion. The opening of the liquid storage portion may be provided at the downstream end of the liquid storage portion. The heating element may extend across the opening of the liquid storage portion. The heating element may have a shape and size at least the same as the opening of the liquid storage portion. The heating element may completely cover the opening of the liquid storage portion. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate included by the liquid storage portion may be vaporized by the heating element. The vaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate may escape through the heating element. The vaporized liquid aerosol-forming substrate may escape through the heating element into the two-piece venturi portion, preferably into the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. Since the heating element is arranged downstream of the liquid storage portion, aerosol generation may be adjacent to (preferably close to) the liquid storage portion.

[0030] The heating element may be a mesh heater, a coil heater, a coil and core heater, a capillary heater or a metal plate heater. The heater may be a resistive heater that receives electrical energy and converts at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy. The heating element may include only a single heating element or a plurality of heating elements. The temperature of the one or more heating elements is preferably controlled by a circuit. The resistive heating element and the inductive heating element may be battery powered heating elements.

[0031] The resistive heating element may be a heating element comprising a resistive material. Suitable resistive materials may include, but are not limited to, semiconductors (such as doped ceramics), "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic materials and metal 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 alloys, cobalt alloys, chromium alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, zirconium alloys, hafnium alloys, niobium alloys, molybdenum alloys, tantalum alloys, tungsten alloys, tin alloys, gallium alloys, manganese alloys, gold alloys, iron alloys, and alloys containing nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, and superalloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. In the composite material, the resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated by, or coated by an insulating material or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the desired external physicochemical properties.

[0032] The resistive heating element can be formed using a metal that has a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. The metal can be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as a ceramic material, and then sandwiched between another insulating material, such as glass. A heater formed in this manner can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the heating element during operation.

[0033] The two-piece venturi portion is configured as a two-piece venturi portion. One of the two-piece venturi portions may be provided separately from the main body, but may be connected to the main body. One of the two-piece venturi portions may be formed integrally with the main body, preferably an inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. One of the two-piece venturi portions may be configured as a mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device, preferably an outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. One of the two-piece venturi portions may be configured as a separate mouthpiece connectable to the main body.

[0034] The aerosol generating device may comprise a connecting portion. The connecting portion may comprise a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion may be part of a body. The second connecting portion may be part of a mouthpiece. The body may comprise a first connecting portion for connecting to a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a second connecting portion for connecting to the body.

[0035] The connection part may be a positive connection part. The positive connection part may be a plug-type connection part. The connection part may be a mechanical connection part.

[0036] The plug-type connection part may be a male-female connection part. The male-female connection part may include a male connection part and a female connection part. The male connection part may be a jack. The female connection part may be a plug. The second connection part may be a male connection part, and the first connection part may be a female connection part, or vice versa.

[0037] The mechanical connection may comprise an O-ring connection or a swivel connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. The swivel connection may be a bayonet mount or a screw connection. The screw connection may be a threaded connection. The screw connection may comprise a plurality of threaded connections, i.e. a component with an external thread and a component with an internal thread. With a screw connection, the mouthpiece may comprise an internal thread, preferably a female thread, and the body may comprise an external thread, preferably a male thread, or vice versa.

[0038] The connection portion may be a friction locking connection portion. The connection portion may be a magnetic connection portion.

[0039] The connection part can be a combination of at least two of any of the aforementioned connection parts. For example, the mouthpiece can be connected to the body by means of a plug connection part and additionally by a screw connection part (preferably a combination of a male-female connection part and a threaded connection part).

[0040] The aerosol generating device may include a sealing element. The aerosol generating device may include more than one sealing element. The sealing element may facilitate a tight connection between the body and the mouthpiece. The sealing element may be arranged at the connecting portion. The sealing element may be arranged in a recess or groove. The connecting portion may include a recess or groove. The sealing element may be configured as an O-ring. The O-ring connecting portion may include an O-ring as a sealing element. The O-ring may be arranged at the female connecting portion. The O-ring may be arranged at the male connecting portion. The O-ring connecting portion may include more than one sealing element as described herein. The sealing element may be a rubber fastener seal. More than one sealing element may be provided.

[0041] The mouthpiece can be removably attached to the body. The mouthpiece can be replaced by a new mouthpiece / another mouthpiece. As described below, the mouthpiece can be constructed with different characteristics. The mouthpiece can be constructed with an optical cover or a tactile cover. The optical cover can be constructed with a color, preferably a single color, more preferably a color. The tactile cover can be constructed with one or more embossings. The tactile cover can be constructed with one or more overprints. The cover of the mouthpiece can be constructed with optical elements and tactile elements. For example, the cover of the mouthpiece can be single color with one or more embossings. The user can be allowed to customize the mouthpiece by changing the attached mouthpiece according to the desired cover design.

[0042] The removably attached mouthpiece may be provided with a marking arranged on the outside of the mouthpiece. The marking may be an optical marking or a tactile marking. The marking may be a borderline, preferably the borderline comprises a color. Alternatively or additionally, the marking may comprise a surface structure for identifying the marking. The marking may assist the user in attaching the mouthpiece in the correct direction. The marking may specify the correct attachment of the mouthpiece. For example, a removably attached two-piece venturi part may be provided with a marking, which is preferably arranged on the outside of the mouthpiece, more preferably arranged on the outside of the connecting part adjacent to the mouthpiece.

[0043] The two-piece venturi portion is configured to utilize the venturi effect. In other words, the shape of the two-piece venturi portion causes a venturi effect to occur when a fluid flows through the two-piece venturi portion. The two-piece venturi portion can be configured to utilize or provide the venturi effect as described below. The two-piece venturi portion can include an airflow channel arranged along a longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. The airflow channel can be a central airflow channel.

[0044] The airflow channel may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. The longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. In other words, the airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion may be aligned with the aerosol generating device so that air may be inhaled through the aerosol generating device and into the airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion for subsequent inhalation by a user.

[0045] The Venturi effect is the reduction in pressure of a fluid during its flow through a contracting airflow passage. The structural elements of the two-piece Venturi portion of the present invention will be described in more detail below. The fluid flowing through the two-piece Venturi portion may be one or more of air, air including or entrained with a vaporized aerosol-forming substrate, and an aerosol. Hereinafter, for simplicity, if the term "air" is to be used, the term may encompass air, air including or entrained with a vaporized aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol, or any mixture thereof. Preferably, the air including the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate flows through the contracting airflow passage of the two-piece Venturi portion. After leaving the contracting airflow passage of the two-piece Venturi portion, the air may expand and accelerate, thereby cooling down. The cooling of the air may result in droplet formation and thus aerosol generation.

[0046] The two-piece venturi portion may be located immediately downstream of an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate, and may abut the aerosol-forming article. Alternatively, the two-piece venturi portion may be located immediately downstream of a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and may abut the cartridge.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative position of components or component parts of a two-piece venturi portion and aerosol generating article or cartridge according to the present invention relative to the direction in which air is drawn therethrough during use of the two-piece venturi portion and aerosol generating article or cartridge. The term "downstream" may be understood as being closer to the mouth end relative to the distal end. The term "upstream" may be understood as being closer to the distal end relative to the mouth end.

[0048] The two-piece venturi portion may include a main airflow channel, wherein the main airflow channel may pass through an inlet portion, a converging airflow channel, and an outlet portion. The main airflow channel may also be denoted as an airflow channel.

[0049] The inlet portion of the two-piece venturi section may be configured to converge toward the converging airflow passage of the two-piece venturi section, and the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi section may be configured to diverge from the converging airflow passage.

[0050] The inlet portion may be arranged adjacent to the upstream end of the two-piece venturi portion. The outlet portion may be arranged adjacent to the downstream end of the two-piece venturi portion. The inlet portion may be arranged opposite to the outlet portion. The contraction airflow channel may be arranged between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion may be arranged directly adjacent to the contraction airflow channel. The contraction airflow channel may be arranged directly adjacent to the outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured for air to enter the two-piece venturi portion. The outlet portion may be configured to allow air to be sucked out of the two-piece venturi portion. The inlet portion, the contraction airflow channel and the outlet portion may be fluidly connected to each other. The inlet portion, the contraction airflow channel and the outlet portion may together form an airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion. The inlet portion, the contraction airflow channel and the outlet portion may together enable airflow to pass through the two-piece venturi portion.

[0051] The term "converging" may mean that the inner diameter of the inlet portion may decrease towards the converging airflow channel. In other words, the inner diameter of the inlet portion may decrease from the upstream direction towards the downstream direction. The inlet portion may have a hollow conical shape. The inlet portion may taper towards the converging airflow channel.

[0052] The term "diverging" may mean that the inner diameter of the outlet portion may increase toward the downstream end of the two-piece venturi portion. In other words, the inner diameter of the outlet portion may increase from the upstream direction toward the downstream direction. The outlet portion may have a hollow conical shape. The outlet portion may taper toward the converging airflow channel. The converging airflow channel may have a constant diameter.

[0053] The inlet portion, the converging airflow passage, and the outlet portion may have circular cross-sections. The inlet portion, the converging airflow passage, and the outlet portion may have different cross-sections. One or more of the inlet portion, the converging airflow passage, and the outlet portion may have a circular, elliptical, rectangular, or different shaped cross-section. The only requirement for the two-piece venturi portion is that the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging airflow passage is less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet portion, so that the converging airflow passage constitutes a converging airflow path. The converging airflow passage is the portion with the smallest diameter between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0054] Different characteristics can be achieved by the structural configuration of the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. Different characteristics can be generated by different configurations of the airflow channel (preferably the outlet portion, more preferably the outlet angle or length of the outlet portion or the outlet angle and length of the outlet portion) of the individual two-piece venturi portions. The characteristics can define the use experience.

[0055] The angle between the longitudinal axis of the inlet portion and the inner wall of the inlet portion may be referred to as the inlet angle. The longitudinal axis of the inlet portion may be the same as the longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. The inlet angle may affect the size of the droplets formed during the generation process.

[0056] The angle between the longitudinal axis of the outlet portion and the inner wall of the outlet portion may be referred to as the outlet angle. The longitudinal axis of the outlet portion may be the same as the longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. The outlet angle may affect the delivery of the aerosol.

[0057] In this regard, the direction of aerosol flow can be affected by the outlet angle. The direction in which the aerosol leaves the two-piece venturi portion can be affected in a desired manner by selecting a specific outlet angle. In addition, the exit velocity of the aerosol can be affected by the outlet angle. The exit velocity can represent the speed of the aerosol flow when it leaves the two-piece venturi portion. With the help of one or more of the direction of the aerosol and the speed at which the aerosol leaves the two-piece venturi portion, the aerosol delivery zone in the user's mouth can be affected in a desired manner. Therefore, the aerosol delivery zone can be optimized by selecting a specific outlet angle. The aerosol delivery zone can be in the user's throat. It may be desirable to produce a delivery experience closer to the mouth or closer to the back of the throat. This delivery experience may be affected by the outlet angle.

[0058] The device may include at least a first air inlet disposed adjacent to or upstream of an inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion, wherein the first air inlet is fluidly connected to a main air flow channel of the two-piece venturi portion.

[0059] Providing a first air inlet may enhance features in airflow management. The first air inlet may enable a homogenized mix of the aerosol to be produced. The particle size range and temperature of the aerosol at the mouthpiece outlet may also be sufficiently homogenized. The first air inlet may create an airflow channel. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol generating device through the first air inlet and towards the main airflow channel. The main airflow channel produced at the aerosol forming substrate by the two-piece venturi portion may be combined with the airflow channel produced by the first air inlet. The airflow channel may fully homogenize the aerosol by supplying ambient air to the vaporized aerosol forming substrate.

[0060] The first air inlet may be arranged at a housing wall of the aerosol generating device, preferably at a wall upstream of the heating element. The first air inlet may be configured as a plurality of air inlets, preferably two air inlets. One air inlet may be arranged opposite to another air inlet. The first air inlet may extend from the wall through the aerosol generating device to the aerosol generating article, preferably to the main air flow channel of the aerosol generating article or to the main air flow channel. The first air inlet may be configured to be perpendicular to an extension of the aerosol generating article and / or an extension of the main air flow channel. The vacuum generated in the Venturi effect may draw ambient air into the aerosol generating device through the first air inlet. The first air inlet may supply fresh air to the main air flow channel. The air flow channel of the two-piece Venturi part and the air flow channel of the air inlet may be merged or mixed.

[0061] The air inlet may be a semi-open inlet. For example, the air inlet may be a semi-permeable membrane that is permeable to air only in one direction, but impermeable to air and liquid in the opposite direction. For example, the air inlet may also be a one-way valve. The air inlet may allow air to pass through the inlet only if certain conditions are met (e.g., a minimum pressure in the aerosol generating device or the amount of air that passes through the valve or membrane). Air or liquid may be prevented from leaving the aerosol generating device through the semi-open inlet.

[0062] The first air inlet can be configured as one or more hollows, preferably holes or openings or grooves. The shape of the hollow can be circular or elongated or oval or have edges.

[0063] The first air inlet may be fluidly connected to the main air flow channel of the two-piece venturi portion. The first air inlet may supply ambient air (preferably fresh air) to the main air flow channel. The first air inlet may be provided in the body, preferably in the body upstream of the aerosol generating product. The venturi effect may draw ambient air into the aerosol generating device, preferably into the body, more preferably into the main air flow channel, through the first air inlet.

[0064] The main airflow channel may be an airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion. The main airflow channel may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the two-piece venturi portion. The airflow may include one or more of air, vaporized aerosol generating substrate and aerosol. The airflow may extend from the upstream end of the inlet portion or from the aerosol generating article, preferably from the heating chamber. The airflow may flow into and through the inlet portion, through the constricted airflow channel and through the outlet portion.

[0065] The device may include at least a second air inlet disposed adjacent the converging airflow passage of the two-piece venturi portion.The second air inlet may be fluidly connected to the primary airflow passage.

[0066] Optimizing mixing is an advantage of providing a second air inlet fluidly connected to the main air flow channel. Ambient air (preferably fresh air) flowing through the first air inlet can be filled with vaporized aerosol-forming substrate. The homogenized aerosol can be mixed with fresh air from the second air inlet. This additional mixing of ambient air (preferably fresh air) can enhance the full homogenization of the aerosol.

[0067] The second air inlet may be provided at the mouthpiece, preferably upstream of the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. Preferably, the second air inlet is provided downstream of the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion.

[0068] The Venturi effect (more preferably the vacuum generated by the Venturi effect) can draw ambient air into the aerosol generating device through the second air inlet, preferably into the mouthpiece, more preferably into the main airflow channel. The Venturi effect can draw ambient air into the main airflow channel through the secondary airflow channel.

[0069] The second air inlet may be fluidly connected to the main air flow channel at the converging air flow channel, preferably at a downstream end of the converging air flow channel.

[0070] The secondary airflow channel may be an airflow channel of the second air inlet. The secondary airflow channel may extend the entire length of the second air inlet. The length of the second air inlet may extend from the opening of the second air inlet at the mouthpiece housing to the primary airflow channel.

[0071] The mouthpiece may include a labyrinth. The labyrinth may be arranged in the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. The airflow may pass through the labyrinth. The labyrinth may improve the mixing of the airflow, preferably the mixing of ambient air with the aerosol of the main airflow channel. The labyrinth may optimize the temperature of the aerosol. In this regard, the labyrinth may increase the path length of the airflow through the two-piece venturi portion and thus enhance the cooling of the aerosol as it flows through the two-piece venturi portion. The labyrinth may improve the generation of the aerosol.

[0072] The aerosol generating device may comprise a third air inlet. The third air inlet may be provided at the main body, preferably downstream of the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. The third air inlet is preferably arranged upstream of the converging airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion. The third air inlet is preferably arranged between the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion and the converging airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion. The third inlet may further enhance the homogenization of the aerosol by drawing ambient air into the main airflow channel.

[0073] Each of the air inlets may be configured to be closable. Closing an air inlet may prevent airflow through the air inlet. Closing of one of the air inlets may be manually facilitated. Closing of one of the air inlets may be automatically facilitated.

[0074] The converging air flow passage of the two-piece venturi portion may be configured as a venturi nozzle.

[0075] The generation of aerosol can be optimized by arranging the venturi nozzle at the converging airflow passage of the two-piece venturi section. Due to the venturi effect, the pressure reduction in the venturi nozzle can draw air from the venturi nozzle into the outlet section as an optimally generated aerosol, preferably a well-homogenized aerosol.

[0076] The venturi nozzle may be provided partly in the body and partly in the mouthpiece.

[0077] As used herein, the term "nozzle" may refer to a device, preferably a pipe or tube, that controls the flow direction of a fluid or modifies the flow of a fluid, for example, the flow, speed, direction, quality, shape and / or pressure of the stream emerging therefrom.

[0078] The inlet portion may be configured to converge toward the main airflow channel, and the outlet portion may be configured to diverge from the main airflow channel.The inlet portion may be configured to converge toward the converging airflow channel, and the outlet portion may be configured to diverge from the converging airflow channel.

[0079] The inlet portion may be provided at the body. The inlet portion may lead to a converging airflow passage of the two-piece venturi portion. The outlet portion may be provided at the mouthpiece for optimizing aerosol generation.

[0080] The body may comprise a first portion of the primary airflow passage of a two-piece venturi portion.The mouthpiece may comprise a second portion of the primary airflow passage of the two-piece venturi portion.

[0081] The two-piece venturi portion may be formed after attaching the body to the mouthpiece.The two-piece venturi portion may be formed after attaching a first portion of the main airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion to a second portion of the main airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion.

[0082] The first part of the main airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion may include a first part of the venturi nozzle, and the second part of the main airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion may include a second part of the venturi nozzle. Preferably, the first part of the main airflow channel is or includes an inlet portion. Preferably, the second part of the main airflow channel is or includes an outlet portion.

[0083] The venturi nozzle may be formed after the body is attached to the mouthpiece.The venturi nozzle may be formed after a first portion of the primary airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion is attached to a second portion of the primary airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion.

[0084] The first part of the venturi nozzle may be provided in the body, preferably in the outlet of the body. The second part of the venturi nozzle may be provided in the mouthpiece, preferably in the inlet of the mouthpiece. The outlet of the body may provide a reduced diameter compared to the inlet part of the two-piece venturi part in the body. The inlet of the mouthpiece may provide a reduced diameter compared to the outlet part of the two-piece venturi part in the mouthpiece. After the body and the mouthpiece are attached, the reduced diameter may provide the venturi nozzle.

[0085] In some embodiments, the two-piece venturi portion may be fully integrated into the mouthpiece. The inlet portion and the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be arranged in the mouthpiece. The inlet portion may be arranged at the upstream end of the mouthpiece. The outlet portion may be arranged downstream of the inlet portion. The constricted airflow channel may be arranged between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. When the mouthpiece is attached to the body, the mouthpiece may be at least partially inserted into the body. The inlet portion may be arranged to be inserted into the body first when the mouthpiece is attached to the body. After the mouthpiece is attached to the body, the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be arranged in the body, but still be an integral part of the mouthpiece.

[0086] The body may be a two-piece body. The body may include a first portion and a second portion.

[0087] The first portion may include a power source, circuitry, a heating chamber, a heating element, and at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0088] The second part may be configured to be removably attached to the first part. The first part and the second part of the body may be attached by an attachment part. The attachment part may include a sealing element for tightness. The attachment part may be facilitated by a first attachment part and a second attachment part. The first attachment part may be arranged at the first part of the body. The second attachment part may be arranged at the second part of the mouthpiece. The attachment part may be any type of connection part as described above with reference to the connection between the body and the mouthpiece.

[0089] The inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion may be arranged in the second portion of the body. The body may be configured such that an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate may be inserted into a heating chamber of the body when the first portion and the second portion of the body are disassembled. The aerosol-generating article may be retained between the first portion of the body and the second portion of the body. After attaching the first portion and the second portion of the body, the aerosol-generating article may be completely surrounded by the first portion of the body and the second portion of the body.

[0090] Producing a two-piece body may enable an aerosol-generating article comprising a solid aerosol-forming substrate to be used with an aerosol-generating device.

[0091] The aerosol generating article may be arranged upstream of the two-piece venturi portion. The aerosol generating article may be arranged adjacent to the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion, preferably adjacent to the distal end of the inlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. The aerosol generating article may be arranged partially in the first portion of the body and partially in the second portion of the mouthpiece. The aerosol generating article may be arranged in the heating chamber.

[0092] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article that includes an aerosol-forming substrate. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" refers to a material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may be arranged to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable.

[0093] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate portion and a filter portion, the substrate portion comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The filter portion is preferably arranged downstream of the substrate portion. Preferably, the two-piece venturi portion is arranged downstream of the filter portion. The substrate portion may be arranged directly adjacent to the filter portion. The filter portion may be arranged directly adjacent to the two-piece venturi portion.

[0094] The filter portion may comprise, for example, a hollow tubular filter portion, preferably a hollow acetate tube (HAT), a thin hollow acetate tube (FHAT) or a bundle plug wrapped around a central cardboard tube, all of which are known in the manufacture of filter elements for use in aerosol-generating articles. The filter portion preferably comprises a hollow central opening.

[0095] The filter portion can be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the filter portion can be formed of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cellulose acetate, cardboard, curled paper (e.g., curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment), and polymeric materials (e.g., low-density polyethylene (LDPE)). In a preferred embodiment, the filter portion is formed of cellulose acetate.

[0096] The filter portion may comprise a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the filter portion comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

[0097] Preferably, the outer diameter of the filtering portion is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0098] The filter part can have an outer diameter between about 4mm and about 8mm. For example, the filter part can have an outer diameter between about 5mm and about 6mm. In certain embodiments, the filter part can have an outer diameter of about 5.3mm. The filter part can have a length between about 10mm and about 25mm. In certain embodiments, the filter part can have a length of about 13mm.

[0099] The shape of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical. However, alternatively, other cross-sections may be used. Indeed, the cross-section of the aerosol-generating article may vary along its length, for example by varying the shape or cross-sectional dimensions of the cross-section. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially elongated. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

[0100] The aerosol generating article may have a total length of between 30 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm, more preferably 45 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of between about 4 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 6 mm, more preferably about 5.3 mm. In one embodiment, the total length of the aerosol generating article is about 45 mm. Furthermore, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a length of between 10 mm and 55 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 55 mm. The aerosol generating article may include an outer wrapper.

[0101] The aerosol-generating article may include a part of an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may suitably be a part of an aerosol-generating article or an aerosol-generating article. Volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-free material. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include both a non-liquid component and a liquid component. As another alternative, the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form.

[0102] The aerosol-forming substrate may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that is conducive to forming a dense and stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are, for example: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; esters of polyols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol former may be a polyol or a mixture thereof such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol. The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0103] Preferably, the amount of aerosol forming agent is between 6% and 20% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, more preferably, the amount of aerosol forming agent is between 8% and 18% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate, and most preferably, the amount of aerosol forming agent is between 10% and 15% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. For some embodiments, the target value of the amount of aerosol forming agent is about 13% by weight based on the dry weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. Whether the aerosol-forming substrate includes plant leaves or homogenized plant material, the most effective amount of aerosol forming agent will also depend on the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, among other factors, the type of substrate will determine to what extent the aerosol forming agent can promote the release of substances from the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0104] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include plant-based materials. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include tobacco. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include homogenized plant-based materials, including homogenized tobacco, such as prepared by, for example, a papermaking process or a casting process. An aerosol-generating article including a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate (including tobacco) may be referred to as a tobacco rod. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is non-liquid.

[0105] Advantageously, a more natural taste and appearance of the aerosol-generating article may be achieved by using a thin layer of natural plant material.The term "leaf" refers to the part of a plant leaf without the stem.

[0106] If the aerosol-forming substrate is a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate, preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate, then the solid aerosol-forming substrate may include (for example) one or more of the following: powders, particles, pellets, fragments, core tubes, strips or sheets, which contain one or more of herb leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, homogenized tobacco sheets (preferably reconstituted tobacco, more preferably cast leaf tobacco), extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

[0107] The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or slurry. The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively may be deposited in a pattern to provide uneven flavor delivery during use.

[0108] Preferably, the non-liquid aerosol-forming matrix comprises a shredded filler. In this document, "shredded filler" is used to refer to chopped plant materials, in particular a blend of leaves, processed stems and ribs, homogenized plant materials, which are made into sheet form, for example, using a casting process or a papermaking process. The shredded filler may also include other post-cut filler tobacco or casings. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the shredded filler comprises at least 25% of plant leaves, more preferably at least 50% of plant leaves, more preferably at least 75% of plant leaves, and most preferably at least 90% of plant leaves. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea and cloves, however, the present invention is equally applicable to other plant materials having the ability to release substances that can subsequently form an aerosol when heat is applied.

[0109] Preferably, the tobacco plant material comprises a thin layer of one or more of a flue-cured tobacco thin layer, a sun-cured tobacco, a spice tobacco and a filler tobacco. Flue-cured tobacco is tobacco with generally large light-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "flue-cured tobacco" is used for tobacco that has been smoked. Examples of flue-cured tobacco are Chinese flue-cured tobacco, Brazilian flue-cured tobacco, American flue-cured tobacco, such as Virginia tobacco, Indian flue-cured tobacco, Tanzanian flue-cured tobacco or other African flue-cured tobacco. Flue-cured tobacco is characterized by a high sugar-nitrogen ratio. From a sensory perspective, flue-cured tobacco is a type of tobacco that is accompanied by a spicy and refreshing sensation after curing. According to the present invention, bright tobacco is a tobacco having a reducing sugar content of between about 2.5% and about 20% by dry weight of the tobacco leaf and a total ammonia content of less than about 0.12% by dry weight of the tobacco leaf. Reducing sugars include, for example, glucose or fructose. Total ammonia includes, for example, ammonia and ammonia salts. Sun-cured tobacco is tobacco with generally large dark-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "sun-cured tobacco" is used for tobacco that has been air-dried. In addition, sun-cured tobacco can be fermented. Tobacco mainly used for chewing, snuff, cigar and pipe blends is also included in this category. Usually, these sun-cured tobaccos are air-dried and can be fermented. From a sensory perspective, sun-cured tobacco is a tobacco type with a dark cigar-type feeling of smoky flavor after baking. Sun-cured tobacco is characterized by a low sugar-nitrogen ratio. Examples of sun-cured tobacco are Malawi white burley or other African white burley, dark-cured Brazilian Galpao, sun-cured or air-cured Indonesian Kasturi. According to the present invention, sun-cured tobacco is a tobacco with a reducing sugar content of less than about 5% by tobacco leaf dry weight and a total ammonia content of at most about 0.5% by tobacco leaf dry weight. Oriental tobacco is a tobacco often having small light-colored leaves. Throughout the specification, the term "oriental tobacco" is used for other tobaccos with high aromatic content, such as essential oils. From a sensory perspective, oriental tobacco is a tobacco type with a spicy and aromatic feeling after baking. Examples of flavored tobaccos are Greek Oriental, Oriental Turkey, semi-Oriental tobaccos, and cured American Burley, such as Perique, Rustica, American Burley, or Meriland. Filler tobacco is not a specific tobacco type, but it includes tobacco types that are primarily used to supplement other tobacco types used in blends and do not bring specific characteristic aromas to the final product. Examples of filler tobaccos are stems, midribs, or stems of other tobacco types. A specific example may be a smoked stem of the lower stem of Brazilian flue-cured tobacco.

[0110] The shredded filler that is suitable for use with the present invention can be similar to the shredded filler that is used for conventional smoking articles usually.The shredded width of shredded filler is preferably between 0.3 millimeter and 2.0 millimeters, and more preferably, the shredded width of shredded filler is between 0.5 millimeter and 1.2 millimeters, and most preferably, the shredded width of shredded filler is between 0.6 millimeter and 0.9 millimeter.The shredded width can work in the thermal distribution of the matrix part inside of goods.Equally, the shredded width can work in the suction resistance of goods.In addition, the shredded width can affect the overall density of the matrix part.

[0111] The length of the tow of the cut filler is a random value to some extent, because the length of the tow will depend on the overall size of the object from which the tow is cut. However, by adjusting the material before cutting, for example by controlling the moisture content and overall fineness of the material, longer tows can be cut. Preferably, before the tow is formed into a matrix section, the length of the tow is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm. Obviously, if the tow is arranged in a matrix section in a longitudinal extension, wherein the longitudinal extension of the section is less than 40 mm, the final matrix section may include a tow that is shorter than the initial tow length on average. Preferably, the tow length of the cut filler is such that about 20% to 60% of the tow extends along the full length of the matrix portion. This prevents the tow from easily detaching from the matrix section.

[0112] The non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may have a length of between 20 mm and 40 mm, preferably between about 25 mm and 35 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may have a length of about 32 mm. The outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may be between about 4 mm and about 8 mm. For example, the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article may be between about 5 mm and about 6 mm. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may have an outer diameter of about 5.3 mm.

[0113] As used herein, the term "non-liquid aerosol forming substrate" relates to a substrate that can release a volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The substrate can be non-liquid. The substrate can be provided as a gel. The substrate can be viscous. The substrate can be provided as a viscous gel. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate can be conveniently a part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol forming substrate can be a liquid aerosol forming substrate. The liquid aerosol forming substrate can include other additives and ingredients, such as spices. If the aerosol forming substrate is provided in liquid form, then in the liquid aerosol forming substrate, certain physical properties, such as the vapor pressure or viscosity of the substrate, are selected in a manner suitable for an aerosol generating system. The liquid preferably includes a tobacco-containing material, and the tobacco-containing material includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the liquid when heated. The liquid can include water, ethanol or other solvents, plant extracts, nicotine solutions, and natural or artificial flavoring agents. Preferably, the liquid also includes an aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of between about 0.5% and about 10%, for example about 2%.

[0114] If the aerosol-forming substrate is provided in liquid form, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in the liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be configured as a cartridge. The liquid storage portion is suitable for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to supply to the heating element of the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, the cartridge itself may include a heating element for vaporizing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In this case, when the cartridge is received by the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating device may not include the heating element, but only supply electrical energy to the heating element of the cartridge. The liquid storage portion may include a coupling, such as a self-healing pierceable membrane, to facilitate the supply of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate toward the heating element. The membrane can prevent the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion from leaking unexpectedly. A corresponding needle-shaped hollow tube may be provided to pierce the membrane. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable tank or container.

[0115] The body may comprise a liquid storage portion configured to contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0116] The manufacture of a one-piece body may be advantageous for including a liquid storage portion in the aerosol generating device. Providing the liquid storage portion in the aerosol generating device may avoid waste. As described above, the liquid storage portion may be refilled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. As in the case of a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate may not be replaced by a new aerosol-forming substrate.

[0117] When the aerosol-generating article comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the body may be a one-piece body.

[0118] The liquid storage portion can be coupled to at least one of a pumping device and a vaporizer (preferably a heating element) by a corresponding connector that is hermetically sealed relative to the surrounding atmosphere. Preferably, the connector is configured as a self-healing pierceable membrane. The membrane can avoid unwanted leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion can be configured as a replaceable tank or container. In order to couple the replaceable liquid storage portion to the pumping device and / or the vaporizer, the corresponding needle-shaped hollow tube can pierce through the corresponding membrane. When the pumping device and / or the vaporizer are coupled to the liquid storage portion, the membrane avoids unwanted leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and leakage of air from and into the liquid storage portion.

[0119] The invention may further relate to a mouthpiece kit for an aerosol generating device.Each of the mouthpieces may be configured to have different properties.

[0120] A mouthpiece from a mouthpiece set may be configured as a removably attached mouthpiece. A mouthpiece from a mouthpiece set may be configured to be removably attached to the body of an aerosol generating device. Different characteristics may be achieved by the structural configuration of the inlet portion and / or outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion. Each mouthpiece in the mouthpiece set may be configured as described above.

[0121] The term "property" may refer to a physical property in a two-piece venturi portion (preferably in an inlet portion and / or an outlet portion of a two-piece venturi portion), and / or a mechanical property of a two-piece venturi portion (preferably an inlet portion and / or an outlet portion of a two-piece venturi portion). The physical property may be a velocity or a pressure. Different velocities or pressures (preferably pressure variations) may promote different aerosol flows and different spatial distances of the paths. The mechanical property may be the size, material and / or design of the two-piece venturi portion. Different sizes of the two-piece venturi portion may be constructed with different lengths of the inlet portion and / or the outlet portion, preferably with different outlet angles. Different properties may result from different constructions of the airflow channels (preferably the inlet portion and / or the outlet portion, more preferably the outlet angle) of the individual two-piece venturi portions. Different materials of the inlet portion and / or the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi portion may have different friction coefficients. Different friction coefficients may promote different aerosol flow rates. Different designs of the two-piece venturi section may be an impeller or threads within the outlet portion of the two-piece venturi section.

[0122] Different features of the two-piece venturi section can promote different aerosol generation. The characteristics can define the usage experience.

[0123] The present invention may also relate to a system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate as described herein.

[0124] Features described in relation to one aspect may be equally applicable to other aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] The present invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0126] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device is shown in which the body and the mouthpiece each comprise parts of a two-piece venturi portion;

[0127] Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which the aerosol generating device comprises a two-piece body and three air inlets;

[0128] Figure 3 An embodiment is shown wherein the heating element of the aerosol generating device is configured as an induction heating element; and

[0129] Figure 4 An embodiment of an aerosol generating device is shown in which the aerosol-forming substrate is provided in liquid form in a liquid storage portion and a mesh heater is provided downstream of the liquid storage portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device 10 is shown. The aerosol generating device 10 comprises a body 12 and a mouthpiece 14. The body 12 comprises a charging port 42, a power source 44, a circuit 48 and a heating element (preferably a mesh heater 58) and a liquid storage portion 60 for containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece 14 is removably attached to the body 12 by a connecting portion. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in a, the connecting portion is a mechanical connecting portion, preferably an O-ring 16 connecting portion. Figure 1 The two-piece venturi section is shown next to the mesh heater 58. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the two-piece venturi portion is a two-part element. The two-piece venturi portion includes an inlet portion 22, a converging airflow passage 20 disposed in the body 12, and an outlet portion 24 disposed in the mouthpiece 14. The converging airflow passage 20 may be the portion of the main airflow passage having the smallest diameter. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet portion 22 of the two-piece venturi section is configured such that the airflow passage decreases in diameter from the mesh heater 58 to the converging airflow passage 20 of the two-piece venturi section. The converging airflow passage 20 forms a converging airflow path for air to flow through the two-piece venturi section. The outlet portion 24 diverges from the converging airflow passage 20 toward the downstream end of the two-piece venturi section. The two-piece venturi section utilizes the venturi effect because the airflow path of the converging airflow passage 20 is converging compared to the inlet portion 22 and the outlet portion 24 of the two-piece venturi section. The venturi effect causes a pressure reduction and a velocity increase in the converging airflow passage 20 of the two-piece venturi section, and causes the air in the outlet portion to expand to optimize aerosol formation.

[0131] Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which a two-piece venturi portion is fully integrated into the mouthpiece 14. In this embodiment, the inlet portion 22, the converging airflow channel 20, and the outlet portion 24 are all arranged integrally in the mouthpiece 14. The mouthpiece 14 can be partially inserted into the body 12. When the mouthpiece 14 is inserted into the body 12, the inlet portion 22 is arranged adjacent to the mesh heater 58. The converging airflow channel 20 is arranged downstream of the inlet portion 22. The O-ring 16 can be arranged so as to prevent leakage. However, in this embodiment, the O-ring 16 is optional. The outlet portion 24 is arranged downstream of the converging airflow channel 20. The diameter of the converging airflow channel 20 is reduced compared to the diameters of the inlet portion 22 and the outlet portion 24.

[0132] like Figure 3As can be seen in the figure, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a two-piece venturi portion. The main body 12 is constructed as a two-piece main body. The main body 12 includes a first part 12a and a second part 12b. The first part 12a is configured to be attachable to the second part 12b. The aerosol generating article 18 including an aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber 62 of the first part 12a of the main body. After the first part 12a is attached to the second part 12b of the main body 12, the aerosol generating article can be maintained between the first part 12a and the second part 12b of the main body 12. The first part 12a includes a charging port 42, a power source 44, a circuit 48 and a heating element. The heating element is configured as an internal heating element, preferably a heating needle 50. The heating needle 50 passes through the center of the aerosol generating article 18, preferably through the substrate portion 36 of the aerosol generating article 18 containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The second part 12b includes an inlet portion 22 of the two-piece venturi portion. The second portion 12b further includes a first portion 20a of the two-piece venturi portion's convergent airflow passage 20. A portion of the heater needle 50 and a portion of the aerosol generating article 18 (preferably the filter portion 38 of the aerosol generating article 18) may extend into the second portion 12b of the body 12. The mouthpiece 14 includes a second portion 20b of the convergent airflow passage 20 and an outlet portion 24 of the two-piece venturi portion. Figure 3 As shown in a, the mouthpiece 14 and the main body 12 can be disassembled. Figure 3 b, the body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are attached. The body 12 includes a first air inlet 26 at the first portion 12a of the body 12 (preferably upstream of the aerosol generating article 18). The second air inlet 30 is provided at the mouthpiece 14, preferably adjacent to the converging airflow channel 20, more preferably adjacent to the second portion 20b of the converging airflow channel 20. The aerosol generating device 10 may include a third air inlet 32 ​​at the body 12 (preferably downstream of the inlet portion 22 of the two-piece venturi portion). The third air inlet 32 ​​is preferably arranged at the second portion 12b of the body 12. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the air inlets 26, 30 and 32 may each be a pair of two air inlets preferably arranged at two opposite sides of the body 12 or the mouthpiece 14. The first air inlet 26 is fluidly connected to the primary airflow channel 28. The primary airflow channel 28 is the airflow channel of the two-piece venturi part. The second air inlet 30 is fluidly connected to the secondary airflow channel. The secondary airflow channel is the airflow channel of the second air inlet 30. Figure 3 In this embodiment shown in Figure 3, the aerosol-generating article 18 comprises a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate, which comprises a filter portion 38 (preferably a hollow acetate tube) and a substrate portion 36 comprising a non-liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are connected to each other by a connecting portion. The connecting portion has a first connecting portion 40a at the body 12 and a second connecting portion 40b at the mouthpiece 14. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the connection part is a male-female connection part. The male connection part is the first connection part 40a, and the female connection part is the second connection part 40b. Figure 3 a shows the main body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are disassembled. Figure 3 b shows the body 12 attached to the mouthpiece 14 .

[0133] Figure 4 An embodiment is shown in which the heating element is an induction heating element comprising an induction coil 52 and a susceptor 54. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 3 , the susceptor 54 is embedded in the aerosol generating article 18, preferably in the substrate portion 36. The body 12 and the mouthpiece 14 are connected by a similar Figure 3 The connecting parts of the connecting parts depicted in the figure are connected to each other.

[0134] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the heating element is a mesh heater 58 and the body 12 is a one-piece body. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the body 12 includes a liquid storage portion 60. The liquid storage portion 60 includes a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. A mesh heater 58 is arranged downstream of the liquid storage portion 60, preferably across the opening of the liquid storage portion 60. The opening of the liquid storage portion is provided at the downstream end of the liquid storage portion 60. The mesh heater 58 extends across the opening of the liquid storage portion. The body 12 includes an air inlet 56 upstream of the inlet portion 22 of the two-piece venturi portion.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising ·main body; a mouthpiece configured to be removably attached to the body; as well as Two-piece venturi section; wherein the two-piece venturi portion comprises an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a main airflow channel extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a constricted airflow channel disposed in the main airflow channel, and wherein the inlet portion is integral with the body, and the outlet portion is integral with the mouthpiece; wherein the fluid flowing through the two-piece venturi portion is an aerosol or air including or entrained with a vaporized aerosol-forming substrate; Wherein the two-piece venturi portion is formed after the body is attached to the mouthpiece.

2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises at least one first air inlet arranged adjacent to the inlet portion or upstream of the inlet portion, wherein the first air inlet is fluidly connected to the main air flow channel.

3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises at least one second air inlet arranged adjacent to the primary air flow channel, wherein the second air inlet is fluidly connected to the primary air flow channel.

4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the second air inlet is fluidly connected to the main air flow channel at the constricted air flow channel.

5. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the converging airflow channel is configured as a Venturi nozzle.

6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the inlet portion is configured to converge towards the primary airflow channel and the outlet portion is configured to diverge from the primary airflow channel.

7. An aerosol generating device according to claim 5, wherein the body comprises a first portion of the primary airflow channel and the mouthpiece comprises a second portion of the primary airflow channel.

8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein a first portion of the main airflow channel of the two-piece venturi portion comprises a first portion of the venturi nozzle, and a second portion of the main airflow channel comprises a second portion of the venturi nozzle.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the main body comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the second part is configured to be removably attached to the first part, wherein the inlet part of the two-piece venturi part is arranged in the second part of the main body, and wherein the main body is configured so that when the first part and the second part of the main body are disassembled, an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted into the heating chamber of the main body.

10. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating device includes an internal heating element, which is arranged in the heating chamber and is configured to penetrate into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber.

11. An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the internal heating element is a heating needle or a heating blade.

12. An aerosol generating device according to claim 9, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an induction coil arranged at least partially around the heating chamber.

13. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body comprises a liquid storage portion configured to contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

14. An aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element arranged downstream of the liquid storage portion.

15. An aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the heating element is a mesh heater.

16. An aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the heating element is a coil and wick heater.

17. An aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein the internal heating element is configured as a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element comprising a susceptor material.

18. An aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the heating element is configured as a resistive heating element or an inductive heating element comprising a susceptor material.

19. A system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18 and comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.

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