Cartridge for an aerosol-generating device

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a cylinder (50) for an aerosol generating apparatus (1), the aerosol generating apparatus, a method for diverting airflow in the cylinder for the aerosol generating apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the cylinder. The cylinder includes a mouthpiece body (2) having an outer surface (51) and an internal air passage (52). The internal air passage includes an inner surface (53) of the air passage and a mouthpiece opening (54) at an end (55) of the internal air passage. The mouthpiece body includes a plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) extending from the inner surface of the air passage to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus, and an aerosol generating apparatus having the same cylinder. An aerosol generating apparatus can be understood as a smoke extraction system having a liquid storage section. This disclosure further relates to a method for diverting airflow within the cylinder of an aerosol generating apparatus and a method for manufacturing the cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, for example, EP2493341A1 discloses a smoking system comprising a capillary core for holding liquid, at least one air inlet, at least one air outlet, a chamber between the air inlet and the air outlet, and at least one heater for heating the liquid in at least a portion of the capillary core to form an aerosol. The air inlet, air outlet, and chamber are arranged to define an airflow path from the air inlet through the capillary core to the air outlet, so as to deliver the aerosol formed from the liquid to the air outlet. The smoking system further includes at least one guide for directing the airflow in the airflow path.

[0003] While existing electrically heated smoking systems or aerosol generating devices have many advantages, there is still room for improvement when compared to the standard performance of conventional smoking products (i.e., conventional cigarettes and cigars), especially given their potential shortcomings in aroma and flavor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein other embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects of this disclosure described below are suitable for use in cylinders of aerosol generating apparatuses, aerosol generating apparatuses, methods for using airflow in a splitter cylinder, and methods for manufacturing such cylinders.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a cartridge for an aerosol generating apparatus is provided. The cartridge includes a mouthpiece body having an outer surface and an internal air passage.

[0007] The internal air passage includes the inner surface of the air passage and the mouthpiece opening at the end of the internal air passage.

[0008] The mouthpiece body includes multiple nasal airflow passages that extend from the inner surface of the air channel to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body.

[0009] In terms of aroma and flavor, this cartridge for an aerosol generator allows for superior performance compared to conventional electrically heated smoking systems. The aroma and flavor are comparable to regular cigarettes and cigars. This facilitates a smooth transition for users from regular cigarettes and cigars to aerosol generators.

[0010] Because the aerosol flow is provided not only by the mouthpiece opening at the end of the tube, delivering the aerosol to the user's mouth, but also by multiple nasal airflow passages that deliver the aerosol to the user's nose, the aroma and flavor are improved.

[0011] The cartridge can be understood as a preferred, replaceable mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device. The cartridge includes a reservoir configured to contain liquid. The cartridge further includes an aerosol generator that acts as a heater configured to heat the reservoir and / or the liquid to form an aerosol. The cartridge can be reversibly connected to a power unit (e.g., a battery pack), which supplies power to the aerosol generator. In use, the liquid in the reservoir can be evaporated by the heater to form supersaturated vapor. The supersaturated vapor can be mixed with and conveyed in a gas flow. The gas flow flows from a distal or end position to a proximal position, where the proximal position is the mouthpiece or mouthpiece opening of the device. The gas flow can enter the device at the distal position. During the flow, the vapor can condense to form an aerosol, and the aerosol is carried towards the user's mouth.

[0012] The mouthpiece body can be, for example, a cylinder with a circular cross-section and a cylindrical outer surface. Other shapes are also possible.

[0013] The outer surface of the mouthpiece body can be understood as the external, lateral, and / or circumferential surface of the mouthpiece body of the cylinder.

[0014] The internal air passage can be understood as a channel configured to guide the aerosol flow through the cylinder and to the user. The internal air passage may extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction through the mouthpiece body and / or the mouthpiece opening. The internal air passage may be surrounded by the mouthpiece body.

[0015] It is understood that the mouthpiece and / or mouthpiece opening is configured to be inserted into the user's mouth.

[0016] The mouthpiece opening can be located at the end of the mouthpiece body. The mouthpiece opening can be understood as the outlet of the internal air passage in front of the opening of the internal air passage.

[0017] Understandably, the front of the mouthpiece body differs from its outer surface. The front can extend substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body.

[0018] Multiple nasal airflow passages can be understood as one or more, preferably several. Multiple nasal airflow passages can be understood as orifices in the outer surface of the tube at a location distal to the mouthpiece opening, said orifices allowing fluid to flow from the internal air passage to the outside of the tube. Multiple nasal airflow passages may extend radially from the internal air passage.

[0019] Multiple nasal airflow passages can be arranged in an ordered group. Multiple nasal airflow passages can be distributed circumferentially along the outer surface of the mouthpiece body. Multiple nasal airflow passages can be arranged in the shape of at least one ring around the outer surface of the mouthpiece body. Multiple nasal airflow passages can be arranged in a spiral shape around the outer surface of the mouthpiece body. The distance between adjacent nasal airflow passages can be continuous or discontinuous. Each nasal airflow passage can have a circular shape or cross-section, but other shapes are also possible. The nasal airflow passages can have the same or different shapes and sizes.

[0020] In an embodiment, at least one of the nasal airflow passages may be configured to be accessible to the user's nose. This can be understood as the nasal airflow passage being arranged distal to the mouthpiece opening such that the mouthpiece opening is accessible to the user's mouth, and the nasal airflow passage is accessible to the user's nose. As a result, the aerosol flow can be provided not only by the mouthpiece opening leading to the user's mouth, but also by the nasal airflow passage leading to the user's nose. Since the aerosol can be accessed or delivered to the user's nose in addition to the user's mouth, the user is able to smell and taste the aerosol provided by the device. By delivering the aerosol to both the user's nose and mouth, the device provides an enhanced experience of the aroma and flavor of the aerosol delivered by the device (including both smelling and tasting).

[0021] In this embodiment, multiple nasal airflow passages may be spaced apart from the mouthpiece opening. This can be understood as the nasal airflow passages being different from and / or not located at the same position as the mouthpiece opening, but rather at a distance from it. In this embodiment, the nasal airflow passages are located distal to the mouthpiece opening. As a result, the aerosol streams can be separated and configured to be delivered individually to the user's mouth and nose. Therefore, this cartridge allows for very good performance in terms of aroma and flavor.

[0022] According to the aforementioned aspect, the mouthpiece opening is an outlet configured for a first portion of an aerosol flow accessible by the user's mouth. At least one of the nasal airflow passages is an outlet configured for a second portion of an aerosol flow accessible by the user's nose. This can be understood as the total aerosol flow being divided into a first portion and a second portion, and these two portions being configured to be provided separately to the mouth and nose. As a result, in embodiments, the cartridge delivers aroma and flavor aspects to both the user's mouth and nose.

[0023] In an embodiment, at least one of the mouthpiece opening and the nasal airflow passage is sized such that a first portion of the aerosol flow is larger than a second portion of the aerosol flow. This can be understood as the surface of the mouthpiece opening being larger than the surface of the nasal airflow passage during use, meaning that the volume of the aerosol flow configured to exit the mouthpiece opening is larger than the volume of the aerosol flow configured to exit the nasal airflow passage. As a result, a larger portion of the aerosol flow can be configured to exit the mouthpiece opening and enter the user's mouth. This is advantageous because the aerosol can deliver the active ingredient (e.g., nicotine) to the user's lungs via the user's mouth.

[0024] In an embodiment, the mouthpiece body may further include internal components. The internal components may be disposed at the mouthpiece body. The internal components may be disposed inside the mouthpiece body. The internal components may be disposed inside a retainer that may be attached to an additional part of the mouthpiece body. The internal components may be disposed at the location of a plurality of nasal airflow passages. The internal components may be rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body, the retainer, and the nasal airflow passages. The internal components may selectively block one or more of the plurality of nasal airflow passages.

[0025] This can be understood as follows: the internal component can rotate relative to the mouthpiece body and the nasal airflow passage by means of gravity, such that the internal component covers at least one nasal airflow passage in the lower portion of the mouthpiece body, and keeps at least one other nasal airflow passage in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body open. The nasal airflow passage kept open in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body can then be configured to have an open nasal airflow passage accessible to the user's nose. In other words, the movable internal component allows at least one nasal airflow passage to be blocked while keeping the other nasal airflow passages open. Furthermore, the movable internal component allows the nasal airflow passage located in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body and thus configured to be accessible to the user's nose to be automatically kept open.

[0026] This allows for a reduction in the portion of the aerosol flow allocated to the user's nose and a maximization of the portion allocated to the mouth. In other words, the aerosol flow is not "wasted" on the nasal airflow passage located on the opposite side of the user's nose and therefore inaccessible from the nose. Moreover, the movable internal components allow this function to operate independently of the user's orientation of the tube, as the internal components automatically rotate to the correct position by gravity to selectively block the nasal airflow passage on the side of the tube opposite the user's nose.

[0027] In one embodiment, the internal components may be arranged within the internal air passage. In other words, the nasal airflow passage may be separated from the inside of the internal air passage by the internal components. This arrangement can produce a compact device.

[0028] In another embodiment, the internal components may be arranged outside the mouthpiece body and the internal air passage. In other words, the nasal airflow passage may be separated from the mouthpiece body and the external side of the internal air passage by the internal components. This arrangement can produce a device that is easy to maintain and looks interesting.

[0029] In one embodiment, the internal component may be arranged in a radial groove relative to the mouthpiece body. The radial groove may be located inside or outside the mouthpiece body and the internal air passage. The radial groove allows for good guidance of the movable internal component relative to the mouthpiece body.

[0030] In one embodiment, the internal components may be arranged in a track relative to the mouthpiece body. The track may be located inside or outside the mouthpiece body and the internal air passage. The track may be arranged in a recess or directly on the mouthpiece body. The track allows for further improved guidance of the movable internal components relative to the mouthpiece body.

[0031] In an embodiment, the internal component may be formed as an interrupted ring comprising a ring body and at least a partial interruption of the ring body. This may result in the interrupted ring being lighter at the location of the interruption than at the location of the ring body, meaning that the internal component in the form of an interrupted ring can automatically rotate relative to the mouthpiece body by means of gravity to a position where the interruption is on the top side of the cartridge and accessible to the user's nose. The interruption may further allow opening of at least one of the nasal airflow passages accessible to the nose on the upper portion of the mouthpiece body. The ring body may block other nasal airflow passages. As a result, regardless of the user's orientation of the cartridge, the aerosol flow is not "wasted" on nasal airflow passages inaccessible to the nose.

[0032] In another embodiment, the internal component may include two leg portions and a central portion. The central portion may be disposed between the two leg portions. The central portion may be configured to be heavier than each leg portion, such that the central portion can be moved by gravity to the lower portion of the mouthpiece body. Different component materials, thicknesses, density, and hollow constructions can achieve weight differences. The weight difference between the leg portions and the central portion may result in the internal component automatically rotating relative to the mouthpiece body by gravity until the central portion is in a downward position. The central portion may allow obstruction of at least one nasal airflow passage on the lower portion of the mouthpiece body away from the nose. The leg portions or portions thereof, or interruptions between the leg portions, may open additional nasal airflow passages. As a result, the aerosol flow is confined to nasal airflow passages accessible by the nose, and this works independently of the user's orientation of the cartridge.

[0033] In an embodiment, the tube may include at least one lighting unit. The lighting unit may be an LED, a screen, etc. The lighting unit provides light that can be sensed by the user. In an embodiment, the light can enhance the user's overall experience. For example, if the aroma and flavor are cooling, such as mint, menthol, or eucalyptus, the light may be cool light, such as blue light. This lighting can be used to enhance the user's perception of the cooling aroma and flavor of the aerosol in terms of tasting and smelling. In another example, if the aroma and flavor are citrus, the light may be yellow or orange light. This light can enhance the user's perception of the citrus aroma and flavor in terms of tasting and smelling. The lighting can be set by the user or can be set according to the aroma and flavor of the aerosol.

[0034] In another embodiment, the lighting unit may be configured to signal the operating status of the tube, the orientation of the tube relative to the ground and / or relative to the user, the flavor of the aerosol, battery life, number of pumps, remaining liquid volume, time, remaining time, tube malfunction, device status, aerosol temperature, etc.

[0035] In an embodiment, the mouthpiece body may further include at least one electrical contact disposed at the inner circumference of the mouthpiece body. The internal member may include a conductive portion that closes the circuit when the rotatable internal member is in a position where the conductive portion contacts the electrical contact disposed in the mouthpiece body. For example, the conductive portion may be disposed in the central portion of the internal member. The tube may further include at least one illumination unit (first illumination unit) configured to be supplied with electrical power when the circuit is closed. As a result, the illumination unit may be supplied with electrical power and thus turned on depending on and in response to the position of the movable internal member. Therefore, the illumination unit may be turned on depending on and in response to the position of the tube relative to the ground. This can be used to signal to the user, for example, preferably to maintain the position.

[0036] In this embodiment, there may be more than one lighting unit and more than one electrical contact on the mouthpiece body or more than one conductive portion on the rotatable internal component. As a result, the circuit between the electrical contact on the mouthpiece body and the conductive portion of the rotatable internal component can be closed in more than one position. This produces the effect that one of the more than one lighting unit is selectively supplied with electrical energy and thus turned on depending on and in response to the position of the movable internal component. This can be used to illuminate the lighting unit facing the user's eyes while keeping others off to save energy.

[0037] In one embodiment, the lighting unit may be arranged at the movable internal member. The lighting unit may be arranged at the front of the internal member, pointing towards the mouthpiece opening. The lighting unit may be arranged adjacent to the interruption portion at the ring body of the internal member. The lighting unit may be arranged adjacent to the free end of the leg portion at one of the leg portions of the internal member.

[0038] Instead of or supplementing the electrical contacts at the mouthpiece body and the conductive portions at the rotatable internal component in the above embodiments, the cylinder for the aerosol generating device may include a gyroscope sensor and a control unit. The gyroscope sensor may be configured to provide position data of the internal component to the control unit. The control unit may be configured to control the illumination of the illumination unit (first illumination unit) based on the position data of the internal component. As a result, the illumination unit may be switched on depending on and in response to the position of the movable internal component. Therefore, the illumination unit may be switched on depending on and in response to the position of the cylinder relative to the ground. This can be used to signal to the user, for example, to preferably maintain the position.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cylinder may include at least one other lighting unit (a second lighting unit), and the control unit may be configured to control the illumination of the lighting unit that is further from the ground than the other lighting unit based on position data of the internal components. This means that in the case of more than one lighting unit, this can be used to illuminate only a predetermined lighting unit, such as the one facing the user's eyes, while keeping the others off to save energy.

[0040] In this embodiment, the color of the lighting can be selected by the user.

[0041] In one embodiment, the cylinder may include a color unit configured to control the color of the illumination. This may complement or replace the user selection mentioned above. The control of the illumination color may be based on the type of aerosol generating matrix used, for example, in an aerosol generating device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the tube may include a rotor element. The rotor element may be disposed within the mouthpiece body. The rotor element may be rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body. The rotor element may be configured to radially deliver a portion of the aerosol flow in the direction of the nasal airflow passage. This can be accomplished by forming or designing the rotor blades and / or the outer portions of the rotor blades to radially deliver a portion of the aerosol flow in the direction of the nasal airflow passage. Therefore, the delivery of the aerosol flow to the nasal airflow passage can be more efficient.

[0043] The rotor element can be arranged on a rotor shaft extending along the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece body. The rotor shaft can extend along the central axis of the mouthpiece body.

[0044] The rotor element can be configured to rotate by means of the user's suction. This is very energy-efficient because it does not require an additional energy supply, such as a motor.

[0045] The rotor element can also be configured to rotate by means of a motor. The motor can be an electric motor, etc. The motor can achieve a stronger aerosol flow.

[0046] In summary, the cartridge according to this disclosure enhances the overall consumer experience because it delivers a portion of an aerosol, including aroma and flavor aspects, close to the user's nose via one or more nasal airflow passages. In embodiments, the delivery of the aerosol, including aroma and flavor aspects, to the user's nose is accomplished independently of the cartridge's orientation and overall position. This means that a small portion of the aerosol flow is provided as aroma, while the larger flow of the aerosol is inhaled through the user's mouth. Furthermore, aroma distribution is driven by the user's inhalation, meaning that aroma distribution occurs only during user inhalation and corresponds to the frequency and intensity of inhalation. Additionally, aroma distribution via the nasal airflow passages can be assisted by either user inhalation or by a rotor element (fan) driven by an electrically driven motor.

[0047] Furthermore, the canister according to this disclosure can enhance the overall consumer experience by means of lighting corresponding to the aroma / aerosol generated by the device. The lighting can provide information to the user. This lighting feature can also be achieved independently of the canister's orientation.

[0048] The tube disclosed herein enhances the consumer experience without requiring additional or stronger flavoring agents in the consumable contents. It simply makes full use of the existing consumable contents by ensuring that it satisfies the user's olfactory sense as an aromatic experience, while also providing light as a visual and psychological aspect to complement the overall sensory experience.

[0049] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a cylinder is also provided. The method for manufacturing a cylinder includes the following steps, not necessarily in this order:

[0050] - Provides a mouthpiece body having an outer surface and an internal air channel, wherein the internal air channel includes an inner surface of the air channel and a mouthpiece opening at the end of the internal air channel, and

[0051] - Provides multiple nasal airflow passages extending from the inner surface of the air channel to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body.

[0052] In terms of aroma and flavor, this manufacturing method for the tube allows for the production of tubes with superior performance compared to conventional electrically heated smoking systems. The aroma and flavor can be as good as conventional cigarettes and cigars. This improvement in aroma and flavor is achieved not only through the mouthpiece opening of the tube but also through multiple nasal airflow passages within the tube.

[0053] The manufacturing method may further include the step of providing an internal component that can rotate relative to the mouthpiece body and the nasal airflow passage by means of gravity. The movable internal component can automatically keep the nasal airflow passage, located on the upper portion of the mouthpiece body and thus accessible by the user's nose, open. The movable internal component allows this function to be independent of the user's holding orientation of the cartridge.

[0054] The manufacturing method may include the step of providing at least one lighting unit.

[0055] The manufacturing method may further include the steps of: providing at least one electrical contact disposed on the inner circumference of the mouthpiece body, and providing a conductive portion to an internal component. As a result, depending on the position of the movable internal component and therefore responsive to the position of the cylinder relative to the ground, when the rotatable internal component is in the position where the conductive portion contacts the electrical contact, the circuit can be closed to turn on the lighting unit. This can be used to signal the user, for example, preferably to maintain the position.

[0056] Alternatively, the manufacturing method may further include the following steps: providing one or more lighting units and providing one or more electrical contacts at the mouthpiece body or one or more conductive portions at the rotatable internal component. As a result, the circuit between the electrical contacts and the conductive portions of the rotatable internal component can be closed in more than one position. Therefore, depending on the position of the movable internal component, one of the more than one lighting units can be turned on. This can be used to illuminate the lighting unit facing the user's eyes while keeping others off to save energy.

[0057] Alternatively, the manufacturing method may further include the steps of providing a gyroscope sensor and a control unit connected to the lighting unit. The gyroscope sensor provides position data of the internal components to the control unit. The control unit can control the illumination of the lighting unit based on the position data of the internal components. As a result, the lighting unit can be switched on depending on the position of the movable internal components and in response to the position of the cylinder relative to the ground. This can be used to signal to the user, for example, to preferably maintain the position.

[0058] The manufacturing method may further include the step of providing at least one other lighting unit. The control unit can then control the illumination of one of the at least two lighting units that is further from the ground than the other lighting unit, based on the position data of the internal components. This can be used to illuminate only predetermined lighting units, such as those facing the user's eyes, while keeping others off to save energy.

[0059] The manufacturing method may further include the step of providing color units to control the color of the lighting. The control of the lighting color may be based on the type of aerosol generating matrix used, for example, in an aerosol generating device.

[0060] The manufacturing method may further include the step of providing a rotor element disposed within the mouthpiece body. The rotor element is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body and radially conveys a portion of the aerosol flow in the direction of the nasal airflow passage. Therefore, the conveyance of the aerosol flow may be more efficient.

[0061] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0062] LL. A cylinder for an aerosol generation apparatus, comprising

[0063] The mouthpiece body has an outer surface and an internal air passage.

[0064] The internal air passage includes an inner surface of the air passage and a mouthpiece opening at the end of the internal air passage, and

[0065] The mouthpiece body includes multiple nasal airflow passages that extend from the inner surface of the air channel to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body.

[0066] MM. The tube according to claim A, wherein at least one of the nasal airflow passages is configured to be accessible by the user's nose.

[0067] NN. The tube according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of nasal airflow passages are spaced apart from the mouthpiece opening.

[0068] OO. The tube according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece opening is configured as an outlet for a first portion of an aerosol stream accessible by the user's mouth, and at least one of the nasal airflow passages is configured as an outlet for a second portion of the same aerosol stream accessible by the user's nose.

[0069] PP. The tube according to the preceding claim, wherein the size of at least one of the mouthpiece opening and the nasal airflow passage is set such that a first portion of the aerosol flow is larger than a second portion of the aerosol flow.

[0070] QQ. The tube according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece body further includes internal components.

[0071] RR. The tube according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal components are arranged at the locations of the plurality of nasal airflow passages.

[0072] SS. The tube according to any one of claims F or G, wherein the internal member is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body and the nasal airflow passage.

[0073] TT. The tube according to any one of claims F to H, wherein the internal member selectively blocks one or more of the plurality of nasal airflow passages.

[0074] UU. According to any one of claims F to I, wherein the internal member is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body and the nasal airflow passage by means of gravity, such that the internal member covers at least one of the nasal airflow passages in the lower portion of the mouthpiece body, and keeps at least one other nasal airflow passage in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body open, such that the at least one open nasal airflow passage is configured to be accessible by the user's nose.

[0075] VV. The cylinder according to any one of claims F to J, wherein the internal component is arranged within the internal air passage.

[0076] WW. The tube according to any one of claims F to J, wherein the internal component is arranged outside the mouthpiece body.

[0077] XX. The tube according to any one of claims F to L, wherein the internal member is arranged in a radial groove relative to the mouthpiece body.

[0078] YY. The tube according to any one of claims F to M, wherein the internal component is arranged in a track relative to the mouthpiece body.

[0079] ZZ. The cylinder according to any one of claims F to N, wherein the internal member is formed as an interrupted ring including a ring body and at least a partial interruption of the ring body.

[0080] AAA. The tube according to any one of claims F to O, wherein the internal member comprises two leg portions and a central portion, wherein the central portion is disposed between the two leg portions, and wherein the central portion is heavier than each leg portion such that the central portion can be moved to the lower portion of the mouthpiece body by means of gravity.

[0081] BBB. The cartridge according to any one of claims F to P, wherein the mouthpiece body further includes at least one electrical contact disposed at the inner circumference of the mouthpiece body.

[0082] CCC. The tube according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal component includes a conductive portion, and when the rotatable internal component is in a position where the conductive portion contacts an electrical contact disposed in the mouthpiece body, the conductive portion closes the circuit.

[0083] DDD. The cylinder according to the preceding claim, wherein the conductive portion is disposed in the central portion of the internal member.

[0084] EEE. The cylinder according to claim R or S further includes at least one lighting unit configured to be supplied with electrical energy when the circuit is closed.

[0085] FFF. The cylinder according to the preceding claims, wherein the lighting unit is arranged at the movable internal member.

[0086] GGG. The tube according to any one of claims T or U, wherein the lighting unit is arranged in front of the internal member and points towards the mouthpiece opening.

[0087] HHH. The cylinder according to any one of claims T or U, wherein the lighting unit is arranged adjacent to the interruption at the annular body of the internal member.

[0088] III. The cylinder according to any one of claims T or U, wherein the lighting unit is disposed adjacent to the free end of the leg portion at one of the leg portions of the internal member.

[0089] JJJ. The cylinder according to any one of claims A to S further includes a gyroscope sensor, a control unit, and an illumination unit, wherein the gyroscope sensor is configured to provide position data of the internal components to the control unit, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the illumination of the illumination unit based on the position data of the internal components.

[0090] KKK. The cylinder according to the preceding claim, wherein the cylinder includes at least one other lighting unit, and the control unit is configured to control the illumination of one of the two lighting units that is farther from the ground than the other lighting unit based on position data of the internal components.

[0091] LLL. The cylinder according to any one of claims T to Z, wherein the color of the illumination can be selected by the user.

[0092] MMM. The cylinder according to any one of claims T to AA further includes a color unit configured to control the color of the illumination based on the type of aerosol generating matrix used in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0093] NNN. The cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a rotor element disposed within the mouthpiece body and rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body.

[0094] OOO. The cylinder according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotor element is arranged on a rotor shaft extending along the longitudinal direction of the mouthpiece body.

[0095] PPP. The cylinder according to the preceding claim, wherein the rotor shaft extends along the central axis of the mouthpiece body.

[0096] QQQ. The cylinder according to any one of claims CC to EE, wherein the rotor element is configured to rotate by means of a user's suction.

[0097] RRR. The cylinder according to any one of claims CC to FF, wherein the rotor element is configured to rotate by means of an electric motor.

[0098] SSS. The cylinder according to any one of claims CC to GG, wherein the rotor element comprises rotor blades, and wherein the outer portion of the rotor blades is configured to radially convey a portion of the aerosol flow in the direction of the nasal airflow passage.

[0099] TTT. A cartridge according to any one of claims CC to HH, wherein the mouthpiece body further includes a retainer disposed within the internal air passage, wherein the internal member is rotatable relative to the retainer.

[0100] UUU. A method for diverting airflow in a cylinder of an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0101] - Provide a cylinder according to any one of claims A to II

[0102] - An aerosol flow is provided through the air passage of the cylinder.

[0103] - This diverts the aerosol flow into a first portion that is guided to the mouthpiece opening of the cylinder, and

[0104] - This causes the aerosol flow to be diverted into a second portion of at least one of a plurality of nasal airflow passages that are guided into the cylinder.

[0105] VVV. A method for manufacturing a cylinder, comprising:

[0106] - Provides a mouthpiece body having an outer surface and an internal air channel, wherein the internal air channel includes an inner surface of the air channel and a mouthpiece opening at the end of the internal air channel, and

[0107] - Provides multiple nasal airflow passages extending from the inner surface of the air channel to the outer surface of the mouthpiece body. Attached Figure Description

[0108] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0109] Figure 1a -d schematically and exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0110] Figure 2a -c schematically and exemplarily illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0111] Figure 3a -c schematically and exemplarily illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0112] Figure 4a -g schematically and exemplarily illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 5a -b schematically and exemplarily illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder for an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0114] Figure 1a -d illustrates, and exemplifies, different illustrations of embodiments of the cylinder 50 for an aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. The cylinder 50 may be part of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 or may be a replaceable module that can be separately acquired by the user for use in an aerosol generating apparatus 1 employing a modular concept.

[0115] Cylinder 50 is reversibly connected here to power source 15 (e.g., a battery) and power and data connection port 16. Power source 15 provides power to the aerosol generator. Power source 15 and power and data connection port 16 are optional components of cylinder 50.

[0116] The cylinder 50 here includes a reservoir 12 for containing liquid. The cylinder 50 also includes an aerosol generator, which serves as a heater 11 for heating the liquid to form an aerosol. The heater 11 may be a coil and wick heater, or a ceramic element having a resistive heater (metal strip) embedded therein or deposited on the ceramic, wherein the ceramic acts as a wick to deliver the liquid to the heating element. The heater 11 is at least partially arranged inside the reservoir 12.

[0117] In use, the airflow provided by the user's suction enters the cartridge 50 at the distal end and flows from the distal end through the heater 11 to the proximal end, which is the mouth end or mouthpiece opening 54 of the cartridge 50. Liquid in the reservoir 12 is evaporated by the heater and carried by the airflow. During the airflow, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol, which is carried towards the user's mouth. The reservoir 12 and the heater 11 are optional components of the cartridge 50.

[0118] The cylinder 50 is the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device 1. The cylinder includes a mouthpiece body 2 having an outer surface 51 and an internal air passage 52. The internal air passage 52 includes an inner surface 53 of the air passage and a mouthpiece opening 54 at the opening end 55 of the internal air passage 52.

[0119] The mouthpiece body 2 includes a plurality of nasal airflow passages 31, which extend from the inner surface 53 of the air channel to the outer surface 51 of the mouthpiece body 2. The nasal airflow passages 31 are spaced apart from the mouthpiece opening 54.

[0120] The mouthpiece body 2 further includes a movable internal member 33 (e.g., a pendulum) disposed within an internal air passage 52. The internal member 33 is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body 2 and the nasal airflow passage 31. The nasal airflow passage 31 is a small opening (of any geometry) and can optionally be closed or opened by means of the optional internal member 33.

[0121] The internal component 33 is disposed inside the optional retainer 3. The internal component 33 can rotate relative to the retainer 3, the mouthpiece body 2, and the nasal airflow passage 31 by means of gravity, such that the internal component 33 covers at least one nasal airflow passage 31 in the lower portion of the mouthpiece body 2, and keeps at least one other nasal airflow passage 31 in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body 2 open. At least one other nasal airflow passage 31 in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body 2 is accessible to the user's nose.

[0122] The internal member 33 is formed as an interrupted ring including a ring body and an interrupted portion of the ring body. The ring body includes two leg portions 331 and a central portion 332, wherein the central portion 332 is disposed between the two leg portions 331. The central portion 332 is heavier than each leg portion 331, such that the central portion 332 can be moved to the lower portion of the mouthpiece body 2 by means of gravity. The leg portions 331 may be made, for example, of a lightweight polymer material. The central portion 332 may be made, for example, of a heavier metallic conductive alloy or metal. The internal member 33 may be disposed in a radial groove relative to the mouthpiece body, with or without a track.

[0123] The nasal airflow passage 31 releases a portion of the aerosol stream below the user's nose, which is inhaled through the nose, while a larger portion of the aerosol stream is located away from the mouthpiece opening 54 and inhaled through the user's mouth. This system ensures that the release of a portion of the aerosol stream always occurs in the area of ​​the tube 50 below the user's nose, independent of the overall orientation of the tube 50 and any potential movement of the tube 50 during the user's inhalation.

[0124] In one embodiment, the cylinder 50 further includes a rotor element 34 (e.g., a fan or propeller) arranged within the mouthpiece body 2 and rotatable relative to the retainer 3 and the mouthpiece body 2. The rotor element 34 is arranged on a rotor shaft 36 (e.g., an axially elongated pin) extending along the longitudinal direction of the retainer 3 and the mouthpiece body 2. The rotor shaft 36 extends along the central axis of the mouthpiece body 2 in the middle of the internal air passage 52. The cylinder 50 further includes at least one (in this case, two) shaft retainers 35 that surround the parts inside the retainer 3 with very low resistance to airflow.

[0125] Rotor element 34 can be rotated by means of airflow caused by the user's suction and / or by means of a motor (not shown). Rotor element 36 includes rotor blades 37, the outer portions of which are configured to radially deliver a portion of the aerosol flow in the direction of the nasal airflow passage 31. When suction occurs, rotor element 34 rotates automatically, and the airflow is primarily axial relative to rotor shaft 36. Within the periphery / edge of rotor element 34 and rotor blades 37, the airflow tends to be projected radially toward the radial nasal airflow passage 31, allowing a volume of airflow to be delivered to the outside of cylinder 50 if the radial nasal airflow passage is open. This airflow, radially exiting cylinder 50, can then be inhaled by the user via the nose.

[0126] When the user inhales, the rotor element 34 rotates proportionally, meaning the stronger the inhalation, the faster the rotor element 34 rotates. Due to the shape / design of the rotor element 34, some air or aerosol in the radial periphery of the rotor element 34 moves radially outward and thus travels toward the nasal airflow passage 31. Since the nasal airflow passage 31 opens or closes as described above by means of the gravity-driven internal member 33 and has an opening oriented at the top of the mouthpiece body 2 (the interruption of the ring body), the nasal airflow passage 31 oriented at the top of the mouthpiece body 2 is not blocked by the internal member 33, and the aerosol moves out of the nasal airflow passage 31 oriented at the top of the mouthpiece body 2 in the direction of the user's nose.

[0127] Figure 2a -c schematically and exemplarily illustrates different components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure and the cylinder 50 for the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The cylinder 50 can enhance the user's sensory experience because the user activates the aforementioned internal components of the cylinder 50 when inhaling, which cause a portion of the aerosol flow to be radially diverted toward the nasal airflow passage 31 in a portion of the cylinder 50 below the user's nose.

[0128] Additionally, when the cylinder 50 is operated, visible light can be activated in the same portion of the cylinder 50. The stronger the user's suction, the higher the intensity of the visible light may be, and / or such light may persist for a period of time after suction ends. As explained below, this can further enhance the user's sensory experience.

[0129] The cartridge 50 includes (in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1) illumination units 25 and 26. Illumination units 25 and 26 are arranged at the movable internal member 33, and particularly at the front of the internal member 33, pointing towards the mouthpiece opening 54. In an embodiment, illumination units 25 and 26 may protrude from the top surface of the mouthpiece body 2. As a result, the light from illumination units 25 and 26 can be automatically applied to the area of ​​the cartridge near the user's face, and particularly near their eyes.

[0130] The lighting units 25 and 26 can be lamps, and in particular, low-energy LED or OLED lamps. In the area of ​​the lighting units 25 and 26, the wall 24 of the mouthpiece body 2 can be completely or partially transparent or translucent. The visible light from the lighting units 25 and 26 can change its color according to the type of consumable flavor. Since the same LED can switch the color of its light by means of a control unit, different types of flavors (and aromas) can correspond to different colors. The control unit can automatically detect the type of consumable, and / or the user can select the color to be applied based on the color corresponding to the consumable type, or select their preferred color.

[0131] The mouthpiece body 2 further includes, for example, metal electrical contacts 32 arranged at the inner circumference of the mouthpiece body 2.

[0132] The internal component 33 further includes, for example, a metal conductive portion 332, which closes the circuit when the rotatable internal component 33 is in a position where the conductive portion 332 contacts an electrical contact 32 provided in the mouthpiece body 2.

[0133] The internal component 33 can be considered as a gravity switch for the electrical contacts 32. The small electrical contacts 32 of the mouthpiece body 2 can be considered as sliding contacts for the pendulum movement of the internal component 33. By means of the movement of the internal component 33, its conductive portion 332 establishes electrical contact between some of the electrical contacts 32, which in turn activates one of the lighting units 25, 26. In other words, when the circuit between the conductive portion 332 and the electrical contacts 32 is closed, at least some of the lighting units 25, 26 are supplied with electrical energy and turned on. As a result, light will be able to illuminate at a predetermined (e.g., upper) position based on the orientation of the cylinder 50, as defined by the movement of the internal component 33 at any time.

[0134] Figure 3a-c schematically and exemplarily illustrates the different components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure and the cylinder 50 for the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The illumination units 25, 26 are again arranged at the movable internal member 33, but compared to the embodiment of FIG. 2, they are integrated into the annular body of the internal member 33 and are flush with the annular body and do not protrude from it. The illumination units 25, 26 are arranged adjacent to the interruption portion at the annular body, and particularly adjacent to the corresponding free ends of the leg portions 331 at the leg portions 331 of the internal member 33. The illumination units 25, 26 again point towards the mouthpiece opening 54. Regarding FIG. 2, the light from the illumination units 25, 26 can be automatically applied to the upper region of the cylinder 50, which is closer to the user's face and particularly closer to his or her eyes than the lower region of the cylinder 50.

[0135] Figure 4a -g and 5a-b schematically and exemplarily illustrate different illustrations and components of the aerosol generating apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure and other embodiments of the cylinder 50 for the aerosol generating apparatus 1. The cylinder 50 includes a gyroscope sensor 14 and a control unit 13. The gyroscope sensor 14 provides position data of the internal component 33 to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 controls the illumination of the lighting units 25, 26 based on the position data of the internal component 33. The control unit 13 can control the illumination of one of the two lighting units 25, 26 that is further from the ground than the other lighting unit based on the position data of the internal component 33. As a result, the lighting unit 25 or 26 facing upwards in the vertical position will be turned on. Additionally, the control unit can control the power supplied to the heater by a battery. The controller can further receive exchange signals with, for example, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a suction counter, a timer, or other sensors.

[0136] In summary, the cartridge according to this disclosure enhances the overall consumer experience because it delivers fragrance as a small portion of an aerosol stream to the nasal airflow pathway on the top surface of the cartridge. The top surface of the cartridge is adjacent to the user's nose. The device provides this aerosol stream to the top surface of the cartridge, wherein the position of the "top surface" of the cartridge is determined by internal components and based on gravity, and is therefore independent of the orientation and overall position of the cartridge. This means that a small portion of the aerosol stream can be delivered as fragrance to the user's nose, while the user inhales the larger flow of the aerosol stream through their mouth. Furthermore, fragrance delivery can be driven by the user's inhalation, meaning that fragrance delivery occurs only when the user inhales, and corresponds to the frequency and intensity of the inhalation.

[0137] Furthermore, the tube according to this disclosure can enhance the overall consumer experience by means of lighting corresponding to the aroma / aerosol generated by the device. This feature can also be achieved independently of the tube's orientation.

[0138] The tube disclosed herein can enhance the consumer experience without requiring additional or stronger flavoring agents in the consumable contents. It simply makes full use of the existing consumable contents by ensuring that it satisfies the user's olfactory sense as an olfactory experience, while also providing light as a visual and psychological aspect to complement the overall sensory experience.

[0139] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise stated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term “about” in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 20% A. Within this context, the number A can be considered as a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the attribute modified by the number A. In some cases used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed disclosure. Furthermore, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed, and include any intermediate ranges that may be specifically listed or not listed herein.

[0140] Although illustrative examples of this disclosure have been described above in part with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these examples. Variations on the disclosed examples can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art from a study of the drawings, description, and appended claims.

[0141] In the claims, any reference marks enclosed in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. The words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. This disclosure can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements. In an apparatus claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The fact that certain means are enumerated in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A cylinder (50) for an aerosol generating device (1), comprising: A mouthpiece body (2) having an outer surface (51), an internal air passage (52), and internal components (33) arranged within the internal air passage (52). Aerosol generator (11); and Liquid reservoir (12), The aerosol generator (11) is a heater configured to heat the liquid from the liquid reservoir (12) to form an aerosol. The internal air passage (52) includes an inner surface (53) of the air passage and a mouthpiece opening (54) at the mouth end (55) of the internal air passage (52), the mouthpiece opening (54) being configured as an outlet for a first portion of an aerosol flow accessible by a user's mouth. The mouthpiece body (2) includes multiple nasal airflow passages (31) extending from the inner surface (53) of the air channel to the outer surface (51) of the mouthpiece body (2). At least one of the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) is configured as an outlet for the second part of the aromatic aerosol stream that can be accessed by the user's nose. The tube (50) is configured to dispense the fragrance through the at least one nasal airflow passage (31), the fragrance being driven by the user's inhalation and corresponding to the frequency and intensity of the inhalation, and The internal component (33) is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body (2) and the nasal airflow passage (31), and the internal component (33) selectively blocks one or more of the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31).

2. The tube (50) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) extend radially from the internal air passage (52).

3. The tube (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) are spaced apart from the mouthpiece opening (54).

4. The tube (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) are distal to the mouthpiece opening (54).

5. The tube (50) according to claim 1, wherein the inner member (33) is rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body (2) and the nasal airflow passage (31) by means of gravity, such that the inner member (33) covers at least one nasal airflow passage (31) in the lower portion of the mouthpiece body (2) and keeps at least one other nasal airflow passage (31) in the upper portion of the mouthpiece body (2) open, thereby configuring at least one open nasal airflow passage (31) to be accessible by the user's nose.

6. The cylinder (50) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the internal member (33) is formed as an interrupted ring including a ring body and at least a partial interruption of the ring body.

7. The tube (50) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the internal member (33) comprises two leg portions (331) and a central portion (332), wherein the central portion (332) is disposed between the two leg portions (331), and wherein the central portion (332) is heavier than each leg portion (331) such that the central portion (332) can be moved to the lower portion of the mouthpiece body (2) by means of gravity.

8. The cylinder (50) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the mouthpiece body (2) further includes a retainer (3) disposed within the internal air passage (52), wherein the internal member (33) is rotatable relative to the retainer (3).

9. The cylinder (50) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the mouthpiece body (2) further includes at least one electrical contact (32) disposed on the inner circumference of the mouthpiece body (2).

10. The cylinder (50) according to claim 9, wherein the internal component (33) includes a conductive portion (332) that closes the circuit when the rotatable internal component (33) is in a position where the conductive portion (332) contacts an electrical contact (32) provided in the mouthpiece body (2).

11. The cylinder (50) according to claim 10, further comprising at least one lighting unit (25, 26), said at least one lighting unit being supplied with electrical energy when the circuit is closed.

12. The cylinder (50) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotor element (34) arranged within the mouthpiece body (2) and rotatable relative to the mouthpiece body (2).

13. A method for diverting an airflow in a cylinder (50) of an aerosol generating apparatus (1), comprising: Provides a cylinder (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, An aerosol flow is provided through the internal air passage (52) of the cylinder (50). The aerosol flow is diverted into a first portion that is guided to the mouthpiece opening (54) of the cylinder (50), and The aerosol flow is diverted into a second portion of at least one of the plurality of nasal airflow passages (31) that are guided into the cylinder (50).

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