Mouthpiece having inner and outer tubular sections

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for attachment to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece comprises an inner tubular section having a minimum outer diameter which is smaller than an inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece comprises an outer tubular section having a maximum inner diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece comprises a central airflow passage arranged along a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The airflow passage comprises a Venturi portion. The Venturi portion comprises an inlet portion, an optional central portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is configured to converge in a downstream direction and the outlet portion is configured to diverge in the downstream direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for attaching to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article. Background Technology

[0002] An aerosol generating apparatus for generating inhalable aerosols is known. Such an apparatus can heat the aerosol forming matrix contained in an aerosol generating article without burning the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generating article may have a rod shape for inserting the aerosol generating article into a heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus. Heating elements may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol forming matrix once the aerosol generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0003] Typically, the generated aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article through a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece can be part of the device or provided separately. The mouthpiece can be connected to the aerosol-generating article via an airflow channel or directly attached to the aerosol-generating article. To prevent aerosol loss, unexpected pressure drops, or the intake of ambient air at the junction between the mouthpiece and the aerosol-generating article, a good connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol-generating article must be ensured.

[0004] A mouthpiece with improved connection to aerosol-generating articles is desirable. Furthermore, it would be desirable if this connection were robust and easily generated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a mouthpiece is provided for attachment to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece includes an inner tubular section having a minimum outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece also includes an outer tubular section having a maximum inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0006] The design of the mouthpiece according to the present invention ensures a secure fit between the aerosol generating article and the mouthpiece. Due to the specific minimum outer diameter of the inner tubular section and the maximum inner diameter of the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece, the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article can be inserted between the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece. In this way, the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article, and therefore the aerosol generating article, can be securely attached to the mouthpiece.

[0007] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative positions of a component or part of a mouthpiece and aerosol generating article according to the invention, relative to the direction of air drawn through the mouthpiece and aerosol generating article during their use.

[0008] The mouthpiece is preferably configured as a reusable mouthpiece for use with multiple aerosol-generating articles. According to the invention, some functions of the aerosol-generating articles can be transferred to the reusable mouthpiece. This means that elements that could previously only be used once can now be used multiple times. This means that the aerosol-generating articles can be simplified. This reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise result in single-use articles. Specifically, the mouthpiece can be configured to lower the temperature of the air containing the vaporized aerosol-forming matrix flowing through it. Therefore, aerosols can be formed within the mouthpiece. Advantageously, this cooling function provided by the mouthpiece eliminates the need to provide a cooling section within the aerosol-generating article.

[0009] The specific construction of the connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol-generating article ensures a robust bond between them. Therefore, air or vaporized aerosol-forming matrix, or aerosols drawn towards the mouthpiece through the aerosol-generating article, will not leak between the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece. Furthermore, this prevents or at least reduces any unintended dilution of the particulate stream by ambient air that might otherwise enter through the gap between the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece. During smoking, air is drawn substantially entirely or completely from the aerosol-generating article towards and through the mouthpiece.

[0010] After using the aerosol generator, the consumed aerosol generator can be removed from the mouthpiece by pulling it. A fresh aerosol generator can then be inserted into the mouthpiece.

[0011] The mouthpiece may include a stop arranged to connect the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section.

[0012] A stop prevents the mouthpiece from being over-inserted into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article. Similarly, a stop prevents the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article from being over-inserted into the mouthpiece. Furthermore, the stop can be configured to prevent air leakage between the aerosol generating article and the mouthpiece. The stop can be configured as a connecting wall between the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece. The stop can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the downstream end face shape of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article. The stop can be configured to abut the end face of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article once the hollow tubular filter portion has been inserted between the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece. The stop can have a circular or annular structure. The stop can be configured as a smooth wall. A smooth wall has the advantage of facilitating the insertion and removal of the mouthpiece. Additionally, if both surfaces are smooth, the airtightness of the fit between the aerosol generating article and the mouthpiece is likely optimal. Alternatively, it may be advantageous if a rough or structured surface can be used to ensure the strength of the connection between the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece. The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article determines whether a smooth or rough surface is preferred. For example, a larger diameter increases the contact / friction surface between the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece, and the need for additional retention may be less.

[0013] The stop may include a sealing device. The stop may be configured to include an O-ring. The stop may be configured such that the O-ring can be inserted between the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece and onto the stop to enhance the sealing effect of the stop.

[0014] The stop can be configured such that the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece can be inserted into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article by a maximum of 6 mm, preferably 5 mm, more preferably about 4 mm. An overlap of about 5 mm can be provided between the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece and the inserted hollow tubular filter section of the aerosol generating article.

[0015] The insertion distance is sufficient to secure a strong connection between the aerosol-generating product and the mouthpiece. This prevents leakage between the aerosol-generating product and the mouthpiece.

[0016] The inner tubular section may have an outer diameter between 2 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm, and more preferably about 4 mm.

[0017] The outer tubular section may have an inner diameter between 5 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 5.5 mm and 7 mm, and more preferably about 6.3 mm.

[0018] The mouthpiece may include a central airflow channel arranged along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece.

[0019] The central airflow channel can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, such that after the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article is inserted between the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece, the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. In other words, after the aerosol generating article is connected to the mouthpiece, the central airflow channel of the mouthpiece is preferably aligned with the aerosol generating article, so that air can be drawn through the aerosol generating article and enter the central channel of the mouthpiece.

[0020] The airflow channel may include a Venturi section, which may include an inlet portion, an optional central portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to converge in a downstream direction, and the outlet portion may be configured to diverge in a downstream direction. In this way, the optional central portion of the Venturi section is the portion with the smallest diameter between the inlet and outlet portions. The central portion can have any suitable length, preferably less than 4 mm. In some embodiments, there is no central portion where the inlet and outlet portions are directly adjacent to each other. In this case, the term "central portion" can be used to refer to the cross-section of the Venturi section where the contraction is minimal, even if the inlet and outlet portions are physically in contact in that cross-section. In these embodiments, the length of the central cross-section can, in principle, be zero.

[0021] The inner tubular section may include an upstream end, and the outer circumference of the upstream end of the inner tubular section may be circular.

[0022] The rounded upstream end of the inner tubular section facilitates the insertion of the mouthpiece into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating product, or facilitates the insertion of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating product between the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece.

[0023] The outer tubular section may include an upstream end, and the inner circumference of the upstream end of the outer tubular section may be conical.

[0024] The tapered upstream end of the outer tubular section facilitates the insertion of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating product between the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece. The inner circumference of the outer tubular section can taper towards the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0025] The inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece converge towards the downstream end of the mouthpiece, allowing the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article to be easily inserted between the inner and outer tubular sections and securely held between them during further insertion. Preferably, the inner and outer tubular sections of the mouthpiece form tubular grooves for inserting the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the tubular groove has a wide inlet at the upstream end of the mouthpiece to facilitate insertion of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article and narrows downwards towards the downstream end of the mouthpiece to securely hold the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the upstream inner diameter of the tubular groove (i.e., at the outer edge of the tubular groove) is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, the upstream outer diameter of the tubular groove of the mouthpiece (i.e., at the outer edge of the tubular groove) is larger than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the downstream inner diameter of the tubular groove of the mouthpiece (i.e., at the bottom of the tubular groove) is equal to or greater than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the downstream outer diameter of the tubular groove of the mouthpiece (i.e., at the bottom of the tubular groove) is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0026] In addition to securely holding the aerosol-generating article in place, this effectively prevents or at least reduces leakage of air or aerosol between the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece. Furthermore, due to the high-precision attachment to the mouthpiece as described herein, the attached aerosol-generating article can be automatically centered.

[0027] The mouthpiece can be configured such that, after being inserted into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article, the suction resistance is between 50 mmWg and 150 mmWg, preferably between 50 mmWg and 70 mmWg.

[0028] The outer circumference of the inner tubular section can be conical, and preferably, the outer diameter of the inner tubular section increases in the downstream direction.

[0029] The inner circumference of the outer tubular section can be conical, and preferably, the inner diameter of the outer tubular section decreases in the downstream direction.

[0030] The mouthpiece may include a hinge section for attaching the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating device.

[0031] The hinge section may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. The hinge section may include conventional connecting means for connecting the hinge section to the aerosol generating device. The hinge section may be integrally formed with the mouthpiece. The hinge section may be configured to pivotally open the mouthpiece to allow insertion of an aerosol generating article into the aerosol generating device. After insertion of the aerosol generating article, the mouthpiece may be pivotally closed by means of the hinge section. During closure of the mouthpiece with the aerosol generating device, a connection may be established between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating article as described above. Specifically, the aerosol generating article may be inserted into the aerosol generating device such that a hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article extends downstream from the aerosol generating device. During closure of the mouthpiece, the tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article may be pressed between the inner and outer tubular portions of the mouthpiece to ensure a secure, leak-free connection.

[0032] The mouthpiece may be made of one or more of the following materials: ceramic, composite material, resin (e.g., Accura 25); polymer, silicone, (soft material) polylactic acid; or environmentally friendly polymeric material or a combination thereof.

[0033] The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating apparatus comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a housing, circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber, and a heating element.

[0034] As used herein, "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol forming matrix to generate aerosols. The aerosol forming matrix may be part of an aerosol generating article. An aerosol generating apparatus may be an apparatus that interacts with the aerosol forming matrix of an aerosol generating article to generate aerosols.

[0035] The circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The circuit may include additional electronic components. The circuit may be configured to regulate the power supply to the heating element. Power may be continuously supplied to the heating element after the system is activated, or it may be supplied intermittently, such as on a pump-and-drain 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 power supply to the heating element based on the resistance of the heating element.

[0036] The device may include a power source, typically a battery, within its main body. Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power source may require recharging and may have a capacity capable of storing sufficient energy for one or more uses; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow continuous aerosol generation over a period of approximately six minutes or multiples of six minutes. In another instance, the power source may have sufficient capacity to generate aerosols for multiple uses.

[0037] The power source can be any suitable power source, such as a DC voltage source, or a battery. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source can 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.

[0038] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds, which typically form aerosols upon heating, i.e., above room temperature. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0039] The hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article may include, for example, a hollow acetate tube (HAT), a fine hollow acetate tube (FHAT), or a filament plug wound around a central cardboard tube, all of which are known from the manufacture of filter elements. The hollow tubular filter portion preferably includes a hollow central space. The inner tubular portion of the mouthpiece can be inserted into the hollow central space.

[0040] The hollow tubular filter portion may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming matrix included in the aerosol-generating article, and may be directly adjacent to the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-generating article may consist only of the matrix portion and the hollow tubular filter portion.

[0041] If desired or necessary, for example, to achieve sufficiently high resistance to the suction of the aerosol-generating article, an additional filter section may be included in the aerosol-generating article. Preferably, such an additional filter section may be included between the matrix portion and the orifice portion. Preferably, such an additional filter section comprises a filter material, such as cellulose acetate. Preferably, the length of the additional filter section is between about 4 mm and about 8 mm, more preferably between about 5 mm and about 7 mm. Preferably, such an additional filter section comprises a filter material, such as cellulose acetate. Preferably, the combined length of the additional filter section and the hollow tubular filter portion is between about 10 mm and about 18 mm, preferably about 13 mm.

[0042] The hollow tubular filter portion can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the hollow tubular filter portion can be formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: cellulose acetate; cardboard; paper, such as curled heat-resistant paper or curled parchment; cotton; fiber adhesive; glass fiber; and other polymeric materials, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the hollow tubular filter portion is formed from cellulose acetate.

[0043] The hollow tubular filter portion preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0044] The hollow tubular filter portion may have an outer diameter between about 4 mm and about 8 mm, for example, between about 5 mm and about 6 mm, preferably about 5.3 mm. The hollow tubular filter portion may have a length between about 10 mm and about 40 mm, preferably, the hollow tubular filter portion has a length between about 10 mm and about 13 mm.

[0045] Aerosol-generating articles can be generally cylindrical in shape. However, alternatively, other cross-sections can be used. In practice, the cross-section of an aerosol-generating article can vary along its length, for example, by changing the shape or size of the cross-section. Aerosol-generating articles can be substantially elongated. Aerosol-generating articles can have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to said length. Aerosol-forming substrates can be generally cylindrical in shape. Aerosol-forming substrates can be substantially elongated. Aerosol-forming matrices can also have a certain length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to said length.

[0046] The aerosol-generating article may have a total length between 30 mm and 60 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 50 mm, and more preferably 45 mm. The aerosol-generating article may have an outer diameter between about 4 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 6 mm, and more preferably about 5.3 mm. In one embodiment, the total length of the aerosol-generating article is about 45 mm. Additionally, the aerosol-forming matrix may have a length between 20 mm and 55 mm. The aerosol-generating article may include an outer packaging, preferably an outer paper packaging.

[0047] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol forming matrix may suitably be part of an aerosol-generating article or a smoking article.

[0048] An aerosol-forming matrix is ​​a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-forming matrix may include nicotine. The aerosol-forming matrix may include plant-based materials. The aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco. The aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco-containing materials containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds, which are released from the aerosol-forming matrix upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming matrix may include tobacco-free materials. The aerosol-forming matrix may comprise, for example, homogeneous plant-based materials prepared by papermaking or casting processes, including homogeneous tobacco.

[0049] The aerosol forming matrix may include at least one aerosol forming agent. An aerosol forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the system's operating temperature. Suitable aerosol forming agents include, for example: polyols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono, di, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. The aerosol forming agent may be a polyol or a mixture thereof, for example, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol. The aerosol forming agent may be propylene glycol. An aerosol forming agent may include both glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0050] Heating elements may be arranged inside or around the heating chamber for heating aerosol-generating articles that can be inserted into the heating chamber. The heating chamber may be a cavity. Alternatively or additionally, internal heating elements may be provided, for example, needles or sheets inserted to at least partially enter the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0051] For example, the device may include an external heater positioned around the periphery of the heating chamber. The external heater may take any suitable form. For example, the external heater may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate (e.g., polyimide). The flexible heating foil may be shaped to conform to the periphery of the heating chamber. Alternatively, the external heater may take the form of one or more metal meshes, flexible printed circuit boards, molded interconnect devices (MIDs), ceramic heaters, flexible carbon fiber heaters, or may be formed on a suitable molded substrate using coating techniques such as plasma vapor deposition. The external heater may also be formed using a metal with a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such exemplary devices, the metal may be formed as traces between two layers of suitable insulating material. An external heater formed in this manner can be used to heat and monitor the temperature of the external heater during operation.

[0052] The present invention also relates to a system comprising a mouthpiece and an aerosol generating article as described above, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a matrix portion containing an aerosol forming matrix and a hollow tubular filter portion, wherein the minimum outer diameter of the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the maximum inner diameter of the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece is larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

[0053] The present invention also relates to a method for attaching a cigarette holder to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the method comprises:

[0054] i. Provide the cigarette holder as described above,

[0055] ii. Providing the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a matrix portion containing an aerosol forming matrix and the hollow tubular filter portion,

[0056] iii. The mouthpiece is attached to the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article by inserting the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article.

[0057] Features described in relation to one aspect can be equally applied to other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0058] The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 A cigarette holder according to the invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 2 The connection between the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article and the mouthpiece is shown;

[0061] Figure 3 A hinge section for connecting a mouthpiece to an aerosol generating device is shown; and

[0062] Figure 4 An aerosol generating apparatus is shown, which includes a mouthpiece and an aerosol generating article inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1 A mouthpiece according to the present invention is shown. The mouthpiece has an elongated shape and includes a central airflow channel 10 through which air comprising a vaporized aerosol forming matrix can be drawn. Figure 1 The top portion shows the downstream end 12 of the mouthpiece, while Figure 1 The bottom portion shows the upstream end 14 of the mouthpiece. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the middle, air is drawn from the bottom to the top.

[0064] Figure 1 The mouthpiece shown is constructed as a Venturi mouthpiece. This means that the central airflow channel 10 has a constricted portion, referred to as the central portion 16. An inlet portion 18 is provided, extending from the upstream end 14 toward the central portion 16. An outlet portion 20 is provided, extending away from the central portion 16 toward the downstream end 12. The central portion 16 has a reduced diameter compared to the outlet portion 20, which diverges from the central portion 16 toward the downstream end 12. In the outlet portion 20, the airflow expands and cools, allowing aerosol droplets to form.

[0065] The mouthpiece includes, at its upstream end 14, a structure for attaching to an aerosol-generating article, particularly a hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article. At the upstream end 14, the mouthpiece includes an inner tubular section 22 and an outer tubular section 24. The inner tubular section 22 is disposed inside the outer tubular section 24. Between the inner tubular section 22 and the outer tubular section 24, a tubular groove 26 is provided for inserting the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0066] The inner tubular section 22 of the mouthpiece has a minimum outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion. The outer tubular section 24 has a maximum inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion. Preferably, the inner tubular section 22 tapers towards the upstream end 14, and the outer tubular section 24 tapers towards the downstream end 12. Therefore, the conical shape forming the tubular groove 26 simplifies the insertion of the hollow tubular filter portion. Additionally, the inner tubular section 22 may include a circular upstream end 28 to facilitate insertion into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article to be attached.

[0067] The mouthpiece includes a stop 30 configured to connect the inner tubular section 22 and the outer tubular section 24, such that the hollow tubular filter portion can only be inserted into the tubular groove 26 up to the stop 30. When the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generation article is fully inserted into the tubular groove 26, the aerosol generation article is securely held within the tubular groove 26 and thus connected to the mouthpiece. After full insertion, the hollow tubular filter portion can overlap the outer tubular section 24 by approximately 5 mm.

[0068] Figure 2 The operation of inserting the hollow tubular filter portion 32 of the aerosol generating article 34 into a cigarette holder or attaching the cigarette holder to the aerosol generating article 34 is shown. Figure 2 The left portion depicts the aerosol generating article 34 before the connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating article 34 is established. Figure 2In the right part, the hollow tubular filter portion 32 of the aerosol generating article 34 has been pushed into the tubular groove 26 of the mouthpiece, thus establishing a connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating article 34.

[0069] Figure 3 A hinge section 36 is shown for pivotally opening and closing a mouthpiece for attachment or separation from an aerosol generating article 34. The hinge section 36 can be connected to or configured to be connected to an aerosol generating apparatus, allowing the mouthpiece to be provided as part of the aerosol generating apparatus. Before use, the mouthpiece can be pivotally opened by means of the hinge section 36. The aerosol generating article 34 can then be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating apparatus. The mouthpiece is then pivotally closed, establishing a connection between the mouthpiece and the aerosol generating article 34, for example, as... Figure 2 What is depicted. Figure 3 Two time points during the engagement operation are shown. Figure 3 In the left part, hinge segment 36 is closed, but not fully closed. Figure 3 In the right part, the closure is not yet complete, but it is related to... Figure 3 Compared to the left portion, the hinge section 36 pivots further toward the closed position. After the smoking experience, the mouthpiece can be pivotally opened again, and the consumed aerosol-generating article 34 can be removed from the mouthpiece and subsequently removed from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

[0070] Figure 4 An aerosol generating apparatus 38 is shown, which includes a heating chamber 40 for inserting an aerosol generating article 34, and other components of the aerosol generating apparatus 38. Additionally, Figure 4 It shows how to combine Figure 3 The described hinge section 36 is connected to the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device 38. The aerosol generating device 38 includes additional components such as a heating element 42, a power supply 44 for supplying electrical energy to the heating element 42, and a circuit 46 for controlling the supply of electrical energy from the power supply 44 to the heating element 42.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for attachment to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol generating article, wherein the mouthpiece includes an inner tubular section having a minimum outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the mouthpiece includes an outer tubular section having a maximum inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article, wherein the mouthpiece includes a central airflow channel arranged along a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, wherein the airflow channel includes a venturi portion, wherein the venturi portion includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion, wherein the inlet portion is configured to converge in a downstream direction and the outlet portion is configured to diverge in a downstream direction, wherein the mouthpiece includes a hinge section for attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosol generating device.

2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the venturi portion further includes a central portion.

3. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece includes a stop member arranged to connect the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section.

4. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the stop is configured such that the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece can be inserted up to 6 mm into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article.

5. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the stop is configured such that the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece can be inserted up to 5 mm into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article.

6. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the stop is configured such that the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece can be inserted into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol-generating article by a maximum of about 4 mm.

7. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner tubular section has an outer diameter between 3 mm and 5 mm.

8. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner tubular section has an outer diameter between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm.

9. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner tubular section has an outer diameter of about 4 mm.

10. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer tubular section has an inner diameter between 5 mm and 8 mm.

11. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer tubular section has an inner diameter between 5.5 mm and 7 mm.

12. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer tubular section has an inner diameter of about 6.3 mm.

13. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner tubular section includes an upstream end, and wherein the outer periphery of the upstream end of the inner tubular section is circular.

14. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer tubular section includes an upstream end, and wherein the inner circumference of the upstream end of the outer tubular section is tapered.

15. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer periphery of the inner tubular section is conical, and wherein the outer diameter of the inner tubular section increases in the downstream direction.

16. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner circumference of the outer tubular section is conical, and wherein the inner diameter of the outer tubular section decreases in the downstream direction.

17. The mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece are configured to form a tubular groove between the inner tubular section and the outer tubular section, and wherein the tubular groove is configured to securely receive and retain the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article.

18. A system comprising a mouthpiece and an aerosol generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the aerosol generating article comprises a matrix portion containing an aerosol forming matrix and a hollow tubular filter portion, wherein the minimum outer diameter of the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article, and wherein the maximum inner diameter of the outer tubular section of the mouthpiece is larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

19. A method for attaching a cigarette holder to a hollow tubular filter portion of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the method comprises: i. Providing a mouthpiece according to any one of claims 1 to 17, ii. Providing the aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a matrix portion containing an aerosol forming matrix and the hollow tubular filter portion, iii. The mouthpiece is attached to the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article by inserting the inner tubular section of the mouthpiece into the hollow tubular filter portion of the aerosol generating article.

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