Aerosol generating system with replaceable mouthpiece

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit comprises a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece comprises an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and main unit define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel form an airflow path from an air inlet to an air outlet through the heating element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system. The present disclosure further relates to a replaceable mouthpiece for an aerosol generation system. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a system may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. In an aerosol generating system or device, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be delivered from a liquid reservoir to an electric heating element. Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-generating substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol. The liquid substrate may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary element. The liquid reservoir may be formed as a replaceable or refillable cartridge containing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be attached to the aerosol generating device to supply the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the device for aerosol generation.

[0003] The replaceable cartridge may contain a variety of different aerosol-forming substrates. Some of these aerosol-forming substrates may be suitable for adult use only. The authenticity and quality of the aerosol-forming substrates is of increasing importance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Aerosols generated by vaporizing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may condense on the sidewalls of the airflow path. This may be particularly true in cold environments. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating system is used by a user in a cold environment, the mouthpiece may become uncomfortably cold.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generation system that offers safeguards against misuse and counterfeiting.

[0006] It would further be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that can reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow path downstream of the heater. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that can direct condensed aerosol droplets from a location downstream of the heater back toward the heater. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that has a comfortably warm mouthpiece, regardless of the ambient temperature. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows an aerosol generation system in exploded form. [Diagram 2] 1 shows the aerosol generation system in assembled form. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a further aerosol generating system in exploded form. [Figure 4] 1 shows a further aerosol generation system in assembled form. [Diagram 5] 1 shows the aerosol generating system in exploded form with a sealing foil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit may comprise a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may comprise an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and the main unit may have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit may define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel may form an airflow path from an air inlet to an air outlet via the heating element.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided that includes a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit includes a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece includes an outlet channel. The mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit define an inlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel form an airflow path from an air inlet to an air outlet through the heating element.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided that includes a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece. The main unit includes a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece includes an outlet channel and an outlet through which the aerosol exits the system, allowing a user to inhale the aerosol. The mouthpiece and main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, these corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and main unit define an inlet and an inlet channel from the inlet to the heater.

[0011] In embodiments there is at least one air inlet. In embodiments there are two air inlets. In embodiments there are two or more air inlets. In embodiments there are one or more air inlets.

[0012] The airflow path may include an inlet path and an outlet path. The outlet path may be fluidly connected to the inlet path. The outlet path may deliver the air combined with the aerosol to the outlet. The aerosol may be formed when the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be vaporized at the heater. The aerosol may be formed as the vapor formed at the heater is entrained and cooled in the airflow flowing from the inlet through the device and through the inlet channel to the heater and downstream of the heater in the outlet channel. The aerosol may continue to develop as it is conveyed to the outlet in the outlet channel. That is, the aerosol may cool as it is conveyed to the outlet in the outlet channel. The aerosol may condense as it is conveyed to the outlet in the outlet channel. The aerosol particles may combine to form larger aerosol particles as the aerosol is conveyed to the outlet in the outlet channel. The aerosol may form smaller aerosol particles as it is conveyed to the outlet in the outlet channel. The size of the aerosol particles can be affected by the airflow speed, temperature, pressure, and geometry of the airflow path of the system. The aerosol particles can impact surfaces in the outlet channel. The aerosol particles can adhere to surfaces in the outlet channel. Larger aerosol particles can adhere to surfaces in the outlet channel, resulting in an aerosol with a smaller average particle size reaching the outlet. The inlet channel is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled. After assembly of the aerosol generation system of the present invention, the aerosol generation system can be used to inhale an aerosol.

[0013] The replaceable mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device is designed to mate with the main unit to define an inlet channel for delivering airflow through the heater, whereby an aerosol can be formed. The aerosol can be inhaled by the user via the outlet. Without the mouthpiece, the main unit is inoperable as it does not provide a continuous airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet for inhaling the aerosol. Therefore, the design of the aerosol generating system represents an efficient protection mechanism against tampering. The main unit alone does not allow for the formation of an aerosol suitable for inhalation. The main unit alone does not have an air inlet. The main unit alone does not have an inlet channel. The main unit alone does not have an inlet or inlet channel. The main unit alone does not have a mechanism for delivering air entering the device through the inlet to the heater. The main unit alone does not have a mechanism for delivering air conveyed through the device via the inlet channel to the heater so that an aerosol can be formed when the heater heats the aerosol-forming substrate, and so that the aerosol can be conveyed away from the heater in the outlet channel. Thus, the main unit alone does not have the necessary structure to create an inhalable aerosol.

[0014] Furthermore, the design of the aerosol generation system also helps to avoid counterfeiting, since only a mouthpiece with a specific design that cooperates with the main unit to create an inlet and an inlet channel can be used with the main unit of the aerosol generation system to generate inhalable aerosol.In addition, in this way, it is ensured that only complementary components are used in the aerosol generation system of the present invention.Thereby, the high quality of the product and the generated inhalable aerosol can be ensured.

[0015] The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0016] The term "aerosol-forming substrate" as used herein relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of a cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to be replaceable or refillable.

[0017] The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in liquid form. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former, such as propylene glycol or glycerin, other additives and ingredients (such as flavorings). The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, a solvent, ethanol, a plant extract, and a natural or artificial flavor. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include an alkaloid or a cannabinoid. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5% to about 10% (e.g., about 2%). The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be contained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article, in which case the aerosol-generating article may be displayed as a cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a stable aerosol of high density. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, polyhydric alcohols (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids (such as dimethyl dodecanedioate, dimethyl tetradecanedioate, etc.). The aerosol former may be a polyhydric alcohol or a mixture thereof (such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, etc.). The aerosol former may be propylene glycol. The aerosol former may include both glycerin and propylene glycol.

[0018] As used herein, an aerosol generating system refers to a system comprising a main unit and a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The main unit may be an aerosol generating device.

[0019] As used herein, "aerosol-generating device" refers to a device that generates an aerosol by interacting with an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a cartridge. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, an electrical circuit, a power source, a heating chamber, a heating element.

[0020] The electrical circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electrical circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heater element.

[0021] The heating element is preferably provided as part of the vaporization unit. The heating element may be any device suitable for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form the aerosol. The heating element may be exemplarily a coil heater, a capillary heater, a mesh heater, or a metal plate heater. The heater may be exemplarily a resistive heater that receives electrical power and converts at least a portion of the received electrical power into thermal energy. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may be a susceptor that is inductively heated by a time-varying magnetic field. The heater may comprise only a single heating element or multiple heating elements. The temperature of the heating element(s) is preferably controlled by an electrical circuit.

[0022] In any of the above embodiments, at least one heating element preferably comprises an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to, semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide, etc.), carbon, graphite, metals, alloys, and composites made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composites may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing, manganese-containing, and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel-, iron-, cobalt-, and stainless steel-based superalloys, Timetal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum-based alloys. In the composite material, the electrically resistive material may be optionally embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the required energy transfer kinetics and external physicochemical properties. Examples of suitable composite heater elements are disclosed in U.S. Patent (issued) No. 5,498,855, International Patent Publication No. 03 / 095688, and U.S. Patent (issued) No. 5,514,630.

[0023] The vaporization unit may further comprise a capillary material for conveying the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the heater element. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. The capillary material preferably comprises a bundle of capillaries. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads, or other fine tubes. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to convey the liquid to the heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a spongy or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms a plurality of small pores or tubes through which the liquid can move by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. An example of a suitable material is a porous material. An example of a suitable material is a sponge or foam material. An example of a suitable material includes a ceramic material. An example of a suitable material includes a graphite-based material. A suitable material may be a fiber. A suitable material may be a sintered powder. A suitable material may be a metal foam. A suitable material may be a plastic material. A suitable material may be a fibrous material. Suitable materials may be made of spun fibers. Suitable materials may be made of extruded fibers. Suitable materials may be made of cellulose acetate. Suitable materials may be made of polyester. Suitable materials may be made of bonded polyolefins. Suitable materials may be made of polyethylene. Suitable materials may be made of ethylene. Suitable materials may be made of polypropylene. Suitable materials may be made of nylon fibers. Suitable materials may be made of ceramics. Suitable materials may be made of one or more combinations of ethylene, polyethylene, ethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. The capillary material may have any suitable capillary action and porosity for use with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure that allow the liquid to be moved through the capillary material by capillary action. The capillary material may be configured to convey the aerosol-forming substrate to the vaporizer. The capillary material may extend into a gap in the vaporizer.

[0024] The one or more capillary wicks may be arranged to contact liquid held in the liquid storage portion. The one or more capillary wicks may extend into the liquid storage portion, whereby in use liquid may be transferred from the liquid storage portion to one or more elements of the aerosol generation means by capillary action in the one or more capillary wicks. The one or more capillary wicks may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the liquid storage portion for drawing liquid aerosol-forming substrate held within the liquid storage portion into the aerosol generation means.

[0025] The capillary material may be arranged to contact a liquid held in the liquid storage portion. The capillary material may extend into the liquid storage portion, whereby in use liquid may be transferred from the liquid storage portion to one or more elements of the aerosol generation means by capillary action in the capillary material. The one or more capillary materials may have a first end and a second end. The first end may extend into the liquid storage portion to draw a liquid aerosol-forming substrate held within the liquid storage portion into the aerosol generation means.

[0026] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein are used to describe the relative location of components or portions of components of a mouthpiece or an aerosol generating device used with a mouthpiece, relative to the direction in which air flows through the mouthpiece or aerosol generating device along an airflow path during use of the mouthpiece or aerosol generating device. A mouthpiece according to the invention may comprise a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the mouthpiece during use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the oral end or downstream end. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may be the mouthpiece connected to the aerosol generating device. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end or mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or portions of components of a mouthpiece or aerosol generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative location with respect to the airflow path through the mouthpiece or aerosol generating device.

[0027] The term "airflow path" as used herein refers to the path that air follows as it moves through the system. For example, the inlets, inlet channels, outlet channels, and outlets are structures that create spaces that allow air to flow through the system. Air that enters the device through the inlet, travels through the inlet channels, past the heater, travels through the outlet channels, and exits the device through the outlet follows the airflow path defined by these structures.

[0028] An air inlet path is an airflow path that directs air from the air inlet to the heater. An inlet path is an airflow path that directs air from the air inlet to the heater. "Air inlet path" and "inlet path" are synonymous.

[0029] "Air inlet" and "inlet" are synonymous. An inlet is an opening in a system that allows ambient air, i.e., air surrounding the system, to enter the system.

[0030] An air exit path is an airflow path that directs air from the heater to the air outlet. An exit path is an airflow path that directs air from the heater to the outlet. Air from the heater to the outlet may contain aerosols. "Air exit path" and "exit path" are synonymous.

[0031] "Air outlet" and "outlet" are synonymous. The air outlet path or air in the outlet path may contain aerosols. An outlet is an opening in the system that allows air containing aerosols to exit the system.

[0032] The airflow paths are air inflow paths and air outflow paths. The airflow paths may be used to transport ambient air into the device, through the heater, and to the outlet of the device. The airflow paths may be used to transport the aerosol. The airflow paths may be used to transport a mixture of air and aerosol. The airflow paths may extend from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0033] The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a replaceable mouthpiece. The cartridge may form an integral part of the mouthpiece. The cartridge may be refillable. Once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may refill the cartridge so that the mouthpiece containing the refillable cartridge can be reused. Designing parts to be reusable helps to reduce waste and reduces the ecological impact of the device or system or cartridge on the environment.

[0034] The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the main unit of the aerosol generation system. The cartridge may form an integral part of the main unit. The cartridge may be refillable. Once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, the user may refill the cartridge so that a mouthpiece containing a refillable cartridge can be reused.

[0035] The cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to be replaceable: once the aerosol-forming substrate is consumed, a user may remove the cartridge from the aerosol generation system and replace the used cartridge with a new filled cartridge.

[0036] When the aerosol generation system is assembled, an air inlet path is defined between the mouthpiece and the main unit. The mouthpiece and the main unit may be connected using any suitable connection means. The connection means may include a threaded connection, a friction fit, or a form-fit connection. The connection means may be configured such that the connection can be established manually by a user. This facilitates handling and assembly of the aerosol generation system.

[0037] The mouthpiece and main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. The structural components with complementary geometric shapes are preferably provided on adjacent interface portions of the mouthpiece and main unit. When the mouthpiece and main unit are assembled, these interface portions are located next to each other. The structural components with complementary geometric shapes are configured such that when the aerosol generation system is assembled, these structural components form an inlet and an inlet channel. The inlet and the inlet channel form an inflow path. The system may have two or more inlets and two or more inlet channels.

[0038] The airflow path may comprise an inlet channel and an outlet channel. The inlet channel extends between the inlet of the aerosol generating system and the heating element. The inlet channel serves to direct ambient air entering the system through the inlet towards the heating element, where the airflow mixes with a supersaturated vapor comprising the vaporized components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The resulting aerosol is directed along the outlet channel towards the outlet of the mouthpiece where it may be inhaled by the user.

[0039] It is not necessary that the complete inlet channel is defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes of the mouthpiece and the main unit: if at least a portion of the inlet channel is defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes of the mouthpiece and the main unit, the object of the invention can already be achieved.

[0040] It is not necessary that the complete airflow path is defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes of the mouthpiece and the main unit. If at least a portion of the airflow path is defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes of the mouthpiece and the main unit, the object of the present invention may already be achieved.

[0041] The air inlet opening may be formed in an outer part of the housing of the aerosol generation system. Depending on the structure of the aerosol generation system, the air inlet opening may be formed in an outer part of the housing of the main unit or the mouthpiece. The air inlet opening may be formed between the main unit and the mouthpiece. The air inlet opening may be partially formed in both the main unit and the mouthpiece. The air inlet opening may be formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled together.

[0042] The inlet channel of the airflow pathway may be defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometries in the mouthpiece and main unit.

[0043] The cartridge may be part of the main unit. When the cartridge is present as part of the main unit, an inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined between the mouthpiece and the cartridge of the main unit. The inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometries of the mouthpiece and the cartridge.

[0044] The cartridge may have any shape or cross-section, including elliptical, conical, rectangular, square, or angled. In embodiments, the cartridge may have a tubular shape. The cartridge may have a central channel. The central channel may extend longitudinally through the complete cartridge. The cartridge may have an annular distal end, an annular proximal end, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The inner surface may define the central channel through the cartridge.

[0045] The inlet channel may comprise a radial portion and an axial portion. The radial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between a proximal end of the cartridge and a corresponding radial wall element of the mouthpiece. To this end, the proximal end of the cartridge, or the radial wall element of the mouthpiece, or both, may comprise a groove. In the assembled state, the groove extends radially from the air inlet opening to the interior of the aerosol generation system.

[0046] The radial portion of the inlet channel may be in communication with the axial portion of the inlet channel. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between an inner surface defining the central channel of the cartridge and an outer surface of a corresponding wall element of the mouthpiece. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be configured to direct the airflow towards the heating element of the aerosol generating device. The axial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between an inner surface defining the tubular channel of the cartridge and an outer surface of a corresponding tubular wall element of the mouthpiece.

[0047] The wall element of the mouthpiece may be hollow. The wall element of the mouthpiece may define a central hollow channel forming part of the outlet channel of the airflow path. The hollow wall element of the mouthpiece may have any suitable cross-section. The cross-section of the wall element may correspond to the cross-section of the central channel of the cartridge. The cross-section of the wall element may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square or angled. The wall element may have a conical distal end. The conical distal end may facilitate the insertion of the wall element into the central channel of the cartridge when the aerosol generation system is assembled. When the cross-section of the wall element is circular, the wall element may also be referred to as a tubular wall element.

[0048] The outlet channel extends from the heating element to an outlet of the mouthpiece and is configured to direct generated aerosol toward the outlet of the mouthpiece.

[0049] By designing the aerosol generating device such that a portion of the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the complementary portion of the mouthpiece, a simple structure is obtained that achieves the object of the invention. The main unit with the cartridge can only be used with a specific mouthpiece, which may have a radial wall element and a complementary portion as described above. Only with such a specific mouthpiece can the main unit be used to generate an inhalable aerosol. It can therefore be ensured that an aerosol is generated only when the correct original mouthpiece is used. Therefore, fraudulent use or counterfeiting can be effectively prevented.

[0050] The mouthpiece may have an outer housing. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have any suitable shape. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the main unit. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a circular, oval, rectangular, square, or angled cross-section. The outer housing of the mouthpiece may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer housing may have lateral surfaces and a proximal end. An outlet may be defined in the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

[0051] The mouthpiece connected to the main unit may have a corresponding structural component with a complementary geometric shape corresponding to the shape of the cartridge. In such an embodiment, an airflow path may be defined between the mouthpiece and the cartridge. The mouthpiece may have a first structural component that extends in an essentially parallel direction to the proximal side of the cartridge in the assembled state. The mouthpiece may have a second structural component that is hollow and extends in an essentially parallel direction to the central channel of the cartridge in the assembled state. The hollow component may have a smaller dimension than the central channel of the cartridge such that the hollow component may extend into the central channel of the cartridge when assembled. The second structural component of the mouthpiece may be formed by the above-mentioned wall element of the mouthpiece. Thus, the airflow channel established between the mouthpiece and the cartridge may comprise a radial portion and a longitudinal portion.

[0052] The cartridge may form part of the mouthpiece. When the cartridge is part of the mouthpiece, an inlet channel of the airflow path may be formed between a corresponding structural component having a complementary geometric shape located at the bottom of the cartridge of the mouthpiece and an upper part of the main unit when the system is assembled. When assembled, the inlet channel may be defined between the main unit and the cartridge of the mouthpiece. The inlet channel of the airflow path may be defined by corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes of the main unit and the cartridge.

[0053] The inlet channel may comprise a radial portion and an axial portion. The radial portion of the inlet channel may be defined between a proximal end of the main unit and the cartridge and a corresponding radial wall element of the mouthpiece. To this end, the proximal end of the main unit, or the radial wall element of the mouthpiece, or both, may comprise a groove. In the assembled state, the groove may extend radially from the air inlet opening to the interior of the aerosol generation system.

[0054] The radial portion of the inlet channel may be in communication with the axial portion of the inlet channel. Also in this embodiment, the inlet channel extends between the air inlet opening of the aerosol generating system and the heating element. The inlet channel serves to direct ambient air towards the heating element, where the airflow mixes with a supersaturated vapor comprising the vaporized components of the aerosol-forming substrate. The resulting aerosol is directed along the outlet channel towards the outlet of the mouthpiece, where it can be inhaled by the user.

[0055] In embodiments in which the cartridge is part of the mouthpiece, the cartridge may be refillable or replaceable, in which case the cartridge may be refilled or replaced when depleted and the mouthpiece may be used repeatedly.

[0056] The cartridge may also be configured to be neither refillable nor replaceable, in which case the complete mouthpiece is replaced when the cartridge is depleted.

[0057] Both the cartridge and the mouthpiece may be replaceable. One or both ends of the cartridge or the mouthpiece may be protected by a sealing foil. The sealing foil may be a pierceable sealing foil that is broken during assembly of the aerosol generating system. The sealing foil may be a removable sealing foil that is removed from the cartridge before the cartridge is assembled with the main device or unit.

[0058] Such a sealing foil may protect the cartridge and mouthpiece from debris or other undesirable contaminants during transport, and especially prior to use.

[0059] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0060] [Example] Example A: An aerosol generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece, the main unit comprises a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate; the mouthpiece having an outlet channel; the mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components having complementary geometric shapes; when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit define an inlet channel; An aerosol generating system, wherein an inlet channel and an outlet channel form an airflow path from an air inlet to an air outlet through a heating element.

[0061] Example B: An aerosol generating system as described in Example A, wherein an airflow pathway is formed when the main unit and mouthpiece are assembled.

[0062] Example C: An aerosol generation system according to any of Examples A and B, wherein the aerosol generation system comprises a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0063] Example D: An aerosol generation system as described in Example C, wherein the cartridge is configured to be replaceable.

[0064] Example E: An aerosol-generating system as described in Example C or Example D, wherein a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate is part of the main unit.

[0065] Example F: An aerosol generating system as described in Example C or Example D, wherein the cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate is part of the replaceable mouthpiece.

[0066] Example G: An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples A to E, wherein the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the mouthpiece.

[0067] Example H: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples A to G, wherein the cartridge has a tubular shape.

[0068] Example I: An aerosol generation system according to any of Examples A-H, wherein the cartridge defines a central channel.

[0069] Example J: An aerosol generation system as described in Example I, wherein the airflow path passes through a central channel of the cartridge.

[0070] Example K: An aerosol generation system as described in Example I or Example J, wherein the complementary structural component of the mouthpiece or main unit comprises a hollow element that extends into the central channel of the cartridge.

[0071] Example L: An aerosol generating system described in any of Examples A-K, wherein the mouthpiece has an outer housing having a lateral surface and a proximal end.

[0072] Example M: ​​An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples A to L, wherein the air inlet is disposed on a lateral surface of the outer housing of the mouthpiece.

[0073] Example N: An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples A to M, wherein the air inlet is disposed on a side surface of the outer housing of the main unit.

[0074] Example O: An aerosol generating system according to any of Examples A to N, wherein the air outlet is disposed at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

[0075] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0076] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0077] FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of the top of an aerosol generating system 10 including a main unit 12 , a cartridge 14 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 , and a replaceable mouthpiece 20 .

[0078] The replaceable mouthpiece 20 is adapted to be removable from and connectable to the main unit 12 and has a generally cylindrical housing 22. A hollow tubular element 24 extends centrally along the entire length of the mouthpiece 20. An annular radial wall element 26 extends between the housing 22 and the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20. Air inlet openings 28 are provided at opposing positions on a side of the housing 22. These air inlet openings 28 are provided immediately below the radial wall element 26.

[0079] The opening of the tubular element 24 at the proximal end of the mouthpiece 20 is configured as an outlet end 30 for inhalation by a user. The distal end 32 of the mouthpiece 20 is configured to be attached to the main unit 12. As can be seen in Figure 1, no continuous airflow path is defined within the mouthpiece 20 between the air inlet opening 28 and the outlet end 30.

[0080] The main unit 12 is an aerosol generating device comprising a cartridge 14, a power source, electronic circuitry, and a vaporization unit 34. The cartridge 14 is provided at the proximal end of the main unit 12. The cartridge 14 has a tubular shape and is configured to hold a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16. The inner diameter of the central channel 17 of the cartridge 16 is larger than the outer diameter of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20.

[0081] The vaporization unit 34 comprises a porous ceramic component 36 in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 stored in the cartridge 14. A sealing element 38 is provided to prevent undesired leakage of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 to the power components, including the power supply and control circuitry.

[0082] A resistive heater element 40 is provided on the back side of the porous ceramic component 36. The resistive heater element 40 is electrically connected to a power source of the aerosol generation system via contacts 42. The power source and control circuitry of the aerosol generation system is provided below the main unit, which is not shown in FIG.

[0083] When the resistive heater element 40 is activated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 absorbed in the porous ceramic component 36 is vaporized. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate mixes with ambient air to form an aerosol. The aerosol is then conveyed through an airflow path to the outlet 30. To this end, an airflow path is defined within the assembled aerosol generation system 10.

[0084] The assembled aerosol generation system 10 is depicted in FIG. 2. When assembled, the mouthpiece 20 cylindrically surrounds and is frictionally engaged with the cartridge 14. In the fully assembled position, an airflow path 50 is defined between corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece 20 and the main unit 12 having a complementary geometric shape. The airflow path 50 includes an inlet channel 52 and an outlet channel 54. The inlet channel 52 forms an inflow path that is the portion of the airflow path 50 that extends between the air inlet opening 28 and the vaporization unit 34. The outlet channel 54 forms an outflow path that is the portion of the airflow path 50 that extends between the vaporization unit 34 and the outlet 30.

[0085] 2, the inlet channel 52 comprises a radial portion 56 and an axial portion 58. The radial portion 56 of the inlet channel 52 is defined between the proximal end 19 of the cartridge 14 and the radial wall element 26 of the mouthpiece 20. The proximal end 19 of the cartridge 14 comprises a radially extending groove 60 that extends radially from the air inlet opening 28 toward the interior of the aerosol generation system 10. The radial portion 56 of the inlet channel 52 extends into the axial portion 58 of the inlet channel 52.

[0086] An axial portion 58 of the inlet channel 52 is defined between an inner surface of the cartridge 14 and an outer surface of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20. The axial portion 58 of the inlet channel 52 is configured to direct airflow towards the vaporization unit 34.

[0087] The outlet channel 54 is defined by an inner channel of the tubular element 24 of the mouthpiece 20. The outlet channel 54 extends from the vaporization unit 34 to the outlet end 30 of the aerosol generation system 10.

[0088] When a user draws a puff at outlet end 30 of mouthpiece 20, an airflow is established from air inlet opening 28 through inlet channel 52 toward vaporization unit 34. In vaporization unit 34, the drawn air mixes with vaporized aerosol-forming substrate 16 to form an aerosol. The aerosol is conveyed through outlet channel 54 and inhaled by the user at outlet end 30.

[0089] The aerosol generating device cannot be used to generate an inhalable aerosol without the particular mouthpiece 20 having the structure as depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, the aerosol generating device can only be used with this particular mouthpiece 20, which helps to prevent or reduce fraud and counterfeiting.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an aerosol generation system 10 including a main unit 12, a cartridge 14, and a replaceable mouthpiece 20 in an exploded configuration.

[0091] In this embodiment, the replaceable mouthpiece 20 is adapted to be removable from and connectable to the main unit 12 and has a generally cylindrical housing 22. The replaceable mouthpiece includes a cartridge 14 and a vaporization unit 34.

[0092] Vaporization unit 34 again comprises a porous ceramic component 36 in fluid communication with liquid aerosol-forming substrate 16 stored in cartridge 14. Ceramic component 36 has through holes 44 that allow airflow through ceramic component 36.

[0093] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, the cartridge 14 is permanently connected to the mouthpiece 20. However, also in this embodiment, the cartridge 14 may be configured to be replaceable. For this purpose, the housing 22 of the mouthpiece 20 may be configured to comprise two connectable parts. By separating these two parts, the cartridge 14 may be accessible and can be replaced after depletion.

[0094] When the aerosol generation system 10 is assembled, the electrical contacts of the vaporization unit 34 contact corresponding electrical contacts 46 of the main unit 12 .

[0095] In this embodiment, the main unit 12 is an aerosol generating device that includes a power source 47 and electronic circuitry 48. The main unit 12 also includes the air inlet opening 28 of the aerosol generating system 10. The air inlet opening 28 is connected to a main unit air channel 62. The other end of the main unit air channel 62 opens at the proximal end of the main unit 12.

[0096] Again, in the disassembled state, no continuous airflow path is defined between the air inlet opening 28 and the outlet end 30 of the aerosol generation system 10 .

[0097] FIG. 4 shows the aerosol generating system 10 of FIG. 3 in an assembled configuration. When the main unit 12 and mouthpiece 20 are assembled, a continuous air inlet channel 52 is formed that extends from the air inlet opening 28 toward the vaporizer unit 34. More specifically, the air inlet channel 52 extends from the air inlet opening 28 of the main unit 12 through a main unit air channel 62. The main unit air channel 62 is connected to an air inlet channel portion 63 formed at the interface between the proximal end of the main unit 12 and the distal end of the mouthpiece 20. The air inlet channel portion 63 is connected to the through hole 44 of the ceramic component 36 and directs an airflow through the vaporizer unit 34. The airflow mixes with the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate 16 in the vaporizer unit 34 to form an aerosol. The aerosol is conveyed through the outlet channel 54 and inhaled by the user at the outlet end 30.

[0098] Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an aerosol generation system 10 of the present invention. The aerosol generation system 10 comprises a main unit 12, a replaceable cartridge 14, and a replaceable mouthpiece 20. In the left view of Figure 5, the aerosol generation system 10 is shown in a partially disassembled state.

[0099] A new, filled cartridge 14 is already inserted into the main unit 12. The proximal end of the cartridge 14 is protected by a removable sealing foil 64. This sealing foil protects the cartridge 14 from debris or other undesirable contaminants during transport, and especially prior to use. The sealing foil 64 is removed when the cartridge 14 is inserted into the main unit 12 and prior to use of the aerosol generating system.

[0100] The mouthpiece 20 depicted in Figure 5 is also still sealed at the distal and proximal ends. Each of these ends is still covered by a sealing foil 66. Each of these sealing foils 66 is used to protect the open end of the mouthpiece 20 from debris and contaminants prior to use.

[0101] During assembly of the aerosol generation system 10, the sealing foil 66 of the mouthpiece 20 is removed. In the right-hand diagram of Figure 5, the aerosol generation system 10 is depicted in a fully assembled state.

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising a main unit and a replaceable mouthpiece, the main unit comprises a cartridge for storing an aerosol-forming substrate and a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate; the mouthpiece comprising an outlet channel; the mouthpiece and the main unit have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes; when the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, the corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit define an inlet channel; An aerosol generating system, wherein the inlet channel and the outlet channel form an airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet through the heating element.

2. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the airflow path is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled.

3. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to be replaceable.

4. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the airflow path is defined between the cartridge and the mouthpiece.

5. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge has a tubular shape.

6. 3. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge defines a central channel.

7. 7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the airflow path leads through the central channel of the cartridge.

8. 7. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the complementary structural component of the mouthpiece or main unit comprises a hollow element that extends into the central channel of the cartridge.

9. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece has an outer housing having a lateral surface and a proximal end.

10. 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 9, wherein the air inlet is disposed on the side surface of the outer housing of the mouthpiece.

11. 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 9, wherein the air inlet is disposed on the side surface of the outer housing of the main unit.

12. 3. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is disposed at the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

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