Mouthpiece for inhaling aerosols having airflow channels - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece (10) for inhaling an aerosol, comprising an airflow channel (14) for the aerosol extending therethrough, and a flavor section (16) containing at least one flavoring agent (12) for flavoring the aerosol, the flavor section being in fluid communication with the airflow channel at a central portion (17) of the airflow channel, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion increasing in the flow direction through the airflow channel. The mouthpiece efficiently mixes the aerosol with the at least one flavoring agent to provide flavor to the aerosol.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol.The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating system for providing an aerosol to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating systems comprise either cartridges containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate or aerosol-generating articles containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate. These products can be consumed as heat-not-burn products and often contain flavorants that cannot be altered during the use of the cartridge. Cartridges often cannot be separated from their respective aerosol generating devices without risk of cartridge leakage or breakage. The flavorants present in the liquid aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridges may have a short shelf life, mainly due to the chemically reactive nicotine component. Similarly, a user may purchase a complete set of aerosol-generating articles, all containing the same flavor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It is desirable to provide a user with the ability to change the flavor of an aerosol generating system during use. It is further desirable to provide a user with the ability to change at will the flavor of an individual aerosol generating article included in a set of aerosol generating articles. Additionally, it is desirable to provide a user with the ability to change the flavor provided by an aerosol generating system without significant energy expenditure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1A] 1 shows cross-sectional views of two different embodiments of a mouthpiece according to the invention. [Figure 1B] 1 shows cross-sectional views of two different embodiments of a mouthpiece according to the invention. [Diagram 2]1 shows a cross-sectional view of an exploded aerosol generation system including a mouthpiece according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece connected to a cartridge, illustrating the respective flow channels. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving the aerosol generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol. The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow channel for the aerosol extending therethrough. The mouthpiece may comprise a flavour section including at least one flavourant for flavouring the aerosol. The flavour section of the mouthpiece may be in fluid communication with the airflow channel at a central portion of the airflow channel. A cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion may increase in a flow direction through the airflow channel.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention may provide a mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol. The mouthpiece comprises an airflow channel for the aerosol extending through a mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece comprises a flavor section including at least one flavorant for flavoring the aerosol. The flavor section of the mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the airflow channel at a central portion of the airflow channel. A cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel of the mouthpiece at the central portion increases in a flow direction through the airflow channel.

[0007] The flow direction through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece is defined as the flow direction of the aerosol through the mouthpiece. The aerosol may enter the mouthpiece at the upstream end of the mouthpiece and exit the mouthpiece at the downstream end of the mouthpiece to be inhaled by the user.

[0008] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" as used herein are used to describe the relative location of components or parts of components of a mouthpiece or 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 channel driven by a user's puff during use. A mouthpiece according to the invention comprises a proximal end through which aerosol exits the mouthpiece, in use, for consumption by a user. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may also be referred to as the oral end or the downstream end of the aerosol generating device. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device may be connected to the mouthpiece. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating device or the distal end of the mouthpiece may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts 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 channel through the mouthpiece or aerosol generating device.

[0009] An increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion in a flow direction through the airflow channel may result in the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel being smaller in an upstream portion of the central portion compared to a downstream portion of the central portion.

[0010] The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion increases in the flow direction, so that the velocity of the aerosol passing through the central portion of the airflow channel may decrease in the flow direction. This may provide a Venturi effect. This may increase the mixing of the aerosol with the at least one flavorant in fluid communication with the central portion of the airflow channel. This may also lead to increased turbulence through the mouthpiece, which further aids in the mixing of the aerosol with the at least one flavorant. This may also aid in the volatilization of the at least one flavorant. Thus, a more homogeneous mixture of the aerosol and the at least one flavorant may be provided to the user through the mouthpiece.

[0011] The aerosol received by the mouthpiece for further flavouring may be generated from a variety of different aerosol-forming substrates. The aerosol-forming substrate may be one or more of a liquid, gel or solid aerosol-forming substrate. The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connected to one or both of the aerosol-generating article or a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a substrate section containing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may form an aerosol upon heating or upon combustion.

[0012] The at least one flavorant may be configured to be entrained in the airflow as the user draws, which may provide additional flavor to the aerosol without the need to heat the at least one flavorant in the flavor section, which may provide a simple way to flavor the aerosol by simply drawing through the mouthpiece.

[0013] The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the upstream end of the mouthpiece may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion, or the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, or both.

[0014] Thus, according to this embodiment of the mouthpiece of the present invention, the mouthpiece may include at least two or three expansion regions for the aerosol. One first expansion region may be located at the upstream end of the mouthpiece at the upstream end of the airflow channel through the mouthpiece, and the second expansion region may be located at the central part of the airflow channel. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first expansion region may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second expansion region at the central part of the airflow channel. This may lead to a lower velocity of the aerosol in the second expansion region compared to the first expansion region. This may lead to a reduction in the velocity of the aerosol going from the first expansion region through the second expansion region. This may provide a Venturi effect. This may promote mixing of the aerosol with the at least one flavorant in the central part of the airflow channel. The third expansion region of the mouthpiece may be located at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central part of the airflow channel may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Thus, the third expansion region may have a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the central portion and the cross-sectional area at the upstream end of the mouthpiece. Thus, the mixing rate of the aerosol and the at least one flavorant may be reduced when passing through the third expansion region. This may provide a Venturi effect, which may also aid in the mixing of the aerosol and the at least one flavorant. These expansion regions may "flush" the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate toward the mouthpiece, through the central portion of the airflow channel of the mouthpiece, and to the downstream end of the mouthpiece to deliver it to the user.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the first expansion region at the upstream end of the mouthpiece may increase in the flow direction through the airflow channel. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the third expansion region at the downstream end of the mouthpiece may increase in the flow direction through the airflow channel. As already mentioned above, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion, the second expansion region, may also increase in the flow direction through the airflow channel.

[0016] This may allow for efficient channeling of the aerosol, or a mixture of the aerosol and at least one flavorant, through the mouthpiece and towards the user.

[0017] Either or both the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the upstream end and the central portion remains at least partially the same, or the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the central portion and the downstream end remains at least partially the same.

[0018] This may allow the velocity of the aerosol, or the velocity of the mixture of aerosol and at least one flavorant, to remain the same between the upstream end of the airflow channel and the central portion of the airflow channel, or between the central portion of the airflow channel and the downstream end.

[0019] The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel preferably does not change between the upstream end and the central portion of the airflow channel, or between the central portion of the airflow channel and the downstream end of the mouthpiece, which may allow expansion of the aerosol, or a mixture of aerosol and at least one flavourant, only in the expanded region at the mouthpiece, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel changes in the flow direction.

[0020] The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel may be one or more of a circle, a rectangle, or an ellipse. The airflow channel may preferably have a tubular shape. When the airflow channel has a tubular shape, resulting in a circular cross-sectional area, the diameter of the airflow channel at the upstream end of the mouthpiece may be smaller than the diameter of the airflow channel at the central portion. Similarly, the diameter of the airflow channel at the central portion may then be smaller than the diameter of the airflow channel at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0021] The walls of the airflow channel in the central portion may include a porous material for releasing the at least one flavorant. The porous material may be a retention material configured to retain the at least one flavorant. The retention material may be configured to release the at least one flavorant into the aerosol. The porous material may direct the at least one flavorant from the flavor section to the central portion of the airflow channel for volatilization along with the aerosol.

[0022] The retention material may be configured to release the at least one flavorant when airflow driven by a user's puff passes along a surface thereof. The retention material may be configured to retain the at least one flavorant in the absence of airflow, thereby avoiding undesirable evaporation of the at least one flavorant during storage of the mouthpiece.

[0023] The porous material may be selected from porous ceramics, basalt, bamboo fiber composites, cork, modal fiber composites, nonwoven fabrics, cellulose composites, which are particularly well suited for absorbing and retaining at least one flavorant and releasing it into the aerosol air stream.

[0024] Opposing walls of the airflow channel in the central portion may comprise a porous material for releasing at least one flavourant. The distance between the opposing walls may increase in the central portion in a flow direction through the airflow channel.

[0025] The flavor section of the mouthpiece may include at least one flavorant in liquid or gel form. Preferably, the at least one flavorant may be volatile. This may aid in the utilization of the at least one flavorant. The at least one flavorant may be selected from the group consisting of mint oil, menthol, isomenthone, and menthyl acetate.

[0026] The flavor section may also include at least one aerosol former. The at least one aerosol former may be selected from the group consisting of propanediol, propanediol, glycerol diacetate, diethyl phthalate.

[0027] These aerosol formers may be included in the aerosol in addition to the at least one flavorant when the user draws on the mouthpiece. These aerosol formers may also control the rate of evaporation of the at least one flavorant.

[0028] The mouthpiece may have a longitudinal axis, preferably a central longitudinal axis. An airflow channel extending through the mouthpiece may extend along the longitudinal axis. The airflow channel may extend along the longitudinal axis through one or more of an upstream end of the mouthpiece, a central portion of the airflow channel, and a downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0029] This can ensure that the airflow channel can extend along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece in one or more of the first expansion region, the second expansion region in a central portion of the airflow channel, and the third expansion region at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0030] This may allow for simple and easy "flashing" of the aerosol, and the mixture of the aerosol and at least one flavorant, through the mouthpiece and toward the user.

[0031] The flavour section may be annular in shape. Preferably, the annular shaped flavour section may be arranged around the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. This may provide a simple design for arranging the flavour section around the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include an inner wall. The inner wall may surround the airflow channel extending through the mouthpiece. At least a portion of the inner wall in a central portion of the airflow channel may include a porous material for releasing at least one flavourant from the flavour section into the airflow channel.

[0032] The flavour section may extend along at least a central portion of the airflow channel to the downstream end of the mouthpiece, which may provide a large flavour section capable of storing a large amount of at least one flavourant.

[0033] The mouthpiece may include an outer wall. The outer wall may include any material suitable for a mouthpiece. One or both of the outer and inner walls may include plastic, cardboard, or metal.

[0034] The mouthpiece may further include an inlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to receive the aerosol. The mouthpiece may further include an outlet portion. The outlet portion may be configured for exit of the aerosol to a user. An airflow channel through the mouthpiece may be disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0035] The inlet portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to one or more of a cartridge for an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating device, or an aerosol-generating article. The inlet portion may be configured to receive an aerosol generated from an aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge or an aerosol-generating article. The inlet portion may include a hollow connecting portion configured to be removably connectable to one or more of a cartridge, an aerosol-generating device, or an aerosol-generating article. The hollow connecting portion may be adjacent to an outer wall of the mouthpiece. The hollow connecting portion may be configured to accommodate a portion of the cartridge upon connection with the cartridge. The outer wall of the inlet portion may be configured to be at least partially placed on the cartridge, or the aerosol-generating article, or the aerosol-generating device.

[0036] The inlet portion of the mouthpiece may include a connection tap, which may be configured to be removably connectable to one or more of a cartridge for an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generating device, or an aerosol-generating article.

[0037] The inlet portion of the mouthpiece may include a tubular section. The tubular section may be configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge. The tubular section may be disposed along a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece.

[0038] The tubular section may allow access to a central hollow portion of the cartridge, particularly an annular shaped cartridge.

[0039] The tubular section may include an opening at the upstream end. The opening of the tubular section at the upstream end may correspond to the upstream end of the mouthpiece. The opening of the tubular section at the upstream end may correspond to the first expansion area of ​​the mouthpiece already mentioned above. This may lead to a decrease in the velocity of the aerosol at the downstream end of the tubular section compared to the upstream end. This may allow better mixing of the air with the aerosol originating from the aerosol-forming substrate. The tubular section may be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece.

[0040] The outer wall of the mouthpiece may include at least one mouthpiece air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the mouthpiece. Preferably, the inlet portion of the mouthpiece may include at least one mouthpiece air inlet.

[0041] The mouthpiece may further include an outlet sealing layer. The outlet sealing layer may seal the outlet portion of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may further include an inlet sealing layer. The inlet sealing layer may seal the inlet portion of the mouthpiece. The presence of one or both of the outlet sealing layer and the inlet sealing layer may prevent the at least one flavorant from evaporating from the mouthpiece during storage. A user may remove the inlet sealing layer and the outlet sealing layer before using the mouthpiece. After removing the outlet sealing layer and the inlet sealing layer, a user may connect the mouthpiece to one or both of the aerosol-generating article or the cartridge.

[0042] The airflow channel may have a frusto-conical shape at the downstream end of the mouthpiece, which may correspond to the third expansion region described above, which may allow efficient final mixing of the aerosol originating from the aerosol-forming substrate with the at least one flavourant that is entrained in the aerosol in the central portion of the airflow channel.

[0043] An embodiment of the present invention also provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may comprise a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol generation system may further comprise a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, or may comprise an aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge.

[0044] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system comprises a mouthpiece as described herein. In addition, the aerosol generation system comprises a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge.

[0045] The cartridge may be configured to be removably connectable to an aerosol generation device. The mouthpiece may then be removably connectable to the cartridge, and the cartridge is connected to the aerosol generation device.

[0046] Such an aerosol generating system may provide an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge upon heating. The aerosol may be further flavored with at least one flavorant contained in the flavor section of the mouthpiece. The user may add additional flavor to the aerosol from the mouthpiece by simply sucking on the mouthpiece. This may not require additional heating. In particular, the heat of the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate, together with the airflow generated by the user's puff, may be sufficient to mix at least one flavorant into the aerosol.

[0047] The aerosol-forming substrate contained within the cartridge may be a liquid.

[0048] The cartridge of the aerosol generation system may comprise a vaporizer assembly for vaporizing the aerosol-forming substrate. The vaporizer assembly may include a porous evaporation element. The porous evaporation element may be in fluid communication with the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the cartridge. The porous evaporation element may be configured to absorb the aerosol-forming substrate, in particular a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The porous evaporation element may include a porous ceramic material for absorbing the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0049] The vaporizer assembly may include a heater element. The porous evaporation element may be connected to the heater element in a thermally conductive manner. The heater element may be configured to heat the porous evaporation element. This may result in evaporation and aerosolization of the aerosol-forming substrate contained within the porous evaporation element. The heater element may include a contact pin. The contact pin may be configured to be removably connectable to an energy source of the aerosol generating device.

[0050] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers 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.

[0051] The aerosol-forming substrate may include a liquid component. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a tobacco extract. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. 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.

[0052] The cartridge may comprise a central hollow portion.The cartridge may have an annular shape.The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to the central hollow portion of the cartridge.

[0053] The tubular section of the inlet portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be insertable into a central hollow portion of the cartridge, which may provide an airflow channel leading from the cartridge, through the tubular section of the inlet portion of the mouthpiece, and into a central portion of the airflow channel where the at least one flavorant is entrained in the aerosol.

[0054] The cartridge may include an inner wall. The inner wall of the cartridge may be adjacent to the central hollow portion of the cartridge. The cartridge may further include an outer wall.

[0055] Upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge, an airflow channel may be formed between an outer wall of the cartridge and an inlet portion of the mouthpiece, and between an inner wall of the cartridge and a tubular section of the mouthpiece. The airflow channel may direct ambient air to a vaporizer assembly of the cartridge. The airflow channel may receive ambient air through the mouthpiece air inlet.

[0056] This may allow the airflow channel to be formed only upon connection of the cartridge and mouthpiece.

[0057] Upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge, the tubular section of the inlet portion may be positioned adjacent to the vaporizer assembly of the cartridge, in particular, the upstream end of the tubular section may be positioned adjacent to the vaporizer assembly of the cartridge.

[0058] This may allow any aerosol generated in the vaporizer assembly of the cartridge to be directed through the tubular section of the mouthpiece and into the central portion of the airflow channel.

[0059] The cartridge of the aerosol generation system may be configured to be removably connectable to an aerosol generation device. The aerosol generation device may comprise electrical connections. These electrical connections may be configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge. In particular, the electrical connections may be configured to be removably connectable to connection pins of the cartridge.

[0060] The aerosol generating device may include a power source. The power source may be configured to operate the heater element of the cartridge. The power source may be a battery within the body of the aerosol generating device. In one embodiment, the power source is a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (e.g., a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). 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 that allows for storage of sufficient energy for one or more use experiences, for example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to continuously generate aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have a capacity sufficient to provide a predetermined number of puffs, or discontinuous activation of the heater element.

[0061] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electrical circuit. 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.

[0062] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system which may comprise a mouthpiece as described herein. Additionally, the aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generation system may comprise an aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to the aerosol-generating article.

[0063] The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of the aerosol-generating article or the smoking article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of the substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article.

[0064] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol generation system further comprises an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generation system also comprises an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a cavity for receiving the aerosol-generating article. The mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the aerosol-generating article.

[0065] The mouthpiece according to the invention may also be configured to be removably connectable to an aerosol-generating article. These aerosol-generating articles may include a substrate section that includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating article may have a tubular shape. The aerosol-generating article may have a rod-like shape.

[0066] The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid. The aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound capable of forming an aerosol. The volatile compound may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-derived material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco-containing material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a homogenized plant-based material (including homogenized tobacco) made, for example, by a papermaking process or a casting process.

[0067] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol former, which may be any of the aerosol formers already mentioned above in relation to the aerosol-forming substrate contained in the cartridge.

[0068] Thus, the mouthpiece of the present invention can be used by a user to change the flavor of an aerosol-generating article at will. A user can consume an aerosol-generating article using an aerosol-generating system as described herein. After use, the user may remove the mouthpiece from the aerosol-generating article. The user may reuse the mouthpiece, or any other mouthpiece with a flavor section having a different flavoring, with further aerosol-generating articles.

[0069] The aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature. Such an aerosol-generating article may be referred to as a "heat-non-combustion product."

[0070] The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which the aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be a base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for providing an air opening disposed in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be disposed upstream of the cavity. The open end may be disposed downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongated extension. The cavity may have a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be a direction extending between the open end and the closed end along the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0071] The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article to be received within the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article.

[0072] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol-generating article to a temperature in the range of 220 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, preferably 250 degrees Celsius to 290 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, an aerosol may be generated from an aerosol-forming substrate contained within the aerosol-generating article.

[0073] The heating element may comprise one or both of an induction heating element and a resistive heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an inductor coil disposed around at least a portion of the cavity and connected to a power source. The power source may be configured to provide an alternating current to the inductor coil, such that in use the inductor coil generates an alternating magnetic field to heat the susceptor by creating eddy currents. The susceptor may be part of one or both of the aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating article received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the susceptor may be part of the aerosol-generating article or part of the aerosol generating device.

[0074] As described herein, induction heating may be utilized. For induction heating, an induction coil and a susceptor are provided. Generally, the susceptor is a material that has the ability to generate heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field. When located within the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is conductive, typically eddy currents are induced by the alternating magnetic field. If the susceptor is magnetic, typically another effect that contributes to heating is commonly referred to as hysteresis loss. Hysteresis loss occurs primarily due to the movement of magnetic domain blocks within the susceptor. This is because their magnetic orientation aligns with the alternating induced magnetic field. Another effect that contributes to hysteresis loss is when magnetic domains expand or contract within the susceptor. Generally, all these changes that occur within the susceptor at nanoscale or below generate heat within the susceptor, and are therefore referred to as "hysteresis loss." Thus, if the susceptor is both magnetic and conductive, both hysteresis losses and the generation of eddy currents will contribute to the heating of the susceptor. If the susceptor is magnetic but not conductive, hysteresis losses will be the only means by which the susceptor will heat up when penetrated by the alternating magnetic field. According to the present invention, the susceptor may be conductive or magnetic, or both conductive and magnetic. The alternating magnetic field generated by one or several induction coils heats the susceptor, which then transfers the heat to the aerosol-forming substrate so that the aerosol is formed. The heat transfer may be mainly by thermal conduction. Such heat transfer is best when the susceptor is in intimate thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0075] The airflow channel may extend through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn through the airflow channel into the aerosol generating device, into the cavity, and towards the user. A mouthpiece may be disposed downstream of the cavity, or the user may inhale the aerosol-generating article directly. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

[0076] The aerosol generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate but above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0077] The aerosol generating device may comprise an electric circuit. The electric circuit may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electric circuit may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuit may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the heating element, in particular to the induction coil. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol generating device, or may be supplied intermittently (e.g. after each puff). Power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of current pulses. The electric circuit may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and to control the supply of power to the heating element, preferably depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

[0078] The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source (typically a battery) within the main body of the aerosol generating device, which may be the same power sources as already described above in relation to the aerosol generating device configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge.

[0079] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein, the aerosol generation system further comprising an aerosol-generating article configured to provide an aerosol upon combustion, the mouthpiece configured to be removably connectable to the aerosol-generating article.

[0080] The aerosol-generating article may generate an aerosol by igniting the article and heating the aerosol-forming substrate above combustion temperatures. The mouthpiece of the present invention may function to add flavor to the aerosol produced by burning the aerosol-generating article.

[0081] 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.

[0082] [Example] Example A: A mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol, comprising: an airflow channel for the aerosol extending through the mouthpiece; a flavour section comprising at least one flavouring agent for flavouring the aerosol, - the flavor section is in fluid communication with the airflow channel in a central portion of the airflow channel; A mouthpiece in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion increases in the direction of flow through the airflow channel. Example B: - the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the upstream end of the mouthpiece is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion, or - a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. Example C: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the upstream end and the central portion remains at least partially the same, or a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the central portion and the downstream end remains at least partially the same, or both. Example D: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the walls of the airflow channel in the central portion comprise a porous material for releasing at least one flavourant, preferably the porous material is selected from porous ceramic, basalt, bamboo fibre composite, cork, modal fibre composite, non-woven fabric, cellulose composite. Example E: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flavour zone comprises at least one volatile flavourant, preferably the at least one flavourant comprises a liquid or gel, more preferably the at least one flavourant is selected from the group consisting of mint oil, menthol, isomenthone, menthyl acetate. Example F: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flavour section comprises at least one aerosol former, preferably the at least one aerosol former is selected from the group consisting of propanediol, propanediol, glycerol, diacetate, diethyl phthalate. Example G: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, comprising a longitudinal axis, the airflow channel extending along the longitudinal axis. Example H: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the flavour section is annular in shape, preferably the flavour section is disposed around the airflow channel. Example I: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an inlet portion configured to receive an aerosol and an outlet portion configured for the outflow of the aerosol, the airflow channel being disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. Example J: The mouthpiece according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the inlet portion is configured to be removably connectable to one or both of a cartridge for the aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. Example K: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding Examples I or J, wherein the inlet portion includes a tubular section configured to be removably connected to the cartridge, preferably the tubular section is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece. Example L: A mouthpiece according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the tubular section includes an opening at an upstream end, preferably the opening at the upstream end having a smaller cross-sectional area than the downstream end of the tubular section. Example M: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an outer wall, the outer wall including at least one mouthpiece air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the mouthpiece, preferably according to embodiments I-L, the inlet portion including at least one mouthpiece air inlet. Example N: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding Examples I-M, further comprising one or both of an outlet sealing layer sealing the outlet portion, and an inlet sealing layer sealing the inlet portion. Example O: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the airflow channel has a frusto-conical shape at a downstream end of the mouthpiece. Example P: 1. An aerosol generation system comprising: A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding embodiments A to N, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, - An aerosol generation system, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge. Example Q: An aerosol generation system according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the cartridge comprises a central hollow portion, preferably the cartridge is annular in shape, and the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the central hollow portion of the cartridge. Example R: The aerosol generation system according to the preceding embodiments, further according to embodiment K, wherein the tubular section of the inlet portion is configured to be insertable into the central hollow portion of the cartridge. Example S: An aerosol generating system according to a preceding embodiment, wherein the cartridge includes an inner wall, the inner wall being adjacent to the central hollow portion, and the cartridge further includes an outer wall, and upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge, additional airflow channels are formed between the outer wall of the cartridge and the inlet portion of the mouthpiece, and between the inner wall of the cartridge and the tubular section of the mouthpiece. Example T: An aerosol generating system according to any of the preceding embodiments P to S, wherein the cartridge includes an aerosolization element configured for aerosolization of the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge, and upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge, the tubular section of the inlet portion is positioned adjacent to the aerosolization element. Example U: An aerosol generating system according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosolization element comprises a porous element configured to absorb the aerosol-forming substrate, and preferably, the aerosolization element further comprises a heater element, the heater element being thermally conductively connected to the porous element. Example V: An aerosol generation system according to any preceding embodiment, wherein the heater element comprises a connection pin configured for connection to an energy source of the aerosol generation device. Example W: The aerosol generating system according to any preceding embodiment PW, further comprising an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge. Example X: An aerosol generation system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the aerosol generation device is provided with an electrical connection configured to be connectable to the cartridge, preferably according to embodiment V, the electrical connection configured to be removably connectable to a connection pin of the cartridge.

[0083] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0084] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0085] In the following, like elements are designated by like reference numerals throughout the figures.

[0086] FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 10 according to the present invention. The mouthpiece 10 is annular in shape and includes a flavor section 16 disposed around an airflow channel 14 of the mouthpiece (airflow channel indicated by dashed arrow 14). The airflow channel 14 extends along a longitudinal axis 22 of the mouthpiece and has a tubular shape. The mouthpiece includes an inlet portion 10B configured to be removably connectable to a cartridge. The inlet portion includes a tubular section 18 that can be connected to a cartridge. The inlet portion includes a hollow connecting portion 11 adjacent an outer wall 10C of the mouthpiece. The hollow connecting portion 11 can accommodate a portion of the cartridge upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge. The hollow connecting portion 11 and the outer wall 10C can be placed on the cartridge upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge. The mouthpiece 10 also includes an outlet portion 10A configured to provide an outlet of the aerosol and at least one flavorant mixture to a user. The mouthpiece 10 includes three different extension regions. At the upstream end of the mouthpiece 10, there is a first expansion region indicated by dashed circle 15, where the airflow channel has a particular cross-sectional area. This is indicated by the diameter of the tubular airflow channel indicated by double-headed arrow 14A in FIG. 1A. The flavor section 16 contains at least one flavorant 12, preferably a volatile flavorant. The mouthpiece 10 also contains a mouthpiece air inlet 20 that allows ambient air to enter the mouthpiece. At the central portion of the airflow channel, there is a second expansion region indicated by dashed circle 17. This central portion also contains a porous material 16A that allows fluid communication between the flavor section and the airflow channel in this portion. The diameter of the airflow channel in the central portion is indicated by double-headed arrow 14B. At the downstream end of the mouthpiece, there is a third expansion region indicated by dashed circle 19. This third expansion region may be adjacent to the user's mouth when the user takes a puff. The diameter of the third expansion region is indicated by double-headed arrow 14C.

[0087] The diameter of the second expansion region in the central portion of the airflow channel increases in the flow direction through the airflow channel. As shown in FIG. 1A, the diameter 14A of the airflow channel at the upstream end of the mouthpiece is smaller than the diameter 14B of the mouthpiece at the central portion of the airflow channel. Furthermore, the diameter 14B of the mouthpiece at the central portion is smaller than the diameter 14C of the mouthpiece at the downstream end of the mouthpiece. This allows for more effective mixing of the aerosol with the at least one flavorant at the central portion and downstream end of the mouthpiece.

[0088] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the mouthpiece of the present invention. In contrast to the mouthpiece of FIG. 1A, the mouthpiece of this figure does not include a tubular section 18 in the inlet part 10B of the mouthpiece. Therefore, this mouthpiece of FIG. 1B can be connected to different elements in an aerosol generating system compared to the mouthpiece of FIG. 1A. In particular, the mouthpiece of FIG. 1B can be connected to a rod-shaped aerosol generating article. The mouthpiece additionally includes an outlet sealing layer 10F and an inlet sealing layer 10E, which together seal the outlet part and the inlet part, respectively, to avoid evaporation of at least one flavoring agent during storage. Both sealing layers can be removed by the user before use.

[0089] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exploded aerosol generating system including a mouthpiece 10, a cartridge 24, and an aerosol generating device 32 according to the present invention. The assembly direction of the aerosol generating system is indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2. The tubular portion 18 of the inlet portion 10B of the mouthpiece 10 can be inserted into the central hollow portion 24A of the cartridge 24. The cartridge contains a liquid aerosol-forming substrate 23. The aerosol-forming substrate 23 of the cartridge is in fluid communication with a porous evaporative element 26. The porous evaporative element 26 forms a vaporizer assembly 30 together with a heater element 28. The porous evaporative element 26 is connected to the heater element 28 in a thermally conductive manner. Thus, when the heater element 28 is heated, the aerosol-forming substrate absorbed in the porous evaporative element 26 can be evaporated to form an aerosol. The heater element 28 includes a connection pin 28A configured to be removably connectable to the aerosol generating device 32, in particular its electrical connection 34. The aerosol generating device 32 also includes a control circuit 36 ​​and a power supply 38 for powering the heater element of the cartridge.

[0090] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating system in operation. For clarity, the aerosol generating device is not shown in FIG. 3. In operation, the aerosol-forming substrate absorbed in the porous evaporative element 26 may be evaporated when the evaporative element 26 is heated by the heater element 28. As the cartridge 24 and the mouthpiece 10 connect, an additional airflow channel 14D is formed. This additional airflow channel is formed through the gap between the mouthpiece 10 and the cartridge 24. In particular, ambient air may enter the aerosol generating system through the mouthpiece air inlet 20 and be directed through the newly formed airflow channel formed between the inner wall of the cartridge adjacent the central hollow portion of the cartridge and the tubular section 18 of the mouthpiece. The ambient air may mix with the aerosol-forming substrate in the first expansion region to form an aerosol. The aerosol is then directed through the tubular section 18 of the mouthpiece toward the second expansion region in the central portion of the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. Any flavoring agent absorbed by the porous material 16A in the central portion can be entrained in the aerosol to provide further flavoring of the aerosol. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion increases in the flow direction, so that the velocity of the aerosol and the at least one entrained flavoring agent decreases, favoring the mixing of both components. Finally, the mixture of the aerosol and the at least one flavoring agent reaches a third expansion region at the downstream end of the mouthpiece before being inhaled by the user.

[0091] 4 shows another disassembled aerosol generating system including a mouthpiece 10 according to the present invention. In this aerosol generating system, the mouthpiece 10 may be connected to an aerosol generating article 40. The aerosol generating article 40 includes a hollow tube section 42 and a substrate section 44. The substrate section 44 may include a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The assembly of the mouthpiece 10 and the aerosol-generating article 40 may be inserted into a cavity 46 of an aerosol generating device 32. The aerosol generating device includes a heater element 48 adjacent the cavity 46 for heating the substrate section 44 of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature below the combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating device also includes a control circuit 38 and a power source 36 for the heater element 48.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for inhaling an aerosol, comprising: an airflow channel for the aerosol extending through the mouthpiece; a flavor section containing at least one flavoring agent for flavoring said aerosol, - the flavor section is in fluid communication with the airflow channel in a central portion of the airflow channel; A mouthpiece wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel in the central portion increases in the direction of flow through the airflow channel, and wherein the airflow channel has a frusto-conical shape at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

2. - the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the upstream end of the mouthpiece is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion, or - the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the central portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel at the downstream end of the mouthpiece.

3. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the upstream end and the central portion of the mouthpiece remains at least partially the same, or a cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow channel between the central portion and the downstream end remains at least partially the same, or both.

4. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein a wall of the airflow channel in the central portion comprises a porous material for releasing the at least one flavorant.

5. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1, further comprising an inlet portion configured to receive the aerosol and an outlet portion configured for the outflow of the aerosol, the airflow channel being disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

6. 6. The mouthpiece of claim 5, wherein the inlet portion is configured to be removably connectable to one or both of a cartridge for an aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device.

7. The mouthpiece of claim 5 , wherein the inlet portion comprises a tubular section configured to be removably connected to a cartridge.

8. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an outer wall, the outer wall including at least one mouthpiece air inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the mouthpiece.

9. The mouthpiece of claim 5 , further comprising one or both of an outlet sealing layer sealing the outlet portion and an inlet sealing layer sealing the inlet portion.

10. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: a mouthpiece according to claim 1 or 2, a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate, - an aerosol generation system, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be removably connectable to the cartridge.

11. 11. The aerosol generation system of claim 10, wherein the cartridge includes a central hollow portion.

12. 12. An aerosol generation system according to claim 11, further dependent on claim 7, wherein the tubular section of the inlet portion is configured to be insertable into the central hollow portion of the cartridge.

13. 13. The aerosol generation system of claim 12, wherein the cartridge includes an inner wall adjacent to the central hollow portion, the cartridge further includes an outer wall, and upon connection of the mouthpiece and the cartridge, additional airflow channels are formed between the outer wall of the cartridge and the inlet portion of the mouthpiece, and between the inner wall of the cartridge and the tubular section of the mouthpiece.

14. 13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the cartridge includes an aerosolization element configured for aerosolizing the aerosol-forming substrate of the cartridge, and when the mouthpiece and the cartridge are connected, the tubular section of the inlet portion is positioned adjacent to the aerosolization element.

15. 15. The aerosol generating system of claim 14, wherein the aerosolizing element comprises a porous element configured to absorb the aerosol-forming substrate.

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