Condensation management mouthpiece

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generation system, the mouthpiece comprising an airflow path of the mouthpiece and a cone-shaped guiding member. The cone-shaped guiding member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide condensed liquid components in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generation system.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device or system for generating an inhalable vapor. Such a system may heat an 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 the aerosol generating system, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be delivered from a liquid storage portion 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 storage portion 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. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Depending on environmental conditions, excessive condensation of aerosol may occur in the mouthpiece during use of the aerosol generating system.For example, at low temperatures in winter, the walls of the aerosol generating device may become cold, and as a result, excessive condensation of aerosol may occur on the cold walls of the airflow path.For example, in an environment with high relative humidity, excessive condensation of aerosol in the device may be promoted.Higher relative humidity of the airflow entering the device may reduce the amount of aerosol that the airflow can carry without excessive condensation.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device that can reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow path downstream of the heater. It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device that can direct condensed aerosol droplets from a location downstream of the heater back toward the heater. It would be desirable to provide a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device that can capture condensed aerosol droplets to avoid leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol generation system. The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow path of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise a guiding member. The guiding member may be cone-shaped. The guiding member may be disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece. The guiding member may be configured to guide condensed liquid components in a direction towards an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol generation system, the mouthpiece comprising a mouthpiece airflow path, the mouthpiece comprising a cone-shaped guiding member disposed in the mouthpiece airflow path, the cone-shaped guiding member configured to guide condensed liquid components in a direction towards an upstream end of the mouthpiece airflow path.

[0007] A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device is provided that can reduce condensation of vaporized aerosol-forming substrate in the airflow path downstream of the heater. A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device is provided that can direct condensed aerosol droplets from a location downstream of the heater back toward the heater. A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system or device is provided that can capture condensed aerosol droplets to avoid leakage.

[0008] Excessive condensation of the aerosol and droplet formation may occur on the outer surface of the cone-shaped guiding member. Due to the configuration of the cone-shaped guiding member, droplets formed on the outer surface of the cone-shaped guiding member may be guided in a direction toward the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

[0009] The conical guiding member may be configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece, with the tip of the conical guiding member configured to face in a direction towards the upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

[0010] The tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction towards the distal end of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol generation system, the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction towards the distal end of the aerosol generation system. When the mouthpiece is attached to the aerosol generation system, the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member may face in a direction towards an atomizer of the aerosol generation system.

[0011] Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guide member, the condensed droplets may be guided towards the atomizer. This guide of droplets may be driven by gravity, since most commonly, the aerosol generating system is mainly used in an upright or slightly tilted position, with the proximal end of the mouthpiece generally facing away from the center of gravity. Alternatively, or additionally, the guide of droplets may be driven by the capillary effect of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

[0012] After the condensed droplets are directed towards the atomizer, vaporization of the condensed droplets may occur within an atomization region proximate the atomizer.

[0013] The longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guiding member may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, and the base of the cone-shaped guiding member may be oriented toward the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

[0014] The cone-shaped guide member may be a hollow cone-shaped guide member.

[0015] The hollow cone-shaped guiding member may divide the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow cone-shaped guiding member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. The upstream airflow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. The downstream airflow chamber may be a homogenization chamber. Both the upstream airflow chamber and the downstream airflow chamber may be homogenization chambers.

[0016] The homogenization chamber may aid in the development of the aerosol after the initial event of vaporization. The homogenization chamber may aid in creating turbulence. A more homogenized distribution of the volatilized particles in the aerosol may be achieved. A more homogenized size of the volatilized particles in the aerosol may be achieved.

[0017] The distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber may comprise a bowl-shaped wall element. The bowl-shaped wall element may act as an additional guiding member. The surface of the bowl-shaped wall element may comprise a hydrophobic material. This may advantageously reduce adhesion of droplets to the wall. This may advantageously enhance the guiding effect. The hollow cone-shaped guiding member may comprise one or more openings arranged to fluidly connect the upstream airflow chamber and the downstream airflow chamber.

[0018] When disposed in an airflow chamber, preferably a homogenization chamber, the bowl-shaped wall element may additionally increase one or both of the airflow turbulence and the homogenization of the aerosol.

[0019] The hollow cone-shaped guide may comprise a plurality of openings asymmetrically disposed at different axial and / or radial positions of the hollow cone-shaped guide, such an irregular arrangement of openings on the hollow cone-shaped guide may further improve the turbulence of the airflow within the hollow cone-shaped guide.

[0020] The base (widest portion) of the hollow cone-shaped guide member may include an opening configured as an airflow exit port.

[0021] The mouthpiece may comprise a high-retention material disposed within the hollow cone-shaped guide member. The high-retention material may include a capillary material as described herein.

[0022] The high retention material may be disposed at a tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

[0023] Excessive condensation of the aerosol and droplet formation may occur within the internal space of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. Thus, droplets may form on the inner surface of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member, the droplets may be guided towards the high-retention material. This guidance of the droplets may be driven by one or both of gravity and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member. The droplets may then be immersed by and trapped within the high-retention material. Thereby, leakage may be advantageously reduced or avoided.

[0024] The surface of the cone-shaped guiding member may comprise a hydrophobic material. The inner surface of the cone-shaped guiding member may comprise a hydrophobic material. The outer surface of the cone-shaped guiding member may comprise a hydrophobic material. This may advantageously reduce the adhesion of the droplet to the surface and enhance the mobility of the droplet along the surface. This may advantageously enhance the guiding effect.

[0025] The mouthpiece may be configured to be replaceable. The replaceable mouthpiece may be disposable. The mouthpiece may be reusable.

[0026] The term "conical shape" as used herein may relate to a shape that may be substantially described by the geometric shape of a right circular cone, an elliptical cone, a cone with an oval base, or a pyramid. The conical shape may conform to the outer shape of the mouthpiece.

[0027] The mouthpiece may have any suitable outer shape. For example, the mouthpiece may have a generally rectangular, square, oval, elliptical, or circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, i.e., perpendicular to the direction of extension from the proximal end to the distal end of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section.

[0028] One or both of the cross-sectional shape and size may vary from the distal end to the proximal end of the mouthpiece, for example, the mouthpiece may have a generally circular cross-section with a constricted diameter in the region toward the proximal end, such that the proximal region of the mouthpiece takes on the shape of a frusto-cone.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol generation system comprises a main unit comprising an atomizer. The aerosol generation system comprises an airflow path of the system extending from an air inlet through the atomizer to an airflow path of the mouthpiece. The cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide condensed liquid components from the airflow in a direction towards the atomizer.

[0030] The main unit may comprise a liquid reservoir for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The atomizer may be configured for heating the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The atomizer may comprise a heating element. The atomizer may be configured as a heating element.

[0031] The aerosol generating system may comprise a cartridge for storing the aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a liquid storage portion. The main unit may comprise a body and a replaceable cartridge. The body may comprise control electronics and a power supply. The body may comprise an atomizer, or the cartridge may comprise an atomizer and a liquid storage portion. The mouthpiece may be removably attached to the cartridge. The cartridge may be removably attached to the body. The mouthpiece and cartridge of the main unit may together form an integral replaceable part that is removably attachable to the body.

[0032] The system may be a three-part system, where one end of the cartridge is removably attachable to the body and the other end of the cartridge is removably attachable to the mouthpiece.The system may be a three-part system, where the mouthpiece is removably attachable to the body and the cartridge is removably attachable to or removably insertable into the body.

[0033] The system may be a two-part system, where the cartridge and the mouthpiece form an integral part that is removably attachable to the body.The system may be a two-part system, where the body and the cartridge form an integral part that is removably attachable to the mouthpiece.

[0034] The aerosol generation system may have any suitable external shape. For example, the aerosol generation system may have a generally rectangular, square, elliptical, oval, or circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation system, i.e. perpendicular to the direction from the proximal end to the distal end of the aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may be generally cylindrical with a generally circular cross-section. One or both of the shape and size of the cross-section may vary from the distal end to the proximal end of the aerosol generation system.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The electrical circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of the controller. The electrical circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electrical circuitry may be configured to regulate the supply of power to the atomizer.

[0040] The atomizer is preferably provided as part of the vaporization unit. The atomizer may be any device suitable for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate and capable of vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol.

[0041] The atomizer may comprise a heating element. The heating element may be exemplarily a coil heater, a capillary heater, a mesh heater, a metal plate heater, or one or more conductive tracks on an insulating substrate. 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 heating element 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.

[0042] 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, metal 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 capillary material 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The term "airflow path" as used herein means a channel suitable for transporting a gaseous medium. The airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. The airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. The airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] When the aerosol generation system is assembled, an airflow path may be 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 may facilitate handling and assembly of the aerosol generation system.

[0052] The mouthpiece and the main unit may have corresponding structural components with complementary geometric shapes. The structural components with complementary geometric shapes are preferably provided on adjacent interface parts of the mouthpiece and the main unit. When the mouthpiece and the main unit are assembled, these interface parts may be located next to each other. When the mouthpiece is connected to the main unit, these corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece and the main unit may define an airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the atomizer or the heating element. The airflow path is formed when the main unit and the mouthpiece are assembled. In those embodiments, the main unit may be rendered inoperable since without the mouthpiece, no continuous airflow path is provided for inhaling the aerosol. Thereby, the main unit alone does not allow the formation of an aerosol suitable for inhalation. Thereby, an efficient protection mechanism against unauthorized use may be provided.

[0053] 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 use.

[0054] Such a sealing foil protects the cartridge and mouthpiece from debris or other unwanted contamination during transport, and especially prior to use.

[0055] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the aerosol generation system in a disassembled configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the assembled aerosol generation system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a portion of the assembled aerosol generation system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the assembled aerosol generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] 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.

[0058] Example A: A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, comprising: A mouthpiece has an airflow path and a cone-shaped guide member, A cone-shaped guide member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece, The mouthpiece, wherein the cone-shaped guide member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece.

[0059] Example B: The mouthpiece of example A, wherein the tip of the cone-shaped guiding member faces in a direction towards the distal end of the mouthpiece.

[0060] Example C: The mouthpiece according to example A or example B, wherein the cone-shaped guiding element is a hollow cone-shaped guiding element.

[0061] Example D: A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples A to C, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conical guiding member is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece and the base of the conical guiding member is oriented towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

[0062] Example E: A mouthpiece as described in Example C or Example D, wherein the cone-shaped guiding member is hollow and divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow cone-shaped guiding member and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow cone-shaped guiding member.

[0063] Example F: The mouthpiece of example E, wherein the distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber comprises a bowl-shaped wall element.

[0064] Example G: A mouthpiece as described in Example E or Example F, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guiding member comprises one or more openings arranged to fluidly connect the upstream airflow chamber and the downstream airflow chamber.

[0065] Example H: A mouthpiece as described in Example G, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guiding member has a plurality of openings asymmetrically arranged at different axial and radial positions of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member.

[0066] Example I: A mouthpiece according to any of Examples C-H, wherein the base of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member comprises an opening configured as an airflow exit port.

[0067] Example J: A mouthpiece of any of Examples C-I, comprising a high-retention material disposed within a hollow cone-shaped guide member.

[0068] Example K: The mouthpiece of Example J, wherein the high-retention material is disposed in a tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

[0069] Example L: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples A to K, wherein the surface of the cone-shaped guide member comprises a hydrophobic material.

[0070] Example M: ​​The mouthpiece of any of Examples A to L, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be replaceable.

[0071] Example N: An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0072] A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples A to M, A main unit having an atomizer; a system airflow path extending from the air inlet through the atomizer to an airflow path in the mouthpiece; An aerosol generating system, wherein a cone-shaped guiding member is configured to guide condensed liquid components from the airflow in a direction toward an atomizer.

[0073] Example O: An aerosol generating system as described in Example N, wherein the main unit comprises a liquid storage portion for holding the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and the atomizer is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0074] Example P: The main unit comprises a body and a replaceable cartridge; The main body includes control electronics and a power supply; the cartridge includes an atomizer and a liquid storage portion; The aerosol generation system of embodiment O, wherein the mouthpiece is attached to a cartridge and the cartridge is attached to the body.

[0075] Example Q: An aerosol generation system as described in Example O, wherein the mouthpiece and cartridge of the main unit together form an integral, replaceable part that is removably attachable to the main body.

[0076] Example R: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples N-Q, wherein the atomizer comprises a heating element.

[0077] Example S: An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples N to R, wherein the mouthpiece is replaceable.

[0078] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a generally cylindrical aerosol generation system, including a replaceable mouthpiece 10 and a main unit 40, in a detached configuration.

[0080] The replaceable mouthpiece 10 shown in Figure 1 comprises an optional bowl-shaped wall element 12 and an optional high retention material 13, both of which are omitted in the embodiment of Figure 2. The replaceable mouthpiece 10 comprises an air inlet 14 and an open chamber portion 16.

[0081] The replaceable mouthpiece 10 comprises a hollow element. In the embodiment shown, the hollow element is a hollow tubular element 18. However, the hollow element may also be of a different shape, for example a hollow truncated cone or a hollow cube, as long as the airflow path is not blocked (as explained below). The hollow tubular element 18 comprises a conical end portion 20, a tube inlet opening 22, and a tube outlet opening 24. The tube outlet opening 24 is in direct fluid communication with an annular homogenization chamber 26. The bowl-shaped wall element 12 is located within the homogenization chamber 26 at its distal portion.

[0082] The mouthpiece 10 further comprises a cone-shaped guide member 28 having an opening 30. The longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guide member 28 is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece 10. At the same time, the longitudinal axis of the cone-shaped guide member 28 is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation system. The base of the cone-shaped guide member 28 is oriented towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece 10 and at the same time towards the proximal end of the aerosol generation system. The cone-shaped guide member 28 is hollow surrounding an empty interior space 32.

[0083] Thus, the hollow conical guiding member 28 divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10 into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow conical guiding member 28 and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow conical guiding member 28, with the interior space 32 of the hollow conical guiding member 28 being the downstream airflow chamber and the homogenization chamber 26 being the upstream airflow chamber.

[0084] The homogenization chamber 26 is in fluid communication with an interior space 32 of a hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28 via an opening 30. The base of the cone-shaped guiding member 28 forms an air outlet 34 for inhalation by the user.

[0085] 1, there is no continuous airflow path defined within mouthpiece 10 between air inlet opening 14 and outlet end 34. This is due to the open distal end of mouthpiece 10 (see dotted line at the bottom end of mouthpiece 10 in FIG. 1) not providing an enclosed air channel from air inlet 14 to the inside of hollow tubular element 18.

[0086] The main unit 40 is an aerosol generating device that includes a cartridge and heating section 42 and a power and control section 70. The cartridge and heating section 42 and the power and control section 70 may be removable or may be formed as an integral main unit 40.

[0087] The cartridge and heating section 42 comprises a liquid reservoir 44 filled with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The liquid reservoir 44 coaxially surrounds a tubular cavity 46 having an open proximal end 48. The inner diameter of the tubular cavity 46 is greater than the outer diameter of the tubular element 18 of the mouthpiece 10.

[0088] The cartridge heating section 42 includes an atomizer configured as a heating element for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element includes a ceramic heater body 50 connected to an electrical resistor 52 and electrical contacts 54. The ceramic heater body 50 is a porous ceramic component in fluid communication with the liquid aerosol-forming substrate stored in the liquid storage portion 44. An aerosolization zone 56 is provided within a bowl-shaped cavity surrounded by the ceramic heater body 50. Overmolded seals 58, 60 are further provided for mounting the heating element in a leak-tight manner.

[0089] The power and control section 70 includes a controller 72 and a battery 74. The controller 72 is electrically connected to both the heating element contacts 54 and the battery 74.

[0090] When the heating element is activated, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate absorbed in the porous ceramic component 50 is vaporized. The vaporized aerosol-forming substrate mixes with the ambient air to form an aerosol. To this end, an airflow path is defined within the assembled aerosol generating system.

[0091] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of an aerosol generation system similar to that of Figure 1 in an assembled configuration, with a replaceable mouthpiece 10 attached to a main unit 40. The difference with the system of Figure 1 is that the embodiment of Figure 2 omits the bowl-shaped wall element 12 and high-retention material 13 of Figure 1.

[0092] In the assembled configuration, the mouthpiece 10 cylindrically surrounds and is frictionally engaged with the cartridge and heating section 42 of the main unit 40. In the fully assembled position, an enclosed airflow path is defined between corresponding structural components of the mouthpiece 10 and the cartridge and heating section 42 of the main unit 40 having a complementary geometric shape. The airflow path extends from the air inlet 14 to the aerosolization zone 56 of the heating element and further from the aerosolization zone 56 to the air outlet 34.

[0093] When a user draws on the outlet end 34 of the mouthpiece 10, an airflow is established from the air inlet opening 14 toward the aerosolization zone 56 where the drawn air mixes with the atomized aerosol-forming substrate. Under aerosol formation, the mixture is conveyed to the air outlet 34 where it is inhaled by the user. The airflow path is shown in more detail in FIG.

[0094] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a portion of the aerosol generation system of Figure 2 in an assembled configuration, in which the replaceable mouthpiece 10 is attached to the cartridge and heating section 42 of the main unit 40. Furthermore, unlike the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 2, the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 3 comprises a bowl-shaped wall element 12.

[0095] When a user draws on the air outlet 34 of the mouthpiece 10, an airflow is established. Ambient air 62 enters the air inlet 14 and enters a first portion of an airflow path formed between a wall 64 of the mouthpiece 10 and a wall 66 of the cartridge and heating section 42. The air 62 travels further along a second portion of an airflow path formed between the walls 18, 20 of the mouthpiece 10 and a wall of the liquid storage section 44 towards the aerosolization zone 56. The drawn air is mixed with the atomized aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosolization zone 56 such that an aerosol 68 is formed. The aerosol 68 is conveyed through the tube inlet opening 22 into the hollow tubular element 18 having a conical end portion 20. The aerosol 68 travels further into the annular homogenization chamber 26. The annular homogenization chamber 26 provides turbulent airflow, creating good conditions for homogenization of the aerosol 68. The bowl-shaped wall element 12 may additionally increase turbulence and homogenization within the annular homogenization chamber 26 .

[0096] The mixture 68 then enters the openings 30, into the interior space 32 of the cone-shaped guiding member 28, and finally exits the mouthpiece 10 via the air outlet 34 and is inhaled by the user. The openings 30 may be asymmetrically or irregularly positioned to further increase turbulence and homogenization within the interior space 32.

[0097] Figure 4 shows a portion of an aerosol generating system that is very similar to that of Figure 3, with the only exception that the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 4 includes a high retention material 13, unlike the mouthpiece 10 of Figure 3. In Figure 4, the airflow paths are not shown. Instead, the condensation management of the mouthpiece 10 is shown. For this reason, several point-like condensed droplets 80 are shown, with their direction of movement indicated by arrows.

[0098] Excessive condensation of the aerosol may occur, for example when the aerosol generating system is used in a cold environment or in an environment with high relative humidity. Condensation may lead to the formation of droplets 80 on the walls of the airflow path of the mouthpiece 10.

[0099] Excessive condensation of the aerosol and the formation of droplets 80 may occur within the homogenization chamber 26. Thus, droplets 80 may form on the outer surface of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28, the droplets 80 may be guided towards the heating element and the aerosolization zone 56, where the droplets may be heated and vaporized. This guidance of the droplets may be driven by gravity, since most commonly, the aerosol generating system is primarily used in an upright or slightly tilted position, with the proximal end of the mouthpiece generally facing away from the center of gravity. Additionally, the guidance of the droplets may be driven by the capillary effect of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28.

[0100] Excessive condensation of the aerosol and formation of droplets 80 may occur within the interior space 32 of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28. Thus, droplets 80 may form on the inner surface of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28. Due to the shape and orientation of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28, the droplets 80 are guided towards the high-retention material 13. This guidance of the droplets may also be driven by one or both of gravity and capillary effects of the thin tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guiding member 28. The droplets may then be immersed by and trapped within the high-retention material 13. Thereby, leakage from the outlet end 34 of the mouthpiece 10 may be advantageously reduced or avoided.

[0101] Additionally, the bowl shape of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 may help guide condensed droplets 80 formed within the homogenization chamber 26 back toward the heating element and aerosolization zone 56, where the droplets may be heated and vaporized. This effect may be further enhanced when the surface of the bowl-shaped wall element 12 comprises a hydrophobic material.

Claims

1. 1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating system, comprising: The airflow path of the mouthpiece and a cone-shaped guide member are provided, the conical guide member is disposed in the airflow path of the mouthpiece; the conical guide member is configured to guide the condensed liquid component in a direction toward an upstream end of the airflow path of the mouthpiece, A mouthpiece wherein the tip of the conical guide member faces in a direction toward the distal end of the mouthpiece.

2. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein the conical guide member is a hollow conical guide member.

3. 3. The mouthpiece according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conical guiding member is disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mouthpiece, and the base of the conical guiding member is directed towards the proximal end of the mouthpiece.

4. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 2, wherein the conical guide is hollow and divides the airflow path of the mouthpiece into a downstream airflow chamber disposed within the hollow conical guide and an upstream airflow chamber surrounding the hollow conical guide.

5. The mouthpiece of claim 4 , wherein a distal portion of the upstream airflow chamber comprises a bowl-shaped wall element.

6. 5. The mouthpiece of claim 4, wherein the hollow cone-shaped guide member comprises one or more openings disposed to fluidly connect the upstream airflow chamber and the downstream airflow chamber.

7. 7. The mouthpiece of claim 6, wherein the hollow conical guide member comprises a plurality of openings asymmetrically disposed at different axial and radial positions of the hollow conical guide member.

8. The mouthpiece of claim 2 , wherein the base of the hollow cone-shaped guide member includes an opening configured as an airflow exit port.

9. The mouthpiece of claim 2 including a high-retention material disposed within the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

10. 10. The mouthpiece of claim 9, wherein the high-retention material is disposed in a tip region of the hollow cone-shaped guide member.

11. The mouthpiece of claim 1 , wherein a surface of the cone-shaped guide member comprises a hydrophobic material.

12. 1. An aerosol generating system comprising: The mouthpiece according to claim 1; a main unit equipped with an atomizer; an airflow path of the system extending from an air inlet through the atomizer to the airflow path of the mouthpiece; An aerosol generating system, wherein the conical guiding member is configured to guide the liquid component condensed from the airflow in a direction toward the atomizer.

13. the main unit comprises a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the atomizer is configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, the main unit comprises a body and a replaceable cartridge; the main body includes control electronics and a power supply; the cartridge comprises the atomizer and the liquid storage portion; 13. The aerosol generating system of claim 12, wherein the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to the body.

14. 14. The aerosol generation system of claim 13, wherein the mouthpiece and cartridge of the main unit together form an integral, replaceable part that is removably attachable to the body.

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