Mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device having locking / unlocking of a valve element - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece (10) for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an airflow channel (18) through the mouthpiece (10); an airflow control element (30), the airflow control element (30) configured to be movable from a first position to a second position, the airflow control element (30) configured to block airflow (16) through the airflow channel (18) in the first position and to allow airflow (16) through the airflow channel (18) in the second position, the airflow control element (30) further configured to be movable from the first position to the second position via a first movement of the airflow control element (30). a control element (30), and a locking element (44), wherein the locking element (44) is configured to be disposed in a third position and a fourth position, wherein the locking element (44) is configured to block a first movement of the airflow control element (30) in the third position of the locking element (44) and to enable the first movement of the airflow control element (30) in the fourth position of the locking element (44), and wherein the locking element (44) is further configured such that the locking element (44) is movable from the third position to the fourth position via the second movement of the locking element (44).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol generating device to generate an inhalable aerosol. Such a device may heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate volatilize without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article or as a cartridge containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. A heating element may be disposed in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article or cartridge is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol generating device. Aerosol generating systems are known, where a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the aerosol generating device to heat the substrate. Such a system may additionally include a mouthpiece connectable to the cartridge. The aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the heating element and the generated aerosol is directed towards an air outlet of the device. The air outlet may be configured as a mouthpiece or a separate mouthpiece may be provided attachable to the device. The aerosol generating device or aerosol generating system may be carried by a user. This can lead to the inadvertent opening or inadvertent activation of the aerosol generating device or system during transport, leading to the release of the aerosol-forming substrate or the accidental generation of an aerosol. The aerosol generating system only allows the user to turn the system on and off, without any option to further customize the inhaled aerosol to the user's convenience.

[0003] It would be desirable to have a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating system that avoids inadvertent opening of the aerosol generating system. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a mouthpiece that provides the user with the option to customize the aerosol. It would be desirable to have a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device that prevents accidental use of the device. It would be desirable to have a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device that allows for safe operation of the device. It would be desirable to have a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device that reliably delivers the generated aerosol. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating system comprising an airflow channel through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may comprise an airflow control element, which may be configured to be movable from a first position to a second position. The airflow control element may be configured to block airflow through the airflow channel in the first position. The airflow control element may be configured to allow airflow through the airflow channel in the second position. The airflow control element may be further configured to be movable from the first position to the second position via a first movement of the airflow control element. The mouthpiece may further comprise a locking element. The locking element may be configured to be disposed in a third position and a fourth position. The locking element may be configured to block the first movement of the airflow control element in the third position of the locking element. The locking element may be configured to allow the first movement of the airflow control element in the fourth position of the locking element. The locking element may be further configured to be movable from the third position to the fourth position via a second movement of the locking element.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device comprising an airflow channel through the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece further comprises an airflow control element, the airflow control element configured to be movable from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the airflow control element is configured to block airflow through the airflow channel. In the second position, the airflow control element is configured to allow airflow through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The airflow control element is further configured to be movable from the first position to the second position via a first movement of the airflow control element. The mouthpiece further comprises a locking element, the locking element configured to be disposed in a third position and a fourth position. In the third position, the locking element is configured to block the first movement of the airflow control element. In the fourth position, the locking element is configured to allow the first movement of the airflow control element. The locking element is further configured to be movable from the third position to the fourth position via a second movement of the locking element. The first movement may be along a first path of motion.

[0006] The locking element of the mouthpiece may disable accidental movement of the airflow control element from a first position that blocks airflow through the airflow channel to its second position that allows airflow movement. This may prevent accidental activation of an aerosol generating system or device that includes the mouthpiece. This may also avoid accidental leakage of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0007] The airflow channel of the mouthpiece allows airflow to be delivered when the user first moves the locking element from its third position to its fourth position via the second action, and then moves the airflow control element from its first position to its second position. This sequence of the second action and the first action can prevent accidental activation of the airflow channel in the mouthpiece. The airflow channel through the mouthpiece may be opened for airflow only if the user intentionally performs the second action of the locking element followed by the first action of the airflow control element. This can unlock the airflow channel for airflow and allow the delivery of the aerosol.

[0008] In a first position of the airflow control element, airflow through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece may be completely blocked, and in a second position of the airflow control element, the airflow channel may be completely open to allow the maximum amount of airflow through the mouthpiece.

[0009] The airflow control element may be configured to be progressively movable from a first position to a second position via a first movement of the airflow control element.

[0010] This may progressively open the airflow channel through the mouthpiece. In a first position, the airflow channel may be completely blocked for airflow, and in a second position of the aerosol control element, the airflow channel may be completely unblocked, opening the airflow channel for the delivery of a maximum amount of airflow. By progressively moving the airflow control element from the first position to the second position, the airflow channel may only be partially opened for airflow.

[0011] The airflow control element may be configured to be movable to at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions, in which the airflow channel may be partially blocked by the airflow control element.

[0012] This may allow the user to customize the airflow through the airflow channels of the mouthpiece, which may allow the user to customize the aerosol generation per puff.

[0013] The first action of the airflow control element may be different from the second action of the locking element, which may require a user to perform a separate second action before the different first action of the airflow control element can be performed.

[0014] This may improve the locking function of the locking element, which may reduce the risk of accidentally unlocking the locking element and unblocking the airflow channel with the airflow control element.

[0015] The first movement of the airflow control element may be a rotational movement of the airflow control element, which may provide a convenient way for a user to customize aerosol generation.

[0016] The first movement of the airflow control element may be a rotational movement of the housing of the mouthpiece, and thus the first path of movement of the first movement may be a rotational path of movement.

[0017] This may allow a user to conveniently manipulate the airflow control element of the mouthpiece. In particular, the aerosol generation system may comprise a longitudinal axis. This longitudinal axis may extend through the mouthpiece and the cartridge connected to the mouthpiece. The rotational movement of the housing of the mouthpiece may be about the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation system. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generation system may be a center of rotation for the rotational movement during the first operation of the airflow control element. This may allow a user to conveniently rotate the mouthpiece while holding the aerosol generation system.

[0018] The second movement of the locking element may be a compressive movement of the locking element.The second movement of the locking element may be a compressive movement of at least one outer sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece.

[0019] A user may perform a compression motion by applying a force to an outer sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece, the force being directed toward the interior of the mouthpiece. This compression motion toward the interior of the mouthpiece may unlock the locking element. This compression motion may move the locking element from a third position that locks the airflow control element in its first position to a fourth position that allows a first movement of the airflow control element to at least partially unlock the airflow channel through the mouthpiece.

[0020] The squeezing movement may be performed by the user by pressing the outer side wall of the mouthpiece housing in the flexible region of the mouthpiece housing. Preferably, the squeezing movement may be performed by the user by gripping the mouthpiece at two opposite regions of the mouthpiece. Preferably, the user may grip the mouthpiece with two fingers and apply a force with the two fingers, the force being directed towards the inside of the mouthpiece. This may be a particularly convenient way to perform the squeezing movement.

[0021] The mouthpiece may include or be made of a flexible material, such as plastic or rubber. These materials may allow the user to perform compression movements without risk of damaging the mouthpiece. The flexible region may include perforations in the material of the mouthpiece housing. This may increase the flexibility of the flexible region.

[0022] At least one indentation may be disposed on an outer sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece. The at least one indentation may be configured to be gripped by a user. The indentation may be a flexible area of ​​the housing to allow the user to perform a squeezing motion.

[0023] Two opposing indentations may be arranged on the outer side wall of the housing of the mouthpiece, both of which are shaped to be gripped by a user. This may allow the user to perform the squeezing movement particularly conveniently by applying pressure via two fingers placed on the opposing indentations. This may allow the user to perform the squeezing movement in a controlled manner.

[0024] The airflow control element may comprise a portion of a valve. In particular, the airflow control element may comprise a portion of a disc valve. A first movement of the airflow control element may be a rotation of the disc valve, thereby releasing the disc valve. The opening of the disc valve may unblock the airflow channel through the mouthpiece.

[0025] The mouthpiece may comprise an inner mouthpiece wall, the inner mouthpiece wall being located inside the mouthpiece. The inner mouthpiece wall may comprise an airflow control element. Preferably, the airflow control element may comprise a first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall. The first opening may form part of a valve, in particular a disc valve.

[0026] The inner mouthpiece wall may comprise a circular connecting element at an upstream end of the mouthpiece. The circular connecting element may be configured to be connectable to either a cartridge or a device. The circular connecting element may comprise an airflow control element. The airflow control element may comprise a first opening in the circular connecting element. The first opening in the circular connecting element may be connectable to an airflow channel of the cartridge or an airflow channel of the aerosol generating device.

[0027] Such a first opening may be well suited for controlling airflow from an airflow channel of the cartridge or aerosol generating device to the mouthpiece.

[0028] The mouthpiece may comprise at least one protruding element on an inner surface of a sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece. The protruding element may be configured to engage with at least one recess in the tubular connecting portion of the cartridge or device. The at least one protruding element engaging with the at least one recess in the tubular connecting portion may prevent a rotational movement of the mouthpiece relative to the tubular connecting portion. This rotational movement may correspond to the first movement of the airflow control element described above. Thus, the protruding element engaging with the at least one recess may lock the airflow control element in its first position blocking the airflow through the airflow channel. The at least one protruding element may engage with at least one recess in the tubular connecting portion in the absence of a compressive force applied to the sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece. Applying a compressive force as a compressive movement of the second movement of the locking element may compress the at least one protruding element. This may lead to the protruding element disengaging from the at least one recess in the tubular connecting portion. This may allow the mouthpiece to rotate relative to the tubular connecting portion by performing a rotational movement as a first movement of the airflow control element.

[0029] The mouthpiece may comprise two protruding elements on the inner surface of the side wall of the mouthpiece housing at opposite ends of the inner surface. Each of the two protruding elements may engage with one recess in the tubular connecting part of the cartridge or device at opposite ends of the inner surface when the mouthpiece is connected. The user may need to apply a compressive force by simultaneously pressing opposite flexible areas of the outer wall of the mouthpiece to compress both protruding elements. The presence of at least two protruding elements may further reduce the risk of accidental unlocking of the mouthpiece.

[0030] The at least one protruding element may be configured to be flexible. The at least one protruding element may be configured to be made of a resilient material, such as, for example, plastic, or may be a spring.

[0031] The mouthpiece may further comprise an outer mouthpiece sidewall, with an airflow channel through the mouthpiece located between an inner surface of the outer mouthpiece sidewall and the inner mouthpiece wall. The airflow channel may extend from the airflow control element through the space between the outer mouthpiece sidewall and the inner mouthpiece wall to a downstream end of the mouthpiece. The airflow control element may form the most upstream element of the mouthpiece. This may allow the airflow control element to control the entry of airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative location of components or parts of components of a mouthpiece, cartridge, or aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which air flows along the airflow path through the aerosol generating device in use. An aerosol generating device according to the invention comprises a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the device in use. The proximal end of the aerosol generating device or mouthpiece may also be referred to as the oral end or downstream end. The oral end is downstream of the distal end. The distal end of the aerosol generating device or mouthpiece may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components or parts of components of a mouthpiece, cartridge, 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 aerosol generating device or mouthpiece.

[0033] The mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to one or both of a cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate and an aerosol generating device. Preferably, the mouthpiece may be configured to be removably connectable to one or both of a cartridge or an aerosol generating device.

[0034] The mouthpiece may have a cylindrical shape including a cylindrical housing. This may allow the user to conveniently perform the first movement of the airflow control element, in particular the rotational movement. The mouthpiece may further comprise a connection slit for receiving the tubular connection part of either the cartridge containing the aerosol-forming substrate or the aerosol generating device. The connection slit may be located circumferentially in the cylindrical housing. This may allow the mouthpiece to be connected to the tubular connection part of either the cartridge or the aerosol generating device. This may still allow the rotational movement of the mouthpiece relative to the tubular connection part after both the mouthpiece and the tubular connection part are connected. The connection slit may be located in the housing of the mouthpiece between the outer mouthpiece sidewall and the inner mouthpiece wall. This may position the tubular connection part securely in the mouthpiece without obstructing the airflow channel through the mouthpiece.

[0035] The mouthpiece may include a venturi element located within the airflow channel. The venturi element may preferably be located downstream of the airflow control element. The venturi element may include an inlet portion, a central portion, and an outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to receive the airflow from the airflow control element. The outlet portion may be configured to provide the aerosol to a user. The central portion may be disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The inlet portion may be configured to converge toward the central portion, and the outlet portion may be configured to diverge from the central portion.

[0036] The venturi element may increase mixing of the airflow and enable or enhance the formation of an aerosol.

[0037] Preferably, a venturi element may be formed between an inner surface of the outer mouthpiece wall and the inner mouthpiece wall.

[0038] The present invention also provides a cartridge that may be configured to be attachable to a mouthpiece. The cartridge is preferably removably attachable to the mouthpiece. The cartridge may comprise a reservoir for holding an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may preferably be a liquid. The cartridge may comprise a tubular connecting portion. The tubular connecting portion may be configured to be attachable to the mouthpiece. The tubular connecting portion may be configured to be removably attachable to the mouthpiece. The tubular connecting portion of the cartridge may be configured to be rotatably connectable to the mouthpiece. The tubular connecting portion may be located at a downstream end of the cartridge. The tubular connecting portion may include a cartridge locking element. The cartridge locking element may be configured to engage with a locking element of the mouthpiece when the cartridge and mouthpiece are connected. This may provide a third position of the locking element in the mouthpiece that blocks a first movement of an airflow control element of the mouthpiece.

[0039] The cartridge may include a cartridge flow element that may be configured to engage an airflow control element of the mouthpiece, which may allow control of airflow from the cartridge to the mouthpiece.

[0040] The cartridge may comprise a cartridge airflow channel. The cartridge airflow channel may be configured to guide airflow through the cartridge. The cartridge airflow channel may be fluidly connected to a reservoir of the cartridge. This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to enter the airflow channel. The cartridge airflow channel may be at least partially surrounded by the reservoir of the cartridge.

[0041] The present invention further provides an aerosol generation system. The aerosol generation system may include a mouthpiece as described herein. The aerosol generation system may further include one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generator. The mouthpiece may be configured to be attachable to the cartridge, preferably removably attachable to the cartridge.

[0042] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides an aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece as described herein, the aerosol generation system further comprising one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol generator.

[0043] The cartridge may include an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may include a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may comprise a heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating element may be configured to evaporate the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The heating element may comprise a susceptor element.

[0044] The mouthpiece of the aerosol generation system may be configured to be attachable to the tubular connecting portion of the cartridge. The tubular connecting portion of the cartridge may have at least one recess, preferably a plurality of recesses, located on an outer surface thereof.

[0045] The mouthpiece may comprise at least one protruding element disposed on an inner surface of a side wall of the housing of the mouthpiece, the at least one protruding element may protrude into the above-mentioned connecting slit.

[0046] The at least one protruding element may be configured to engage with a recess in the tubular connecting portion when the tubular connecting portion is received in the connecting slit of the housing of the mouthpiece, which may correspond to a third position of the locking element that further blocks the first movement of the airflow control element.

[0047] The protruding element may be flexible. The flexible protruding element may preferably be a spring.

[0048] Preferably, the aerosol generation system comprises a cartridge. The cartridge includes a tubular connecting portion. The tubular connecting portion of the cartridge is configured to be connectable to a mouthpiece. Preferably, the tubular connecting portion is configured to be removably connectable to the mouthpiece. The tubular connecting portion is configured to be rotatably connectable to the mouthpiece. This may allow the mouthpiece to rotate relative to the cartridge when the cartridge is connected to the mouthpiece.

[0049] The cartridge may comprise a cartridge airflow control element configured to engage with an airflow control element of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, the airflow control element and the cartridge airflow control element configured to allow airflow from the cartridge to the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece rotates relative to the cartridge.

[0050] The cartridge may further comprise an inner cartridge wall around a central hollow portion of the cartridge. The cartridge wall may preferably be tubular. The inner cartridge wall may be connected to a tubular connecting portion of the cartridge. The cartridge airflow channel may extend through the central hollow portion of the cartridge. A reservoir containing the aerosol-forming substrate may at least partially surround the inner cartridge wall around the central hollow portion of the cartridge. The reservoir may preferably contain a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0051] The inner cartridge wall may comprise a second opening. The cartridge airflow control element described above may comprise a second opening. The second opening may be configured to allow airflow to pass from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece when the cartridge is connected to the mouthpiece. The inner cartridge wall may comprise a connecting portion. The connecting portion may be configured to be connectable to the mouthpiece. It may be preferred that the connecting portion comprises the second opening.

[0052] In the aerosol generating system, the first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall and the second opening in the inner tubular cartridge wall may form part of a valve, preferably a disk valve. The valve may allow airflow to pass from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece. The valve may control airflow from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece.

[0053] The first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall and the second opening in the inner tubular cartridge wall may be rotatable relative to each other. Airflow may be allowed to pass from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece when the first opening and the second opening are aligned to the greatest extent or may completely overlap. The position where the first opening and the second opening are aligned to the greatest extent or completely overlap may correspond to a second position of the airflow control element. Airflow may be blocked when the first opening and the second opening do not overlap, so that there is no airflow path from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece. This position where the first opening and the second opening do not overlap may correspond to a first position of the airflow control element.

[0054] A user may rotate the mouthpiece relative to the cartridge by performing a first movement of the airflow control element, which may cause the first opening to rotate relative to the second opening.

[0055] In particular, in the aerosol generating system of the present invention, the first opening of the inner mouthpiece wall may be formed to be rotatable relative to the second opening of the inner tubular cartridge wall. The first opening of the inner mouthpiece wall may be configured to be rotatable relative to the second opening of the inner tubular cartridge wall between the first and second positions of the airflow control element. In the first position of the airflow control element, the first opening and the second opening may not overlap. This may result in a blockage of airflow through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. In the second position of the airflow control element, the first opening and the second opening may overlap. In particular, in the second position of the airflow control element, the first opening and the second opening may align to a maximum extent or overlap completely. This may allow maximum airflow through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The first opening may have the same size as the second opening. In the second position, the first opening and the second opening may overlap completely if so. The first opening and the second opening may have different sizes. In the second position, the first opening and the second opening may be aligned to the greatest extent possible.

[0056] The first opening may be configured to be incrementally rotatable relative to the second opening. This may allow for incremental opening of the airflow into the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. In particular, the first opening may be configured to be incrementally rotatable relative to the second opening to at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions. In this intermediate position, the first opening and the second opening only partially overlap. This may allow a portion of the airflow that is less than the maximum airflow to pass through the airflow channel of the mouthpiece. This may allow the user to customize the airflow and the generated aerosol.

[0057] An aerosol generating system of the present invention may comprise a mouthpiece as described herein, a cartridge as described herein, and an aerosol generating device comprising at least a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0058] The cartridge may comprise a reservoir. The reservoir may at least partially surround the cartridge airflow channel. The reservoir may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate, in particular a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the cartridge airflow channel. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the cartridge airflow channel through a porous high-retention material. In particular, the porous high-retention material may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the high-retention material. The cartridge may further comprise a susceptor element. The susceptor element may be a porous susceptor element. This may allow the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to pass through the porous susceptor element while being heated and evaporated. This may allow either the formation of an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge airflow channel or the formation of an airflow including components of the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0059] The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptor elements may include or consist of a ferromagnetic material, such as, for example, a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron, or ferromagnetic steel, or stainless steel. A suitable susceptor may be or include aluminum. Preferred susceptors may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius.

[0060] The preferred susceptor element is a metal susceptor, e.g., stainless steel. However, the susceptor material may also include or be made of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, aluminum, niobium, Inconel alloy (austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloy), metallized films, ceramics, e.g., zirconia, transition metals, e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel, or semi-metallic components, e.g., boron, carbon, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, etc.

[0061] The porous susceptor element may include or consist of an electrically conductive ceramic material, such as lanthanum-doped strontium titanate or yttrium-doped strontium titanate. The porous induction heating ceramic material may be a ceramic ferrite. The porous susceptor element may include or consist of an open-porosity ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic ceramic material, such as a ceramic ferrite. As used herein, ferrite is a ferrimagnetic ceramic compound derived from iron oxides, such as hematite (Fe2O3) or magnetite (Fe3O4), as well as oxides of other metals.

[0062] A stainless steel mesh may be used as the porous susceptor element.

[0063] The porous susceptor element may have a porosity of 35 to 80 percent, preferably 45 to 65 percent, and most preferably 50 to 60 percent. The term "porosity" as used herein means the percentage of void space within the susceptor. The porosity of the susceptor may be selected to allow lateral airflow through the susceptor. The porosity may additionally or alternatively be affected by providing slits or holes in the susceptor.

[0064] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate in the cartridge reservoir may include at least one aerosol former. The aerosol former is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that facilitates the formation of a dense, stable aerosol in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol formers are 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.

[0065] The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavorings. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may include nicotine. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate may have a nicotine concentration of about 0.5 percent to about 10 percent, for example about 2 percent.

[0066] The aerosol-generating device of the aerosol-generating system may provide a heating element, which may be configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol.

[0067] The heating element may comprise an inductor coil, which may be configured to heat a susceptor element of the cartridge, which may enable heating of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate via inductive heating to generate the aerosol.

[0068] An inductor coil of the heating element may at least partially surround a cavity for receiving the cartridge.

[0069] This may enable the inductor coil to heat the susceptor of the cartridge when the cartridge is fully received within the cavity.

[0070] With induction heating, the susceptor may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the induction heating element. This may also heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate adjacent to or transported through the susceptor. For induction heating, the heating element preferably comprises an induction coil. To generate the alternating magnetic field, an alternating current may be supplied to the induction coil. The alternating current may have a high frequency. As used herein, the term "high frequency oscillating current" refers to an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

[0071] The aerosol generating device may include a power source (typically a battery) within the casing 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 about 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 heating element.

[0072] 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 control unit. 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 resistive or inductive heating element. 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.

[0073] The invention further provides a method of allowing airflow through a mouthpiece described herein, the method comprising moving an airflow control element from a first position to a second position via a first movement of the airflow control element, and moving a locking element from a third position to a fourth position via a second movement of the locking element.

[0074] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0075] 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]

[0076] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system including a mouthpiece and cartridge in a first position of an airflow control element. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system with a mouthpiece and cartridge in a second position of the airflow control element. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional schematic of the mouthpiece connected to the top of the cartridge. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the mouthpiece and cartridge shown in FIG. 3 after they have been connected. [Diagram 5] In FIG. 5, the upper half shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece, and the lower half shows a perspective view of the housing of the mouthpiece. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece connected to a cartridge with the airflow control element in a first position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece connected to a cartridge with the airflow control element in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece connected to a cartridge in a first position of the airflow control element with wavy lines to provide a cross-sectional view. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the first and second openings taken along the dashed line shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece connected to a cartridge in a second position of the airflow control element with wavy lines to provide a cross-sectional view. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 provides a cross-sectional view of the first and second openings along the dashed line shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a mouthpiece including a dent with a dashed line through the dent to provide a cross-sectional view. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece connected to a cartridge along the dashed line shown in FIG. 12 with the locking element in a third position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece connected to a cartridge along the dashed line through the recess shown in FIG. 12 with the locking element in a fourth position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] Below is provided 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 another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0078] Example 1: A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an airflow channel through the mouthpiece; an airflow control element, the airflow control element configured to be movable from a first position to a second position, the airflow control element configured to block airflow through the airflow channel in the first position and to allow airflow through the airflow channel in the second position, the airflow control element further configured to be movable from the first position to the second position via a first movement of the airflow control element; a locking element configured to be disposed in a third position and a fourth position, the locking element configured to block a first movement of the airflow control element in the third position of the locking element and to enable the first movement of the airflow control element in the fourth position of the locking element, the locking element further configured to be movable from the third position to the fourth position via a second movement of the locking element. Example 2: The mouthpiece of embodiment Ex1, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is a rotational movement of the airflow control element. Example 3: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples 1-2, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is a rotational movement of a housing of the mouthpiece. Example 4: The mouthpiece according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the second movement of the locking element is a compressive movement of the locking element. Example 5: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the second movement of the locking element is a compressive movement of at least one outer sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece. Example 6: The mouthpiece of example 5, wherein at least one indentation is disposed on an outer sidewall of the housing of the mouthpiece, the at least one indentation being configured to be gripped by a user. Example 7: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is different from the second movement of the locking element. Example 8: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the airflow control element comprises a portion of a valve. Example 9: The mouthpiece of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the airflow control element comprises a portion of a disc valve. Example 10: The mouthpiece of Example 9, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is rotation of the disc valve, thereby releasing the disc valve. Example 11: A mouthpiece according to any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the airflow control element is configured to be progressively movable from a first position to a second position, preferably wherein the airflow control element is configured to be movable to at least one intermediate position between the first position and the second position, and in the intermediate position, the airflow channel is partially blocked by the airflow control element. Example 12: 12. The mouthpiece of any of Examples 1-11, comprising an inner mouthpiece wall, the inner mouthpiece wall comprising an airflow control element, preferably the airflow control element comprising a first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall. Example 13: The mouthpiece of Example 12, further comprising an outer mouthpiece sidewall, preferably wherein an airflow channel through the mouthpiece is located between the outer mouthpiece sidewall and the inner mouthpiece wall, more preferably wherein the airflow channel extends from the airflow control element through the space between the outer mouthpiece sidewall and the inner mouthpiece wall to a downstream end of the mouthpiece. Example 14: An aerosol generation system comprising a mouthpiece according to any one of Examples 1 to 13 and one or both of a cartridge or an aerosol generation device, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be attachable, preferably removably attachable, to the cartridge. Example 15: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 14, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be attachable to a tubular connecting portion of the cartridge, the tubular connecting portion having at least one recess, preferably multiple recesses, on its outer surface, and the locking element further comprises at least one protruding element disposed on an inner surface of the side wall of the housing of the mouthpiece, the protruding element being configured to engage with the recess in the tubular portion at a third position of the locking element, thereby preventing the first operation of the airflow control element. Example 16: 16. The aerosol generation system of example 15, wherein the protruding element is flexible, preferably the flexible protruding element is a spring. Example 17: An aerosol generation system as described in any of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the cartridge further comprises an inner tubular cartridge wall around the central hollow portion, and the cartridge airflow channel extends through the central hollow portion. Example 18: An aerosol generation system as described in Example 17, wherein the inner tubular cartridge wall has a second opening, the second opening being configured to allow airflow from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece. Example 19: 19. An aerosol generation system as described in Example 18, wherein the first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall and the second opening in the inner tubular cartridge wall form part of a valve, preferably a disc valve. Example 20: An aerosol generation system described in any of Examples 16 to 19, wherein the cartridge comprises a blocking element, the blocking element configured to engage with an airflow control element of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, and the airflow control element and the blocking element are configured to allow airflow from the cartridge into the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece rotates relative to the cartridge. Example 21: A method of allowing airflow through the mouthpiece of any of Examples 1-13, the method comprising: moving an airflow control element from a first position to a second position via a first movement of the airflow control element; and moving a locking element from a third position to a fourth position via a second movement of the locking element.

[0079] In the following, like elements are designated by like reference numbers throughout the figures.

[0080] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an aerosol generation system including a cartridge 12 connected to a mouthpiece 10. The mouthpiece 10 includes a downstream opening 22. The cartridge 12 further includes a porous susceptor element 24 in fluid communication with a reservoir 20 containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge 12 further includes a cartridge airflow channel 18 that provides an airflow channel through the cartridge to the mouthpiece 10. An inner tubular cartridge wall 38 separates the cartridge airflow channel from the reservoir. Such an assembly of a cartridge connected to a mouthpiece can be received within a cavity of an aerosol generation device, which includes an induction coil for heating the susceptor element. In FIG. 1, the mouthpiece is in position "0", which is a first position of the airflow control element that blocks airflow through the cartridge airflow channel 18 to the mouthpiece.

[0081] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the aerosol generation system shown in Figure 1 with the mouthpiece rotated relative to the cartridge as indicated by arrow 14. In this position, the mouthpiece is in the position indicated by "1", which corresponds to a second position of the airflow control element that allows airflow from the cartridge into the mouthpiece.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mouthpiece 10 with a downstream opening 22 at the top. The mouthpiece 10 comprises an outer mouthpiece sidewall 26 and an inner mouthpiece wall 28 that define a central hollow portion 32 with an airflow channel. An upstream portion of the inner mouthpiece wall 28 of the mouthpiece 10 comprises a connecting portion configured to be connected to an inner tubular cartridge wall 38 of the cartridge 12. Furthermore, the mouthpiece 10 comprises a connecting slit 11 for receiving a tubular connecting portion 34 of the cartridge 12. The lower part of FIG. 3 shows an upper part of the cartridge 12 with a cartridge reservoir 20 and a cartridge airflow channel 18. The inner tubular cartridge wall 38 comprises a second opening 36 that allows airflow from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece 10. The mouthpiece 10 can be connected to the cartridge 12 as indicated by the arrow between the mouthpiece and the cartridge. The cartridge 12 comprises a tubular connecting portion 34 of the cartridge for connecting to the mouthpiece 10. The tubular connecting portion 34 may include at least one recess for engaging with a protruding element of the mouthpiece, which may be located within the connecting slit 11 (both the recess and the protruding element are not shown in FIG. 3 for reasons of clarity).

[0083] Figure 4 shows the mouthpiece and cartridge shown in Figure 3 after they have been connected. The tubular connecting portion 34 of the cartridge is received by the connecting slit 11 of the mouthpiece and the connecting portion of the inner tubular cartridge wall 28 is connected to the inner tubular mouthpiece wall. It can be seen that the second opening 36 in the inner tubular cartridge wall 38 is blocked by the inner mouthpiece wall 28. This corresponds to the first position of the airflow control element.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of mouthpiece 10 additionally showing a first opening 30 in inner mouthpiece wall 28 .

[0085] 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 connected to the top of the cartridge 12. Any airflow or aerosol 16 is blocked by the inner mouthpiece wall 28, which blocks the second opening 36 in the inner tubular cartridge wall.

[0086] 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece 10 connected to the top of the cartridge 12 after a rotational movement of the mouthpiece 10 relative to the cartridge has been performed. This first action, which is a rotational movement, resulted in an overlap of the second opening 36 of the inner tubular wall with the first opening 30 of the inner mouthpiece wall. This allows airflow or aerosol 16 to enter the airflow channel of the mouthpiece 10 through the disc valve formed by both the first opening and the second opening. This corresponds to a second position of the airflow control element.

[0087] 8 shows the mouthpiece 10 connected to the top of the cartridge with the airflow control element in a first position. The airflow of aerosol 16 into the mouthpiece is blocked by the inner mouthpiece wall 28.

[0088] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 40 shown in Figure 8. It can be seen that in the first position of the airflow control element, the inner mouthpiece wall 28 blocks the ingress of any aerosol from the cartridge airflow channel into the mouthpiece 10. The first opening 30 in the inner mouthpiece wall and the second opening 36 in the inner tubular cartridge wall do not overlap, preventing any airflow into the mouthpiece as indicated by the "X".

[0089] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece connected to the top of the cartridge in the second position of the airflow control element. The user can rotate the mouthpiece relative to the cartridge from the first position of the airflow control element to the second position as shown in Figure 8. Both the second opening 36 in the inner tubular cartridge wall and the first opening 30 in the inner mouthpiece wall overlap to allow the flow of air and aerosol 16 through the mouthpiece.

[0090] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating device shown in Figure 10 along dashed line 40. It can be seen that both the first opening 30 in the inner mouthpiece wall and the second opening 36 in the inner tubular cartridge wall overlap, thereby allowing airflow entry into the mouthpiece.

[0091] 12 shows a perspective view of mouthpiece 10 having an outer mouthpiece wall 26 that also includes an indentation 42. This indentation 42 allows a user to apply a compressive force to move the locking element from its third position to its fourth position.

[0092] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the mouthpiece of FIG. 12 along dashed line 50 shown in FIG. 12. The outer mouthpiece sidewall 26 includes a flexible protruding element 42, e.g., a spring, on its inner surface. The flexible element 42 is located on the inner surface of the outer mouthpiece sidewall 26 opposite the recess 42. The spring can engage with a recess 46 in the tubular connecting portion 34 of the cartridge. When the spring 44 engages with the recess 46, the locking element is in its third position, preventing rotational movement of the mouthpiece from the first position to the second position. FIG. 13 also shows that the first and second openings in the tubular inner cartridge wall and the inner tubular mouthpiece wall do not overlap, thereby blocking airflow into the mouthpiece.

[0093] The flexible element 44 can be disengaged from the recess 46 via a compression movement 42 indicated by the arrow in FIG. 14. This corresponds to the locking element moving from its third position to its fourth position. In this fourth position of the locking element, the airflow control element can be moved from its first position to its second position and the mouthpiece can be rotated relative to the cartridge to allow air flow into the mouthpiece. A first path of motion of the first operation, the rotational movement of the airflow control element that is possible after the locking element moves to its fourth position, is indicated by arrow 48.

Claims

1. A mouthpiece for an aerosol generating device, comprising: an airflow channel through the mouthpiece; an airflow control element configured to be movable from a first position to a second position, the airflow control element configured to block airflow through the airflow channel in the first position and to allow airflow through the airflow channel in the second position, the airflow control element further configured to be movable from the first position to the second position via a first movement of the airflow control element; a locking element configured to be disposed in a third position and a fourth position, the locking element configured to block the first movement of the airflow control element in the third position and to enable the first movement of the airflow control element in the fourth position, the locking element further configured to be movable from the third position to the fourth position via a second movement of the locking element, the second movement of the locking element being a compressive movement of at least one outer sidewall of a housing of the mouthpiece in a flexible region of the mouthpiece.

2. 10. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is a rotational movement of the airflow control element.

3. The mouthpiece of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is a rotational movement of the housing of the mouthpiece.

4. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, wherein the airflow control element comprises part of a valve.

5. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, wherein the airflow control element comprises part of a disc valve.

6. 6. The mouthpiece of claim 5, wherein the first movement of the airflow control element is a rotation of the disc valve, thereby releasing the disc valve.

7. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1, wherein the airflow control element is configured to be progressively movable from the first position to the second position, preferably to at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions, wherein the airflow channel is partially blocked by the airflow control element in the intermediate position.

8. 3. The mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, comprising an inner mouthpiece wall, the inner mouthpiece wall comprising the airflow control element, preferably the airflow control element comprising a first opening in the inner mouthpiece wall.

9. 10. An aerosol generation system comprising the mouthpiece of claim 1 and one or both of a cartridge or an aerosol generating device, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be attachable, preferably removably attachable, to the cartridge.

10. 10. The aerosol generation system of claim 9, wherein the mouthpiece is configured to be attachable to the tubular connecting portion of the cartridge, the tubular connecting portion having at least one recess, preferably multiple recesses, on its outer surface, and the locking element further comprises at least one protruding element arranged on the inner surface of the side wall of the housing of the mouthpiece, the protruding element being configured to engage with the recess of the tubular portion in the third position of the locking element, thereby preventing the first operation of the airflow control element.

11. 11. The aerosol generating system of claim 10, wherein the protruding element is flexible, preferably the flexible protruding element is a spring.

12. 12. An aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge airflow control element configured to engage with the airflow control element of the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is attached to the cartridge, and the airflow control element and cartridge airflow control element are configured to allow airflow from the cartridge into the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is rotated relative to the cartridge.

13. 3. A method of allowing airflow through the mouthpiece of claim 1 or 2, the method comprising: moving the airflow control element from the first position to the second position via the first movement of the airflow control element; and moving the locking element from the third position to the fourth position via the second movement of the locking element.

Images