WO2024018029A1

WO2024018029A1 - A mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2024018029A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/070213
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaakko MCEVOY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2023-07-20
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-22

Abstract

A mouthpiece (2) for use with an aerosol generating device (100) is disclosed comprising an inner section (4) that contains an airflow channel (6); an outer section (8) that can make contact with a user's lips; and an air gap (10) that is provided between the inner section and the outer section to provide thermal insulation.

Description

A MOUTHPIECE FOR USE WITH AN AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device.

BACKGROUND

It is a developing field of interest to produce electronic cigarette devices that heat, but do not bum, a solid or semi-solid aerosol forming substrate which comprises tobacco. These devices typically receive a rod of tobacco in a heating chamber. The rod is heated by a heater to release an aerosol which can be inhaled by a user, typically from a mouthpiece. An issue present with these devices is that heat from the heater can also heat other components of the device, such as the mouthpiece. In devices that are compact in structure this can be disadvantageous because the temperature of outer components of the device, such as the mouthpiece, can become unacceptably high during operation of the device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device that addresses these requirements.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: an inner section that contains an airflow channel; an outer section that can make contact with a user’s lips; and an air gap that is provided between the inner section and the outer section to provide thermal insulation.

In this way, the outer section is thermally insulated from the inner section by the air gap. The inner section may be coupled to the device and may be consequently heated by heat from a heater during operation of the device. By providing an outer section of the mouthpiece and an air gap between the inner section and the outer section the user’s lips are more effectively insulated from the heat generated by the heater. The inner and outer sections can be made of the same, or different, thermally stable materials (PEEK, for example). The inner section and the outer section may be permanently bonded to one another by adhesives or welding. Alternatively, the inner and outer sections may be a single, unitary component.

Preferably, the mouthpiece comprises a flow path through the outer section that is fluidly connected to the air gap to allow air to flow from outside the mouthpiece towards the air gap. In this way, air may enter the air gap from outside of the mouthpiece which cools the air in the air gap and cools the inner section.

Preferably, the flow path is provided through the outer section and the inner section such that the flow path is fluidly connected to the airflow channel to allow air to flow from outside the mouthpiece towards the air flow channel. In this way, air may enter the airflow channel from outside of the mouthpiece which cools and dilutes the air in the airflow channel and also provides cooling for the inner section.

Preferably, the flow path is fluidly connected to the air gap. In this way, air may flow into the airflow channel from the air gap which can cool and/or dilute the contents of the airflow channel and further cool the inner section.

Preferably, the flow path includes through holes in the inner section. In this way, the quantity of air that flows into the airflow channel can be varied. The greater the number or the larger the cross-sectional area of the through holes, the greater the quantity of air that can flow into the airflow path. The through holes may be located towards the rear of the mouthpiece, at the end that is closer to the heater; alternatively, the through-holes may be located at the opposite end of the mouthpiece near an opening of the airflow path from which a user may inhale an aerosol.

Preferably, the mouthpiece further comprises an end surface from which the inner section and the outer section protrude, wherein the outer section is spaced apart from the end surface to provide thermal insulation between the outer section and the end surface. In this way, a discontinuity is provided between the outer section and the end surface of the mouthpiece. Heat from the heater must therefore travel through the length of the inner section to reach the outer section. Heat from the heater cannot travel through the end surface of the mouthpiece directly to the outer section. The thermal insulation of the outer section from heat from the heater is therefore improved. In embodiments of the invention where the outer section is spaced apart from the end surface, the flow path may be provided between the outer section and the end surface.

Preferably, the air gap extends circumferentially around the inner section. In this way, a greater portion the outer section is insulated from the inner section, including upper and lower surfaces.

Preferably, the mouthpiece extends from the aerosol generating device and the air gap extends along a substantial length of the mouthpiece. In this way, the mouthpiece is disposed at a greater distance from other components of the device, such as the heater, thus increasing insulating effects. Furthermore, by having the air gap extend along a substantial length of the mouthpiece the surface area of the inner section that the air gap makes contact with is increased thereby increasing the thermally insulating effects of the air gap between the inner and outer sections.

Preferably, the inner section and the outer section are removably affixable to one another. In this way, the device may be cleaned more effectively in the event that residue from the aerosol forming substrate, or dust from the environment, forms on or in components of the mouthpiece.

Preferably, the mouthpiece comprises an attachment mechanism provided on at least one of the inner section or the outer section so that the inner and outer section can be connected to one another. In this way, when the inner and outer sections are affixed, they are secured to each other. The inner section and the outer section may be removably affixed by means of a clip-on contact via one or more of pressure fitting, magnets, ball and socket joints, a press fit, a spring clip or other techniques known in the art. The attachment mechanism may comprise insulating material to reduce the conduction of heat to the outer section via the inner section. Furthermore, the outer section may be removed and replaced with an outer section of a different shape to provide differing insulating properties, for example, to vary the shape of the air gap.

Preferably, the attachment mechanism joins an end face of the inner section to an inner surface of the outer section. In this way, the inner and outer sections are affixed at a location furthest away from the heater and consumable, therefore mitigating the conduction of heat to the outer section via the inner section.

Preferably, the mouthpiece comprises a support structure that separates that inner section from the outer section to provide the air gap. In this way, the structure of the air gap is maintained during use of the device, where pressure from the user’s lips on the outer section could otherwise cause the outer section to cave in, bend or become detached from the inner section. The cross-sectional area of the support structure is preferably small in order to reduce the amount of heat conducted between the inner and outer sections.

Preferably, the air gap is provided on either side of the support structure. In this way, the thermal insulation effects and the structural integrity of the mouthpiece are optimised.

Preferably, the support structure comprises insulating material. In this way, the conduction of heat between the inner section and the outer section via the support structure is reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in yet another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is an exploded schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device in yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. The mouthpiece 2 comprises an outer section 3 that protrudes from the main body of the mouthpiece 2. More specifically, the outer section 3 protrudes from an end surface 22 of the mouthpiece 2. The outer section 3 comprises an opening 5 from which a user may inhale an aerosol produced by the device 100. One or more air inlets 101 are provided within the mouthpiece 2 that are fluidly connected to a heating chamber (not shown) of the device 100.

The mouthpiece 2 is suitably shaped such that a user may place their lips around the outer section 3. The mouthpiece 2 and/or the outer section 3 preferably comprise a material or materials that are generally resistive to the thermal conduction of heat (PEEK, for example).

The mouthpiece 2 is securely attached to the main body of the aerosol generating device 100. The mouthpiece 2 and the aerosol generating device 100 may be a single, unitary component. Alternatively, the mouthpiece 2 may be removably affixable to the aerosol generating device 100. In a further arrangement the outer section 3 may be removably affixable to the main body of the mouthpiece 2. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. The mouthpiece 2 comprises an inner section 4 and an outer section 3. An airflow path 6 is provided radially inwardly of the inner section 4. The outer section 3 fits over the inner section 4. Both the inner section 4 and the outer section 3 protrude from the end surface 22 of the mouthpiece 2. An opening 5 is provided for the user to inhale aerosol.

A consumable 7 is disposed within the airflow path 6. The consumable 7 is positioned adjacent a heater 30 within the aerosol generating device 100 so that it can produce an aerosol when heated. An air gap 10 is provided between the inner section 4 and the outer section 3. A flow path 12 is provided through the outer section 3 and is fluidly connected to the air gap 10.

The inner section 4 of the mouthpiece 2 encloses an airflow path 6. The inner section 4 is hollow with the airflow path 6 provided therein. The inner section 4 is provided within the outer section 3. The inner section 4 is shaped to allow the consumable 7 at least partially to be received within the airflow path 6.

The outer section 3 may be directly joined to, or removably affixable to, the inner section 4. Alternatively, the inner section 4 and the outer section 3 may be one unit.

The consumable 7 preferably has a shape which is a rectangular prism. The consumable 7 may also be elongate in shape such that it extends from within the aerosol generating device 100 into the airflow channel 6.

The consumable 7 generally comprises a tobacco substrate that may comprise shredded tobacco and which may be solid or semi-solid that can be heated without burning. In alternative scenarios the consumable 7 may comprise other kinds of substrate such as a vaporisable liquid substrate held in a reservoir.

The air gap 10 provides thermal insulation between the inner section 4 and the outer section 3. The inner section 4 makes contact with the consumable 7 that is heated by the heater 30, and therefore the inner section 4 can be heated quickly once the heater 30 is in operation. The air gap 10 reduces the amount of heat that is conducted to the outer section 3 of the mouthpiece 2, which makes contact with a user. The air gap 10 extends circumferentially around the inner section 4. The air gap 10 also extends along a substantial length of the mouthpiece 2. More specifically, the air gap 10 extends along a substantial length of the inner section 4 and the outer section 3. The air gap 10 extends along a length measured in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device that is greater than half the length of the inner 4 and outer 3 sections measured in the same direction.

The flow path 12 is provided through the outer section. The flow path 12 is fluidly connected with the air gap 10 to allow air to flow from outside the mouthpiece 2 towards and into the air gap 10. The flow path 12 may include through holes (not shown) in the outer section 3. Alternatively, the flow path 12 may comprise a circumferential vent that is provided between the end surface 22 of the mouthpiece 2 and the outer section 3. In other terms, the outer section 3 is at least partially spaced apart from the end surface 22 at the end of the mouthpiece 2 closest to the heater 30 and the outer section 3 is connected to the inner section 4 at the end of the mouthpiece 2 closest to the opening 5. In certain embodiments, the outer section 3 is entirely spaced apart from the end surface 22, i.e., a spacing is provided between the outer section 3 and the end surface 22 along the entire circumference of the outer section 3, to reduce heat conduction from the end surface 22 to the outer section 3. Alternatively, the outer section 3 can partially connect to the end surface 22 for structural integrity of the mouthpiece 2. The flow path 12 is preferably provided at the end of the mouthpiece 2 closer to the heater 30 so that the user’s lips or mouth do not cover the intake of the flow path 12 in the outer section 3.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. In this configuration the flow path 12 is provided through the outer section 3 and the inner section 4. The air gap 10 is provided between the inner section 4 and the outer section 3 and the flow path 12 is provided through the outer section 3 and the inner section 4 and is fluidly connected to the air gap 10. In this embodiment the flow path 12 may comprise through holes (not shown) in the inner section 4 and the outer section 3. Alternatively, the flow path 12 may comprise through holes in the inner section 4 and the outer section 3 may be at least partially spaced apart from the end surface 22 with the spacing providing the flow path 12 through the outer section 3 or between the outer section 3 and the end surface 22. In certain embodiments, the outer section 3 is entirely separated from the end surface 22.

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. Further to the embodiment of Figure 3, through holes 14 are shown in the flow path 12 and are provided through the inner section 4.

The through holes 14 are provided at the end of the mouthpiece 2 closest to the heater (not shown), at the opposite end of the mouthpiece 2 to the opening 5. Alternatively, the through holes 14 can be provided at the end of the mouthpiece 2 closest the opening 5. One through hole may provided or a plurality of through holes 14 may be provided. The total size of the apertures of the through holes 14 is selected to achieve a desired airflow. For example, if the total cross-sectional area of the apertures are large, a large quantity of air will be able to flow through the flow path 12 into the airflow channel 6. If the total cross-sectional area of the apertures is small less air will be able to flow into the airflow channel 6 through the flow path 12.

In the embodiment of Figure 4 the inner 4 and outer sections 3 are only in contact with one another at an end face of the inner section 4 and at an inner surface of the outer section 3. The outer section 3 is at least partially spaced apart from the end surface 22 and the flow path 12 is provided therethrough. This advantageously reduces heat conduction between the two, and limits conduction to a position that is distal from the heater 30. In certain embodiments, the outer section 3 is entirely spaced apart from the end surface 22.

Figure 5 is an exploded schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement the inner 4 and outer sections 3 are separated from each other. An end face 16 of the inner section 4 is provided. An inner surface 18 of the outer section 8 is provided which is aligned with the end face 16 of the inner section 4 when the two are connected. An attachment mechanism (not shown) may be provided on the end surface 16 of the inner section 4 or on the inner surface 18 of the outer section 8, or on both the end surface 16 of the inner section 4 and the inner surface 18 of the outer section 3. A user may remove the outer section 3 from the inner section 4 by pulling or twisting the outer section 3, releasing the attachment mechanism. The outer section 3 is a cap that fits over the inner section 4 when the mouthpiece 2 is assembled.

The attachment mechanism can comprise one or more of a pair of magnets, a ball and socket joint, a press-fit, a spring clip or another mechanism known in the art.

In certain embodiments, the inner 4 and outer sections 3 only make contact at the tip of the mouthpiece 2. More specifically, the inner 4 and outer sections 3 only make contact at the end surface 16 of the inner section 4 and at the inner surface 18 of the outer section 3. In embodiments of the invention where the inner 4 and outer 3 sections are one unit, heat must travel along a path through the inner section 4 into the outer section 3, as the outer section 3 is spaced apart from the end surface 22, the path length of which is long. In embodiments of the invention where the inner 4 and outer 3 sections are removably affixed, heat must travel along a path through the attachment mechanism, which is a discontinuity between the inner 4 and outer 3 sections.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of a mouthpiece 2 for use with an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the invention. There is a support structure 20 provided within the air gap 10. The support structure 20 separates the inner section 4 from the outer section 3. The support structure 20 provides the air gap 10 between the inner 4 and outer sections 3 and maintains the profile of the airgap 10. The airgap 10 is provided on either side of the support structure 20.

The support structure 20 preferably comprises insulating material such as rubber or cork. Additionally, the cross-sectional area of the support structure 20 can be small to prevent the conduction of heat between the inner 4 and outer sections 3. One or more support structures 20 may be provided at various locations within the air gap 10. A single support structure 20 may be provided circumferentially around the inner section 4. In embodiments of the invention that comprise a support structure 20, the only points of contact between the inner 4 and outer sections 3 should be at the end face 16 of the inner section 4, the inner surface 18 of the outer section 3 and at the support structure 20.

Claims

1 . A mouthpiece for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: an inner section that contains an airflow channel; an outer section that can make contact with a user’s lips, wherein the inner section and the outer section are removably affixable to one another; and an air gap that is provided between the inner section and the outer section to provide thermal insulation.

2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1 , comprising a flow path through the outer section that is fluidly connected to the air gap to allow air to flow from outside the mouthpiece towards the air gap.

3. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow path is provided through the outer section and the inner section such that the flow path is fluidly connected to the airflow channel to allow air to flow from outside the mouthpiece towards the air flow channel.

4. A mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the flow path is fluidly connected to the air gap.

5. A mouthpiece according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the flow path includes through holes through the inner section.

6. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, further comprising an end surface from which the inner section and the outer section protrude, wherein the outer section is spaced apart from the end surface to provide thermal insulation between the outer section and the end surface.

7. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the air gap extends circumferentially around the inner section.

8. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mouthpiece extends from the aerosol generating device and the air gap extends along a substantial length of the mouthpiece.

9. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, further comprising an attachment mechanism provided on at least one of the inner section or the outer section.

10. A mouthpiece according to claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism joins an end face of the inner section to an inner surface of the outer section.

11. A mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a support structure that separates the inner section from the outer section to provide the air gap.

12. A mouthpiece according to claim 11 , wherein the air gap is provided on either side of the support structure.

13. A mouthpiece according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the support structure comprises insulating material.