WO2025056461A2

WO2025056461A2 - Mouthpiece with tunable aerosol dilution

Info

Publication number: WO2025056461A2
Application number: PCT/EP2024/075115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zuber GÉRARD EDMOND; Özsun ÖZGÜR; Turrini ENRICO
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2023-09-14
Filing date: 2024-09-09
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-14
Also published as: WO2025056461A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a proximal end comprising an air outlet, an inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet, a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel, and a tuning mechanism configured to be adjustable in different positions. The different positions correspond to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-forming substrate. The invention further relates to a kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device.

Description

MOUTHPIECE WITH TUNABLE AEROSOL DILUTION

The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The present disclosure further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-forming substrate. The present disclosure further relates to a kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device.

It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating an inhalable vapor. Such devices may heat aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are volatilized without burning the aerosolforming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as part of a substrate plug. The substrate plug may have a rod shape for insertion of the substrate plug into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol-generating device. A heating element may be arranged in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-forming substrate once the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that is adaptable to different types of aerosol-forming substrates. It would be desirable to provide an aerosolgenerating device that is adaptable to different user preferences. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that allows to tune cooling of an airflow to a desired temperature before being inhaled by a user. It would be desirable to provide an aerosolgenerating device that allows to tune condensation after evaporation of an aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that allows to tune the resistance to draw. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating device that allows to improve the user experience.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece may comprise a proximal end. The proximal end may comprise an air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise an inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece may extend between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet. The mouthpiece may comprise a dilution air inlet channel. The dilution air inlet channel may be in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel. The mouthpiece may comprise a tuning mechanism. The tuning mechanism may be configured to be adjustable in different positions. The different positions may correspond to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device. The mouthpiece comprises a proximal end. The proximal end comprises an air outlet. The mouthpiece comprises an inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece. The inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece extends between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet. The mouthpiece comprises a dilution air inlet channel. The dilution air inlet channel is in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel. The mouthpiece comprises a tuning mechanism. The tuning mechanism is configured to be adjustable in different positions. The different positions correspond to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel.

By the different positions corresponding to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel, an amount of additional air entering the mouthpiece via the dilution air inlet channel may be regulated. A degree of dilution of the aerosol may thus be tuned.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device that is adaptable to different types of aerosol-forming substrates may be provided. Different types of substrates may require different degrees of air dilution.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device that is adaptable to different user preferences may be provided. Different users may desire different degrees of air dilution.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device may be provided that allows to tune cooling of an airflow to a desired temperature before being inhaled by a user. Enhancing the amount of air having ambient temperature diluting the hot stream of aerosol coming from the heating chamber may cool the airflow and vice versa.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device may be provided that allows to tune condensation after evaporation of an aerosol-forming substrate. The amount of condensation may depend on the opening degree of the dilution air inlet channel.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device may be provided that allows to tune the resistance to draw. By enhancing the opening degree of the dilution air inlet channel, the overall resistance to draw experienced by a user may be reduced and vice versa.

By the mouthpiece of the invention, an aerosol-generating device may be provided that allows to improve the user experience.

By the mouthpiece of the invention comprising an air dilution channel and a tuning mechanism, an air dilution functionality may be provided within the mouthpiece. Providing the air dilution functionality within the mouthpiece may allow diluting and thus cooling aerosol within the mouthpiece, i.e., right before inhalation. Hence, the cooled aerosol may have a smaller remaining distance before reaching a user’s mouth. The smaller remaining distance may minimize or even prevent undesired condensation of aerosol and droplet formation inside the inner airflow channel.

The different positions may correspond to different positions of a movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to a fixed member. The different positions may correspond to different positions of a movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to a fixed member when the mouthpiece is connected to the aerosol-generating device.

The movable portion of the mouthpiece may comprise the proximal end of the mouthpiece. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may comprise the air outlet. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be the most proximal member coming into contact with the user’s mouth.

The fixed member may form part of the mouthpiece. The fixed member may form part of the aerosol-generating device. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be engaged with the fixed portion. As used herein, the terms ‘fixed member’ and ‘fixed portion’ may be used synonymously.

The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be releasably connectable to the fixed portion.

The mouthpiece may comprise attachment means configured for removably attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosol-generating device. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may comprise the attachment means. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be releasably connectable to the fixed member through the attachment means.

Thus, a user may easily attach and detach the movable portion of the mouthpiece from the fixed member to clean the movable portion of the mouthpiece. Additionally or alternatively, this configuration may allow a user to replace the movable portion of the mouthpiece. Hence, configuring the movable portion of the mouthpiece to be releasably connectable to the fixed member may improve device hygiene.

Additionally or alternatively, configuring the movable portion of the mouthpiece to be releasably connectable to the fixed member may enable a user to switch between mouthpieces with different air dilution properties. Hence, such a configuration may provide the user with a customizable user experience.

The fixed portion may be permanently attached to the aerosol-generating device. The fixed portion may form an integral part of the aerosol-generating device.

The different positions may correspond to different rotational positions of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member.

The mouthpiece may comprise a longitudinal central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal central axis. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may have a tubular shape.

The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be at least partly circumscribed by the fixed member. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be at least partly sleeved by the fixed member. At least a portion of the fixed member may have a tubular shape. The fixed member may coaxially surround the movable portion of the mouthpiece. The tubular part of the fixed member and the movable portion of the mouthpiece may be coaxially arranged around a common longitudinal central axis. The tubular part of the fixed member and the movable portion of the mouthpiece may be coaxially arranged around the inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece.

The tuning mechanism may comprise an adjusting segment of the movable portion of the mouthpiece. The adjusting segment may have a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, the cross-section having the shape of a circle with a recess. The recess may form a portion of the dilution air inlet channel when the movable portion of the mouthpiece is sleeved by a tubular fixed member. The adjusting segment may be a tubular segment forming part of a tubular movable portion of the mouthpiece.

The adjusting segment may be a horizontal cylindrical segment. The adjusting segment may have a cross-section in the shape of a circle segment in perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis. The adjusting segment may be a horizontal cylindrical segment. The adjusting segment may be a horizontal cylindrical segment of a right circular cylinder. The adjusting segment may be a hollow cylindrical segment circumscribing a portion of the inner airflow channel.

The different positions may correspond to different positions of adjusting segment with respect to the fixed member when the mouthpiece is connected to the aerosol-generating device. The fixed member may comprise a hollow cylindrical element comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel. The mouthpiece may be configured such that, when the movable portion of the mouthpiece is sleeved by the fixed member, the adjusting segment and the circumferentially arranged air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel are arranged at the same longitudinal position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis. Thereby, depending on the rotational position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed member, a different number of the air inlets may superpose the recess of the adjusting segment of the movable portion such that air can enter through these air inlets into dilution air inlet channel. The air inlets which are not superposing the recess may be blocked by the cylindrical segment of the adjusting segment. No air may thus enter the dilution air inlet channel via these air inlets which are not superposing the recess. On rotating the movable portion versus the fixed member, the number of air inlets superposing the recess may change which corresponds to changing opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel. Thereby, the tuning mechanism may allow to tune the degree of dilution by additional air of the aerosol inhaled by a user. The rotation of the movable portion relative to the fixed member may be conducted manually by a user.

The tuning mechanism may comprise a mixing segment of the mouthpiece. The mixing segment may be located directly adjacent to the adjusting segment in a longitudinal direction. The mixing segment may comprise a reduced circumference in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis in comparison to the adjusting segment. By the reduced circumference, a void surrounding the tubular element of the mixing segment may form when the adjusting segment is sleeved by the fixed member. The void may form part of the dilution air inlet channel.

The mixing segment may form part of the movable portion of the mouthpiece. The mixing segment may be a tubular segment forming part of a tubular movable portion of the mouthpiece.

One or more of the air outlet, the dilution air inlet channel, the inner airflow channel, the mixing segment and the adjusting segment may form part of the movable portion of the mouthpiece. Each of the air outlet, the dilution air inlet channel, the inner airflow channel, the mixing segment and the adjusting segment may form part of the movable portion of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may comprise only one movable portion.

An air dilution functionality may be provided compactly inside one movable portion of the mouthpiece. Providing the air dilution functionality compactly within one movable portion of the mouthpiece may simplify the assembly of the air dilution functionality to the aerosolgenerating device.

The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be provided as a monolithic movable portion of the mouthpiece. One or more of the air outlet, the dilution air inlet channel, the inner airflow channel, the mixing segment and the adjusting segment may form part of the monolithic movable portion of the mouthpiece. Each of the air outlet, the dilution air inlet channel, the inner airflow channel, the mixing segment and the adjusting segment may form part of the monolithic movable portion of the mouthpiece.

The mixing segment may comprise a hollow tubular element comprising a lateral sidewall circumscribing the inner airflow channel. The mixing segment may be a hollow tubular element comprising a lateral sidewall circumscribing the inner airflow channel. The dilution air inlet channel may comprise at least one passage channel extending through the lateral sidewall of the mixing segment. The passage channel may fluidly connect the void with the inner airflow channel.

The at least one passage channel may be configured as a straight channel pointing towards the longitudinal central axis. The at least one passage channel may be configured as a straight channel pointing tangentially towards the inner airflow channel. This configuration may guide the dilution airstream from the dilution air inlet channel towards the sidewall of the inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece. This behaviour of the dilution airstream may be caused by the Coanda Effect. The dilution airstream passing along the sidewall of the airflow channel may create a layer of air between the walls of the inner airflow channel and the aerosol coming from the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The dilution airstream passing along the sidewall of the airflow channel may shield the sidewalls of the inner airflow channel from the airflow comprising volatized components of the aerosol-forming substrate. Thereby, this configuration may help to reduce or avoid undesired condensation of aerosol and droplet formation on the walls of the inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece.

The at least one passage channel may be inclined by an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the mouthpiece. This configuration may help mixing of the dilution airstream from the dilution air inlet channel with the airflow comprising volatized components of the aerosol-forming substrate which enters the inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece at the distal end and which is coming from a heating chamber arranged upstream in the aerosol-generating device. Vapour nucleation into aerosol droplets may be enhanced. This configuration may help with enhancing the vapour nucleation into aerosol droplets by further dropping the pressure upstream of the plug of aerosol-forming substrate because of the partial vacuum created in the wake of the high-speed air jet entering in the mouthpiece.

The at least one passage channel may be inclined by an angle of between 35 to 85 degrees, preferably 45 to 75 degrees, more preferably 55 to 65 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the movable portion of the mouthpiece.

The at least one passage channel may comprise between 2 and 20, preferably between 3 and 15, more preferably between 4 and 8, more preferably between 5 and 7 passage channels, more preferably 6 passage channels.

The mouthpiece may comprise a proximal sealing segment arranged proximal to the adjusting segment. The proximal sealing segment may comprise a circumferential recess for receiving a sealing ring. The proximal sealing segment may be a tubular segment forming part of a tubular movable portion of the mouthpiece.

The mouthpiece may comprise a distal sealing segment arranged distal to the adjusting segment. The distal sealing segment may comprise a circumferential recess for receiving a sealing ring. The distal sealing segment may be a tubular segment forming part of a tubular movable portion of the mouthpiece. The movable portion of the mouthpiece may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the fixed member by an angle of between 0 degree and 360 degrees, preferably between 0 degree and 180 degrees.

The mouthpiece may configured to limit the rotational movement of the movable portion to an angle of 180 degrees or less.

The movable portion of the mouthpiece may comprise a protruding element configured to engage with a slot element of the fixed member, such that a relative movement of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member is limited by an engagement of the protruding element and the slot element.

The fixed member may comprise between 2 and 50, preferably between 5 and 40, more preferably between 10 and 30 air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel. The air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel may be arranged circumferentially around the fixed member.

An opening diameter of an air inlet of the dilution air inlet channel may be between 0.1 millimeter and 2 millimeters, preferably between 0.2 millimeter and 0.8 millimeter.

The tuning mechanism may comprise a position locking system for avoiding accidental movement between the different positions. The tuning mechanism may comprise a spring element to provide a click-feedback for a user. The tuning mechanism may be configured to switch between the different positions by means of a sliding mechanism or by rotation of a lateral knob.

The different positions may comprise at least an open position of the dilution air inlet channel, and a partly open position of the dilution air inlet channel.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating device, comprising a mouthpiece as described herein.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device as described herein and an aerosol-forming substrate.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device. Each mouthpiece of the kit may comprise a proximal end comprising an air outlet. Each mouthpiece of the kit may comprise an inner airflow channel extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet. Each mouthpiece of the kit may comprise a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel. Each mouthpiece of the kit may comprise attachment means configured for removably attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosol-generating device. All of the plurality of mouthpieces may comprise identical attachment means. Each of the plurality of mouthpieces may comprise a different configuration of the at least one dilution air inlet channel. According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device. Each mouthpiece of the kit comprises a proximal end comprising an air outlet. Each mouthpiece of the kit comprises an inner airflow channel extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet. Each mouthpiece of the kit comprises a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel. Each mouthpiece of the kit comprises attachment means configured for removably attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosol-generating device. All of the plurality of mouthpieces comprise identical attachment means. Each of the plurality of mouthpieces comprises a different configuration of the at least one dilution air inlet channel. The different configurations of the at least one dilution air inlet channel may correspond to different opening degrees of the at least one dilution air inlet channel. The different configurations of the at least one dilution air inlet channel may correspond to different resistances to draw of the mouthpieces.

Each mouthpiece of the kit may comprise a different retention to draw. As used herein, the terms “retention to draw” and “resistance to draw” are used synonymously.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device, wherein each mouthpiece of the kit comprises a different retention to draw.

The kit may comprise one or both of an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosolforming substrate.

As used herein, the terms ‘proximal’, ‘distal’, ‘downstream’ and ‘upstream’ are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosolgenerating device in relation to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating device during use thereof.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a mouth end through which in use an aerosol exits the aerosol-generating device and is delivered to a user. The mouth end may form part of a mouthpiece of the device. The mouth end may also be referred to as the proximal end. In use, a user draws on the proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device in order to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating device. Alternatively, a user may directly draw on a substrate plug or a substrate plug inserted into an opening at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating device. The opening at the proximal end may be an opening of the cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the substrate plug. The aerosolgenerating device comprises a distal end opposed to the proximal or mouth end. The proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the downstream end and the distal end of the aerosol-generating device may also be referred to as the upstream end. Components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating device may be described as being upstream or downstream of one another based on their relative positions between the proximal, downstream or mouth end and the distal or upstream end of the aerosolgenerating device.

As used herein, an ‘aerosol-generating device’ relates to a device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a substrate plug, for example part of a smoking article. An aerosol-generating device may be a smoking device that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of a substrate plug to generate an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs thorough the user's mouth. An aerosol-generating device may be a holder. The device may be an electrically heated smoking device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing, electric circuitry, a power supply, a heating chamber and a heating element.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term ‘smoking’ with reference to a device, article, system, substrate, or otherwise does not refer to conventional smoking in which an aerosol-forming substrate is fully or at least partially combusted. The aerosol-generating device of the present invention is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature below a combustion temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate, but at or above a temperature at which one or more volatile compounds of the aerosol-forming substrate are released to form an inhalable aerosol.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise electric circuitry. The electric circuitry may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The microprocessor may be part of a controller. The electric circuitry may comprise further electronic components. The electric circuitry may be configured to regulate a supply of power to the heating element. Power may be supplied to the heating element continuously following activation of the aerosol-generating device or may be supplied intermittently, such as on a puff- by-puff basis. The power may be supplied to the heating element in the form of pulses of electrical current. The electric circuitry may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element, and preferably to control the supply of power to the heating element dependent on the electrical resistance of the heating element.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply, typically a battery, within a main body of the aerosol-generating device. In one embodiment, the power supply is a Lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium- Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate or a Lithium-Polymer battery. As an alternative, the power supply may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that enables to store enough energy for one or more usage experiences; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate aerosol for a period of around six minutes or for a period of a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or discrete activations of the heating element.

The cavity of the aerosol-generating device may have an open end into which the substrate plug is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of the cavity. The closed end may be closed except for the provision of air apertures arranged in the base. The base of the cavity may be flat. The base of the cavity may be circular. The base of the cavity may be arranged upstream of the cavity. The open end may be arranged downstream of the cavity. The cavity may have an elongate extension. The cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. A longitudinal direction may be the direction extending between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal central axis of the cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating device.

The cavity may be configured as a heating chamber. The cavity may have a cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a hollow cylindrical shape. The cavity may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the substrate plug to be received in the cavity. The cavity may have a circular cross-section. The cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. The cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the substrate plug.

An airflow channel may run through the cavity. Ambient air may be drawn into the aerosol-generating device, into the cavity and towards the user through the airflow channel. Downstream of the cavity, a mouthpiece may be arranged or a user may directly draw on the substrate plug. The airflow channel may extend through the mouthpiece.

In any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may comprise an electrically resistive material. Suitable electrically resistive materials include but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys and composite materials made of a ceramic material and a metallic material.

As described, in any of the aspects of the disclosure, the heating element may be part of an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may comprise an internal heating element or an external heating element, or both internal and external heating elements, where "internal" and "external" refer to the aerosol-forming substrate. An internal heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an internal heating element may take the form of a heating blade. Alternatively, the internal heater may take the form of a casing or substrate having different electro-conductive portions, or an electrically resistive metallic tube. Alternatively, the internal heating element may be one or more heating needles or rods that run through the center of the aerosol-forming substrate. Other alternatives include a heating wire or filament, for example a Ni-Cr (Nickel-Chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire or a heating plate. Optionally, the internal heating element may be deposited in or on a rigid carrier material. In one such embodiment, the electrically resistive heating element may be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track on a suitable insulating material, such as ceramic material, and then sandwiched in another insulating material, such as a glass. Heaters formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the heating elements during operation.

An external heating element may take any suitable form. For example, an external heating element may take the form of one or more flexible heating foils on a dielectric substrate, such as polyimide. The flexible heating foils can be shaped to conform to the perimeter of the substrate receiving cavity. Alternatively, an external heating element may take the form of a metallic grid or grids, a flexible printed circuit board, a molded interconnect device (MID), ceramic heater, flexible carbon fibre heater or may be formed using a coating technique, such as plasma vapour deposition, on a suitable shaped substrate. An external heating element may also be formed using a metal having a defined relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such an exemplary device, the metal may be formed as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An external heating element formed in this manner may be used to both heat and monitor the temperature of the external heating element during operation.

As an alternative to an electrically resistive heating element, the heating element may be configured as an induction heating element. The induction heating element may comprise an induction coil and a susceptor. In general, a susceptor is a material that is capable of generating heat, when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-generating article’ or ‘substrate plug' refers to an article or plug comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, a substrate plug may be a smoking article or plug that generates an aerosol that is directly inhalable into a user’s lungs through the user's mouth. A substrate plug may be disposable.

As used herein, the term ‘aerosol-forming substrate’ relates to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be part of a substrate plug or smoking article.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosolforming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavour compounds which are released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aerosol former that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerine and propylene glycol.

The aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises homogenised tobacco material, an aerosol-former and water. Providing homogenised tobacco material may improve aerosol generation, the nicotine content and the flavour profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the substrate plug. Specifically, the process of making homogenised tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaf, which more effectively enables the release of nicotine and flavours upon heating.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

Example E1 : A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, the mouthpiece comprising a proximal end comprising an air outlet; an inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet; a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel; and a tuning mechanism configured to be adjustable in different positions, the different positions corresponding to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel.

Example E2: The mouthpiece according to Example E1 , wherein the different positions correspond to different positions of a movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to a fixed member when the mouthpiece is connected to the aerosol-generating device.

Example E3: The mouthpiece according to Example E2, wherein the different positions correspond to different rotational positions of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member.

Example E4: The mouthpiece according to Example E3, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a longitudinal central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal central axis.

Example E5: The mouthpiece according to Example E4, wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece is configured to be at least partly sleeved by the fixed member.

Example E6: The mouthpiece according to Example E5, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises an adjusting segment of the movable portion of the mouthpiece, the adjusting segment having, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, a crosssection in the shape of a circle with a recess, such that the recess may form a portion of the dilution air inlet channel when the movable portion of the mouthpiece is sleeved by a tubular fixed member.

Example E7: The mouthpiece according to Example E6, wherein the adjusting segment is a horizontal cylindrical segment.

Example E8: The mouthpiece according to Example E7, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a mixing segment of the mouthpiece, the mixing segment being located directly adjacent to the adjusting segment in a longitudinal direction, and the mixing segment comprising a reduced circumference in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis in comparison to the adjusting segment, preferably wherein the mixing segment forms part of the movable portion of the mouthpiece.

Example E9: The mouthpiece according to Example E8, wherein the mixing segment comprises a hollow tubular element comprising a lateral sidewall circumscribing the inner airflow channel, and wherein the dilution air inlet channel comprises at least one passage channel extending through the lateral sidewall of the mixing segment.

Example E10: The mouthpiece according to Example E9, wherein the at least one passage channel is configured as a straight channel pointing tangentially towards the inner airflow channel.

Example E11 : The mouthpiece according to Example E9 or Example E10, wherein the at least one passage channel is inclined by an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the mouthpiece.

Example E12: The mouthpiece according to any of Examples E9 to E11 , wherein the at least one passage channel comprises between 2 and 20, preferably between 3 and 15, more preferably between 4 and 8, more preferably between 5 and 7 passage channels.

Example E13: The mouthpiece according to any of Examples E6 to E12, comprising one or both of a proximal sealing segment arranged proximal to the adjusting segment and a distal sealing segment arranged distal to the adjusting segment, preferably wherein one or both of the proximal and distal sealing segments comprise a circumferential recess for receiving a sealing ring.

Example E14: The mouthpiece according to any of Examples E3 to E13, wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece is configured to be rotatable with respect to the fixed member by an angle of between 0 degree and 360 degrees, preferably between 0 degree and 180 degrees.

Example E15: The mouthpiece according to any of Examples E2 to E14, wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece comprises a protruding element configured to engage with a slot element of the fixed member, such that a relative movement of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member is limited by an engagement of the protruding element and the slot element.

Example E16: The mouthpiece according to any of Examples E2 to E15, wherein the fixed member comprises between 2 and 50 air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel, preferably wherein the air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel are arranged circumferentially around the fixed member.

Example E17: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein an opening diameter of an air inlet of the dilution air inlet channel is between 0.1 millimeter and 2 millimeters, preferably between 0.2 millimeter and 0.8 millimeter.

Example E18: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a position locking system for avoiding accidental movement between the different positions.

Example E19: The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a spring element to provide a click-feedback for a user.

Example E20: The mouthpiece according to Example E1 or E2, wherein the tuning mechanism is configured to switch between the different positions by means of a sliding mechanism or by rotation of a lateral knob.

Example E21 : The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the different positions comprise at least an open position of the dilution air inlet channel, and a partly open position of the dilution air inlet channel.

Example E22: An aerosol-generating device, comprising a mouthpiece according to any of the preceding examples.

Example E23: An aerosol-generating system, comprising an aerosol-generating device according to Example E22 and an aerosol-forming substrate.

Example E24: A kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device, each mouthpiece comprising a proximal end comprising an air outlet; an inner airflow channel extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet; a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel; and attachment means configured for removably attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosolgenerating device; wherein all of the plurality of mouthpieces comprise identical attachment means, and wherein each of the plurality of mouthpieces comprises a different configuration of the at least one dilution air inlet channel. Example E25: The kit according to Example E24, wherein each mouthpiece comprises a different retention to draw.

Example E26: A kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device, each mouthpiece comprising a different retention to draw.

Example E27: The kit according to any of Example E24 to E26, comprising one or both of an aerosol-generating device, and an aerosol-forming substrate.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may equally be applied to other embodiments of the invention.

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

Figs. 1 and 2a show an aerosol-generating device with a mouthpiece;

Fig. 2b shows a movable portion of a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device;

Figs. 3a and 3b show an aerosol-generating device with a mouthpiece;

Figs. 4a to 4c show a movable portion of a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device; and

Figs. 5a and 5b show a movable portion of a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device.

Fig. 1 shows cross-section of an aerosol-generating device 100 together with a mouthpiece 10 for an aerosol-generating device.

The mouthpiece 10 comprises a proximal end 12. The proximal end 12 comprises an air outlet 14. The mouthpiece 10 comprises an inner airflow channel 16 of the mouthpiece 10. The inner airflow channel 16 of the mouthpiece 10 extends between a distal end 18 of the mouthpiece 10 and the air outlet 14. The mouthpiece 10 comprises a dilution air inlet channel. The dilution air inlet channel is in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel 16. Additional air may enter the inner airflow channel 16 via the dilution air inlet channel as indicated by black dotted arrows 20. The mouthpiece comprises a tuning mechanism. The tuning mechanism is configured to be adjustable in different positions. The different positions correspond to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel.

The aerosol-generating device 100 comprises a cavity housing a plug of aerosolforming substrate 110. During use, after entering via a device air inlet (not shown), an air stream 120 is directed towards the plug of aerosol-forming substrate 110 via an upstream airflow channel portion 130. A heating element (not shown) surrounding the cavity heats the plug of aerosol-forming substrate 110 to volatize components which are taken up by the air stream as indicated by white dotted arrows 140. The airflow 140 comprising the volatized components then enters the inner airflow channel 16 at the distal end 18 of the mouthpiece 10 and travels towards the air outlet 14 as indicated by white dotted arrow 142. The airflow 140 is diluted by additional air 20 entering the inner airflow channel 16 via the dilution air inlet channel on the way towards the air outlet 14.

Fig. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the device and mouthpiece 10 of Fig. 1 in another perspective in order to highlight further details. Fig. 2a shows that the mouthpiece 10 comprises a movable portion 22 which is movable with respect of a fixed member 24 when the mouthpiece 10 is connected to the aerosol-generating device 100.

Fig. 2b shows the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 of Figs. 1a and 2a in perspective view.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a, the fixed member 24 is formed as an integral part of the aerosol-generating device 100 and the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 is inserted into the tubular fixed member 24 such that a distal part of the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 is sleeved by the fixed member 24.

Alternatively, the fixed member may form part of the mouthpiece 10. The mouthpiece 10 may be configured to be removably attached to the aerosol-generating device 100, or the mouthpiece 10 may be configured to be permanently attached to the aerosol-generating device 100.

Fig. 2b shows that the mouthpiece 10 comprises a longitudinal central axis 26 extending between the proximal end 12 and the distal end 18.

The tuning mechanism comprises an adjusting segment 28 of the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10. The adjusting segment 28 has, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 26, a cross-section in the shape of a circle 30 with a recess 32. The adjusting segment 28 thus is a horizontal cylindrical segment. A hollow space is formed between an outer wall of the movable portion 22 and an inner wall of the fixed member 24 at the position of the recess 32. Thereby, the recess 32 forms a portion of the dilution air inlet channel when the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 is sleeved by the tubular fixed member 24.

The tuning mechanism comprises a mixing segment 34 of the mouthpiece 10. The mixing segment 34 forms part of the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10. The mixing segment 34 is located directly adjacent and distal to the adjusting segment 28 in a longitudinal direction. The mixing segment 34 comprises a hollow tubular element comprising a lateral sidewall 36 circumscribing the inner airflow channel 16. The mixing segment 34 comprising the lateral sidewall 36 has a reduced circumference in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 26 in comparison to the adjusting segment 28. Thereby, a void 38, which allows mixing of incoming air entering via air inlets 40 of the dilution air inlet channel, forms when the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 is sleeved by the fixed member 24.

The dilution air inlet channel comprises several passage channels 42 extending through the lateral sidewall 36 of the mixing segment 34. The passage channels 42 thus fluidly connect the void 38 to the inner airflow channel 16.

Figs. 2a and 2b further show that the mouthpiece 10 comprises a proximal sealing segment arranged proximal to the adjusting segment 28. The proximal sealing segment comprises a circumferential recess 44 for receiving a sealing ring 46. The mouthpiece 10 further comprises a distal sealing segment arranged distal to the mixing segment 34. The distal sealing segment comprises a circumferential recess 48 for receiving a sealing ring 50.

Figs. 3a and 3b show perspective views of the device 100 and mouthpiece 10 of Figs. 1 , 2a and 2b in other perspectives in order to highlight further details.

The tuning mechanism is configured to be adjustable in different positions, the different positions corresponding to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel. The movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal central axis 26 as indicated by an arrow 52 in Fig. 3a. The different positions correspond to different rotational positions of the movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10 with respect to the fixed member 24 when the mouthpiece 10 is connected to the aerosol-generating device 100.

The movable portion 22 comprises a protruding element 54 configured to engage with a slot element 56 of the fixed member 24, such that a relative movement of the movable portion 22 with respect to the fixed member 24 is limited by an engagement of the protruding element 54 and the slot element 56.

The fixed member 24 comprises a plurality of air inlets 40 of the dilution air inlet channel. The air inlets 40 of the dilution air inlet channel are arranged circumferentially around the fixed member 24 as indicated in Fig. 3b.

Depending on the rotational position of the movable portion 22 with respect to the fixed member 24, a different number of the air inlets 40 superpose the recess 32 of the movable portion 22 such that air can enter through these air inlets 40 into dilution air inlet channel. The air inlets 40 which are not superposing the recess 32 will be superposing the round wall portion 30 and will thus be blocked. No air can thus enter the dilution air inlet channel via these air inlets 40 which are not superposing the recess 32. On rotating the movable portion 22 versus the fixed member 24, the number of air inlets 40 superposing the recess 32 changes which corresponds to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel. Thereby, the tuning mechanism allows to tune the degree of dilution by additional air of the aerosol inhaled by a user. Figs. 4a to 4c show an alternative embodiment of a movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10. The movable portion 22 of Figs. 4a to 4c is mainly identical to the movable portion 22 of Fig. 2b. The identical reference numerals in Fig. 2b and in Fig. 4a show the identical features.

The sole difference between the movable portion 22 of Figs. 4a to 4c and the movable portion 22 of Fig. 2b is shown in Fig. 4b. Fig. 4b shows a cross-section of Fig. 4a as indicated by a line A-A. As shown in Fig. 4b, in the embodiment of Figs. 4a to 4c, the six passage channels 42 are configured as straight channels pointing tangentially towards the inner airflow channel 16. In difference to that, in Fig. 2b, the passage channels 42 are configured as straight channels pointing towards the central axis 26.

Due to the tangential arrangement of the passage channels 42 in the movable portion 22 of Figs. 4a to 4c, the dilution airstream 20 will adhere to the perimeter of the inner airflow channel 16 as is shown in Fig. 4b and as is further shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4c.

This behaviour of the dilution airstream 20 may be due to the Coanda Effect. The dilution airstream 20 may create a layer between the walls of the inner airflow channel 16 and the aerosol 142. Thereby, this configuration may reduce condensation of aerosol and droplet formation on the walls of the inner airflow channel 16.

Figs. 5a and 5b show a further alternative embodiment of a movable portion 22 of the mouthpiece 10. The movable portion 22 of Figs. 5a and 5b is identical to the movable portion 22 of Fig. 2b or of Figs. 4a to 4c, except for a different orientation of the passage channels 42 with respect to the central axis 26. In the embodiment of Figs. 5a and 5b, the passage channels 42 do not extend towards the inner airflow channel 16 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis 26. Instead, each of the passage channels 42 is inclined by an angle 43 of less than ninety degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis 26 of the mouthpiece 10. In the embodiment shown, the passage channels 42 are inclined by an angle 43 of about fifty-five to sixty-five degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis 26.

This configuration may help mixing of the dilution airstream 20 with the aerosol 142. Vapour nucleation into aerosol droplets may be enhanced. This configuration may help with enhancing the vapour nucleation into aerosol droplets by further dropping the pressure upstream of the plug of aerosol-forming substrate 110 because of the partial vacuum created in the wake of the high-speed air jet entering in the mouthpiece. Conversely, for instance, an air jet shooting on the plug 110 rather than being directed to a user’s mouth might result in turbulence over the upstream of the plug 110 resulting in higher heat loss from the plug 110 and the heater; and possibly more condensation due to increased rate of collisions between the walls of the airflow channel 16 and generated aerosol drops.

Claims

1 . A mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device, the mouthpiece comprising a proximal end comprising an air outlet; an inner airflow channel of the mouthpiece extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet; a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel; and a tuning mechanism configured to be adjustable in different positions, the different positions corresponding to different opening degrees of the dilution air inlet channel.

2. The mouthpiece according to claim 1 , wherein the different positions correspond to different positions of a movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to a fixed member when the mouthpiece is connected to the aerosol-generating device.

3. The mouthpiece according to claim 2, wherein the different positions correspond to different rotational positions of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member.

4. The mouthpiece according to claim 3, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a longitudinal central axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece is configured to be rotatable around the longitudinal central axis.

5. The mouthpiece according to claim 4, wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece is configured to be at least partly sleeved by the fixed member.

6. The mouthpiece according to claim 5, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises an adjusting segment of the movable portion of the mouthpiece, the adjusting segment having, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis, a cross-section in the shape of a circle with a recess, such that the recess may form a portion of the dilution air inlet channel when the movable portion of the mouthpiece is sleeved by a tubular fixed member.

7. The mouthpiece according to claim 6, wherein the adjusting segment is a horizontal cylindrical segment, wherein the tuning mechanism comprises a mixing segment of the mouthpiece, the mixing segment being located directly adjacent to the adjusting segment in a longitudinal direction, and the mixing segment comprising a reduced circumference in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis in comparison to the adjusting segment, wherein the mixing segment forms part of the movable portion of the mouthpiece, wherein the mixing segment comprises a hollow tubular element comprising a lateral sidewall circumscribing the inner airflow channel, and wherein the dilution air inlet channel comprises at least one passage channel extending through the lateral sidewall of the mixing segment.

8. The mouthpiece according to claim 7, wherein the at least one passage channel is configured as a straight channel pointing tangentially towards the inner airflow channel.

9. The mouthpiece according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the at least one passage channel is inclined by an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the mouthpiece.

10. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the movable portion of the mouthpiece comprises a protruding element configured to engage with a slot element of the fixed member, such that a relative movement of the movable portion of the mouthpiece with respect to the fixed member is limited by an engagement of the protruding element and the slot element.

11. The mouthpiece according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the fixed member comprises between 2 and 50 air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel, and wherein the air inlets of the dilution air inlet channel are arranged circumferentially around the fixed member.

12. The mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the different positions comprise at least an open position of the dilution air inlet channel, and a partly open position of the dilution air inlet channel.

13. An aerosol-generating device, comprising a mouthpiece according to any of the preceding claims.

14. An aerosol-generating system, comprising an aerosol-generating device according to claim 13 and an aerosol-forming substrate.

15. A kit comprising a plurality of mouthpieces for an aerosol-generating device, each mouthpiece comprising a proximal end comprising an air outlet; an inner airflow channel extending between a distal end of the mouthpiece and the air outlet; a dilution air inlet channel being in fluid connection with the inner airflow channel; and attachment means configured for removably attaching the mouthpiece to an aerosolgenerating device; wherein all of the plurality of mouthpieces comprise identical attachment means, wherein each of the plurality of mouthpieces comprises a different configuration of the at least one dilution air inlet channel, and wherein each mouthpiece comprises a different retention to draw.