WO2025119552A1

WO2025119552A1 - Mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device

Info

Publication number: WO2025119552A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/080739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juraj LEHOCKY
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2023-12-08
Filing date: 2024-10-30
Publication date: 2025-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-08

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mouthpiece (100) for an aerosol-generating device (200) for heating a consumable (20) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the mouthpiece (100) comprising: a mouth end part (90) for being received by a mouth of a user; and a consumable storage unit (80) mounted to the mouth end part (90), the storage unit (80) comprising: at least one clamping element (70) comprising two clamping arms (60) for releasably receiving a consumable (20) and for clamping the consumable (20) between the two clamping arms (60).

Description

Mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device

Technical field

The present invention generally relates to aerosol-generating devices, and more particularly, to a clamping element for attaching a tobacco piece to a mouthpiece.

Technical background

Aerosol-generating devices, in particular Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (known as ENDS) have become popular worldwide over the last decades. These devices are alternatives to traditional combustible tobacco products such as cigarettes. Several types of aerosol-generating devices are currently available on the market, based on varying aerosolization technologies and aerosol-generating substrates.

One example of a subset of aerosol-generating devices employs heated tobacco products, also known as “heat-not-burn” products and/or systems (HNB). These HNB systems can generate an inhalable aerosol from heating a tobacco containing substrate, usually in solid or pulverulent form. Such HNB systems require an electronic device comprising a heating unit to heat up a tobacco containing substrate instead of burning tobacco as performed in conventional cigarettes. A further subset of aerosol-generating devices evaporates or vaporize a liquid (known as e-liquid) contained in a pod, wherein the liquid may or may not comprise nicotine to generate an aerosol to be inhaled by a user. These liquid-based aerosol-generating devices are convenient for users seeking an instant generation of an inhalable aerosol.

The above-mentioned aerosol-generating devices are usually provided with electronic heating means so as to heat an aerosol-forming substrate and/or a pod. Resistive heating means, inductive heating means, and heating means based on lasers, such as semiconductor laser diodes are known. Further, the above-mentioned aerosolgenerating devices usually have a holder for a consumable. The holder ensures that a consumable can be held during usage of the aerosol-generating device. The holders of conventional aerosol-generating devices have several drawbacks. For instance, a plurality of steps is required to remove the consumable from the aerosolgenerating device. In addition, the consumable cannot be easily inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Further, holders of conventional aerosol-generating devices usually have a high mass generating a large thermal loss. Further still, holders of conventional aerosol-generating devices can cause damage to the consumable during insertion or removal thereof.

Further prior art is known from WO 2023/208842 Al, WO 2023/072986 Al, and WO 2023/067060 Al.

In view of these disadvantages, the presently known aerosol-generating devices may not always lead to optimum results. There is thus a need to improve the presently known aerosol-generating devices.

Against this background, an object of the present invention is to address one or more or all of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved holder for use in an aerosol-generating device. The holder should facilitate an easy-to-implement, robust, and durable design. The holder should enable convenient removal of a consumable. Moreover, the mouthpiece should prevent a consumable from getting damaged during insertion and removal. The mouthpiece should provide a lower thermal loss. It is also an object to provide a respective aerosol-generating device.

Summary of the invention

The above-mentioned objects and other objects, which become apparent from the following description, are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims. Mouthpiece

A 1^st embodiment of the invention is directed to a mouthpiece for an aerosolgenerating device for heating a consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the mouthpiece comprising: a mouth end part for being received by a mouth of a user; and a consumable storage unit mounted to the mouth end part, the storage unit comprising: at least one clamping element comprising two clamping arms for releasably receiving a consumable and for clamping the consumable between the two clamping arms.

In this manner, an improved mouthpiece for being used in an aerosol-generating device, used to heat a consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate is provided. The mouthpiece may have the advantage of facilitating insertion and/or removal of a consumable. Insertion and/ or removal may be easily and reliably performed by the user in a repeated fashion. Insertion and/or removal maybe performed at anytime the user intends to do so, without having to perform any further cumbersome steps. Thereby, user convenience can be improved. The consumable maybe inserted and/or removed into the two clamping arms merely by a force provided by a user. For instance, this could be easily done by a hand of a user. The mouthpiece may also have the advantage of preventing a consumable from getting damaged, e.g., from chipping, during insertion and/ or removal. The low mass of the clamping element may further provide the advantage of low thermal loss.

The mouth end part may have a structural design facilitating that the consumable storage unit may be over-moulded into the mouth end part. This may have the advantage of lowering the costs of the manufacturing process, while at the same time the speed of the manufacturing process can be increased. In addition, this may provide a firm connection between the consumable storage unit and the mouth end part.

The at least one clamping element may generate pressure on the consumable when the consumable is inserted. This may provide the advantage that the consumable can be held in place. Moreover, the two clamping arms of the at least one clamping element may provide a clamping force. This clamping force may have the advantage of facilitating insertion and/ or removal of the consumable. The two clamping arms for clamping the consumable between the two clamping arms may mean that a movement of the consumable is at least partially prevented. It does not necessarily mean that the consumable remains fixed between the two clamping arms independent of any external force. For instance, if desired, the user may easily provide an external force that may overcome the force generated by the clamping arms.

The at least one clamping element comprising two clamping arms does not exclude that the clamping arm comprises more than two clamping arms. In various examples, it may be beneficial that the clamping element comprises more than two clamping arms. For instance, this may increase the clamping force. Nevertheless, two clamping arms may be preferred. Further, it is not excluded that the mouthpiece comprises, in addition to the at least one clamping element, a further clamping element comprising at least one clamping arm.

According to a 2^nd embodiment, the mouth end part is configured to form an airflow path from an entry to an exit of the mouth end part, and wherein the clamping element is arranged on the side of the entiy.

The clamping element being arranged on the side of the entry may mean that also at least a part of the consumable storage unit comprising the clamping element is arranged on the side of the entry. This facilitates that the clamping element and/ or the consumable storage unit may be implemented directly into the mouth end part. Thereby, the user may easily insert the consumable at the entry of the mouth end part. This may have the advantage of facilitating user access. In addition, it may provide less disturbance to the user. This may also have the advantage of an improved and accelerated manufacturing process. Moreover, arranging the clamping element on the side of the entry of the mouth end part facilitates consumption of the consumable by the user.

According to a 3^rd embodiment, one or both of the two clamping arms comprise one or more protrusions on the side of the clamping arm facing the consumable when received in the clamping element. The one or more protrusion on the side of the clamping arm facing the consumable may further add to the advantage of easy insertion and/ or removal of the consumable. A further advantage that may be provided is that a clamping force may be increased and/or a pressure on some portions of the consumable maybe increased. In addition, the consumable may be prevented from falling out of the clamping arms. Generally, the one or more protrusions may facilitate stabilization of the consumable. Further, the one or more protrusions may prevent the consumable from chipping which can happen during insertion and/or removal of the consumable. As a result of which, the risk of polluting the cup is minimized through the one or more protrusions.

According to a 4^th embodiment, the number of protrusions per clamping arm is between 2 and io, preferably between 3 and 8, more preferably between 4 and 6, and most preferably 5.

The specific number of protrusions per clamping arm, as defined in the 4^th embodiment further adds to the advantages of the one or more protrusions, as discussed in the 3^rd embodiment. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that with the numbers of the protrusions as specified in this embodiment, a good compromise between a low weight of the mouthpiece (a lower number is desired) and sufficient clamping force (a greater number is desired) can be struck.

According to a 5^th embodiment, the protrusions have the shape of teeth, waves, or preferably bumps, and are preferably rounded.

The shape of the one or more protrusions as defined in the 5^th embodiment may specifically facilitate the insertion and/or removal of the consumable. It is noted that not all protrusions of the one or more protrusions need to have the same shape. For instance, one protrusion may have the shape of a teeth, while another protrusion (if available) has the shape of a wave, a bump or the like.

According to a 6^th embodiment, the at least one clamping element comprises a receiving end at which the two clamping arms define an opening for receiving the consumable, wherein the opening can be enlarged by moving apart the tips of the two clamping arms at the receiving end, when the consumable is received. The receiving end of the at least one clamping element may enable insertion and/or removal of the consumable. The insertion and/or removal of the consumable maybe eased through the tips of the two clamping arms which may move apart when the consumable is received. This is because moving apart of the tips may lead to an enlargement of the opening which is defined by the two clamping arms. A further advantage may be preventing the consumable from getting damaged, as the opening allows the consumable to be slidingly received in the clamping element.

It is noted that the tips may additionally or alternatively be moved apart by the hand of the user, i.e., without the need of the consumable. The tips may encompass a portion of the clamping arms, respectively, the portion having a slight extension along the clamping arms. Thereby, the tips are not limited to the very end of the clamping arms, respectively.

According to a 7^th embodiment, the enlargement of the opening can be achieved by the clamping arms deforming elastically outward, in particular to adopt a concave shape.

The specific deformation of the clamping arms, as defined in the 7^th embodiment further adds to the advantages of the tips of the two clamping arms at the receiving end that move apart when the consumable is received, as described in the 6^th embodiment.

The concave shape allows that only the part of the clamping element is moved apart, that is necessary to facilitate insertion of the consumable. Thereby, a space saving arrangement maybe provided. The concave shape describes the inward curving form of the tips of the receiving end of the elastically outward deforming clamping arms. Accordingly, the concave shape may best be recognized from a lateral view of the clamping element.

According to an 8^th embodiment, the clamping element is monolithic/ single-pieced, in particular a fork. The monolithic/ single-pieced structure may allow the clamping element to have a low mass whilst at the same time being robust. The low mass of the clamping element may provide the advantage of a low thermal capacity. Thereby, when the aerosol-generating device is activated to heat the consumable, a lower mass of the clamping element is heated. As a result of which, power for generating heat maybe saved. The low mass of the clamping element may further provide the advantage of low thermal loss. The monolithic/ single-pieced structure of the clamping element may also facilitate the manufacturing process since a monolithic/ single-pieced structure can be easily processed.

According to a 9^th embodiment, the distance between the two clamping arms increases at the receiving end of the clamping arms towards the tips of the clamping arms, e.g., by one or both of the two clamping arms comprising a chamfer at their tips at the receiving end of the clamping arm, or by the two arms opening up by forming a tapered or funnel-shaped structure at their tips.

An increasing distance between the two clamping arms at the receiving end may support insertion and/or removal of the consumable. For example, when inserting a consumable, an increased distance between the two clamping arms at the receiving end may help to smoothly guide the consumable into a clamped Position between the two clamping arms. Such guided insertion may further prevent the consumable from chipping.

According to a io^th embodiment, the consumable storage unit further comprises a mounting portion for mounting the at least one clamping element to the mouth end part.

The mounting portion may have the advantage of enabling direct implementation of the consumable storage unit into the mouth end part. As mentioned elsewhere herein, direct implementation may accelerate the manufacturing process. In addition, a direct implementation may entail that only one part is mechanically movable. In other words, the user may not need to clamp, lift, screw and/ or remove one or more additional covers and/or doors. Thus, user convenience can be enhanced, which is appreciated by the user. According to an 11^th embodiment, the mounting portion is substantially V- or U- shaped, thereby allowing it to be received in one or more corresponding recesses of the mouth end part.

The substantially V- or U-shape of the mounting portion may simplify the direct implementation of the consumable storage unit into the mouth end part. The substantially V- or U-shape of the mounting portion may further prevent the mouth end part from being excessively heated. Since the mouth end part is received by the mouth of the user during ordinary use of the mouthpiece the V- or U-shape of the mounting portion improves user experience. Any number of corresponding recesses may be encompassed. In a preferred example, two corresponding recesses are provided in the mouth end part.

According to a 12^th embodiment, the at least one clamping element has an elongated shape, wherein the two clamping arms preferably have substantially the same length along the receiving direction of a consumable.

The elongated shape of the at least one clamping element may have the advantage of providing enough space for a consumable. More specifically, the elongated shape may ensure that the entirety of the consumable is inserted into the at least one clamping element. This may further stabilize the consumable that is inserted into the at least one clamping element. In addition, full insertion of the consumable may aid to prevent chipping of the consumable. The two clamping arms having substantially the same length further adds to the preceding advantages. For example, similar clamping forces maybe provided to the consumable potentially resulting in less damage to the consumable and/ or at least an even wear.

According to a 13^th embodiment, a distance between the sides of the two clamping arms facing the consumable when received in the clamping element generally decreases along the direction opposite to the receiving direction of a consumable, when a consumable is not received. A decreasing distance between the two clamping arms facing the consumable (when the consumable is received) in the direction opposite of the receiving direction may have the advantage of stabilizing the received consumable. In addition, the decreasing distance may aid insertion and/or removal of the consumable. Another advantage of the decreasing distance maybe preventing the consumable from falling out of the clamping arms.

The distance generally decreases, meaning that the distance may increase as seen opposite to the receiving direction. Nevertheless, at least the tips of the clamping arms may have a closer distance compared to the opposite ends of the clamping arms.

In one example, the distance between the sides of the two clamping arms facing the consumable when received in the clamping element monotonously decreases along the direction opposite to the receiving direction of a consumable, when a consumable is not received.

According to a 14^th embodiment, the at least one clamping element comprises or preferably is made of a metal, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel, most preferably stainless steel 304.

The specific material mentioned above may provide the clamping elements with following advantageous properties: ductility, elasticity, hardness, high-temperature resistance, and food-grade. Those properties may allow the clamping element to be used in flexible and bending operations. In addition, those properties may offer resistance against wear, in particular against heavy wear. Moreover, stainless steel 304 may be flexible, inexpensive, and a commonly austenitic stainless steel when compared to stainless steel 316. Further, these materials are mature and can be easily procured.

The term foot-grade may be used to describe materials or products that are safe for use in contact with food.

According to a 15^th embodiment, the at least one clamping element is a first clamping element, and the consumable storage unit further comprises a second clamping IO element spaced apart from the first clamping element thereby defining a plane for receiving and clamping a consumable.

The definition of a plane for receiving and clamping a consumable through a second clamping element may further aid in holding the consumable once it is inserted into the consumable storage unit. A second clamping element may also facilitate insertion and/or removal of the consumable. In addition, a second clamping element may also prevent the consumable from getting damaged, e.g., from chipping. A second clamping element may further provide redundancy, e.g., in the unlikely case that the first clamping element may fail.

According to a 16^th embodiment, the consumable is substantially sheet-like.

A substantially sheet-like consumable may support insertion and/ or removal of the consumable. In addition, a substantially sheet-like shape may facilitate that a stable Position Can be achieved once it is received into the at least one clamping element.

According to a 17^th embodiment, the consumable has an average length between 20 and 45 mm, preferably between 25 and 40 mm, more preferably between 28 and 36 mm; and/or an average width between 8 and 18 mm, preferably between 10 and 16 mm, more preferably between 10 and 14 mm; and/or an average thickness between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably between 1 and 2 mm.

A consumable having the specified average lengths, average widths, and/ or average thicknesses may provide a volume large enough to contain a suitable amount of a consumable substance to be inhaled by a user. In addition, the above-mentioned dimensions maybe suitable for being received by the at least one clamping element and the mouth end part.

According to an 18^th embodiment, the consumable comprises one or more indentations, preferably in the longitudinal direction, configured to guide a sliding movement between the clamping arms and the consumable when the consumable is inserted into or removed from the at least one clamping element. The one or more indentations may facilitate insertion and/or removal of the consumable. As mentioned elsewhere herein, the one or more indentations which may preferably be in the longitudinal direction may aid the sliding movement of the consumable when being inserted into or removed from the at least one clamping element.

According to a 19^th embodiment, the mouth end part comprises or preferably is made of a polymer, in particular a high-temperature polymer, for example Polyether ether ketone, PEEK.

The mouth end part comprising or being made of PEEK may provide the advantage of high-temperature resistance. In addition, PEEK be lightweight, which increases user convenience. Further advantages of PEEK may include but are not limited to resistance against wear and/or abrasion as well as chemical resistance. PEEK maybe provided by various suitable manufacturers, including but not limited to Victrex.

According to a 20^th embodiment, the clamping arms are substantially planar, wherein each clamping arm preferably has a substantially planar surface, wherein both substantially planar surfaces are facing one another.

The substantially planar structure of the clamping arms may add to the advantages mentioned elsewhere herein, e.g., of facilitating insertion and/or removal of the consumable and/or of preventing the consumable from chipping. In addition, both clamping arms having a substantially planar surface may further stabilize the consumable throughout insertion and/or removal. This may also apply once it is received.

The planar surface may provide a flat contact between the clamping arms and the consumable, once received. Thereby, friction may be increase so as so make it more difficult to the consumable to fall out once received. Aerosol-generating device

A 21^st embodiment of the invention is directed to an aerosol-generating device for heating a consumable comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a mouthpiece according to any one of the preceding embodiments; and a heating unit configured to provide heat to a consumable when received for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user.

The aerosol-generating device as described herein may include all aspects and/or embodiments described herein, even if not expressly described as belonging to the aerosol-generating device but rather with reference to the mouthpiece. It is also to be understood that the features and advantages described with reference to the mouthpiece may equally be applicable to the aerosol-generating device, as it comprises the mouthpiece.

The aerosol-generating device may be a portable or handheld aerosol-generating device that is comfortable for a user to hold, e.g., in his or her hand. For instance, the aerosolgenerating device maybe held between the fingers and/or in the palm of a single hand.

The heating unit may be configured to generate heat so as to generate an aerosol for being inhaled by a user while a consumable is received (at least partially) within the aerosol-generating device. Any heating types are encompassed in the present disclosure. For instance, the heating unit may be of a resistive heating type (e.g., based on the principle of Ohmic heating, such that during operation, when an electrical circuit is established, electrical current passes through a heating element, for example a ceramic heating element, thereby generating heat), an inductive heating type (e.g., comprising at least one inductor coil configured to inductively heat a susceptor element), and/or of a laser type. Independent of the type of heating of the heating unit, the heating unit may be arbitrarily arranged within or outside the aerosol-generating device. Preferably, the heating unit is arranged within the aerosol-generating device.

According to a 22^nd embodiment, the device is further comprising a power supply configured to provide current to the heating unit, wherein the heating unit preferably comprises a laser. The power supply may be any suitable power supply, for example a DC voltage source, such as a battery, e.g., a lithium iron phosphate battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a Nickel cadmium battery, a Nickel-metal hydride battery, or a Lithium based battery, for example a Lithium-Cobalt, a Lithium-Iron-Phosphate, Lithium Titanate, or a Lithium-Polymer battery. The power supply may be located within a part of the aerosol-generating device, or it may be another form of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may allow for recharging and may have a capacity that allows for storing enough energy for one or more, preferably a multitude of ordinary use cycles of the aerosol-generating device. In one example, a use cycle may encompass the time required to fully deplete the consumable.

A laser heater utilizes laser technology to heat the aerosol-forming substrate of a consumable used in the aerosol-generating device. Focused laser energy maybe used to rapidly heat the aerosol-forming substrate, which can lead to precise and/ or controlled formation of aerosols/ vaporization. A laser heater may have the ability to generate high-temperature and high-energy-density environments. A laser heater maybe capable of rapidly heating the aerosol-forming substrate, resulting in faster aerosol production in some cases.

According to a 23^rd embodiment, the device further comprises a cup-shaped element for receiving the storage unit of the mouthpiece, wherein the cup-shaped element is arranged such that, upon receiving the consumable storage unit in the cup, a consumable partially received in the storage unit is fully pushed into the storage unit by the bottom of the cup-shaped element.

The cup-shaped element being arranged such that a partially received consumable is fully pushed into the consumable storage unit by the bottom of the cup-shaped element, may further facilitate insertion and/or removal of the consumable. In addition, such a cup-shaped element may enhance the handling process of the aerosolgenerating device since a user may not be required to manually assist in fully inserting the consumable into the consumable storage unit. In more detail, such insertion may be performed merely by pushing the mouthpiece onto the device, thereby triggering a force acting from the bottom of the cup-shaped element to the consumable. According to a 24^th embodiment, the cup-shaped element comprises or preferably consists of ceramic or preferably glass.

An advantage of the cup-shaped element comprising or preferably consisting of ceramic or glass may be the heat resistant properties of ceramic and glass. In addition, ceramic and glass may be durable materials since both may show a resistance to wear and withstand frequent use. Further, ceramic and glass may provide an advantage over other materials since they may not interfere with a possible flavor of a consumable.

Brief description of the figures

In the following, preferred embodiments are described, by way of example only. Reference is made to the following accompanying figures:

Fig. 1 illustrates a mouthpiece for an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention in three different positions;

Fig. 2 illustrates insertion of a consumable into the consumable storage unit of the mouthpiece according to Fig. 1 in three different steps;

Fig. 3 illustrates insertion of a consumable into the clamping element of the mouthpiece according to Fig. 1 from a lateral view in three different steps;

Fig. 4 illustrates one or more protrusions of the clamping arms of the mouthpiece according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 illustrates an aerosol-generating device comprising a mouthpiece according to Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 illustrates a mounting portion for mounting a consumable storage unit to a mouth end part to construct the mouthpiece of Fig. 1. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Definitions

The term “aerosol-forming substrate” used in the present disclosure may include materials that can volatilize upon heating. Thereby, a volatilized component in the form of an aerosol may be provided. Said aerosol-forming substrate may include any tobacco-containing material. Additionally, or alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. Further, the aerosol-forming substrate may include other, e.g., non-tobacco, products, which, depending on the product, may or may not contain nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in any desired form including but not limited to a solid, a liquid, a gel or a wax or any other suitable form. Said aerosol-forming substrate may also be a combination or a blend of materials. Said aerosol-forming substrate may comprise components such as nicotine, propylene glycol, PG, and/or vegetable glycerin, VG.

The terms “one end”, “the other end”, “outer side”, “upper”, “above”, “inner side”, “under”, “below”, “horizontal”, “coaxial”, “central”, “end” “part”, “length”, “outer end” etc., which indicate the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the figures.

The terms “upper”, “above”, “below”, “under” and the like as used in the present invention to indicate a relative position in space are used for the purpose of facilitating explanation to describe a unit, device, part, component and/ or feature shown in the figures relative to the relationship of another unit, device, part, component and/or feature.

The term of the relative position in space maybe intended to include different orientations of the unit, device, part, component and/ or feature other than those shown in the figures. For example, if the unit, device, part, component and/or feature in the figure is turned over, the unit, device, part, component and/ or feature described as being “below” or “under” other units, devices, parts, components and/ or features will be “above” the other unit, device, part, component and/or feature. Therefore, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both the above and below orientations.

Embodiments shown in the figures

In the following, the invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures in more detail. However, the present invention can also be used in other embodiments not explicitly disclosed hereafter. As detailed below, the embodiments are compatible with each other, and individual features of one embodiment may also be applied to another embodiment.

Throughout the figures and description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, unless stated otherwise. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the figures may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity, illustration, and convenience. The figures do not limit the scope of the claims but merely support the understanding of the invention.

Fig. i shows a mouthpiece too for an aerosol-generating device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention in three different positions (indicated by A, B and C). The mouthpiece too comprises a mouth end part 90 for being received by a mouth of a user. The mouthpiece too also comprises a consumable storage unit 80 that is mounted to the mouth end part 90. The storage unit 80 comprises at least one clamping element 70. The clamping element 70 comprises two clamping arms 60. The two clamping arms 60 are configured for releasably receiving a consumable 20 (not indicated in Fig. 1, but shown in Fig. 2). The two clamping arms 60 are further configured for clamping the consumable 20 between the two clamping arms 60.

Further, as shown in Fig. 1 the at least one clamping element 70 can be a first clamping element 70a and the consumable storage unit 80 can further comprise a second clamping element 70b spaced apart from the first clamping element 70a thereby defining a plane (as indicated in illustration A of Fig. 1 byway of the dashed box) for receiving and for clamping a consumable 20. This feature is shown in all three illustrations (indicated as A, B, and C) of Fig. 1. Moreover, from the illustrations of Fig. 1 it can be seen that the clamping arms 60 are substantially planar. More specifically, each clamping arm 6o preferably has a substantially planar surface, wherein both substantially planar surfaces are facing one another.

Position A (illustration on the right-hand side of Fig. 1) provides an angled view from an upward-looking perspective of the mouthpiece loo. Position A of Fig. 1 shows a consumable storage unit 8o comprising a first clamping element 70a and a second clamping element 70b. The first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b each comprise two clamping arms 60. However, as described elsewhere herein, the first clamping element 70a and/or the second clamping element 70b each may comprise more than two clamping arms 60. Further, the first clamping element 70a may comprise more clamping arms 60 than the second clamping element 70b or vice versa. As least one, preferably both clamping arms 60 of at least one, preferably each of the two clamping elements 70a, 70b may each comprise one or more protrusions 50. As shown in the preferred embodiments in here, each of the two clamping arms 60 of each of the two clamping elements 70a, 70b comprise one or more protrusions 50. The one or more protrusions 50 can be best seen in Fig. 4. The first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b have an elongated shape. In addition, the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b have substantially the same length along the receiving direction of the consumable 20. As described elsewhere herein and as shown in the figures, the consumable 20 can be a sheet-like consumable 20.

Position A of Fig. 1 further shows that the consumable storage unit 80 comprises a mounting portion 40 for mounting the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b to the mouth end part 90. The mounting portion 40 is best seen in Fig. 6. In addition, the upward-looking perspective of Position C of Fig. 1 enables a view of the entry 30 of the mouth end part 90 through which an airflow path 33 is formed (both, i.e., entry 30 and the airflow path 33 are indicated with one line in the illustration on the right-hand side of Fig. 1, however, the airflow path 33 may extend by a greater amount than the entry 30). The entry 30 and the airflow path 33 are best seen in Fig. 3.

Position B (illustration on the bottom left of Fig. 1) provides an angled view from a downward-looking perspective of the mouthpiece too. Position C (illustration on the top left of Fig. i) provides an angled view from an upward-looking perspective of the consumable storage unit 8o. Position B and C show the same embodiment as position A. In contrast to Position A and Position B, Position C does not show the mouth end part 90 in its entirety but focusses on the consumable storage unit 8o.

It is to note that the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b are made of stainless steel 304. Moreover, the mouth end part 90 is made of PEEK. However, alternatively or additionally different materials may be used, and the present disclosure is not limited to these specific materials.

Fig. 2 shows an example of inserting a consumable 20 into a consumable storage unit 80 of the mouthpiece 100 according to Fig. 1. Step 1 (illustration on the left-hand side of Fig. 2) shows a sheet-like consumable 20 that is placed in an upright position beneath the consumable storage unit 80 ready to be inserted into the consumable storage unit 80. It is to note that not every illustration in Fig. 2 is provided with reference numeral 80 for the consumable storage unit for brevity only. As can be seen, the consumable 20 comprises one or more indentations 9 (only one is indicated in each of the three illustrations for brevity only), preferably in the longitudinal direction LD (as indicated in Fig. 2) that are configured to guide a sliding movement between the two clamping arms 60 and the consumable 20 when the consumable 20 is inserted into and/ or removed from the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b. However, it is reiterated that the second clamping element 70a is purely optional. It is to note that when the consumable 20 is inserted, this may be regarded as the state when the consumable 20 is releasably received and/or clamped.

The one or more indentations 9 may have any length along the longitudinal direction LD of the consumable 20. A length of, e.g., at least 5% of the length of the consumable 20 maybe sufficient to facilitate guidance. Preferably, the length maybe greater, e.g., at least 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more of the length of the consumable 20.

Step 2 (illustration in the middle of Fig. 2) shows a sheet-like consumable 20 that is partially inserted into the consumable storage unit 80. Starting from step 1 (illustration on the left-hand side of Fig. 2), the sheet-like consumable 20 is moved toward the receiving end 10 of the first clamping element 70a and the receiving end 10 of the second clamping element 70b and inserted into the two clamping arms 50 of each of the two clamping elements. The length of insertion of the consumable 20 maybe about 50% of the length of the first clamping element 70a (and/or the second clamping element 70b). As shown, the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b have an elongated shape. In addition, the first clamping element 70a and the second clamping element 70b have substantially the same length along the receiving direction of the sheet-like consumable 20.

Step 3 (illustration on the right-hand side of Fig. 2) shows a sheet-like consumable 20 that is fully inserted into the consumable storage unit 80. With regards to dimensions, the consumable 20 has an average length between 20 and 45 mm, preferably between 25 and 40 mm, more preferably between 28 and 36 mm; and/ or an average width between 8 and 18 mm, preferably between 10 and 16 mm, more preferably between 10 and 14 mm; and/or an average thickness between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably between 1 and 2 mm.

Fig. 3 shows an example of inserting a consumable 20 into a consumable storage unit 80 of the mouthpiece too according to Fig. 1 from a lateral, cross-sectional view. Fig. 3 shows the same insertion process as presented in Fig. 2. However, the lateral, cross- sectional view prominently shows that the mouth end part 90 is configured to form an airflow path 33 from an entry 30 to an exit 35 of the mouth end part 90. It can also be seen that the first clamping element 70a is arranged on the side of the entry 30. Although not visible due to the cross-sectional view, the second clamping element 70b is also arranged on the side of the entry 30.

The illustration on the left-hand side of Fig. 3 also shows that both clamping arms 60 of at least one clamping element 70 comprise one or more protrusions 50 on the side of the clamping arm 60 facing the consumable 20 when received in the clamping element 70.

Fig. 4 provides a lateral, cross-sectional view of three exemplary illustrations of a consumable storage unit 80, showing a mounting portion 40, a clamping element 70 and two clamping arms 6o. All three exemplary illustrations are in accordance with embodiments of the mouthpiece too according to Fig. i.

It can be seen that the clamping arms 6o of the illustrations on the left-hand side and in the middle of Fig. 4 comprise one or more protrusions 50. The illustration on the righthand side does not comprise any protrusions 50. As shown in the illustrations on the left-hand side and in the middle of Fig. 4, the number of protrusions 50 per clamping arm 60 is between 2 and 10, preferably between 3 and 8, more preferably between 4 and 6, and most preferably 5. In addition, the one or more protrusions 50 have the shape of teeth, waves, or preferably bumps, and are preferably rounded. The illustration on the right-hand side of Fig. 4 shows an example of a consumable storage unit 80 without protrusions.

Further as can be seen in all three illustrations of Fig. 4, the clamping element 70 is monolithic/ single-pieced, in particular a fork.

Moreover, Fig. 4 illustrates an enlargement of the opening of the two clamping arms 60 of the mouthpiece too according to Fig. 1 at the receiving end 10. It is shown that the clamping element 70 comprises a receiving end 10 at which the two clamping arms 60 define an opening for receiving the consumable 20. In addition, the opening can be enlarged by moving apart the one or both tips 8 of one or both clamping arms 60 at the receiving end 10 when the consumable 20 is received. The illustration in the middle and on the right-hand side of Fig. 4 show examples in which the opening that is defined by the two clamping arms 60 is enlarged. In contrast, the illustration on the left-hand side of Fig. 4 shows an example in which the opening that is defined by the two clamping arms 60 is not enlarged.

It is to note that the enlargement of the opening can be achieved by the clamping arms 60 deforming elastically outward, in particular to adopt a concave shape. Such deformation is hinted at in the illustration in the middle of Fig. 4. In particular, a concave shape may be understood as a geometric or three-dimensional form that curves inward, creating a depressed or hollowed-out appearance. In simpler terms, a concave shape may have a surface that caves inwards. This may be in contrast to a convex shape, which may bulge outward. Moreover, the distance between the two clamping arms 6o increases at the receiving end io of the clamping arms 6o towards the tips 8 of the clamping arms 6o. This can, for example, be achieved by one or more chamfers 7 provided at one or both of the two clamping arms 60 at their receiving end 10 , or by the two clamping arms 60 opening up by forming a tapered or funnel-shaped structure at their tips 8. All illustrations of Fig. 4 show such increase in distance through the use of a chamfer 7 (only one is indicated for each clamping element 70) on each of the two clamping arms 60. Further, as can be seen in Fig. 4, any clamping arm 60 may only have one tip.

As can be gathered from the illustration on the left-hand side of Fig. 4, a distance d between the sides of the two clamping arms 60 facing the consumable 20 when received in the clamping element 70 generally decreases along the direction opposite to the receiving direction of a consumable 20, when the consumable 20 is not received. The direction opposite to the receiving direction may be opposite to the longitudinal direction LD as indicated in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 shows an aerosol-generating device 200 for heating a consumable 20 comprising an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device 200 comprises a mouthpiece too as described elsewhere herein. The device 200 also comprises a heating unit (within the housing 210 indicated with reference numeral 210) configured to provide heat to a consumable 20 when received for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user.

Although not visible, the aerosol generating device 200 further comprises a power supply configured to provide current to the heating unit within the housing 210. The heating unit preferably comprises a laser.

For explanatory purposes, the illustration on the right-hand side of Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the aerosol-generating device 200. From the illustration on the righthand side of Fig. 5, it can be seen that the aerosol -generating device 200 comprises a cup-shaped element 220 for receiving the storage unit 80 of the mouthpiece too. In addition, it can be seen that the cup-shaped element 220 is arranged such that, upon receiving the storage unit 80 in the cup-shaped element 220, a consumable 20 partially received in the consumable storage unit 8o is fully pushed into the storage unit 8o by the bottom (not visible) of the cup-shaped element 220.

It is to note that the cup-shaped element 220 comprises or preferably consists of ceramic or preferably glass. However, alternatively or additionally different materials maybe used, and the present disclosure is not limited to these specific materials.

Fig. 6 shows a mounting portion 40 for mounting a consumable storage unit 80 to a mouth end part 90 to construct the mouthpiece 100 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is depicted in an exploded view, serving the purpose to illustrate the invention further. Fig. 6 shows an angled view of two exemplary mouthpieces 100 comprising a mouth end part 90 that is separated from its consumable storage unit 80. The two illustrations show that the consumable storage unit 80 comprises a mounting portion 40 for mounting the first clamping element 70a and, preferably, also the second clamping element 70b to the mouth end part 90. In addition, it can be seen that the mounting portion 40 is substantially V- or U-shaped, thereby allowing it to be received in one or more corresponding recesses 45 (only one recess 45 can be seen on the right-hand side of Fig. 6, but the mouth end part 90 may comprise more than one recess 45) of the mouth end part 90.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible considering the above teaching. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other embodiments may include one or more or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and/or alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention.

List of reference signs

7 chamfer

8 tips

9 indentations

10 receiving end 20 consumable

30 entry

33 air flow path

35 exit 40 mounting portion

45 recess

50 protrusions

60 clamping arms

70 clamping element 70a first clamping element

70b second clamping element

80 consumable storage unit

90 mouth end part too mouthpiece 200 aerosol-generating device

210 housing of the device

220 cup-shaped element d distance

LD longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A mouthpiece (too) for an aerosol-generating device (200) for heating a consumable (20) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the mouthpiece (too) comprising: a mouth end (90) part for being received by a mouth of a user; and a consumable storage unit (80) mounted to the mouth end part (90), the storage unit (80) comprising: at least one clamping element (70) comprising two clamping arms (60) for releasably receiving a consumable (20) and for clamping the consumable (20) between the two clamping arms (60), wherein the at least one clamping element (70) is a first clamping element (70a), and the storage unit further comprises a second clamping element (70b) spaced apart from the first clamping element (70a) thereby defining a plane for receiving and clamping a consumable (20).

2. The mouthpiece (too) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mouth end part is configured to form an airflow path (33) from an entry (30) to an exit (35) of the mouth end part (90), and wherein the clamping element (70) is arranged on the side of the entry (30).

3. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the two clamping arms (60) comprise one or more protrusions (50) on the side of the clamping arm (60) facing the consumable (20) when received in the clamping element (70).

4. The mouthpiece (too) according to the preceding claim, wherein the number of protrusions (50) per clamping arm (60) is between 2 and 10, preferably between 3 and 8, more preferably between 4 and 6, and most preferably 5.

5. The mouthpiece (too) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the protrusions (50) have the shape of teeth, waves, or preferably bumps, and are preferably rounded.

6. The mouthpiece (too) according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one clamping element (70) comprises a receiving end (10) at which the two clamping arms (60) define an opening for receiving the consumable (20), wherein the opening can be enlarged by moving apart the tips (8) of the two clamping arms (60) at the receiving end (10), when the consumable (20) is received.

7. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enlargement of the opening can be achieved by the clamping arms deforming elastically outward, in particular to adopt a concave shape.

8. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping element (70) is monolithic/ single-pieced, in particular a fork.

9. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the two clamping arms (60) increases at the receiving end (10) of the clamping arms (60) towards the tips (8) of the clamping arms (60), e.g. by one or both of the two clamping arms (60) comprising a chamfer (7) at their tips (8) at the receiving end (10) of the clamping arm (60), or by the two clamping arms (60) opening up by forming a tapered or funnel-shaped structure at their tips (8).

10. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumable storage unit (80) further comprises a mounting portion (40) for mounting the at least one clamping element (70) to the mouth end part (90); and wherein the mounting portion (40) is preferably substantially V- or U-shaped, thereby allowing it to be received in one or more corresponding recesses of the mouth end part (90).

11. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping element (70) has an elongated shape, wherein the two clamping arms (60) preferably have substantially the same length along the receiving direction of a consumable (20); and/or wherein a distance between the sides of the two clamping arms (60) facing the consumable (20) when received in the clamping element (70) generally decreases along the direction opposite to the receiving direction of a consumable (20), when a consumable (20) is not received.

12. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one clamping element comprises or preferably is made of a metal, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel, most preferably stainless steel 304.

13. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumable (20) is substantially sheet-like.

14. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumable has an average length between 20 and 45 mm, preferably between 25 and 40 mm, more preferably between 28 and 36 mm; and/ or an average width between 8 and 18 mm, preferably between 10 and 16 mm, more preferably between 10 and 14 mm; and/or an average thickness between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 3 mm, more preferably between 1 and 2 mm.

15. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumable (20) comprises one or more indentations (9), preferably in the longitudinal direction, configured to guide a sliding movement between the two clamping arms (60) and the consumable (20) when the consumable (20) is inserted into or removed from the at least one clamping element (70).

16. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mouth end part comprises or preferably is made of a polymer, in particular a high-temperature polymer, for example Polyether ether ketone, PEEK.

17. The mouthpiece (too) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping arms are substantially planar, wherein each clamping arm preferably has a substantially planar surface, wherein both substantially planar surfaces are facing one another.

18. An aerosol-generating device (200) for heating a consumable (20) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-generating device (200) comprising: a mouthpiece (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; and a heating unit (210) configured to provide heat to a consumable (20) when received for generating an aerosol to be inhaled by a user.

19. The aerosol-generating device (200) according to the preceding claim, wherein, the device is further comprising a power supply configured to provide current to the heating unit, wherein the heating unit preferably comprises a laser.

20. The aerosol-generating device (200) according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a cup-shaped element (220) for receiving the storage unit of the mouthpiece (100), wherein the cup-shaped element (220) is arranged such that, upon receiving the storage unit in the cup, a consumable (20) partially received in the consumable storage unit (80) is fully pushed into the storage unit by the bottom of the cup-shaped element (220).

21. The aerosol-generating device (200) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the cup-shaped element comprises or preferably consists of ceramic or preferably glass.