CN116568162A

CN116568162A - Aerosol-generating article comprising a dual aerosol-generating substrate

Info

Publication number: CN116568162A
Application number: CN202180082997.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·N·R·A·巴蒂斯塔; B·A·贝达索; G·邦吉奥瓦尼; V·奥利亚纳; A·谢列达
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2020-12-17
Filing date: 2021-12-16
Publication date: 2023-08-08

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (300) for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article (300) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), and comprising: a first aerosol-generating substrate (16) located between the distal end (14) and the proximal end (12) of the aerosol-generating article (300); a first air inlet (34) for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article (300); a second aerosol-generating substrate (18) located between the first aerosol-generating substrate (16) and the proximal end (12) of the aerosol-generating article (300); a second air inlet (36) for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article (300); a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate (16) from the first air inlet (34) towards the proximal end (12) of the aerosol-generating article (300); and a second airflow path extending from the second air inlet (36) through the second aerosol-generating substrate (18) towards the proximal end (12) of the aerosol-generating article (300), wherein the first and second airflow paths are isolated from each other. An aerosol-generating system (500) comprises an aerosol-generating article (300); and an aerosol-generating device (600) configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate (16) and a second aerosol-generating substrate (18) of the aerosol-generating article (300).

Description

Aerosol-generating article comprising a dual aerosol-generating substrate

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a dual aerosol-generating substrate for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol-generating device configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.

Background

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco-containing material, is heated rather than combusted are known in the art. One purpose of this "heated" aerosol-generating article is to reduce known harmful smoke constituents of the type produced by combustion and thermal degradation of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

Generally, in heated aerosol-generating articles, an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-generating substrate. In use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source to the aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn through the aerosol-generating article. As the released compound cools, the compound condenses to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

Many handheld aerosol-generating devices configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are known in the art. These devices include electrically operated aerosol-generating devices in which an aerosol is generated by transferring heat from one or more electrical heating elements of the aerosol-generating device to an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. Known hand-held electrically operated aerosol-generating devices typically comprise a battery, control electronics and one or more electrical heating elements for heating an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol-generating device.

Some known electrically operated aerosol-generating devices comprise an internal heating element configured to be inserted into an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article. Other known electrically operated aerosol-generating devices include one or more external heating elements. For example, WO2020/115151A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an electrically operated aerosol-generating device comprising an external heating element defining an outer periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

Electrically operated aerosol-generating devices comprising an inductor configured to inductively heat an aerosol-generating substrate of a heated aerosol-generating article are also known in the art. For example, WO2015/176898A1 discloses an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article comprising an elongate susceptor in thermal contact with an aerosol-generating substrate and an electrically operated aerosol-generating device having an inductor for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field produced by the inductor induces eddy currents in the susceptor such that the susceptor heats up due to one or both of resistive losses (joule heating) and hysteresis losses (in the case where the susceptor is magnetic). The heat generated in the susceptor is transferred by conduction to the aerosol-forming substrate.

Heated aerosol-generating articles comprising two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates for use with electrically operated aerosol-generating devices have been proposed in the art. Typically, two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates of such heated aerosol-generating articles are heated simultaneously by an electrically operated aerosol-generating device. This can disadvantageously result in the formation of an inhalable aerosol comprising an uncontrolled and variable proportion of volatile compounds released from each of two or more physically separated aerosol-generating substrates.

Disclosure of Invention

It is desirable to provide a heated aerosol-generating article comprising dual aerosol-generating substrates for use with an electrically operated aerosol-generating device, which article allows an inhalable aerosol delivered to a user to comprise a controlled proportion of volatile compounds released from each of the dual aerosol-generating substrates.

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating. The aerosol-generating article may have a proximal end and a distal end. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first aerosol-generating substrate. The first aerosol-generating substrate may be located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second aerosol-generating substrate. The second aerosol-generating substrate may be located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second air inlet for allowing air to enter the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate from the first air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second airflow path extending through the second aerosol-generating substrate from the second air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The first airflow path and the second airflow path may be isolated from each other.

The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating article as described above. The aerosol-generating system may comprise an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol when heated, the aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising: a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article; a first air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; a second air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate from the first air inlet towards a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and a second airflow path extending through the second aerosol-generating substrate from the second air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the first airflow path and the second airflow path are isolated from each other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention; and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the first and second aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to describe an article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate that is heated to generate an inhalable aerosol for delivery to a user.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" is used to describe a substrate comprising an aerosol-forming material that is capable of releasing volatile compounds that can generate an aerosol upon heating.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol" is used to describe a dispersion of solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are typically liquids or solids at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "aerosol-generating device" is used to describe a device that interacts with an aerosol-generating substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the aerosol-generating article comprises a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate from the first air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, and a second airflow path extending through the second aerosol-generating substrate from the second air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "airflow path" is used to describe a route along which air may be drawn through an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention.

In use, volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate upon heating the first aerosol-generating substrate become entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path.

In use, volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate upon heating the second aerosol-generating substrate become entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path.

The first airflow path and the second airflow path are isolated from each other.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "isolated" means that, in use, air drawn along a first airflow path cannot mix with air drawn along a second airflow path, and air drawn along the second airflow path cannot mix with air drawn along the first airflow path.

As described further below, isolating the first and second airflow paths from each other in an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously enables delivery of an inhalable aerosol to a user comprising a controlled proportion of volatile compound released from each of the first and second aerosol-generating substrates.

The aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention has a proximal end through which, in use, aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The proximal end of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In use, a user draws in the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article so as to inhale an aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a distal end. The distal end is opposite the proximal end.

The components of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may be described as being upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first aerosol-generating substrate is located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article.

The second aerosol-generating substrate is located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may be described as being downstream of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "axial" is used to describe the direction between the proximal and distal ends of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "radial" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to an axial direction. That is to say a direction perpendicular to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "length" is used to describe the largest dimension in the axial direction of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention and of a component of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention. That is to say, the largest dimension of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention and the components of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention in the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "width" is used to describe the largest dimension in the radial direction of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention and of a component of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention. That is to say, the largest dimension of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention and the component of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention in a direction perpendicular to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components upstream of the first aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The component located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article is subsequently referred to herein as the "upstream component".

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air-permeable upstream components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air-permeable porous material rods located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more air permeable rods may comprise any suitable porous material including, but not limited to, cellulose acetate, cotton, paper, and porous plastic.

The first airflow path may extend through one or more air permeable upstream components.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise an air-permeable upstream component located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a rod of air permeable porous material located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first airflow path may extend through an air-permeable upstream component located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may be located near the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may be located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The component located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article is subsequently referred to herein as the "intermediate component" of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more tubular intermediate members. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements located between a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more hollow tubular elements may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, plastic.

The first airflow path may extend through one or more tubular intermediate members.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first hollow tubular element located between a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The first hollow tubular element may comprise an axial air flow channel defined by an air impermeable wall.

The first airflow path may extend through an axial airflow passage of the first hollow tubular element.

The axial airflow channel may be provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The first airflow path may extend through an axial airflow channel provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The component located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article is subsequently referred to herein as a "downstream component".

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more tubular downstream components. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more hollow tubular elements located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more hollow tubular elements may comprise any suitable material including, but not limited to, cellulose-based materials, biopolymer materials, and paper.

The first airflow path may extend through one or more tubular downstream components and the second airflow path may extend through one or more tubular downstream components.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a second hollow tubular element located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The second hollow tubular element may comprise a first axial airflow passage and a second axial airflow passage.

The first air flow path may extend through a first axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element, and the second air flow path may extend through a second axial air flow passage of the second hollow tubular element.

The second hollow tubular member may comprise an inner axial airflow passage and an outer axial airflow passage.

The first airflow path may extend through an inner axial airflow passage of the second hollow tubular member, and the second airflow path may extend through an outer axial airflow passage of the second hollow tubular member toward the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first airflow path may extend to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second airflow path may extend to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

In the case where the first airflow path extends to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second airflow path extends to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, in use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path may leave the aerosol-generating article through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path may leave the aerosol-generating article through the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed within a mouth of a user during inhalation by the user.

The first and second airflow paths may not extend to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a third airflow path extending from the first airflow path and the second airflow path to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a third airflow path extending from the first airflow path and the second airflow path to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, in use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path may be drawn along the third airflow path and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path may be drawn along the third airflow path when the second aerosol-generating substrate is heated. When the first and second inhalable aerosols are drawn along the third airflow path, the first and second inhalable aerosols may mix to form a combined inhalable aerosol that may exit the aerosol-generating article through a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mixing chamber downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a mixing chamber located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air flow path may extend from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber and the second air flow path may extend from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber. The third airflow path may extend from the first airflow path and the second airflow path through the mixing chamber to the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

Where the aerosol-generating article comprises a mixing chamber downstream of the second aerosol-generating substrate, in use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path may be drawn into the mixing chamber when the first aerosol-generating substrate is heated, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate and entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path may be drawn into the mixing chamber when the second aerosol-generating substrate is heated. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed inside the mixing chamber to form a combined inhalable aerosol, which may exit the aerosol-generating article through a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article for delivery to a user.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components downstream of the mixing chamber. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more components located between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The component located between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article is subsequently referred to herein as the "mouth end component".

The aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air permeable mouth end pieces. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more air-permeable porous material rods located between the mixing chamber and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. The one or more air permeable rods may comprise any suitable porous material including, but not limited to, cellulose acetate, cotton, paper, and porous plastic.

The third air flow path may extend through one or more air permeable mouth end pieces.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece comprising a rod of porous material located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The third airflow path may extend through the mouthpiece.

The first airflow path may have any desired length.

The first airflow path may have a length of at least about 15mm, at least about 20mm, or at least about 25 mm.

The first airflow path may have a length of less than or equal to about 55mm, less than or equal to about 50mm, or less than or equal to about 45 mm.

The first airflow path may have a length of between about 15mm and about 55mm, between about 15mm and about 50mm, or between about 15mm and about 45 mm.

The first airflow path may have a length of between about 20mm and about 55mm, between about 20mm and about 50mm, or between about 20mm and about 45 mm.

The first airflow path may have a length of between about 25mm and about 55mm, between about 25mm and about 50mm, or between about 25mm and about 45 mm.

The second airflow path may have any desired length.

The second airflow path may have a length of at least about 10mm, at least about 12mm, or at least about 14 mm.

The second airflow path may have a length of less than or equal to about 30mm, less than or equal to about 28mm, or less than or equal to about 26 mm.

The second airflow path may have a length of between about 10mm and about 30mm, between about 10mm and about 28mm, or between about 10mm and about 26 mm.

The second airflow path may have a length of between about 12mm and about 30mm, between about 12mm and about 28mm, or between about 12mm and about 26 mm.

The second airflow path may have a length of between about 14mm and about 30mm, between about 14mm and about 28mm, or between about 14mm and about 26 mm.

The ratio of the length of the first airflow path to the length of the second airflow path may be at least about 1.2, at least about 1.3, at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5.

The ratio of the length of the first airflow path to the length of the second airflow path may be less than or equal to about 2.5, less than or equal to about 2.3, less than or equal to about 2.1, or less than or equal to about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first air flow path to the length of the second air flow path may be between about 1.2 and about 2.5, between about 1.2 and about 2.3, between about 1.2 and about 2.1, or between about 1.2 and about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first airflow path to the length of the second airflow path may be between about 1.3 and about 2.5, between about 1.3 and about 2.3, between about 1.3 and about 2.1, or between about 1.3 and about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first airflow path to the length of the second airflow path may be between about 1.4 and about 2.5, between about 1.4 and about 2.3, between about 1.4 and about 2.1, or between about 1.4 and about 1.9.

The ratio of the length of the first airflow path to the length of the second airflow path may be between about 1.5 and about 2.5, between about 1.5 and about 2.3, between about 1.5 and about 2.1, or between about 1.5 and about 1.9.

The third airflow path may have any desired length.

The third airflow path may have a length of at least about 2mm, at least about 4mm, or at least about 6 mm.

The third airflow path may have a length of less than or equal to about 14mm, less than or equal to about 12mm, or less than or equal to about 10 mm.

The third airflow path may have a length of between about 2mm and about 14mm, between about 2mm and about 12mm, or between about 2mm and about 10 mm.

The third airflow path may have a length of between about 4mm and about 14mm, between about 4mm and about 12mm, or between about 4mm and about 10 mm.

The third airflow path may have a length of between about 6mm and about 14mm, between about 6mm and about 12mm, or between about 6mm and about 10 mm.

The mouthpiece may have any desired cross-section. For example, the mouthpiece may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

The mouthpiece may have any desired length. For example, the mouthpiece may have a length of between about 3mm and about 6 mm.

The mouthpiece may have any desired width. For example, the mouthpiece may have a width of between about 5 millimeters and about 11 millimeters. The mouthpiece may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be located near the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be located at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be a cavity or recess at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may have any desired shape. For example, the mixing chamber may be substantially cylindrical.

The mixing chamber may have any desired cross-section. For example, the mixing chamber may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

The mixing chamber may have any desired length. For example, the mixing chamber may have a length of between about 4mm and about 7 mm.

The mixing chamber may have any desired width. For example, the mixing chamber may have a width of between about 5 millimeters and about 11 millimeters. The mixing chamber may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The mixing chamber may be defined by one or more packages of aerosol-generating articles defining the mixing chamber and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air inlet and the second air inlet are physically separated from each other.

The first air inlet may be located at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The second air inlet may be located downstream of the first air inlet. That is, the second air inlet may be located between the first air inlet and the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

The first air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

The second air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction.

The second air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in the same direction as the second air inlet. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to allow air into the aerosol-generating article in the axial direction and the second air inlet may be configured to allow air into the aerosol-generating article in the axial direction.

The first air inlet may be configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a different direction than the second air inlet. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to allow air into the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction and the second air inlet may be configured to allow air into the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

The first air inlet may be positioned around the perimeter of the first aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the first air inlet may be located at the distal end of the first aerosol-generating substrate.

The first air inlet may be configured to allow air to directly enter the first aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the first air inlet may be configured to allow air to directly enter the first aerosol-generating substrate in the axial direction.

The second air inlet may be positioned around the perimeter of the second aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the second air inlet may be located between the distal and proximal ends of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The second air inlet may be configured to allow air to directly enter the second aerosol-generating substrate. For example, the second air inlet may be configured to allow air to directly enter the second aerosol-generating substrate in a radial direction.

The first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate are physically separated from each other.

The composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be the same as the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate may be different to the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine, or the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may each comprise nicotine.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine and nicotine derivatives such as nicotine salts.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise tobacco material, or the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may each comprise tobacco material.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "tobacco material" is used to describe any material comprising tobacco, including, but not limited to, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, tobacco stems, tobacco dust, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco material, and homogenized tobacco material.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a homogenized tobacco material, or the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may each comprise a homogenized tobacco material.

As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "homogenized tobacco material" is used to describe a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

The tobacco material may be, for example, in the form of a powder, granules, pellets, flakes, strands, ribbons, sheets, or any combination thereof.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers, or the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may each comprise one or more aerosol-formers.

The aerosol-former may be any suitable compound or mixture of compounds that aids in forming a dense and stable aerosol when in use, and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of an aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol formers are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1, 3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol mono-, di-, or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate.

One or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more flavourants. That is, the first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more flavourants, or the second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more flavourants, or the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate may each comprise one or more flavourants.

Suitable flavoring agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, menthol.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming material, a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel aerosol-forming material, or a combination thereof.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a rod of solid aerosol-forming material defined by a wrapper.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a porous substrate loaded with a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel aerosol-forming material or a combination thereof.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a rod of solid aerosol-forming material defined by the wrapper.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a solid aerosol-forming material, a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel aerosol-forming material or a combination thereof.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a porous substrate loaded with a liquid aerosol-forming material, a gel aerosol-forming material or a combination thereof.

The aerosol-generating article may have any desired shape. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical.

The aerosol-generating article may have any desired cross-section. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

The aerosol-generating article may have any desired length. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a length of between about 50 millimeters and about 90 millimeters.

The aerosol-generating article may have any desired width. For example, the aerosol-generating article may have a width of between about 5 millimeters and about 12 millimeters.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired shape. For example, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired cross-section. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired length. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between about 7mm and about 13 mm.

The first aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired width. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of between about 5 mm and about 11 mm. The first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired shape. For example, the second aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially cylindrical.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired cross-section. For example, the second aerosol-generating substrate may have a substantially circular, oval or elliptical cross-section.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired length. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a length of between about 7mm and about 13 mm.

The second aerosol-generating substrate may have any desired width. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width of between about 5 mm and about 11 mm. The first aerosol-generating substrate may have a width substantially the same as the width of the aerosol-generating article.

The first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate and other components of the aerosol-generating article may be assembled within one or more packages to form the aerosol-generating article. For example, the first aerosol-generating substrate, the second aerosol-generating substrate, and other components of the aerosol-generating article may be assembled within one or more packages to form an elongate strip.

Suitable packages for use in aerosol-generating articles according to the first aspect of the invention are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: cigarette paper; packaging the filter tip sections; tipping paper; metallized paper; a metal foil; a metal foil paper laminate.

The aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may resemble a conventional lit-end cigarette.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article simultaneously.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to sequentially heat a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to the same temperature.

The aerosol-generating device may be configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to different temperatures.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing defining a device cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may be a handheld aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may be an electrically operated aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a power supply and control electronics.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a battery and control electronics.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising one or more heating elements.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising one or more resistive heating elements.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising: a first heating element configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article; and a second heating element configured to heat a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an electric heater comprising: a first resistive heating element configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article; and a second resistive heating element configured to heat a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

One or both of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more susceptors. That is, the aerosol-generating article may comprise one or more susceptors, or the aerosol-generating device may comprise one or more susceptors, or the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device may each comprise one or more susceptors.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a single susceptor configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a single susceptor configured to be in thermal contact with a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, and a second susceptor configured to heat a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first susceptor in thermal contact with the first aerosol-generating substrate and a second susceptor in thermal contact with the second aerosol-generating substrate.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a single susceptor configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise a first susceptor configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, and a second susceptor configured to heat a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising one or more induction coils.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil and a second induction coil.

The aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first susceptor and a second induction coil configured to heat the second susceptor.

In case the aerosol-generating article comprises a first susceptor and a second susceptor, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first susceptor of the aerosol-generating article and a second induction coil configured to heat the second susceptor of the aerosol-generating article.

Where the aerosol-generating device comprises a first susceptor and a second susceptor, the aerosol-generating device may comprise an inductor comprising a first induction coil configured to heat the first susceptor of the aerosol-generating device and a second induction coil configured to heat the second susceptor of the aerosol-generating device.

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

EX1: an aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, and comprising: a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article; a first air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article; a second air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article; a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate from the first air inlet towards a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and a second airflow path extending through the second aerosol-generating substrate from the second air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the first airflow path and the second airflow path are isolated from each other.

EX2: an aerosol-generating article according to example EX1, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate is located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX3: the aerosol-generating article of example EX1 or EX2, wherein the first air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction.

EX4: the aerosol-generating article of example EX1 or EX2, wherein the first air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

EX5: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX4, wherein the first air inlet is positioned around a perimeter of a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

EX6: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX5, wherein the first air inlet is located at a distal end of a first aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

EX7: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX6, wherein the first air inlet is configured to allow air to directly enter an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

EX8: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX7, wherein the second air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction.

EX9: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX7, wherein the second air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

EX10: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX9, wherein the second air inlet is positioned around the perimeter of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX11: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX10, wherein the second air inlet is configured to allow air to directly enter the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX12: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX11, wherein an axial airflow channel is provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX13: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX12, wherein the first airflow path extends through an axial airflow channel provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX14: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX13, comprising one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX15: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX14, comprising a first hollow tubular element located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX16: the aerosol-generating article of example EX15, wherein the first hollow tubular element comprises an axial airflow channel and an air impermeable wall.

EX17: the aerosol-generating article of example EX16, wherein the first airflow path extends through an axial airflow channel of the first hollow tubular element.

EX18: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX17, comprising one or more components located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX19: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX18, comprising a second hollow tubular element located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX20: the aerosol-generating article of example EX19, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises a first axial airflow channel and a second axial airflow channel.

EX21: the aerosol-generating article of example EX20, wherein the first airflow path extends through a first axial passage of the second hollow tubular element and the second airflow path extends through a second axial airflow passage of the second hollow tubular element.

EX22: the aerosol-generating article of example EX19, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises an inner axial airflow channel and an outer axial airflow channel.

EX23: the aerosol-generating article of example EX22, wherein the first airflow path extends through an inner axial passage of the second hollow tubular element and the second airflow path extends through an outer axial airflow passage of the second hollow tubular element.

EX24: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX23, wherein the first airflow path extends to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX25: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX24, wherein the second airflow path extends to a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX26: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX23, comprising a mixing chamber located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX27: an aerosol-generating article according to example EX26, wherein the first airflow path extends from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber and the second airflow path extends from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber.

EX28: an aerosol-generating article according to example EX26 or EX27, wherein the mixing chamber is located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

Ex29: an aerosol-generating article according to example EX26 or EX27 comprising one or more components located between the mixing chamber and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX30: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX29, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate is located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX31: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX29, comprising one or more components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX32: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX31, comprising one or more air-permeable components located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX33: the aerosol-generating article of example EX32, wherein the first airflow path extends through the one or more air-permeable components.

EX34: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX32, comprising an air-permeable porous material rod at the distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

EX35: the aerosol-generating article of example EX34, wherein the first airflow path extends through the air permeable porous material rod.

EX36: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX35, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

EX37: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX36, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises nicotine.

EX38: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX37, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

EX39: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX38, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

EX40: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX39, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material.

EX41: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX40, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises a homogenized tobacco material.

EX42: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX41, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more aerosol-formers.

EX43: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX42, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more aerosol-formers.

EX44: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX43, wherein the first aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more flavourants.

EX45: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX44, wherein the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises one or more flavourants.

EX46: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX45, wherein the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate is the same as the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX47: an aerosol-generating article according to any of examples EX1 to EX45, wherein the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate is different from the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

EX48: an aerosol-generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article according to any one of examples EX1 to EX 47; and an aerosol-generating device configured to heat the first and second aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating article.

EX49: an aerosol-generating system according to example EX48, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article simultaneously.

EX50: an aerosol-generating system according to example EX48 or EX49, wherein the aerosol-generating device arrangement Cheng Yi sequentially heats the first and second aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating article.

EX51: an aerosol-generating system according to any of examples EX48 to EX50, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to heat the first and second aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating article to the same temperature.

EX52: an aerosol-generating system according to any of examples EX48 to EX51, wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to heat the first and second aerosol-generating substrates of the aerosol-generating article to different temperatures.

Drawings

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

fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to a first aspect of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a second embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention;

fig. 3 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a third embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a fourth embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention;

fig. 5 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of a fifth embodiment of an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention;

fig. 6 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment of an aerosol-generating system according to the second aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

A first embodiment of an aerosol-generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 1 is generally cylindrical and has a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a first aerosol-generating substrate 16 located between the distal end 14 and the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10, and a second aerosol-generating segment 18 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

The first aerosol-generating substrate 16 comprises a rod of aerosol-forming material defined by a wrapper.

The second aerosol-generating substrate 18 comprises a rod of aerosol-forming material defined by a wrapper. As shown in fig. 1, an axial airflow channel 20 is provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18. The aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 defines an axial airflow channel 20. The axial airflow channel 20 of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the aerosol-forming material are separated by an air impermeable interface.

The aerosol-generating article 10 further comprises a first hollow tubular element 22 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol-generating segment 18. The first hollow tubular element 22 comprises an axial air flow channel 24 defined by an air impermeable wall 26.

The aerosol-generating article 10 still further comprises a second hollow tubular element 28 located between the second aerosol-generating segment 18 and the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10. The second hollow tubular member 28 comprises an inner axial airflow passage 30 defined by an outer airflow passage 32. The inner axial air flow channel 30 and the outer air flow channel 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28 are separated by an air impermeable interface.

The first aerosol-generating substrate 16, the first hollow tubular element 22, the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the second hollow tubular element 28 are arranged in abutting coaxial alignment and are defined by an outer wrapper of sheet material such as cigarette paper, metallised paper, metal foil or metal foil paper laminate.

The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the first aerosol-generating substrate 16. The first air inlet 34 is configured to allow air to directly enter the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 in an axial direction.

The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises a second air inlet 36 positioned around the periphery of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18. The second air inlet 36 comprises a circumferential row of perforations in the outer wrapper. The second air inlet 36 is configured to allow air to directly enter the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 in a radial direction.

As shown in fig. 1, the axial airflow channel 24 of the first hollow tubular member 22, the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the axial airflow channel 30 of the second hollow tubular member 28 are coaxially aligned.

A first airflow path (shown by the dashed arrow in fig. 1) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the first aerosol-generating substrate 16, the axial airflow channel 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the inner axial airflow channel 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

A second airflow path (shown by dotted arrows in fig. 1) extends from the second air inlet 36, through the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the outer airflow channel 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28, to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

The first airflow path and the second airflow path are isolated from each other. In use, the air impermeable wall 26 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the air impermeable interface between the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the aerosol-forming material of the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the air impermeable interface between the inner axial airflow channel 30 and the outer airflow channel 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28 prevent air drawn along the first airflow path from mixing with air drawn along the second airflow path, and vice versa.

In use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 upon heating the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path may leave the aerosol-generating article 10 through the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 12 for delivery to a user, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 upon heating the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path may leave the aerosol-generating article 10 through the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10 for delivery to a user. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed within a mouth of a user during inhalation by the user.

The second embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 100 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 2 has a similar construction as the first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 1. In fig. 2, the same reference numerals are used for components of the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in fig. 2 that correspond to components of the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1.

The first aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 10. As shown in fig. 2, the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in fig. 2 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1 in that the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in fig. 2 comprises a component 38 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 100.

The member 38 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 10 and comprises a rod of air permeable porous material (e.g., cellulose acetate).

The aerosol-generating article 100 shown in fig. 2 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the component 38. The first air inlet 34 is configured to allow air to enter directly into the component 38 in an axial direction.

In the aerosol-generating article 100 shown in fig. 2, a first airflow path (shown by the dashed arrow in fig. 2) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the component 38, the first aerosol-generating substrate 16, the axial airflow channel 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the inner axial airflow channel 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

The third embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 200 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 3 has a similar construction to the first embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 10 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 1. In fig. 3, the same reference numerals are used for components of the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3 that correspond to components of the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1.

The second hollow tubular element 28 of the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1 is located at the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 10. As shown in fig. 3, the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3 differs from the aerosol-generating article 10 shown in fig. 1 in that the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3 comprises a mixing chamber 40 between the second hollow tubular element 28 of the aerosol-generating article 200 and the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 200.

In the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3, a first airflow path (shown by the dashed arrow in fig. 3) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the first aerosol-generating substrate 16, the axial airflow channel 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the inner axial airflow channel 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the mixing chamber 40. In the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3, a second airflow path (shown by dotted arrows in fig. 1) extends from the second air inlet 36, through the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and the outer airflow channel 32 of the second hollow tubular element 28, to the mixing chamber 40.

A third airflow path (shown by the dash-dot arrow in fig. 3) extends from the first and second airflow paths through the mixing chamber 40 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 300.

In use, a first inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and entrained in air drawn along the first airflow path when the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 is heated may be drawn into the mixing chamber 40, and a second inhalable aerosol comprising volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 and entrained in air drawn along the second airflow path when the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 is heated may be drawn into the mixing chamber 40. The first inhalable aerosol and the second inhalable aerosol may be mixed inside the mixing chamber 40 to form a combined inhalable aerosol, which may exit the aerosol-generating article 300 through the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 300 for delivery to a user.

The fourth embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 4 has a similar construction as the third embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 200 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 3. In fig. 4, the same reference numerals are used for components of the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4 that correspond to components of the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3.

In the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3, the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating article 200 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 200. As shown in fig. 4, the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4 differs from the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in fig. 3 in that the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4 comprises the component 38 located between the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 300.

The member 38 is located at the distal end 14 of the aerosol-generating article 300 and comprises a rod of air permeable porous material (e.g., cellulose acetate).

The aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4 comprises a first air inlet 34 at the distal end of the component 38. The first air inlet 34 is configured to allow air to enter directly into the component 38 in an axial direction.

In the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4, a first airflow path (shown by the dashed arrow in fig. 4) extends from the first air inlet 34 through the component 38, the first aerosol-generating substrate 16, the axial airflow channel 24 of the first hollow tubular element 22, the axial airflow channel 20 provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate 18, and the inner axial airflow channel 30 of the second hollow tubular element 28 to the mixing chamber 40 of the aerosol-generating article 10.

The fifth embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 400 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 5 has a similar construction as the fourth embodiment of the aerosol-generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the invention shown in fig. 4. In fig. 5, the same reference numerals are used for components of the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in fig. 5 that correspond to components of the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4.

In the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4, the mixing chamber 40 of the aerosol-generating article 300 is located at the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 300. As shown in fig. 5, the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in fig. 5 differs from the aerosol-generating article 300 shown in fig. 4 in that the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in fig. 5 comprises a mouthpiece 42 between the mixing chamber 40 and the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 400.

The mouthpiece 42 is located at the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 400 and comprises a rod of air permeable porous material (e.g., cellulose acetate).

In the aerosol-generating article 400 shown in fig. 5, a third airflow path (shown by the dashed-dotted arrow in fig. 5) extends from the first and second airflow paths through the mixing chamber 40 and the mouthpiece 42 to the proximal end 12 of the aerosol-generating article 400.

An embodiment of an aerosol-generating system 500 according to the second aspect of the invention shown in fig. 6 comprises an aerosol-generating article 300 according to the first aspect of the invention as shown in fig. 4 and an electrically operated handheld aerosol-generating device 600.

The aerosol-generating device 600 comprises a housing 602 defining a device cavity 604 configured to receive a distal portion of the aerosol-generating article 300.

The aerosol-generating device 600 comprises a first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 and a second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 608. The first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 is configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating article 300 by conduction when the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article 300 is received in the device cavity 604. The second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 608 is configured to heat the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 of the aerosol-generating article 300 by conduction when the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article 300 is received in the device cavity 604.

The aerosol-generating device 600 further comprises an inductor comprising a first induction coil (not shown) and a second induction coil (not shown), a power source in the form of a battery (not shown), such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery, and a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit controls the supply of power from the battery to the first and second induction coils of the inductor.

In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the first induction coil of the inductor induces eddy currents in the first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606, causing the first hollow tubular susceptor 606 to warm up. The heat generated in the first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 is transferred by conduction to the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 of the aerosol-generating article 300.

In use, the fluctuating or alternating electromagnetic field generated by the second induction coil of the inductor induces eddy currents in the second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 608, causing the second hollow tubular susceptor 608 to warm up. The heat generated in the second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 is transferred by conduction to the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 of the aerosol-generating article 300.

The inductor of the aerosol-generating device 600 may be configured to heat the first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 and the second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 608 to the same temperature or to different temperatures. The aerosol-generating device 600 may thus be configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 of the aerosol-generating article 300 to the same temperature or to different temperatures simultaneously or sequentially.

The inductor of the aerosol-generating device 600 may be configured to heat the first hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 606 and the second hollow tubular susceptor sleeve 608 simultaneously or sequentially. The aerosol-generating device 600 may thereby be configured to heat the first aerosol-generating substrate 16 and the second aerosol-generating substrate 18 of the aerosol-generating article 300 simultaneously or sequentially.

It will be appreciated that the aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may also be suitable for use with other types of aerosol-generating devices.

For example, it will be appreciated that an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise a first susceptor in thermal contact with a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second susceptor in thermal contact with a second aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the invention may be used with an aerosol-generating device comprising an inductor configured to heat a first susceptor and a second susceptor of the aerosol-generating article.

For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, amounts, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Additionally, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intervening ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. Thus, in this context, the number a is understood to be ±10% of a. In this context, the number a may be considered to include values within the general standard error of measurement of the property modified by the number a.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article having a proximal end and a distal end, and comprising:

a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal and proximal ends of the aerosol-generating article;

a first air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article;

a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article;

a second air inlet for admitting air into the aerosol-generating article;

a first airflow path extending through the first aerosol-generating substrate from the first air inlet towards a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article; and

a second airflow path extending through the second aerosol-generating substrate from the second air inlet towards the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article,

wherein the first airflow path and the second airflow path are isolated from each other.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein the first air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in an axial direction.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air inlet is configured to allow air to enter the aerosol-generating article in a radial direction.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 3, wherein an axial airflow channel is provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4, wherein the first airflow path extends through an axial airflow channel provided in the second aerosol-generating substrate.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a first hollow tubular element located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate, wherein the first hollow tubular element comprises an axial airflow channel and an air impermeable wall.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the first airflow path extends through an axial airflow passage of the first hollow tubular element.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a second hollow tubular element located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the second hollow tubular element comprises an inner axial airflow channel and an outer axial airflow channel.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 8, wherein the first airflow path extends through an inner axial passage of the second hollow tubular element and the second airflow path extends through an outer axial airflow passage of the second hollow tubular element.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising a mixing chamber located between the second aerosol-generating substrate and a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the first airflow path extends from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber and the second airflow path extends from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate to the mixing chamber.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 10, wherein the mixing chamber is located at a proximal end of the aerosol-generating article.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a rod of air-permeable porous material located at a distal end of the aerosol-generating article.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition of the first aerosol-generating substrate is different to the composition of the second aerosol-generating substrate.

14. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or both of the first aerosol-generating substrate and the second aerosol-generating substrate comprises tobacco material.

15. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising:

an aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and

an aerosol-generating device configured to heat a first aerosol-generating substrate and a second aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

16. An aerosol-generating system according to claim 15, wherein one or both of the aerosol-generating article and the aerosol-generating device comprises one or more susceptors.