JP2022521676A - Aerosol-generating articles containing aerosol-generating systems and aerosol-forming substrates - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generation system (40) comprising an aerosol-generating article (10) and an aerosol generator (30). The article (10) has an upstream end (11) and a downstream end (12), defines a major axis direction, and comprises an upstream segment and a downstream segment (14). The upstream segment includes an aerosol-forming substrate (13) having a substrate outer surface (17) with a substrate outer diameter (D2). The downstream segment (14) has a downstream segment outer diameter (D1) that is larger than the substrate outer diameter (D2). The device (30) comprises an inner surface (33) of the device cavity having a device cavity inner diameter (D4), the device cavity (32) being configured to receive at least an aerosol-forming substrate (13). The device (30) comprises at least one heating element (31). The aerosol-forming substrate (13) is received within the device cavity (32) and the airflow passage (35) is defined between the substrate outer surface (17) and the device cavity inner surface (33).
[Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generator, and an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article.

Aerosol-generating articles in which an aerosol-forming substrate, such as a tobacco-containing substrate, is heated rather than burned are known in the art. The purpose of such heat-not-burn aerosol-generating articles is to reduce the harmful or potentially harmful by-products produced by the combustion and pyrolysis of tobacco in conventional cigarettes.

In aerosol-generating articles, inhalable aerosols are typically produced by heat transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate. During heating, the volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate and mixed into the air. For example, volatile compounds may pass through the vicinity of aerosol-generating articles, pass around them, or enter the air that is otherwise attracted. The released volatile compounds condense as they cool to form an aerosol. Aerosols can be inhaled by the user. Aerosols may contain aromas, flavors, nicotine, and other desirable elements.

The heating element may be included in the aerosol generator. An aerosol generation system can be formed by a combination of an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device.

In one aspect of the invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, wherein the system is:
An aerosol-generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a major axis direction between the upstream and downstream ends, and the aerosol-generating article is:
An upstream segment located at the upstream end of an aerosol-generating article, the upstream segment comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and the aerosol-forming substrate comprising an outer surface of the substrate having a substrate outer diameter, and
An aerosol-generating article comprising a downstream segment located at the downstream end of an aerosol-generating article, wherein the downstream segment has a downstream segment outer diameter and the downstream segment outer diameter is greater than the substrate outer diameter. When,
Aerosol generator
A device cavity and a device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an inner diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to receive at least an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article.
It comprises an aerosol generator, comprising at least one heating element, which is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when it is received in the device cavity.
When the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received in the device cavity, an airflow path is defined between the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the device cavity, and the airflow path is long axis along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate. Extend in the direction.

The aerosol generator comprises a device cavity. During use, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received within the device cavity of the aerosol generator. The aerosol-generating article is then heated by the heating element to release the volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate, which can condense to form an aerosol.

When the device cavity receives the aerosol-forming substrate, the airflow passage is defined by the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the device cavity. The gap between the inner surface of the device cavity and the outer surface of the substrate at least partially separates the airflow passage. The airflow passage is outside the aerosol forming substrate and is contained within the device cavity of the aerosol generator.

The airflow passage allows the air drawn by the user to flow along the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate rather than through the aerosol-forming substrate, thus reducing or reducing the amount of air moving through the aerosol-forming substrate. Can be minimized. As a result, the airflow in the device does not cool the substrate throughout its thickness, but mainly cools the outer surface of the substrate as it flows along the airflow passage. Advantageously, this can reduce the temperature fluctuation of the substrate due to the user sucking the aerosol-generating article.

Advantageously, providing an airflow passage between the outer diameter of the substrate and the inner diameter of the device cavity provides a space through which the volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate can move. .. Such an air flow passage can facilitate the release of volatile compounds from the heated substrate, as the air drawn by the user through the article is drawn over the outer surface of the substrate.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to a device comprising a heating element that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating article suitable for the above aerosol generating system is provided, and the article is described as.
It has an upstream end and a downstream end, defines a major axis direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the aerosol-generating article is
An upstream segment located at the upstream end of an aerosol-generating article, comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, the substrate including an outer surface of the substrate having a substrate outer diameter, and an upstream segment.
A downstream segment located at the downstream end of an aerosol-generating article, including a downstream segment having a downstream segment outer diameter and having a downstream segment outer diameter larger than the substrate outer diameter.

The downstream segment has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate. Providing an aerosol-generating article having a segment with a different outer diameter as compared to an aerosol-generating article having a constant outer diameter along the length of the article can filter or filter the segment of the article containing the aerosol-forming substrate. It may be possible to make it thinner than other components of the article, such as cooling elements. Advantageously, by reducing the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate, the heat applied from the heating element to the substrate can be rapidly propagated through the thickness of the substrate, and the substrate farthest from the heating element. The time required to raise the temperature of the substrate in the region is reduced. This reduces temperature fluctuations across the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate and may leave unheated and unused aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the substrate that is farthest from the region heated by the heating element. It can reduce the sex. Aerosol-forming The composition and other properties of the aerosol generated from the substrate are more uniform throughout the user experience and control between user experiences with different substrates because temperature fluctuations across the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate can be reduced. Can be easier. Advantageously, this can create a more consistent experience for the user.

Since the aerosol-generating article of this embodiment of the present invention is suitable for the aerosol-generating article of the above-described aspect of the present invention, the advantages identified above for this system also apply to the article itself.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" is used to refer to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate that can be heated to generate and deliver an aerosol to a user. As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating substrate" means a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds to generate aerosols upon heating.

Aerosol-generating articles can generally take the form of rods. The article may comprise a central longitudinal axis extending centrally through the rod in the longitudinal direction from the upstream end to the downstream end. The upstream and downstream segments of the aerosol-generating article may be arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article. The upstream and downstream segments of the aerosol-generating article may be disposed coaxially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article and end-to-end.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of about 30 mm to about 100 mm.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of about 40 mm to about 50 mm. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a total length of about 45 mm.

Aerosol-generating articles may include multiple components. For example, the aerosol-generating article is an aerosol-forming substrate and any one of, or one or more of, a thermally conductive layer, a mouthpiece, a filter, a cooling element, a spacing element, and a flavor element. May be provided with a combination of.

The downstream segment has a downstream segment outer diameter that is larger than the substrate outer diameter. The outer diameter of the downstream segment is larger than the outer diameter of the substrate, at least at the upstream end of the downstream segment. As used herein, the term "upstream end" refers to the end of a feature or aspect of an article that is closest to the upstream end of the article, and the term "downstream end" is closest to the downstream end of the article. Refers to the end of a feature or aspect of an article.

In some preferred embodiments, the downstream segment has a constant downstream segment outer diameter along the length of the downstream segment. However, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of the downstream segment varies from the upstream end to the downstream end of the article along the length of the downstream segment. The outer diameter of the downstream segment may increase from the upstream end of the downstream segment to the downstream end of the article. The outer diameter of the downstream segment may decrease from the upstream end of the downstream segment to the downstream end of the article.

The downstream segment may have a downstream segment outer diameter of about 5 mm to about 13 mm. The downstream segment preferably has a substantially constant outer diameter along the length of the segment.

The downstream segment may have a length of about 7 mm to about 25 mm.

The downstream segment may contain one or more components. For example, the downstream segment may include any one of the mouthpiece, filter, spacing element, cooling element, and flavor element, or any combination of any one or more of these.

The upstream segment may include a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is a component configured to be sucked by the user to receive the aerosol from the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is heated.

The upstream segment may include a filter. The term "filter" is used to describe an aerosol-generating article that is configured to remove, at least in part, the gas phase or particle phase component, or both the gas phase and particle phase component, from the mainstream aerosol drawn through the filter. Used to indicate a section. Therefore, the filter can be beneficial in minimizing the presence of unwanted components in the formed aerosol. The filter is preferably a cellulose acetate filter plug. The downstream segment preferably contains a mouthpiece in the form of a filter. The downstream segment is about 7 mm long, but preferably includes a mouthpiece in the form of a filter that can have a length of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the downstream segment consists of a filter. This may provide a compact aerosol-generating article with a minimal number of components.

In some embodiments, at least one of the cooling and spacing elements may be located between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter. These additional components can be used to improve the thermal or mechanical properties of aerosol-generating articles.

As used herein, the term "cooling element" means that an aerosol formed by a volatile compound released from an aerosol-forming substrate during use passes through the cooling element and is cooled by the cooling element before being inhaled by the user. As such, it refers to a component of an aerosol-generating article located downstream of an aerosol-forming substrate. The cooling element has a large surface area but causes a low pressure drop. Filters and other mouthpieces that produce high pressure drops (eg, filters formed of bundles of fibers) are not considered aerosol cooling elements. Chambers and cavities within aerosol-generating articles are not considered aerosol cooling elements.

The spacing element can be a support element configured to resist downstream movement of the aerosol-forming substrate during insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. Spacing elements may include hollow tubes. The spacing element may include a hollow tube of cellulose acetate.

In some embodiments, the downstream segment comprises a flavor element. The flavor element may include one or more flavoring agents. As used herein, the term "flavoring agent" means an agent that, during use, imparts one or both of taste and aroma to the aerosol generated by heating of the aerosol-forming substrate. An example of a suitable flavoring agent is menthol. Flavor elements can be placed at any suitable location in the downstream segment.

The upstream segment contains an aerosol-forming substrate. The upstream segment may also include one or more additional components such as a layer of thermally conductive material, a cooling element, and a spacing element. The upstream segment is preferably composed of an aerosol-forming substrate and optionally a layer of thermally conductive material.

The upstream segment may have an outer diameter of about 3 mm to about 12 mm. The upstream segment can have an outer diameter that is substantially constant along the length of the segment.

The upstream segment may have a length of about 8 mm to about 25 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate has an aerosol-forming substrate outer surface having a substrate outer diameter. Aerosol-forming substrates can have an outer diameter of about 3 mm to about 12 mm. The outer diameter of the substrate is preferably substantially constant along the length of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The substrate outer diameter may be about 50% to about 98% of the downstream segment outer diameter, or about 60% to about 95% of the downstream segment outer diameter, or about 70% to about 90% of the downstream segment outer diameter. ..

The aerosol-forming substrate can have a length of about 8 mm to about 12 mm.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable cross section. As used herein, a "cross section" is a cross section that is perpendicular to the major axis direction. For example, the substrate may have a circular, elliptical, stadium shape, rectangular, or triangular cross-sectional shape. The substrate preferably has a circular cross-sectional shape.

The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco-flavored compound released from the substrate upon heating.

The solid aerosol forming substrate may include a cigarette plug. Tobacco plugs include one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stalks, puffed tobacco and homogenized tobacco, eg, of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, strands, strips or sheets. Can include one or more. The term "homogenized tobacco material" as used herein means a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Providing a homogenized tobacco material may improve aerosol generation and the nicotine content and flavor profile of the aerosol generated during heating of the aerosol-generating article. Specifically, the process of making homogenized tobacco involves grinding tobacco leaves, which more effectively allows the release of nicotine and flavor during heating. If the tobacco plug contains a homogenized tobacco material, the homogenized tobacco material may be in the form of a sheet. As used herein, the term "sheet" means a layered element having a width and length substantially greater than its thickness.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a homogenized tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include homogenized tobacco material fragments, strands, or debris. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include a sheet of homogenized tobacco material.

The aerosol-forming substrate can have a substantially homogeneous composition. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may have a composition that is at least substantially homogeneous in the longitudinal direction.

The homogenized tobacco material sheet may be formed by aggregating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise subdividing one or both of the tobacco leaf lamina and the tobacco leaf stem. The homogenized tobacco material sheet may contain, for example, one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during the treatment, handling, and transportation of tobacco. The homogenized tobacco material sheet is formed by casting a slurry containing particulate tobacco and one or more binders onto a conveyor belt or other support surface and drying the cast slurry to form a homogenized tobacco material sheet. It is preferably formed by a type of casting process that generally involves removing the homogenized tobacco material sheet from the support surface.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aggregate of homogenized sheets of tobacco material. As used herein, the term "collected" describes a sheet that is rolled up, folded, or separately compressed or shrunk substantially laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. Used to do.

In some preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregate of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "textured sheet" means a crimped, embossed, debossed, perforated, or otherwise deformed sheet. The use of textured sheets of homogenized tobacco material can advantageously facilitate the assembly of homogenized tobacco material sheets to form an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a textured sheet of homogenized tobacco material containing multiple spaced dents, protrusions, perforations or combinations thereof.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an aggregate of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "crimped sheet" means a sheet with multiple substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Substantially parallel ridges or wavy shapes preferably extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This conveniently facilitates the assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form aerosol-generating articles. However, multiple substantially crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in the aerosol-generating article are otherwise or additionally placed at an acute or obtuse angle along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. It is recognized that it may have a ridge or corrugated shape parallel to the.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco-containing and non-tobacco-containing materials.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming body. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a single aerosol-forming body or a combination of two or more aerosol-forming bodies. As used herein, the term "aerosol formant" is any suitable that facilitates the formation of aerosols in use and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Used to describe known compounds or mixtures of compounds. Suitable aerosol-forming bodies include polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerin), esters of polyhydric alcohols (such as glycerol monoacetate, diacetate, or triacetate), and Examples include, but are not limited to, monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, or aliphatic esters of polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanediate. Preferred aerosol-forming bodies are polyhydric alcohols (such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerin) or mixtures thereof. The aerosol-forming body content of the aerosol-forming substrate may exceed 5 percent on a dry weight basis. Aerosol Aerosol-forming substrates can have an aerosol-forming body content of about 5 percent to about 30 percent on a dry weight basis. Aerosol-forming substrates can have an aerosol-forming body content of about 20 percent on a dry weight basis.

The aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains a homogenized tobacco material, an aerosol-forming body and water.

The homogenized tobacco material may be provided in one sheet of folded, crimped, or cut into strips. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet is cut into strips with a width of about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, more preferably about 0.4 mm to about 1.2 mm. In one embodiment, the width of the strip is about 0.9 mm.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may include an inner cavity. In other words, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a hollow tubular substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include an inner surface of the substrate having an inner diameter of the substrate, and the inner surface of the substrate separates an inner cavity extending in the longitudinal direction in the aerosol-forming substrate. By providing the inner cavity within the aerosol-forming substrate, it is possible to insert the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate within the cavity without penetrating the substrate and without changing the structure of the substrate. Can be. The provision of inner cavities can also be beneficial in further reducing the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate and enhancing the heat transfer benefits described above.

The inner diameter of the substrate may be about 60% to about 90% of the outer diameter of the substrate, or may be about 70% to about 90%, or about 80% to about 90%. These ranges may provide the substrate with the required mechanical properties while at the same time providing the required heat transfer within the aerosol-forming substrate.

When the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner surface of the substrate that separates the inner cavities, the inner surface of the substrate may have the same cross-sectional shape as the outer surface of the substrate. In particular, the inner surface of the substrate may have a substantially circular, elliptical, or stadium-shaped cross section.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article comprises a layer of thermally conductive material. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may cover at least a portion of the otherwise exposed aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be placed at least on the outer surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be disposed at least on the inner surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the layer of thermally conductive material may be arranged at least on the inner surface of the substrate and on the outer surface of the substrate. By providing a layer of thermally conductive material on the surface of the otherwise exposed substrate, heat from the heating element received or engaged by the substrate can be transferred to a wider area of the aerosol-forming substrate. It can be distributed and the heat transfer efficiency between the heating element and the aerosol forming substrate can be improved. A layer of thermally conductive material can also create a physical separation between the heating element received within the inner cavity and the aerosol-forming substrate, which overheats the aerosol-forming substrate in the region of the substrate near the heating element. Can reduce the risk of The layer of thermally conductive material can also increase the robustness of the tubular aerosol-forming substrate, which may be reduced by the reduction in substrate thickness due to the provision of inner cavities.

As used herein, the term "thermally conductive" refers to at least 10 W / m at 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. K, preferably at least 40 W / m. K, more preferably at least 100 W / m. Refers to a material having a thermal conductivity of K. In a preferred embodiment, the layer of thermally conductive material is at least 40 W / m. At 23 degrees Celsius and 50% relative humidity. K, preferably at least 100 W / m. K, more preferably at least 150 W / m. K, most preferably at least 200 W / m. Includes materials with a thermal conductivity of K.

Examples of suitable conductive materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof.

Aerosol forming substrates may be provided in multiple separate segments. In some embodiments, each segment may comprise the same aerosol-forming substrate composition. In some embodiments, the one or more segments may comprise aerosol-forming substrates with different compositions. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a first aerosol-forming substrate segment having a first composition and a second aerosol-forming substrate segment having a second composition.

Different compositions of the first and second aerosol-forming substrate segments may allow aerosols with different compositions to be generated from a single aerosol-generating article. This may also allow the user to select a particular aerosol-forming substrate that is heated to generate a particular aerosol during the experience.

The first and second aerosol-forming substrate segments can be configured to be continuously heated. This can be useful in establishing a given user experience in which at least two types of aerosols occur consecutively at a preset time.

In some preferred embodiments, the individual segments may be disposed end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper surrounding the upstream segment. Advantageously, these wrappers prevent the user from touching the aerosol-forming substrate, which can help maintain high hygiene levels. The wrapper can be made from any suitable material. In particular, the wrapper can be formed from a porous material. The wrapper can be made from a material that allows the volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-forming substrate when the wrapper is placed around the downstream segment.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a wrapper surrounding the downstream segment. Advantageously, if the downstream segment contains multiple components, the wrapper may hold the multiple components together.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include wrappers that surround the upstream and downstream segments. Advantageously, the wrapper can hold the upstream and downstream segments together.

Advantageously, the provision of one or more wrappers can improve the structural integrity of the aerosol-generating article.

The upstream and downstream segments may be fixed together. The upstream and downstream segments may be fixed together by any suitable means. For example, the aerosol-generating article may include a connecting mechanism. The connection mechanism can contribute to holding the upstream and downstream segments together. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism may include a cavity provided at the upstream end of the downstream segment into which the downstream end of the upstream segment is inserted. The downstream end of the upstream segment may include a protrusion that is inserted into the cavity.

If a wrapper surrounding the downstream segment is provided and the aerosol generating article comprises a connecting mechanism, the wrapper may be configured to apply pressure to the connecting mechanism. In one embodiment, the wrapper may apply pressure around a cavity that receives the downstream end of the downstream segment. This can also contribute to holding the upstream and downstream segments together.

The outer diameter of the downstream segment of the aerosol-generating article may be substantially the same as or greater than the inner diameter of the device cavity. This can be useful to ensure that the aerosol exiting the air passage through the downstream edge of the air passage can be drawn through the downstream segment instead of being discharged directly to the outside of the aerosol generation system.

At least one heating element is located within the device cavity. The at least one heating element can be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises only one heating element. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of heating elements. For example, in some embodiments, the device comprises two or more heating elements. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is disposed so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the apparatus cavity, it is at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, in some embodiments, at least one heating element is arranged such that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the device cavity, it is inserted into the inner cavity of the substrate. Can be set up. The at least one heating element can be an elongated heating element. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the shape of a blade. The at least one elongated heating element may be pin-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape, or at least a tapered end. The at least one elongated heating element may have a pointed end. The at least one elongated heating element may be conical. The at least one elongated heating element may be of any suitable shape arranged to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the elongated heating element provides easier engagement or disengagement, or both easier engagement and easier disengagement of the aerosol-forming substrate and the heating element of the device. obtain.

The at least one heating element may include at least one resistance heating element. The at least one heating element preferably includes a plurality of resistance heating elements. The resistance heating elements are preferably electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple resistance heating elements electrically connected in parallel arrangements reduces or minimizes the voltage required to provide the desired power, while at least one heating element. It may facilitate the delivery of the desired power to the body. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate at least one heating element can facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an electrically isolated substrate and one or more conductive tracks on the electrically isolated substrate.

The electrically isolated substrate is preferably stable at the operating temperature of at least one heating element. The electrically insulated substrate is preferably stable at a temperature of up to about 400 degrees Celsius, more preferably at about 500 degrees Celsius, and stable at about 600 degrees Celsius. Is more preferable, it is more preferable that it is stable at about 700 degrees Celsius, and it is more preferable that it is stable at about 800 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be at least about 200 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 700 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 600 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 500 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 400 degrees Celsius.

The electrically isolated substrate may contain any suitable material. For example, an electrically insulated substrate may include one or more of paper, glass, ceramics, anodized metals, coated metals, and polyimides. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or zircona (Zr O ₂₎ . The electrically isolated substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 watts / metric kelvin or less, preferably about 20 watts / metric kelvin or less, ideally about 2 watts / metric kelvin or less.

Suitable materials for forming at least one resistance heating element, and in particular one or more conductive tracks, include semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (eg, molybdenum dissilicate), carbon. , Graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials, but are not limited thereto. Such composites may include a doped ceramic or an undoped ceramic. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys are stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing. , Manganese-containing and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Metaltal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

In some embodiments, the at least one resistance heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of an electrically resistant material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the at least one resistance heating element may include a heating wire or filament (eg, Ni—Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire).

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an inductor coil and a power source configured to provide high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, the high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kHz to 30 MHz. The at least one heating element may advantageously include a DC / AC inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into an alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when it receives a high frequency oscillating current from a power source. The inductor coil may be arranged so as to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field in the device cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially enclose the device cavity. The inductor coil can extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.

The induction heating element may include a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element that includes a material that has the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat. Therefore, the susceptor is heated when the susceptor element is located in the AC electromagnetic field. The heating of the susceptor element can be the result of hysteresis loss and / or eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material. Hysteresis loss occurs in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials due to magnetic domains in the material that are switched under the influence of an AC electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be induced if the susceptor material is conductive. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials, heat can be generated by both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Therefore, the susceptor element can be heated by at least one of hysteresis loss or eddy current, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

The susceptor element is arranged so that when the aerosol generating article is received in the device cavity, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces a current in the susceptor element to heat the susceptor element. The aerosol generator is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field with a magnetic field strength of 1-5 ampere / meter (kA / m), preferably 2-3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m. It is preferable that there is. The electrically operated aerosol generator preferably has the ability to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, such as 1 to 10 MHz, such as 5 to 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol-generating article. In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably located in contact with the aerosol forming substrate. The susceptor element may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element is preferably an elongated susceptor extending along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the article. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be disposed within the inner cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be disposed on the inner surface of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of susceptor elements.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located within the device cavity. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received into the device cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the inner cavity of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received into the device cavity. The susceptor element can extend into the device cavity in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The susceptor element may be elongated. The elongated susceptor element may have a blade shape. The elongated susceptor element may be pin-shaped. The elongated susceptor element may have a tapered shape, or at least a tapered end. The elongated susceptor element may have a pointed end. The elongated susceptor element may be conical. The aerosol generator may include one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol generator may include a plurality of susceptor elements.

The susceptor element may include any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be induced and heated to a temperature sufficient to release the volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for elongated susceptor elements include composites of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and metallic materials. Preferred susceptor devices include metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may include or consist of a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be aluminum or may contain aluminum. The susceptor element preferably contains more than 5% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, preferably more than 20% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, more than 50% or more than 90% ferromagnetic material or. It is more preferable to include a paramagnetic material. Preferred elongated susceptor devices can be heated to temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius.

The susceptor element may include a non-metal core having a metal layer disposed on the non-metal core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system comprises at least one resistance heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system comprises a combination of a resistance heating element and an inductive heating element.

The aerosol generator may include multiple heating elements. The aerosol generator may include a first heating element and a second heating element. In some embodiments, the second heating element may be separated from the first heating element. The second heating element may be separated from the first heating element in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. By providing the heating elements separated from each other, the aerosol generator may be able to individually heat different sections of the aerosol forming substrate when the aerosol forming substrate is received in the device cavity.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include a first aerosol-forming substrate segment and a second aerosol-forming substrate segment. The first aerosol-forming substrate segment may be adjacent to the second aerosol-forming substrate segment in the longitudinal direction. When the aerosol-forming substrate is received in the device cavity, the first heating element may be arranged to heat the first longitudinal substrate segment and the second heating element may be the second. It may be arranged so as to heat the long axis direction substrate segment.

The second aerosol-forming substrate segment may have a different composition than the first aerosol-forming substrate segment. Different compositions of the first and second aerosol-forming substrate segments may allow aerosols with different compositions to be generated from a single aerosol-generating article. This may allow the user to select a particular aerosol-forming substrate that is heated to generate a particular aerosol during the experience.

The first and second heating elements may be configured to continuously heat the first and second aerosol-forming substrate segments during the user experience. This can be useful in establishing a given user experience in which at least two types of aerosols occur consecutively at a preset time.

The first heating element provides the first aerosol-forming substrate segment with the first aerosol-forming substrate segment without heating the second aerosol-forming substrate segment to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the second aerosol-forming substrate segment. It may be arranged to heat to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate segment. The second heating element heats the first aerosol-forming substrate segment to the temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the first aerosol-forming substrate segment, and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment to the second. It may be arranged to heat to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate segment. In other words, each heating element may be arranged to heat individual aerosol-forming substrate segments. This can facilitate continuous heating of such aerosol-forming substrate segments.

The aerosol generator preferably comprises a power source. The power source may be a DC voltage source. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a battery. For example, the power source may be a nickel hydrogen battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery (for example, a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, or a lithium polymer battery). Alternatively, the power source may be another form of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows the storage of sufficient energy for the aerosol generator to be used with one or more aerosol forming substrates.

The power source may be electrically connected to at least one heating element in order to supply power to at least one heating element. When the heating element receives power from a power source, the heating element can generate heat. The power source may be configured to supply sufficient power to at least one heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the substrate.

The aerosol generator preferably includes a housing. The housing preferably defines at least a partial cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol generator preferably comprises at least one air inlet that allows fluid communication with the cavity. In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a housing, the housing preferably defines at least one air inlet at least partially. It is preferred that at least one air inlet is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the cavity. In embodiments where the at least one heating element is at least one elongated heating element located within the cavity, the elongated at least one heating element preferably extends from the upstream end of the cavity into the cavity.

The aerosol generator may include a controller. The controller may be configured to control the power supply from the power source to at least one heating element. The controller may be any suitable controller. The controller may include any suitable electrical circuit and electrical components. The controller preferably includes a processor and memory. The controller may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor.

The aerosol generator may be equipped with a sensor for detecting an air flow indicating that the user is smoking. The airflow sensor may be an electromechanical device. The airflow sensor may be one of a mechanical device, an optical device, an optical mechanical device, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based sensor. The aerosol generator may include a manual switch for the user to initiate smoke absorption.

The aerosol generator preferably comprises an indicator to indicate when at least one heating element is activated. The indicator may include a light that is activated when at least one heating element is activated.

The aerosol generator may include at least one of an external plug or socket and at least one external electrical contact that allows the aerosol generator to be connected to another electrical device. For example, the aerosol generator may include a USB plug or USB socket that allows the aerosol generator to be connected to another USB-enabled device. For example, a USB plug or socket may allow the aerosol generator to be connected to the USB charger in order to charge the rechargeable power source in the aerosol generator. Additional or otherwise, the USB plug or socket can be used to transfer data to or from an aerosol generator, or to transfer data to an aerosol generator and transfer data from an aerosol generator. May correspond to both. Additional or otherwise, the aerosol generator may be connected to the computer to transfer data such as a new heating profile for the new aerosol generator article to the appliance.

In embodiments where the aerosol generator comprises a USB plug or socket, the aerosol generator may further comprise a removable cover covering the USB plug or socket when not in use. In embodiments where the USB plug or socket is a USB plug, the USB plug may be additionally or otherwise selectively storable within the device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generator for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate is provided, and the aerosol generator is a device.
With at least one heating element,
A housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, comprising a housing in which the first housing portion has a first cavity.
The second housing part is movable with respect to the first housing part between the open position and the closed position.
In the closed position, the first cavity and the second housing portion define the device cavity, which has upstream and downstream ends and defines a major axis direction between the upstream and downstream ends. death,
The at least one heating element is arranged to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when it is received in the device cavity.
In the open position, an opening is formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and the aerosol-forming substrate is inserted into the first cavity in a direction different from the major axis direction. Or allows it to be removed from the first cavity.

Advantageously, the aerosol generator of this embodiment allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into and removed from the cavity of the device in a direction other than the longitudinal direction of the cavity. This allows the substrate to be inserted into and removed from the device cavity with particular ease, reducing the risk of damage to the substrate or device during insertion and removal of the aerosol-forming substrate. obtain.

In particular, the opening between the first housing portion and the second housing portion allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into the first cavity in a direction different from the longitudinal direction, or first. Allows it to be removed from the cavity. The direction different from the major axis direction can be any suitable direction different from the major axis direction. The direction is preferably substantially perpendicular to the major axis direction.

The device cavity may be an elongated cavity. In other words, the device cavity can have a length larger than other dimensions of the cavity, such as diameter. The length of the elongated device cavity may extend in the longitudinal direction. Typically, the device cavity is a circular cylindrical cavity. However, the device cavity may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the device cavity may have any suitable cross section. In particular, the device cavity can have a circular, oval, stadium shape, square, or triangular cross section.

The device cavity may be configured to surround the aerosol-forming substrate about the major axis direction. In other words, the device cavity can be configured to form a tube that surrounds or encapsulates the sides of the aerosol-forming substrate. The device cavity may have an open end. The device cavity may be open at both ends. The device cavity can have one open end and one substantially closed end. The open end may be at the downstream end of the device cavity and the substantially closed end may be at the upstream end of the device cavity. The substantially closed end may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the device cavity.

The device cavity may have one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the device cavity. The first housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the device cavity. The second housing portion may include one or more air inlets configured to draw ambient air into the device cavity.

The aerosol generator of this embodiment comprises at least one heating element. The device of this aspect preferably comprises a plurality of heating elements. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is disposed in the first housing portion. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is disposed in the second housing portion.

The at least one heating element can be any suitable type of heating element. In some embodiments, the at least one heating element is arranged to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one heating element is disposed so that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the apparatus cavity, it is at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an inner cavity, in some embodiments, at least one heating element is arranged such that when the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the device cavity, it is inserted into the inner cavity of the substrate. Can be set up. The at least one heating element can be an elongated heating element. The at least one elongated heating element may be in the shape of a blade. The at least one elongated heating element may be pin-shaped. The at least one elongated heating element may have a tapered shape, or at least a tapered end. The at least one elongated heating element may have a pointed end. The at least one elongated heating element may be conical. The at least one elongated heating element may be of any suitable shape arranged to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the elongated heating element provides easier engagement or disengagement, or both easier engagement and easier disengagement of the aerosol-forming substrate and the heating element of the device. obtain.

The resistance heating elements are preferably electrically connected in a parallel arrangement. Advantageously, providing multiple resistance heating elements electrically connected in parallel arrangements reduces or minimizes the voltage required to provide the desired power, while at least one heating element. It may facilitate the delivery of the desired power to the body. Advantageously, reducing or minimizing the voltage required to operate at least one heating element can facilitate reducing or minimizing the physical size of the power supply.

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an electrically isolated substrate and one or more conductive tracks on the electrically isolated substrate.

The electrically isolated substrate is preferably stable at the operating temperature of at least one heating element. The electrically insulated substrate is preferably stable at a temperature of up to about 400 degrees Celsius, more preferably at about 500 degrees Celsius, and stable at about 600 degrees Celsius. Is more preferable, it is more preferable that it is stable at about 700 degrees Celsius, and it is more preferable that it is stable at about 800 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be at least about 200 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 700 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 600 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 500 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature of at least one heating element in use may be less than about 400 degrees Celsius.

The electrically isolated substrate may contain any suitable material. For example, an electrically insulated substrate may include one or more of paper, glass, ceramics, anodized metals, coated metals, and polyimides. The ceramic may include mica, alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) or zircona (Zr O ₂₎ . The electrically isolated substrate preferably has a thermal conductivity of about 40 watts / metric kelvin or less, preferably about 20 watts / metric kelvin or less, ideally about 2 watts / metric kelvin or less.

Suitable materials for forming at least one resistance heating element, and in particular one or more conductive tracks, include semiconductors such as doped ceramics, "conductive" ceramics (eg, molybdenum dissilicate), carbon. , Graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials, but are not limited thereto. Such composites may include a doped ceramic or an undoped ceramic. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys are stainless steel, nickel-containing, cobalt-containing, chromium-containing, aluminum-containing, titanium-containing, zirconium-containing, hafnium-containing, niobium-containing, molybdenum-containing, tantalum-containing, tungsten-containing, tin-containing, gallium-containing. , Manganese-containing and iron-containing alloys, as well as nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel-based superalloys, Metaltal®, and iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

In some embodiments, the at least one resistance heating element comprises one or more stamped portions of an electrically resistant material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, the at least one resistance heating element may include a heating wire or filament (eg, Ni—Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire).

In some embodiments, the at least one heating element may include an induction heating element. The induction heating element may include an inductor coil and a power source configured to provide high frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, the high frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kHz to 30 MHz. The at least one heating element may advantageously include a DC / AC inverter for converting the DC current supplied by the DC power supply into an alternating current. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when it receives a high frequency oscillating current from a power source. The inductor coil may be arranged so as to generate a high frequency oscillating electromagnetic field in the device cavity. In some preferred embodiments, the inductor coil may substantially enclose the device cavity. The inductor coil can extend at least partially along the length of the device cavity.

The induction heating element may include a susceptor element. As used herein, the term "susceptor element" refers to an element that includes a material that has the ability to convert electromagnetic energy into heat. Therefore, the susceptor is heated when the susceptor element is located in the AC electromagnetic field. The heating of the susceptor element can be the result of hysteresis loss and / or eddy currents induced within the susceptor, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material. Hysteresis loss occurs in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials due to magnetic domains in the material that are switched under the influence of an AC electromagnetic field. Eddy currents can be induced if the susceptor material is conductive. In the case of conductive ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptor materials, heat can be generated by both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Therefore, the susceptor element can be heated by at least one of hysteresis loss or eddy current, depending on the electrical properties and magnetism of the susceptor material.

The susceptor element is arranged so that when the aerosol generating article is received in the device cavity, the oscillating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor coil induces a current in the susceptor element to heat the susceptor element. The aerosol generator is capable of generating a fluctuating electromagnetic field with a magnetic field strength of 1-5 ampere / meter (kA / m), preferably 2-3 kA / m, for example about 2.5 kA / m. It is preferable that there is. The electrically operated aerosol generator preferably has the ability to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field having a frequency of 1 to 30 MHz, such as 1 to 10 MHz, such as 5 to 7 MHz.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol-generating article. In these embodiments, the susceptor element is preferably located in contact with the aerosol forming substrate. The susceptor element may be located within the aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor element is preferably an elongated susceptor extending along the length of the substrate in the longitudinal direction of the article. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be disposed within the inner cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be disposed on the inner surface of the substrate. The aerosol-generating article may include one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of susceptor elements.

In some embodiments, the susceptor element is located within the aerosol generator. In these embodiments, the susceptor element may be located within the device cavity. The susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is received into the device cavity. If the aerosol-forming substrate contains an inner cavity, the susceptor element may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the inner cavity of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-generating article is received into the device cavity. The susceptor element can extend into the device cavity in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. The susceptor element may be elongated. The elongated susceptor element may have a blade shape. The elongated susceptor element may be pin-shaped. The elongated susceptor element may have a tapered shape, or at least a tapered end. The elongated susceptor element may have a pointed end. The elongated susceptor element may be conical. The aerosol generator may include one or more susceptor elements. The aerosol generator may include a plurality of susceptor elements.

The susceptor element may include any suitable material. The susceptor element may be formed from any material that can be induced and heated to a temperature sufficient to release the volatile compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for elongated susceptor elements include composites of graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and metallic materials. Preferred susceptor devices include metal or carbon. Advantageously, the susceptor element may include or consist of a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferrite iron, ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and a ferromagnetic material such as ferrite. Suitable susceptor elements may be aluminum or may contain aluminum. The susceptor element preferably contains more than 5% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, preferably more than 20% ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material, more than 50% or more than 90% ferromagnetic material or. It is more preferable to include a paramagnetic material. Preferred elongated susceptor devices can be heated to temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius.

The susceptor element may include a non-metal core having a metal layer disposed on the non-metal core. For example, the susceptor element may include a metal track formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system comprises at least one resistance heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the aerosol generation system comprises a combination of a resistance heating element and an inductive heating element.

At least one heating element of this embodiment is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position and the aerosol-forming substrate is received into the device cavity. It is preferable that the configuration is as follows. Thus, at least one heating element may project from the first housing portion into the device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in the closed position. Thus, at least one heating element may extend or project from the second housing portion into the device cavity when the first and second housing portions are in the closed position.

If the heating element extends from one of the first and second housing portions into the device cavity, the heating element can extend into the device cavity in any suitable direction. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the heating element extends into the device cavity in a direction substantially perpendicular to the major axis direction. If the device comprises a plurality of heating elements extending into the device cavity, it may be preferable that all of the heating elements are substantially parallel to each other.

The device of this embodiment may include any suitable number of heating elements. For example, the device may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve heating elements. If the device comprises more than one heating element, the heating element may be through a gap. The heating element may have a gap between the upstream and downstream ends of the equipment cavity in the longitudinal direction of the equipment cavity. The heating element may pass through a gap in the transverse direction of the device cavity, parallel to the major axis direction.

In some embodiments, the apparatus of this embodiment comprises at least two heating elements, a first heating element and a second heating element, the second heating element being the first in the longitudinal direction of the device cavity. From the heating element through the gap. In these embodiments, the apparatus may be suitable for use in aerosol-generating articles comprising two or more segments of an aerosol-forming substrate with a gap in the longitudinal direction, as described above in connection with the aforementioned embodiments. .. In these embodiments, the first heating element may be disposed to heat the first segment of the aerosol-forming substrate received in the device cavity, and the second heating element may be disposed in the device cavity. The second segment of the aerosol-forming substrate received in may be arranged to heat. The device may be configured to heat the first and second heating elements at different times or to different temperatures to alter the aerosol and user experience generated by the system.

In some embodiments of the device of this aspect, the device comprises at least one heating element extending from the first housing portion and at least one heating element extending from the second housing portion. Advantageously, by providing the heating element to both the first and second housing portions, the heating element can be inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate from different sides, whereby the aerosol-forming substrate can be inserted. Temperature fluctuations can be reduced. In addition, the movement of the first and second housing portions between the open and closed positions allows the aerosol-forming substrate to be inserted into and easily removed from such devices.

The second housing portion is movable with respect to the first housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be movably connectable. The first and second housing portions may be movably connected together by any suitable connecting means.

In some embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be slidably connected together. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions are complementary, allowing the second housing portion to slide relative to the first housing component between the open and closed positions. Rails may be provided.

In some embodiments, the second housing portion may be detachably connectable to the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be in the open position when the second housing portion is removed from the first housing portion. In these embodiments, the first and second housing portions may be in the closed position when the second housing portion is detachably connected to the first housing portion.

In some preferred embodiments, the first and second housing portions are both rotatably coupled. The second housing portion is rotatably coupled to the first housing portion and is rotatable between the open and closed positions. The first and second housing portions may be rotatably connected by any suitable means. For example, the first and second housing portions may be rotatably connected by pivots or hinges.

The second housing portion may be rotatable relative to the first housing portion in any suitable direction. The second housing portion is preferably rotatable with respect to the first housing portion in a direction perpendicular to the major axis direction. This is the insertion of the aerosol-forming substrate into the cavity of the device and the removal of the aerosol-forming substrate from the cavity of the device when the first and second housing portions are in the open position in a direction different from the longitudinal direction. Can be promoted.

In some preferred embodiments, the second housing portion comprises a second cavity. The second cavity may be arranged in the closed position so that the first cavity and the second cavity define the device cavity. In other words, the first cavity and the second cavity may be aligned to form a device cavity, which is a larger cavity when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the second cavity is different from the first cavity. This may allow the first and second cavities to form device cavities with asymmetrical shapes.

The second cavity is substantially identical to the first cavity and preferably has the same shape and size. For example, the first cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical, the second cavity may be substantially semi-cylindrical, and the first and second cavities may be first and second. When the second housing portion is in the closed position, it forms a substantially cylindrical device cavity. The first and second cavities can have any suitable size and shape to accommodate any suitable amount of aerosol-forming substrate.

In all other embodiments, the aerosol generator of this embodiment may be the same as the aerosol generator described above in connection with the aforementioned embodiments.

For example, the device has one or more air inlets configured to allow ambient air to be drawn into the device cavity, a power source for supplying power to the at least one heating element, and at least one from the power source. It is preferable to provide a controller for controlling the power supply to one heating element.

According to a further aspect of the invention
Aerosol generator according to the above-mentioned embodiment and
An aerosol generation article comprising an aerosol forming substrate and an aerosol generation system comprising.

The aerosol-generating article used in combination with the aerosol-generating device of this embodiment may include the same features as the aerosol-generating article described above in connection with the aforementioned aspects of the present invention. However, of course, other aerosol-generating articles may also be suitable for use in systems equipped with the devices of the aforementioned embodiments. For example, aerosol-generating articles having a substantially constant outer diameter along their length may be suitable for use in the devices of the aforementioned embodiments.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent with reference to the accompanying figures in the light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments given only by exemplary and non-limiting examples. Will be.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system comprising the aerosol generation article of FIG. 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an aerosol generator according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an aerosol generation system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which comprises the aerosol generator of FIG.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 comprising an upstream end 11 and a downstream end 12. Article 10 comprises an upstream segment containing an aerosol-forming substrate 13 and, in this embodiment, a downstream segment 14 consisting of a filter 15. The filter 15 generally forms a cylindrical component with an outer cylindrical surface having a downstream segment outer diameter D1. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 13 generally forms a hollow cylindrical tube of homogenized cast leaf tobacco. The tubular aerosol-forming substrate 13 has a substrate outer surface 17 having a substrate outer diameter D2 and a substrate inner surface 18 having a substrate inner diameter D3. The inner surface 18 of the substrate separates the inner cavity 16 extending in the longitudinal direction in the aerosol-forming substrate 13.

The outer diameter D1 of the filter is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the substrate.

The thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is significantly reduced compared to the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate in the article in which the aerosol-forming substrate is not tubular and has a consistent outer diameter along its length and article. The reduction in the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 may allow the heat applied to the substrate 13 to be rapidly propagated through the thickness of the substrate 13. This can reduce the time required to raise the temperature of the substrate 13. For example, this may reduce the time required to raise the temperature of the substrate 13 in the region of the substrate 13 farthest from the heating element 31. Decreasing the thickness of the aerosol-forming substrate 13 of the aerosol-generating article 10 can improve the efficiency of aerosol generation from the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol-generating article 10 of FIG. 2 is similar to the article of the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the downstream segment 14 includes a spacing element 19 and a filter 15. In this embodiment, the spacing element 19 is disposed between the filter 15 and the aerosol forming substrate 13.

In this embodiment, the spacing element 19 is a support element. However, of course, in other embodiments, the article may be provided with a cooling element that is placed between the filter 15 and the substrate 13 in addition to or instead of the support element.

FIG. 3 shows an aerosol generation system 40 including the aerosol generation article 10 of FIG. 1 and an aerosol generator 30. The aerosol generator 30 comprises a heating element 31 configured to be inserted into the aerosol forming substrate 13 when the aerosol generating article is received in the apparatus 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the heating element 31 is received in the inner cavity 16 of the article 10 as defined by the inner surface 18 of the substrate.

The aerosol generator 30 includes a device cavity 32 having an inner surface 33 of the device cavity. The device cavity inner surface 33 has a device cavity inner diameter D4. In FIG. 3, the device cavity 32 receives the aerosol-forming substrate 13 of the article 10. When the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is received in the apparatus cavity 32, an annular gap is formed between the outer surface 17 of the substrate and the inner surface 33 of the apparatus cavity, and the annular gap is in the longitudinal direction along the length of the substrate 13. Provides an airflow passage 35 surrounding the substrate. The width of the airflow passage 35 is the difference between the inner diameter D4 of the chamber and the outer diameter D2 of the substrate. The airflow passage 35 is outside the aerosol forming substrate 13.

When the aerosol generation system 40 is in use, power is supplied to the heating element 31 to heat the aerosol-forming substrate 13 to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the substrate 13, as shown in FIG. When the user sucks the downstream segment 14 such as the filter 15 of the article 10, the air passes through the air suction port 36 at the distal end of the device cavity 32 and flows along the airflow passage 35 in the longitudinal direction of the article 10. It is drawn into the passage 35 and exits the device cavity 32 through the downstream segment 14, such as through the filter 15. The volatile compounds released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate 13 are released into the airflow passage 35 and cooled to form a user-suckable aerosol, as schematically represented by the curved arrows in FIG. do. The aerosol mixes into the air drawn through the airflow passage 35 and flows out of the device cavity 32 towards the downstream end 12 through the filter 15 of the article 10 as indicated by arrow A1.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the downstream segment outer diameter D1 is the same as the device cavity inner diameter D4. Therefore, the airflow passage is separated at its downstream edge by the downstream segment 14 corresponding to the filter 15 in this embodiment. Therefore, it is necessary to let the aerosol discharged from the air flow passage 35 flow through the filter 15.

In the aerosol generation system 40 of FIG. 4, the aerosol generation article 10 says that the aerosol forming substrate 13 does not contain an inner cavity, instead the aerosol forming substrate 13 is a solid cylindrical plug of a homogenized tobacco cast leaf. It differs from that of FIGS. 1 and 3 in that. The aerosol generator 30 is the same as that of FIG. 3 except that it includes a heating element 31 that penetrates the aerosol forming substrate 13 when the aerosol forming substrate 13 is received in the apparatus cavity 32. In some embodiments, the heating element is any of a blade, pin, spike, or any other shape configured to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the heating element may be tapered or have a pointed end. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the heating element is a blade-shaped heating element.

In the aerosol generation system 40 of FIG. 5, the aerosol generation article 10 includes a downstream segment 14, which is a filter 15 in this embodiment, wherein the aerosol generation article 10 has a downstream segment outer diameter D1 that is larger than the device cavity inner diameter D4. In that respect, it differs from that of FIGS. 1 and 3. Such a downstream segment configuration can further ensure that the upstream edge of the filter 15 separates the downstream edge of the airflow passage 35. Further, the layer 23 of the heat conductive material is arranged on the inner surface 18 of the substrate. The layer 23 of the heat conductive material substantially covers the inner surface 18 of the substrate, surrounds the inner cavity 16, and extends over the entire length of the inner cavity 16. This can improve the distribution of heat from the heating element 31 to the substrate 13. The layer 23 of the thermally conductive material can also create a physical separation between the heating element 31 received within the inner cavity 16 and the aerosol forming substrate 13, which is the region of the substrate 13 near the heating element 31. The risk of overheating the aerosol-forming substrate 13 can be reduced. The layer 23 of the thermally conductive material can also increase the robustness of the tubular aerosol-forming substrate 13, which may be impaired by the reduction in the thickness of the substrate 13 due to the provision of the inner cavity 16.

Other features of the system 40 of FIG. 5 correspond to the features of the system 40 of FIG.

In the aerosol generation system 40 of FIG. 6, the aerosol generation device 30 includes a first heating element 34 and a second heating element 38 via a gap from each other in the long axis direction of the device cavity 32. The aerosol-generating article 10 has two aerosol-forming substrate segments, an aerosol having a first aerosol-forming substrate segment 21 and a second aerosol-forming segment 22 disposed end-to-end in the longitudinal direction of the article. The forming substrate 13 is provided. The first aerosol-forming substrate segment 21 contains the first aerosol-forming substrate composition, and the second aerosol-forming substrate segment 22 is a second aerosol different from the composition of the first longitudinal substrate segment 21. Contains the forming substrate composition.

When the aerosol-forming substrate 13 is received in the apparatus cavity 32, the first heating element 34 is arranged to heat the first aerosol-forming substrate segment 21 and the second heating element 38 is second. Is arranged so as to heat the aerosol-forming substrate segment 22 of the above. Therefore, the aerosol generator 30 may be configured to individually heat each segment of the aerosol forming substrate 13. Since heat can be selectively applied to the first substrate segment 21 and the second substrate segment 22, the segments 21 and 22 can be continuously heated by the aerosol generator 40. Each segment may also be heated according to the type of aerosol the user wants to consume.

The aerosol generator 30 of FIG. 6 further comprises sensors 37 arranged in the apparatus cavity 32, on the surface inside the apparatus cavity 33, and in the airflow passage 35 when the aerosol forming substrate 13 is received in the apparatus cavity 32. .. The sensor 37 may provide the device and / or the user with relevant data such as the start of smoke absorption in the airflow passage 35, the duration of smoke absorption, the temperature of the aerosol, or the concentration of a particular component of the aerosol.

FIG. 7 shows an aerosol generator 300 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The device 300 comprises a housing capable of forming a device cavity 305 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate. The housing includes a first housing portion 301 and a second housing portion 302 that are movable relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are rotatable relative to each other and their relative movement is represented by arrow R1 in FIG. The hinge 307 rotatably attaches the first housing portion 301 to the second housing component 302.

The first and second housing parts 301, 302 are rotatable between the open and closed positions. In the closed position, the first and second housing components 301, 302 are arranged to form a device cavity for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate 130. In the closed position, the formed device cavity may surround the aerosol-forming substrate. In the open position, the first and second housing portions 301, 302 are arranged such that the aerosol forming substrate 130 is received on and removed from the body 301, 302.

The first housing portion 301 comprises a first cavity 303 and the second housing component 302 includes a second cavity 304. In this embodiment, the first cavity 303 is substantially a semi-cylindrical cavity and the second cavity 304 is a substantially semi-cylindrical cavity. In the closed position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 are aligned to form the device cavity 305 for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate 130. In this embodiment, the apparatus cavity 305 surrounds the aerosol forming substrate 130 about the major axis direction X when the aerosol forming substrate 130 is received in the apparatus cavity 305. In other words, the device cavity 305 forms a tubular cavity that surrounds or encapsulates the aerosol-forming substrate 130, which has a length extending in the longitudinal direction X. The tubular cavity may be closed at the ends. In the open position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 rotate to form the opening 306, through which the first cavity 303 is oriented differently from the major axis direction X, as shown in FIG. And the aerosol-forming substrate 130 can be inserted into each of the second cavities 304. In this embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate 130 may be inserted into either the first cavity 303 or the second cavity 304 in the direction of P1 which is substantially perpendicular to the major axis direction X. ..

The aerosol generator 300 includes a plurality of internal heating elements 310. The internal heating element 310 is configured to at least partially penetrate the aerosol forming substrate. In this embodiment, the internal heating element 310 is a pin-shaped heating element 310. The first housing component 301 comprises a plurality of pin-shaped heating elements 310 extending into the first cavity 303, and the second housing component 302 comprises a plurality of pins extending into the second cavity 304. A heating element 310 having a shape is provided. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 300 has six heating elements 310 extending from the first housing portion 301 into the first cavity 303 and a second cavity from the second housing portion 302. It comprises 12 heating elements 310 of 6 heating elements 310 extending into 304. The pin-shaped heating element 310 extends substantially transversely into the chamber 305. The pin-shaped heating element 310 is substantially parallel to each other and at right angles to the longitudinal direction X of the cavity when the first housing portion 301 and the second housing portion 302 are in the closed position. Arranged to extend. Pin-shaped heating elements are described and illustrated herein, but of course any of the various shapes may be used. For example, the heating element may be a blade, pin, spike, or any one of any other shape, or a combination thereof, configured to facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming substrate. May have. For example, the heating element may be tapered or have a pointed end. The heating elements of the first cavity 303 may be the same or variable from each other. The heating elements of the second cavity 304 may be the same or variable from each other. The heating element in the first cavity 303 may have the same shape or a different shape as compared to the heating element in the second cavity 304. Although 12 heating elements are described with reference to the illustrated embodiment, of course, other numbers of heating elements may be used. The illustrated invention describes heating elements for both cavities 303 and 304, but of course, in some embodiments, there may be only heating elements extending from one cavity.

Each of the first housing portion 301 and the second housing portion 302 may further include an air suction port 360. The air suction port 360 is arranged at one end of the device cavity 305 so that ambient air is drawn into the device cavity 305.

FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal cross section of the aerosol generator 300 of FIG. 7 in a closed position used in the aerosol generator 100. The aerosol-generating article 100 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to that of FIG. Article 100 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 130 in the upstream segment. Article 100 comprises, in this embodiment, a downstream segment 140 including a filter 150 just downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol-forming substrate 130 has a cylindrical tubular shape with an inner cavity 160. However, of course, other aerosol-generating articles, especially non-tubular aerosol-generating articles, may be equally suitable for use in the aerosol generator of FIG.

The device cavity 30 of the aerosol generator 300 extends in the longitudinal direction X from the upstream end 308 of the device cavity to the downstream end 309 of the device cavity. In the closed position, the first cavity 303 and the second cavity 304 align to form a substantially cylindrical device cavity 305.

When the aerosol-forming substrate 130 is placed in the first cavity 303 and the first housing portion 301 and the second housing portion 302 are in the open position, the pin-shaped heating element 310 of the first housing portion 301 Penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate. When the first housing portion 301 and the second housing portion 302 move to the closed position, the aerosol forming substrate is held in the cylindrical device cavity 305 and also the pin-shaped heating element 310 of the second housing portion 302. It also penetrates the aerosol forming substrate 130. As shown in FIG. 8, the pin-shaped heating elements 310 pass through gaps from each other in both the major axis direction X and the transverse direction. In this way, the pin-shaped heating element 310 is arranged to heat different parts of the aerosol forming substrate 130. Advantageously, this ensures that all of the aerosol-forming substrate 130 is heated to the desired temperature during use of the system 400.

During use, when the user sucks the filter 150 of the aerosol generating article 100, air is drawn into the device cavity through the air suction port 360 at the upstream end 308 of the device cavity. In this embodiment, the air inlet 360 is oriented towards the central longitudinal axis of the device chamber. Air that is drawn into the device cavity from the air suction port 360 and enters the inner cavity 160 of the aerosol forming substrate 130 is drawn toward the filter 150 along the inner cavity 160, as indicated by the arrow A10, and the aerosol-generating article. At the downstream end 120 of 100, it is ejected from the filter 150 and delivered to the user.

When power is provided to the plurality of heating elements 310, the plurality of heating elements 310 heat the aerosol-forming substrate 130 to a temperature at which the volatile compounds are released from the substrate 130, whereas the volatile compounds are from the substrate 130 to the substrate. It is released into the inner cavity 160 of 130 and cooled to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. The aerosol is mixed into the air drawn through the inner cavity 160, drawn out of the inner cavity 160 through the filter 150, and delivered to the user at the downstream end 120.

Claims (14)

Aerosol generation system
An aerosol-generating article having an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein the aerosol-generating article defines a major axis direction between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the aerosol-generating article is:
An upstream segment located at the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the upstream segment comprises an aerosol-forming substrate, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an outer surface of the substrate having a substrate outer diameter, and an upstream segment. ,
A downstream segment arranged at the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the downstream segment has a downstream segment outer diameter and the downstream segment outer diameter is larger than the substrate outer diameter. Including aerosol-generating articles and
Aerosol generator
A device cavity comprising an inner surface of the device cavity having an inner diameter of the device cavity, wherein the device cavity is configured to receive at least the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.
It comprises an aerosol generator comprising at least one heating element configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate when it is received in the apparatus cavity.
When the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received in the apparatus cavity, an airflow passage is defined between the outer surface of the substrate and the inner surface of the apparatus cavity, and the airflow passage is the aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol generation system that extends along the length along the major axis. The aerosol generation system according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate includes an inner surface of the substrate having an inner diameter of the substrate, and the inner surface of the substrate separates an inner cavity extending in the major axis direction in the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generation system according to claim 2, wherein the inner diameter of the substrate is about 60% to about 90% of the outer diameter of the substrate. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein a layer of a heat conductive material is arranged on the inner surface of the substrate. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upstream segment and the downstream segment are arranged coaxially with the major axis direction axis of the aerosol forming article. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the downstream segment includes a filter. The aerosol generation system of claim 6, wherein the downstream segment further comprises a cooling element and at least one of the spacing elements disposed between the aerosol forming substrate and the filter. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the outer diameter of the substrate is about 50% to about 98% of the outer diameter of the downstream segment. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the outer surface of the substrate has a circular or elliptical cross section. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol forming substrate comprises a tobacco cast leaf. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate has a composition substantially homogeneous in the long axis direction. The aerosol-forming substrate includes a first aerosol-forming substrate segment extending in the longitudinal direction and a second aerosol-forming substrate segment adjacent to the first aerosol-forming substrate segment in the longitudinal direction. , The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The aerosol generator cavity defines a major axis direction between the upstream end of the apparatus cavity and the downstream end of the apparatus cavity, and the at least one heating element is from each other in the major axis direction of the apparatus cavity. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a first heating element and a second heating element separated. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the downstream segment outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article is substantially the same as or larger than the inner diameter of the device cavity.

Images