JP2022531550A - Aerosol generator with heating zone insulation - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (100) for heating an aerosol-forming substrate (20) provided in an aerosol-generating article (10) includes a longitudinally extending cavity (110) for receiving a distal portion of the aerosol-generating article. ). The longitudinally extending cavity has a longitudinal axis and is defined by a base (102), sidewalls (103) extending from the base, and an opening (111) at the opposite end of the cavity relative to the base. be done. The inner surface of the sidewall has a cavity stabilizing portion (120) having a first diameter and a cavity located between the stabilizing portion and the base having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. A heating portion (130) is defined. The difference between the first diameter and the second diameter provides a gap (160) separating the aerosol-generating article from the side walls of the cavity. This gap can help prevent heat dissipation from the aerosol-forming substrate and improve aerosol delivery during use. Additionally, the inner wall of the cavity further defines a positioning portion (140) positioned at the distal end of the cavity, the heating portion being positioned between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion, the positioning portion of the cavity being the stabilizing portion. It has a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter of the carbonizing portion. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generator for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. Specifically, the aerosol generator is configured to provide improved insulation of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Numerous prior art literature discloses, for example, aerosol generators including heated aerosol generators and electrically heated aerosol generators. An example of a heated aerosol generation system is disclosed in WO2013 / 076098, in which an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article is penetrated by a heating element of an aerosol-generating device in order to generate an inhalable aerosol. Describe the form. The heating element contacts the aerosol-forming substrate to raise the temperature of the substrate, thereby vaporizing the volatile components of the substrate. When the aerosol-forming substrate is used up, the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate is removed from the aerosol generator and discarded. The aerosol-generating article disclosed in WO2013 / 076098 fits snugly into the cavity of the extraction tool portion of the aerosol generator. This provides a tight fit that holds the article in the cavity. The heat supplied to the aerosol-forming substrate rapidly raises the temperature of the substrate by direct contact between the heating element and the substrate. However, heat is also quickly removed from the article by conduction into the walls of the cavity, which can act as a heat sink.

WO2018 / 050735 discloses an embodiment of an aerosol generator in which ribs are provided in the cavity of the aerosol-generating article to provide improved retention of the aerosol-generating article in the cavity. The ribs pass through the gap and define the airflow channel between adjacent ribs and, in some cases, between discontinuous ribs. The ribs are preferably disposed in an oblique fashion so that the user can pull out the aerosol-generating article by applying an axial force with torque to facilitate removal. However, there are still significant contact points between the aerosol-generating article and the ribs in the cavity, and the airflow between the ribs in the longitudinal direction contributes to the cooling of the aerosol-forming substrate.

The disclosure herein relates to an aerosol generator for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate can be provided within the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator may include a cavity extending in the longitudinal direction to receive the distal portion of the aerosol generating article. A cavity extending in the major axis direction may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal cavity can be defined by a base, a side wall extending from the base, and an opening at the opposite end of the cavity with respect to the base. The inner surface of the sidewall defines the first portion of the cavity with the first diameter. The first part of the cavity can be a stabilizing part. The second portion of the cavity with the second diameter may be located between the stabilizing portion and the base. The second part can be a heated part. The second diameter may be larger than the first diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, an aerosol generator is provided for heating an aerosol-forming substrate provided within a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator comprises a cavity extending in the longitudinal direction to receive the distal portion of the aerosol generating article. A cavity extending in the longitudinal direction has a longitudinal axis and is defined by a base, a side wall extending from the base, and an opening at the opposite end of the cavity with respect to the base. The inner surface of the sidewall defines the stabilizing portion of the cavity with the first diameter. The heated portion of the cavity is located between the stabilizing portion and the base. The heated portion has a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter.

The diameter of the stabilizing portion is such that the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article can be inserted through it. When the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted through the stabilizing portion, there is preferably a minimal space between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the stabilizing portion. It is preferable that there is a close or snug fit between the aerosol-generating article and the stabilizing portion. When the aerosol-generating article is received in the cavity, it is preferable that there is no gap between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the stabilizing portion. The outer surface of the aerosol-generating article may come into contact with the inner surface of the stabilizing portion when the article is inserted into or received into the cavity. Therefore, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the stabilizing portion is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. For example, the inner diameter of the stabilizing portion may be the same diameter, ± 10%, or ± 5% as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the stabilizing moiety may be 0% to 5% larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article, eg, 1% to 4% larger, or 2% to 3% larger. The dimensions are such that the article can be inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity while maintaining interference during insertion, eg, contact between the article and the inner diameter of the stabilizing portion or a loose seal. It is preferably a dimension. The dimensions are preferably such that the article can be inserted into the cavity and removed from the cavity without damaging the article. The dimensions are preferably such that the article is supported within the cavity without allowing substantial radial movement.

When the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity, it is preferred that the distal end of the article abuts on the base of the cavity. When the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity, the distal end of the aerosol-generating article may abut at any stop or endpoint at the base of the cavity or adjacent to the base of the cavity. .. When the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity, it is preferred that at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article be located within the heated portion of the cavity. The aerosol-generating article is preferably configured such that when the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article is received within the heated portion of the cavity. The diameter of the inner surface of the heated portion is larger than the diameter of the stabilized portion. Therefore, there is a gap between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the heated portion. The air gap is preferably present all around or substantially all around the outer surface of a portion of the aerosol-generating article located within the heated portion of the cavity. The air gap preferably provides an air insulating layer between a portion of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the heated portion.

It is preferable that the cross section of the cavity in the stabilizing portion has substantially the same shape as the cross section of the cavity in the heating portion. The cross-sectional shape is preferably circular or oval. The stabilizing portion of the cavity and the heating portion of the cavity are preferably coaxial.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the stabilizing portion may change to the diameter of the heating portion at the step within the inner wall of the cavity. In some embodiments, the diameter of the stabilizing portion may be changed to the diameter of the heating portion by a series of steps. In some embodiments, the diameter of the stabilizing portion may vary from the diameter of the heating portion to the diameter of the heated portion due to the sloping internal portion of the cavity wall.

Aerosol-generating articles include aerosol-forming substrates that can be heated to generate aerosols. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably located at or near the distal end of the aerosol-generating article. Thus, when the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity of the appliance, at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned within the heated portion. The heating means for heating the aerosol-forming substrate is positioned to heat a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article located within the heating moiety. The heating means may include a heating element. In some embodiments, the heating element may include a resistance heating element. In some embodiments, the resistance heating element may include one or more conductive tracks on an electrically insulated substrate.

In some embodiments, the heating means may include a susceptor and an inductor. The heating means is a heating element or a heating element disposed so as to penetrate the distal end of the aerosol generating article and contact the aerosol forming substrate when the aerosol generating article is completely inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. It is preferable to include a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the susceptor may be provided as part of the aerosol generator and as part of the aerosol generator article.

In some embodiments, the heating element may be provided as part of an aerosol generator. The heating element may be disposed so as to at least partially penetrate a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate when the aerosol-forming substrate is received within the heated moiety. The heating element can be an elongated heating element. The heating element may include a pointed or tapered end. Advantageously, the pointed or tapered ends facilitate the penetration of the aerosol-forming substrate by the heating element. The heating element may be a blade-shaped heating element. The heating element may be a pin-shaped heating element. The heating element may include only one heating element. The heating element may be provided along the central longitudinal axis of the heated portion. The heating element may include a plurality of heating elements. Multiple heating elements may have the same properties. One or more of the plurality of heating elements may have one or more different properties as compared to the rest of the plurality of heating elements. The property can be, for example, size, shape, dimensions, operating temperature.

In some embodiments, the heating element may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article and may be operable in combination with one or more features of the device. The heating element may be a susceptor provided as part of the aerosol generating article. The heating element may be a susceptor provided in the area of the aerosol forming substrate. The heating element may be a susceptor element having any of various shapes. The susceptor element may have a rod shape, a cubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or any other shape incorporated in the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor element may be provided centrally along the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. The heating element may be a susceptor material incorporated into the aerosol-forming substrate portion of the aerosol-generating article. The susceptor material may be provided, for example, in the form of any of particles, strips, fragments, powders, sheets, or meshes.

As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material capable of converting electromagnetic energy into heat. When located in a fluctuating electromagnetic field, the induced eddy currents in the susceptor cause heating of the susceptor. The aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor because the susceptor is in thermal contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the aerosol-forming substrate.

As used herein, the term inductor refers to a component that can generate a variable electromagnetic field for heating a susceptor located within a variable electromagnetic field. In use, the aerosol generator may engage the aerosol generator so that the susceptor is located within the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor.

As used herein, an "aerosol generator" relates to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be a component portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator may include one or more components for supplying energy from a power source to the aerosol forming substrate to generate the aerosol. For example, the aerosol generator may be a heated aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be an electrically heated aerosol generator or a gas heated aerosol generator. The aerosol generator may be an aerosol generator that interacts with an aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds capable of forming an aerosol. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may conveniently be used as a component portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate can be described as being located within the heating zone of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be an elongated aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may be substantially rod-shaped. The aerosol-generating article may have a substantially constant diameter along the overall length of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing a volatile compound at which the compound can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol-generating article may be able to generate an aerosol that can be inhaled directly into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable. Aerosol-generating articles are heated aerosol-generating articles that are intended to be heated rather than burned to release volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The aerosol formed by heating the aerosol-forming substrate may contain less known harmful components than produced by combustion or pyrolysis of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include an aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may or may be formed from, for example, homogenized tobacco or cast leaf tobacco.

As used herein, the term "aerosol generator" refers to an aerosol generator and at least one aerosol generator configured to be used with the appliance.

As used herein, the terms "upstream," "downstream," "proximal," and "distal" are the relative positions of elements or parts of an aerosol-generating article, aerosol generator, and aerosol-generating system according to the invention. Used to depict.

The aerosol-generating articles described herein are described as having a proximal end through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article in use. The proximal end is sometimes called the oral end. During use, the user draws the aerosol at the proximal or oral end of the aerosol-generating article in order to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator and the aerosol generator article are such that when the article is completely inserted into the cavity, at least a portion of the oral end is not received in the longitudinally extending cavity of the device. It is composed of. That is, at least a portion of the oral end extends outward beyond the cavity opening of the aerosol generator. In this way, the user can suck on the oral end of the aerosol-generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating article are such that when the article is completely inserted into the cavity, the entire length of the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction of the device. It is configured in. In some embodiments, a mouthpiece element may be provided that includes an airflow channel that is aligned with the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. In this way, the user may smoke the mouthpiece instead. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece element may be a separate mouthpiece element. The separate mouthpiece may be engageable with one or both of the aerosol generator and the aerosol generator. In some embodiments, instead of a separate mouthpiece element, the mouthpiece element may be provided as part of the aerosol generator.

Aerosol-generating articles include a distal end facing the proximal or oral end. The proximal or oral end of the aerosol-generating article is sometimes referred to as the downstream end, and the distal end of the aerosol-generating article is sometimes referred to as the upstream end. A component, or part of a component, of an aerosol-generating article is assumed to be upstream or downstream of each other based on the relative position between the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol-generating article and the distal or upstream end. Can be portrayed.

As used herein, the term "diameter" is used to refer to the maximum transverse dimension of an aerosol-generating article, an aerosol generator, and an element of an aerosol-generating system, or a portion of an element, according to the present invention. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "diameter" as used herein refers to the "width" of an element or part of an element of an aerosol generator, aerosol generator, and aerosol generator in a non-circular cross section. obtain.

As used herein, the term "longitudinal" is used between the downstream or proximal end of an aerosol generator, aerosol generator, and aerosol generation system according to the invention and the upstream or distal end facing it. It is used to describe the direction, and the term "crossing" is used to describe the direction perpendicular to the major axis direction.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term "heating element" as used herein may mean one or more heating elements.

For example, as disclosed in WO2013 / 076098, a prior art aerosol generation system in which a cylindrical aerosol generating article disposed to be inserted into a cavity of an aerosol generator is penetrated by a heating means. Exists. The heating means of WO2013 / 076098 is a heating element that heats the substrate sufficiently to penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate and form the aerosol. However, the efficiency of the device can be affected by the contact between the wall of the cavity and the article inserted into the cavity. The use of aerosol generators disclosed herein offers many advantages over this prior art.

A heating element disposed so as to be inserted into at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article can immediately deliver heat to that portion of the aerosol-forming substrate in contact. In some embodiments, it is preferred to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature of 150 ° C. to 450 ° C., such as 200 ° C. to 400 ° C., or 250 ° C. to 350 ° C., or 300 ° C. to 350 ° C. Heat transfer within the aerosol-forming substrate results in heating of the entire aerosol-forming substrate, but there can be a time lag before the temperature moves towards the outer portion of the aerosol-forming substrate to reach the temperature required to form the aerosol. .. The aerosol generator minimizes or avoids contact between the outer surface of the aerosol generator, at least the heated portion of the aerosol generator and the inner wall of the article receiving cavity of the aerosol generator. This helps prevent heat transfer between the aerosol-generating article and the wall of the cavity. The release of thermal energy within the heated aerosol-forming substrate is the contact between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article containing the aerosol-forming substrate, at least the heated portion of the aerosol-generating article, and the inner wall of the article receiving cavity of the aerosol generator. It can be minimized as a result of the reduction. As a result, a larger percentage of the heat from the heating means is retained within the aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the entire substrate to reach operating temperature more quickly. The air between the outer wall of the cavity and the aerosol-generating article in the heated portion can provide insulation for the aerosol-generating article as a thermal barrier.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can reduce the time lag between the time when the heating element starts operating and the time when the aerosol-forming substrate reaches the operating temperature. The operating temperature may be at or above the temperature at which one or more volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate. Advantageously, the time between the user starting the operation of the aerosol generation system and the time when the aerosol generator, also called TT1P, is ready for the user to perform the first smoke absorption can be reduced. Advantageously, the initial aerosol delivery provided by the aerosol generators described herein can be improved. Therefore, the user experience in the first few smoke inhalations can be improved.

In a further advantage, the reduced heat transfer between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the cavity wall of the aerosol generator means less heat energy is released from the aerosol-generating article during heating. Thus, the aerosol-forming substrate can remain at operating temperature for extended periods of time, eg, during smoke absorption. At operating temperatures, lower energy inputs may be required to keep the aerosol-forming substrate at its operating temperature. This helps to provide a consistent user experience while consuming the goods. This can also mean that the overall energy required to consume the aerosol-generating article is low. Thus, the device may be able to operate with a smaller power source, eg, a smaller battery, than would otherwise be required. The device may be able to carry out more operating cycles without the need to provide larger batteries.

In a further advantage, the reduction or elimination of contact points between the aerosol-generating article and the walls of the cavity may help prevent the formation of cold spots on the aerosol-forming substrate. Cold spots are areas of the aerosol-forming substrate that do not reach the optimum operating temperature during device consumption due to localized heat dissipation. If cold spots occur, the aerosol-forming substrate may not be completely consumed during use. Therefore, by minimizing or preventing cold spots in the aerosol-forming substrate, the total amount of substrate required for a satisfying user experience can be reduced.

In a further advantage, reducing heat dissipation from the aerosol-generating article can reduce the maximum temperature that the heating element needs to reach to achieve a satisfying user experience. In addition to the low energy requirements, this also reduces the possibility of highly heating parts of the aerosol-forming substrate in areas of contact with the heating element, which can cause unpleasant flavors and odors.

The substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article heated by the device can have a major axis and an article diameter. The first diameter is preferably substantially equal to the article diameter so that the distal portion of the substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article can be inserted through the stabilizing portion of the cavity. It is preferable that the cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-generating article is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the stabilized portion of the cavity.

The diameter of the cavity in the heated portion may be 105% to 170% larger than the diameter of the cavity in the stabilized portion, for example 110% to 150%. Preferably, the diameter of the cavity in the heated portion may be 120% to 140% larger than the diameter of the cavity in the stabilized portion, for example 125% to 130%.

The cross-sectional area of the cavity in the heated portion may be 110% to 300% larger than the cross-sectional area of the cavity in the stabilized portion. For example, the cross-sectional area of the cavity in the heated portion may be 115% to 280% larger than the cross-sectional area of the cavity in the stabilized portion, for example, 130% to 200% larger, preferably 140% to 140%. It may be 160% larger.

Preferably, the difference in diameter between the first diameter at the stabilizing portion and the second diameter at the heating portion is referred to as the gap diameter. The gap diameter is preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm, for example, 1 mm to 4 mm. In other words, the aerosol generator is equal to half the gap diameter between the outer surface of the aerosol generator and the inner surface of the heated portion of the cavity when the aerosol generator is completely inserted into the cavity. For example, it is configured to have an air gap of 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm. The air gap is preferably 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm, for example 0.3 mm to 2 mm, or 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The air gap provides an air insulating layer between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the heated portion of the cavity.

The difference in diameter between the stabilizing and heating parts is one or more insulating air surrounding the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, the distal portion of which is completely inserted into a cavity extending in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable to provide a pocket. When there are multiple air pockets, it is preferable that there is no air flow between the air pockets. In some embodiments, the air pocket is preferably annular, extending around the aerosol generation when the aerosol generating article is received into the cavity. Two or more semi-annular air pockets can be defined. When multiple air pockets are defined, in some embodiments the air pockets are separated by ribs such as longitudinal ribs or annular ribs. The flow of air in the air pocket or multiple air pockets can contribute to heat dissipation from the aerosol-generating article. Thus, otherwise, when the article is inserted into the cavity, air will flow into or air into the air pocket or pocket defined by the gap between the aerosol-generating article and the inner wall of the heated portion. It is highly preferred that there is no defined air inlet or outlet within the heated portion of the device that may allow it to flow out of the pocket or pocket. In particular, it is preferred that there are no air inlets or outlets defined through the side walls of the cavity extending into the heated portion.

It may be advantageous for the air inlet to be defined through the base of the cavity. These inlets allow air to be drawn into the user's mouth within the distal end of the aerosol-generating article, along the length of the article, and through the proximal or oral end of the aerosol-generating article. May provide an aerosol source. These air inlets through the base of the cavity may be provided by a single hole at the center point of the base or within a small radius of this center point. Such inlets may be positioned so that the air inlet is aligned with the end face of the aerosol generator when the aerosol generator is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator. That is, the air inlet is not positioned within the region of the gap diameter.

In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the cavity may further define a positioning portion located at the distal end of the cavity. The heating portion may be arranged between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion. The positioning portion of the cavity may have a third diameter that is substantially equal to the first diameter of the stabilizing portion. The positioning portion is preferably aligned coaxially with the stabilizing portion. In this way, the cylindrical article may pass through the stabilizing portion and the distal end of the article may be able to stay within the positioning portion. Thereby, the distal end of the article may be radially constrained. When the article is completely inserted into the cavity, the article is preferably held by contact with the inner walls of both the inner wall of the stabilizing portion and the inner wall of the positioning portion. The dimensions of the positioning part and the aerosol-generating article insert the article into the cavity while maintaining interference during insertion into the cavity, eg, contact or loose seal between the article and the inner diameter of the positioning part. , Preferably sized so that the article can be removed from the cavity. Advantageously, in such a configuration, one or more closed air pockets may be defined by a gap between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the cavity. Thus, when the aerosol-generating article is completely inserted into the cavity, the outer boundaries of the circumferential or annular air pockets are (1) the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article, and (2) the inside of the heated portion of the cavity. Surfaces, (3) radial steps or slopes extending between the inner surface of the heated portion and the inner surface of the stabilized portion, and (4) between the inner surface of the heated portion and the inner surface of the positioning portion. It can be formed by extending, radial steps or slopes.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the heated portion may vary to the diameter of the positioning portion in steps within the inner wall of the cavity. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the diameter of the heated portion may be changed to the diameter of the positioning portion by a series of steps. In some embodiments, the diameter of the heated portion may vary to the diameter of the positioning portion due to the inclined internal portion of the cavity wall. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the cavity may define a tapered region where the diameter of the cavity varies between a second diameter and a third diameter. Advantageously, the taper may assist in aligning the aerosol-generating article as it is inserted into the cavity. The tapered region can serve as a funnel to guide the distal end of the aerosol-generating article into the positioning portion of the cavity.

It is preferable that there is minimal contact between the article and the cavity wall of the heated portion. For example, it may be preferable to have a circumferential air gap defined around the article inserted into the cavity. However, it may be desirable to include one or more ribs. One or more ribs can help guide and stabilize aerosol-generating articles inserted into the cavity. In some embodiments, only one rib is provided. In some embodiments, multiple ribs are provided. In some embodiments, three ribs are provided. In some embodiments, six ribs are provided. When multiple ribs are provided, it is preferred that the ribs are substantially evenly spaced around the perimeter of the cavity. The one or more ribs may be ribs extending in the long axis direction. These ribs can extend radially from the inner wall of the heated portion of the cavity into the cavity. It is preferred that these ribs extend radially by a distance substantially equal to the air gap. The inner sidewall of the cavity may define one or more ribs extending in the longitudinal direction within the heated portion. The ribs may have radial dimensions equal to half the gap diameter. Multiple individual partially annular air pockets can be formed by these ribs. For example, two longitudinal ribs may allow the heated portion of the cavity to be split to demarcate the two semi-annular air pockets when the article is inserted into the cavity. In some embodiments, the ribs may be annular. In some embodiments, the ribs may be a combination of longitudinal ribs and annular ribs. The combination of longitudinal ribs and annular ribs can define multiple air cavities.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generator may include a first body portion and a second body portion that is movable relative to the first body portion. The first body portion may accommodate at least a portion of the power source, control electronics, and heating means of the aerosol generator. Longitudinal cavities can be defined within the second body portion. The second body portion may be able to function as a pull-out tool. In some embodiments, the extraction tool may facilitate at least partial separation of the aerosol-forming substrate from the heating element. In some embodiments, the extraction tool may facilitate complete separation of the aerosol-forming substrate from the heating element. In some embodiments, the extraction tool can help prevent the aerosol-forming substrate from adhering to the heating element. In some embodiments, the extractor may facilitate removal of the aerosol-generating article after the article has been consumed. For example, the aerosol generator may be attached to or part of the first body portion and include a built-in heating means. The movement of the second body portion with respect to the first body portion may act to separate the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article received within the cavity of the second body portion of the aerosol generator from the heating means. The first main body portion and the second main body portion may be detachably connected to each other. Thus, the second body portion can be easily removed from the first body portion, for example to facilitate cleaning.

In some embodiments, the second body portion may be movable between the first and second positions. The first position may be an operating position that is defined by a heating means such as a heating element or inductor and is engageable with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The first position may be an operating position defined by a heating element inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article and in contact with the aerosol-forming substrate. The first position may be the operating position defined by the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article placed in the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor. The second position may be a sampling position defined by an aerosol-forming substrate that is at least partially disengaged or disengaged from the heating means. At least partial separation may include physical separation or simply separation, as long as the bond or interface between the heating means and the aerosol-forming substrate is broken. .. For example, during and after heating, the aerosol-forming substrate can adhere to the heating means. The extraction position, which is the second position, may be a position where the aerosol-forming substrate does not adhere to the heating means. The second position, the extraction position, may be the position where the aerosol-forming substrate moves from the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor. Advantageously, such extraction tools help facilitate the removal of aerosol-generating articles from the aerosol generator. Therefore, the extraction tool may be movably coupled to the aerosol generator, with the first position where the aerosol forming substrate is in contact with the heating element of the aerosol generator and at least partial of the aerosol forming substrate from the heating element. It may be movable to and from a second position separated by. It is preferred that the extractor remain connected to the aerosol generator when in the primary position. The extractor is preferably still connected to the aerosol generator in the second position. In some embodiments, the extractor remains connected to the aerosol generator at any intermediate point between the first and second positions. The extractor may be removable and connectable to the aerosol generator.

The extraction tool may include a sliding receptacle. The sliding receptacle may define a cavity for receiving aerosol-generating articles. The sliding receptacle is preferably slidable between the first and second positions. In some embodiments, the entire extraction tool, including the sliding receptacle, may be moved to translate the sliding receptacle between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the sliding receptacle of the extractor may be slidable between the first and second positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the heating element may extend into the heated portion of the cavity of the aerosol generator. The heating element may be substantially blade-shaped for insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element can have a length of 10 mm to 60 mm. The heating element can have a width of 2 mm to 10 mm. The heating element can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. The length is preferably 15 mm to 50 mm, and may be, for example, 18 mm to 30 mm. The length is preferably about 19 mm or about 20 mm. The width is preferably 3 mm to 7 mm, and may be, for example, 4 mm to 6 mm. The width is preferably about 5 mm. The thickness is preferably 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. The thickness is preferably about 0.4 mm. The heating element may include an electrically isolated substrate and an electrically resistant heating element. In some embodiments, the electrically resistant heating element may include one or more tracks. In some embodiments, the electrically resistant heating element is provided on or embedded in an electrically resistant substrate. The electrically resistant heating element may be supported by an electrically insulated substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may surround the heated portion of the cavity.

The present invention may provide an aerosol generation system comprising an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generator configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generator may be any of the devices described herein.

The aerosol-generating article can be any article suitable for consumption using such an apparatus. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be any article described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may include a plurality of coaxially aligned components. Coaxially aligned plurals may include aerosol-forming substrates that are assembled within a wrapper to form a substantially cylindrical article. Aerosol-generating articles can have a major axis and an article diameter. Aerosol-generating articles may have a proximal portion terminating at the proximal end and a distal portion terminating at the distal end. The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably located at or near the distal portion of the article. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco plug, such as a cylindrical tobacco plug.

The aerosol-generating article may have a total length of about 30 mm to about 100 mm, preferably 40 mm to 60 mm, or 42 mm to 52 mm, for example about 45 mm. Aerosol-generating articles may have an outer diameter of approximately 5 mm to approximately 12 mm, such as 6 mm to 9 mm, or 7 mm to 8 mm.

Aerosol-generating articles may include filter elements. The filter element may include a filter plug. The filter element may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter element may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. In some embodiments, the filter element is approximately 7 mm long. The filter element may have a length of about 5 mm to about 10 mm.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article has a total length of approximately 45 mm. Aerosol-generating articles can have an outer diameter of approximately 7 mm, eg, 6.8 mm to 7.2 mm. The aerosol-forming substrate can have a length of about 8 mm to about 14 mm, such as 10 mm, or 11 mm, or 12 mm.

The diameter of the aerosol-forming substrate may be from about 5 mm to about 12 mm. Aerosol-generating articles may include an outer paper wrapper. The aerosol-generating article may include a separator between the aerosol-forming substrate and the filter plug. The separation portion may be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm. The separation portion is preferably about 18 mm. The separator may include one or more spacer components.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is a gel aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises both solid and liquid components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises both solid and gel components. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises both a liquid component and a gel component.

The aerosol-forming substrate is preferably a solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain a tobacco-containing material containing volatile compounds released from the substrate upon heating. The volatile compound may include a volatile tobacco flavored compound. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain an aerosol-forming body that facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol forming bodies are glycerin and propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco material, and additionally a non-tobacco material.

When the aerosol-forming substrate is a solid aerosol-forming substrate, in some embodiments, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise, for example, one or more of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, strips or sheets. .. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate is one of herbaceous leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stalk fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, cast leaf tobacco, and puffed tobacco. Including the above. In some embodiments, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile compounds, such as volatile flavoring agents, that are released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may include, for example, capsules containing additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile compounds. In some embodiments, these capsules can melt during heating of a solid aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, such capsules may include a fragile membrane. Fragile membranes can be ground by the user, for example, to release volatile compounds before or during use.

As used herein, "homogenized tobacco" refers to a material formed by aggregating particulate tobacco. The homogenized tobacco may be in the form of a sheet. The homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming body content of greater than 5% on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming body content of 5-30% by weight on a dry weight basis. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material is obtained by grinding one or both of the tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stems, or by aggregating particulate tobacco obtained by combining in another way. It may be formed. Alternatively, or additionally, homogenized sheets of tobacco material are among, for example, tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco by-products formed during tobacco processing, handling, and shipping. It may contain one or more. A sheet of homogenized tobacco material has one or more intrinsic binders (ie, endogenous tobacco binders) and one or more exogenous binders (ie, ie) to aid in the aggregation of particulate tobacco. , Tobacco exogenous binders), or combinations thereof, but as an alternative or additionally, homogenized sheets of tobacco material include tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol-forming bodies, wetting agents, etc. It may contain plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and other additives including, but not limited to, combinations thereof.

In one 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. When the aerosol-generating article is assembled, the substantially parallel ridges or corrugations preferably extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. This advantageously facilitates the assembly of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. However, of course, a crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in the aerosol-generating article is another method, or additionally, when the aerosol-generating article is assembled, the major axis of the aerosol-generating article. It may have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations arranged at acute or obtuse angles to the axis of direction. In certain embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an aggregate of sheets of homogenized tobacco material that is substantially evenly textured over its surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may include a collection of crimped sheets of homogenized tobacco material containing a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, fragments, spaghetti, strips or sheets. Alternatively, the carrier may be a tubular carrier with a thin layer of solid substrate deposited on its inner surface, on its outer surface, or on both its inner and outer surfaces. .. Such tubular carriers can be, for example, paper or paper-like materials, non-woven carbon fiber mats, low mass coarse mesh metal screens, or perforated metal leafs, or any other thermally stable polymer matrix. May be formed with.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited on the surface of the carrier, for example in the form of a sheet, foam, gel, or slurry. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be deposited over the entire surface of the carrier, or otherwise in a pattern to provide non-uniform flavor delivery during use.

An aerosol generation system is a combination of an aerosol generator and one or more aerosol generators used in the appliance. However, the aerosol generation system may include additional components, such as a charging unit that operates electrically or for recharging an on-board power source within an electric aerosol generator.

A specific embodiment of the present invention will be described here with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article suitable for use in the aerosol generator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cavity of an aerosol generator according to an aspect of the present invention, which defines an article receiving cavity for receiving an appropriate aerosol generating article. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 when inserted into the article receiving cavity of FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 showing an aerosol-generating article positioned within the heated portion of the cavity. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a extraction tool including the cavity of FIG. 2 connected to the main body portion of the aerosol generator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1 when completely inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device of FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a cavity of a control aerosol generator not according to aspects of the invention, which defines an article receiving cavity for receiving a suitable aerosol generating article. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 when completely inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generator of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a graph comparing nicotine delivery per smoke absorption between an aerosol generator according to the invention and a control device. FIG. 10 is a graph comparing glycerol delivery per smoke absorption between an aerosol generator according to the invention and a control device. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of a cavity of an aerosol generator according to an aspect of the present invention, the cavity including ribs extending in the longitudinal direction along the heated portion. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heated portion of the cavity showing the two ribs. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heated portion of the cavity showing the three ribs. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heated portion of the cavity showing the six ribs. FIG. 15 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the extraction tool showing a part of the six ribs. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment of an aerosol generator according to an aspect of the present invention, which comprises an inductor and an aerosol generator suitable for use in a device comprising a susceptor.

FIG. 1 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 suitable for use in an aerosol-generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol-generating article 10 comprises four coaxially aligned elements: an aerosol-forming substrate 20, a support element 30, a moving section 40, and a mouthpiece 50. These four elements are arranged continuously and surrounded by an outer wrapper 60 to form an aerosol-generating article 10. The aerosol-generating article 10 has a mouth-side end 70, the user inserts this mouth-side end into his mouth during use, and the distal end 80 is the opposite of the aerosol-generating article 10 to the mouth-side end 70. Located at the end of the side.

During use, air is sucked by the user from the distal end 80 to the oral end 70 through the aerosol-generating article. Therefore, the distal end 80 of the aerosol-generating article 80 may also be described as the upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10, and the mouth-side end 70 of the aerosol-generating article 10 is also described as the downstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. May be good. An element of the aerosol-generating article 10 located between the oral end 70 and the distal end 80 can be described as being upstream of the oral end 70, or otherwise downstream of the distal end 80. Can be described as being.

The aerosol-forming substrate 20 is located at the farthest distal end or upstream end of the aerosol-generating article 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the aerosol-forming substrate 20 comprises an aggregate of crimped and homogenized tobacco material sheets surrounded by a wrapper. The crimped sheet of homogenized tobacco material contains glycerin as an aerosol-forming body.

The support element 30 is located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate 20 and is adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the supporting element is a hollow cellulose acetate tube. The support element 30 positions the aerosol-forming substrate 20 at the farthest distal end 80 of the aerosol-generating article 10 so that it can be contacted by the heating element of the aerosol-generating device. The support element 30 prevents the aerosol forming substrate 20 from being pushed downstream into the aerosol generating article 10 toward the moving element 40 when the internal heating element of the aerosol generating device is inserted into the aerosol forming substrate 20. Acts to prevent. The support element 30 also acts as a spacer for the moving element 40 of the aerosol-generating article to pass through the gap from the aerosol-forming substrate 20.

The moving element 40 is located immediately downstream of the support element 30 and abuts on the support element 30. In use, the volatile material released from the aerosol-forming substrate 20 passes along the moving section 40 towards the mouth-side end 70 of the aerosol-generating article 10. Volatiles may cool in the moving section 40 to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the moving element 40 is an aerosol cooling element. The aerosol cooling element comprises an aggregate of crimped sheets of polylactic acid surrounded by a wrapper 90. The aggregate of crimped sheets of polylactic acid defines a plurality of longitudinal channels extending along the length of the aerosol cooling element 40.

The mouthpiece 50 is located immediately downstream of the moving section 40 and abuts on the moving section 40. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mouthpiece 50 comprises a conventional cellulose acetate tow filter with low filtration efficiency.

To assemble the aerosol-generating article 10, the four elements described above are aligned and tightly wound within the outer wrapper 60. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer wrapper is a conventional cigarette paper.

The aerosol generator illustrated in FIG. 1 is designed to engage an aerosol generator, including an internal heating element, for consumption by the user. During use, the internal heating element of the aerosol generator heats the aerosol-forming substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article 10 to a temperature sufficient to form the aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article 10 and is inhaled by the user. The aerosol-generating article illustrated in FIG. 1 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter of about 7 mm and a total length of about 45 mm.

FIG. 2 shows a cavity 110 extending in the long axis direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 110 is provided in the extraction tool 100 of the aerosol generator according to the aspect of the present invention. The extraction tool 100 is a component that can be detachably connected to a main device portion to form an aerosol generator. The cavity 110 extending in the longitudinal direction of the extraction tool 100 is arranged so as to receive the distal end and the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article, such as the aerosol-generating article 10 described in connection with FIG. 1, for example. ..

The extraction tool 100 has a base 102 and a side wall 103 extending from the base 102. The cavity 110 extending in the longitudinal direction is defined by the inner surfaces of the base 102 and the side wall 103 and has an opening 111 at the opposite end of the cavity 110 with respect to the base 102. The cavity is circular in cross section and has three separate longitudinally separated sections, the diameter of the cavity varying between adjacent sections.

The first portion of the cavity 110, or the stabilizing portion 120, has a first diameter. This diameter is sized to exactly match the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article for use in the aerosol generator. Therefore, when the aerosol-generating article of FIG. 1 is used in an apparatus, the first diameter may be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article, or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. Is. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the first diameter can be about 7.2 mm.

The second portion, or heating portion 130, has a second diameter. This second diameter is larger than the first diameter and is used to minimize or prevent contact between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article received in the cavity and the inner surface 131 of the cavity in the heated portion 130. Useful. For example, if the first diameter is about 7.2 mm, the second diameter can be from about 8.8 mm to about 9.2 mm. This may provide an air gap of approximately 1 mm between the outer surface of the article completely inserted into the cavity and the inner surface 131 of the cavity wall in the heated portion 130 of the cavity. The second portion extends about 12 mm in the major axis direction.

The first flared or sloping portion 135 of the inner surface of the cavity provides a transition between the stabilizing portion 120 and the heating portion 130.

The third portion, or positioning portion 140, has a third diameter. The third diameter is preferably substantially the same as or the same as the first diameter. Therefore, in this example, the third diameter can be 7.2 mm. A second flared or sloping portion 145 of the inner surface of the cavity provides a transition between the heating portion 120 and the positioning portion 130. This second sloping portion is the region where the diameter of the cavity decreases from the second diameter to the third diameter. The tilt can act to guide the distal end of the aerosol-generating article into the positioning portion 140.

The hole or slot 150 is defined through the radial center portion of the base 102. The hole 150 allows the heating element attached to the main part of the aerosol generator to be inserted into the cavity 110 when the extraction tool 100 is connected to the main part of the device. The hole 150 also allows air to flow into the cavity 110.

The outer surface of the wall of the extractor may have features designed to assist in coupling with the main part of the aerosol generator. These features may include, for example, grooves, slots, bumps, and snaps. The extractor is designed to have a sliding engagement with the main part of the aerosol generator. A portion of the extractor may slide into the corresponding sheath on the main portion of the aerosol generator.

The extraction tool 100 is formed from injection-molded polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, the extractor 100 may be formed from any suitable material, such as other polymeric materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

FIG. 3 shows the aerosol-generating article 10 described in connection with FIG. 1 when completely inserted into the cavity 110 of the extraction tool 100 described in connection with FIG. The distal end of the aerosol-generating article is inserted through the opening 111 and extruded through the stabilizing portion 120 and the heating portion 130 so as to stop within the positioning portion 140. The distal end 80 of the article 10 is placed relative to the inner surface of the base 102. Since the outer diameter of the article 10 is substantially the same as the first diameter of the cavity in the stabilizing portion 120 and the third diameter of the cavity in the positioning portion 140, at these points between the article and the cavity wall. There is close contact. However, the diameter of the cavity in the heated portion 130 is larger than that of the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion. Since the aerosol-generating article 10 is substantially cylindrical, there is an air gap 160 formed between the outer surface 61 of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface of the cavity in the heated portion. The width of this gap can be determined by subtracting the first diameter of the stabilizing moiety (and the aerosol-generating article) from the second diameter of the heating moiety and dividing by two. The longitudinal dimension of the heated portion is similar to the longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-forming substrate of the article. The aerosol-forming substrate of the article is substantially in the heated portion when the article is completely inserted into the cavity of the extractor.

There is no entrance defined through the side wall of the cavity. Therefore, when the article is located in the cavity, the air gap 160 forms an annular air pocket. This air pocket helps to insulate the aerosol-forming substrate during use of the aerosol generator.

The ability to insulate aerosol-generating articles is the result of differences in thermal conductivity between air and the material forming the sidewalls of the cavity, such as PEEK. At favorable operating temperatures (eg, 300-600 Kelvin), the thermal conductivity of air is 0.0262 watts / metric Kelvin (Wm-1.K ^{- 1)} to 0.0457 W. m ^-1 . It is K ^-1 . In contrast, the thermal conductivity of PEEK at 300 Kelvin is about 0.25 W. m ^-1 . It is K ^-1 . Therefore, air is about 1/10 more conductive than PEEK. Preferably, the air gap 160 may serve to help prevent heat dissipation from the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article if the passage of air through the air gap is prevented.

FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a heated portion of the extraction tool into which an aerosol-generating article has been inserted. It can be seen that the side wall 103 has a circular cross section. The cavity 110 is defined by the inner surface 131 of the side wall 103. The aerosol-generating article 10 extends through the heated portion. In cross section, the aerosol-forming substrate 20 of the aerosol-generating article fills the central portion of the cavity. It can be seen that the air gap 160 is an annular gap that extends completely around the aerosol-generating article. The air gap forms an air pocket when the article is inserted.

The extraction tool 100 is a component part of the aerosol generator 500. The extractor can be detachably connected to the main part to form an aerosol generator. Thus, the main part, which may be referred to as the first body part 501, includes a power source, control electronics, and a heating element. The extraction tool, which may be referred to as the second body portion 100, includes the article receiving cavity 110.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, in certain embodiments, the main portion / second body portion 501 is a sheath 510 for connecting to the extraction tool / second body portion 100 and a cavity 110 of the extraction tool 100. Includes a heating element 520 for insertion into. The extraction tool 100 and the main portion 501 are connected together by relative longitudinal movement. The heating element 520 extends into the cavity 110 through an opening 150 defined through the base 102. Therefore, the opening 150 also allows the extraction tool to move relative to the heating element 520.

FIG. 6 shows an aerosol-generating article 10 operably coupled to an aerosol-generating device 500. The heating element 520 penetrates the distal end of the aerosol generating article 10 and comes into contact with the aerosol forming substrate 20.

At the time of use, the operation of the heating element is started, and the temperature of the aerosol generation forming substrate is raised to, for example, an operating temperature of 300 ° C. to 350 ° C. This causes volatilization of the substance in the aerosol-forming substrate. When the user inhales the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article 10, the aerosol formed from these volatile components can be inhaled. The presence of the air gap 160 helps to minimize the loss of heat through the outer wall of the aerosol-generating article. In tests on aerosol-generating articles containing homogenized tobacco as an aerosol-forming substrate, delivery of nicotine and other aerosol-forming bodies was greater with initial smoke absorption compared to control devices without air gaps.

FIG. 1 shows (a) heating with a device having a drawing tool described in connection with FIGS. 2-6 and (b) a control device having a drawing tool without an air gap. Experiments were performed to compare aerosol delivery from the aerosol-generating articles described in connection.

7 and 8 are provided to show a control extractor 700 and a control device 800 comprising the control extractor 700. It should be noted that FIGS. 7 and 8 are provided for comparison purposes only and do not exemplify embodiments of the present invention.

The control extractor 700 differs from the control extractor 100 in that the cavity 710 of the control extractor 700 does not define a separate stabilizing, heating, and positioning portion. Rather, the cavity 710 is defined by an inner wall 760 that extends uniformly between the cavity opening 711 and the cavity base 702. The diameter of the cavity 710 is about 7.2 mm and is substantially uniform along the length of the cavity. That is, the diameter of the entire cavity of the control extraction tool is substantially the same as the diameter of the stabilized portion of the extraction tool in FIG. In other respects, the control extractor and the extractor of FIG. 2 are the same.

FIG. 8 shows an aerosol-generating article operably coupled to the extraction tool 700 of the control device 800. The aerosol-generating article fits snugly into the cavity 710 of the extractor 700, thereby providing significant contact between the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article and the inner surface 760 of the cavity 710.

The same aerosol-generating article was tested under the same conditions. The only difference is that one set of articles was tested using the extraction tools and equipment described in connection with FIGS. 2-6, and the set of control articles was described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8. It was tested using a control extractor and a control device. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed on the aerosols generated by these experiments.

FIG. 9 is a graph plotting nicotine delivery (measured in milligrams on the y-axis) for the number of smokes absorbed (x-axis) in an aerosol-generating article. The results produced using the extraction tools of FIGS. 2-6, including the air gap surrounding a portion of the article, are shown by the solid line (a). Dotted line (b) shows the results produced using the control strips of FIGS. 7 and 8, which do not include the air gap surrounding a portion of the article. It turns out that the nicotine delivery is about the same for the first two smoke sucks, but then the nicotine delivery is significantly improved using the sampling tool of FIG. 2 compared to the control pulling tool. It can be speculated that the air gap 160 provides an insulating effect and reduces heat dissipation from the aerosol-forming substrate of the article, thereby improving nicotine delivery.

FIG. 10 is a graph plotting glycerol delivery (measured in milligrams on the y-axis) to smoke absorption (x-axis) in aerosol-generating articles. The results produced using the extraction tools of FIGS. 2-6, including the air gap surrounding a portion of the article, are shown by the solid line (a). Dotted line (b) shows the results produced using the control strips of FIGS. 7 and 8, which do not include the air gap surrounding a portion of the article. Glycerol delivery was found to be about the same for the first two or three smoke inhalations, after which glycerol delivery was significantly improved using the drawing tool of FIG. 2 compared to the control drawing tool. There is. This result reflects the nicotine delivery result plotted in FIG.

The extraction tool 100 is preferably configured to provide a fully annular air gap between the aerosol-generating article and the heated portion of the cavity, but there may be situations where one or more ribs are required. Such ribs can help stabilize aerosol-generating articles in the longitudinally extending cavity 110. Such ribs can provide a strengthening effect on the extraction tool. These ribs can help guide the distal end of the aerosol-generating article towards the positioning portion when inserted into the cavity. Such ribs can help prevent radial deformation of the aerosol-generating article when the heating element is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

For example, referring here to FIG. 11, the extractor 100 may include one or more ribs 790. The one or more ribs preferably extend along the heated portion 130. One or more ribs extending along the heating portion 130 are positioned from the start or downstream end 736 of the transition between the stabilizing portion 120 and the heating portion 130, along the end, or from the heating portion 130. It preferably extends to the upstream end 746 of the transition portion 745 to the portion 140. These ribs 790 should not protrude further into the cavity than the walls of the stabilizing portion so that the passage of aerosol-generating articles is not prevented. A continuous rib extending along the entire length of the heating portion 130 is illustrated, but of course, contact is minimal and still functions to stabilize the aerosol-generating article 10 in the chamber, etc. Design can be used. It is preferable that any rib has a width of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, which is a relatively small width dimension, for example, a dimension capable of contacting an aerosol-forming article.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the extractor 800 having two longitudinal ribs 890 extending along the heated portion between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion. The cross-sectional view is through the heated portion. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the cavity, the ribs 890 serve to define the first air pocket 860A and the second air pocket 860B. There is very little contact between the article 10 and the ribs 890, and only a small amount of heat is lost at these points of contact. The insulation of the aerosol-forming substrate is provided by two semi-annular air pockets 890A, 890B.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the extraction tool 900 having three longitudinal ribs 990 extending along a heated portion between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion. The cross-sectional view is through the heated portion. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the cavity, the ribs serve to define the first air pocket 960A, the second air pocket 960B, and the third air pocket 960C. There is very little contact between the article 10 and the ribs 990, and only a small amount of heat is lost at these points of contact. The insulation of the aerosol-forming substrate is provided by three partially annular air pockets 960A, 960B, 960C.

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of a drawing tool 1400 having six longitudinally extending ribs 1490 extending along a heated portion between a stabilizing portion and a positioning portion. The cross-sectional view is through the heated portion. When the aerosol generating article 10 is inserted into the cavity, the ribs are the first air pocket 1460A, the second air pocket 1460B, the third air pocket 1460C, the fourth air pocket 1460D, the fifth air. Helps define pocket 1460E, and sixth air pocket 1460F. There is very little contact between the article 10 and the ribs 1490, and only a small amount of heat is lost at these points of contact. The insulation of the aerosol-forming substrate is provided by six partially annular air pockets 1460A, 1460B, 1460C, 1460D, 1460E, and 1460F.

FIG. 15 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the extraction tool 1400 having six longitudinal ribs 1490 extending along the heating portion 1430 between the stabilizing portion 1420 and the positioning portion 1440. The rib 1490 extending in the long axis direction may provide a strengthening effect to the extraction tool. These longitudinally extending ribs 1490 can help guide the distal end of the aerosol-generating article towards the positioning portion when inserted into the cavity. These longitudinally extending ribs 1490 can help prevent radial deformation of the aerosol-generating article when the heating element is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article.

The above-described embodiment describes an aerosol generation system including an aerosol-generating article 10 and an aerosol-generating device 500, including a extraction tool for receiving the aerosol-generating article 10. The heating element disclosed is a resistance heating element. However, there may be alternative embodiments of the invention. For example, the heating means may include an induction heating means. The heating element may include a susceptor in the form of a blade, and an inductor such as an inductor coil may be disposed around the cavity 110. Alternatively, the aerosol generator article 110 may include a susceptor, and the aerosol generator may include an inductor arranged to heat the susceptor.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates such a guided actuated aerosol generation system. In this system, the aerosol-generating article 1000 is similar to the article 10 described in connection with FIG. One difference comparing the system of FIG. 16 with, for example, the systems described above in relation to FIGS. 2-6, is that the aerosol-forming substrate 1025 of article 1000 incorporates or is associated with the susceptor 1020. It is that you are. In this embodiment, the susceptor is a piece of stainless steel along the major axis. This fragment acts as a susceptor 1020 that can be heated to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. In one particular embodiment, the susceptor 1020 may be in the form of grade 430 stainless steel strips measuring 12 mm x 4 mm x 35 micrometers.

The aerosol generator 1500 is similar to the apparatus described in connection with FIGS. 2-6. However, there is no heating element associated with the device. Instead, the susceptor 1020 is located in thermal communication with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, and when the susceptor is placed in a fluctuating magnetic field generated by the aerosol generator, induction heating generates heat in the susceptor. obtain. Therefore, the aerosol generator 1500 includes an inductor in the form of an induction coil 1600, a power source such as a battery, and control electronics. The induction coil 1600 can generate a fluctuating magnetic field in the cavity of the extraction tool. The susceptor and induction coil can be combined to form a heating means for the aerosol-forming substrate.

Induction heating is a known phenomenon described by Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and Ohm's law. More specifically, Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction states that when the magnetic induction in a conductor changes, an electric field that changes in the conductor is created. Because this electric field is created in the conductor, a current (known as an eddy current) flows in the conductor according to Ohm's law. Eddy currents generate heat proportional to current density and conductor resistivity. Conductors capable of induction heating are known as susceptors. The aerosol generator is an induction heating device equipped with an induction heating source (for example, an induction coil 1600) capable of generating an alternating electromagnetic field from an AC source such as an LC circuit. The heat-generating eddy currents are generated within the susceptor 1020, thereby raising the temperature of the susceptor and allowing it to function as a heating element.

The aerosol generator 1500 comprises a battery and an electronic circuit (not shown) capable of starting the inductor 1600. Such activation may be performed manually or may occur automatically in response to the user sucking the aerosol-generating article 1000 inserted into the substrate receiving cavity of the aerosol generator 1500. The battery supplies DC current. The electronic circuit includes a DC / AC inverter for supplying high frequency AC current to the inductor.

When the device operates, a high frequency alternating current passes through the winding coil that forms part of the induction coil 1600. As a result, the induction coil 1600 generates a fluctuating electromagnetic field in the portion of the substrate receiving cavity of the apparatus. The frequency of the electromagnetic field preferably varies from 1 to 30 MHz, preferably 2 to 10 MHz, for example 5 to 7 MHz. When the aerosol-generating article 1000 is correctly positioned in the substrate receiving cavity, the susceptor 1020 of the article 1000 is located in this fluctuating electromagnetic field, as illustrated in FIG. The fluctuating electromagnetic field creates an eddy current in the susceptor, which is heated as a result. Further heating is provided by the magnetic hysteresis loss in the susceptor. The heated susceptor heats the aerosol-forming substrate 1020 of the aerosol-generating article 1000 to a temperature sufficient to form the aerosol. The aerosol is drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article 1000 and is inhaled by the user. Dissipation from the aerosol-forming substrate 1025 is minimized by the air gap 160 provided in the heated portion of the cavity. As a result, aerosol delivery to the user may be improved.

Claims (14)

An aerosol generator for heating an aerosol-forming substrate provided in a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article, wherein the aerosol generator is:
A cavity extending in the longitudinal direction for receiving the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article, wherein the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction has a longitudinal axis and has a base, a side wall extending from the base, and a cavity extending from the base. A longitudinally extending cavity defined by an opening at the opposite end of the cavity with respect to the base.
The inner surface of the sidewall defines a stabilizing portion of the cavity having a first diameter and a heated portion of the cavity located between the stabilizing portion and the base, wherein the heated portion is the first. Has a second diameter larger than one diameter,
The inner wall of the cavity further defines a positioning portion located at the distal end of the cavity, the heating portion is located between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion, and the positioning portion of the cavity is , An aerosol generator having a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter of the stabilizing portion. The aerosol generator according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the cavity in the heated portion is 110% to 300% larger than the cross-sectional area of the cavity in the stabilized portion. The difference in diameter between the stabilized portion and the heated portion surrounds the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article when the distal portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generator according to claim 1 or 2, which provides one or more insulated air pockets. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air suction port is defined through the base. 13. Aerosol generator. Claimed that the difference in diameter between the first diameter in the stabilized portion and the second diameter in the heated portion is the gap diameter, and the gap diameter is 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The aerosol generator according to any one of 1 to 5. Claimed that the internal sidewall comprises one or more ribs extending longitudinally within the heating portion and radially extending from the internal sidewall, wherein the ribs have radial dimensions equal to the gap diameter. 6. The aerosol generator according to 6. It comprises a first body portion that houses at least a portion of a power source, control electronics, and heating means, and a second body portion that is movable relative to the first body portion and extends in the longitudinal direction. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cavity is defined in the second main body portion. The second body portion is movably connected to the first body portion between the first position and the second position, and the first position is engageable with the aerosol generating article. 8. The operating position defined by the heating means, wherein the second position is a sampling position defined by the aerosol-generating article that is at least partially ejected from the longitudinally extending cavity. The aerosol generator described in. The aerosol generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heating element extends into the heated portion of the cavity. An aerosol generation system including an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol generator configured to heat the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol generator comprises a cavity extending in the major axis for receiving a distal portion of the aerosol generating article, the cavity extending in the longitudinal direction having a longitudinal axis, a base, the base. Demarcated by a sidewall extending from, and an opening at the opposite end of the cavity with respect to the base.
The inner surface of the sidewall defines a stabilizing portion of the cavity having a first diameter and a heated portion of the cavity located between the stabilizing portion and the base, wherein the heated portion is the first. Has a second diameter larger than one diameter,
The inner wall of the cavity further defines a positioning portion located at the distal end of the cavity, the heating portion is located between the stabilizing portion and the positioning portion, and the positioning portion of the cavity is , An aerosol generation system having a third diameter substantially equal to the first diameter of the stabilizing portion. The aerosol-generating article is a substantially cylindrical aerosol-generating article that is heated by the aerosol-generating device, and the aerosol-generating article has a major axis direction axis and an article diameter, and the length of the aerosol-generating device. 11. The aerosol generation system of claim 11, wherein the first diameter of the axially extending cavity is substantially equal to the diameter of the article. The aerosol-generating article comprises a plurality of coaxially aligned components including an aerosol-forming substrate that are assembled within a wrapper to form a substantially cylindrical article having a longitudinal axis and article diameter. 11. The aerosol-generating article has a proximal portion terminating at the proximal end and a distal portion terminating at the distal end, wherein the aerosol-forming substrate is located at the distal portion of the article. Alternatively, the aerosol generation system according to claim 12. The aerosol generation system according to claim 11, 12, or 13, wherein the aerosol generator is defined in any one of claims 2-10.

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