RU2772256C2 - Adaptable aerosol generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an aerosol generating device for use in an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device contains a case forming a device cavity to accommodate at least part of an aerosol generating product, an elongated electric heater located in the device cavity, and a heat-conductive shell fixed above the elongated electric heater in such a way that the electric heater is enclosed inside the heat-conductive shell along at least part of the length of the elongated electric heater. The heat-conductive shell has heat conductivity of at least 40 W/m·K, when measuring according to ASTM C1114-00. The heat-conductive shell and the electric heater are made with the possibility of passage to the aerosol generating product, when placing the aerosol generating product in the device cavity, so that, when used, the aerosol generating product is heated by electric heater through the heat-conductive shell.

EFFECT: possibility of reduction in the rate of occurrence of hot points on a cartridge, and possibility of more uniform or homogenous heating of aerosol forming substrate are provided, thus providing the possibility of more stable aerosol delivery.

15 cl, 7 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge containing an aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating system comprising: a cartridge having a cartridge body defining a substrate compartment and a heating cavity; and an aerosol generating device having a device cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge body and an elongated electrical heater located in the device cavity and configured to pass into the heating cavity when the cartridge is placed in the device cavity. The present invention also relates to an aerosol generating device for use in such a system and to a kit for such an aerosol generating system. The present invention also relates to a method of adapting an aerosol generating device for use with a cartridge to form such an aerosol generating system.

Known handheld aerosol generating systems typically comprise an aerosol generating device comprising a battery, control electronics and an electrical heater for heating an aerosol generating article, such as a cartridge, made specifically for use with said aerosol generating device. In some examples, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco rod or a tobacco plug, and a heater enclosed within the aerosol-generating device and inserted into or around the aerosol-generating substrate upon insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the aerosol-generating device. In an alternative aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a capsule enclosing an aerosol-generating substrate, such as loose tobacco, or a liquid storage portion enclosing a liquid aerosol-producing substrate.

In yet another alternative aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating article may comprise a cartridge in which the aerosol generating substrate contains a nicotine source and an acid source. In use, nicotine and acid react with each other in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles that is inhaled by the user. Devices are known for delivering nicotine to a user, containing a source of nicotine and a source of a volatile compound that improves delivery. For example, WO 2008/121610 A1 discloses devices in which nicotine and an acid such as pyruvic acid react with each other in the gas phase to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles that is inhaled by the user.

Aerosol generating systems are known comprising a cartridge having a cartridge body forming a substrate compartment and a heating cavity, and an aerosol generating device having an elongated electrical heater operable to extend into the cartridge heating cavity. Differences in the size of the electric heater and the heating cavity can prevent heat from being transferred from the electric heater to the cartridge. These differences or the design of the electrical heater can also lead to hot spots on the cartridge, which in turn can lead to non-uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate contained therein. In addition, existing electrical heaters may be damaged during insertion into the cartridge heating cavity if care is not taken to ensure proper alignment of the electrical heater and cartridge and excessive force is used.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device with an electrical heater extendable into a heating cavity in the cartridge, which would allow the cartridge to be heated more uniformly by the electrical heater. It would also be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device with an electrical heater operable into a heating cavity in the cartridge which would reduce the risk of damage to the electrical heater during insertion into the heating cavity.

EP 2 291 065 A1 describes an electrically heated aerosol generating system 1000 comprising an aerosol generating device 110 and an aerosol generating article 101. The aerosol generating device includes a heating element 120. The heating element 120 is fixed in a chamber to accommodate the aerosol generating article 110. the aerosol-generating article 101 into the aerosol-generating article accommodating chamber of the aerosol-generating device 110 such that the heating element 120 pierces the aerosol-generating substrate 21 of the aerosol-generating article 101 and is directly inserted therein. The heating element of the aerosol generating device 110 is a heating blade. The heating element 120 has a heating section 1201 and a holding section 1202. The holding section 1202 extends along a greater length of the heating element 120 than the heating section 1201. In operation, the heating section 1201 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 21 of the aerosol-generating article 101. Preferably to prevent oxidation or corrosion heating element, a protective layer, for example formed from glass, may be provided over the heating element. The protective layer can completely cover the heating substrate. The protective layer or other layers may also provide improved thermal distribution over the heater and may facilitate cleaning of the heater.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating system is provided, comprising a cartridge and an aerosol generating device. The cartridge comprises a cartridge body defining a substrate compartment and a heating cavity; and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed within the substrate compartment. The aerosol generating device comprises a housing defining a device cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge housing; an elongated electrical heater located in the cavity of the device; and a thermally conductive sheath secured over the elongate electrical heater such that the electrical heater is substantially enclosed within the thermally conductive sheath along at least a portion of its length. The thermally conductive sheath and the electrical heater are configured to pass into the heating cavity of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed in the device cavity, so that in use the substrate compartment in the cartridge is heated by the electrical heater through the thermally conductive shell.

This provides the advantage of being able to improve the efficiency of heat transfer from the electrical heater to the cartridge. The sheath may also act to distribute heat from the electrical heater over a larger surface area than with the heater alone, thereby reducing the occurrence of hot spots on the cartridge and allowing the aerosol forming substrate to be heated more evenly or uniformly. This enables a more stable delivery of the aerosol. In addition, the sheath may act as a protective coating over the electrical heater to reduce the risk of damage to the electrical heater during insertion of the cartridge into the cavity of the device. This can be improved by making the shell of a material that is stiffer and/or harder than is possible with an electric heater.

In addition, through the use of a sheath, it is possible to adapt the heating characteristic of the device to a given cartridge without the need to change the design of the electric heater or the device itself. This is because the geometry of the shell used may vary according to the configuration of the cartridge for which the device is intended to be used, such as the size of the heating cavity or the location of the substrate compartment within the cartridge. In this way, it is also possible to facilitate insertion of the cartridge into the device cavity because, by more closely following the dimensions of the heating cavity than the underlying electric heater, the shell is allowed to act as a guide for proper placement of the cartridge in the device cavity. The envelope is also capable of allowing the size of the heating cavity in the cartridge to be increased for a given thickness of the electric heater. This can be particularly useful when using a thin electrical heater, as otherwise efficient heat transfer would require cartridges with correspondingly narrow heating cavities that are difficult to manufacture uniformly.

The system contains a cartridge. The cartridge is consumable. The cartridge and the aerosol generating device are configured to connect and interact with each other to form an aerosol generating system in order to generate an aerosol in situ. The cartridge may be releasably connected to the aerosol generating device. In the context of this document, the term "removably connected" is used in the sense that it is possible to mutually connect and disconnect the cartridge and the device without significant damage to both the device and the cartridge. The cartridge can be removed from the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating substrate is used up. The cartridge can be disposable. The cartridge can be reusable. The cartridge may be refillable with an aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be re-positionable in an aerosol generating device.

As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "substantially enclosed within" means that the portion of the length of the electrical heater that is substantially enclosed within the sheath is sheathed over at least 70 percent of the outer surface area of the electrical heater, preferably at least 80 percent of its outer surface area. , more preferably at least 90 percent of its outer surface area. This includes sheath arrangements in which it extends around the entire circumference of the electric heater, as well as sheath arrangements having one or more openings along its length or around its circumference, such as an open side sheath.

In some embodiments, the thermally conductive sheath covers at least 30 percent of the outer surface area of the electric heater. For example, the thermal sheath may substantially enclose an electrical heater over about 30 percent of the length of the electrical heater. In other examples, the thermally conductive sheath may extend substantially the entire length of the electrical heater and include one or more windows or openings that reduce the amount of outer surface area of the electrical heater covered by the sheath to about 30 percent. If the thermal sheath covers at least 30 percent of the outer surface area of the electrical heater, then it should be understood that the thermal sheath may extend within any region from about 30 percent of the length of the electrical heater to 100 percent of the length of the electrical heater. If the thermal envelope contains one or more windows or openings, these one or more windows or apertures are preferably located on a distal portion of the thermal envelope, such as at the distal end of the thermal envelope. Thus, said one or more windows or openings make it possible to reduce the required amount of thermally conductive material while maintaining good thermal contact between the electric heater and the cartridge at the proximal end of the thermally conductive shell.

As used herein, the term "thermally conductive sheath" refers to a sheath having a thermal conductivity of at least 40 W/m⋅K, preferably or at least 100 W/m⋅K. Unless otherwise noted, thermal conductivity values referenced in this document are thermal conductivity values measured in accordance with ASTM C1114-00.

The sheath may be thermally coupled to the electrical heater via one or more intermediate components. Preferably, the sheath is in direct contact with the electric heater along at least a portion of the sheath's length. The shell may be thermally bonded to the cartridge through one or more intermediate components. Preferably, the sheath is in direct contact with the cartridge along at least a portion of the sheath's length. In particularly preferred embodiments, the sheath is in direct contact with both the cartridge and the electrical heater along at least a portion of the sheath's length.

The sheath substantially encloses the electrical heater along at least a portion of the length of the electrical heater. In preferred embodiments, the sheath substantially encloses an electrical heater along the entire length of that portion of the electrical heater that is operable to extend into the heating cavity of the cartridge. Preferably, the electrical heater is substantially enclosed within a thermally conductive sheath substantially along the entire length of the electrical heater. As used herein, "along substantially the entire length of the electric heater" refers to at least 80 percent of the length of the electric heater, preferably at least 90 percent of the length of the electric heater, more preferably at least 95 percent of the length of the electric heater.

The thermally conductive sheath may be permanently fixed over the electrical heater. Preferably, the thermally conductive sheath may be removably secured over the electrical heater. With this arrangement, the sheath can be removed and replaced with a new sheath independently of the rest of the device, for example after a certain number of uses. In this way, it is possible to maintain the performance of the device without the need to clean the electrical heater or the thermally conductive sheath. As a result, it is possible to replace the shell with a shell that meets the requirements of this cartridge. For example, the shell can be replaced with a shell with different dimensions or made of a different material.

The shell may be made up of a plurality of components. For example, the shell may be made up of two or more separate shell segments that are joined together. Preferably, the sheath is made from a single piece of thermally conductive component.

In preferred embodiments, the sheath is made from a single sheet of thermally conductive material that is folded or folded into the desired shape. This ensures the simplicity of the design and manufacture of the shell.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the sheath comprises a sheet of thermally conductive material that is folded or folded along one fold line such that the sheath comprises two opposite sheath walls between which an electrical heater is substantially enclosed along at least a portion of its length, and an opening opposite said one fold lines. This has been found to provide a particularly simple yet effective design. Said opening makes it possible to facilitate the placement of the sheath over the electric heater during manufacture or assembly.

Preferably, the thermally conductive material sheet is resilient and is folded or folded in such a way that the fold line provides an elastic force to move the walls of the shell in different directions in the specified hole. In this way, it is possible to facilitate the placement of the shell over the electric heater, either by the user or during manufacture. For example, a sheet of thermally conductive material may be folded or folded into a substantially V-shape. With this arrangement, the walls of the shell are displaced in different directions in the specified hole. The opposite walls of the shell can then be closed over the electric heater. For example, if the electrical heater is flat, then opposite shell walls may then be lapped over the electrical heater such that the shell walls are parallel.

The shell may have a substantially smooth outer surface. In this way, it is possible to reduce the insertion force required to insert the shell into the heating cavity of the cartridge, and hence the insertion force required to insert the cartridge into the device cavity.

In preferred embodiments, the implementation of the shell contains many protrusions on its outer surface.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the sheath comprises a corrugated sheet of thermally conductive material. With this arrangement, the corrugated structure allows the shell to be folded over its entire thickness to match in shape with the outer surface of the electric heater and the inner surface of the heating cavity of the cartridge. In this way, it is possible to increase the stability of the thermal contact between the electric heater and the cartridge by compensating for manufacturing tolerances of the electric heater, the shell, and the cartridge. This enables more efficient heat transfer between the electric heater and the cartridge. In this way, it is also possible to help provide more uniform performance between different cartridges or different devices. In this way, it is also possible to secure contact between the shell and the cartridge while limiting the insertion force between the cartridge and the device. The corrugations also provide the possibility of increasing the moment of inertia of the shell compared to a flat sheet having a uniform sheet thickness. This increases the rigidity of the shell and makes it possible to reduce the risk of bending the electric heater and the shell during insertion of the cartridge into the cavity of the device. In this way, it is also possible to reduce the amount of material required to produce a shell of a given stiffness or thickness.

Preferably, the corrugated sheet of thermally conductive material comprises a first set of corrugations extending along a first direction and a second set of corrugations extending along a second direction at an angle to the first direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to maintain the rigidity of the shell in all directions. This differs from an arrangement in which each corrugation runs in the same direction across the entire width or length of the shell, and in which the shell may be more susceptible to bending under a bending moment applied about an axis that is parallel to the direction of the corrugation. In some embodiments, the corrugations are arranged in a chevron pattern. The sheet may be corrugated such that the corrugations in the finished sheet are symmetrical about one or more axes. For example, the corrugations may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the shell.

The thermally conductive sheath may be made from any suitable thermally conductive material or materials. Preferably, the thermally conductive sheath is made of a metal or an alloy. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, copper, and steel, or any combination thereof.

The shell may be of any suitable thickness. In some preferred embodiments, the sheath has a thickness of from about 0.20 mm to about 0.35 mm, preferably from about 0.22 mm to about 0.30 mm, more preferably from about 0.25 mm to about 0.29 mm, most preferably about 0.27 mm. These ranges have been found to provide a particularly desirable combination of efficient heat transfer and electrical heater protection without unduly increasing the weight of the device or the insertion force required to insert the cartridge into the cavity of the device.

In the context of this document, the term "thickness" in relation to the shell refers to the wall thickness of the shell, and not to the overall width or depth of the shell as a whole. For example, if the shell is made from a sheet of thermally conductive material, then the term "thickness" refers to the thickness of the sheet itself.

The sheath may be secured in the cavity of the device by any suitable connection. For example, the sheath may be removably secured over the electric heater by means of a clip or mounting pin. In preferred embodiments, the sheath is provided with a sheath mount whereby the sheath is secured over the electric heater. The sheath attachment is preferably located at the distal end of the sheath. Preferably, the sheath attachment is configured to tightly engage with a latch at the distal end of the device cavity. In such embodiments, the shell attachment may be of any suitable shape. For example, the shell attachment may be generally disc-shaped. The latch may include a clip, inside which the fastening of the shell is fixed. The latch may include a raised edge to which the shell attachment is tightly attached.

If the sheath comprises a sheet of thermally conductive material that is folded or folded into such a shape that the sheath comprises two or more sheath walls within which an electrical heater is substantially enclosed, then the sheath may be secured at the distal end of one or more of the sheath walls. Preferably, the shell attachment comprises a first shell attachment portion located at the distal end of the first housing wall and a second shell attachment portion located at the distal end of the second housing wall. In such an arrangement, the shell fastening is formed by connecting the shell walls around the electric heater to each other and combining the shell fastening portions to form the shell fastening. In this way, it is possible to assist in holding together the walls of the sheath on the electric heater by attaching the sheath, as well as being able to fix the sheath within the cavity of the device.

The sheath attachment may be made from any suitable high temperature resistant material. Preferably, the shell attachment is made of a material having a low thermal conductivity. For example, the shell attachment may contain or be made from polyetheretherketone.

The aerosol generating device of the present invention comprises an elongated electrical heater. The heating element may be an electrical resistance heater. This provides the advantage of simple design of the device.

The electric heater is made in the form of an internal heater, which, when used, is located on the inside of the cartridge. Said aerosol generating device may preferably include a guide section configured to cooperate with the cartridge to facilitate proper alignment of the electric heater with the heating cavity of the cartridge.

Preferably, the electrical heater is configured to heat the cartridge to a temperature below about 250 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the electrical heater is configured to heat the cartridge to a temperature of from about 80 degrees Celsius to about 150 degrees Celsius.

Preferably, the elongated electric heater is in the form of a heating blade that is wider than it is thick. In such embodiments, the implementation of the heating cavity in the cartridge can be made in the form of an elongated slot.

The electrical heater may be a resistance heater. Alternatively, the electrical heater may be an induction heater. Preferably, the electrical heater comprises an electrical heating element comprising an electrically resistive material. Said electric heating element may comprise an inelastic material, such as a ceramic sintered material such as alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) and silicon nitride (Si ₃ N ₄ ), or a printed circuit board or silicone rubber. Alternatively, the electrical heating element may comprise a resilient metallic material, such as an iron alloy or nickel-chromium alloy.

Other suitable electrically resistive materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (such as molybdenum disilicide, for example), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material. Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and the platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, alloys of nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium and manganese, superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal ® and alloys based on iron-manganese-aluminum. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation, 1999 Broadway Suite 4300, Denver, Colorado. In composite materials, the electrically resistive material may, if necessary, be embedded in, encapsulated in, or coated with an insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the energy transfer kinetics and the required external physicochemical properties.

The electrical heating element may be made using a metal having a certain relationship between temperature and resistivity. In such embodiments, the metal may be provided as a track between two layers of suitable insulating materials. An electrical heating element thus constructed can be used both as a heater and as a temperature sensor.

Preferably, the electrical heater does not protrude from the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating system may also include a power source for supplying power to an electrical heater; and a controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the electric heater. Any suitable electronic circuit may be used as the controller. The controller may be programmable.

The power source may be a DC voltage source. In preferred embodiments, the power supply is a battery. For example, the power source may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate, or lithium-polymer battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged and may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy storage to operate the aerosol generating device with one or more aerosol generating articles.

The aerosol generating device may include one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of the electric heater and the temperature of the substrate compartment in the cartridge. In such embodiments, the controller may be configured to control energization of the heater based on the sensed temperature.

The cartridge may be placed entirely within the cavity of the aerosol generating device or partially within the cavity of the aerosol generating device. Preferably, the length of the cavity of the aerosol generating device is less than the length of the cartridge so that when the cartridge is placed in the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the proximal or downstream end of the aerosol generating article protrudes from the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

Preferably, the cavity of the aerosol generating device is substantially cylindrical.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the terms "cylinder" and "cylindrical" refer to a substantially straight circular cylinder with a pair of opposite essentially flat end surfaces.

Preferably, the cavity of the aerosol generating device has a diameter substantially equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the cartridge.

The cartridge contains a substrate compartment in which the aerosol-forming substrate is placed. The substrate compartment may contain one aerosol-forming substrate. The substrate compartment may contain a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates. If the substrate compartment contains several aerosol-forming substrates, they may be stored separately or together. In preferred embodiments, the cartridge contains a nicotine source and an acid source for use in an aerosol generating system for in situ generation of an aerosol containing nicotine salt particles. As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term " in situ " (directly in situ) means that when used, the nicotine vapor emitted from the nicotine source and the lactic acid vapor emitted from the lactic acid source react with each other in a gas phase within the aerosol generating system of the present invention to form an aerosol containing nicotine lactate salt particles.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base or nicotine salt. In those embodiments in which the carrier material is impregnated with nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amounts of nicotine referred to herein are the amount of nicotine base or the amount of ionized nicotine, respectively.

The nicotine source may contain one or more of the following: nicotine, a nicotine base, a nicotine salt such as nicotine HCl, nicotine bitartrate or nicotine ditartrate, or a nicotine derivative. The nicotine source may contain natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine. The nicotine source may comprise pure nicotine, a solution of nicotine in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent, or liquid tobacco extract.

The nicotine source may further comprise an electrolyte-forming compound. The electrolyte-forming compound may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. For example, the nicotine source may contain an electrolyte-forming compound selected from the group consisting of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium oxide, barium oxide, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, ammonium sulfate, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the nicotine source may comprise an aqueous nicotine solution, a nicotine base, a nicotine salt or nicotine derivative, and an electrolyte-forming compound. Alternatively or additionally, the nicotine source may additionally contain other components including, but not limited to, natural flavors, artificial flavors, and antioxidants.

The nicotine source may comprise a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine. For example, the first carrier material may be infused with about 1 milligram to about 50 milligrams of nicotine, preferably about 1 milligram to about 40 milligrams of nicotine, more preferably about 3 milligrams to about 30 milligrams of nicotine, more preferably about 6 milligrams of nicotine. up to about 20 milligrams of nicotine, most preferably from about 8 milligrams to about 18 milligrams of nicotine.

The first carrier material may be impregnated with liquid nicotine or a solution of nicotine in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent. The first carrier material may be impregnated with natural nicotine or synthetic nicotine.

Preferably, the first carrier material has a density of from about 0.1 gram/cubic centimeter to about 0.3 gram/cubic centimeter. Preferably, the first carrier material has a porosity of from about 15 percent to about 55 percent.

The first carrier material may comprise one or more of the following: glass, cellulose, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and BAREX ^® .

The first carrier material acts as a reservoir for nicotine.

Preferably, the first carrier material is chemically inert with respect to nicotine.

The first carrier material may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the first carrier material may be in the form of a sheet or a plug. The shape, size, density and porosity of the first carrier material may be chosen such that the first carrier material can be impregnated with the required amount of nicotine.

Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge may also contain flavor. Suitable flavors include, but are not limited to, menthol. Preferably, the first carrier material may be impregnated with a flavorant in an amount of from about 3 milligrams to about 12 milligrams.

The acid source may contain an organic acid or an inorganic acid.

Preferably, the acid source contains an organic acid, more preferably a carboxylic acid, most preferably an alpha-keto or 2-oxo acid, or lactic acid.

Preferably, the acid source contains an acid selected from the group consisting of 3-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoic acid, pyruvic acid, 2-oxo-pentanoic acid, 4-methyl-2-oxo-pentanoic acid, 3-methyl-2-oxo-butanoic acid, 2- oxooctanoic acid, lactic acid, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the acid source contains pyruvic acid or lactic acid. More preferably, the acid source contains lactic acid.

The acid source may comprise a second carrier material impregnated with acid. Preferably, the acid source is a lactic acid source comprising a second carrier material impregnated with lactic acid. For example, the second carrier material may be impregnated with lactic acid in an amount of from about 2 milligrams to about 60 milligrams, from about 5 milligrams to about 50 milligrams of lactic acid, more preferably from about 8 milligrams to about 40 milligrams of lactic acid, most preferably from about 10 milligram to about 30 milligrams of lactic acid.

Preferably, the second carrier material has a density of from about 0.1 grams/cubic centimeter to about 0.3 grams/cubic centimeter. Preferably, the second carrier material has a porosity of from about 15 percent to about 55 percent.

The second carrier material may comprise one or more of the following: glass, cellulose, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and BAREX ^® .

The second carrier material acts as a reservoir for the acid.

Preferably, the second carrier material is chemically inert to the acid.

The second carrier material may be of any suitable shape and size. For example, the second carrier material may be in the form of a sheet or a plug. The shape, size, density and porosity of the second carrier material may be chosen such that the second carrier material can be impregnated with the required amount of acid.

The first carrier material and the second carrier material may be the same or different.

Preferably, the substrate compartment comprises a first compartment containing a nicotine source and a second compartment containing an acid source. The nicotine source preferably contains a first carrier material impregnated with nicotine as described above. Preferably, the shape and size of the first carrier material is similar to the shape and size of the first compartment of the cartridge. The acid source preferably contains a second carrier material impregnated with an acid, such as lactic acid. Preferably, the shape and size of the second carrier material is similar to the shape and size of the second compartment of the cartridge.

Preferably, the electric heater is configured to heat the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to substantially the same temperature.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the expression "substantially the same temperature" means that the temperature difference between the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge, measured at respective locations relative to the heater, is less than about 3°C.

In use, by heating the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge to a temperature above ambient temperature, it provides the advantage of being able to proportionally control and balance the concentration of nicotine vapor in the first compartment of the cartridge and the acid vapor pressure in the second compartment of the cartridge to achieve an effective stoichiometry of the reaction between nicotine and acid. This provides the advantage of being able to improve the production efficiency of the nicotine salt particles and the stability of their delivery to the user. This also provides the advantage of being able to reduce the delivery of unreacted nicotine and unreacted acid to the user.

The cartridge contains a heating cavity for accommodating an electric heater and a heat-conducting shell of the aerosol generating device. If the cartridge contains two or more aerosol-forming substrates, such as a nicotine source and an acid source, stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, then the electric heater is preferably configured to heat both the first compartment and the second compartment. In such embodiments, the heating cavity is preferably located between the first compartment and the second compartment. In other words, the first compartment and the second compartment are located on both sides of the heating cavity.

In preferred embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a nicotine source and an acid source, and the substrate compartment comprises a first compartment containing the nicotine source and a second compartment containing the acid source, the first and second compartments being located on either side of the heating cavity. .

Preferably, the heating cavity extends from the distal end of the cartridge at least partially along the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the heating cavity extends along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The heating cavity may extend from the distal end of the cartridge to the proximal end of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the heating cavity has an open distal end and an open proximal end. The heating cavity may extend from the distal end of the cartridge along a portion of the length of the cartridge. In such embodiments, the heating cavity has an open distal end and a closed proximal end.

The heating cavity can be closed along its entire length.

The heating cavity may be open along at least a portion of its length. This provides the advantage of being able to facilitate insertion of the heater within said cavity.

As further described and illustrated below, said cartridge preferably comprises a first compartment containing a nicotine source and a second compartment containing an acid source. In the context of this document, the term "first compartment" is used to describe one or more chambers or containers within a cartridge containing a source of nicotine. In the context of this document, the term "second compartment" is used to describe one or more chambers or containers within a cartridge containing a source of acid.

The first compartment may consist of one or more first chambers within the cartridge. The number and dimensions of the first chambers can be chosen so that the required amount of nicotine can be included in the cartridge. The second compartment may consist of one or more second chambers within the cartridge. The number and dimensions of the second chambers can be chosen so that the required amount of acid can be included in the cartridge.

The first compartment and the second compartment may be adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the first compartment and the second compartment may be located at a distance from each other.

When using vapor, nicotine is released from the nicotine source in the first compartment and acid is released from the acid source in the second compartment. The nicotine vapor reacts with the acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol which is delivered to the user. Preferably, the aerosol generating system of the present invention also includes a reaction chamber located downstream of the first compartment and the second compartment and configured to facilitate the reaction between the nicotine vapor and the acid vapor. The cartridge may contain a reaction chamber. Alternatively, if the aerosol generating system includes a mouthpiece, then the mouthpiece may comprise a reaction chamber.

As further described below, the first compartment and the second compartment may be arranged in series or in parallel within the cartridge. Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in parallel.

In the context of this document, the term "in series" means that the first compartment and the second compartment are located within the cartridge in such a way that, during use, the airflow drawn through the cartridge first passes through one of the first compartment and the second compartment and then passes through the other from the first department and second department. Nicotine vapor is released from the nicotine source in the first compartment into the air stream drawn through the cartridge, and acid vapor is released from the acid source in the second compartment into the air stream drawn through the cartridge. The nicotine vapor reacts with the acid vapor in the gas phase to form an aerosol which is delivered to the user.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may include an air inlet; a first compartment containing a nicotine source and communicating with an air inlet; a second compartment containing a source of acid and communicating with the first compartment; and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet communicating with each other and configured such that air can enter the cartridge through the air inlet, pass through the housing, and exit the housing through the air outlet.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "air inlet" is used to describe one or more openings through which air can be drawn into a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating system. As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "air outlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be expelled from a component or part of a component of an aerosol generating system.

In such embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in series in the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet inside the cartridge. In other words, the first compartment is downstream of the air inlet, the second compartment is downstream of the first compartment, and the air outlet is downstream of the second compartment. In use, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the first compartment and then through the second compartment, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the cartridge may further comprise a third compartment in communication with the second compartment and an air outlet. In use, in such embodiments, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the first compartment, the second compartment, and then the third compartment, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the cartridge may also include a mouthpiece in communication with the second compartment, or with the third compartment, if any, and with an air outlet. In use, in such embodiments, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the first compartment, the second compartment, the third compartment, if any, and then through the mouthpiece, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet. .

In other embodiments, the cartridge may include: an air inlet; a second compartment containing an acid source and communicating with an air inlet; a first compartment containing a source of nicotine and communicating with a second compartment; and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet communicating with each other and configured such that air can enter the cartridge through the air inlet, pass through the cartridge, and exit the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the second compartment and the first compartment are arranged in series in the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet inside the cartridge. In other words, the second compartment is downstream of the air inlet, the first compartment is downstream of the second compartment, and the air outlet is downstream of the first compartment. In use, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the second compartment and then through the first compartment, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the cartridge may also include a third compartment in communication with the first compartment and an air outlet. In use, in such embodiments, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the second compartment, the first compartment, and then through the third compartment, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the cartridge may also include a mouthpiece in communication with the first compartment, or the third compartment, if any, and an air outlet. In use, in such embodiments, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, passes further downstream through the second compartment, the third compartment, if any, and then through the mouthpiece, and exits the cartridge through the air outlet.

If the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in series within the cartridge, then the second compartment is preferably located downstream of the first compartment so that in use the airflow drawn through the cartridge passes through the first compartment and then passes through the second compartment.

By positioning the second compartment containing the acid source downstream of the first compartment containing the nicotine source, there is an advantage of improving the stability of nicotine delivery in the aerosol generating system. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it may be believed that locating the acid source downstream of the nicotine source reduces or eliminates the deposition of acid vapor emitted from the acid source on the nicotine source during use. Thus, the attenuation of nicotine delivery over time in the aerosol generating system is reduced. In this way, it is also possible to reduce the risk of unwanted delivery of unreacted acid vapor to the user.

As used herein, the term "parallel" means that the first compartment and the second compartment are located within the cartridge such that, in use, the first airflow drawn through the cartridge passes through the first compartment and the second airflow drawn through the cartridge passes through the second compartment. department. Nicotine vapor is released from the nicotine source in the first compartment into the first air stream drawn through the cartridge, and acid vapor is released from the acid source in the second compartment into the second air stream drawn through the cartridge. The nicotine vapor in the first air stream reacts with the acid vapor in the second air stream in gas phase to form an aerosol which is delivered to the user.

In some embodiments, the cartridge comprises: an air inlet; a first compartment containing a nicotine source and communicating with an air inlet; a second compartment containing an acid source and communicating with an air inlet; and an air outlet, the air inlet and the air outlet communicating with each other and configured such that air can enter the cartridge through the air inlet, pass through the cartridge, and exit the housing through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in parallel in the direction from the air inlet to the air outlet inside the cartridge. Both the first compartment and the second compartment are located downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet. In use, airflow is drawn into the cartridge through the air inlet, a first portion of the airflow is drawn downstream through the first compartment, and a second portion of the airflow is drawn downstream through the second compartment.

In such embodiments, the cartridge may also include a third compartment in communication with: one or both of the first compartment and the second compartment; and with an air outlet. In such embodiments, the cartridge may also include a mouthpiece in communication with: a first compartment and a second compartment, or a third compartment, if any; and with an air outlet.

In other embodiments, the cartridge comprises: a first air inlet; a second air inlet; a first compartment containing a source of nicotine and communicating with the first air inlet; a second compartment containing an acid source and communicating with the second air inlet; and an air outlet, wherein the first air inlet, the second air inlet, and the air outlet are in communication with each other and configured such that air can enter the cartridge through the first air inlet, pass through the cartridge, and exit from the cartridge through the air outlet, and air can enter the cartridge through the first air inlet, pass through the cartridge, and exit the cartridge through the air outlet.

In such embodiments, the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged in parallel within the cartridge. The first compartment is located downstream relative to the first air inlet and upstream relative to the air outlet, and the second compartment is located downstream relative to the second air inlet and upstream relative to the air outlet. In use, the first air stream is drawn into the cartridge through the first air inlet and passes downstream through the first compartment, and the second air stream is drawn into the cartridge through the second air inlet and passes further downstream through the second compartment.

The first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment is located at the proximal end of the first cartridge compartment. The first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment is upstream of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment. The second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment is located at the proximal end of the second cartridge compartment. The second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment is located upstream of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment.

In such an embodiment, the cartridge may also include a third compartment in communication with: one or both of the first compartment and the second compartment; and with an air outlet. In such embodiments, the aerosol-generating article may further comprise a mouthpiece in communication with: a first compartment and a second compartment, or a third compartment, if any; and with an air outlet.

In those embodiments in which the cartridge contains a third compartment, this third compartment may contain one or more aerosol modification agents. For example, the third compartment may contain one or more sorbents such as activated charcoal, one or more flavors such as menthol, or a combination thereof.

Preferably, the first compartment is elongated and has a length L ₁ and a maximum cross-sectional area A ₁ , the first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet, and enclosing a nicotine source comprising a first carrier material loaded with nicotine as described above.

Preferably, the second compartment is an elongated second compartment having a length L ₂ and a maximum cross-sectional area A ₂ , contains a second air inlet and a second air outlet, and encloses an acid source, with the first compartment and the second compartment arranged in parallel inside cartridge, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is at least about 12:1, and the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is also at least about 12:1.

By providing an elongated first compartment having a length L ₁ and a maximum cross-sectional area A ₁ and an elongated second compartment having a length L ₂ and a maximum cross-sectional area A ₂ , wherein the ratio (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ and the ratio (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is at least about 12:1, providing the advantage of facilitating uniform heating of the nicotine source in the first compartment and the acid source in the second compartment throughout the life of the cartridge. This also makes it possible to promote the evaporation of nicotine from the nicotine source in the first compartment and the evaporation of acid from the acid source in the second compartment.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is from about 12:1 to about 400:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is at least about 15:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is from about 15:1 to about 200:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is at least about 20:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ is from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

For example, the ratio of (L ₁ ) ² to A ₁ may be from about 25:1 to about 70:1, or from about 30:1 to about 70:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is from about 12:1 to about 400:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is at least about 15:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is from about 15:1 to about 200:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is at least about 20:1.

Preferably, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ is from about 20:1 to about 100:1.

For example, the ratio of (L ₂ ) ² to A ₂ may be from about 25:1 to about 70:1, or from about 30:1 to about 70:1.

Preferably, by providing the nicotine source and acid source in separate compartments with separate air inlets and separate air outlets, there is an advantage of helping to control the stoichiometry of the reaction between nicotine and acid.

The ratio of nicotine and acid required to achieve the appropriate reaction stoichiometry can be controlled and balanced by varying the volume of the first compartment relative to the volume of the second compartment.

The shape and dimensions of the first compartment of the cartridge can be chosen so that the required amount of nicotine can be placed in the cartridge.

The shape and dimensions of the second compartment of the cartridge can be chosen so as to be able to accommodate the required amount of acid in the cartridge.

The first compartment has a length L ₁ , a width W ₁ and a height H ₁ , and the second compartment has a length L ₂ , a width W ₂ and a height H ₂ . Preferably, the ratio of L ₁ to W ₁ and L ₂ to W ₂ may be from about 2:1 to about 4:1, such as from about 5:2 to about 3:1. Preferably, the ratio of L ₁ to H ₁ and L ₂ to H ₂ may be at least about 6:1.

Preferably, the ratio of L ₁ to H ₁ and L ₂ to H ₂ may be from about 6:1 to about 30:1. Preferably, the ratio of L ₁ to H ₁ and L ₂ to H ₂ may be from about 8:1 to about 16:1.

Preferably, the first cartridge compartment has a length L ₁ from about 8 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, for example from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge has a width W ₁ of about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. Preferably, the first compartment of the cartridge has a height H ₁ of about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.

The first compartment of the cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the first compartment may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

Preferably, the second cartridge compartment has a length L ₂ from about 8 millimeters to about 40 millimeters, for example from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters. Preferably, the second cartridge compartment has a width W ₂ of about 4 millimeters to about 6 millimeters. Preferably, the second compartment of the cartridge has a height H ₂ of about 0.5 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.

The second compartment of the cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the second compartment may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

The shape and dimensions of the first compartment and the second compartment may be the same or different.

Preferably, the ratio of the length L _{1 of} the first compartment to the length L _{2 of} the second compartment is from about 2:1 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 1.2:1 to about 1:1.2.

Preferably, the ratio of the maximum cross-sectional area A _{1 of} the first compartment to the maximum cross-sectional area A _{2 of} the second compartment is from about 2:1 to about 1:2, more preferably from about 1.2:1 to about 1:1.2.

Preferably, the shape and dimensions of the first compartment and the second compartment are substantially the same. By providing the first compartment and the second compartment having substantially the same shape and dimensions, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

Each of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise one or more holes. For example, each of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes.

The first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes.

Preferably, each of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment contains a plurality of holes. For example, each of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes.

By providing a first compartment having a first air inlet containing a plurality of holes and a second compartment having a second air inlet containing a plurality of holes, the advantage of being able to obtain a more uniform airflow within the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively, is provided. Thus, in use, it is possible to improve the entrainment of nicotine into the airflow drawn through the first compartment and to improve the entrainment of acid into the airflow drawn through the second compartment.

The ratio of nicotine to acid required to achieve the proper reaction stoichiometry can be controlled and balanced by varying the air volume flow through the first compartment of the cartridge relative to the air volume flow through the second compartment of the cartridge. The ratio of the volumetric airflow through the first compartment to the volumetric airflow through the second compartment can be adjusted by varying one or more of the number, size and location of the openings defining the first air inlet in the first compartment relative to the number, size and location of the openings defining the second air inlet. air hole in the second compartment of the cartridge.

In embodiments where the acid source contains lactic acid, the flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment is preferably larger than the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "flow area" is used to describe the cross-sectional area of an air inlet or air outlet through which air passes during use. In those embodiments in which the air inlet or air outlet comprises a plurality of holes, the flow area of the air inlet or air outlet is the sum of the flow areas of all of the plurality of holes forming the air inlet or air outlet. air. In those embodiments in which the cross-sectional area of the air inlet or air outlet varies in the direction of the air flow, the flow area of the air inlet or air outlet is the minimum cross-sectional area in the direction of the air flow.

By increasing the flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment relative to the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment, there is an advantage of increasing the air volume flow through the second air inlet compared to the air volume flow through the first air inlet. air hole.

In embodiments where the acid source contains lactic acid, the ratio of the bore of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment to the bore of the second air inlet in the second cartridge chamber is preferably from about 3:4 to about 1:2. More preferably, the ratio of the flow area of the first air inlet in the first compartment of the cartridge to the flow area of the second air inlet in the second compartment of the cartridge is from about 2:3 to about 1:2.

The flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment can be increased relative to the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment by increasing the size of one or more holes defining the second air inlet relative to the size of one or more holes forming the first an air inlet and/or by increasing the number of holes forming the second air inlet relative to the number of holes forming the first air inlet.

Preferably, the flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment is increased relative to the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment by increasing the number of holes forming the second air inlet relative to the number of holes forming the first air inlet.

Preferably, the first air inlet in the first compartment of the cartridge contains 2 to 5 holes. Preferably, the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment has 3 to 7 holes.

Preferably, the flow area of the first air inlet in the first compartment of the cartridge is from about 0.1 square millimeters to about 1.6 square millimeters, more preferably from about 0.2 square millimeters to about 0.8 square millimeters.

In those embodiments in which the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of openings, these openings may have different flow areas such that the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment is unevenly distributed between the openings forming the first inlet. for air.

In those embodiments where the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of openings, all of these openings may have the same flow area such that the flow area of the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment is evenly distributed between the openings defining the first air inlet. By providing a first compartment having a first air inlet comprising a plurality of openings having substantially the same flow area, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

The first air inlet in the first compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more holes having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the diameter of each hole is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

In embodiments where the acid source contains lactic acid, the flow area of the second air inlet in the second compartment of the cartridge is preferably from about 0.2 square millimeters to about 2.4 square millimeters, more preferably from about 0.4 square millimeters. up to approximately 1.2 square millimeters.

In those embodiments in which the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of openings, these openings may have different flow areas such that the total flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment is unevenly distributed between the openings forming the second inlet. air hole.

In those embodiments where the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of openings, all of these openings may have the same flow area such that the flow area of the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment is evenly distributed between the openings forming the second air inlet. By providing a second compartment having a second air inlet comprising a plurality of openings having substantially the same flow area, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

The second air inlet in the second compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more holes having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. Preferably, each hole has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the diameter of each hole is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

Preferably, the first compartment has a longitudinal first air inlet and the second compartment has a longitudinal second air inlet.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "longitudinal air inlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn in the longitudinal direction into a component or portion of a cartridge component.

Preferably, before the first use of the cartridge, the first air inlet in the first compartment and/or the second air inlet in the second compartment may be sealed by one or more removable or frangible baffles. For example, the first air inlet in the first compartment and/or the second air inlet in the second compartment may be sealed with one or more tear-off or pierceable seals.

Said one or more removable or frangible baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, said one or more removable or fragile baffles may be made of metal foil or film.

Each of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise one or more holes. For example, each of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes.

The first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes.

Preferably, each of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise a plurality of holes. For example, each of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may comprise two, three, four, five, six, or seven holes. By providing a first compartment having a first air outlet having a plurality of holes and a second compartment having a second air outlet having a plurality of holes, there is an advantage of being able to achieve a more uniform airflow in the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively. . Thus, in use, it is possible to improve the entrainment of nicotine into the air stream drawn through the first compartment and the entrainment of acid into the air stream drawn through the second compartment.

In embodiments where the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, the first air outlet preferably comprises 2 to 5 holes. In those embodiments where the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, the second air outlet preferably comprises 3 to 7 holes.

Preferably, the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may each have one opening. By providing a first compartment having a first air outlet having a single hole and a second compartment having a second air outlet having a single hole, the advantage of being able to simplify the manufacture of the cartridge is provided.

The ratio of nicotine to acid required to achieve the proper reaction stoichiometry can be controlled and balanced by varying the air volume flow through the first compartment of the cartridge relative to the air volume flow through the second compartment of the cartridge. The ratio of the volumetric airflow through the first compartment to the volumetric airflow through the second compartment can be adjusted by varying one or more of the [/g1]number, size and location of the openings defining the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge relative to the number, size and location holes defining a second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge.

The flow area of the first air outlet in the first compartment may be the same as or different from the flow area of the second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge. The flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may be larger than the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment.

By increasing the flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment relative to the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment, there is an advantage that the air volume flow through the second air outlet can be increased compared to the air volume flow through the first air outlet.

In those embodiments where the acid source contains lactic acid, the ratio of the bore of the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge to the bore of the second air outlet in the second chamber of the cartridge is preferably from about 3:4 to about 1:2. More preferably, the ratio of the flow area of the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge to the flow area of the second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge is from about 2:3 to about 1:2.

In those embodiments in which the flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment is larger than the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment, the flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may be increased relative to the flow area section of the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge by increasing the size of one or more holes forming the second air outlet with respect to the size of one or more holes forming the first air outlet and/or by increasing the number of holes forming the second air outlet an air outlet, relative to the number of holes forming the first air outlet.

Preferably, the flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment is increased relative to the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment by increasing the number of holes forming the second air outlet relative to the number of holes forming the first air outlet.

The first air inlet and the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes. Preferably, the first air inlet and the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment have the same number of holes. By providing a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet having the same number of holes, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

The second air inlet and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may have the same or different number of holes. Preferably, the second air inlet and the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment have the same number of holes. By providing a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet having the same number of holes, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified. Preferably, the flow area of the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge is from about 0.1 square millimeters to about 5 square millimeters.

In those embodiments in which the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, these holes can have a different flow area, so that the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment is unevenly distributed between the holes forming the first outlet for air.

In those embodiments in which the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, all of these holes may have the same flow area such that the flow area of the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment is evenly distributed between the openings defining the first air outlet. By providing a first compartment having a first air outlet comprising a plurality of openings having substantially the same flow area, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

The first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more holes having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. In those embodiments in which the first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge comprises a plurality of holes, each hole preferably has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In such embodiments, the diameter of each hole is preferably from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment may be the same or different from the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment.

Preferably, the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment may be substantially the same as the dimensions of the one or more openings defining the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment. By providing a first compartment having a first air inlet and a first air outlet having one or more holes having substantially the same dimensions, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

Preferably, the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment may be larger than the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment. By increasing the size of the openings defining the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment relative to the openings defining the first air inlet in the first cartridge compartment, there is an advantage that it is possible to reduce the risk of clogging the first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment, for example, dust.

Preferably, the flow area of the second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge is from about 0.1 square millimeters to about 5 square millimeters.

In those embodiments where the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of openings, the openings may have a different flow area such that the total flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment is unevenly distributed between the openings forming the second outlet. air hole.

In those embodiments in which the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, all of these holes may have the same flow area such that the total flow area of the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment is evenly distributed between the holes forming second air outlet. By providing a second compartment having a second air outlet comprising a plurality of openings having substantially the same flow area, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

The second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge may comprise one or more holes having any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each hole may be round, elliptical, square, or rectangular. In those embodiments where the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment comprises a plurality of holes, each hole preferably has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In such embodiments, the diameter of each hole is preferably from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters.

The dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may be the same or different from the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment.

Preferably, the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment may be substantially the same as the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment. By providing a second compartment having a second air inlet and a second air outlet having one or more holes having substantially the same dimensions, there is an advantage that the manufacture of the cartridge can be simplified.

Preferably, the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment may be larger than the dimensions of the one or more holes defining the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment. By increasing the size of the openings defining the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment relative to the openings defining the second air inlet in the second cartridge compartment, there is an advantage that the risk of clogging the second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment can be reduced, for example, dust.

Preferably, the first compartment has a longitudinal first air outlet and the second compartment has a longitudinal second air outlet.

As used herein in connection with the present invention, the term "longitudinal air outlet" is used to describe one or more holes through which air can be drawn longitudinally from a component or portion of a cartridge.

Preferably, before the first use of the cartridge, the first air outlet in the first compartment and/or the second air outlet in the second compartment may be sealed by one or more removable or frangible baffles. For example, the first air outlet in the first compartment and/or the second air outlet in the second compartment may be sealed with one or more tear-off or pierceable seals.

Said one or more removable or frangible baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, said one or more removable or fragile baffles may be made of metal foil or film.

Preferably, before the first use of the cartridge, the first air inlet and first air outlet in the first cartridge compartment and the second air inlet and second air outlet in the second cartridge compartment are sealed by one or more removable or frangible baffles.

The cartridge may also include a third compartment that is located downstream of the first compartment and the second compartment and is in fluid communication with the first air outlet in the first compartment and the second air outlet in the second compartment. The nicotine vapor in the first air stream may react with the acid vapor in the second air stream in the third compartment to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

In those embodiments where the cartridge also includes a third compartment, this third compartment may contain one or more aerosol modification agents. For example, the third compartment may contain one or more sorbents, one or more flavors, one or more receptive agents, or a combination thereof.

The first compartment and the second compartment may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other in the cartridge.

Preferably, the cartridge is an elongated cartridge. In those embodiments where the cartridge is an elongate cartridge and the substrate compartment comprises first and second compartments, the first cartridge compartment and the second cartridge compartment may be arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

The cartridge may be in any suitable shape. For example, the cartridge may be substantially cylindrical. The cartridge may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cartridge may be round, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal.

The cartridge may be of any suitable size.

For example, the cartridge may have a length of from about 5 millimeters to about 50 millimeters. Preferably, the cartridge may have a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 20 millimeters.

For example, the cartridge may have a width of about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters and a height of about 4 millimeters to about 10 millimeters. Preferably, the cartridge may have a width of about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters and a height of about 6 millimeters to about 8 millimeters.

Cartridges for use in the aerosol generating systems of the present invention may be made in any suitable manner. Suitable methods include, but are not limited to, deep drawing, injection molding, expansion, blow molding, and extrusion.

In preferred embodiments, the cartridge is substantially cylindrical and includes a first compartment, a second compartment and, if present, a third compartment that extend longitudinally between opposite substantially flat end surfaces of the cylindrical cartridge.

The cartridge may be configured to be disposed of after the nicotine is used up in the first compartment and the acid is used up in the second compartment. The cartridge may be refillable. In preferred embodiments, the cartridge is disposable and the aerosol generating device is reusable.

Preferably, the cartridge comprises a body portion and one or more end caps.

The cartridge may include a housing portion and a distal end cap.

The cartridge may include a housing portion and a proximal end cap.

The cartridge may include a housing portion, a distal end cap, and a proximal end cap.

In those embodiments in which the cartridge includes a distal end cap, one or more holes defining a first air inlet in the first compartment of the cartridge and one or more holes defining a second air inlet in the second compartment of the cartridge may be provided in far end cap.

In those embodiments in which the cartridge includes a proximal end cap, one or more holes defining a first air outlet in the first compartment of the cartridge and one or more holes defining a second air outlet in the second compartment of the cartridge may be provided in near end cap.

The cartridge may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimides such as Kapton®, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyoxymethylene (POM), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, liquid crystal polymers (LCP) and modified LCPs such as graphite or glass fiber LCPs.

In those embodiments in which the cartridge comprises a body portion and one or more end caps, the body portion and one or more end caps may be made from the same or different materials. The cartridge may be made from one or more materials that are nicotine and acid resistant.

If the cartridge contains two or more aerosol-forming substrates, such as a nicotine source and an acid source, stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, the first compartment of the cartridge may be coated with one or more nicotine-resistant materials, and the second compartment of the cartridge may be coated with one or more acid-resistant materials.

Examples of suitable nicotine and acid resistant materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, vinyl resins, and combinations thereof.

By using one or more nicotine resistant materials to form the cartridge and/or to coat the inner surface of the first compartment of the cartridge, there is an advantage that the shelf life of the cartridge can be extended. By using one or more acid-resistant materials to form the cartridge and/or to coat the inner surface of the second compartment of the cartridge, the advantage of being able to extend the shelf life of the cartridge is provided.

The cartridge may be made from one or more thermally conductive materials.

If the cartridge contains one or more aerosol-forming substrates, such as a nicotine source and an acid source, stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, then the first cartridge compartment and the second cartridge compartment may be coated with one or more thermally conductive materials. By using one or more thermally conductive materials to form the cartridge and/or cover the inner surface of the first compartment and the second compartment of the cartridge, there is the advantage of being able to increase heat transfer from the electric heater to the nicotine source and the acid source.

Suitable thermally conductive materials include, but are not limited to, metals such as aluminum, chromium, copper, gold, iron, nickel and silver, alloys such as brass and steel, and combinations thereof.

One or both ends of the cartridge may be sealed with one or more frangible septa.

If the cartridge contains one or more aerosol-forming substrates, such as a nicotine source and an acid source, stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, then the first compartment containing the nicotine source and the second compartment containing the lactic acid source may be sealed by one or more fragile barriers.

Said one or more frangible baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, said one or more brittle barriers may be made of metal foil or film. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device preferably also includes a piercing element configured to break said one or more brittle barriers.

Alternatively or additionally, one or both ends of the cartridge may be sealed with one or more removable baffles, such as one or more tear seals. If the cartridge contains one or more aerosol-forming substrates, such as a nicotine source and an acid source, stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, then one or both of the first compartment containing the nicotine source and the second compartment containing the lactic acid source can be sealed. through one or more removable partitions. For example, one or both of the first compartment containing the nicotine source and the second compartment containing the lactic acid source may be sealed with one or more tear-off seals.

One or more removable baffles may be made from any suitable material. For example, one or more removable baffles may be made of metal foil or film.

In preferred embodiments in which the cartridge is substantially cylindrical, one or both opposite substantially flat end surfaces of the cartridge may be sealed by one or more frangible septa.

The aerosol generating system may further comprise a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may include an aerosol generating chamber. If the cartridge contains one or more aerosol-forming substrates such as a nicotine source and an acid source stored in the first compartment and the second compartment, then the nicotine vapor emitted from the nicotine source in the first compartment of the cartridge and the acid vapor emitted from the acid source in the second compartment cartridge can react with each other in the gas phase in the mouthpiece to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles.

The mouthpiece may be configured to be connected to the cartridge.

In those embodiments in which the mouthpiece is configured to be coupled to the cartridge, it is possible that the combination of cartridge and mouthpiece mimics the shape and dimensions of a combustible smoking article such as a cigarette, cigar or cigarillo. Preferably, in such embodiments, it is possible for the combination of cartridge and mouthpiece to mimic the shape and dimensions of a cigarette.

The mouthpiece may be configured to be connected to the body of the aerosol generating device. The mouthpiece may be configured to be disposed of after the aerosol-forming substrate is used up in the substrate compartment.

The mouthpiece can be reusable. In those embodiments where the mouthpiece is reusable, the mouthpiece may preferably be removably attachable to the cartridge or body of the aerosol generating device.

The mouthpiece may contain a filter. The filter may have a low particle filtration efficiency or a very low particle filtration efficiency. Alternatively, the mouthpiece may comprise a hollow tube.

The terms "near", "far", "upstream", and "downstream", as used herein in connection with the present invention, are used to describe the relative position of the components or portions of the components of the cartridge, the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating system. .

The aerosol generating system of the present invention comprises a proximal end through which, during use, an aerosol of nicotine salt particles exits the aerosol generating system for delivery to a user. The proximal end may also be referred to as the mouth end. In use, the user puffs on the proximal end of the aerosol generating system to inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating system. Said aerosol generating system comprises a distal end opposite the proximal end.

When a user puffs at the proximal end of the aerosol generating system, air is drawn into the aerosol generating system, passes through the cartridge, and exits the aerosol generating system at its proximal end. Components or portions of components of an aerosol generating system can be described as upstream or downstream of each other based on their relative position between the proximal end and distal end of the aerosol generating system.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the term "longitudinal" is used to describe the direction between the proximal end and the opposite distal end of an aerosol generating system, cartridge, or aerosol generating device, and the term "transverse" is used to describe a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "length" means the maximum longitudinal dimension between the distal end and the proximal end of the components or parts of the components generating aerosol system.

As used herein in relation to the present invention, the terms "height" and "width" are used to describe the maximum transverse dimensions of the components or portions of the components of the cartridge or aerosol generating system in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system. If the height and width of the components or portions of the components of the cartridge or aerosol generating system are not the same, then the term "width" is used to denote the larger of these two transverse dimensions in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge or aerosol generating system.

Used in this document in relation to the present invention, the term "elongated" is used to describe a component or section of the cartridge component, the length of which is greater than the width and height.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating device for use with a cartridge, comprising a cartridge body defining a substrate compartment and a heating cavity; and an aerosol-forming substrate disposed in the substrate compartment, the device comprising a housing forming a cavity of the device for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge housing; an elongated electrical heater located in the cavity of the device; and a thermally conductive sheath secured over the elongate electrical heater such that the electrical heater is substantially enclosed within the thermally conductive sheath along at least a portion of its length. The thermally conductive sheath and the electrical heater are configured to pass into the heating cavity of the cartridge when the cartridge is placed in the device cavity, so that in use the substrate compartment in the cartridge is heated by the electrical heater through the thermally conductive shell.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a thermally conductive sheath is provided for use in an aerosol generating system according to a first aspect or in an aerosol generating device according to a second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol generating system kit comprising one or more cartridges for an aerosol generating system and one or more thermally conductive shells, each cartridge comprising a cartridge body defining a substrate compartment and a heating cavity, and each thermally conductive shell being formed with the possibility of passing into the heating cavity of one or more cartridges and, when used, with the possibility of fastening over an elongated electric heater of one or more cartridges so that the electric heater is essentially enclosed within a heat-conducting sheath along at least part of its length, and a compartment for the substrate in the cartridge was heated by means of an electric heater through a heat-conducting shell.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of adapting an aerosol generating device for use with a cartridge, comprising the steps of: providing a cartridge comprising a cartridge body defining a substrate compartment and a heating cavity, wherein an aerosol-generating substrate is disposed within the substrate compartment; providing an aerosol generating device comprising a housing forming a device cavity for receiving at least a portion of the cartridge body, and an elongated electrical heater located in the device cavity; selecting a heat-conducting sheath based on the dimensions of the heating cavity and the dimensions of the electric heater; fixing the thermally conductive sheath over the electrical heater such that the electrical heater is substantially enclosed within the thermally conductive sheath along at least a portion of its length; and inserting the cartridge into the cavity of the device so that the heat-conducting shell and the electric heater pass into the heating cavity of the cartridge and the heat-conducting shell is in contact with both the outer surface of the electric heater and the inner surface of the heating cavity.

It should be understood that the features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be applicable to another aspect of the present invention. In particular, it should be understood that the features described in relation to the system in the first aspect can equally be applied to the method in the second aspect, to the kit in the third aspect, or to the method in the fourth aspect, and vice versa.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described solely by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in fig. 1 shows an aerosol generating system according to the present invention;

in fig. 2 shows a cartridge for use in the aerosol generating system of FIG. one;

in fig. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1 with a cartridge placed in an aerosol generating device;

in fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the first embodiment of the shell;

in fig. 5 is a partial sectional view of the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1 with the first embodiment of the shell placed inside the cartridge;

in fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the second embodiment of the shell; and

in fig. 7 shows a partial profile of the shell of FIG. 6.

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an aerosol generating system 10 according to the present invention for generating an aerosol containing nicotine lactate salt particles. The aerosol generating system 10 includes an aerosol generating device 100, a cartridge 200, and a mouthpiece 300.

In FIG. 2 shows schematic representations of a cartridge 200 for use in the aerosol generating system of FIG. 1. Cartridge 200 includes an elongated body 202, a distal end cap 204, and a proximal end cap 206 and is approximately 15 millimeters long, approximately 7 millimeters wide, and approximately 5.2 millimeters high. Housing 202 is approximately 13 millimeters long, approximately 7 millimeters wide, and approximately 5.2 millimeters high. The distal end cap 204 and proximal end cap 206 are each approximately 2 millimeters long, approximately 7 millimeters wide, and approximately 5.2 millimeters high.

The cartridge 200 includes an elongated first compartment 208 that extends from the proximal end of the housing 202 to the distal end of the housing 202. The first compartment 208 contains a nicotine source containing a first carrier material 210 impregnated with approximately 10 milligrams of nicotine and approximately 4 milligrams of menthol.

Cartridge 200 also includes an elongated second compartment 212 that extends from the proximal end of housing 202 to the distal end of housing 202. Second compartment 212 contains a source of lactic acid containing a second carrier material 214 impregnated with approximately 20 milligrams of lactic acid.

The first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 are arranged in parallel.

The cartridge 200 also includes a heating cavity 216 for receiving an electric heater of the aerosol generating device, which is configured to heat the first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212. The cavity 216 is located between the first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 and extends from the proximal end of the housing 202 to the distal end of the housing. 202. Cavity 216 has a substantially stadium-shaped cross-section, approximately 6.3 millimeters wide and approximately 1 millimeter high.

The distal end cap 204 includes a first air inlet 218 containing a row of three spaced holes, and a second air inlet 220 containing a row of five spaced holes. Each of the openings defining the first air inlet 218 and the second air inlet 220 has a substantially circular cross section and a diameter of approximately 0.3 millimeters. The flow area of the first air inlet 218 is approximately 0.21 square millimeters, and the flow area of the second air inlet 220 is approximately 0.35 square millimeters. The flow area ratio of the first air inlet 218 to the flow area of the second air inlet 220 is approximately 3:5. The far end cap 204 also includes a third inlet 222 located between the first air inlet 218 and the second air inlet 220. The third inlet 222 has a substantially stadium-shaped cross-section, about 6.3 millimeters wide, and about 1 millimeter high.

The proximal end cap 206 includes a first air outlet 224 containing a row of three spaced holes and a second air outlet 226 containing a row of five spaced holes. Each of the openings defining the first air outlet 224 and the second air outlet 226 has a substantially circular cross section and a diameter of approximately 0.3 millimeters. The flow area of the first air outlet 224 is approximately 0.21 square millimeters, and the flow area of the second air outlet 226 is approximately 0.35 square millimeters. The ratio of the flow area of the first outlet 224 for air to the flow area of the second outlet 226 for air is approximately 3:5.

To form the cartridge 200, the proximal end cap 206 is inserted into the proximal end of the housing 202 such that the first air outlet 224 is aligned with the first compartment 208 and the second air outlet 226 is aligned with the second compartment 212. The first carrier material 210, impregnated with nicotine and menthol is inserted into the first compartment 208, and the second carrier material 214 impregnated with lactic acid is inserted into the second compartment 212. Then, the distal end cap 204 is inserted into the distal end of the housing 202 so that the first air inlet 218 is aligned with the first compartment 208, the second air inlet 220 was aligned with the second compartment 212, and the third inlet 222 was aligned with the heating cavity 216.

The first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 are substantially the same shape and size. The first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 have a substantially rectangular cross section and are approximately 11 millimeters long, approximately 4.3 millimeters wide, and approximately 1 millimeters high. The first carrier material 210 and the second carrier material 214 comprise a polyethylene terephthalate/polybutylene terephthalate nonwoven sheet and are substantially the same shape and size. The shape and size of the first carrier material 210 and the second carrier material 214 are similar to the shape and size of the first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 of the cartridge 2, respectively.

The first air inlet 218 is in fluid communication with the first air outlet 224 so that the first air stream can enter the cartridge 200 through the first air inlet 218, pass through the first compartment 208, and exit the cartridge 200 through the first outlet. hole 224 for air. The second air inlet 220 is in fluid communication with the second air outlet 226 such that a second air stream is allowed to enter the cartridge 200 through the second air inlet 220, pass through the second compartment 212, and exit the cartridge 2 through the second outlet. hole 226 for air.

Prior to first use of the cartridge 200, the first air inlet 218 and the second air inlet 220 may be sealed with a removable foil seal or a pierceable foil seal (not shown) applied to the outer surface of the distal end cap 204. Similarly, before first use of the cartridge 200, the first air outlet 224 and the second air outlet 226 may be sealed with a removable foil seal or a pierceable foil seal (not shown) applied to the outer surface of the proximal end cap 206.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the aerosol generating system 10 of FIG. 1 with cartridge 200 housed in aerosol generating device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a device body 102 defining a device cavity 104 for receiving the cartridge 200, and an upstream portion of the mouthpiece 300 that is connected to the cartridge 200. The aerosol generating device 100 also includes an elongated electrical heater 106 extending from the main part 107, an electrical power source 108 and a controller 110 for controlling the supply of electrical power from the electrical power source 108 to the electrical heater 106 through electrical contacts (not shown) on the main body 107. The electrical heater 106 is located centrally in the cavity 104 of the device and extends from the main parts 107 along the main axis of the cavity 104 of the device. The electrical heater 106 includes an electrically insulating substrate and a resistive heating element located on the electrically insulating substrate. On top of the electrical heater 106 is a thermally conductive sheath 112 which forms a protective casing for the electrical heater 106 and acts as a thermal bridge between the electrical heater 106 and the cartridge 200 during use. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the distal end of the mouthpiece 300 may be configured to connect to the proximal end of the housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100 rather than the cartridge 200.

In use, the controller 110 controls the supply of electrical power from the electrical power source 108 to the electrical heater 106 to generate heat in the heating element, which is then transferred to the cartridge 200 through the casing 112 to heat the first compartment 208 and the second compartment 212 to an operating temperature of approximately 120 degrees Celsius. The thermally conductive sheath distributes heat from the electrical heater over its outer surface to provide more uniform heating of the cartridge compared to non-sheathed arrangements. To heat the cartridge to operating temperature as quickly as possible, a preheat profile is used to heat the heating element to approximately 200 degrees Celsius for approximately 30 seconds. After preheating, the temperature of the heating element is reduced to a substantially constant temperature of about 140 degrees Celsius.

When the user puffs on the proximal end of the mouthpiece 300, air is drawn into the aerosol generating system 10 through the airflow inlets in the system passing through the housing 102 of the aerosol generating device 100. The air is directed to the upstream end of the device cavity 104, where the first an air stream is drawn through the first compartment 208 of the cartridge 200, and a second air stream is drawn through the second compartment 212 of the cartridge 200. As the first air stream is drawn through the first compartment 208, nicotine vapor is released from the first carrier material 210 into the first air stream. As the second air stream is drawn through the second compartment 212, lactic acid vapor is released from the second carrier material 214 into the second air stream. The nicotine vapor in the first air stream and the lactic acid vapor in the second air stream react with each other in the gas phase in the mouthpiece 300 to form an aerosol of nicotine salt particles delivered to the user through the proximal end of the mouthpiece 300.

In FIG. 4 shows in greater detail the shell 112 of the aerosol generating device 100. The shell 112 is made from a flat metal sheet that is wider than the electrical heater 106 and is folded in a U-shape along the fold line 113 such that the shell 112 comprises two opposing shell walls 114. . The shell 112 is provided with a shell fastener 116 which is located at its distal end and by which it is possible to hold the shell 112 over the electric heater 106. In this example, the shell fastener 116 comprises two shell fastening portions 118, each of which is formed at the far end of one of the walls 114 shell such that the shell attachment 116 is generally disc-shaped when the shell walls 114 and hence the shell attachment portions 118 are connected together. The sheath attachment portions 118 are made of a material such as polyetheretherketone having high temperature resistance and preferably low thermal conductivity. In this example, the metal sheet that makes up shell 112 is folded along a fold line 113 that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of shell 112 and located at the proximal end of shell 112. In other examples, the fold line may have a different location or orientation. For example, the metal sheet may be folded along a fold line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell and extends along the side edge of the shell. Fold line 113 provides resilient force to slightly oppose shell walls 114 at the distal end of shell 112. In this way, shell 112 can be easily positioned over electrical heater 106. The metal sheet from which shell 112 is made can be of any suitable thickness. In this example, the metal sheet has a sheet thickness of 0.27 mm. In other examples, the metal sheet may have a different thickness, depending on the size of the electrical heater and cavity in the cartridge, as well as an acceptable level of force insertion and removal of the cartridge for a given configuration.

In FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating system 10 in which a sheath 112 is positioned over an electrical heater within a heating cavity 216 of cartridge 200. to each other overcoming the elastic force on the fold line 113 so that the electric heater is sandwiched between the walls 114 of the shell and covered by them. The shell 112 is then pressed toward the distal end of the cavity 104 of the device to tightly fit the shell attachment portions 118 against the inside diameter of the protruding edge 109 extending around the body 107. In this way, the shell attachment portions 118 are firmly fixed in the body 107, and the electric heater is sandwiched between the walls 114 of the shell. The cartridge 200 is then inserted into the cavity 104 together with the mouthpiece 300 such that the electrical heater 106 and the sheath 112 extend into the heating cavity 216 of the cartridge 200. The sheath 112 protects the electric heater during insertion of the cartridge and is sized so that the walls 114 of the sheath are directly in in contact with the inner surface of the heating cavity 216. Thus, the thermal sheath 112 acts as a thermal bridge between the electric heater and the cartridge and adapts the shape of the electric heater to the heating cavity 216 of the cartridge 200.

In FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the shell 412. In contrast to the smooth flat profile of the shell according to the first embodiment, the shell 412 is made of a metal sheet having a corrugated profile. This can be better seen from FIG. 7, which shows the profile of one of the walls 414 of the shell 412. As shown in the figure, the corrugations form a plurality of peaks 417 corrugations and troughs 419 on the outer surface of each of the walls 414 of the shell 412. surface of the heating cavity of the cartridge. In this way, it is possible to increase the stability of the thermal contact between the electric heater and the cartridge by compensating for manufacturing tolerances of the electric heater, the shell, and the cartridge. As a result, it is possible to help provide more uniform performance between different cartridges or different devices. Depending on their orientation, the corrugations also provide the possibility of increasing the moment of inertia of the shell compared to a flat sheet having the same sheet thickness. This increases the rigidity of the shell and makes it possible to reduce the risk of bending the electric heater and the shell during insertion of the cartridge into the cavity of the device. In this way, it is also possible to reduce the amount of material required to produce a shell of a given stiffness or thickness. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the corrugations are arranged in a chevron pattern such that each corrugation extends in two different directions. By arranging the corrugations in such a way that they extend in at least two different directions, it is possible to maintain the rigidity of the shell 412 in all directions. This is different from an arrangement in which each corrugation runs in the same direction across the entire width or length of the shell. In such arrangements, the shell will be more susceptible to bending when a bending moment is applied about an axis that is parallel to the direction of the corrugations.

The above specific embodiments and examples illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention are possible, and the specific embodiments and examples described herein are not exhaustive.

Claims (19)

1. An aerosol generating device for use in an aerosol generating system, comprising: a body defining a cavity of the device for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol generating article; an elongated electrical heater located in the cavity of the device; and a thermally conductive sheath secured over the elongated electrical heater such that the electrical heater is enclosed within the thermally conductive sheath along at least a portion of the length of the elongated electrical heater, the thermally conductive sheath having a thermal conductivity of at least 40 W/m⋅K when measured according to ASTM C1114-00, wherein the thermally conductive sheath and the electrical heater are configured to pass into the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is placed in the cavity of the device, so that in use the aerosol generating article is heated by the electrical heater through the thermally conductive shell. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting sheath is rigidly fixed over the electric heater. 3. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting sheath is removably fixed over the elongated electric heater. 4. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein the elongated electrical heater is enclosed within a heat conductive sheath along the entire length of the elongated electrical heater. 5. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the heat-conducting sheath is thermally connected to the electric heater through at least one intermediate component. 6. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the heat-conducting shell is made of metal or alloy. 7. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the thermally conductive sheath is provided with a sheath mount by which the sheath is secured over the electric heater. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the shell attachment is made of a high temperature resistant material having low thermal conductivity. 9. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, wherein the thermally conductive sheath comprises a single sheet of thermally conductive material that is folded or folded into a desired shape. 10. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 9, wherein the thermally conductive shell comprises a sheet of thermally conductive material that is folded or folded along a fold line such that the shell comprises two opposite shell walls, between which an elongated electrical heater is enclosed along at least a portion of its length, and a hole opposite the fold line. 11. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the sheet of thermally conductive material is elastic and is folded or folded such that the fold line provides an elastic force to move the walls of the shell in different directions in the specified hole. 12. An aerosol-generating device according to claim 10, wherein the fold line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the thermally conductive sheath and extends along a side edge of the thermally conductive sheath. 13. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, in which the thermally conductive shell contains a corrugated sheet of thermally conductive material. 14. The aerosol generating device of claim 13, wherein the corrugated sheet of thermally conductive material comprises a first set of corrugations extending along a first direction and a second set of corrugations extending along a second direction that is at an angle to the first direction. 15. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-14, wherein the thermally conductive sheath has a thickness of 0.20 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably 0.22 mm to 0.30 mm, more preferably 0.25 mm to 0.29 mm, most preferably 0, 27 mm.

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