RU2796787C2 - Aerosol generating system and aerosol generating product (variants) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating systems.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol generating system and variants of an aerosol generating product. An aerosol generating system comprises an aerosol generating product comprising an aerosol forming substrate, an absorbent carrier forming a sheet containing a contact surface for a heating element. The absorbent carrier at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating substrate and contains an aerosol generating agent for impregnating the absorbent carrier. The system comprises an aerosol generating device for accommodating the aerosol generating product and a heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating product. The heating element comprises an external heating element which at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is placed in the aerosol generating device. The system is configured such that when the product is placed in the aerosol generating device, the absorbent carrier is positioned between the aerosol generating substrate and the heating element. The contact surface for the heating element is in contact with the external heating element.

EFFECT: use of an aerosol impregnated absorbent carrier in an aerosol generating product reduces the time to first puff and increases the overall weight of the aerosol; efficient transfer of heat from the heating element to the absorbent carrier and the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating product.

14 cl, 14 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices and aerosol generating articles comprising an aerosol generating substrate for use in aerosol generating devices; and more particularly to an absorbent carrier and an aerosol generating agent for use in such aerosol generating articles.

Traditional smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars include tobacco that is burned to produce smoke that is inhaled by the consumer. One way to reduce the formation of carbon monoxide and other by-products of combustion is to use electrical heaters that heat the tobacco substrate to a temperature sufficient to form an aerosol from the substrate without burning the substrate. Such smoking articles, which heat up but do not burn, reduce or eliminate by-products associated with the combustion of tobacco. However, a disadvantage of such devices may be a reduction in aerosol production compared to traditional smoking articles that burn tobacco. Some aerosol generating devices have been proposed that use e-liquids rather than tobacco. Aerosol-generating devices that use e-liquids eliminate combustion by-products but deprive consumers of the traditional tobacco product experience.

In order to experience a traditional smoking taste and feel, users may prefer electrically heated smoking articles that include a tobacco-containing substrate. Electrically heated smoking articles may contain tobacco without e-liquid or with e-liquid (also known as aerosol generating hybrid cells).

In some known types of aerosol generating device, the aerosol is generated by transferring heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol generating article that contains, for example, a substrate containing tobacco (see, for example, W0 2016/156510 A2 or GB 2534210 A) . The device is designed in such a way that the heat source does not burn the substrate. During use, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol generating substrate by heat transfer from the heat source and are entrained in air drawn through the aerosol generating article. As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user.

Aerosol production can refer to any of: visible aerosol, aerosol mass, aerosol volume, or any combination thereof. Some electrically heated aerosol generating devices using a tobacco-based substrate may not meet the user's expectations of a traditional smoking experience due to reduced aerosol production. For example, aerosol production may start more slowly so that the user may take longer to take the first puff. The user may also experience a decrease in aerosol production, which may be more pronounced during initial puffs. The decrease in aerosol production may be due to inefficient thermal conduction between the heater and the tobacco-based substrate. Inefficient thermal conduction between the electrical heater and the substrate can result in an overall low total aerosol mass (TAM) content, especially during the first ~3-4 puffs.

It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article for use in electrically heated aerosol generating devices that improves aerosolization. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article for use in electrically heated aerosol generating devices that increases the overall mass of the aerosol. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating article for use in electrically heated aerosol generating devices that reduces the time until the user can take the first puff (time to first puff, also referred to as TT1P). Further, it would be desirable to provide an aerosol generating system that allows tobacco to be used as an aerosol generating substrate in an electrically heated aerosol generating device while one or more of improving aerosolization, increasing TAM, and decreasing TT1P.

Various aspects of the invention relate to aerosol generating systems that use an electrically heated heating element that is configured to heat but not burn the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article that can be accommodated by the device. An aerosol generating article may contain an absorbent carrier. The absorbent carrier is impregnated or can be configured to be impregnated with a volatile substance to form an aerosol. The absorbent carrier may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. The absorbent carrier may be located adjacent to the heating element. The absorbent carrier may be located adjacent to both the aerosol generating substrate and the heating element. The aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating agent in the absorbent carrier heat up during use. The presence of aerosol generating agents in the gas phase enhances the condensation of compounds volatilizing from the aerosol generating article, thereby improving aerosol generation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an absorbent carrier impregnated (or capable of being impregnated) with an aerosol generating agent is provided as part of an aerosol generating article. An absorbent carrier impregnated (or capable of being impregnated) with an aerosol-forming agent can improve aerosolization and release of organoleptic active compounds from the aerosol-forming substrate. The absorbent carrier may be impregnated with one or more aerosol forming agents. Optionally, the absorbent carrier may also be impregnated with one or more organoleptic active compounds or precursors thereof. An aerosol generating agent is a compound which, when used, promotes the formation of an aerosol. Such compounds include, but are not limited to, glycerin and propylene glycol. An organoleptic active compound is a compound that allows an organoleptic reaction, such as aroma, to be triggered. An aerosol generating article may be configured for use with an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is configured to receive the aerosol generating article and heat the aerosol generating substrate and the absorbent carrier of the aerosol generating article.

The absorbent carrier may be in the form of a sheet. The term "sheet" is used herein to refer to a material that is typically flat and has a width and height that are greater (eg, orders of magnitude) than the thickness of the material. An example of a sheet is a sheet of paper. It should be understood that the term "sheet" can also cover materials with greater thickness than paper.

The absorbent carrier may contain fibers and may be made from paper or other cellulosic sheet material.

In some embodiments, the absorbent carrier is impregnated with an aerosol generating agent. In some embodiments, the aerosolizing volatile is impregnable and may be provided separately from the absorbent carrier to be impregnated prior to use. For example, the user may cause the absorbent carrier to be impregnated with an aerosol agent. In some embodiments, an aerosol generating agent may be provided within the breakable element. The destructible element can be destroyed by the user just prior to the intended use of the product. For example, an aerosol generating article may comprise a frangible membrane in which an aerosol generating agent is placed. The frangible membrane may be positioned relative to the absorbent carrier such that when the frangible membrane ruptures, the aerosol generating agent is released and taken up by the absorbent carrier. For example, the user may apply force such as squeezing, squeezing, or shaking, etc. aerosol generating product. Therefore, the use of aerosol generating agents can be activated at the request of the user.

When the aerosol generating substrate and the absorbent carrier of the aerosol generating article are heated during use, the aerosol generating agent impregnated (eg, absorbed into) the absorbent carrier partially or completely evaporates. Evaporated compounds contribute to the formation of an aerosol. The aerosol generating agent can improve aerosolization by increasing the total amount of aerosol substances generated by the aerosol generating device, especially during the first few puffs. Thus, aerosol generation more similar to burning smoking articles can be achieved with an aerosol generating device using a tobacco-based substrate and using an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol generating agent. This helps preserve as many of the flavors, aromas, and rituals associated with traditional smoking as possible. Without an absorbent carrier impregnated with a volatile substance to form an aerosol, heating, rather than burning, aerosol generating systems can produce a relatively small amount of total aerosol mass, especially during the first few puffs, compared to conventional smoking.

The term "aerosol" is used herein to refer to a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas, such as air, which may contain volatile aromatic compounds.

The absorbent carrier may act as a carrier or support for volatile compounds such as an aerosol generating agent. The use of an aerosol impregnated absorbent carrier in an aerosol generating article can reduce time to first puff, increase total aerosol mass (TAM), or both reduce time to first puff and increase TAM. The TAM is preferably increased, especially during the first few puffs, since it is usually during the first few puffs that the TAM is low with electrically heated aerosol generating devices. The aerosol generating article may be configured for use with a heating element. The heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article. The heating element may be configured to heat the absorbent carrier of the aerosol generating article. The heating element may be configured to heat both the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article and the absorbent carrier of the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, an absorbent carrier impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosolizing agent may be positioned adjacent to the heating element. The heating element may be placed closer to the absorbent carrier than to the substrate so that the aerosolizing agent in the absorbent carrier reaches its volatilization temperature earlier than the substrate.

In some embodiments, the heating element may include an external heating element. The external heating element may be configured to heat the aerosol generating article from the outside, for example from the outer surface of the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may form a core that is at least partially surrounded by an absorbent carrier. The aerosol forming substrate may form a core which is surrounded by an absorbent carrier. The absorbent carrier may be positioned between the core of the aerosol forming substrate and a heating element, which may be an external heating element.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the heating element may contain an internal heating element. The internal heating element may be configured to at least partially penetrate at least a portion of the aerosol generating article. In use, the internal heating element may be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, the absorbent carrier may form a core that is at least partially surrounded by an aerosol generating substrate. The absorbent carrier may form a core which is surrounded by an aerosol forming substrate. The absorbent carrier core may be placed between the aerosol forming substrate and a heating element, which may be an internal heating element. For example, the inner heating element may be at least partially surrounded by an absorbent carrier. The inner heating element may be surrounded by an absorbent carrier. The absorbent carrier may be placed adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate and the heating element.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the absorbent media may form a hollow area, through hole or groove to accommodate the internal heating element.

The heating element may include both an internal heating element and an external heating element. In use, the aerosol generating substrate may be positioned at least partially within the outer heating element and at least partially surrounding the inner heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed between the aerosol forming substrate and the external heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed between the aerosol forming substrate and the internal heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed between the aerosol-forming substrate and the outer heating element, or between the aerosol-forming substrate and the inner heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate and adjacent to the external heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate and the internal heating element. The absorbent carrier may be placed adjacent to the aerosol forming substrate and to the outer heating element and the inner heating element.

In some embodiments, a heating element may be provided as part of an aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, a heating element may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the heating element may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article and as part of an aerosol generating device. If the heating element comprises both an internal heating element and an external heating element, one or both of the internal and external heating elements may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article. If the heating element comprises both an internal heating element and an external heating element, one or both of the internal and external heating elements may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to conductively heat the absorbent carrier and the aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article is preferably shaped and sized to contact or minimize distance to the heating element to ensure efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the absorbent carrier and aerosol generating substrate in the aerosol generating article. Heat can be generated by any suitable method, such as resistive heating or induction.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is heated by induction heating. To promote induction heating, the aerosol generating article or aerosol generating device, or both the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device, may be provided with a current collector. Suitable current collector materials include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, INCONEL® alloys (austenitic nickel-chromium superalloys), metallized films, ceramics such as zirconium dioxide, transition metals such as, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, or metalloid components such as, for example, B, C, Si, P, Al, or made from them.

In embodiments with induction heating, the current collector may have any suitable shape or shape. For example, the current collector may contain powder, pieces, strips, sheet, rod, block, plate, freeform, etc. or a combination of them. The current collector may be part of an aerosol generating product. For example, the current collector may be part of a wrap or film. The current collector may contain an insert. The current collector may be distributed throughout the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the current collector comprises a combination of a wrapper, a film, an insert, or material distributed over a substrate. In one embodiment, the housing of the aerosol generating article may be made of a material (eg, aluminum) that is capable of acting as a current collector. In another embodiment, a current collector material is provided within the cavity of the aerosol generating article. For example, the current collector material may be uniformly distributed over the substrate. The current collector material may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article in any form, such as powder, pieces, strips, sheet, rod, block, plate, freeform, etc. or their combination. In some embodiments, the current collector is part of an aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device may include an internal heater that contains a current collector, such as a plate of current collector material. The aerosol generating device may include an external heater that contains a current collector. In an embodiment, the inner wall of the heating chamber may be provided with a current collector material, such as a cover or lining of the current collector. For induction heating of the current collector material, the aerosol generating device may include a coil for generating an alternating current causing the current collector to heat up.

The aerosol generating article may be of any suitable shape adapted to be received by the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device may be a smoking article, such as a generally rod-shaped smoking article, or any other suitable shape. The aerosol generating article may be configured to be accommodated by a hookah device. The aerosol generating article may be substantially cuboid, cylindrical, frustoconical, or any other suitable shape. Preferably, the aerosol generating article has a generally cylindrical shape, such as an oblong cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.

The aerosol generating article may be a cartridge. The cartridge may comprise any suitable housing defining a cavity in which the aerosol generating substrate is placed. The body is preferably formed from one or more heat resistant materials such as a heat resistant polymer or metal. The housing may contain a thermally conductive material. For example, the body may contain any of the following: aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, any of their alloys, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the housing comprises aluminum.

The housing may include a side wall. According to an embodiment, the side wall forms a cylinder forming a cavity. The cylinder may have a variable diameter, such as a diameter tapering towards one end of the cylinder. The cylindrical side wall may have first and second ends. The first and second ends may be open ends. The housing may also include one or more end walls at least partially covering the ends of the cylindrical side wall. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a cylindrical side wall that is open at one end and closed at the other end, or open at both ends. The body may contain one or more parts. For example, the side wall and the end wall may be integrally formed as a single piece. The side wall and the end wall may be two parts configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner, such as threaded engagement or an interference fit. The side wall and the end wall may consist of two parts joined together, for example by welding or adhesive. The side wall and the two opposite end walls may be three separate pieces configured to engage with each other in any suitable manner, such as by threaded engagement, interference fit, welding, or adhesive.

The housing defines a cavity in which an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier can be placed. The part of the housing forming the cavity may contain a heated wall or surface. As used herein, the terms "heated wall" and "heated surface" mean the region of the wall or surface to which heat can be transferred directly or indirectly. The heated wall or surface may function as a heat transfer surface. For example, a heated wall or surface of a housing portion forming a cavity is a surface through which heat can be transferred from the outside of the cavity through the housing into the cavity or to the interior surface of the cavity. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article is configured to receive an internal heating element. For example, an elongated heating element such as a rod, plate, or pin may be inserted into an aerosol generating article as the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device. The elongated heating element may be part of the aerosol generating device or may be provided as a separate element which is connected to the aerosol generating device.

An absorbent carrier impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosol generating agent may be positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The absorbent carrier may be positioned adjacent the interior surface of the cavity and the heating element. The aerosol generating article may be configured such that the absorbent carrier is in contact with or adjacent to a heated surface during use of the aerosol generating article. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier is in direct contact with a heated surface when using an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article may occupy any suitable volume of the article. If the aerosol generating article comprises a cartridge, the aerosol generating substrate may occupy any suitable volume within the cavity of the article. The volume of the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article can be changed by changing the amount, composition, shape, packing density, or format of the aerosol-generating substrate placed in the aerosol-generating article.

Any suitable aerosol generating substrate may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating substrate is preferably a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds which can form an aerosol. Volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may be a solid, paste, gel, suspension, liquid, or may contain any combination of any two or more of: solid, paste, gel, suspension, and liquid components.

The aerosol forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of vegetable origin. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises tobacco, and preferably the tobacco-containing material contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds which are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. The aerosol forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomeration of tobacco particles. The aerosol forming substrate may alternatively or additionally comprise a tobacco-free material. The aerosol forming substrate may contain homogenized plant material.

The aerosol forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, pieces, tubes, strips, or sheets containing one or more of the following: herbal leaf, tobacco leaf, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco , homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco and expanded tobacco.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming agent, which may be the same as or different from the aerosol-forming agent with which the absorbent carrier is impregnated. The aerosol generating agent may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, facilitates the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and which is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol generating device. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerin; esters of polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. Particularly preferred aerosol forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavors. The aerosol generating substrate preferably contains nicotine and at least one aerosol generating agent. In some embodiments, the aerosolizing agent is glycerin or a mixture of glycerin and one or more other suitable aerosolizing agents, such as those listed above.

The aerosol generating substrate may contain any suitable amount of aerosol forming agent. For example, the content of the aerosol generating agent may be 5% or more of the aerosol-forming substrate on a dry weight basis, and preferably more than 30% by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosolizing agent content may be less than about 95% based on dry weight. Preferably, the aerosolizing agent content is up to about 55%.

The aerosol forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermostable carrier. The term "heat-stable" is used herein to refer to a material that does not substantially decompose at temperatures to which the substrate is typically heated (eg, from about 150°C to about 300°C). The heat-stable carrier may be separate and spaced apart from the absorbent carrier. A thermostable carrier may be used to support an aerosol-forming substrate (eg, molasses). The aerosol-generating substrate and the heat-stable carrier may be placed at the center of the aerosol-generating article. An absorbent carrier, on the other hand, can be used as a carrier for an aerosol generating agent. The absorbent carrier and the aerosol generating agent may be located adjacent the side walls, the end wall, the bottom, or all parts of the aerosol generating article. The absorbent carrier and the aerosol-forming agent may at least partially surround the aerosol-forming substrate and the thermostable carrier.

The heat-stable carrier may comprise a thin layer on which the substrate is applied to the first major surface, the second major surface, or both the first and second major surfaces. The heat-stable carrier may be formed, for example, from paper or a paper-like material, a non-woven carbon fiber mat, a lightweight open-cell metal mesh or perforated metal foil, or any other heat-stable polymeric matrix. Alternatively, the thermostable carrier may be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, pieces, tubes, strips, or sheets. The carrier may be a non-woven web or bundle of fibers in which tobacco components are included. The nonwoven web or fiber bundle may contain, for example, carbon fibres, natural cellulose fibers or fibers from cellulose derivatives. In some embodiments, the carrier may be omitted.

In some examples, the aerosol forming substrate contains one or more sugars in any suitable amount. In particular, if the aerosol generating device is a hookah device, it may be desirable that the aerosol generating substrate contains one or more sugars. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate contains an invert sugar, which is a mixture of glucose and fructose obtained by separation of sucrose. Preferably, the aerosol forming substrate contains from about 1% to about 40% by weight of sugar, such as invert sugar. In some example, one or more Sugars may be mixed with a suitable carrier such as cornstarch or maltodextrin. In some embodiments, the aerosol forming substrate does not contain added sugar.

In some examples, the aerosol-forming substrate contains one or more sensory enhancers. Suitable organoleptic enhancers include flavors and sensory agents such as cooling agents. Suitable flavors include natural or synthetic menthol, peppermint, spearmint, coffee, tea, spices (such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, or combinations thereof), cocoa, vanilla, fruit flavors, chocolate, eucalyptus, geranium, eugenol, agave, juniper , anethole, linalool and any combination thereof.

In some examples, the aerosol forming substrate is in the form of a suspension. For example, the aerosol generating substrate may contain molasses. In particular, if the aerosol generating device is a hookah device, the aerosol generating substrate may contain molasses. As used herein, "molasses" means an aerosol-forming substrate composition containing approximately 20% or more sugar. For example, molasses may contain at least about 25% by weight of sugar, such as at least about 35% by weight of sugar. Typically, molasses will contain less than about 60% sugar by weight, such as less than about 50% sugar by weight.

Aerosol forming substrates for use with traditional hookah devices may be in the form of molasses, which may be inhomogeneous and may contain lumps and voids. Such voids prevent direct thermal contact between the substrate and the heated surface, making thermal conduction particularly inefficient. As a result, electronic heated hookah devices tend to separate from traditional molasses by using, for example, e-liquids or dry kibbles. Due to the use of an aerosol impregnated absorbent carrier in an aerosol generating article as described in the present invention, more conventional aerosol generating substrates, such as molasses, can be used to maintain the typical sensations of a smoking ritual and hookah when using electrical heating. Various substrates can be used interchangeably such that a traditional hookah substrate can be used in a non-hookah aerosol generating product and a non-hookah substrate can be used in a cartridge designed for use in a hookah device.

Any suitable amount of an aerosol generating substrate (eg, molasses or tobacco substrate) may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating article may contain at least 0.4 g, at least 0.5 g, at least 0.8 g, at least 1 g, at least 1.5 g, at least 2 g or at least 2.5 g of an aerosol forming substrate. The aerosol generating article may contain up to 15 g, up to 10 g, up to 5 g or up to 4 g of an aerosol generating substrate. In one embodiment, approximately 10 g of aerosol forming substrate is provided. The aerosol forming substrate may be placed in the space defined by the absorbent carrier.

The aerosol generating article may be of any suitable size. For example, an aerosol generating article may be about 15 cm or less in length, about 12 cm or less, about 10 cm or less, about 8 cm or less, or about 6 cm or less. The length may be about 1 cm or more, about 3 cm or more, about 4 cm or more, or about 5 cm or more. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of about 5 mm or more, about 6 mm or more, about 7 mm or more, or about 8 mm or more. The outer diameter may be about 20 mm or less, about 15 mm or less, about 12 mm or less, or about 10 mm or less. If the aerosol generating article includes a cartridge, the cartridge body may have a heated surface area in the cavity. The heated surface area in the cavity can be from about 4 cm ² or more, about 6 cm ² or more, about 8 cm ² or more, or about 10 cm ² or more. The heated surface area may be about 50 cm ² or less, about 40 cm ² or less, about 30 cm ² or less, or about 20 cm ² or less. In a preferred embodiment, the body is cylindrical.

If the aerosol generating article is a cartridge, such as a hookah cartridge, the cartridge body may have a length of approximately 15 cm or less. The cartridge may have an inner diameter of about 1 cm or more. The cartridge may have a heated surface area in the cavity from about 25 cm ² to about 100 cm ² , for example, from about 70 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . The volume of the cavity may be from about 10 cm ³ to about 50 cm ³ . The housing may have a heated surface area in the cavity from about 20 cm ² to about 100 cm ² . Preferably the body is cylindrical or truncated-conical.

Preferably, the aerosol generating article contains an amount of aerosol generating substrate that will provide sufficient aerosol for a smoking session lasting from about 1 minute to about 60 minutes. In some embodiments, the amount of aerosol-forming substrate is sufficient for a smoking session of at least about 30 seconds, at least about 1 minute, at least about 1.5 minutes, at least about 2 minutes, or at least approximately 3 minutes. The amount of aerosol forming substrate may be sufficient for a smoking session of up to 10 minutes, up to 8 minutes, up to 6 minutes, or up to 5 minutes. If the device is a hookah device, the smoking session is preferably from about 20 minutes to about 50 minutes; and more preferably from about 30 minutes to about 40 minutes.

The aerosol generating article may be provided as a through member. The aerosol generating article may be formed by one or more walls. For example, an aerosol generating article may have a cylindrical wall with an open end or open first and second ends. The aerosol generating article may have a cylindrical wall with one or more side walls covering the first and second ends. The aerosol generating article may include vent holes in the cylindrical wall at the first end, at the second end, or a combination thereof.

An aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation holes. In particular, if the aerosol generating article is a cartridge, the aerosol generating article may include one or more ventilation holes. The vents may be inlets or outlets, and may also be located at the bottom, top, sides, or combinations thereof of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the top of the aerosol generating article may have one or more openings to form one or more inlets of the aerosol generating article. The bottom of the aerosol generating article may have one or more openings to form one or more outlets of the aerosol generating article.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article comprises one or more inlets and one or more outlets to allow air to pass through the aerosol generating substrate when the aerosol generating article is used in an aerosol generating device. The one or more inlets and the one or more outlets may include open ends of the aerosol generating article or vents in the walls of the aerosol generating article. Preferably, the one or more inlets and outlets are sized and shaped to provide a suitable resistance to draw (RTD) through the aerosol generating article. In some examples, the RTD through the aerosol generating article from the inlet or inlets to the outlet or outlets may be from about 10 mm H ₂ O to about 50 mm H ₂ O, preferably from about 20 mm H ₂ O to about 40 mm H ₂ O. The sample RTD refers to the difference in static pressure between the two ends of the sample while air is flowing through it under steady state conditions, in which the volume flow is 17.5 milliliters per second at the outlet end. The RTD of a sample can be measured using the method described in ISO 6565:2002 with any ventilation blocked.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, the aerosol generating article comprises an absorbent carrier impregnated or capable of being impregnated with an aerosol generating agent provided as part of the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, an absorbent carrier impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosol generating agent is disposed within an aerosol generating article. The absorbent carrier may be selected to absorb the volatile compound and as a carrier or support that can hold the volatile compound in close proximity to or in contact with the heated surface of the aerosol generating article or heating element. The absorbent carrier may at least partially surround the aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol forming substrate may at least partially surround the absorbent carrier.

In an embodiment, the absorbent carrier is impregnated with one or more aerosol generating agents that can promote the formation of aerosols as the absorbent carrier is heated. Suitable aerosol forming agents include, but are not limited to, polyols, glycol ethers, polyol esters, esters, and fatty acids. The aerosolizing agent may contain one or more of: glycerol, propylene glycol, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triacetin, mesoerythritol, mixtures based on diacetin, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, ethylvanylate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid and myristic acid. Preferably, the aerosolizing agent contains compounds that are relatively highly volatile and relatively highly hygroscopic. In some embodiments, the aerosolizing agent comprises glycerin (eg, vegetable glycerin (VG)), propylene glycol, or a combination thereof.

The absorbent carrier may contain any suitable amount of one or more aerosol generating agents. For example, the absorbent carrier may contain 0.3 g or more, 0.5 g or more, 0.8 g or more, 1 g or more, 1.2 g or more, or 1.5 g or more of an aerosol former. The absorbent carrier may contain up to 8 g, up to 7 g, up to 6 g, up to 5.5 g, up to 5 g, up to 4.5 g, or up to 4 g of the aerosol generating agent. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier contains 0.5 to 5 grams of aerosolizing agent.

The aerosolizing agent may be impregnated into the absorbent carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosolizing agent is impregnable and may be provided separately from the absorbent carrier. The aerosolizing agent provided separately from the absorbent carrier may be impregnated into the absorbent carrier prior to use. For example, an aerosol generating agent may be provided within a frangible or brittle element such as a bead or capsule. The aerosol generating agent may be released from a frangible or brittle element by the user just prior to the intended use of the article. An aerosol generating article may comprise a frangible membrane that encloses an aerosol generating agent. The frangible membrane may be configured to release the aerosol generating agent into the absorbent carrier upon rupture of the frangible membrane. In some embodiments, the frangible membrane or element can be ruptured by a user by squeezing or applying light pressure to the aerosol generating article in the region of the frangible membrane or element. In some embodiments, the frangible membrane or element may release an aerosol generating agent upon vigorous agitation of the aerosol generating article containing the frangible membrane or element.

The aerosolizing agent impregnated (eg, absorbed into) an absorbent carrier can increase the number of condensation nuclei available at the start of a smoking session. Increasing the number of condensation nuclei available at the start of a smoking session can cause aerosol generation to begin faster and generate more aerosol, especially during the first few puffs. For example, an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosolizing agent can increase the amount of aerosol generated during the first 2, first 3, first 5, first 10, first 15, first 20, or first 30 puffs.

The use of aerosol generating agents impregnated into the absorbent carrier can also reduce the time required for the aerosol generating device to prepare for the first puff (i.e. time to first puff or TT1P) that contains the appropriate or desired TAM (typically about 15 mg/puff). For example, TT1P can be approximately 20 seconds when using aerosol generating articles without an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol generating agent. However, when using an aerosol agent impregnated in an absorbent carrier to increase the amount of aerosol available during the first few puffs, TT1P can be reduced by at least about 2 seconds, at least about 5 seconds, at least about 10 seconds. or at least about 15 seconds. TT1P can be reduced to about 20 seconds, to about 18 seconds, to about 15 seconds, or to about 10 seconds. With hookah devices that have a preheat time of approximately 4 minutes, the TT1P can be approximately 17 minutes using molasses cartridges without an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosolizing agent. By using aerosol-forming agents impregnated into the absorbent carrier to increase the amount of aerosol available during the first few puffs, the TT1P of the hookah device can be reduced by approximately 1-15 minutes.

The absorbent carrier may be in any suitable shape or pattern. Preferably, the absorbent carrier forms a sheet. The sheet can be further shaped to fit. For example, the absorbent carrier may comprise a cylindrical portion that at least partially overlaps the inner surface of the cylindrical wall of the aerosol generating article, at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating substrate, or both. In some embodiments, the absorbent carrier is covered or surrounded by an aerosol-forming substrate. The absorbent carrier may further comprise a portion that covers the other wall (eg, end wall) of the aerosol generating article. The absorbent carrier may comprise portions that are flat (e.g., planar), curved, rolled, folded, gathered, pleated, curled, folded, etc., or may comprise a combination of shapes and patterns (e.g., a flat portion and a gathered or folded Part). In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier has a rolled-up shape. For example, the absorbent carrier may be layered with an aerosol-forming substrate and rolled into the shape of a helical cylinder that contains a plurality of alternating layers of absorbent carrier and aerosol-forming substrate. The rolled up cylindrical shape can be placed inside the aerosol generating article.

The absorbent carrier may be made from a porous material. In some embodiments, the implementation of the absorbent carrier contains fibers. The absorbent carrier may be made from purified cellulosic material. The term "purified cellulosic material" is used herein to refer to a material based on cellulose (eg, derived from plants) but treated (eg, purified) to remove compounds, to change the chemical structure of the material, or both. The removed compounds may be compounds other than water, so the purification process includes steps other than or in addition to drying. Examples of suitable purified cellulosic materials for use in an absorbent carrier include paper, filter paper, heavy paper, cardboard, viscose fiber (eg, lyocell, rayon, modal), and the like. In some embodiments, the absorbent carrier may comprise other fibrous materials such as silk, wool, cotton, linen, and the like.

The absorbent carrier may be of any suitable thickness. For example, the absorbent carrier may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm or more, about 0.2 mm or more, about 0.5 mm or more, or about 1 mm or more. The absorbent carrier may have a thickness of up to about 5 mm, up to about 4 mm, up to about 3.5 mm, up to about 3 mm, up to about 2.5 mm, or up to about 2 mm. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier has a thickness of from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm.

The absorbent carrier may have any suitable surface area. For example, the absorbent carrier may have a surface area of about 1 cm ² or more, about 2 cm ² or more, about 3 cm ² or more, about 3.5 cm ² or more, about 4 cm ² or more, about 5 cm ² or more, about 6 cm ² or more, or about 8 cm ² or more. The absorbent carrier may have a surface area of up to about 50 cm ² , up to about 40 cm ² , up to about 30 cm ² , up to about 25 cm 2 , up to about 20 cm ² , up to about 18 cm ² , up to about 15 cm ^{2 ,} or up to about 10 ^cm2 . In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier has a surface area of from about 2 cm ² to about 10 cm ² .

The absorbent carrier may also comprise a layer of thermally conductive or inductive material. For example, the absorbent carrier may be coated or laminated with a thermally conductive or inductive material. Examples of suitable thermally conductive or inductive materials include various metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, stainless steel, or combinations thereof. Suitable current collector induction materials may include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, niobium, INCONEL® alloys (austenitic nickel-chromium based superalloys), metallized films, ceramics such as zirconium dioxide, transition metals such as, for example, Fe, Co, Ni, or metalloid components such as, for example, B, C, Si, P, Al, or can be made from them. Such thermally conductive or inductive materials can act as a thermal bridge and provide a more uniform temperature profile. The use of a layer of thermally conductive or inductive material can also be advantageous if the absorbent carrier is provided in a rolled-up form.

In some embodiments, an aerosol generating article comprises a housing defining a cavity and an inner surface. An aerosol generating article may comprise a substrate and an absorbent carrier impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosol generating agent within a cavity. The absorbent carrier may be placed adjacent to the interior surface of the cavity, adjacent to a heating element, adjacent to a substrate, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier comes into direct contact with a heated surface when using an aerosol generating article. The heating element may be an external heating element or an internal heating element, or may include both internal and external heating elements. The aerosol generating article may contain at least 1 g, at least 1.5 g, at least 2 g, or at least 2.5 g of an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may contain up to 15 g, up to 10 g, up to 5 g or up to 4 g of an aerosol generating substrate. The aerosol generating article may contain 0.3 g or more, 0.5 g or more, 0.8 g or more, 1 g or more, 1.2 g or more, or 1.5 g or more of an aerosol generating agent. , which is impregnated or which is configured to impregnate the absorbent carrier. The aerosol-generating article may contain up to 8 g, up to 7 g, up to 6 g, up to 5.5 g, up to 5 g, up to 4.5 g or up to 4 g of an aerosol generating agent, which is impregnated or configured to impregnation of the absorbent carrier. The absorbent carrier may form a sheet adjacent to the substrate or surrounding (eg, at least partially surrounding) the substrate, or both. For example, the absorbent carrier may form the shape of a sleeve with the substrate located inside. In one embodiment, the absorbent carrier is arranged as alternating layers (eg, rolled up) with the substrate. The absorbent carrier may be flat, curved, rolled, folded, gathered, corrugated, curled, folded, and the like. or may contain a combination of shapes and patterns (for example, a flat part and a gathered or bent part).

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating article may include one or more removable seals covering one or more inlets or open ends of the aerosol generating article. One or more seals are preferably sufficient to prevent leakage of air through the inlets or open ends and may be sufficient to prevent leakage of the contents of the aerosol generating article and to extend shelf life. The seal may comprise a peelable label, sticker, foil, or the like. The label, sticker, or foil may be attached to the aerosol generating article by any suitable method, such as by adhesive, pleating, welding, or otherwise attached to the container. The seal may include a tab that can be gripped to remove or remove a label, sticker, or foil from an aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generating article may be used with any suitable electrically heated aerosol generating device. Preferably, the aerosol-generating device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article to form an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate, but without burning the aerosol-generating substrate. One commercially available device that generates an aerosol that is heated rather than burned is the IQOS® device from Philip Morris International, which is designed to contain and heat tobacco sticks. Some commercially available tobacco sticks are HEETS® or HeatSticks® from Philip Morris International. Tobacco sticks contain a tobacco substrate formed from a corrugated tobacco sheet. The IQOS® heating device comprises a heating plate that is configured to pierce the tobacco substrate of a tobacco stick inserted into the device such that the heating plate contacts and heats the tobacco substrate, primarily by conduction, thereby volatile compounds of the aerosol forming substrate release vapor , which cools to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generating article according to the present invention may be used with an IQOS® device. According to some embodiments of the present invention, an aerosol generating article of the present invention can be used with electrically heated aerosol generating devices configured to contain and heat an aerosol generating article containing an aerosol generating substrate extrusion to generate an aerosol.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the device that generates an aerosol may include a casing with a reservoir to accommodate the product that generates an aerosol. The aerosol generating article may be in the form of an oblong article and the reservoir may be shaped to match the shape of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device may include a heating element for heating the aerosol generating substrate. The heating element may be an external heating element that at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the reservoir. The heating element may be an elongated element extending into the reservoir and configured to penetrate into the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is placed in the reservoir of the device. The heating element may comprise both an external heating element that at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is inserted into the reservoir, and an elongated element extending into the reservoir and configured to penetrate the aerosol generating product when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the device's reservoir. The heating element may be provided in a cavity, for example in a heating chamber.

An absorbent carrier impregnated or capable of being impregnated with an aerosol generating agent may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article such that the absorbent carrier is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the heating chamber when the aerosol generating article is placed in the aerosol generating device. . An absorbent carrier impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosol generating agent may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article such that the absorbent carrier is adjacent to the heating element surface of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article is placed in the device, generating aerosol. An absorbent carrier impregnated or capable of being impregnated with an aerosol generating agent may be provided as part of an aerosol generating article such that the absorbent carrier is adjacent to the inner surface of the heating chamber and the heating element surface of the aerosol generating device when the aerosol generating article placed in an aerosol generating device. The absorbent carrier may be positioned adjacent to the aerosol generating substrate. The absorbent carrier may be placed between the aerosol generating substrate and the interior surface of the cavity, the surface of the heating element, or both. The absorbent carrier may be placed between the heating element and the aerosol generating substrate.

In use, when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the reservoir of the aerosol-generating device, heat from the heating element of the device can be transferred to the body of the aerosol-generating article. When a user takes a puff through the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device, air may be drawn into the reservoir of the device through one or more air passages in the body of the device and through the aerosol generating article from the distal end of the aerosol generating article to the proximal end of the aerosol generating article. As air passes through a heated aerosol generating article, the volatile compounds in the aerosol generating agent may release vapor which is entrapped in the air. Once the aerosol generating substrate is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, the aerosol generating substrate also releases vapor into the air flowing through the aerosol generating article. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may require heating to a relatively higher temperature than the aerosol-forming material (eg, above the volatilization temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate). In some embodiments, the air is first heated by a heating element. The volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming agent and the aerosol-forming substrate are heated by heated air and optionally also by a heating element to release steam. The vapor may cool as it is drawn through the product to the mouthpiece and form an aerosol. The aerosol can then be delivered to the user through the mouthpiece for inhalation.

The heating element may include a resistive heating component such as one or more resistive wires or other resistive elements. The resistance wires may be in contact with the thermally conductive material to distribute the heat produced over a larger area. Examples of suitable conductive materials include aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, silver, and combinations thereof.

The heating element may contain a current collector for heating by an induction element. The induction element may comprise one or more induction coils configured to induce eddy currents and/or hysteresis losses in the current collector material, resulting in heating of the current collector. To facilitate induction heating, the aerosol generating article may be provided with a current collector. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device may comprise a current collector. Alternatively, both the aerosol generating article and the aerosol generating device may comprise a current collector. Suitable current collector materials are described above.

The aerosol generating device may include control electronics operatively connected to the heating element. If the heating element comprises a pantograph and induction element arrangement, the control electronics may be operatively coupled to the induction element. The control electronics may be configured to control the heating of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the heating profile of the heating element over time. The control electronics may be provided as part of the aerosol generating device, for example, inside a housing.

The control electronics may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, comprise a controller or a memory and a controller. The controller may comprise one or more of the following: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machine, a digital signal processor, a gate array, a microprocessor, or an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. The control electronics may include a memory that stores instructions that cause one or more circuit components to perform a function or aspect of the control electronics. The functions inherent in the control electronics of the present invention may be implemented as one or more of software, firmware, and hardware.

The electronic circuit may include a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor. The electronic circuit may be configured to control the power supply. Power may be supplied to the heating element or induction element in the form of electrical current pulses.

If the heating element is a resistance heating element, the control electronics may be configured to monitor the electrical resistance of the heating element. The control electronics may be configured to control the energization of the heating element depending on the electrical resistance of the heating element. In this way, the control electronics can control the temperature of the resistive element.

If the heating components comprise an induction element and the heating element comprises a current collector material, the control electronics can be configured to monitor an aspect of the induction coil. The control electronics may be configured to control the energization of the induction coil depending on aspects thereof. In this way, the control electronics can control the temperature of the current collector material.

The aerosol generating device may include a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, operably coupled to the control electronics to control the temperature of the heating element or substrate. The temperature sensor may be located in any suitable location. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to be inserted into an aerosol generating substrate or in contact with or near a heating element. The sensor can send signals regarding the measured temperature to the control electronics, which can regulate the heating of the heating elements to achieve a suitable temperature at the sensor.

Regardless of whether the aerosol generating device comprises a temperature sensor, the device is preferably configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate of the aerosol generating article placed in the aerosol generating device to an extent sufficient to generate the aerosol without burning the aerosol generating substrate.

The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature of at least about 150°C, at least about 180°C, or at least about 200°C. The aerosol generating device may be configured to heat the aerosol generating substrate to a temperature of up to about 375°C, up to about 350°C, up to about 300°C, up to about 250°C, or up to about 230°C.

The control electronics may be operatively linked to the power supply. The power supply can be placed inside the case. The aerosol generating device may comprise any suitable power supply. For example, the power supply of the aerosol generating device may be a battery or battery pack. Batteries can be rechargeable and can also be removable and replaceable. Any suitable battery may be used.

The aerosol generating article may be a cartridge capable of being used in a hookah device. Preferably, the hookah device is configured to sufficiently heat the aerosol-generating substrate in the aerosol-generating article to form an aerosol from the aerosol-generating substrate, but without burning the aerosol-generating substrate. The hookah device may include a reservoir for containing an aerosol generating product. The hookah device comprises a heating element configured to contact or be in close proximity to the body of the aerosol generating product when the aerosol generating product is placed in the reservoir. In one example, the hookah device includes an aerosol generating element that includes a cartridge reservoir, a heating element, an aerosol outlet, and a fresh air inlet. The cartridge reservoir is configured to receive a cartridge containing an aerosol-forming substrate and an absorbent carrier impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent. The heating element may form at least a portion of the surface of the reservoir.

The hookah device includes a fresh air inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir. In use, when the absorbent carrier inside the cartridge is heated, the aerosol generating agents impregnated with the absorbent carrier evaporate. Air entering from the fresh air inlet through the cartridge is entrained in the aerosol generated from the aerosol forming agent and aerosol forming substrate components in the cartridge.

The hookah device may comprise any suitable vessel forming an internal volume capable of receiving liquid and forming an outlet in the free space above the liquid filling level. The consumer can fill the vessel with liquid. The liquid preferably contains water, to which one or more colorants, flavors, or colorants and flavors may optionally be added.

The aerosol entrained in the air exiting the aerosol outlet of the reservoir may pass through a tube located in the vessel. The tube may be connected to the aerosol outlet of the aerosol generating element of the hookah assembly and may have an opening below the liquid fill level of the vessel so that the aerosol flowing through the vessel flows through the opening of the tube, then through the liquid, into the headspace of the vessel and exits through outlet free space for delivery to the consumer. The headspace outlet may be connected to a hose containing a mouthpiece for delivering the aerosol to a user.

Further reference will be made to the drawings, which show one or more aspects described in the present invention. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it should be understood that the use of a number to designate a component in a given figure is not intended to limit a component in another figure designated by the same number. Furthermore, the use of different numbers to designate components in different figures is not intended to indicate that components of different numbers cannot be the same as, or similar to, components of different numbers. The figures are presented for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. The schematic representations shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view in cross section of an aerosol generating article.

In FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view in cross section of the aerosol generating device with the aerosol generating article of FIG. 1 inserted into it.

In FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view in cross section of an aerosol generating article.

In FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view in cross section of the aerosol generating device with the aerosol generating article of FIG. 3 inserted into it.

In FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view in cross section of an aerosol generating device with an external heating element and an internal heating element.

In FIG. 6A-6E are schematic perspective views of a substrate section of an aerosol generating article.

In FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of an aerosol generating article in the form of a cartridge.

In FIG. 7B is a top cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article in the form of a cartridge.

In FIG. 7C is a top cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating article in the form of a cartridge.

In FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of the hookah device.

In FIG. 1 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of an exemplary aerosol generating article 500 according to an embodiment. The aerosol generating article 500 shown includes a plurality of coaxial elements. However, many elements are optional or preferred, and aerosol generating article 500 may be provided with or without them. The aerosol generating article 500 comprises at least a substrate element 510 which comprises an aerosol generating substrate 511, an absorbent carrier 512, and an aerosol generating agent with which the absorbent carrier 512 is impregnated or configured to be impregnated. The aerosol generating article 500 may also contain one or more support elements 521, 522 adjacent to the element 510 of the substrate. The first support member 521 may be located at the farthest or upstream end 552 of the aerosol generating article. The second support element 522 may be located on the opposite side and immediately downstream of the substrate element 510. The support elements 521, 522 can be used to help hold the aerosol-forming substrate 511 in the intended location within the substrate element 510. The support members 521, 522 may be air permeable or may include an air path 526 through the tubular member 524 to allow air flow through the aerosol generating article 500. The support members 521, 522 may be made from any suitable material such as cellulose acetate.

The aerosol generating article 500 may optionally include a capsule 550 embedded in the substrate element 510. Capsule 550 may contain an aerosol generating agent. The capsule 550 may be torn open by a user prior to use of the aerosol generating article 500 to release the aerosol generating agent and impregnate the absorbent carrier 512 with the aerosol generating agent.

Aerosol generating product 500 may include an aerosol cooling element 530. The cooling spray element 530 may be located downstream of the substrate element 510 and the optional support element 522. that generates aerosol. The volatiles can be cooled within the aerosol cooling element 530 to form an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.

The cooling mist element 530 may be made from any suitable material, such as corrugated and assembled sheeting, which provides a plurality of longitudinal channels extending along the length of the cooling mist element 530. One example of a suitable material for the aerosol cooling element 530 is a polylactic acid sheet. The polylactic acid sheet can be corrugated.

The aerosol generating article 500 may further comprise a mouthpiece 540 located immediately downstream and abutting the aerosol cooling element 530. Mouthpiece 540 may include a filter. An example of a suitable filter is a conventional cellulose acetate tow filter.

The elements of the aerosol generating article 500 may be surrounded by an overwrap, wall or sleeve 560 to hold the elements in place.

The aerosol generating product 500 has a proximal, downstream or mouthpiece end 551 for insertion into the user's mouth and an upstream or distal end 552 located at the opposite end of the mouthpiece end 551. The aerosol generating product 500 and each of its elements may be substantially cylindrical, each having substantially the same diameter. For example, aerosol generating article 500, support members 521, 522, substrate member 510, cooling member 530, and mouthpiece 540 may be substantially cylindrical and each may have substantially the same diameter. The elements may be arranged in series to form a cylindrical rod. The elements may be surrounded by an outer wrapper 560.

To assemble the aerosol generating article 500, the elements are aligned and wrapped tightly within the outer wrapper. The outer wrapper may be conventional cigarette paper. Once assembled, the overall length of the aerosol generating article 500 may be from about 40 mm to about 60 mm, or from about 45 mm to about 53 mm, and the diameter may be from about 6.5 mm to about 8 mm, or about 7.2 mm. .

With reference now to FIG. 2, the aerosol generating article 500 can be inserted into the aerosol generating device 600. Aerosol generating product 500 and aerosol generating device 600 can together form an aerosol generating system 400.

The aerosol generating device 600 shown in FIG. 2 is configured to receive the aerosol generating article 500 of FIG. 1. The aerosol generating device 600 includes a case 601 and a reservoir 610 formed in the case 601. The reservoir 610 is configured to receive the aerosol generating article 500. Reservoir 610 may be sized and shaped such that when aerosol generating article 500 is inserted into reservoir 610, at least a portion (e.g., mouthpiece 540) of aerosol generating article 500 remains outside of reservoir 610.

The aerosol generating system 400 includes a heating element. As shown in FIG. 2, the heating element may be an external heating element 622. The external heating element 622 may either be part of the aerosol generating article 500 or may be installed along the inner walls of the reservoir 610 of the aerosol generating device 600. In use, when the user inserts the aerosol generating article 500 into the reservoir 610 of the aerosol generating device 600, the heating element 622 at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating substrate 511 of the aerosol generating article 500 as shown in FIG. 2.

Let us now turn to FIG. 3 showing an aerosol generating article 500 configured for use with an internal heating element. The aerosol generating article 500 shown includes a plurality of coaxial elements. However, many elements are optional or preferred, and aerosol generating article 500 may be provided with or without them. The aerosol generating article 500 comprises at least a substrate element 510 that comprises an aerosol generating substrate 511, an absorbent carrier 512, and an aerosol generating agent that is impregnated or configured to be impregnated with the absorbent carrier 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent carrier 512 forms a core located in the center of the element 510 of the substrate and surrounded by the substrate 511, forming an aerosol. The absorbent carrier 512 may form a groove for receiving an internal heating element.

Aerosol generating article 500 may also include one or more support elements 521, 522 adjacent to substrate element 510. The first support member 521 may be located at the farthest or upstream end 552 of the aerosol generating article. The second support element 522 may be located on the opposite side and immediately downstream of the substrate element 510. The support elements 521, 522 can be used to help hold the aerosol-forming substrate 511 in the intended location within the substrate element 510. The support members 521, 522 may be air-permeable or may include an air path 526 through the tubular member 524 to allow air flow through the aerosol generating article 500. The support members 521, 522 may be made from any suitable material such as cellulose acetate.

The aerosol generating article 500 may include a cooling aerosol element 530, a mouthpiece 540, and an overwrap, wall, or sleeve 560 similar to those shown in FIG. 1. The aerosol generating product 500 can be assembled similarly to the aerosol generating product 500 of FIG. 1. Aerosol generating article 500 may have a generally cylindrical shape similar to that of aerosol generating article 500 in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 4 shows an exemplary aerosol generating system 400 comprising an aerosol generating device 600 and an aerosol generating article 500 of FIG. 3. The aerosol generating device 600 shown in FIG. 4 includes a case 601 and a reservoir 610 formed in the case 601. The reservoir 610 is configured to receive an aerosol generating article 500. Reservoir 610 may be sized and shaped such that when aerosol generating article 500 is inserted into reservoir 610, at least a portion (e.g., mouthpiece 540) of aerosol generating article 500 remains outside of reservoir 610.

The aerosol generating system 400 of FIG. 4 includes an internal heating element 621. The internal heating element 621 can either be part of the aerosol generating product 500 or can be installed inside the reservoir 610 of the aerosol generating device 600. In use, the user inserts the aerosol generating article 500 into the reservoir 610 of the aerosol generating device 600 such that the inner heating element 621 is inside the aerosol generating substrate 511 of the aerosol generating article 500 as shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the inner heating element 621 is a heating plate.

If the internal heating element 621 is installed inside the reservoir 610, the insertion of the aerosol generating product 500 into the reservoir 610 may cause a certain penetration force that the aerosol generating product 500 is subjected to during insertion. The second support member 522 of the aerosol generating article 500 counteracts the penetration force of the internal heating element 621 and thereby counteracts the downstream movement of the aerosol generating substrate 511 within the aerosol generating article 500 during insertion of the internal heating element 621 of the aerosol generating device 600. aerosol, into an aerosol forming substrate 511.

In FIG. 5 shows an aerosol generating device 600 that includes both an internal heating element 621 and an external heating element 622.

An aerosol generating device 600 as shown in FIG. 2, 4, and 5 includes a power supply 651 and electronics 652, 653 that allow the activation of the heating element 621, 622. Such activation may be manually controlled or may occur automatically in response to a user puffing from an aerosol generating article 500 inserted into a reservoir. 610 aerosol generating product, aerosol generating device 600. One or more openings may be provided in the aerosol generating device 600 to allow air to pass into the aerosol generating article 500.

The electronics may include a controller 652 and a user interface 653. The controller 652 may be operatively connected to a heating element 621, 622, a power supply 651, and a user interface 653. The user interface 653 may include, for example, a button, a display, or both. The controller 652 controls the power supplied to the heating element 621, 622 to adjust its temperature. The power supply 651 may be a source of electricity, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. The electronics may further comprise temperature control means.

Preferably, in various embodiments, an absorbent carrier 512 impregnated or configured to be impregnated with an aerosol generating agent is positioned between the heating element 621, 622 and the aerosol generating substrate 511. First, when the aerosol generating product 500 is inserted into the tank 610 and the heating element 621, 622 is activated, the temperature of the substrate element 510 starts to rise. Since the absorbent carrier is closest to the heating element (eg, located between the heating element and the substrate), the aerosol generating agent impregnated with the absorbent carrier 512 reaches the volatilization temperature earlier than the aerosol generating substrate. At this temperature, volatile compounds are released from the substance to form an aerosol. The temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate continues to rise until it reaches a target temperature, eg, a temperature of approximately 375 degrees Celsius. The aerosol-forming substrate also begins to release vapor when the temperature is above the evaporation temperature of the volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming substrate. When the user puffs on the mouth end 70 of the aerosol generating article 500, volatile compounds released from the aerosol generating agent impregnated with the absorbent carrier 512 are drawn further downstream through the aerosol generating article 500 and condense to form an aerosol that is drawn in. through the mouthpiece 50 of the aerosol generating article 500 into the user's mouth. After some time (eg, after the first few puffs), the aerosol generating substrate 511 is also heated to a temperature sufficient to release the aerosols from the aerosol generating substrate 511 itself.

As the aerosol passes further downstream through the aerosol cooling element 530, the temperature of the aerosol is reduced by transferring thermal energy from the aerosol to the aerosol cooling element 530. When the aerosol enters the cooling aerosol element 530, its temperature is approximately 60 degrees Celsius. Due to the cooling within the aerosol cooling element 530, the temperature of the aerosol at the outlet of the aerosol cooling element is approximately 40 degrees Celsius.

In FIG. 6A-6E show various embodiments of a substrate element 510 that comprises an aerosol forming substrate 511, an absorbent carrier 512, and an aerosolizing agent with which the absorbent carrier 512 is impregnated or configured to be impregnated. The substrate elements 510 in FIG. 6A-6E may be used with any suitable aerosol generating device, including but not limited to those shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 8. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, substrate element 510 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate core 511 surrounded by an absorbent carrier 512 impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent. The first embodiment is particularly suitable for use with an external heating element that at least partially surrounds the substrate element 510.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, substrate element 510 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate 511 and, at the center of the aerosol-forming substrate 511, an absorbent carrier 512 impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent. The second embodiment is particularly suitable for use with an internal heating element that penetrates the substrate element 510. The absorbent carrier 512 may form a groove for receiving an internal heating element. Substrate element 510 may also include a current collector. The optional current collector is shown as a current collector plate 514 adjacent to the absorbent carrier 512 in FIG. 6B.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, substrate element 510 comprises a spiral of several alternating layers of absorbent carrier 512 and aerosol-forming substrate 511 impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent. The substrate element 510 of FIG. 6C can be used, for example, with the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 5.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, substrate element 510 comprises a coil of alternating layers of absorbent carrier 512 and aerosol-forming substrate 511 impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent, and a layer 516 of current collector material. The current collector material layer 516 may alternate with or be applied to the absorbent carrier layer 512. Substrate element 510 of FIG. 6D can be used, for example, with the aerosol generating device 600 of FIG. 5.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6E, substrate element 510 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate core 511 surrounded by an absorbent carrier 512 capable of being impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol generating agent is contained in a capsule 550 embedded in the substrate element 510. The capsule 550 may be torn open by a user prior to use of the aerosol generating article 500 to release the aerosol generating agent and impregnate the absorbent carrier 512 with the aerosol generating agent.

Substrate element 510 may also contain combinations of the five embodiments shown in the figures. For example, substrate element 510 may comprise a combination of the elements of FIG. 6A and 6B or FIG. 6A and 6C, FIG. 6A and 6D, FIG. 6A and 6E or FIG. 6B and 6C, FIG. 6B and 6D, FIG. 6B and 6E, or FIG. 6C and 6E, or FIG. 6D and 6E, or indeed any combination of any two, three, or four of FIGS. 6A-6E.

With reference to FIG. 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating article 500 may be in the form of a cartridge. For example, the substrate elements shown in FIG. 6A-6E may be provided with a cartridge body. The cartridge 200 has a body 210 defining a cavity 218 in which an aerosol-forming substrate 511 and an absorbent carrier 512 impregnated with an aerosol-forming agent can be placed. The housing 210 includes a top 215, a bottom 213, and a side wall 212. The housing 210 may be formed from one or more parts. For example, top 215 or bottom 213 may be removably affixed to side wall 212 to allow placement of aerosol forming substrate 511 and absorbent carrier 512 in cavity 218. Absorbent carrier 512 may be placed along side wall 212 or side wall 212 and bottom 213 of cavity 218. Absorbent carrier 512 may also be located along top 215, or along any combination of bottom 213, top 215, or side wall 212, or may partially cover any of these surfaces. In the example shown, the absorbent carrier 512 has folded sides that surround the perimeter of the aerosol generating substrate 511.

In FIG. 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 200, where the aerosol generating substrate 511 and absorbent carrier 512 form a helical cylinder shape containing a plurality of alternating layers of absorbent carrier 512 and aerosol generating substrate 511. The rolled-up cylindrical shape is located within the body 210 of the cartridge 200.

Cartridge 200 has a heated surface area within cavity 218, which is a surface capable of transferring heat applied to the outside of the housing, for example, by a heating element of an aerosol generating device, to absorbent carrier 512 and aerosol generating substrate 511 in cavity 218.

The top 215 and bottom 213 of the housing may have a plurality of openings to allow air to pass through the cartridge 200 when the cartridge is in use. Cartridge 200 may also or alternatively have openings along sidewall 212. Absorbent carrier 512 may be placed along bottom 213, top 215, sidewall 212, or a combination thereof, covering some or all of the openings. The holes may be further blocked by a peelable seal or cap when the cartridge is stored prior to use.

In some embodiments, an aerosol generating article 500 in the form of a cartridge is configured for use in a hookah device. FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of an example of an aerosol generating system that includes a hookah device 100. Hookah device 100 includes a vessel 17 defining an internal volume configured to hold liquid 19 and defining a free space outlet 15 above the fill level for liquid 19. Liquid 19 preferably contains water to which one or more colors, one or more flavors, or one or more colors and one or more flavors can optionally be added. For example, one or both of herbal supplements or herbal supplements can be added to the water.

The device 100 also includes an aerosol generating element 130. The aerosol generating element 130 comprises a reservoir 140 configured to receive an aerosol generating article provided as a cartridge 200 containing an aerosol generating substrate and an absorbent carrier forming a sheet impregnated with an aerosol generating agent. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes a heating element 160 that defines at least one surface of the reservoir 140. In the depicted embodiment, the heating element 160 defines the top and side surfaces of the reservoir 140. The aerosol generating element 130 also includes an inlet 170 for fresh air that draws fresh air into the device 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the fresh air inlet 170 is formed by a heating element 160 to heat the air before air enters the reservoir 140. The preheated air then enters the cartridge 200, which is also heated by the heating element 160 to carry the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating agent and the aerosol generating substrate. Air exits the outlet of the aerosol generating element 130 and enters the tube 190.

Tube 190 carries air and aerosol into vessel 17 below the level of liquid 19. Air and aerosol may bubble up through liquid 19 and exit headspace outlet 15 of vessel 17. Hose 20 may be attached to headspace outlet 15 to carry aerosol to the mouth user. The mouthpiece 25 may be attached to the hose 20 or form part of it.

An exemplary air flow path of the device in use is depicted by bold arrows in FIG. 8.

The mouthpiece 25 may contain an activation element 27 . The activation element 27 may be a switch, a button, or the like. or may be a puff sensor or the like. Activation element 27 may be placed in any other suitable location of device 100. Activation element 27 may be wirelessly coupled to control electronics 30 to bring device 100 into use or to cause heating element 160 to be activated by control electronics, such as by supplying power to the control electronics 35. power supply to the heating element 140.

The control electronics 30 and the power supply 35 may be located in any suitable location of the aerosol generating element 130, except for the bottom of the element 130, as shown in FIG. 8.

The specific embodiments described above are intended to describe the invention. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, other embodiments may be proposed, and it should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are not intended to be limiting.

In the context of this document, the singular forms include embodiments with reference to the plural, unless the content clearly implies otherwise.

In the context of this document, the conjunction "or" is usually used in its meaning, including "and/or", unless the content clearly implies otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

In the context of this document, the words "have", "having", "include", "including", "comprise", "comprising" or the like are used in their broad sense and generally mean "including, but without limitation ". It will be understood that the expressions "consisting essentially of", "consisting of" and the like are categorized as "comprising" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may provide certain advantages under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments is not meant to imply that other embodiments are not applicable, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present invention, including the claims.

In the context of this document, the term "substantially" has the same meaning as "substantially" and can be understood as modifying the following term by at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. In the context of this document, the term "not in substance" has the same meaning as "insignificantly", and can be understood as having the opposite meaning of the term "substantially", that is, changes the term following it by no more than 10%, no more than 5% or not more than 2%.

Any direction mentioned in this document, such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", and other directions or orientations are described in this document for clarity and brevity and are not intended to limit the actual device or system. The devices and systems described in this document can be used in different directions and orientations.

Thus, aerosol generating articles for aerosol generating devices are described. Various modifications and variations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described embodiments of the present invention, which are obvious to experts in the fields of mechanics, chemistry and production of an aerosol generating article, or in related fields, should be included in the scope of the following claims.

Claims (27)

1. An aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol generating article comprising: - an aerosol-forming substrate; an absorbent carrier forming a sheet containing a contact surface for a heating element, wherein the absorbent carrier at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating substrate; And - a substance for the formation of an aerosol for impregnation of the absorbent carrier; an aerosol generating device for accommodating an aerosol generating article; and a heating element for heating the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article, the heating element comprising an external heating element that at least partially surrounds the aerosol-generating article when the aerosol-generating article is placed in the aerosol-generating device, wherein the system is configured such that when the article is placed in the aerosol generating device, the absorbent carrier is positioned between the aerosol generating substrate and the heating element, and the contact surface for the heating element is in contact with the external heating element. 2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating product further comprises a heating element, or the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element, or both the aerosol generating product and the aerosol generating device comprises a heating element. element. 3. An aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating element comprises a current collector, and the aerosol generating device comprises an induction coil configured to heat the current collector when the product is placed in the device. 4. An aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an aerosol-forming substrate; an absorbent carrier forming a sheet containing a contact surface for a heating element, wherein the absorbent carrier at least partially surrounds the aerosol generating substrate; And an aerosol agent for impregnating the absorbent carrier; wherein the aerosol generating article is configured such that when the article is housed in the aerosol generating device, the absorbent carrier is positioned between the aerosol generating substrate and the heating element, and the contact surface for the heating element is in contact with the external heating element. 5. The aerosol generating article of claim 4, comprising a frangible membrane that encloses the aerosol generating agent, wherein the frangible membrane is configured to release the aerosol generating agent into the absorbent carrier when the frangible membrane ruptures. 6. The aerosol generating article of claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises a solid, paste, gel, suspension, liquid, or any combination thereof. 7. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate contains a solid. 8. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate forms a core, the absorbent carrier comprising a cylindrical portion at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the core. 9. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the aerosol generating substrate forms a layer with which the absorbent carrier is coated, wherein the absorbent carrier and the aerosol generating substrate form a helix of alternating layers of absorbent carrier and aerosol generating substrate. 10. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent carrier is coated with a thermally conductive or inductive material. 11. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent carrier comprises paper. 12. An aerosol generating article according to claim 4, comprising a cartridge case, the aerosol generating substrate and the absorbent carrier being provided within the cartridge case. 13. An aerosol generating product according to claim 4, containing a current collector. 14. Product that generates an aerosol and contains: a substrate that forms an aerosol; absorbent carrier; an aerosolizing agent for impregnating the absorbent carrier, and a heating element, wherein the absorbent carrier is positioned between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heating element.

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