RU2798249C1 - Aerosol generating device and system containing aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol generating devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions is related to an aerosol generating device and a system containing an aerosol generating device. The aerosol-generating device is comprised of a cavity for accommodating an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate, and an induction heating structure. The induction heating structure contains an inductor and a susceptor assembly. The susceptor assembly comprises a central susceptor structure located in the centre of said cavity and a peripheral susceptor structure located at a distance from and around the central susceptor structure. The susceptor assembly is configured with one or more of the following: the central susceptor structure is comprised of at least two central susceptors allowing for a lateral air flow between at least two central susceptors; the peripheral susceptor structure is comprised of at least two peripheral susceptors allowing for a lateral airflow between the at least two peripheral susceptors; and one or both of the central susceptor construct and the peripheral susceptor construct are comprised of one or more porous susceptors.

EFFECT: more uniform heating and air flow.

17 cl, 4 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

It is known to provide an aerosol generating device for generating inhaled vapor. Such devices can heat the aerosol-forming substrate to a temperature at which one or more components of the aerosol-forming substrate are vaporized without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate may be provided as part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol generating article may be in the form of a rod for inserting the aerosol generating article into a cavity, such as a heating chamber, of the aerosol generating device. A heating element may be provided in or around the heating chamber for heating the aerosol-generating substrate after insertion of the aerosol-generating article into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. The heating element may be a resistive heating element. Recently it has been proposed to use induction heating to heat the aerosol-forming substrate. For induction heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, an induction heating assembly comprising an inductor and a current-collecting assembly (susceptor assembly) may be used. The shape of the induction heating unit, preferably a current collector unit, can adversely affect the air flow.

From the prior art known technical solution according to the document RU 2611487 C2, describing the device for generating an aerosol, which contains a cavity for the placement of the substrate, made with the possibility of placing the substrate from which the aerosol is generated; an internal heater disposed within the substrate housing cavity; an external heater located along the perimeter of the cavity for placing the substrate; and a controller configured to regulate power supply to the inner heater or the outer heater or both the inner heater and the outer heater such that the outer heater is at a lower temperature than the inner heater. The technical result is to ensure a uniform temperature distribution.

Also known from the prior art is a technical solution according to WO 2019030363 A1 describing an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device comprises a casing forming a chamber having an open end for inserting an aerosol generating article into said chamber and a closed end opposite the open end. The aerosol generating device comprises a flat helical inductor located at the closed end of said chamber. The aerosol generating device comprises a susceptor element located inside said chamber at the closed end. The aerosol generating device comprises a power source and a controller that are connected to a flat helical inductor and configured to supply an alternating electric current to the flat helical inductor so that, in use, the flat helical inductor generates an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat the susceptor element and, thus heating at least a portion of the aerosol generating article placed inside said chamber. An aerosol generating system is also described, comprising an aerosol generating device. The technical result consists in simplifying the design of the aerosol generating device and increasing the reliability of the aerosol generating device by eliminating the effect of the inductor on the aerosol.

It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved aerosol generation. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved induction heating. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with more uniform heating. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with improved airflow. It would be desirable to have an aerosol generating device with a more uniform air flow.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating device is provided, comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The device further comprises an induction heating structure. The induction heating structure contains an inductor and a current collector. The current-collecting assembly (susceptor assembly) comprises a central current-collecting structure located centrally inside said cavity, and a peripheral current-collecting structure located at a distance from the central current-collecting structure and around it. In addition, one or more of the following takes place: the central pantograph structure comprises at least two central pantographs, enabling the creation of a lateral airflow between said at least two central pantographs; the peripheral current collector structure includes at least two peripheral current collectors, enabling the creation of a lateral air flow between said at least two peripheral current collectors; and one or both of the central current collector structure and the peripheral current collector structure comprise one or more porous current collectors.

By providing a central current-collecting structure, the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article can be heated internally. By providing a peripheral current-collecting structure, the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article can be externally heated. Together, the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure allow uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article. In addition, airflow and aerosol generation are improved due to the configuration of one or both of the central current-collecting structure and the peripheral current-collecting structure. By providing a lateral airflow between one or both of said at least two central current collectors of the central current collector structure and said at least two peripheral current collectors of the peripheral current collector structure, the contact surface between the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article and the air drawn into the device is increased. Additionally or alternatively, by providing porous current collectors, said contact surface can be increased.

The term "side air flow" refers to air flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the respective current collector. This type of airflow allows improved aerosol generation by allowing more uniform contact of the air with the aerosol-forming substrate. In addition to lateral airflow, airflow from the base of said cavity may be provided. This airflow may be axial airflow. The axial air flow can flow through the entire aerosol generating article placed in said cavity. The side airflow may mix with the axial airflow at the point where the side airflow enters the aerosol generating article after passing through the current collectors. The lateral air flow can lead to cooling or contribute to the cooling of the resulting aerosol. The desired ratio between axial and lateral airflow can be chosen in such a way as to improve aerosol formation and optimize the aerosol temperature.

The aerosol generating article is preferably in the form of a hollow aerosol generating article, so that the aerosol generating article can be placed between the central current collector structure and the peripheral current collector structure. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate forming an inner layer and a second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate located around the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate and forming an outer layer. The central current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. The peripheral current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating article will be described in more detail below.

One or more of the central current collectors of the central current collector structure may be porous. One or more peripheral current collectors of the peripheral current collector structure may be porous. One or more of the central and peripheral current collectors may be made of a porous material. The porous material may have such a porosity that the current collectors have sufficient mechanical strength. The mechanical strength of the current collectors may be sufficient if the current collectors are dimensionally stable during insertion and withdrawal of the aerosol generating article and during operation of the aerosol generating device. One or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs may be made breathable due to the porosity. One or more of the central pantographs and peripheral pantographs may be configured to create a lateral airflow through one or more of said central pantographs and peripheral pantographs. One or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs may contain metal. One or more of the central pantographs and peripheral pantographs may be made of metal. One or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs may comprise or be made of hard metal. One or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs may contain slots or openings to allow lateral airflow to be generated. Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the central current collectors and the peripheral current collectors may comprise an inductively heated open cell ceramic material. Said inductively heated open-cell ceramic material may be electrically conductive. Alternatively or additionally, the heated open-cell ceramic material may be ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic. One or more of the central current collectors and the peripheral current collectors may comprise or consist of an electrically conductive ceramic material such as lanthanum-doped strontium titanate or yttrium-doped strontium titanate. The porous induction heated ceramic material may be ceramic ferrite. One or more of the central current collectors and the peripheral current collectors may comprise or consist of an open-pore ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic ceramic material such as ceramic ferrite. In the context of this document, ferrites are ferrimagnetic ceramic compounds derived from iron oxides such as hematite (Fe ₂ O ₃ ) or magnetite (Fe ₃ O ₄ ) as well as oxides of other metals. The porosity of the material of one or more of the central pantographs and peripheral pantographs may be in the range of 20% to 60%.

In the context of this document, the term "porosity" refers to the proportion of empty space in the current collector. The porosity of the current collector can be chosen in such a way as to provide the possibility of creating a lateral air flow through the current collector. Additionally or alternatively, the porosity may depend on the provision of slots or holes in the current collector. Preferably, the porosity of the current collector is chosen to provide a given resistance to being drawn through the current collector, preferably through a system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article. The drag resistance through the current collector, preferably through the system comprising the aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating article, can be from 70 mm of water. Art. up to 120 mm w.c.

One or both of the at least one gap may be provided between said at least two central current collectors and at least one gap may be provided between said at least two peripheral current collectors. Said gap can be configured to create a side airflow between the central pantographs. Said gap can be configured to create a lateral airflow between the peripheral current collectors. If multiple central pantographs are provided, then a gap can be provided between each of the central pantographs. If multiple peripheral current collectors are provided, then a gap can be provided between each of the peripheral current collectors.

The gap can be made in the form of an elongated gap. The gap may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of said cavity. One or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs may be separated from each other by said gap. One or more of the individual central pantographs and peripheral pantographs may be spaced apart from each other across said gap. The number of gaps can correspond to the number of central and peripheral pantographs.

The gap can be made in the form of a transverse gap. A transverse gap may be provided as an alternative to or in addition to a gap extending along or parallel to the longitudinal central axis of said cavity. If a transverse clearance is provided, then the transverse clearance may be provided between one or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs. Thus, one or more of the central current collectors and the peripheral current collectors may be located along or parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity. Similar to a gap extending along or parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the cavity, a transverse gap can be arranged to separate individual central or peripheral current collectors.

A gap or a plurality of gaps may be provided between one or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs, in addition to one or more of the central pantographs and the peripheral pantographs being porous. The air flow, preferably side air flow, can be improved by providing gaps between the individual current collectors and by additionally making the current collectors in the form of porous current collectors.

The central current collector structure may comprise at least two central current collectors. The central current collector structure may contain more than two central current collectors. The central current collector structure may contain four central current collectors. The central pantograph structure may consist of four central pantographs. At least one, preferably all, of the central current collectors may be oblong.

The central pantograph should be oblong. The central current collector may be located parallel to the longitudinal central axis of said cavity. If several central current collectors are provided, then all of these central current collectors may be arranged at regular intervals parallel to the longitudinal central axis of said cavity.

The downstream end section of the central current collector may be rounded, preferably bent inwardly in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. If multiple central pantographs are provided, then preferably each downstream end portion of each central pantograph may be rounded, preferably bent inwards in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. The rounded end portion enables the insertion of the aerosol generating article over the central current collector structure to be facilitated. As an alternative to a rounded end section, the end section may be tapered or beveled in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of said cavity.

One or both of the central current-collecting structure and the peripheral current-collecting structure may be located around the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. If multiple central pantographs are provided, then these central pantographs may be arranged in an annular configuration around the central longitudinal axis of the cavity. When an aerosol generating article is inserted into said cavity, the aerosol generating article can be centered in said cavity by placing a central current-collecting structure. The peripheral susceptor structure may be located around the central susceptor structure. If the peripheral current collector structure contains a plurality of peripheral current collectors, then all of these peripheral current collectors can be located at regular intervals parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cavity.

One or both of the central current collector structure and the peripheral current collector structure may be hollow. The central current collector structure may include at least two central current collectors forming an empty cavity between the central current collectors. The peripheral current-collecting structure may form an annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder between the peripheral current-collecting structure and the central current-collecting structure.

The hollow configuration of the central susceptor structure allows air to flow into the interior of the hollow central susceptor structure. As described herein, the central current collector structure preferably includes at least two central current collectors. Preferably, gaps are provided between said at least two central current collectors. Thus, it is possible to create an air flow through the central current-collecting structure. The possibility of creating an air flow is provided in the direction passing parallel or along the longitudinal central axis of the specified cavity. Preferably, said gap makes it possible to create an air flow in the lateral direction. The lateral air flow enables aerosol generation due to contact between the incoming air and the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article through the gaps between the central current collectors. Heating the central susceptor structure upon insertion of the aerosol generating article into said cavity enables aerosol generation within the hollow central susceptor structure. The central current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the first tubular layer of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The central current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the interior of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol may be drawn in the direction of flow through the hollow central susceptor structure.

The annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder may be a cavity for inserting an aerosol generating article. The central current-collecting structure may be located in said annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder. Said annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article.

One or both of the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure may have an annular-shaped cross section. The central current collector structure may contain at least two central current collectors forming an empty cavity of the annular section. The peripheral current collector structure may comprise at least two peripheral current collectors of an annular cross section.

The central current-collecting structure may be tubular. If the central current collector structure comprises at least two central current collectors, then these central current collectors may be arranged so as to form a central tubular current collector structure. Preferably, it is possible to create an air flow through the central current collector structure, namely through the gaps between the central current collectors.

The peripheral current collector structure may comprise an elongated, preferably blade-shaped current collector or a cylindrical current collector. The peripheral current collector structure may include at least two blade-like current collectors. The blade-like current collectors may be positioned so as to surround said cavity. Blade-shaped current collectors can be located inside the specified cavity. The blade-like current collectors may be configured to hold an aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is inserted into said cavity. The downstream end section of the peripheral pantograph can be expanded. The blade current collectors may have flared downstream ends to facilitate insertion of the aerosol generating article into the blade current collectors. Air can flow into said cavity between the blade-like current collectors. Gaps can be provided between the individual blade-like current collectors. In this way, the possibility of subsequent contact of air with the aerosol-generating article or entry into it is ensured. As a result, it is possible to achieve a uniform penetration of air into the aerosol generating article, which optimizes aerosol generation. The peripheral current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the second tubular layer of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article. The peripheral current-collecting structure may be configured to heat the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article.

The peripheral current-collecting structure may have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the central current-collecting structure. An annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder may be located between the peripheral current-collecting structure and the central current-collecting structure. The central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure may be arranged coaxially.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a power source. The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. The power supply may be electrically connected to the inductor. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of about 2.5 volts to about 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of about 1 amp to about 10 amps (corresponding to an output DC power in the range of about 2.5 watts to about 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may preferably comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC/AC) converter for converting the direct current supplied by the DC power supply into alternating current. The DC/AC converter may include a Class D, Class C, or Class E power amplifier. The power supply may be configured to supply AC.

The power source may be a battery such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply may be another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. The power supply may need to be recharged. The power supply may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more uses of the aerosol generating device. For example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide continuous aerosol generation for a period of approximately six minutes, which is typical of the time required to smoke a conventional cigarette, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to allow for a given number of puffs or individual activations.

The power supply for the inductor may be configured to operate at high frequency. Class E power amplifier is preferred for high frequency operation. In the context of this document, the term "high frequency oscillatory current" means an oscillatory current with a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high frequency oscillating current may have a frequency of about 1 megahertz to about 30 megahertz, preferably about 1 megahertz to about 10 megahertz, and more preferably about 5 megahertz to about 8 megahertz.

In another embodiment, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kilohertz range, such as 100 kHz to 400 kHz. In embodiments using a Class D or C power amplifier, switching frequencies in the specified kilohertz range are particularly preferred. The switching transistor will have a current rise time, a current fall time, an off time, and an on time. Therefore, if a set of two or four (working in pairs) switching transistors is used in a class D power amplifier, then the switching frequency in the lower kilohertz range will be chosen taking into account the necessary turn-off time of one transistor before current rise occurs on the other transistor to avoid destroying the power amplifier.

The induction heating structure may be configured to generate heat by induction. The induction heating structure contains an inductor and a current collector. One inductor may be provided. One current-collecting node may be provided. Preferably, more than one inductor is provided. A first inductor and a second inductor may be provided. Preferably, more than one current collector assembly is provided. As described herein, the susceptor assembly includes a central susceptor structure and a peripheral susceptor structure. The inductor may surround the current collector. The first inductor may surround the first area of the current collector assembly. The second inductor may surround the second area of the current collector assembly. The area surrounded by the inductor may be in the form of a heating zone, as described in more detail below.

The aerosol generating device may comprise a flow concentrator. The flux concentrator can be made of any material having a high magnetic permeability. The flow concentrator may be positioned to surround the induction heating assembly. The flux concentrator can concentrate the magnetic field lines in the inner region of the flux concentrator, thereby increasing the heating effect of the current collector by means of the inductor.

The aerosol generating device may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to the inductor. The controller may be electrically connected to the first inductor and to the second inductor. The controller may be configured to control the electric current supplied to the inductor(s) and thus control the strength of the magnetic field generated by the inductor(s).

The power supply and controller may be connected to an inductor, preferably the first and second inductors, and be configured to supply an alternating electrical current to each of the inductors independently of one another such that, in use, each of the inductors generates an alternating magnetic field. . This means that the power supply and the controller are capable of supplying alternating electrical current separately to the first inductor, separately to the second inductor, or simultaneously to both inductors. This makes it possible to achieve different heating profiles. The heating profile may refer to the temperature of the respective inductor. For heating to a high temperature, an alternating electric current can be applied to both inductors at the same time. For heating to a lower temperature, or heating only a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article, alternating current may be applied to only the first inductor. Then an alternating electric current can only be supplied to the second inductor.

The controller can be connected to inductors and power supply. The controller may be configured to control the supply of power to the inductors from a power source. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, which may be a programmable microprocessor, a microcontroller, or an application specific integrated chip (ASIC) or other electronic circuit capable of providing control. The controller may contain additional electronic components. The controller may be configured to control the supply of current to the inductor(s). The current may be applied to the inductor(s) continuously after activation of the aerosol generating device, or it may be applied intermittently, for example from puff to puff.

The power source and controller may be configured to independently vary the amplitude of the alternating electrical current supplied to each of the first inductor and the second inductor. With this arrangement, the strength of the magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductors can be independently varied by varying the amplitude of the current supplied to each coil. This makes it possible to promote a conveniently variable heating effect. For example, the magnitude of the current applied to one or both of the coils may be increased during startup to shorten the initiation time of the aerosol generating device.

The controller may be configured to interrupt the current supply to the input side of the DC/AC converter. This makes it possible to control the power supplied to the inductor(s) using standard duty cycle control methods.

The first inductor of the aerosol generating device may form part of the first circuit. The first circuit may be a resonant circuit. The first circuit may have a first resonant frequency. The first circuit may include a first capacitor. The second inductor may form part of the second circuit. The second circuit may be a resonant circuit. The second circuit may have a second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be different from the second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be equal to the second resonant frequency. The second circuit may include a second capacitor. The resonant frequency of a resonant circuit depends on the inductance of the corresponding inductor and the capacitance of the corresponding capacitor.

The cavity of the aerosol generating device may have an open end into which an aerosol generating article is inserted. The open end may be a proximal end. The cavity may have a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end may be the base of said cavity. The closed end may be closed except that air holes located in the base may be provided. The base of said cavity may be flat. The base of said cavity may be round. The base of said cavity may be located upstream of said cavity. The open end may be located downstream of said cavity. Said cavity may be oblong. Said cavity may have a longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal direction may be a direction passing between the open and closed ends along the longitudinal central axis. The longitudinal axis of said cavity may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

Said cavity can be made in the form of a heating chamber. Said cavity may have a cylindrical shape. Said cavity may be in the form of a hollow cylinder. Said cavity may have a circular cross section. Said cavity may have an elliptical or rectangular cross section. Said cavity may have an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "length" refers to the major dimension in the longitudinal direction of an aerosol-generating aerosol-generating device article, or a component of an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term "width" refers to the major transverse dimension of an aerosol generating aerosol generating device article or a component of an aerosol generating device or aerosol generating article, at a particular location along its length. The term "thickness" refers to the dimension in the transverse direction perpendicular to the width.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released as a result of heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating substrate is part of the aerosol-generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol-generating article" refers to an article containing an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. For example, an aerosol generating article may be an article that generates an aerosol directly inhaled by a user who draws or puffs on a mouthpiece at the proximal or user end of the system. The aerosol generating article may be disposable. An article containing an aerosol-forming tobacco-containing substrate is referred to as a tobacco stick. The aerosol generating article may be configured to be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "aerosol generating system" refers to the combination of an aerosol generating article described and illustrated later in this document and an aerosol generating device described and illustrated later in this document. In said system, an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating device cooperate to generate an inhalable aerosol.

In the context of this document, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or mouth end of the aerosol generating device, and the term "far" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. With respect to said cavity, the term "proximal" refers to the region closest to the open end of said cavity, and the term "far" refers to the region closest to the closed end.

In the context of this document, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of the components or parts of the components of the aerosol generating device relative to the direction in which the user puffs on the aerosol generating device during its use.

In the context of this document, the term "susceptor assembly" ("susceptor assembly") means an electrically conductive element that is heated by the action of a changing magnetic field. This may be the result of eddy currents induced in the current collector and/or hysteresis losses. During use, the current-collecting assembly is located in thermal contact with the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-generating article placed in the cavity of the aerosol-generating device, or in close thermal proximity thereto. As a result, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the current collector so that an aerosol is formed.

The current-collecting assembly may be shaped to match the shape of the corresponding inductor. The current collector may have a smaller diameter than the corresponding inductor so that the current collector can be placed inside the inductor.

The term "hot zone" refers to that portion of said cavity along its length which is at least partially surrounded by inductors, such that a current-collecting assembly located in or around the hot zone can be inductively heated by the inductors. The heating zone may include a first heating zone and a second heating zone. The heating zone may be divided into a first heating zone and a second heating zone. The first heating zone may be surrounded by a first inductor. The second heating zone may be surrounded by a second inductor. More than two heating zones can be provided. A plurality of heating zones may be provided. An inductor can be provided for each heating zone. One or more inductors may be movable to surround the heat zones and heat the heat zones in each segment.

The term "coil" in the context of this document is interchangeable with the terms "inductor", "inductor", "inductor" or "inductor" throughout the document. The coil may be a fed (primary) coil connected to a power source.

The heating effect can be varied by independently controlling the first and second inductors. The heating effect can be varied by providing the first and second inductors with different configurations so that the magnetic field generated by each coil at the same supplied current is different from the other. For example, the heating effect can be varied by making the first and second inductors of different types of wires so that the magnetic field generated by each coil at the same applied current is different from the other. The heating effect can be varied by independently controlling the first and second inductors and by providing the first and second inductors with different configurations such that the magnetic field generated by each coil at the same supplied current is different from the other.

Each inductor (all inductors) is (are) located at least partially around the heating zone. The inductor can only partially extend around the circumference of said cavity in the region of the heating zone. The inductor can pass around the entire circumference of the specified cavity in the region of the heating zone.

The inductor(s) may (may) be a planar coil(s) located(s) partly around the circumference of said cavity or around the entire circumference of said cavity. In the context of this document, the term "planar coil" means a coil wound in a spiral, the winding axis of which is perpendicular to the plane in which the coil lies. A planar coil can lie in a flat Euclidean plane. The planar coil may lie in a curved plane. For example, a planar coil may be wound in a flat Euclidean plane and subsequently bent to lie in a curved plane.

Preferably, the inductor(s) is (are) helical (helical). The inductor may be helical and may be wound around a central free space in which said cavity is located. The inductor can be located around the entire circumference of the specified cavity.

The coil(s) of inductance may(may) be helical(s) and concentric(s). The first and second inductors may have different diameters. The first and second inductors may be helical and concentric, and they may have different diameters. In such embodiments, the smaller of said two coils may be positioned at least partially within the larger of the first and second inductors.

The turns of the first inductor may be electrically isolated from the turns of the second coil.

The aerosol generating device may further comprise one or more additional inductors. For example, the aerosol generating device may further comprise third and fourth inductors, preferably associated with additional current collectors, in turn preferably associated with different heating zones.

Preferably, the first and second inductors have different inductance values. The first inductor may have a first inductance, and the second inductor may have a second inductance less than the first inductance. This means that the magnetic fields generated by the first and second inductors will have different strengths for a given current. This makes it possible for the first and second inductors to promote different heating effects by applying current of the same magnitude to both coils. This makes it possible to reduce the control requirements of the aerosol generating device. In the case of independent activation of the first and second inductors, the higher inductor may be activated at a time different from the activation of the lower inductor. For example, a higher inductor may be activated during operation, such as during a puff, and a lower inductor may be activated between sessions, such as between puffs. This provides the advantage of being able to help maintain an elevated temperature within said cavity between uses without requiring the same power as during normal use. Such "preheating" makes it possible to reduce the time required for said cavity to return to the desired operating temperature upon resumption of operation of the aerosol generating device. In an alternative embodiment, the first inductor and the second inductor may have the same inductance values.

The first and second inductors may be made of the same type of wire. Preferably, the first inductor is made of a first type of wire and the second inductor is made of a second type of wire different from the first type wire. For example, the compositions of the wires or their cross-sections may differ. Thus, the inductance of the first and second inductors may be different even if the overall geometry of the coils is the same. This makes it possible to use the same or similar geometries for the first and second inductors. This makes it possible to promote a more compact arrangement.

The first wire type may comprise a first wire material, and the second type wire may comprise a second wire material different from the first wire material. The electrical properties of the first and second wire materials may be different. For example, the first type of wire may have a first resistance, and the second type of wire may have a second resistance different from the first resistance.

Suitable materials for the inductor(s) include copper, aluminium, silver and steel. Preferably, the inductor is made of copper or aluminum.

If the first inductor is made of a first type wire and the second inductor is made of a second type wire different from the first type wire, the first type wire may have a different cross section than the second type wire. The first type wire may have a first cross section and the second type wire may have a second cross section different from the first cross section. For example, the first type of wire may have a first cross-sectional shape, and the second type of wire may have a second cross-sectional shape different from the first cross-sectional shape. The first type wire may have a first thickness, and the second type wire may have a second thickness different from the first thickness. The cross-sectional shape and thickness of the wires of the first and second types may differ.

The current collector assembly may be made of any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to aerosolize the aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features relating to the susceptor assembly may apply to one or both of the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure. Suitable materials for the current collector assembly include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and metal material composites. Preferred current collector assemblies contain metal or carbon. Preferably, the current-collecting assemblies may comprise a ferromagnetic material such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles and ferrite, or they may be composed of the foregoing. A suitable current-collecting (susceptor) assembly may be made of or comprise aluminum. The current collector may contain greater than 5 percent, preferably greater than 20 percent, more preferably greater than 50 percent, or greater than 90 percent ferromagnetic or paramagnetic materials. Preferred susceptor assemblies may be heated to temperatures in excess of 250 degrees Celsius. As described herein, the individual current-collecting assemblies are preferably porous.

The current collector can be made from a single layer of material. Said one layer of material may be a layer of steel.

The current-collecting assembly may comprise a non-metallic core with a metal layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current collector may include metal tracks formed on the outer surface of the ceramic core or substrate.

The current collector can be made from a layer of austenitic steel. On said layer of austenitic steel, one or more layers of stainless steel may be placed. For example, the current collector assembly may be made of an austenitic steel layer having a stainless steel layer on each of its top and bottom surfaces. The current collector assembly may comprise one current collector material. The current-collecting assembly may comprise a first current-collecting material and a second current-collecting (susceptor) material. The first current-collecting material may be positioned in intimate physical contact with the second current-collecting material. The first and second current collector materials may be in intimate contact to form an integral current collector. In some embodiments, the first current collector material is stainless steel and the second current collector material is nickel. The current-collecting assembly may have a two-layer structure. The current-collecting units can be made of a stainless steel layer and a nickel layer.

Intimate contact between the first current-collecting material and the second current-collecting material may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second current collector material may be applied by plating, deposited, coated, applied by cladding, or welded to the current collector material. Preferred methods include electroplating, electroplating and cladding.

The second current collector material may have a Curie temperature below 500 degrees Celsius. The first current collector material can be used mainly for heating the current collector when this current collector is placed in an alternating electromagnetic field. Any suitable material may be used. For example, the first current collector material may be aluminum, or it may be a ferrous metal such as stainless steel. The second current collector material is preferably used primarily to indicate that the current collector has reached a particular temperature, and that temperature is the Curie temperature of the second current collector material. The Curie temperature of the second current collector material can be used to control the temperature of the entire current collector (susceptor) during operation. Thus, the Curie temperature of the second current collector material must be below the ignition temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate. Suitable materials for the second current collector material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys. The Curie temperature of the second current collector material may preferably be chosen to be below 400 degrees Celsius, preferably below 380 degrees Celsius or below 360 degrees Celsius. Preferably, the second current collector material is a magnetic material chosen to have substantially the same Curie temperature as the desired maximum heating temperature. In other words, it is preferable that the Curie temperature of the second current collector material is approximately the same as the temperature to which the current collector must be heated in order to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. The Curie temperature of the second current collector material may be, for example, in the range of 200 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius, or in the range of 250 degrees Celsius to 360 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to layer the first current-collecting material and the second current-collecting material on top of each other. The layering may be carried out by any suitable means. For example, the strip of first current collector material may be welded or diffusion bonded to the strip of second current collector material. In an alternative embodiment, a layer of the second current collector material may be deposited or metallized onto the strip of the first current collector material.

Preferably, the aerosol generating device is portable. The aerosol generating device may be of a size comparable to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The system may be an electric smoking system. The system may be a hand held aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating device may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 150 millimeters. The aerosol generating device may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 30 millimeters.

The aerosol generating device may include a casing. The casing may be oblong. The casing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of these materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for use in the food or pharmaceutical industry, such as polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-fragile.

The casing may contain a mouthpiece. The casing may include at least one air inlet. The casing may contain more than one air inlet. The mouthpiece may include at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. The mouthpiece may contain more than one air inlet. The one or more air inlets allow the temperature of the aerosol to be reduced before it is delivered to the user, and they allow the concentration of the aerosol to be reduced before it is delivered to the user.

Alternatively, the mouthpiece may be provided as part of the aerosol generating article. The user may puff directly on the aerosol generating article, preferably at the proximal end of the aerosol generating article.

In the context of this document, the term "mouthpiece" refers to that part of the aerosol generating device that is placed in the user's mouth for the purpose of directly inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device from an aerosol generating article placed in the cavity of the specified housing.

The air inlet can be made in the form of a half-open inlet. The semi-open inlet preferably allows air to enter the aerosol generating device. It is possible to prevent air or liquid from escaping from the aerosol generating device through the semi-open inlet. The semi-open inlet may be, for example, a semi-permeable membrane that is only permeable to air in one direction, but impervious to air and fluid in the opposite direction. The semi-open inlet can also be, for example, a non-return valve. Preferably, semi-open inlets allow air to pass through a given inlet only when certain conditions are met, for example, with a minimum pressure drop in the aerosol generating device or the volume of air passing through said valve or membrane.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating device may further comprise a first air inlet fluidly connected to said cavity and allowing ambient air to be drawn into said cavity, and a second air inlet fluidly connected to said cavity and allowing ambient air to be drawn into said cavity. air into said cavity. The first air inlet may be configured to be fluidly connected to the central part of said cavity. One or both of the first air inlet and the second air inlet may comprise several separate air inlets. Separate air inlets may be located on opposite sides of the casing of the aerosol generating device. The central part of said cavity may be that part of said cavity in which the central current-collecting structure is located. The central part of said cavity may be a hollow inner region of the central current-collecting structure. The first air inlet may be configured to be fluidly connected to the hollow interior of the central susceptor structure so as to allow ambient air to be drawn into said hollow interior of the central susceptor structure through said first air inlet. The second air inlet can be made with the possibility of fluid communication with the peripheral part of the specified cavity. The peripheral part of said cavity may be that part of said cavity that surrounds the peripheral current-collecting structure. By means of the first air inlet and the second air inlet, separate air flow passages can be provided. The first air inlet and the second air inlet may not be fluidly connected within the aerosol generating device, at least when the aerosol generating article is inserted into said cavity. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the first air inlet will allow ambient air to be drawn in through the hollow tubular interior of the aerosol generating article. The central current-collecting structure may be located in the hollow interior of the aerosol-generating article. When the aerosol generating article is inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the second air inlet will allow ambient air to be drawn in towards the periphery of the aerosol generating article. The peripheral current-collecting structure may be located around the periphery of the aerosol-generating article. The two separate air inlets provide separate air flows through the tubular interior of the aerosol-generating article and into the aerosol-generating article from the periphery of the aerosol-generating article.

One or both of the air flows through the first air inlet and the second air inlet may be separately adjustable. The ratio between the air flows through the first air inlet and the second air inlet can be adjustable. One or both of the first air inlet and the second air inlet may be configured to be separately controlled by a controller. The cross-sectional area of one or both of the first air inlet and the second air inlet may be adjustable by means of a controller.

The heating unit can be activated using the puff detection system. In an alternative embodiment, the heating assembly may be activated by pressing an on/off button held during a user puff. The puff detection system may be in the form of a sensor, which in turn may be in the form of an air flow sensor to measure the air flow rate. The air flow rate is a parameter characterizing the amount of air drawn in by the user per unit time through the air flow path of the aerosol generating device. The initiation of a puff can be detected by the air flow sensor if the air flow rate has exceeded a pre-set threshold. The initiation can also be detected when the button is activated by the user.

The sensor may also be in the form of a pressure sensor for measuring, within the aerosol generating device, the pressure of air that is drawn through the air flow path of the device during puffing by the user. The sensor may be configured to measure the pressure difference or pressure drop between ambient air pressure outside the aerosol generating device and the pressure of the air that the user draws through the device. The air pressure may be detected at an air inlet, in the mouthpiece of the device, in a cavity such as a heating chamber, or in any other passage or chamber within the aerosol generating device through which air flows. When a user puffs on an aerosol generating device, a negative pressure or vacuum is created within the device, and this negative pressure can be detected using a pressure transducer. The term "negative pressure" should be understood as a pressure that is lower than the ambient air pressure. In other words, when a user takes a puff on the device, the air that is drawn through the device has a pressure that is lower than the ambient air pressure outside the device. Puff initiation can be detected by a pressure sensor if the pressure difference exceeds a pre-set threshold.

The aerosol generating device may include a user interface for activating the aerosol generating device, such as a button for initiating heating of the aerosol generating device, or a display for displaying the status of the aerosol generating device or aerosol generating substrate.

An aerosol generating system is a combination of an aerosol generating device and one or more aerosol generating articles for use with an aerosol generating device. However, the aerosol generating system may include additional components, such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging the built-in power supply in an electrically controlled or electrical aerosol generating device.

The present invention further relates to a system comprising an aerosol generating device as described herein and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate as described herein.

The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be substantially oblong. The aerosol generating article, preferably the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article, may comprise a first tubular layer of aerosol generating substrate. The first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may form a central core in the form of a hollow cylinder. The aerosol generating article, preferably the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article, may comprise a second tubular layer of aerosol generating substrate. The second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed around the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate.

The substrate portion of the aerosol generating article may be inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. During insertion of the substrate portion, the substrate portion may be disposed between the central current-collecting structure and the peripheral current-collecting structure. After insertion of the substrate portion, the central current-collecting structure may be disposed within the hollow cylinder-shaped central core of the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article. The central current-collecting structure may contact the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. The central current-collecting structure may not be in contact with the second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. Ambient air drawn into the central current collector structure through the first air flow path can be heated by this central current collector structure. In addition, the central current-collecting structure can heat the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. By evaporating the substrate of the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol can be generated. The aerosol may be drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article, in particular the homogenizing portion and the filtering portion of the aerosol generating article. The aerosol can be drawn in through gaps provided between the central current collectors of the central current collector structure.

The peripheral current-collecting structure may be positioned around the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article after the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the cavity of the aerosol generating device. The peripheral current-collecting structure may be in contact with the second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. The peripheral current-collecting structure may not be in contact with the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. Ambient air may be drawn through the second air flow path toward the periphery of the aerosol generating article and towards the peripheral current collector structure. This air can be heated by a peripheral current collector structure. In addition, the peripheral current-collecting structure can heat the second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. By evaporating the substrate of the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol can be generated. This aerosol can be drawn downstream through the aerosol generating article, in particular the second tubular layer of the aerosol generating substrate and further through the homogenizing part and the filtering part of the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol generated by the heating action of the central susceptor structure of the first tubular aerosol-forming substrate layer can be mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating action of the peripheral susceptor structure of the second tubular aerosol-forming substrate layer. The aerosols may be mixed downstream of the substrate portion of the aerosol generating article. Aerosols can be mixed in the homogenizing portion of the aerosol generating article.

The first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the second layer of tubular aerosol-forming substrate. These two layers may differ in composition, structure or thickness. The composition may contain an aerosol-forming substrate flavor and/or an aerosol-forming substrate material such as tobacco. The structure may include one or more of a porous aerosol-forming substrate, an open-cell foam, and an extruded cast sheet.

The first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate and the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be coaxially aligned.

The first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be a layer containing nicotine. The first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be tobacco-free. The second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be a tobacco-containing layer. The second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may contain no nicotine or contain only a small amount of nicotine.

The first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel layer. The second tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate may be a gel layer.

The melting point of the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the melting point of the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate of the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be different from the aerosol-forming substrate of the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate is one or both of the nicotine layer and the flavor layer. Preferably, the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate is in the form of a primary aerosol-forming layer containing tobacco and an aerosol-forming agent. Therefore, the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to generate an inhalable aerosol, while the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be configured to influence characteristics such as flavor/aroma or nicotine content of the aerosol.

The first tubular aerosol-forming substrate may contain a flavor, preferably menthol.

A membrane may be disposed between the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate and the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. The membrane may be made in the form of a film. The membrane can be made in the form of a foil. The membrane may have any of the following: vapor permeability, gas permeability, or aerosol permeability. The membrane is preferably aerosol permeable. The membrane can be made in the form of a filter. The membrane may be configured to filter larger particles contained in the aerosol, but be permeable to smaller particles.

The article may further comprise a homogenizing portion located downstream of the first and second tubular aerosol substrates. The homogenizing part may be a filtering part. The homogenizing part may be a hollow filter part. The homogenizing portion may be a hollow acetate tube. The homogenizing part may be configured to cool the aerosol. The homogenizing portion may directly adjoin one or both of the first and second tubular layers of the aerosol-forming substrate. The homogenizing portion may be aligned with one or both of the first and second tubular layers of the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the homogenizing portion is hollow and the inner diameter of the homogenizing portion is equal to or substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first tubular layer of the aerosol-forming substrate. The homogenizing portion may contain a flavoring agent. The homogenizing portion may comprise a capsule or disk. The capsule or disc may contain a flavoring agent. The capsule or disk may be centrally located within the homogenizing portion.

The aerosol generating article may further comprise a mouthpiece filter located downstream of the homogenizing portion. The mouthpiece filter may be an acetate filter. The mouthpiece filter can be made from acetate rope. The mouthpiece filter may be a cylindrical filter. The mouthpiece filter may not be a hollow filter. The mouthpiece filter may contain fibers, preferably low density linear longitudinal fibers.

The second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be surrounded by a wrapper. The wrapper can be made from cigarette wrapping paper. The wrapper can be made from cigarette wrapping paper. The wrapper can be made from standard cigarette wrapping paper. Alternatively, the wrapper may be tobacco paper. Tobacco paper may have the advantage of preventing undesirable taste effects. The wrapper may have two open ends. These two open ends may overlap when the wrapper is wrapped around the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. These two ends can be joined with an adhesive in the overlap area. The wrapper may be breathable.

The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article, comprising:

providing a first sheet of a first aerosol-forming substrate,

providing a second sheet of a second aerosol-forming substrate on the first sheet,

rolling the first and second sheets, thereby forming a hollow tubular aerosol generating article.

As an alternative to either or both of providing the first aerosol-forming substrate as a first sheet and providing the second aerosol-forming substrate as a second sheet on the first sheet and rolling the sheet, an extrusion process may be used. During the extrusion process, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be extruded separately from or together with the second aerosol-forming substrate. During the extrusion process, the first aerosol-forming substrate may be extruded to form a first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. During the extrusion process, the second aerosol-forming substrate may be extruded to form a second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. The second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may be disposed around the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. The manufacture of an aerosol generating article by extrusion processes can be particularly advantageous if one or both of the first and second aerosol generating substrates are provided in the form of a gel.

The first and second sheets may be rolled such that opposite edges of the sheets are brought into contact. During rolling or after rolling of the first and second sheets, wrapping paper may be wrapped around the second sheet of aerosol-forming substrate. The wrapping paper may be breathable.

After providing the first sheet, the membrane can be placed on this first sheet. A second sheet may be provided on said membrane. The membrane may be a film or foil.

The method may include the additional step of providing the homogenizing portion described herein downstream of the first and second tubular aerosol-forming substrates.

The method may include the additional step of providing the mouthpiece filter described herein downstream of the homogenizing portion.

The aerosol-forming substrate described below may be one or both of the aerosol-forming substrate of the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate and the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate. Preferably, the first tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may use nicotine and/or flavor containing the aerosol-forming substrate, while the second tubular layer of aerosol-forming substrate may use tobacco containing the aerosol-forming substrate.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of vegetable origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. Homogenized tobacco material can be obtained by agglomeration of bulk tobacco. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "corrugated sheet" means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel folds or corrugations.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain at least one aerosol-forming agent. The aerosol generating agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the system. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, without limitation: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; 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. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol. Preferably, the aerosol forming agent is glycerol. If present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosolizing agent content of 5 percent or greater than 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, preferably from about 5 percent by weight to about 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients such as flavoring agents.

The aerosol-generating article and the cavity of the aerosol-generating device may be configured such that the aerosol-generating article is partially located within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device. The cavity of the aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article may be positioned such that the aerosol-generating article is completely contained within the cavity of the aerosol-generating device.

The aerosol generating article may have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-forming segment enclosing the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol generating segment may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The aerosol generating segment may be substantially oblong. The aerosol generating segment may also have a length and a circumference substantially perpendicular to the length.

The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 millimeters to about 100 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article has an overall length of approximately 45 millimeters. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol generating article may have an outside diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be provided as an aerosol-forming segment having a length of from about 7 millimeters to about 15 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol-forming segment may be approximately 10 millimeters long. In an alternative embodiment, the aerosol forming segment may be approximately 12 mm long.

The aerosol generating segment preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol generating article. The outer diameter of the aerosol forming segment may be from about 5 millimeters to about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment, the aerosol forming segment may have an outer diameter of approximately 7.2 millimeters.

The aerosol generating article may include a filter plug. The filter plug can be made in the form of a mouthpiece filter. The filter plug may be located at the downstream end of the aerosol generating article. The filter plug may be a cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug may be a hollow cellulose acetate filter plug. The filter plug in one embodiment is about 7 millimeters long, but it can be from about 5 millimeters to about 10 millimeters long.

The aerosol generating article may comprise an outer paper wrapper. The outer paper wrapper may be in the form of wrapping paper as described herein. The outer paper wrapper may extend throughout the aerosol generating article. The outer paper wrapper may be configured to connect and contain various elements of the aerosol generating article.

In addition, the aerosol generating article may include a partition between the aerosol generating substrate and the filter plug. The septum may be about 18 millimeters in size, but it may be in the range of about 5 millimeters to about 25 millimeters.

The aerosol generating device may comprise an elastic sealing element. The resilient sealing element may be located at the downstream end of said cavity. The resilient sealing element may be positioned to surround the downstream end of said cavity. The elastic sealing element may have a round shape. The resilient sealing member may be funnel-shaped to facilitate insertion of the aerosol generating article. The resilient sealing member may apply pressure to the aerosol generating article after the aerosol generating article is inserted to hold the aerosol generating article in place. The resilient sealing member may be adjacent to the aerosol generating article after the aerosol generating article is inserted into said cavity. The resilient sealing member may be airtight to prevent air from escaping said cavity except through the aerosol generating article.

The aerosol-generating article may comprise a heat-insulating element. The heat-insulating element may be located around said cavity. The heat insulating element may be located between the casing of the aerosol generating device and said cavity. The heat-insulating element may be tubular. The heat insulating element may be coaxially aligned with the induction heating unit, preferably coaxially aligned with the peripheral current collector structure.

Features described in relation to one embodiment may be equally applicable to other embodiments of the present invention.

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

in FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article according to the present invention;

in FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an aerosol generating device for inserting an aerosol generating article;

in FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generating article; And

On FIG. 4 shows the flow of air through the aerosol generating device.

On FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol generating article 12. In other words, FIG. 1 shows an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol generating article 12.

The aerosol-generating device 10 includes a cavity 14 for inserting an aerosol-generating article 12. When the aerosol-generating article 12 is inserted into the cavity 14, the substrate portion 16 of the aerosol-generating article 12 will be inserted into this cavity 14. The filtering portion 18 of the aerosol-generating article 12 protrudes from the cavity 14, and the user is able to directly puff on the filter portion 18 of the aerosol-generating article 12.

At the downstream end 22 of cavity 14 is resilient sealing member 20. Resilient sealing member 20 is configured to facilitate insertion of aerosol generating article 12 into cavity 14 and to retain aerosol generating article 12 after it has been inserted into cavity 14. Resilient sealing member 20 has a funnel-shaped form. The resilient sealing element 20 has a circular shape surrounding the downstream end 22 of the cavity 14.

The aerosol generating device 10 includes an induction assembly. The induction node contains the coil 24 inductance. The induction assembly further comprises a current-collecting assembly. The susceptor assembly includes, preferably, a central susceptor structure 26 and a peripheral susceptor structure 28. The central current collector structure 26 is located within the peripheral current collector structure 28. A cavity 14 is provided between the central current collector structure 26 and the peripheral current collector structure 28 for inserting the aerosol generating article 12. The cavity 14 has a volume in the form of a hollow tubular cylinder.

The aerosol-generating article 12 is located between the central current-collector structure 26 and the peripheral current-collector structure 28. The central current-collector structure 26 and the peripheral current-collector structure 28 may be spaced apart so as to keep the aerosol-generating article 12 within the cavity 14. the structure 26 and the peripheral current-collecting structure 28 may be equal to the distance between the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article 12 and the inner diameter of the aerosol-generating article 12, or it may be slightly less than this distance. The substrate portion 16 of the aerosol-generating article 12 is preferably a hollow tubular substrate portion 16. Therefore, the substrate portion 16 of the aerosol-generating article 12 can be mounted on the central current-collecting structure 26. In this case, the central current-collecting structure 26 penetrates the hollow tubular volume of the substrate portion 16 of the generating aerosol product 12. At the same time, the peripheral current-collecting structure 28 abuts against the periphery of the substrate part 16 of the aerosol-generating product 12.

On FIG. 1 further shows a first air inlet 30 and a second air inlet 32. The first air inlet 30 is fluidly connected to the central current collector structure 26. The central current collector structure 26 is preferably hollow. Air flow can be provided from the first air inlet 30 towards the hollow interior of the central susceptor structure 26 and downstream from the cavity 14 of the aerosol generating device 10. The second air inlet 32 is fluidly connected to the periphery of the peripheral susceptor structure 28. When inserted aerosol-generating article 12, two separate air flows will be provided into the cavity 14. The first airflow from the first air inlet 30 flows through the hollow interior volume of the aerosol generating article 12. The second airflow from the second air inlet 32 flows from the periphery of the aerosol generating article 12 into the aerosol generating article 12 and then downstream from the cavity 14 of the aerosol generating article devices 10.

The substrate portion 16 of the aerosol generating article 12 shown in FIG. 3 preferably comprises a first tubular layer 38 of an aerosol-forming substrate and a second tubular layer 40 of an aerosol-forming substrate. The first tubular layer 38 of the aerosol-forming substrate is located within the substrate portion 16 and is surrounded by the second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol-forming substrate. The first tubular layer 38 of the aerosol-forming substrate preferably contains one or both of the nicotine and flavor substrates. The second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol-generating substrate preferably comprises a tobacco aerosol-generating substrate. By providing two separate air streams, it is possible to control the first air stream to affect one or both of the nicotine and flavor in the generated aerosol, and to control the second air stream to generate the desired aerosol from the tobacco substrate.

The first air inlet 30 and the second air inlet 32 may be adjustable. In particular, the cross-sectional area of one or both of the first air inlet 30 and the second air inlet 32 may be adjustable. Thus, it is possible to control the properties of the generated aerosol, such as nicotine content and taste/aroma, by controlling the air flow through one or both of the first air inlet 30 and the second air inlet 32.

To control one or both of the first air inlet 30 and the second air inlet 32, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a controller 42. The controller 42 may further be configured to control the operation of the induction assembly. In particular, the controller 42 may be configured to control the supply of electricity from the power source to the inductor 24. The power source 44 may be in the form of a battery.

On FIG. 2 shows the proximal part of the aerosol generating device 10 in more detail. FIG. 2, the cavity 14 for inserting the aerosol generating device 10 is clearly visible. Within the cavity 14 is located a central current collector structure 26 containing separate central current collectors 34. The central current collector structure 26 is surrounded by a peripheral current collector structure 28 containing a plurality of peripheral current collectors 36 in the form of an expanding blade.

Said current-collecting structure is surrounded by an inductor 24 . The inductor 24 surrounds the cavity 14. In the upstream area of the cavity 14 is the first channel 46 for air flow. The first air flow passage 46 fluidly connects the first air inlet 30 to the hollow interior of the central current collector structure 26. Adjacent to the first air flow passage 46 is a second air flow passage 48. The second air flow channel 48 fluidly connects the second air inlet 32 to the periphery of the peripheral current collector structure 28.

On FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an aerosol generating article 12, more particularly a substrate portion 16 of an aerosol generating article 12. The substrate portion 16 of an aerosol generating article 12 comprises a first tubular layer 38 of an aerosol generating substrate. The first tubular aerosol generating substrate layer 38 is positioned adjacent the hollow interior of the aerosol generating article 12. The first tubular aerosol generating substrate layer 38 is configured as one or both of the nicotine and flavor layers. The first tubular layer 38 of aerosol-forming substrate is surrounded by a second tubular layer 40 of aerosol-forming substrate. The second tubular aerosol-forming substrate layer 40 is in the form of an aerosol-forming layer containing tobacco. A membrane such as a film or foil may be provided between the first tubular layer 38 of the aerosol-forming substrate and the second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol-forming substrate. Wrapping paper may be provided surrounding the second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol-forming substrate.

On FIG. 4 shows the air flow through the aerosol generating device 10 in more detail. The air flow is indicated by arrows. Two separate airflow channels 46, 48 are provided. The first air flow path 46 begins at the first air inlet 30 and fluidly connects the hollow interior of the central current collector structure 26 to the first air inlet 30 . The air from the first air flow passage 46 enters the central current collector structure 26 at the base of the central current collector structure 26. Aerosol may form inside the central current collector structure 26 of the current collector. The aerosol can be generated by heating the first tubular layer 38 of the aerosol-forming substrate, as well as the air inside the central susceptor structure 26, by means of the central susceptor structure 26. air and the first tubular layer 38 of the aerosol-forming substrate can be optimized by using gaps between the individual central current collectors 34 and by providing the central current collectors 34 as porous current collectors. The evaporated substrate is entrained in air flowing through the central current collector structure 26. The generated aerosol flows through the central current collector structure 26 downstream towards the filter portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 12. The filter portion 18 may include a homogenizing portion 50 such as a hollow acetate tube for cooling the aerosol. , immediately adjacent to the substrate portion 16 downstream thereof. Downstream of the homogenizing portion, an acetate tow filter 52 may be provided in the aerosol generating article 12.

The second channel 48 for air flow starts at the second inlet 32 for air. The second air flow channel 48 fluidly connects the second air inlet 32 to the periphery of the substrate portion 16 of the aerosol generating article 12 after insertion of the aerosol generating article 12 into the cavity 14. The periphery of the substrate portion 16 may be part of the cavity 14. The peripheral current collector structure 28 is located at the periphery of the substrate portion 16, preferably in contact with the substrate portion 16. The area of contact between the air and the second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol forming substrate can be optimized by using gaps between the individual peripheral current collectors 36 and by providing the peripheral current collectors 36 as porous current collectors. Air from the second airflow passage 48 may entrain vaporized substrate of the second tubular aerosol-forming substrate layer 40 heated by the peripheral current-collecting structure 28. The aerosol may be drawn further downstream through the second tubular aerosol-forming substrate layer 40. Further, the aerosol may be drawn into the filter portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 12. In the filter portion 18 of the aerosol generating article 12, the aerosol generated inside the aerosol generating article 12 as a result of heating by the central current collector structure 26 may be mixed with the aerosol generated as a result of heating the second tubular layer. 40 of the aerosol-generating substrate via a peripheral current-collecting structure 28. The wrapper may be positioned around the substrate portion 16 of the aerosol-generating article 12. The wrapper is preferably breathable so that air from the second airflow channel 48 is allowed to enter the inside of the second tubular layer 40 of the aerosol-generating substrate.

Claims (20)

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-generating substrate; And an induction heating structure, wherein the induction heating structure comprises an inductor and a susceptor assembly, wherein said susceptor assembly comprises a central susceptor structure located in the center of said cavity and a peripheral susceptor structure located at a distance from and around the central susceptor structure, and one or more of the following occurs: the central susceptor structure comprises at least two central susceptors providing the possibility of creating a lateral airflow between at least two central susceptors; the peripheral susceptor structure comprises at least two peripheral susceptors allowing for a lateral airflow between the at least two peripheral susceptors; and one or both of the central susceptor construct and the peripheral susceptor construct comprise one or more porous susceptors. 2. An aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein at least one gap is provided between at least two central susceptors and/or at least one gap is provided between at least two peripheral susceptors. 3. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the gap is in the form of an elongated gap. 4. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gap extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. 5. An aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gap is in the form of a transverse gap. 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central susceptor is oblong. 7. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream end portion of the central susceptor is rounded. 8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the downstream end portion of the central susceptor is folded inwardly in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. 9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure are located around the central longitudinal axis of said cavity. 10. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure are hollow, or wherein the central susceptor structure comprises at least two central susceptors forming a hollow cavity between the central susceptors, or in in which the peripheral susceptor structure forms an annular cavity in the form of a hollow cylinder between the peripheral susceptor structure and the central susceptor structure. 11. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or both of the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure have an annular cross section, or wherein the central susceptor structure comprises at least two central susceptors forming a hollow cavity with an annular cross section , or wherein the peripheral susceptor construct comprises at least two peripheral susceptors forming an empty cavity with an annular cross section. 12. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral susceptor structure comprises an elongated, blade-like susceptor. 13. Generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, wherein the peripheral susceptor construct comprises an elongated cylindrical susceptor. 14. An aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the downstream end portion of the peripheral susceptor structure is flared. 15. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral susceptor structure has an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the central susceptor structure. 16. An aerosol generating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central susceptor structure and the peripheral susceptor structure are arranged coaxially. 17. A system containing an aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16 and an aerosol generating article comprising an aerosol generating substrate.

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