Aerosol generating device and system

Abstract

FIELD: tobacco industry.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions which relate to devices imitating smoking. The aerosol generating article comprises a susceptor element comprising a hollow tubular proximal portion and a closed distal end. The hollow tubular wick element coaxially surrounds at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the susceptor element. A system for generating an aerosol is claimed.EFFECT: prevention of leakage of unevaporated substrate in the susceptor element.15 cl, 4 dwg, 1 tbl

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating article (for generating an aerosol) for an aerosol-generating device (for generating an aerosol). The present invention also relates to an aerosol-generating system (for generating an aerosol) comprising an aerosol-generating device and the aerosol-generating article.

[0002] It is known to provide an aerosol-generating device for generating inhalable vapor. Such devices can heat an aerosol-forming substrate contained in an aerosol-generating article without burning the aerosol-forming substrate. The heating device may be an induction heating device and may include an induction coil and a susceptor. The susceptor may be part of the device or may be part of the article.

[0003] The aerosol-generating article may have a shape suitable for insertion into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. For example, the aerosol-generating article may be rod-shaped. A heating element may be located in or around the heating chamber to heat the aerosol-generating substrate after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device. Upon heating to a target temperature, the aerosol-generating substrate vaporizes to form an aerosol.

[0004] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a solid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be delivered from a liquid storage portion to an electric heating element. The liquid substrate may be delivered to the heating element via a capillary component. The liquid storage portion may be configured as a replaceable or refillable cartridge containing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The cartridge may be connected to the aerosol-generating device to deliver the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the aerosol-generating device.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that can be used with an existing inductively heated aerosol-generating device capable of inductively heating an aerosol-generating article containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide a compact aerosol-generating article containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. It would be desirable to provide an aerosol-generating article containing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate that prevents leakage.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating article is provided for use with an aerosol-generating device. The article may comprise a current-collecting element. The current-collecting element may comprise a hollow tubular proximal portion. The current-collecting element may comprise a closed distal end. The article may comprise a hollow tubular wick element. The hollow tubular wick element may coaxially surround at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current-collecting element.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol-generating article is provided for use with an aerosol-generating device. The article comprises a current-collecting element comprising a hollow tubular proximal portion and a closed distal end. The article comprises a hollow tubular wick element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current-collecting element.

[0008] An aerosol-generating article is provided that can be compactly designed to fit within a narrow heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device, which is also adapted for inductively heating a tobacco-containing consumable component. Such consumable components typically have an outer diameter of 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters. The hollow heating chamber may have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the consumable component.

[0009] A closed distal end of an aerosol-generating device can help prevent leakage. Liquid droplets that may be trapped within the hollow tubular near end, for example due to some of the aerosol-forming liquid not evaporating or recondensing as a droplet on the inner wall, can move toward the closed distal end by gravity or capillary forces. Liquid droplets leaving the susceptor can be retained by the closed distal end, thus preventing leakage.

[0010] The closed far end can be impermeable to fluid.

[0011] The closed far end can be made as a cup-shaped section of the far end.

[0012] The cup-shaped portion of the far end can provide a collecting tank for collecting droplets of condensed liquid.

[0013] The cup-shaped section at the distal end can provide a mechanism to prevent leakage. Liquid droplets that may be trapped within the hollow tubular section near the end, for example because the liquid substrate forming the aerosol has not evaporated, can move toward the cup-shaped section at the distal end by gravity or capillary forces. The liquid droplets can then be captured in a collection vessel, thus preventing leakage.

[0014] At least a portion of the current-collecting element may be fluid-permeable. At least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current-collecting element may be fluid-permeable. At least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current-collecting element may be fluid-permeable, and the closed distal end may be fluid-impermeable.

[0015] One or both of the hollow tubular proximal portion and the closed distal end of the current collecting member may comprise a porous current collecting material.

[0016] The porous material of the current collector may have a porosity of 45% to 80%, preferably 55% to 70%.

[0017] For the purposes of this document, "porosity" is defined as the percentage of a unit volume devoid of material. Porosity can be obtained using a standard method and an equation that yields a decimal value for porosity. If the volume of pores in a given volume of material (Vp) and its total volume (Vt) are known, then the porosity (Pt) is given by the ratio Vp / Vt. To express porosity as a percentage, the decimal number is simply multiplied by 100%. For example, Pt = 0.51, then 0.51 × 100% = 51%.

[0018] The porous material of the current collector may be a ferromagnetic alloy, preferably a ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy, more preferably 304 stainless steel or 410 stainless steel.

[0019] The hollow tubular near section and the closed far end of the current collecting member can form a monolithic structure.

[0020] The entire current-collecting element, comprising a tubular near-end portion and a closed distal end, may be a monolithic structure. The monolithic structure may be fluid-permeable. The monolithic structure may be porous. The monolithic structure may include a fluid-impermeable coating in the region of the closed distal end.

[0021] The aerosol generating article may comprise an air flow path extending along a longitudinal central axis of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current collecting member.

[0022] The aerosol generating article may include one or more air inlet openings in a position near the closed distal end.

[0023] The size, number and arrangement of one or more air inlet openings may be adapted to set the overall aspiration resistance of the aerosol generating article.

[0024] During use, when the aerosol generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, the retraction resistance, also called the retraction resistance (RTD), of the aerosol generating article may be in the range of 50 to 200 mmH2O, preferably 100 to 160 mmH2O, more preferably 120 to 140 mmH2O.

[0025] One or more air inlets may be arranged such that the total suction resistance of the aerosol generating article is in the range of 50 to 200 mm H2O, preferably 100 to 160 mm H2O, more preferably 120 to 140 mm H2O.

[0026] The wick element can be a monolithic element.

[0027] The wick element may contain a ceramic material. The wick element may contain a porous material. The wick element may contain a porous ceramic material. The wick element may contain a porous silica ceramic. The porosity of the sintered material can be adjusted by varying the content of the introduced silica particles and changing its particle size distribution, allowing for precise control of the desired porosity of the final product.

[0028] The porosity of the wick element may be from 45% to 80%, preferably from 50% to 65%, most preferably from 50% to 60%.

[0029] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a hollow tubular portion for storing liquid, coaxially surrounding a wick element. The liquid storage portion may contain one or both of a liquid aerosol-generating substrate and a liquid flavor medium. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate or the liquid flavor medium may contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate or the liquid flavor medium may contain a botanical substance, such as CBD.

[0030] The hollow tubular liquid storage portion may comprise a high-retention material adjacent to the side wall of the wick element. The high-retention material may be in the form of a hollow tubular member coaxially surrounding the wick element. The outer diameter of the hollow tubular member of the high-retention material may be from 4 millimeters to 6.5 millimeters. The high-retention material may be a porous material. The high-retention material may comprise cotton. The high-retention material may comprise a capillary material as described herein. The high-retention material can help ensure the wettability of the wick element. The high-retention material can help ensure that liquid from the liquid storage portion is continuously supplied to the wick element.

[0031] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a fluid-permeable wall element provided at the interface between the high-retention material and the wick element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a porous wall element provided at the interface between the high-retention material and the wick element. The porosity of the wall element may be from 50% to 90%, preferably from 50% to 80%.

[0032] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a mouthpiece or mouthpiece element. The mouthpiece or mouthpiece element may comprise a homogenization chamber. The homogenization chamber may provide one or more of the following: expansion, homogenization, and cooling of the aerosol before it exits the mouthpiece element for inhalation by the user.

[0033] The mouthpiece may comprise a tubular rod element. The tubular rod element may be configured to reduce condensation formation. The tubular rod element may comprise a tubular wall. The tubular rod element may be located in the center of the mouthpiece. The tubular rod element may be located on the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The tubular rod element may have an inner diameter measured in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article. The inner diameter of the tubular rod element of the mouthpiece may be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The inner diameter of the tubular rod element may be approximately one-third of the diameter of the mouthpiece. The tubular rod element of the mouthpiece may have a length measured in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.The length of the tubular rod element may be shorter than the length of the mouthpiece, measured in the same direction. The length of the tubular rod element may be approximately half the length of the mouthpiece. After exiting the tubular rod element, the flow rate of the aerosol may decrease. The aerosol may be further homogenized after exiting the tubular rod element. The inner side of the tubular wall of the tubular rod element may be exposed to higher temperatures than the side outside the tubular wall. The tubular rod element may prevent or reduce condensation. Aerosol condensation and droplet formation on the inner side of the tubular wall of the tubular rod element may be prevented or reduced. During use, the tubular wall of the tubular rod element may have a higher temperature than the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece.Thanks to this, the formation of condensation can be prevented or reduced.

[0034] The mouthpiece may comprise a high-retention material configured to prevent condensation. As used herein, a "high-retention material" is a material capable of absorbing and / or storing a liquid (e.g., an aqueous liquid) and capable of transferring the liquid (e.g., by capillary action). For example, the liquid may be transferred from the inner side of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The liquid aerosol-forming substrate or liquid residues of the aerosol-forming substrate may condense on the inner side of the outer tubular wall of the mouthpiece. The high-retention material may surround the tubular rod element of the mouthpiece. The high-retention material may surround the distal portion of the tubular rod element of the mouthpiece.This allows condensation to be absorbed when the aerosol-generating device is held vertically with its far end facing the center of gravity. A high-retention material such as cotton can be used.

[0035] The mouthpiece element may comprise one or more peelable outer layers.

[0036] The aerosol-generating article may be cylindrical. The outer diameter of the article may be between 5 millimeters and 10 millimeters, preferably between 6 millimeters and 8 millimeters.

[0037] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a proximal sealing element at the proximal end of the wick element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a distal sealing element at the distal end of the wick element. One or both of the proximal sealing element and the distal sealing element may be in the form of a sealing disc. One or both of the proximal sealing element and the distal sealing element may block air and may support and assemble the current-collecting element and the wick element.

[0038] An aerosol-generating article may comprise a covering element located at its distal end. The covering element may comprise a hollow tubular wall element. The covering element may comprise one or more recesses located circumferentially at the distal end of the hollow tubular wall element. The covering element may comprise one or more inlet openings, preferably oblong openings, located circumferentially in the hollow tubular wall element.

[0039] The recesses or inlets may allow ambient air to enter the product at its distal end when the product is brought into contact with a flat surface, such as when the product is inserted into the heating chamber of an aerosol generating device against the flat distal base of the heating chamber.

[0040] The present invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating article described herein and an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating chamber for inserting at least a portion of the article into an induction coil at least partially surrounding the heating chamber for inductively heating the aerosol-generating article.

[0041] The liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article may contain one or both of a liquid aerosol-generating substrate and a liquid flavor medium. The liquid flavor medium may contain a flavoring agent. The liquid flavor medium may contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate or the liquid flavor medium may contain a flavoring agent, such as menthol or herbal compounds. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate or the liquid flavor medium may contain nicotine. The liquid aerosol-generating substrate or the liquid flavor medium may have a botanical content, such as CBD.

[0042] The wick element may contain cotton. The wick element may be made of cotton.

[0043] The wick element may be a porous element. The wick element may be capable of absorbing liquid from an air stream. The wick element may comprise a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or spongy structure. Preferably, the capillary material comprises a capillary bundle. For example, the capillary material may comprise a plurality of fibers or threads, or other tubes with narrow channels. The fibers or threads may be generally aligned to convey liquid from a distal portion of the wick element to a proximal portion of the wick element. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material may form a plurality of small channels or tubes through which liquid can be transported by capillary action. The capillary material may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.Examples of suitable materials include sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metal or plastic materials, fibrous material, for example, made from spun or extruded fibers such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefin, polyethylene, ethylene or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or ceramics. The capillary material may have any suitable capillarity and porosity for use with liquids having different physical properties. The liquid has physical properties, including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, that allow the liquid to move through the capillary material by capillary action.The capillary material can be configured to transfer the aerosol-forming substrate to the proximal portion of the wick element and to the current-collecting element. The capillary material can pass through gaps in the current-collecting element.

[0044] As used herein, the term "liquid flavor medium" refers to a liquid composition capable of altering the flow of air in contact with the liquid flavor medium. The alteration of the air flow may be one or more of forming an aerosol or vapor, cooling the air flow, and filtering the air flow. For example, the liquid flavor medium may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor. Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate in the liquid flavor medium is a flavoring agent or contains a flavoring agent. Alternatively or in addition, the liquid flavor medium may comprise one or both of a cooling agent for cooling the air flow passing through the liquid flavor medium and a filter agent for capturing undesirable components in the air flow. Water can be used as the cooling agent.Water can be used as a filter medium to capture particles, such as dust, from the air stream. The liquid flavor medium can serve as one or more of the following: a nicotine-providing liquid, a flavor enhancer, and a bulking agent.

[0045] As used herein, the term "aerosol-forming substrate" refers to a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol or vapor. Such volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may be in solid or liquid form. The terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably.

[0046] The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid retained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming substrate may be part of a liquid flavor medium retained in a liquid storage portion of the aerosol-generating article. The liquid storage portion may comprise a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid storage portion may comprise a solid aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the liquid storage portion may comprise a suspension of a solid aerosol-forming substrate and a liquid. Preferably, the liquid storage portion comprises a liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0047] Preferably, an aerosol-generating substrate containing liquid nicotine or a flavoring agent / flavoring agent can be used in a liquid storage portion of an aerosol-generating article.

[0048] The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be a nicotine salt matrix.

[0049] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material that contains volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized plant-based material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating tobacco particles.

[0050] The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise at least one aerosol-forming substance. The aerosol-forming substance is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, when used, promote the formation of a dense and stable aerosol and that are substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the device. Suitable aerosol-forming substances are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: 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 substances are polyhydric alcohols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol.Preferably, the aerosol-forming agent is glycerin. If present, the homogenized tobacco material may have an aerosol-forming agent content of 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis or greater, and preferably from 5 percent to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain other additives and ingredients, such as flavorings.

[0051] As used herein, 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 one that generates an aerosol that is directly inhaled by a user who draws or puffs through a mouthpiece at the proximal, or user, end of the device. The aerosol-generating article may be disposable. The aerosol-generating article may be configured to be inserted into a heating chamber of an aerosol-generating device.

[0052] As used herein, the term "liquid storage portion" refers to a storage portion containing a liquid flavor medium and, additionally or alternatively, an aerosol-forming substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The liquid storage portion may be in the form of a container or reservoir for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate.

[0053] The liquid storage portion may be a replaceable container or receptacle. The liquid storage portion may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the liquid storage portion may be substantially cylindrical. The cross-section of the liquid storage portion may be, for example, substantially circular, elliptical, square, or rectangular.

[0054] As used in this document, the term "aerosol generating device" refers to a device that interacts with one or both of an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating cartridge.

[0055] As used in this document, the term "aerosol-generating system" refers to a combination of an aerosol-generating device and one or both of a cartridge and an aerosol-generating article. In the system, the aerosol-generating device and one or both of the aerosol-generating article and cartridge interact to generate an inhalable aerosol.

[0056] The aerosol-generating device is preferably portable. The aerosol-generating device may be comparable in size to a traditional cigar or cigarette. The device may be an electrically powered smoking device. The device may be a hand-held aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device may have an overall length of between 30 millimeters and 150 millimeters. The aerosol-generating device may have an outer diameter of between 5 millimeters and 30 millimeters.

[0057] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a housing. The housing may be elongated. The housing 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 thermoplastics suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, such as polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyethylene. Preferably, the material is lightweight and non-brittle.

[0058] The casing may include at least one air inlet. The casing may include more than one air inlet.

[0059] The aerosol generating device may comprise a heating element. The heating element may comprise at least one inductor coil for inductively heating one or more current collectors.

[0060] The heating element can be initiated by a puff detection system. Alternatively, the heating element can be initiated by pressing the on / off button and holding it for the duration of the user's puff. The puff detection system can be provided in the form of a sensor, which can be implemented as an airflow sensor for measuring airflow velocity. Airflow velocity is a parameter characterizing the amount of air drawn through the airflow path of the aerosol-generating device by the user per unit of time. Puff initiation can be detected by the airflow sensor when the airflow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Initiation can also be detected upon user activation of the button. The sensor can also be implemented as a pressure sensor.

[0061] The aerosol generating device may comprise 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 indicating the state of the aerosol generating device or the aerosol generating substrate.

[0062] The aerosol generating device may include additional components such as, for example, a charging unit for recharging the built-in electrical power supply in an electrically powered or electrically operated aerosol generating device.

[0063] As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to the user end or mouthpiece end of an aerosol-generating device or system, or a portion or part thereof, and the term "distal" refers to the end opposite the proximal end. With respect to a heating chamber, the term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the open end of the cavity, and the term "distal" refers to the portion closest to the closed end.

[0064] As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to describe the relative positions of components or portions of components of an aerosol generating device with respect to the direction in which a user draws through the aerosol generating device during use.

[0065] The term "airflow path" as used in this document refers to a channel suitable for transporting gaseous media. An airflow path may be used to transport ambient air. An airflow path may be used to transport an aerosol. An airflow path may be used to transport a mixture of air and an aerosol.

[0066] For the purposes of this document, "susceptor" or "susceptor element" means an element that is heated by an alternating magnetic field. This heating may be due to eddy currents induced in the susceptor element, hysteresis losses, or both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. During use, the susceptor element is positioned in thermal contact or close thermal proximity with an aerosol-forming substrate located in an aerosol-generating device or an aerosol-generating article. In this manner, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated by the susceptor, resulting in the formation of an aerosol.

[0067] The current collector material may be any material that can be inductively heated to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate. The following examples and features regarding the current collector may be applied to one or both of the current collector element of the cartridge, the current collector of the aerosol-generating device, and the current collector of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable materials for the current collector material include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steels, niobium, aluminum, nickel, nickel-containing compounds, titanium, and composites of metallic materials. Preferred current collector materials include metal or carbon. Advantageously, the current collector material may comprise a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material, such as ferritic iron, a ferromagnetic alloy such as ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel, ferromagnetic particles, and ferrite, or consist of them.A suitable current collector material may be aluminum or contain aluminum. The current collector material may contain more than 5 percent, preferably more than 20 percent, more preferably more than 50 percent, or more than 90 percent ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or paramagnetic materials. Preferred current collector materials can be heated to temperatures above 250 degrees Celsius without degradation.

[0068] The current collector material may be formed from a single layer of material. The single layer of material may be a layer of steel.

[0069] The current collector material may comprise a non-metallic core with a metallic layer located on the non-metallic core. For example, the current collector material may comprise metallic tracks formed on the outer surface of a ceramic core or substrate.

[0070] The current collector material may be formed from an austenitic steel layer. One or more layers of stainless steel may be located on the austenitic steel layer. For example, the current collector material may be formed from an austenitic steel layer having a stainless steel layer on each of its upper and lower surfaces. The current collector element may comprise a single current collector material. The current collector element may comprise a first current collector material and a second current collector material. The first current collector material may be located in direct physical contact with the second current collector material. The first and second current collector materials may be in direct contact to form a single current collector. In some embodiments, the first current collector material is stainless steel, and the second current collector material is nickel. The current collector element may have a two-layer structure.The current collecting element can be formed from a layer of stainless steel and a layer of nickel.

[0071] Direct contact between the first current collector material and the second current collector material can be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the second current collector material can be deposited, applied, coated, clad, or welded onto the first current collector material. Preferred methods include electroplating, galvanic deposition, and cladding.

[0072] The aerosol-generating device may include a power supply for powering the heating element. The power supply may include a battery. The power supply may be a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power supply may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, such as a lithium-cobalt, lithium-iron phosphate, lithium-titanate, or lithium-polymer battery. The power supply may require recharging and may have a capacity that allows for the storage of a sufficient amount of energy for one or more use sessions; for example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to continuously generate an aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, or for a period of multiples of six minutes. In another example, the power supply may have sufficient capacity to provide a predetermined number of puffs or individual activations of the heating element.

[0073] The power supply may be a direct current (DC) power supply. In one embodiment, the power supply is a DC power supply having a DC supply voltage in the range of 2.5 volts to 4.5 volts and a DC supply current in the range of 1 ampere to 10 amperes (corresponding to a DC power supply in the range of 2.5 watts to 45 watts). The aerosol generating device may advantageously comprise a direct current to alternating current (DC / AC) converter for converting direct current supplied by the DC power supply into alternating current. The DC / AC converter may comprise a class D, class C, or class E power amplifier. The AC output power of the DC / AC converter is supplied to the induction coil.

[0074] The power supply can be adapted to power an inductor coil and can be configured to operate at high frequency. A Class E power amplifier is preferred for high frequency operation. In the context of this document, the term "high-frequency oscillating current" means an oscillating current having a frequency of 500 kilohertz to 30 megahertz. The high-frequency oscillating current can have a frequency of 1 megahertz to 30 megahertz, preferably 1 megahertz to 10 megahertz, and more preferably 5 megahertz to 8 megahertz.

[0075] In another embodiment, the switching frequency of the power amplifier may be in the lower kilohertz range, for example, from 100 kHz to 400 kHz. In embodiments that use a class D or class C power amplifier, switching frequencies in the lower kilohertz range are particularly advantageous.

[0076] The aerosol-generating device may include a controller. The controller may be electrically connected to an induction coil. The controller may be electrically connected to a first induction coil and a second induction coil. The controller may be configured to control the electric current supplied to the induction coil(s) and, thus, the strength of the magnetic field generated by the induction coil(s).

[0077] The power supply and controller can be connected with the inductor coil(s).

[0078] The controller can be configured to ensure that the current supplied to the input side of the DC / AC converter is stopped. Thus, the power supplied to the inductor coil(s) can be controlled using conventional duty cycle control methods.

[0079] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0080] Example A. An aerosol-generating article intended for use with an aerosol-generating device containing

[0081] a current collecting member comprising a hollow tubular near portion and a closed distal end; and

[0082] a hollow tubular wick element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current collecting element.

[0083] Example B. The article according to example A, in which the closed distal end is formed as a cup-shaped distal end portion.

[0084] Example C. The article according to example B, in which the cup-shaped portion of the distal end provides a collection vessel for collecting droplets of condensed liquid.

[0085] Example D. The assembly according to any of the previous examples, in which at least a part of the current-collecting element, preferably at least a part of the hollow tubular near portion of the current-collecting element, is permeable to the fluid, more preferably, at least a part of the hollow tubular near portion of the current-collecting element is permeable to the fluid, and the closed distal end is impermeable to the fluid.

[0086] Example E. The article according to example D, in which one or both of the hollow tubular near portion and the closed far end of the current collecting element comprise a porous material.

[0087] Example F. The article according to example E, in which the porous material has a porosity of from 45% to 80%, preferably from 55% to 70%.

[0088] Example G. The article according to example E or example F, wherein the porous material is a ferromagnetic alloy, preferably a ferromagnetic stainless steel alloy, more preferably grade 304 stainless steel or grade 410 stainless steel.

[0089] Example H. The article according to any of the previous examples, in which the hollow tubular near portion and the closed far end of the current collecting element form a monolithic structure.

[0090] Example I. The article according to any of the previous examples, comprising an air flow path passing along the longitudinal central axis of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the current collecting element.

[0091] Example J. The article of any of the previous examples, comprising one or more air inlet openings in a position near the closed distal end.

[0092] Example K. The article of example J, wherein the size, number, and arrangement of one or more air inlet openings are adapted to determine the overall suction resistance of the article.

[0093] Example L. The article according to example K, in which one or more air inlets are arranged such that the total suction resistance of the aerosol-generating article is in the range of 50 to 200 mm H2O, preferably 100 to 160 mm H2O, more preferably 120 to 140 mm H2O.

[0094] Example M. The article according to any of the previous examples, comprising a hollow tubular portion for storing liquid, coaxially surrounding the wick element.

[0095] Example N. The article according to example M, wherein the hollow tubular portion for storing liquid comprises a material with a high holding capacity adjacent to the side wall of the wick element.

[0096] Example O. The article according to example N, comprising a porous wall element provided at the interface between the high-retention material and the wick element.

[0097] Example P. An article according to any of the previous examples, comprising a mouthpiece element.

[0098] Example Q. The article according to example P, in which the mouthpiece element comprises one or more peelable outer layers.

[0099] Example R: The article according to any of the previous examples, wherein the article has a cylindrical shape, and wherein the outer diameter of the article is from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably from 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

[0100] Example S: The article according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the closed distal end is fluid-tight.

[0101] Example T: An aerosol generating system comprising:

[0102] an article according to any of the preceding examples, and

[0103] an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber for inserting at least a portion of an article and an induction coil at least partially surrounding the heating chamber for inductively heating the article.

[0104] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0105] The present invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0106] Fig. 1a shows an aerosol generating article;

[0107] Fig. 1b shows an aerosol generating article;

[0108] Fig. 2 shows a part of the aerosol generating article;

[0109] Fig. 3a shows the mouthpiece element;

[0110] Fig. 3b shows the mouthpiece element; and

[0111] Fig. 4a and 4b show a part of the aerosol generating article.

[0112] Fig. 1a shows two isometric views of an elongated cylindrical article 10 that generates an aerosol. The article 10 comprises a mouthpiece element 12 located at the near end of the article 10. The article 10 further comprises a cartridge section. The cartridge section comprises a hollow tubular portion 14 for storing liquid, surrounding an internal channel 16. The hollow tubular portion 14 for storing liquid holds a liquid substrate 18 that forms an aerosol. The cartridge section comprises an assembly 20 in the form of a current collector and a wick, located in the internal channel 16 and surrounded by the liquid storage portion 14. The assembly 20 in the form of a current collector and a wick is described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 2. The hollow tubular portion 14 for storing liquid contains a material 22 with a high holding capacity, adjacent to the side wall of the unit 20 in the form of a current collector and a wick.

[0113] Article 10 comprises a covering element 24 located at its distal end. The covering element 24 comprises a hollow tubular wall element 26. The covering element 24 comprises a plurality of recesses 28 located circumferentially at the distal end of the hollow tubular wall element 26.

[0114] Figure 1b shows two isometric views of an aerosol-generating article 10. The article 10 shown in Figure 1b is identical to the article 10 in Figure 1a, except that the covering element 24 in Figure 1b does not contain recesses 28. Instead, the covering element 24 in Figure 1b contains a plurality of elongated openings 30 arranged circumferentially in the hollow tubular wall element 26.

[0115] The recesses 28 or the oblong openings 30 may allow ambient air to enter the article at its distal end when the article is brought into contact with a flat surface, such as when the article is inserted into a heating chamber of an aerosol generating device against a flat distal base of the heating chamber.

[0116] Figure 2 shows a distal portion of the aerosol generating article of Figure 1b. The current collector and wick assembly 20 is shown in more detail. The area of ​​the current collector and wick assembly 20 is highlighted by a dotted rectangle for illustrative purposes.

[0117] The current collector and wick assembly 20 comprises a current collector element 32. The current collector element 32 comprises a hollow tubular near section 34 and a closed distal end. The closed distal end is formed as a cup-shaped distal end section 36. The cup-shaped distal end section 36 provides a collection reservoir 38 for collecting droplets of condensed liquid.

[0118] The current-collecting element 32 comprises a plurality of air inlet holes 40 positioned near the closed cup-shaped portion 36 of the distal end. The size, number, and arrangement of the air inlet holes 40 are adapted to determine the total resistance to suction of the article.

[0119] The current collector and wick assembly 20 comprises a hollow tubular wick element 42 coaxially surrounding the majority of the hollow tubular near section 34 of the current collector element 32, with the exception of its far portion, which contains air inlet openings 40.

[0120] At least a large portion of the hollow tubular near section 34, surrounded by the wick element 42, is permeable to a fluid. The entire current-collecting element 32, comprising the tubular near section 34 and the cup-shaped section 36 of the distal end, may be a monolithic structure. The monolithic structure may be permeable to a fluid. The monolithic structure may be porous. The monolithic structure may comprise a fluid-impermeable coating in the region of the cup-shaped section 36 of the distal end.

[0121] The hollow tubular portion 14 for storing liquid coaxially surrounds the wick element 42. The hollow tubular portion 14 for storing liquid comprises a material 22 with a high holding capacity adjacent to the side wall of the wick element 42. A porous, fluid-permeable inner wall element 44 is provided at the interface between the material 22 with a high holding capacity and the wick element 42.

[0122] The aerosol-forming liquid substrate 18 stored in the liquid storage portion 14 can move into and through the high-holding material 22, then through the fluid-permeable inner wall member 44 and into and through the wick member 42 to wet the hollow tubular proximal portion 34 of the current-receiving member 32. By inductively heating the current-receiving member 32, the aerosol-forming liquid substrate 18 located on the hollow tubular proximal portion 34 can be heated to evaporate to form an aerosol.

[0123] The cup-shaped section 36 at the distal end of the current-collecting element 32 provides a leakage prevention mechanism. Liquid droplets that may be within the hollow tubular proximal section 34, for example due to the aerosol-forming liquid substrate not evaporating, can move toward the cup-shaped section 36 at the distal end by gravity or capillary forces. The liquid droplets are then captured in the collecting reservoir 38. Thus, leakage can be prevented.

[0124] In the area near the unit 20 in the form of a current collector and a wick, the fluid-impermeable inner wall element 46 of the liquid storage portion 14 surrounds the inner channel 16. The distal end of the fluid-impermeable inner wall 46 contains first projections 48. The near end portion 50 of the unit 20 in the form of a current collector and a wick is sealingly attached to the fluid-impermeable inner wall 46 by means of the first projections 48.

[0125] The covering element 24 is sealingly attached by attaching its tubular wall element 26 to the outer wall 52 of the liquid storage portion 14 by means of the second projections 54. Instead of the oblong openings 30, the covering element 74 may comprise recesses 28, as shown in Fig. 1a.

[0126] A near sealing member 56 in the form of a sealing disc is provided at the near end of the wick member 42. A far sealing member 58 in the form of a sealing disc is provided at the far end of the wick member 42. The far sealing member 56 blocks air and ensures the retention and assembly of the current collecting member 32 and the wick member 42.

[0127] The article 10 comprises an air flow path extending along the longitudinal central axis of the hollow tubular proximal portion 34 of the current-collecting member 32. Air can enter the article 10 at the distal end through the elongated openings 30 and can further enter the air flow path inside the current-collecting member 32 through the air inlet openings 40. The incoming air can be preheated as it approaches the hot current-collecting member 32 and enters the hollow current-collecting member 32 through the air inlet openings 40. An aerosol is formed in the axial portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion 34 by inductively heating the current-collecting member 32 to evaporate the liquid aerosol-forming substrate that has moved toward the current-collecting member 32. The air flow path is shown by the dotted arrows in Fig. 4a and 4b.The air flow containing the evaporated components of the aerosol-forming substrate then moves through the internal channel 16 and into the mouthpiece 12, where the finally formed aerosol exits the product for inhalation by the user.

[0128] Figures 3a and 3b show a mouthpiece element 12 secured to the top of the near end of a cartridge section of an aerosol-generating article 10. Shown are a near portion of a hollow tubular portion 14 for storing a liquid, an internal channel 16, a liquid substrate 18 that forms an aerosol, and an outer wall 52. The mouthpiece elements 12 comprise a homogenization chamber 60. The homogenization chamber 60 is in fluid communication with the internal channel 16. The homogenization chamber 60 provides for expansion, homogenization, and cooling of the aerosol before it exits the mouthpiece element 12 for inhalation by the user.

[0129] Unlike the mouthpiece element 12 in Fig. 3b, the outer side wall of the mouthpiece element 12 in Fig. 3a comprises a multilayer of peelable outer layers 60. Each layer of peelable outer layers 62 is removably bonded to the adjacent inner layer. The individual layers thus provide segments (parts) that can be individually peeled off. This ensures a hygienic mouthpiece.

[0130] After using the product, the used layer can be peeled off to provide a clean surface for the next use by the next user.

[0131] Fig. 4a and 4b are sectional views of a portion of an aerosol generating article similar to that shown in Fig. 2. As indicated above, the air flow path is shown by dotted arrows.

[0132] In addition, Fig. 4a and 4b indicate suitable length ranges and preferred lengths of specific parts. The corresponding values ​​are listed in Table 1 below.

[0133] Table 1: Suitable dimensions of the product components as indicated in Fig. 4a and 4b.

[0134] Part Range in millimeters Preferred range in millimeters A 2-9 3-7 B 1,7-5 2-4 C 4-7 6-7 D 5-10 6-8 E 3-7 4-5 F 2,5-6,5 3,5-4,5 G 2,5-6,7 2,5-5,5 H 1,5-5,5 2-4,5 I 4,5-9 5,5-7,5 J 4-20 6-13 K 7-32 9-26 L 3-17 5-11

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article for use with an aerosol generating device, comprising: a susceptor element comprising a hollow tubular proximal portion and a closed distal end; and a hollow tubular wick element coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the susceptor element.

2. The product according to claim 1, wherein the closed distal end is made in the form of a cup-shaped section of the distal end.

3. The article according to claim 2, in which the cup-shaped portion of the distal end defines a collecting reservoir for collecting droplets of condensed liquid.

4. An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the susceptor element, preferably at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the susceptor element, is fluid-permeable, and more preferably at least a portion of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the susceptor element is fluid-permeable.

5. The article of claim 4, wherein one or both of the hollow tubular proximal portion and the closed distal end of the susceptor element comprise a porous material.

6. The article according to claim 5, wherein the porous material has a porosity of from 45% to 80%, preferably from 55% to 70%.

7. An article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an air flow path extending along the longitudinal central axis of the hollow tubular proximal portion of the susceptor element.

8. An article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one air inlet located in a position near the closed distal end.

9. The article according to claim 8, in which the size, number and location of said at least one air inlet are adapted to set the total resistance to drawing in of the article, and wherein the at least one air inlet is arranged such that the total resistance to drawing in of the article is in the range from 50 to 200 mm H2O, preferably from 100 to 160 mm H2O, more preferably from 120 to 140 mm H2O.

10. An article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a hollow tubular portion for storing liquid, coaxially surrounding the wick element.

11. The article according to claim 10, wherein the hollow tubular portion for storing liquid comprises a material with a high holding capacity at the side wall of the wick element.

12. The article according to claim 11, comprising a porous wall element at the interface between the high-retention material and the wick element.

13. An article according to any of the preceding paragraphs, having a cylindrical shape, wherein the outer diameter of the article is from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, preferably from 6 millimeters to 8 millimeters.

14. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closed distal end is fluid-impermeable.

15. An aerosol generating system comprising: an article according to any of the preceding paragraphs; and an aerosol generating device comprising a heating chamber for inserting at least a portion of an article and an induction coil at least partially surrounding the heating chamber for inductively heating the article.

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