Mixed aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generation system is provided, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus (100) for simultaneously generating aerosols from a first aerosol forming matrix (205) and from a second aerosol forming matrix (124). The aerosol generation apparatus (100) includes an apparatus housing (101) defining a first matrix receiving portion (106a) for receiving the first aerosol forming matrix (205) and a second matrix receiving portion (120) for receiving the second aerosol forming matrix (124). The apparatus housing (101) also defines a primary airflow path extending through the first matrix receiving portion (106a) and a secondary airflow path extending through the aerosol generation apparatus (100), such that, in use, the secondary airflow path is in fluid communication with the second aerosol forming matrix (124) received in the second matrix receiving portion (120). The secondary airflow path merges with the primary airflow path at a junction downstream of the first matrix receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus for simultaneously generating aerosols from a first aerosol forming matrix and from a second aerosol forming matrix. This disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol generating devices configured to generate aerosols from an aerosol forming matrix (e.g., a tobacco-containing matrix) are known in the art. Such known devices generate aerosols from a matrix by applying heat to it rather than burning it. The aerosol forming matrix can be present as a component of an aerosol generating article, which is physically separate from the aerosol generating device. In use, the aerosol generating device can receive the aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating device can provide electricity to enable heat transfer from a heat source to the aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generating article. During use of such a known aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol forming matrix via heat transfer from the heat source and entrained in the air inhaled through the aerosol generating article. When the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the consumer.

[0003] Some known aerosol generating devices are configured to simultaneously generate aerosols from two aerosol forming matrices. Typically, such aerosol generating devices are configured to receive a first solid aerosol forming matrix and a second liquid aerosol forming matrix. The first aerosol forming matrix may be contained in an aerosol forming article comprising a strip containing a rod of solid tobacco matrix at or toward the distal end of the strip, the article being received within the housing of the aerosol generating device. The second aerosol forming matrix may be contained in a separate container or cylinder, which may also be received within the housing of the aerosol generating device. Such aerosol generating devices are sometimes referred to as mixed aerosol generating devices.

[0004] During the use of known mixed aerosol generating apparatuses, volatile compounds are typically released from both the first and second aerosol generating matrices due to heat transfer from one or more heat sources to the first and second aerosol generating matrices. A single airflow path is defined as passing through the aerosol generating apparatus and through the aerosol generating article such that it passes through the second aerosol generating matrix and then through the first aerosol generating matrix. Volatile compounds from the second aerosol generating matrix are entrained in the airflow path, and therefore these volatile compounds must also pass through the first aerosol generating matrix, such that volatile compounds from the first aerosol generating matrix are also entrained in the airflow path. As the compounds released from the first and second aerosol generating matrices cool, they condense to form an aerosol inhaled by the consumer.

[0005] The mixed aerosol generating device offers the advantage that users do not simply obtain the aroma or smoking experience of a first heated aerosol-forming matrix or a second heated aerosol-forming matrix, but rather a combination of both. Different combinations of the first and second aerosol-forming matrices can be selected by the user to achieve a desired inhalation experience, such as altering the aroma of the inhaled aerosol.

[0006] Several problems are known in mixing systems due to the inhalation of volatile compounds from the second aerosol-forming matrix through the first aerosol-forming matrix during use. Importantly, the first and second aerosols formed are mixed with another aerosol before being inhaled by the consumer. However, in the prior art, airflow management does not promote optimal mixing of the two aerosols. The blend of the two aerosols may be inconsistent during each inhalation or different for each inhalation.

[0007] Furthermore, when volatile compounds of the second aerosol-forming matrix pass through the first aerosol-forming matrix, they pass through high-temperature regions, which may degrade the aroma of the second aerosol, for example, because the second aerosol may undergo thermal decomposition. This is particularly problematic when the aerosolization temperature of the first aerosol-forming matrix is ​​higher than that of the second aerosol-forming matrix.

[0008] Furthermore, because the airflow path in the mixing system is known to pass through the first aerosol-forming matrix, the suction resistance is highly dependent on the porosity of the first aerosol-forming matrix. This could mean that the suction resistance is unacceptably or uncomfortablely high for the user. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is desirable to provide an aerosol generating apparatus for simultaneously generating an aerosol from a first aerosol forming matrix and from a second aerosol forming matrix, wherein the blend or mixture of the two aerosols is optimized and consistent between uses, wherein the aroma degradation of the second aerosol is minimized and it has low suction resistance.

[0010] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for simultaneously generating aerosols from a first aerosol forming matrix and from a second aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generating apparatus may include an apparatus housing. The apparatus housing may define a first matrix receiving portion for receiving the first aerosol forming matrix. The apparatus housing may define a second matrix receiving portion for receiving the second aerosol forming matrix. The apparatus housing may define a main airflow path. The main airflow path may extend through the first matrix receiving portion. The apparatus housing may also define a secondary airflow path. The secondary airflow path may extend through the aerosol generating apparatus such that, in use, the secondary airflow path is in fluid communication with the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion. The secondary airflow path may merge with the main airflow path at a junction downstream of the first matrix receiving portion.

[0011] In use, a first aerosol-forming matrix can be received in a first receiving portion and a second aerosol-forming matrix can be received in a second matrix receiving portion, and the aerosol generating apparatus can generate volatile compounds from both the first and second aerosol-forming matrices. The user can draw air through the main airflow path downstream of the junction between the main and secondary airflow paths, thus drawing air through both the main and secondary airflow paths after the airflow paths have merged. The main airflow path can be configured such that it passes through the first aerosol-forming matrix when it is received in the first matrix receiving portion. Therefore, volatile compounds released from the first aerosol-forming matrix can be entrained in the air drawn through the main airflow path. Because the secondary airflow path is preferably in fluid communication with the second aerosol-forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion, volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-forming matrix can be entrained in the air drawn through the secondary airflow path. Volatile compounds from the second aerosol-forming matrix can combine with volatile compounds from the first aerosol-forming matrix at the junction between the main and secondary airflow paths. The volatile compounds can be cooled to form an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user. Volatile compounds from both the first and second aerosol-forming matrices can be cooled to form an aerosol before or after the junction.

[0012] Because the secondary gas flow path merges with the main gas flow path at the junction downstream of the first matrix receiving section, volatile compounds released from the secondary aerosol-forming matrix are advantageously not drawn through the primary aerosol-forming matrix. This allows for improved homogeneity of the mixing between the aerosols formed from the primary and secondary aerosol-forming matrices. The blend of the two aerosols can advantageously be consistent between aspiration and use. Furthermore, this arrangement advantageously avoids any degradation of volatile compounds in the second aerosol-forming matrix that would otherwise occur if these volatile compounds were to pass through the heated first matrix receiving section. This advantageously reduces or eliminates the risk of thermal decomposition of volatile compounds released from the second aerosol-forming matrix, and may be particularly advantageous when the aerosolization temperature of the first aerosol-forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving section is higher than that of the second aerosol-forming matrix.

[0013] By providing a primary airflow path and a secondary airflow path, wherein only the primary airflow path passes through the first matrix receiving section, the suction resistance experienced by the user as air is drawn through the airflow path does not depend solely on the porosity of the first aerosol-forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving section. In particular, a lower overall suction resistance can be achieved by providing a low-resistance secondary airflow path (i.e., one with lower suction resistance relative to the primary airflow path). The balance of aerosols inhaled by the user, formed from the first and second aerosol-forming matrices, can be determined by selecting the suction resistance of the secondary airflow path relative to the primary airflow path.

[0014] Preferably, the secondary airflow path is separated from the primary airflow path upstream of the junction. The two airflow paths can be separated by the device housing upstream of the junction. This separation of the airflow paths ensures that volatile compounds released from the received second aerosol forming matrix do not penetrate the received first aerosol forming matrix during use.

[0015] The first matrix receiving portion can be configured to receive a portion of an aerosol-generating article containing a first aerosol-forming matrix. The aerosol-generating article may be in the form of a strip, with the first aerosol-forming matrix at or towards the distal end of the strip. The strip may also include a mouthpiece at the distal end opposite to the distal end. A user of the aerosol-generating device can inhale through the mouthpiece. When the aerosol-generating article is received in the first matrix receiving portion, a main airflow path can extend through the length of the strip, through the first aerosol-forming matrix, and through the mouthpiece.

[0016] The second matrix receiving portion may be configured to receive a second aerosol-forming matrix, preferably a liquid. The second matrix receiving portion may be configured to receive a removable container or cartridge (referred to herein as a cartridge). The cartridge may form or include a liquid storage portion containing the second aerosol-forming matrix. The removable cartridge may advantageously be replaceable when the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​depleted or when it is desirable to select a cartridge containing a different second aerosol-forming matrix for a different inhalation experience. Alternatively, the second matrix receiving portion may itself form a liquid storage portion integral with the rest of the aerosol generating apparatus. In either case, the secondary airflow path may preferably be configured to be in fluid communication with the second aerosol-forming matrix within the removable or integral liquid storage portion.

[0017] The aerosol-generating article may include a fluid-permeable region downstream of the first aerosol-forming matrix. A secondary airflow path may be configured to extend through the fluid-permeable region of the aerosol-generating article when the article is received in the first matrix receiving portion. The secondary airflow path may then be merged with the main airflow path.

[0018] As used herein, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" describes an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol-forming matrix of an aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol generating apparatus is a hybrid smoking apparatus that interacts with the aerosol-forming matrix of the aerosol generating article to generate an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of a user through the user's mouth, while simultaneously interacting with a second (preferably liquid) aerosol-forming matrix contained in or received in a second matrix receiving portion.

[0019] Preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates an aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of the user through their mouth. More preferably, the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article that generates a nicotine-containing aerosol that can be directly inhaled into the lungs of the user through their mouth.

[0020] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming matrix" means a matrix consisting of or including aerosol forming materials that, when heated, release volatile compounds to generate aerosols.

[0021] As used herein, the term "aerosol forming material" refers to a material that, when heated, releases volatile compounds to generate aerosols. An aerosol forming matrix may include or consist of aerosol forming materials.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative position of an element or portion of an aerosol generating apparatus or article with respect to the direction in which it is drawn by a user during use of the aerosol generating article or apparatus.

[0023] The device housing may define a cavity wall, which defines a cavity. At least a portion of the cavity may form a first substrate receiving portion.

[0024] As used herein, "matrix receiving portion" means the portion of the apparatus housing configured to receive the aerosol-forming matrix. When the first aerosol-forming matrix is ​​contained distal to or toward the aerosol-forming article, the first matrix receiving portion is the portion immediately adjacent to the housing surrounding the first matrix when the article is received. When the article is received in the cavity, portions of the cavity that do not surround the first matrix (e.g., portions surrounding features of the article downstream of the matrix) do not form part of the first matrix receiving portion.

[0025] The cavity wall can advantageously include a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generating article it is configured to receive. Conveniently, the cavity wall can be tubular. This may be particularly suitable where the aerosol-generating device is intended for use with a defined strip-shaped aerosol-generating article, wherein the tubular shape of the cavity corresponds to the geometric profile of such a strip. For example, in the case that the aerosol-generating article is a smoking article, the use of the strip-shaped geometry of the article corresponds to what is found in known smoking articles (e.g., conventional cigarettes and electronic cigarettes). The cavity wall can also be cylindrical.

[0026] As used herein, the term "strip" is used to refer to a generally cylindrical element with a substantially circular, oval, or elliptical cross-section.

[0027] The cavity wall may include a fluid-permeable region. A secondary airflow path may extend through this fluid-permeable region. This secondary airflow path may merge with the main airflow path within the cavity. Preferably, the fluid-permeable region of the cavity wall is downstream of the first matrix receiving portion. This advantageously ensures that air entering the cavity via the secondary airflow path is also downstream of the first receiving portion and downstream of the first aerosol-forming matrix received in the first receiving portion. Preferably, the fluid-permeable region is located immediately downstream of the first matrix receiving portion. This ensures maximum mixing of the first and second formed aerosols before inhalation by the user. However, the fluid-permeable region may be axially spaced from the first matrix receiving portion, provided the separation is appropriately low. The separation between the fluid-permeable region and the first matrix receiving portion may be less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0028] The fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall may include one or more of the following: a porous material, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of pores. By way of example and not by way of limitation, the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall may be configured as a mesh, wherein the gaps in the mesh define openings in the mesh, thereby providing permeability to air flowing through the mesh and volatile compounds entrained in the air. Alternatively, the fluid-permeable portion may be an opening disposed in the cavity wall without any mesh or other constraints. In another alternative, the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall may include a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores define voids within the material of the wall. The size of any pores, slits, or pores that may form part of the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall will directly affect the permeability of the fluid-permeable portion to the flow of fluid.

[0029] Preferably, when the aerosol-generating article comprising the first aerosol-forming matrix is ​​received in the cavity, the fluid-permeable region of the cavity wall overlaps with the corresponding fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the aerosol-generating article. This overlap of the fluid-permeable portions of the cavity wall of the aerosol-generating device and the outer wall of the aerosol-generating article allows for efficient guidance of airflow from the secondary airflow path of the aerosol-generating device into the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

[0030] As used herein, the term "fluid-permeable" refers to an entity that allows the passage of gases or liquids. Specifically, fluid-permeable refers to an entity that allows the passage of air, including entrained volatile compounds, which may have formed aerosols. The term "fluid-permeable" also includes volumetric characteristics of a suitable material relating to all or part of its volume; for example, a material having porosity in all or part of its volume.

[0031] As used in this article, the term “overlap” is used to mean exactly or partially overlapping.

[0032] Preferably, the cavity wall is tubular. The fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall may include at least one annular fluid-permeable band. Setting the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall as one or more annular bands allows air in the secondary airflow path, carrying volatile compounds from the second aerosol-forming matrix, to be radially guided into the cavity around the periphery of the tubular cavity wall. In use, this advantageously promotes uniform mixing of volatile compounds from the received second aerosol-forming matrix carried in the air from the secondary airflow path with volatile compounds from the received first aerosol-forming matrix carried in the air from the main airflow path. This can advantageously improve the mixing of volatile compounds from the first and second aerosol-forming matrices. This may have the effect of improving the consistency of the inhaled aerosol during use of the device or between separate use periods.

[0033] When the aerosol generating device is used with an aerosol generating article received in a cavity, if the outer wall of the aerosol generating article has a corresponding fluid-permeable portion configured as an annular band, the alignment of the aerosol generating device and the annular band of the article can provide air to flow uniformly radially around the periphery of the outer wall of the article into the interior of the aerosol generating article.

[0034] The cavity may have an open end and a closed end. The aerosol generating apparatus may be configured to receive an aerosol generating article comprising a first aerosol forming matrix via the open end of the tubular cavity. The cavity may be configured to receive the first aerosol forming matrix in the longitudinal direction via the open end.

[0035] The main airflow path can extend through the cavity in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. When the aerosol-formed article is received in the first matrix receiving portion, the main airflow path can pass through the aerosol-formed article in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0036] The secondary airflow path can be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where it merges with the main airflow path. In use, this can advantageously improve the mixing of volatile compounds from the first and second aerosol-forming matrices at the point where the main and secondary airflow paths merge. Mixing can be optimized when the secondary and main airflow paths merge so that the airflow paths are perpendicular to each other.

[0037] Conveniently, the aerosol generating device can be an electrically powered device. The aerosol generating device may include a first heating device configured to heat, during use, a first aerosol forming matrix received in a first matrix receiving portion. The first heating device can heat the first aerosol forming matrix by either induction heating or resistance heating, or both. The aerosol generating device may include a power source for supplying power to the first heating device. The power source is preferably a battery, thereby providing the aerosol generating device with portability advantages. The battery is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first heating device may be configured to heat the first substrate receiving portion such that heat is transferred to the received first aerosol forming substrate.

[0039] In an example of an induction heating type of the first heating device, the first heating device may include an inductor coil adjacent to or surrounding the first substrate receiving portion. At least some of the first substrate receiving portion may include a sensor portion. The sensor portion may be configured to be heated by an alternating magnetic field. In use, the power supplied to the inductor coil (e.g., by the power source described above for the aerosol generating device) induces eddy currents in the sensor portion of the inductor coil. These eddy currents then cause the sensor portion of the first substrate receiving portion to generate heat. The power is supplied to the inductor coil as an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current is preferably a high-frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kHz and 30 MHz. When the aerosol generating article is received in the first substrate receiving portion, the heat generated by the sensor portion can be transferred to the article to heat the first aerosol forming substrate within the article to a temperature sufficient to cause aerosol to form from the substrate. The sensor portion is formed of a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. The receptor portion can be formed from ferromagnetic materials (such as steel) by way of example and without limitation.

[0040] Preferably, as described above, the first matrix receiving portion forms at least a portion of the cavity wall, and the sensor coil is a helical coil surrounding the first matrix receiving portion including the sensor portion. Preferably, the sensor coil may surround the sensor portion radially outside the sensor portion. Positioning the sensor coil radially outside the sensor portion avoids damage to the sensor coil from contact with the aerosol-generating article during insertion into the cavity.

[0041] In variations of the induction heating type of the first heating device described above, the first matrix receiving portion may not have any sensor portion. The sensor may alternatively be configured as part of the aerosol generating article; preferably, it is wholly or partially encapsulated within the aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generating article. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device may further include a sensor coil, which, when the first matrix receiving portion forms part of the cavity wall, preferably surrounds the cavity wall radially outside the wall.

[0042] As used herein, "receptor" or "receptor portion" refers to a conductive element that heats up when subjected to a changing magnetic field. This may be a result of eddy currents and / or hysteresis losses induced in the receptor element. Possible materials for the receptor include graphite, molybdenum, silicon carbide, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, and virtually any other conductive element. Advantageously, the receptor element is a ferrite element. The material and geometry of the receptor element can be selected to provide the desired resistance and heat generation. The receptor element may comprise, for example, a mesh, a flat helical coil, fiber, or fabric. Advantageously, the receptor forms matrix contact with a first aerosol. The receptor element may advantageously be fluid-permeable.

[0043] In an example of a resistance heating type of the first heating device, the first heating device may include a resistance heating element. A power source (e.g., the power source described above) may be configured to supply current to the resistance heater. The resistance heating element may be arranged to surround a first substrate receiving portion, such that the resistance heating element surrounds a first aerosol forming substrate received in the first substrate receiving portion. For example, the resistance heating element may be in the form of an annular sleeve. As described above, when the first receiving portion forms part of the cavity wall, the annular sleeve may be located in the cavity wall or form part of the cavity wall.

[0044] Alternatively, the resistance heating element may be arranged to protrude into the first aerosol-forming matrix so that it can be inserted into the interior of the received aerosol-generating article during use, to approach or directly contact the aerosol-forming matrix of the article. For example, the resistance heating element may be in the form of blades. In use, electricity (e.g., from the power source described above for the aerosol-generating apparatus) is supplied to the resistance heating element, thereby causing it to heat. Heat can then be transferred from the resistance heating element to the first aerosol-forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving portion to heat the aerosol-forming matrix to a temperature sufficient to allow aerosol formation from the matrix.

[0045] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a second heating device configured to heat, during use, the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion. The second heating device may heat the second aerosol forming matrix by either induction heating or resistance heating, or both. The same power source may be used to supply electricity to the second heating device in the same manner as the first heating device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second heating device may be configured to heat the second substrate receiving portion during use. The heat can then be transferred to the received second aerosol forming substrate.

[0047] In an example of an induction heating type of the second heating device, at least some of the second substrate receiving portion may include a sensor portion. The aerosol generating device may include an inductor coil adjacent to or surrounding the sensor portion. The aerosol generating device may further include a power source configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil. In use, the power supplied to the inductor coil (e.g., by the power source described above from the aerosol generating device) induces eddy currents in the sensor portion of the inductor coil. These eddy currents then cause the sensor portion of the second substrate receiving portion to generate heat. The power is supplied to the inductor coil as an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current is preferably a high-frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kHz and 30 MHz.

[0048] In an example of a resistance heating type, the second heating device may include a resistance heating element. The resistance heating element may be arranged to surround the second substrate receiving portion, such that the resistance heating element surrounds the second aerosol forming substrate received in the second substrate receiving portion.

[0049] Alternatively, when the second aerosol forming matrix is ​​contained in a replaceable cartridge that can be received in the second matrix receiving portion, the aerosol generating apparatus may not include a sensor or resistance heating element. Instead, the sensor or resistance heating element may be incorporated as part of the cartridge.

[0050] In examples of induction heating, the sensor can be incorporated as part of the cylinder. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating apparatus may also include a sensor coil.

[0051] In examples of resistance heating, the resistance heating element may be disposed within the cylinder. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device and the cylinder may include an electrical connection that allows connection between a power source for the aerosol generating device and a second heating element of the cylinder when the cylinder is received in a second matrix receiving portion.

[0052] The aerosol generating apparatus may further include a controller for controlling the power supplied from a power source to either or both of the first and second heating devices. Thus, the controller can control the heating of the first and second aerosol forming matrix. Typically, the controller can be configured such that, when the aerosol generating apparatus is in use, power is supplied to both the first and second heating devices, and aerosols are simultaneously generated from both the received first and second aerosol forming matrices. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to independently supply power to the first and second heating devices, allowing it to control which of the first and second aerosol forming matrices is generated. This can be changed during use or aspiration of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0053] In a second aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generation system is provided. The aerosol generation system may include an aerosol generation apparatus according to a first aspect of this disclosure. The aerosol generation system may further include an aerosol generation article. The aerosol generation article may include a first aerosol forming matrix. The aerosol generation article may be received in a first matrix receiving portion of the aerosol generation apparatus. The aerosol generation system may include a cartridge. The cartridge may include a second aerosol forming matrix. The cartridge may be received in a second matrix receiving portion.

[0054] Preferably, the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix. However, the first aerosol forming matrix may include both solid and liquid components. Alternatively, the first aerosol forming matrix may be a liquid aerosol forming matrix.

[0055] Preferably, the first aerosol forming matrix comprises nicotine. More preferably, the aerosol forming matrix comprises tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol forming matrix may comprise a tobacco-free aerosol forming material.

[0056] If the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix, then the solid first aerosol forming matrix may include one or more of the following: powder, granules, pellets, fragments, tow, strips or sheets, including one or more of herbaceous plant leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, expanded tobacco and homogenized tobacco.

[0057] Optionally, the solid aerosol forming matrix may contain tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds that are released when the solid aerosol forming matrix is ​​heated. The solid aerosol forming matrix may also contain one or more capsules, which, for example, contain additional tobacco volatile flavor compounds or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol forming matrix.

[0058] Optionally, the solid aerosol forming matrix can be disposed on or embedded in a heat-stabilized carrier. The carrier can be in the form of powder, granules, pellets, fragments, filaments, strips, or sheets. The solid aerosol forming matrix can be deposited on the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, sheets, foams, gels, or slurries. The solid aerosol forming matrix can be deposited on the entire surface of the carrier, or alternatively, it can be deposited in a pattern to provide uneven fragrance delivery during use.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol forming matrix comprises homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "homogenized tobacco material" refers to a material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco.

[0060] Preferably, the aerosol-forming matrix comprises an aggregated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term "sheet" refers to a layered element whose width and length are significantly greater than its thickness. As used herein, the term "aggregate" is used to describe a sheet that is wound, folded, compressed, or tightened substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0061] Preferably, the aerosol forming matrix includes an aerosol forming agent. As used herein, the term "aerosol forming agent" is used to describe any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes aerosol formation in use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article.

[0062] Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols such as mono-, di-, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol.

[0063] The aerosol forming matrix may include a single aerosol forming agent. Alternatively, the aerosol forming matrix may include a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents.

[0064] The aerosol generation system may include a first heating device configured to heat a first aerosol-forming matrix received in a first matrix receiving portion during use. The first heating device may heat the first aerosol-forming matrix by either induction heating or resistance heating, or both. The aerosol generation device may include a power source for supplying power to the first heating device. The power source is preferably a battery, thereby providing portability advantages to the aerosol generation device. The battery is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first heating device may be configured to heat the first substrate receiving portion such that heat is transferred to the received first aerosol forming substrate.

[0066] Alternatively, in examples of induction heating of the first heating device, the sensor may be incorporated as part of the aerosol generating article; preferably, it is wholly or partially encapsulated within the aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generating article. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device includes a sensor coil. In use, electricity may be supplied to the sensor coil (e.g., by the power source described above for the aerosol generating device), which induces eddy currents in the sensor coil within the sensor. These eddy currents, in turn, cause the sensor to generate heat, which can be transferred to the first aerosol forming matrix to heat it to a temperature sufficient to allow aerosol to form from the matrix.

[0067] Preferably, the aerosol generating article defines a strip. The strip includes a first aerosol forming matrix. The outer wall of the strip includes a fluid-permeable portion. The fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip is positioned downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix. The device housing of the aerosol generating apparatus may include a cavity wall defining a chamber. At least a portion of the cavity wall may form a first matrix receiving portion. The cavity wall may include a fluid-permeable region downstream of the first matrix receiving portion. The fluid-permeable portion of the strip may be configured to coincide with the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall when the aerosol generating article is received in the chamber. In this way, when a user inhales through the mouth end of the aerosol generating article, air can be drawn through a secondary airflow path. The air can flow through the device housing, through the fluid-permeable region of the cavity wall, through the permeable region of the outer wall of the strip, and into the interior of the strip. This air can then be combined with the air drawn through the main airflow path.

[0068] Preferably, the strip of the aerosol generating article has an inlet end and a distal end, the inlet end being downstream of the distal end. When the aerosol generating article is received in the cavity of the aerosol generating device, the main airflow path of the aerosol generating device can extend through the aerosol generating article. The main airflow path can extend through the aerosol forming matrix and extend downstream along the interior of the strip toward the inlet end, such that when a user applies suction at the inlet end, air is drawn into the aerosol generating article and passes downstream along the interior of the strip toward the inlet end through the aerosol forming matrix. In use, volatile compounds can be released from the first aerosol forming matrix to be entrained in the air passing through the main airflow path. A secondary airflow path can extend from an air inlet in the device housing and through a fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip, and then merge with the second main airflow path at a junction downstream of the first matrix receiving portion. The secondary airflow path can be in fluid communication with the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion, such that volatile compounds released from the second aerosol forming matrix are entrained in the air drawn through the secondary airflow path. Air carrying entrained volatile compounds is drawn into a mixing zone within the strip of the aerosol-forming article through a fluid permeable portion of the outer wall. This mixing zone is downstream of and preferably adjacent to the first aerosol-forming matrix. This ensures the mixing of volatile compounds from both the first and second aerosol-forming matrices, without requiring volatile compounds from the second aerosol-forming matrix to pass through the first aerosol-forming matrix.

[0069] Conveniently, the aerosol forming matrix is ​​located at the distal end, or closer to the distal end than to the oral end.

[0070] Preferably, the interior of the strip is free of obstructions from the mixing region to the mouthpiece, ensuring unimpeded flow of the mixture from the mixing region to the mouthpiece during use. For example, as commonly found in known electronic cigarettes, aerosol-generating articles may lack mouthpiece filters or aerosol cooling elements that obstruct the downstream flow path toward the mouthpiece. The absence of such obstructions within the interior of the strip downstream of the aerosol-forming matrix helps reduce draw resistance in both the primary and secondary airflow paths, and reduces the suction effort required from the user at the mouthpiece to inhale a given amount of the aerosol and cooling air mixture. Furthermore, this can also help reduce the manufacturing complexity of aerosol-generating articles.

[0071] The fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may include one or more of a porous material, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of orifices. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may be configured as a mesh, wherein the gaps in the mesh define openings in the mesh, thereby providing permeability to the airflow flowing through the mesh, i.e., through the outer wall. In another alternative, the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may include a plurality of pores, wherein the plurality of pores define voids within the material of the outer wall. The size of any pore, slit, or orifice that may form part of the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip will directly affect the permeability of the fluid-permeable portion to the airflow. The size of any such pore, slit, or orifice may be selected according to the desired volumetric flow rate of the cooling air within the interior of the aerosol-generating article.

[0072] The outer wall of the strip can be configured as a packaging material that encapsulates the first aerosol-forming matrix. For example, the packaging material can be cigarette paper. The packaging material may be provided with perforations to form fluid-permeable portions of the outer wall of the strip. Preferably, the packaging material has a thickness between about 0.02 and 0.07 mm or between about 0.03 and 0.05 mm. The aerosol-generating article defined by the strip preferably has a diameter between about 3 and 10 mm or between about 4.4 and 8 mm. The aerosol-generating article can have an overall length between about 30 mm and about 100 mm. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article can have an overall length between about 30 mm and about 60 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol-generating article has an overall length of about 45 mm.

[0073] Preferably, the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip includes at least one annular fluid-permeable strip. The use of the annular fluid-permeable strip provides uniform radial flow of cooling air around the periphery of the article into the interior of the aerosol-generating article. This can advantageously improve the mixing of volatile compounds from the first and second aerosol-forming matrices. This may have the effect of improving the consistency of the inhaled aerosol during use of the device or between separate use periods.

[0074] Preferably, the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may have an axial length between 0.2 and 4 mm, or more preferably between 0.2 and 2.5 mm, or more preferably between 0.2 and 1.8 mm, or more preferably between 0.2 and 1.5 mm. Limiting the axial length of the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip can help concentrate the mixing of volatile compounds released from the first aerosol forming matrix and the second aerosol forming matrix via the fluid-permeable portion.

[0075] Conveniently, the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may extend downstream of the first aerosol-forming matrix by no more than 4 mm, or preferably no more than 2.5 mm, or more preferably no more than 1.8 mm, or more preferably no more than 1.5 mm, or more preferably no more than 0.2 mm. By limiting the fluid-permeable portion to extend downstream from the first aerosol-forming matrix by no more than a specified distance, from

[0076] The mixing of volatile compounds released from the first and second aerosol-forming matrices can be achieved immediately downstream of the first aerosol-forming matrix in the strip. This helps ensure that the user receives fully mixed inhalable vapors when the mixed stream reaches the inlet of the strip, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0077] The second aerosol-forming matrix contained in the cartridge is a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. The volatile compounds can be released by heating the second aerosol-forming matrix. The second aerosol-forming matrix can be solid or liquid, or include both solid and liquid components. Preferably, the second aerosol-forming matrix is ​​liquid.

[0078] The second aerosol forming matrix may include plant-based materials. The second aerosol forming matrix may include tobacco. The second aerosol forming matrix may include tobacco-containing materials that contain volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the second aerosol forming matrix upon heating. Preferably, the second aerosol forming matrix may alternatively include tobacco-free materials.

[0079] The second aerosol forming matrix may include at least one aerosol forming agent. An aerosol forming agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol during use and is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the system's operating temperature. Suitable aerosol forming agents are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as mono, di, or triacetic acid esters of glycerol; and aliphatic esters of mono, di, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. The aerosol forming matrix may include other additives and ingredients, such as fragrances.

[0080] The second aerosol-forming matrix can be absorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. In one example, the aerosol-forming matrix is ​​a liquid matrix held within a capillary material. The capillary material may have a fibrous or sponge-like structure. The capillary material preferably comprises capillary bundles. For example, the capillary material may comprise multiple fibers or threads or other fine-pore tubes. The fibers or threads are typically aligned to deliver liquid to a heater. Alternatively, the capillary material may comprise a sponge-like or foam-like material. The structure of the capillary material forms multiple pores 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 are sponge or foam materials, ceramic or graphite-based materials in the form of fibers or sintered powders, foamed metals or plastic materials, such as fibrous materials made from spun or extruded fibers, such as cellulose acetate, polyester or bonded polyolefins, polyethylene, polyester or polypropylene fibers, nylon fibers, or ceramics. Capillary materials can possess any suitable capillary action and porosity for use with different liquid physical properties. The liquid has physical properties including, but not limited to, viscosity, surface tension, density, thermal conductivity, boiling point, and vapor pressure, which allow the liquid to be transported through the capillary material via capillary action.

[0081] The aerosol generation system may further include a second heating device configured to heat, during use, the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion. The second heating device may heat the second aerosol forming matrix by either induction heating or resistance heating, or both. The same power source may be used to supply electricity to the second heating device in the same manner as the first heating device.

[0082] In an example of an induction heating type of the second heating device, at least some of the second substrate receiving portion may include a sensor portion. The aerosol generating device may include an inductor coil adjacent to or surrounding the sensor portion. In use, the power supplied to the inductor coil (e.g., by the power source described above for the aerosol generating device) induces eddy currents in the sensor portion of the inductor coil. These eddy currents then generate heat in the sensor portion of the first substrate receiving portion. The power is supplied to the inductor coil as an alternating magnetic field. The alternating current may have any suitable frequency. The alternating current is preferably a high-frequency alternating current. The alternating current may have a frequency between 100 kHz and 30 MHz.

[0083] In variations of the induction heating type of the second heating device outlined above, the second substrate receiving portion may not have any sensors. Instead, a sensor may be incorporated into the cylinder. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device may also include a sensor coil.

[0084] The cartridge may include a housing whose outer surface surrounds an aerosol-forming matrix. At least a portion of the outer surface may be formed of a fluid-permeable sensor element. The sensor element may have a plurality of openings formed therein to allow fluid to permeate through the openings. In particular, the sensor element may allow the aerosol-forming matrix to permeate therethrough in a gaseous phase or both a gaseous and liquid phase. The sensor element may be in the form of a sheet extending across an opening in the cartridge housing. The sensor element may extend around the periphery of the cartridge housing. The sensor element may be disposed on the wall of the cartridge housing, and the sensor element is configured to be positioned adjacent to an inductor coil when the cartridge housing is engaged with a device housing. In use, it is advantageous to place the sensor element close to the inductor coil to maximize the voltage induced in the sensor element.

[0085] In an example of a resistance heating type of the second heating device, the cylinder includes a resistance heating element. The resistance heating element may be arranged to surround a second matrix receiving portion such that the resistance heating element surrounds a first aerosol forming matrix received in a first matrix receiving portion. Alternatively, the resistance heating element may be part of the cylinder. In such embodiments, the aerosol generating device and the cylinder may include an electrical connection that allows connection between a power source for the aerosol generating device and a second heating element of the cylinder when the cylinder is received in the second matrix receiving portion.

[0086] When the cylinder includes capillary material, as described above, the capillary material can be configured as a resistance heating element or sensor element to deliver a second aerosol forming matrix to the cylinder.

[0087] The invention is defined in the claims. However, a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples is provided below. 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.

[0088] EX1. An aerosol generating apparatus for simultaneously generating aerosols from a first aerosol forming matrix and from a second aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising an apparatus housing defining:

[0089] A first matrix receiving portion for receiving the first aerosol forming matrix and a second matrix receiving portion for receiving the second aerosol forming matrix;

[0090] The main airflow path extends through the first matrix receiving portion; and

[0091] The secondary airflow path extends through the aerosol generating device, such that in use, the secondary airflow path forms a matrix fluid communication with the second aerosol received in the second matrix receiving portion.

[0092] The secondary airflow path merges with the main airflow path at a junction downstream of the first matrix receiving portion.

[0093] EX2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX1, wherein the secondary airflow path is separated from the main airflow path upstream of the junction.

[0094] EX3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX1 or EX2, wherein the first matrix receiving portion is configured to receive a portion of an aerosol generating article comprising the first aerosol forming matrix.

[0095] EX4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX3, wherein the second matrix receiving portion is configured to receive a second aerosol forming matrix.

[0096] EX5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX4, wherein the second matrix receiving portion is configured to receive a removable container or cylinder including a liquid storage portion, the liquid storage portion containing the second aerosol forming matrix.

[0097] EX6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX4, wherein the second matrix receiving portion forms a liquid storage portion integral with the rest of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0098] EX7. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX6, wherein the apparatus housing defines a cavity wall defining a cavity, and wherein at least a portion of the cavity forms the first matrix receiving portion.

[0099] EX8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX7, wherein the cavity wall may advantageously include a shape corresponding to the shape of the aerosol-generated article configured to receive it.

[0100] EX9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX8, wherein the cavity wall is tubular.

[0101] EX10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX8 or EX9, wherein the cavity wall is cylindrical.

[0102] EX11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX7 to EX10, wherein the cavity wall includes a fluid-permeable region.

[0103] EX12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX11, wherein the fluid-permeable region of the cavity wall is downstream of the first matrix receiving portion.

[0104] EX13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX11 or EX12, wherein the fluid permeable region is located immediately downstream of the first matrix receiving portion.

[0105] EX14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX11 or EX12, wherein the fluid permeable region is axially spaced from the first matrix receiving portion, and the separation between the fluid permeable region and the first matrix receiving portion is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm.

[0106] EX15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX14, wherein the fluid permeable portion of the wall of the cavity comprises one or more of the following: a porous material, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of holes.

[0107] EX16. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX11 to EX15, wherein the cavity wall is tubular and the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall includes at least one annular fluid-permeable strip.

[0108] EX17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX7 to EX16, wherein the cavity is provided with an open end and a closed end.

[0109] EX18. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX17, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus is configured to receive an aerosol generating article comprising the first aerosol forming matrix via the open end of the tubular cavity in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] EX19. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX18, wherein the main airflow path extends through the cavity in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0111] EX20. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX18 or EX19, wherein the secondary airflow path is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the secondary airflow path merges with the main airflow path.

[0112] EX21. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX20, wherein the aerosol generating apparatus includes a first heating device configured to heat, in use, the first aerosol forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving portion.

[0113] EX22. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX21, wherein the first heating device heats the first aerosol forming matrix by either induction heating or resistance heating or both, and the aerosol generating apparatus includes a power source for supplying power to the first heating device.

[0114] EX23. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX22, wherein the power source is a battery.

[0115] EX24. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX23, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

[0116] EX25. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX21 to EX24, wherein the first heating device includes an inductor coil adjacent to or surrounding the first matrix receiving portion.

[0117] EX26. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX25, wherein at least some of the first matrix receiving portion includes a sensor portion.

[0118] EX27. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX26, wherein the first matrix receiving portion forms at least a portion of the cavity wall.

[0119] EX28. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX25 to EX27, wherein the sensor coil is a helical coil surrounding the first matrix receiving portion including the sensor portion.

[0120] EX29. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX28, wherein the sensor coil surrounds the sensor portion radially outside the sensor portion.

[0121] EX30. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX21 to EX24, wherein the first heating device comprises a resistance heating element.

[0122] EX31. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX30, wherein the resistive heating element is arranged to surround the first matrix receiving portion such that the resistive heating element surrounds the first aerosol forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving portion.

[0123] EX32. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX30 or EX31, wherein the resistance heating element has the form of an annular sleeve.

[0124] EX33. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX30, wherein the resistance heating element is arranged to protrude into the first aerosol forming matrix so as to be insertable into the interior of the received aerosol generating article in use.

[0125] EX34. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX33, wherein the resistance heating element may be in the form of blades.

[0126] EX35. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX21 to EX34 further includes a second heating device configured to heat the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion during use.

[0127] EX36. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX35, wherein the second heating device is configured to heat the second aerosol forming matrix by either or both of induction heating and resistance heating.

[0128] EX37. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX35 or EX36, wherein

[0129] At least some of the second matrix receiving portion may include a receptor portion.

[0130] EX38. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX35 or EX36, wherein the second heating device includes a resistance heating element.

[0131] EX39. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example EX38, wherein the resistive heating element is arranged to surround the second matrix receiving portion, such that the resistive heating element surrounds the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion.

[0132] EX40. An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising:

[0133] Aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples EX1 to EX39;

[0134] An aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating article comprising a first aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generating article being received in the first matrix receiving portion of the aerosol generating apparatus; and

[0135] A cylinder, the cylinder comprising a second aerosol forming matrix, the cylinder being received in a second matrix receiving portion.

[0136] EX41. The aerosol generation system according to Example Ex40, wherein the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​a solid aerosol forming matrix.

[0137] EX42. The aerosol generation system according to Example EX40 or EX41, wherein the first aerosol forming matrix comprises nicotine.

[0138] EX43. The aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples EX40 to EX42, wherein the aerosol forming matrix comprises tobacco.

[0139] EX44. An aerosol generation system according to any one of Examples EX40 to EX43, wherein the aerosol generation article is defined by a strip.

[0140] EX45. The aerosol generation system according to Example EX44, wherein the strip comprises the first aerosol forming matrix.

[0141] EX46. The aerosol generating system according to Example EX45 or EX46, wherein the outer wall of the strip includes a fluid-permeable portion.

[0142] EX47. The aerosol generation system according to Example EX46, wherein the fluid of the outer wall of the strip is permeable and positioned downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix.

[0143] EX48. The aerosol generation system according to Example EX47, wherein the device housing of the aerosol generation apparatus includes a cavity wall defining a cavity, at least a portion of the cavity wall forming a first matrix receiving portion, the cavity wall including a fluid-permeable region downstream of the first matrix receiving portion, and wherein the fluid-permeable portion of the strip is configured to coincide with the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall when the aerosol generation article is received in the cavity.

[0144] EX49. An aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples EX46 to EX48, wherein the strip of the aerosol generating article has an orifice and a distal end, the orifice being located downstream of the distal end.

[0145] EX50. The aerosol generation system according to Example Ex49, wherein the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​located at the distal end or closer to the distal end than to the orifice.

[0146] EX51. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples EX46 to EX50, wherein the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip may comprise one or more of a porous material, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of pores.

[0147] EX52. The aerosol generating system according to any one of Examples Ex46 to Ex51, wherein the fluid-permeable portion of the outer wall of the strip comprises at least one annular fluid-permeable strip. Attached Figure Description

[0148] Several examples will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0149] Figure 1 A perspective view of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0150] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an aerosol generating device, in Figure 2 In this process, the aerosol generating product and the cartridge are received in the aerosol generating device, and the aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating product and the cartridge together form an aerosol generating system;

[0151] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and 2 A perspective view of a cavity in an aerosol generating apparatus, shown as separate from the rest of the aerosol generating apparatus;

[0152] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the aerosol-generated product;

[0153] Figure 5 a, 5b, and 5c show Figure 4 Three different side and elevation views of the aerosol-generated product;

[0154] Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown, in which an aerosol generating article and a cartridge are received in the aerosol generating apparatus;

[0155] Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an aerosol generating apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown, in which an aerosol generating article and a cartridge are received in the aerosol generating apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0156] Figure 1 An aerosol generating device 100 is shown. The aerosol generating device 100 has a housing 101. An activation button 102 is disposed in the housing 101.

[0157] like Figure 2 As shown, a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery 103 is located within a housing 101. Control electronics 104 are also located within the housing 101. The control electronics 104 are positioned adjacent to the rechargeable battery 103. The housing 101 has a tubular cavity 105 extending within the interior of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. The cavity 105 is defined by a tubular cavity wall 106 extending along a longitudinal axis 107 within the aerosol generating apparatus 100. The cavity 105 has an open end 108 and a closed end 109, wherein the open end and the closed end are located at opposite ends of the cavity. The cavity 105 is configured to receive an aerosol-generated article 200 along the longitudinal axis 107 via the open end 108. Figure 2 In this cavity, an aerosol-generating article 200, including a first aerosol-forming matrix 205, is received. The housing 101 is provided with a sliding cover 110, which is movable to expose or close the open end 108 of the cavity 105. Figure 1 In the diagram, cover 110 is shown in the closed position, in which the open end of cavity 105 is closed. Figure 2 In the diagram, cover 110 is shown in the open position, in which the open end of cavity 105 is open and thus able to receive aerosol-generating article 200.

[0158] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the tubular cavity wall 106 has a lower portion 106a and an upper portion 106b. The lower portion 106a is a first matrix receiving portion configured to receive the distal end of an aerosol-generating article 200 containing an aerosol-forming matrix. The lower portion 106a is formed of a different material than the upper portion 106b. The lower portion 106a is formed of a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. Therefore, for this embodiment, the lower portion 106a is a receptor portion. Therefore, the terms lower portion and receptor portion are used interchangeably here for reference numeral 106a. In this example, the receptor portion 106a is formed of steel. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the receptor portion 106a may be formed of other materials capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. In other embodiments, the lower portion 106a (i.e., the first matrix receiving portion) may be formed only partially of a material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy and converting it into heat. The remainder of the lower portion 106a may be formed of a thermally conductive material suitable for conducting heat away from the sensor portion and toward the receiving aerosol-generating article. In any case, the sensor coil 111 circumferentially surrounds the lower portion 106a.

[0159] The upper portion 106b of the tubular wall 106 is formed of a polymer material. A uniformly distributed perforation is provided in the annular region of the upper portion 106b of the tubular wall 106 of the cavity 105. The uniformly distributed perforation extends radially through the tubular wall to form an annular fluid-permeable band 112. The annular fluid-permeable band 112 and the sensor portion 106a are located at... Figure 3 It is shown more clearly in the middle.

[0160] like Figure 2 As shown, a single air inlet 115 is provided in the bottom surface of the housing 101 directly below the closed end 109 of the cavity 105, wherein a main airflow channel 209 extends from the air inlet 115 to an opening formed in the closed end 109 of the cavity 105, and then through the cavity 105, and particularly through the aerosol received in the cavity, to generate the article 200. Figure 2 The fluid flow lines include a diagram showing how air entering through air inlet 115 is in fluid communication with the closed end 109 of cavity 105.

[0161] The aerosol generating apparatus further includes a second matrix receiving section 120. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a cylinder 122 containing a second aerosol forming matrix 124 is received in a second matrix receiving portion. The second aerosol forming matrix 124 is a liquid, and therefore the cylinder 122 can be considered a liquid storage portion. Figure 2In the embodiment shown, the cylinder 122 can be removed from the second substrate receiving portion 120. In other embodiments, the second receiving portion 120 itself can form a liquid storage portion integral with the rest of the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0162] like Figure 2 As shown, the cylinder 122 further includes a heater element 126. In this embodiment, the heater element 126 is a resistance heater element and is fluid-permeable. The resistance heater element can be connected to a battery via electrical contacts on the cylinder 122, which can be connected to electrical contacts located in the second substrate receiving portion 120. The electrical contacts of the cylinder contact those electrical contacts of the second substrate receiving portion 120 when the cylinder 122 is received in the substrate receiving portion 120. The electrical contacts are not shown, nor are any wires connecting the electrical contacts of the second substrate receiving portion 120 to the battery or connecting the electrical contacts of the cylinder to the resistance heater element 126.

[0163] The second aerosol forming matrix 124 is supplied to the heater element 126 under gravity. A capillary material (not shown) may also be disposed in the cylinder, which can hold the second aerosol forming matrix 124. The capillary material can transport the second aerosol forming matrix 124 to the heater element 126. The capillary element can fill the cylinder 122.

[0164] In some embodiments, the resistance heater element 126 may be replaced by a sensor element, and the aerosol generating apparatus may include a second sensor coil configured to generate heat in the sensor element during use. In some embodiments, the heater element may be disposed in a second receiving portion instead of in the cylinder so that heat can be conducted from the second receiving portion to the cylinder.

[0165] like Figure 2 As shown, a secondary airflow path is defined between air inlets 114 disposed in the sidewall of housing 101. Figure 2 As shown in the fluid flow diagram, air entering the housing 101 through air inlet 114 flows through the interior of the housing to fluidly communicate with the annular fluid-permeable belt 112. The secondary airflow path passes through the fluid-permeable heater element 126. Therefore, when the cylinder is received in the second substrate receiving portion 120 (as shown in the diagram), Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram), the secondary airflow path is in fluid communication with the second aerosol forming matrix 124 contained in the cylinder 122.

[0166] exist Figure 4The aerosol-generating article 200 is shown more clearly in the perspective view. The aerosol-generating article 200 has the form of an elongated cylindrical strip. Therefore, the terms aerosol-generating article and strip are used interchangeably here for the reference numeral 200. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a distal end 201 and an inlet end 202. The aerosol-generating article 200 has a cigarette paper wrapping 203. The wrapping 203 forms the outer wall of the strip 200. (As shown...) Figure 5 As shown in b and 5c, the porous front bar 204, the bar of the aerosol forming matrix 205, and the tubular core element 206 are assembled sequentially and coaxially within the package 203. The porous front bar 204 is located at the distal end 201. The bar of the aerosol forming matrix 205 is positioned immediately downstream of the front bar. The tubular core element 206 is positioned immediately downstream of the bar of the aerosol forming matrix 205 and extends toward the mouth end 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow interior 207 of the tubular core element 206 is free from obstructions such as mouthpiece filter elements, thus defining an empty space. Therefore, the hollow interior 207 refers to the interior of the strip 200 between the downstream end of the aerosol forming matrix 205 and the mouth end 202, defining an unobstructed flow path. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), a filter element may be positioned within the strip 200 adjacent to the mouth end 202. For the embodiments shown and described herein, the aerosol forming matrix 205 is a solid matrix containing tobacco. The annular region of the package 203 is provided with uniformly distributed holes that extend radially through the tubular wall to form an annular fluid-permeable strip 208 in the package 203 (i.e., the outer wall) of the strip 200.

[0167] The aerosol generating article 200 shown in the figure and described herein is a smoking article intended for use with the aerosol generating device 100 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol forming matrix 205 for inhalation by a user. The aerosol generating device 100 is reusable, while the aerosol generating article 200 is disposable and intended for single use only.

[0168] The aforementioned primary airflow path 209 extends through the aerosol-forming matrix 205 and along the hollow interior of the tubular core element 206. The secondary airflow path 210 extends through the annular fluid permeable belt 208 to the mixing region 211 located within the strip 200. As will be described in more detail below, the mixing region 211 is where the primary airflow path 209 and the secondary airflow path 210 overlap and merge, and where their respective fluid flows mix and combine with each other.

[0169] In use, the user first slides the sliding cover 110 to expose the open end 108 of the cavity 105. The user then inserts a fresh, unused aerosol-generating article 200 into the cavity 105 via the open end 108 until the distal end 201 of the article contacts the closed end 109 of the cavity. In this position, the aerosol-generating article 200 is said to be received in the cavity 105 of the aerosol-generating device 200. The user may also insert or replace a removable cartridge into the second matrix receiving portion 220. However, this may not be necessary because the removable cartridge will typically contain enough second aerosol-forming matrix for multiple uses. The combination of the aerosol-generating device 100, the cartridge 122, and the aerosol-generating article 200 forms an aerosol delivery system. When the aerosol generating article 200 is received in the cavity 106, the annular fluid permeable belt 112 of the tubular wall 106 of the cavity 105 overlaps with the annular fluid permeable belt 208 of the packaging 203 of the aerosol generating article 200. Furthermore, when the aerosol generating device 200 is received in the cavity 106, the rods of the aerosol forming matrix 205 are completely located within the sensor portion 106b (i.e., the first matrix receiving portion) and the sensor coil 111.

[0170] When the user presses the activation button 102, the control electronics 104 controls the power supply from the rechargeable battery 103 to the inductor coil 111 and to the heater element 126. The resulting flow of current through the inductor coil 111 induces eddy currents in the steel inductor portion 106a. These eddy currents then cause the inductor portion 106a to heat up. The heat from the inductor portion 106a radiates onto the aerosol forming article 200 housed within the cavity 105. When the rod of the aerosol forming matrix 205 is fully positioned within the inductor portion 106a and the inductor coil 111, the heat from the inductor portion radiates onto the packaging 203 of the aerosol forming article 200 and is conducted to the rod of the aerosol forming matrix 205. The resulting heating of the aerosol forming matrix 205 causes the matrix to form a first aerosol. Simultaneously, the flow of current through the resistance heating element 126 heats the heating element. Heat from the heating element 126 is transferred to the second aerosol forming matrix 124, which is in contact with or near the heating element 126. The resulting heating of the aerosol forming matrix 120 causes the matrix to form a second aerosol.

[0171] Control electronics 104 are configured to adjust the temperatures of the sensor portion 106b and the heating element 126 according to predetermined thermal profiles optimized for the first and second aerosol-forming matrices, respectively. Once the sensor portion 106a has reached a sufficiently high temperature to form an aerosol from the rods of the aerosol-forming matrix 205 and the heating element 126 has reached a sufficiently high temperature to form an aerosol from the aerosol-forming matrix contained in the cartridge 120, the user can then draw in suction at the port 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200 to apply suction to the port. Each draw in suction performed by the user on the aerosol-generating article 200 is generally referred to as a “draw.”

[0172] The suction generated by the user drawing air through the inlet opening 115 and through the main airflow path 209 into the aerosol generating apparatus 100, so as to pass through the closed end 109 of the cavity 105, through the porous front bar 204, and forward through the bar of the aerosol forming matrix 205 into the aerosol generating article 200. Due to the heating of the sensor portion 106a, the air becomes entrained with aerosol formed from the first aerosol forming matrix 205 and continues to flow along the first airflow path 209 to flow from the downstream end of the bar of the aerosol forming matrix 205 into the mixing region 211.

[0173] The suction generated by the user drawing air into the mouthpiece 202 also draws outside air into the housing 101 of the aerosol generating device 100 through the air inlet 114, thereby passing through the secondary airflow path 210 and thus within the housing 101 and over the heater element 126. As the air passes through the heater element 126, it becomes entrained with aerosol formed from the second aerosol forming matrix 124 due to the heating effect of the heater element. The air then continues forward and passes through the annular fluid permeable belt 112 within the upper portion 106b of the tubular wall 106 of the cavity 105. The annular fluid-permeable belt 112, confined in the tubular wall 106 of the cavity 105 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and the annular fluid-permeable belt 208, confined in the packaging 203 of the aerosol generating article 200, are aligned so that a large amount of air flows through the fluid-permeable belt 112, then through the radial gap separating the tubular wall 106 and the article 200, and along the second airflow path 210 through the fluid-permeable belt 208. In this way, air carrying aerosols formed from the second aerosol forming matrix can be supplied through the interior of the housing 101 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100, and then supplied into the aerosol generating article 200 received in the cavity 105. As it passes through the annular fluid-permeable belt 208 confined in the packaging 203 of the article 200, the air carrying aerosols formed from the second aerosol forming matrix enters the mixing region 211.

[0174] In mixing zone 211, heated aerosols formed from the first aerosol forming matrix, flowing along the first airflow path 209, mix with heated aerosols formed from the second aerosol forming matrix, flowing along the secondary airflow path 210. Importantly, because fluids can pass through belt 112 downstream of the first matrix receiving portion 106a, and the fluid of the aerosol-generating article can pass through belt 208 downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix 205, the aerosols formed from the second aerosol forming matrix do not pass through the first aerosol forming matrix. Instead, the second aerosols enter the mixing chamber immediately downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix. This promotes optimal mixing of the first and second aerosols. The mixed stream is cooled in the mixing chamber and then flows downstream along the hollow interior 207 of the tubular core element 206 of the aerosol-generating article toward the inlet 202 for inhalation by the user.

[0175] For the aerosol-generating article 200 shown in the figure, the annular fluid-permeable belt 208 has an axial length L of 4 mm. 208 The upstream end of the annular belt 208 coincides with the downstream end of the rod of the aerosol forming matrix 205. In an alternative embodiment, the axial length L208 can be as small as 0.2 mm. The aerosol generating article 200 shown in the figure has a length between about 30 mm and about 100 mm.

[0176] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 400 is shown. Figure 6 Many features of the aerosol generating device 400 and Figure 2 The features are the same, with the same reference numerals used for the same features. The difference in this embodiment is that the aerosol generating apparatus 400 does not include a sensor element. Instead, a sensor 402 is disposed within the matrix of the aerosol generating article 404. The sensor 402 is made of steel. Because the sensor 402 is within the matrix of the aerosol generating article, it is surrounded by a sensor coil 111 when the article is received in the cavity 105. Therefore, in use, the sensor coil 111 induces eddy currents in the steel sensor 402, which causes the sensor 402 to heat up and causes the matrix to form a first aerosol. The control electronics 104 are configured to adjust the temperature of the sensor 402 according to a predetermined thermal profile.

[0177] In addition, the aerosol generating device 400 operates similarly to the aerosol generating device 100, wherein the aerosol formed from the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​entrained in the air passing through the main airflow path to mix with the air passing through the secondary airflow path in the mixing region downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix, and is then inhaled by the user.

[0178] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the aerosol generating apparatus 500 is shown. Figure 7 Many features of the aerosol generating device 500 are similar to Figure 2 The features are the same, with the same reference numerals used for the same features. The difference in this embodiment is that the aerosol generating apparatus 500 employs a resistance heating arrangement for heating the first aerosol forming matrix. The resistance heating arrangement includes heater blades 502 electrically connected to a rechargeable battery. The heater blades include electrical tracks 504 formed on a thermally conductive matrix 506. The electrical tracks are conductive and formed of a material with a suitable resistivity to heat up when current passes through them. The heater blades 502 protrude upward from the closed end of the cavity 105 such that when the aerosol generating article 501 is received in the cavity 105, the heater blades 502 penetrate the aerosol generating article to be positioned within the first aerosol forming matrix. In use, control electronics 104 controls the power supply from the rechargeable battery 103 to the heater blades 502. This causes the electrical tracks 504 to heat up and heat to be transferred to the thermally conductive matrix 506 and the first aerosol forming matrix of the aerosol generating article. The control electronics 104 is configured to adjust the temperature of the heater blades 502 according to a predetermined thermal profile.

[0179] In addition, the aerosol generating device 500 operates similarly to the aerosol generating device 100, wherein the aerosol formed from the first aerosol forming matrix is ​​entrained in the air passing through the main airflow path to mix with the air passing through the secondary airflow path in the mixing region downstream of the first aerosol forming matrix, and is then inhaled by the user.

[0180] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all figures representing quantities, quantities, percentages, etc., shall be understood to be modified by the term “about” in all cases. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein. Thus, in this document, the number “A” is understood to be “A” ± 10%. In this document, the number “A” may be considered to include a value within the general standard error of the measurement of the property modified by the number “A”. In certain instances used in the appended claims, the number “A” may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Furthermore, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating system comprising: An aerosol generating apparatus for simultaneously generating aerosols from a first aerosol forming matrix and from a second aerosol forming matrix, the aerosol generating apparatus including an apparatus housing defining: A first matrix receiving portion for receiving the first aerosol forming matrix and a second matrix receiving portion for receiving the second aerosol forming matrix; The main airflow path extends through the first matrix receiving portion; as well as The secondary airflow path extends through the aerosol generating device, such that in use, the secondary airflow path forms a matrix fluid communication with the second aerosol received in the second matrix receiving portion. The secondary airflow path merges with the main airflow path at a junction downstream of the first matrix receiving portion; The aerosol generation system further includes an aerosol generation article, the aerosol generation article including the first aerosol forming matrix, and the aerosol generation article being able to be received in the first matrix receiving portion of the aerosol generation apparatus. as well as A cylinder, the cylinder comprising a second aerosol forming matrix, the cylinder being receiveable in a second matrix receiving portion; The aerosol-generating article defines a strip, and the outer wall of the strip includes a fluid-permeable portion downstream of the first aerosol-forming matrix.

2. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the device housing includes a cavity wall defining a cavity, at least a portion of the cavity wall forming the first matrix receiving portion.

3. The aerosol generation system of claim 2, wherein the cavity wall includes a fluid-permeable region downstream of the first matrix receiving portion, and a second airflow path extends through the fluid-permeable region.

4. The aerosol generation system of claim 3, wherein the fluid permeable region is defined by several regions of the cavity wall and is formed by one or more of a porous material, a plurality of slits, and a plurality of pores.

5. The aerosol generation system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the fluid-permeable region is an annular band formed in the cavity wall.

6. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cavity is provided with an open end and a closed end, and the cavity is configured to receive the first aerosol forming matrix in the longitudinal direction via the open end.

7. The aerosol generation system according to claim 6, wherein the secondary airflow path is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis where the secondary airflow path merges with the main airflow path.

8. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the aerosol generation apparatus further comprises a first heating device configured to heat the first aerosol forming matrix received in the first matrix receiving portion during use.

9. The aerosol generation system of claim 8, wherein the first heating device includes an inductor coil adjacent to or surrounding the first matrix receiving portion, and the aerosol generation device further includes a power source configured to supply alternating current to the inductor coil.

10. The aerosol generation system of claim 9, wherein the first matrix receiving portion comprises a sensor material.

11. The aerosol generation system of claim 8, wherein the first heating device comprises a resistance heater and a power source configured to supply current to the resistance heater.

12. The aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising a second heating device configured to heat the second aerosol forming matrix received in the second matrix receiving portion during use.

13. The aerosol generation system of claim 1, wherein the housing of the aerosol generation apparatus includes a cavity wall defining a cavity, at least a portion of the cavity wall forming the first matrix receiving portion; wherein the cavity wall includes a fluid-permeable region downstream of the first matrix receiving portion; and wherein the fluid-permeable portion of the strip is configured to overlap with the fluid-permeable portion of the cavity wall when the aerosol generation article is received in the cavity.

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