Aerosol-generating article comprising capacitor

Abstract

An aerosol-generating article (1) is described. The article (1) comprises a capacitor (6) comprising an electrolyte that, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an aerosol-generating article, and more particularly to an aerosol-generating article adapted to be received in an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0002] The present disclosure is particularly suitable for portable (handheld) aerosol generating devices. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, devices that generate an aerosol for inhalation by heating rather than burning an aerosol generating material have become increasingly popular with consumers. A commonly used risk reduction or risk modification device is a heated material aerosol generating device or a so-called heat-not-burn device. This type of device generates an aerosol or vapor by heating an aerosol generating material to a temperature typically in the range of 150°C to 300°C. This temperature range is quite low compared to ordinary cigarettes. Heating the aerosol generating material to a temperature within this range without burning or combusting the aerosol generating material produces a vapor, which typically cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user of the device.

[0004] Such a device may use one of a number of different methods to provide heat to the aerosol-generating material. All methods for heating the aerosol-generating material require some power source (such as a battery), which increases the size and weight of the device. Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide a power source in an aerosol-generating article that can be used to supplement or partially replace the power source in the device. This can result in a smaller and lighter device, which is beneficial to the user, while maintaining accurate control of the heating of the aerosol-generating material and optimizing the characteristics of the generated aerosol. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol-generating article comprising a capacitor, the capacitor comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Thus, the electrolyte is aerosolizable, i.e., capable of being converted into an aerosol by heating, which is then inhaled by a user. Thus, heating the capacitor causes the electrolyte contained within the capacitor to be converted into an aerosol, which is then inhaled by the user.

[0006] The capacitor may have any suitable configuration, but in a preferred embodiment, the capacitor is a supercapacitor, such as a double layer supercapacitor. The capacitor may further include a pair of electrodes and a porous separator between the electrodes. The first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. The electrodes and separator are immersed in an electrolyte.

[0007] Like conventional capacitors, in double-layer supercapacitors, charge is stored in the electric field between electrodes, and capacitance is a function of the surface area of ​​the electrodes, the distance between the electrodes, and the dielectric constant of the diaphragm material. Capacitors have a higher power density than conventional power sources (such as batteries). When the capacitor is charged by an external circuit connected to the pair of electrodes, cations in the electrolyte migrate toward the negative electrode and anions migrate to the positive electrode, while electrons travel from the negative electrode through the external circuit to the positive electrode. Therefore, two charge layers (double layers) with opposite polarities are formed at the interface with the electrodes. When charging is complete, the positive charge on the positive electrode and the anions in the electrolyte attract each other, while the negative charge on the negative electrode and the cations in the electrolyte attract each other, so as to stabilize the double layer on the electrode. A stable voltage is generated. When the capacitor is discharged, the opposite process occurs.

[0008] Each electrode may include at least one carbon-based electrode layer (eg, a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer) having a high specific surface area per unit volume and compatibility with the proposed electrolyte.

[0009] Each electrode may further include a current collector, which may include a metal foil layer (e.g., an aluminum foil layer). The carbon-based electrode layer may be positioned adjacent to one or both sides of the current collector. Each carbon-based electrode layer may be formed as a coating. Such electrodes may be relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture using materials known for use in aerosol generating articles.

[0010] As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, electrolyte achieves two functions. First, electrolyte allows cation migration and anion migration to occur when capacitor is charged or discharged, and secondly, electrolyte forms aerosol when heated, which is safely inhaled by the user and has good characteristics. Therefore, electrolyte should be selected accordingly. Electrolyte is preferably a food grade electrolyte and can, for example, include one or more of the following: sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, glycerol and any suitable equivalent. Electrolyte can optionally include a gelling agent, such as polyvinyl alcohol, gellan gum or xanthan gum. In one example, electrolyte can include sodium chloride and glycerol and optionally polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. It has been found that such electrolyte allows cation migration and anion migration and is also safe for user inhalation.

[0011] When all of the electrolyte has evaporated, the capacitor may not be further discharged or charged, and the article may need to be properly disposed of or refilled with electrolyte.

[0012] The separator must provide dielectric separation between the pair of oppositely charged electrodes. The separator also stores electrolyte in its pores and allows cations and anions to pass through during the charging process and the discharging process. The separator may include any suitable material. The separator may include plant-derived materials, in particular tobacco materials (e.g., porous tobacco sheets), or the separator may include any suitable cellulose or polypropylene-based materials. The separator material may release one or more volatile compounds when heated. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavor compounds (e.g., tobacco or other spices).

[0013] Aerosol generation article can further include any type of solid or semi-solid material downstream of the capacitor in the aerosol flow path. Example types of solid or semi-solid materials include debris, powder, particulate, pellet, fragment, line, granule, gel, strip, loose leaf, shredded filler, porous material, foam material or sheet. The material can include plant-derived material, particularly can include tobacco material. For example, the aerosol produced by heating the electrolyte of the capacitor will flow through the solid or semi-solid material, and the solid or semi-solid material can be positioned between the capacitor and the filter section or the mouthpiece, and the user inhales the aerosol through the filter section or the mouthpiece. The solid or semi-solid material can release one or more volatile compounds, which can, for example, add flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. Any heating provided by the capacitor also heats the solid or semi-solid material or heats the solid or semi-solid material, which can promote the release of volatile compounds.

[0014] The aerosol inhaled by the user consists essentially of vaporized or aerosolized electrolyte and optionally one or more volatile compounds, which may be released through the membrane material and / or downstream solid or semi-solid materials.

[0015] The capacitor can have any suitable configuration, such as a spirally wound (or "wound core") configuration (which can be generally cylindrical, or flattened so that it presents more of a cubic shape, for example, which may be better suited for a flat form article), a prismatic configuration, a folded or serpentine configuration, or a stacked configuration.

[0016] In one embodiment, the layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a diaphragm adjacent to the first electrode, and a second electrode adjacent to the diaphragm, that is, the diaphragm is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more particularly between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers. The first electrode may be a positive electrode, and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. Such a substrate may be rolled or folded into a suitable shape while maintaining an air gap or other dielectric separation between the electrodes facing or between different parts of the same electrode. In addition to the dielectric separation provided by the diaphragm, dielectric separation may also be provided, for example, by one or more dielectric material layers. The dielectric material may include any suitable material. The dielectric material may include a plant-derived material, and in particular may include a tobacco material (e.g., a porous tobacco sheet), or the dielectric material may include any suitable material based on cellulose or polypropylene. The dielectric material may release one or more volatile compounds when heated. These volatile compounds may include nicotine or flavor compounds (e.g., tobacco or other spices). The dielectric material and the diaphragm material may be the same or different.

[0017] In another embodiment, a layered capacitor substrate may include a first electrode, a first separator adjacent to the first electrode, a second electrode adjacent to the first separator (i.e., such that the first separator is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more particularly between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers), and a second separator adjacent to the second electrode. The second electrode is sandwiched between the first separator and the second separator. The first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. Such a substrate is particularly suitable for a spirally wound (or "winding core") configuration, which may be generally cylindrical, or may be flattened so that it presents more of a cubic shape. The dielectric separation between the turns of the spirally wound capacitor is provided by a second separator, which may be sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, more particularly between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers in the wound substrate.

[0018] In yet another arrangement, the layered capacitor substrate may include a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes, and a plurality of diaphragms. The first electrode may be a positive electrode, and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. The first electrode and the second electrode are alternately stacked so that the substrate includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first electrode, a second electrode, etc. in the stacking direction. The diaphragm is sandwiched between each pair of electrodes, more particularly between a pair of carbon-based electrode layers, to provide dielectric separation. Such a substrate can be used for products in flat form. The first electrodes can be electrically connected together, and the second electrodes can be electrically connected together. The first electrode can be electrically connected to a first capacitor terminal, and the second electrode can be electrically connected to a second capacitor terminal.

[0019] The capacitor may be contained within a housing. More particularly, the housing may contain a capacitor substrate including electrodes, a separator, etc., and an electrolyte. The electrolyte may be injected into the housing during the manufacturing process or when the capacitor needs to be refilled. The housing may electrically insulate the capacitor and may be formed of any suitable material or materials.

[0020] The housing may include, for example, a paper wrapper having a metal or polymer coating. The housing may include a pair of end caps formed of any suitable material. The housing may include appropriate perforations or openings, or may be combined with a suitable aerosol-permeable membrane material so that the aerosol generated when the electrolyte is heated can be freely inhaled by the user while also preventing the electrolyte from leaking when it is in a liquid or gel state. The aerosol-generating article may include a filter segment at the proximal end of the aerosol-generating article, the filter segment, for example, including cellulose acetate fibers. The filter segment may constitute a mouthpiece filter. In some designs, one or more vapor collection areas, vapor cooling areas, and other structures may also be included. The vapor cooling area may advantageously allow the vapor to cool and condense to form an aerosol having suitable properties for the user to inhale, for example, through the filter segment. Generally speaking, vapor is a substance that is in the gas phase at a temperature below its critical temperature, which means that the vapor can be condensed into a liquid by increasing its pressure without reducing the temperature, and an aerosol is a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. However, it should be noted that the terms "aerosol" and "vapor" are used interchangeably in this specification.

[0021] The capacitor will preferably be pre-charged in the packaged article, i.e., when the capacitor is purchased by the user and before the capacitor is removably inserted into the aerosol generating device, the capacitor will already be charged. Pre-charging the capacitor reduces the amount of energy required to heat from the power supply of the device. This may result in a reduction in the size and weight of the device.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, which is suitable for receiving an aerosol generating article as described above in use. The device may include an external circuit (e.g., a switching circuit) that is electrically connected between a pair of electrodes or capacitor terminals when the article is received in the device. The switching circuit may be configured to control the discharge of the capacitor. The switching circuit may also optionally be configured to control the charging of the capacitor from a power source (e.g., a battery) of the device. The switching circuit may include a switching device that may be controlled by a controller to selectively provide a continuous or switched (i.e., discontinuous or intermittent) short-circuit path between the pair of electrodes or capacitor terminals, which allows the charge stored in the capacitor to be discharged through the switching circuit. The switching device may include one or more switches. One or more switches may be semiconductor switching devices that may, for example, be connected as a bridge circuit or a converter circuit. One or more switches may be opened or closed or switched by a controller to provide a short-circuit path.

[0023] The switch circuit may include a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being electrically connected to a first electrode or terminal of a capacitor when the aerosol generating article is received in the device, and the second terminal being electrically connected to a second electrode or terminal of the capacitor. Before the article is inserted into the device, in order to prevent accidental or intentional discharge of the pre-charged capacitor, it is preferred that at least one of the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor is not accessible to the user. For example, one or both of the capacitor electrodes or terminals may be hidden in the housing of the article and only accessible to form an electrical connection with the terminal of the switch circuit after the aerosol generating article has been inserted into the device or during the process of the aerosol generating article being inserted. The electrical connection may require the housing to be broken at one or more locations, and the device may include a device suitable for breaking, piercing or tearing the housing. The first terminal of the switch circuit may be directly electrically connected to the first electrode at one or more locations, or may be electrically connected to a first capacitor terminal, which in turn is electrically connected to the first electrode. Similarly, the second terminal of the switch circuit may be directly electrically connected to the second electrode at one or more locations, or may be electrically connected to a second capacitor terminal, which in turn is electrically connected to the second electrode. The capacitor terminals may be located anywhere on the article, for example near an end cap or side of the article. The orientation of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the device may be constrained to ensure proper alignment between the respective terminals, thereby providing a reliable electrical connection between the capacitor and the external switching circuit.

[0024] The terminals of the switching circuit can be formed as breaking devices, which are designed to break, pierce or tear the shell and form an electrical connection with the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor. The breaking device can be fixed to the device or stationary relative to the device, and can be designed to break, pierce or tear the shell when the product is inserted into the device (for example, inserted into the aerosol generating space or heating chamber). The breaking device can also be movable. For example, in one arrangement, the breaking device can be installed on a panel or door-shaped member of the device, which is opened or removed to allow the product to be inserted, and wherein the breaking device is designed to break, pierce or tear the shell when the panel or door-shaped member is closed by the user. For example, the panel or door-shaped member can be hinged. In another arrangement, the breaking device can be moved, for example, by a suitable actuator (such as an electric motor or a piston). The breaking device can move through the opening or slot in the part of the device that limits the aerosol generating space or heating chamber. The breaking device can have any suitable shape and can be formed, for example, as a needle or crown with one or more pointed ends, a blade with a cutting edge, or a punch with a non-pointed end. The breaking device can be designed to work with any of the above capacitor configurations. If one of the electrodes or terminals of the capacitor is accessible, only one breaking device is required.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an aerosol generating system is provided, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article as described above. The method comprises discharging a capacitor to heat an electrolyte and thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user. Discharging a precharged capacitor by an external circuit (such as a switching circuit of the device) will generate heat in the electrode, which in turn heats the electrolyte in which the electrode is immersed. Sufficient heating of the electrolyte will generate an aerosol for the user to inhale during the inhalation process. In order to improve heating, the internal resistance of the capacitor can be increased by increasing the thickness of the diaphragm between the electrodes with opposite charges. If the overall size remains the same, this can make the capacitor have fewer turns or folds. Charging the capacitor using an external circuit will also generate heat in the electrode, which in turn heats the electrolyte to generate an aerosol to be inhaled.

[0026] The discharge and optional charging of the capacitor and thus the heating of the electrolyte can be controlled using a switching circuit, which can be a part of the aerosol generating device. The device can also include an external heater, which is used to heat the capacitor to produce an aerosol for the user to inhale. In other words, the heating of the electrolyte is not limited to the heat generated by the capacitor when discharging or charging, but the capacitor can be heated by an external heater in a manner similar to conventional aerosol generating materials or substrates. Such heating will still heat the electrolyte to produce an aerosol to be inhaled. Using an external heater can provide more controlled heating during certain stages of the suction process, thereby optimizing the user's experience. Any suitable heater can be used, such as a low-power film heater, a printed heater, etc. For example, during the initial preheating stage, the heat generated by the capacitor discharge can be used, and during the subsequent heating or suction stage, an external heater can be used to heat the electrolyte to produce an aerosol. Therefore, the power for preheating can be provided at least in part by a capacitor rather than by the power supply of the device. This can make the power supply smaller, so that the device is smaller and lighter. Alternatively, during the subsequent heating or suction phase, the electrolyte can be heated by the charging and discharging of the cycle of the capacitor. During the heating or suction phase, there may be a time when heating is not required, so the capacitor does not need to be discharged or charged. When heating is required, the capacitor can be continuously discharged or charged, or the capacitor can be used, for example, to discharge or charge intermittently using a suitable duty cycle. In this alternative embodiment, an external heater can be used to heat the electrolyte during the initial preheating phase. The preheating phase can generally be intended to preheat the electrolyte to a target temperature, and the heating or suction phase can generally be intended to heat the electrolyte for a longer time period, generating an aerosol during this time period. If an external heater is not required, then because heating can be provided entirely by the capacitor, the cost of the device can be reduced and the overall design can be simplified.

[0027] If heating can be provided entirely by the capacitor, the aerosol-generating article can be formed as a single-use or disposable device that does not need to be inserted into another device. In other words, the aerosol-generating article may include external circuitry (e.g., a switching circuit) for controlling the discharge of the capacitor and any other components required for the normal operation of the single-use or disposable device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first example of an aerosol-generating article;

[0029] Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a first example of a capacitor having a spirally wound configuration;

[0030] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2A cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of an aerosol generating device;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a switching circuit;

[0033] Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of a second example of a capacitor having a folded or serpentine configuration;

[0034] Figure 7 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line BB in FIG.

[0035] Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a third example of a capacitor having a stacked configuration;

[0036] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line CC in FIG. 1 ; and

[0037] Fig.10 is a diagrammatic view of a second example of an aerosol-generating article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] First reference Figure 1 , diagrammatically shows an example of an aerosol-generating article 1 . The article 1 has a proximal end 2 and a distal end 4 .

[0040] The article 1 comprises a capacitor 6 comprising an electrolyte. The capacitor 6 is surrounded by a paper wrap 8 having a metal or polymer coating. An end cap 10a, 10b is provided at each end of the capacitor 6. The paper wrap 8 and the end caps 10a, 10b define a housing for the capacitor 6 which contains the electrolyte and provides electrical insulation.

[0041] The article 1 is generally cylindrical.

[0042] At the proximal end 2, the article 1 includes a mouthpiece 12 having an outlet 14 through which a user can inhale an aerosol generated by heating the electrolyte. Although not shown, the proximal end cap 10a may include appropriate perforations or openings, or incorporate a suitable aerosol-permeable membrane material, so that the generated aerosol can pass through the end cap to the outlet 14.

[0043] refer to Figure 2, capacitor 6 is a double-layer supercapacitor and has a spirally wound (or "jelly-wound") configuration. Capacitor 6 is generally cylindrical to facilitate assembly within article 1. However, a capacitor having the same spirally wound configuration may be flattened so that it is more cubic in shape and thus may be suitable for use in a flat form aerosol generating article.

[0044] The capacitor 6 includes a positive electrode 16 and a negative electrode 18. The electrodes 16, 18 are separated by a pair of porous separators 20a, 20b. Figure 3 As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , the positive electrode 16 includes a positive current collector 22. Each side of the positive current collector 22 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 24, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, for example. The negative electrode 18 includes a negative current collector 26. Each side of the negative current collector 24 is provided with a porous carbon-based electrode layer 28, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, for example. For example, the positive current collector 22 and the negative current collector 26 are aluminum foil layers.

[0045] The membranes 20a, 20b are formed from a tobacco material, such as a porous tobacco sheet, which releases volatile compounds when heated.

[0046] The electrodes 16, 18 and the diaphragms 20a, 20b are immersed in an electrolyte that allows cations and anions to migrate when the capacitor 6 is charged or discharged, and that, when heated, produces an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The electrolyte may contain sodium chloride and glycerol and, optionally, polyvinyl alcohol as a gelling agent. However, other food grade electrolytes may also be used. The capacitor 6 is pre-charged during the manufacturing process and is packaged and sold to the user in a pre-charged state.

[0047] The article 1 includes a capacitor positive terminal 30, which is electrically connected to the positive electrode 16 (i.e., to the positive current collector 22) at one or more locations; and a capacitor negative terminal 32, which is electrically connected to the negative electrode 18 (i.e., to the negative current collector 26) at one or more locations. The capacitor terminals 30, 32 can be located inside the housing of the article 1 so that they cannot be touched by the user. This helps prevent accidental or intentional discharge of the capacitor 6 before the article is removably inserted into the aerosol generating device to prepare for the inhalation process.

[0048] Figure 4 There is shown an aerosol-generating device 34 suitable for receiving an aerosol-generating article 1. The device 34 comprises a cavity 36 into which the article 1 can be inserted.

[0049] The device 34 includes a pair of break-out devices 38, 40 adapted to break the distal end cap 10b of the article 1 when the article 1 is inserted into the cavity 36. When the article 1 is inserted into the cavity 36, the angular orientation of the article relative to the device 34 can be constrained so that the break-out device 38 forms an electrical connection with the positive electrode 30 and the break-out device 40 forms an electrical connection with the negative electrode 32. Other ways of ensuring a reliable electrical connection can be used. For example, the positive and negative terminals of the article can have an annular configuration and be positioned coaxially with each other so that a properly positioned break-out device will form an electrical contact with the terminals regardless of the angular orientation of the article relative to the device.

[0050] The device 34 includes a switching circuit 42 and a power source 44 (such as a battery).

[0051] An example of the switch circuit 42 is as follows Figure 5 As shown. The switch circuit 42 includes breakout devices 38, 40, which serve as positive and negative terminals and are electrically connected to the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 32 of the article 1 when the article 1 is properly received in the cavity 36. The switch circuit 42 includes a switch device 46, which can be operated by a controller 48 to control the discharge of the capacitor 6 through the switch circuit 42. For example, the controller 48 can include at least one microcontroller unit (MCU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU).

[0052] After the article 1 has been inserted into the device 34, the capacitor 6 can be discharged by controlling the switching device 46 so as to provide a continuous or switched short circuit path between the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 32 of the article 1, and therefore between the positive electrode 16 and the negative electrode 18 of the capacitor 6. The short circuit path between the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 32 is formed via the switching device 46. In addition, the switching device 46 may include a resistor to prevent excessive discharge current or an electrical load that enables constant current discharge. Discharging the capacitor 6 through the switching circuit 42 dissipates heat in the electrodes 16, 18. This heats the electrolyte and produces an aerosol that the user can inhale through the outlet 14 in the mouthpiece 12. Pre-charging the capacitor 6 reduces the amount of energy required for heating from the power supply 44 of the device. This can reduce the overall size and weight of the device 34. In particular, the size and weight of the power supply 44 can be reduced. This is important because the power supply is usually the largest and heaviest component of the device 34. In some cases, the energy for heating can be completely provided by capacitor 6, and power supply 44 can be omitted or only used to provide power for other components (such as controller) of the device. However, in other cases, the energy provided by capacitor 6 will be used to supplement or partially replace the energy provided by power supply 44.

[0053] The capacitor 6 can also be charged from the power source 44 by controlling the switch means 46 (or a separate switch means of the switch circuit, not shown). Charging the capacitor 6 also dissipates heat in the electrodes 16, 18, which heats the electrolyte and generates an aerosol that the user can inhale through the outlet 14 in the mouthpiece 12. Thus, heat can be repeatedly generated by charging the capacitor 6 from the power source 44 and then discharging the capacitor through the switch circuit 42.

[0054] For example, the switch device 46 that can be used to achieve the above-mentioned discharge and charging of the capacitor 6 can include one or more switches. The discharge switch for controlling the discharge current of the capacitor 6 can be connected in series between the break devices 38, 40, which define the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the switch circuit 42. The charging switch for controlling the charging current of the capacitor 6 can be connected in series between the break device 38 defining the positive terminal of the switch circuit 42 and the positive terminal of the power supply 44 and / or between the break device 40 defining the negative terminal of the switch circuit 42 and the negative terminal of the power supply. These switches can be semiconductor switch devices, such as transistors.

[0055] Although not shown, the device 34 may include a current sensor for measuring the discharge current or the charge current of the capacitor 6 and a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage output by the capacitor. The measurements provided by the current sensor and the voltage sensor may be used to determine one or more electrical parameters of the capacitor, such as internal resistance or capacitance, for example for monitoring or operational purposes.

[0056] The device 32 may optionally include one or more heaters 50. The heater 50 may be used to heat the electrolyte in the capacitor 6 to generate an aerosol that the user may inhale through the outlet 14 in the mouthpiece 12. Such heating may be used to better control the heating of the electrolyte, for example during the heating or inhalation phase.

[0057] Figure 6 An alternative capacitor 52 is shown having a folded or serpentine configuration. A capacitor having this particular configuration may be suitable for a flat form aerosol generating article. The capacitor 52 includes a positive electrode 54 and a negative electrode 56. The electrodes 54, 56 are separated by a membrane 58a formed of a tobacco material (such as a porous tobacco sheet) that releases volatile compounds when heated. Figure 7As more clearly shown in the figure, the positive electrode 54 includes a positive current collector 60. A porous carbon-based electrode layer 62, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, is provided on the side of the positive current collector 60 facing the separator 58a. The negative electrode 56 includes a negative current collector 64. A porous carbon-based electrode layer 66, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, is provided on the side of the negative current collector 64 facing the separator 58a. For example, the positive current collector 60 and the negative current collector 64 are aluminum foil layers. A first dielectric layer 58b is provided on the other side of the positive current collector 60, and a second dielectric layer 58c is provided on the other side of the negative current collector 64. The dielectric layers 58b, 58c provide dielectric separation between the folded portion of the capacitor 52 (i.e., where the positive electrode 54 and the negative electrode 56 fold back on themselves). (It should be understood that in Figure 6 In the figure, for the sake of clarity, the folded parts are spaced apart, but in reality, the facing parts of the dielectric layers 58b, 58c may be in direct contact.) The dielectric layers 58b, 58c are formed of a tobacco material (such as a porous tobacco sheet) that releases volatile compounds when heated, but an air gap or other suitable dielectric material may also be used if appropriate. Therefore, the dielectric layers 58b, 58c are substantially the same as the separator 58a, and the dielectric layers are also immersed in the electrolyte.

[0058] Figure 8 An alternative capacitor 68 having a stacked configuration is shown. A capacitor having this particular configuration may be suitable for aerosol generating articles in flat form. The capacitor 68 includes a plurality of positive electrodes 70, a plurality of negative electrodes 72, and a plurality of separators 74 formed of a tobacco material (such as a porous tobacco sheet) that releases volatile compounds when heated. The positive electrodes 70 and the negative electrodes 72 are arranged alternately in the stacking direction. Each of the positive electrodes 70 includes a tab 70a, and each of the negative electrodes 72 includes a tab 72a. Although not shown, the tab 70a of the positive electrode 70 is electrically connected to the capacitor positive terminal. The tab 72a of the negative electrode 72 is electrically connected to the capacitor negative terminal. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As more clearly shown in FIG. 1 , each positive electrode 70 includes a positive current collector 76. A porous carbon-based electrode layer 78, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, is disposed on both sides of the positive current collector 76. Each negative electrode 72 includes a negative current collector 80. A porous carbon-based electrode layer 82, such as a porous carbon material or an activated carbon layer, is disposed on both sides of the negative current collector 80. For example, the positive current collector 76 and the negative current collector 80 are aluminum foil layers.

[0059] Fig.10An alternative aerosol generating article 84 is shown that is similar to the aerosol generating articles described above, and like parts are labeled likewise. Article 84 includes a capacitor 86. The diaphragm of capacitor 86 is a cellulose or polypropylene based material rather than being formed from a tobacco material. However, if appropriate, the diaphragm may also be formed from a tobacco material (such as a porous tobacco sheet). Article 84 includes tobacco material 88, such as tobacco shreds. Tobacco material 88 is downstream of capacitor 86 in the aerosol flow path, which is located downstream of capacitor 86. Fig.10 86 is indicated by arrows. The aerosol generated by heating the electrolyte of capacitor 86 flows through tobacco material 88, which is positioned between capacitor 86 and mouthpiece 12. Tobacco material 88 adds flavor and nicotine to the aerosol. The heating provided by capacitor 86 also heats tobacco material 88 or warms the tobacco material, which promotes the release of volatile compounds. Nicotine-free flavor sources can be used without tobacco material.

[0060] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the claims should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0061] Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context, this disclosure encompasses any combination of the above-described features in all possible variations thereof.

[0062] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be interpreted in an inclusive rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to."

Claims

1. An aerosol generating article (1; 84) comprising a capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86), the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) comprising an electrolyte which, when heated, generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

2. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to claim 1, wherein The electrolyte includes one or more of the following: sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, magnesium citrate, magnesium carbonate, citric acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, glycerin, and any suitable equivalents thereof.

3. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The electrolyte includes a gelling agent.

4. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to claim 3, wherein The gelling agent includes one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, gellan gum and xanthan gum.

5. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein The electrolyte contains sodium chloride and glycerol and optionally polyvinyl alcohol.

6. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein The capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) further comprises a pair of electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72), each electrode comprising at least one carbon-based electrode layer (24, 28; 62，66；78，82)。 7. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to claim 6, wherein Each electrode (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72) further comprises a current collector (22, 26; 60, 64; 76, 80).

8. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein The capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) further comprises a plurality of electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72) between the porous membrane (20a, 20b; 58a; 74).

9. An aerosol-generating article (1) according to claim 8, wherein The membrane (20a, 20b; 58a; 74) includes tobacco material.

10. The aerosol-generating article (84) of claim 8, wherein: The separator comprises a cellulose or polypropylene based material.

11. An aerosol-generating article (84) according to any preceding claim, further comprising tobacco material (88) downstream of the capacitor (86) in the aerosol flow path.

12. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein The capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) has one of a spirally wound configuration, a prismatic configuration, a folded or serpentine configuration, and a stacked configuration.

13. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mouthpiece through which a user inhales the aerosol.

14. An aerosol-generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim, wherein The capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) is pre-charged in the packaged product.

15. An aerosol generating device (34) suitable for receiving an aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any preceding claim during use, the device (34) further comprising a switching circuit (42) electrically connected between a pair of electrodes (16, 18; 54, 56; 70, 72) of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) and configured to control the discharge of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) and optionally the charging of the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) from a power source (44) of the device (34).

16. A method for controlling an aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device (34) and an aerosol generating article (1; 84) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising discharging the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) to heat the electrolyte, thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising charging the capacitor (6; 52; 68; 86) to heat the electrolyte, thereby generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

18. The method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein: The device (34) further comprises a heater (50), the method comprising using the heater (50) to heat the electrolyte and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

Images