Aerosol-forming article

Abstract

An aerosol-forming article (110) comprising: a substantially planar first surface (122) comprising an aerosol-generating material; a substantially planar second surface (132) opposite the first surface (112, 122) such that an airflow path is defined between the first surface (120) and the second surface (122), the airflow path extending along a longitudinal axis (111) of the aerosol-forming article (110); and a diversion feature between the first surface (120) and the second surface (122) to induce a lateral flow in the air wherein the lateral flow has a component in a lateral direction wherein the lateral direction spans the first surface (112, 122) and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to aerosol forming articles and aerosol supply systems. Background Technology

[0002] Smoking products such as cigarettes and cigars burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these tobacco-burning products by releasing compounds without combustion. An example of such a product is a heating device that releases compounds by heating a material without burning it. This material can be, for example, tobacco or other non-tobacco products that may or may not contain nicotine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect, an aerosol forming article is provided, comprising: a first surface that is substantially planar and contains an aerosol generating material; a second surface that is substantially planar and opposite to the first surface, such that an airflow path is defined between the first surface and the second surface, the airflow path extending along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol forming article; and a flow guiding feature between the first surface and the second surface to induce lateral flow in air, wherein the lateral flow has a component in a lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction crosses the first surface and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0004] Aerosol-forming articles can be formed from layered structures, the layered structures including a first layer defining a first surface and a second layer defining a second surface.

[0005] The layered structure may include at least one intermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer including a first intermediate layer, wherein the flow guiding feature is formed by the first intermediate layer.

[0006] The first intermediate layer may include an off-axis cut that is offset relative to the longitudinal axis in the lateral direction, the off-axis cut forming a flow guiding feature.

[0007] The first intermediate layer may include a plurality of off-axis cuts offset from each other in the lateral and longitudinal directions, which form a flow guiding feature.

[0008] At least one intermediate layer may include a second intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer includes an additional off-axis cut that is offset in the lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis, the additional off-axis cut being offset in the lateral direction relative to the off-axis cut.

[0009] The additional off-axis cut can be substantially aligned with the off-axis cut in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The first surface may include discrete regions of multiple aerosol-generating materials.

[0011] The first intermediate layer may include lateral members that extend between discrete regions of the aerosol-generating material.

[0012] Off-axis cuts can be formed in transverse members.

[0013] At least one intermediate layer may include a spacer layer, wherein the spacer layer is located between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer.

[0014] The spacer layer may include an inlet hole that forms an inlet to the aerosol forming article.

[0015] The spacer layer may include an outlet hole that forms an outlet for the aerosol-forming article.

[0016] The second surface may contain aerosol-generating materials.

[0017] According to a second aspect, an aerosol supply system is provided, comprising: an aerosol forming article according to any one of the preceding claims; and an aerosol supply device configured to heat an aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The implementation will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A front view of the aerosol supply system is shown. Figure 2 An exploded plan view of the layers forming the aerosol-forming article is shown; and Figure 3 A plan view of the intermediate layer of the aerosol-formed article is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] As used herein, the term "aerosol-generating material" is, for example, a material capable of generating aerosols when heated, radiated, or otherwise stimulated. Aerosol-generating materials can be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form, and may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings. Aerosol-generating materials can include any plant-based material (such as materials containing tobacco), and may include, for example, one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, or tobacco substitutes. Aerosol-generating materials may also include other non-tobacco products, which may or may not contain nicotine, depending on the product. Aerosol-generating materials can be in, for example, solid, liquid, gel, wax, etc. Aerosol-generating materials can also be, for example, combinations or mixtures of materials. Aerosol-generating materials may also be referred to as "inhalable materials."

[0020] Aerosol-generating materials may include binders and aerosol-forming agents. Optionally, activators and / or fillers may also be present. Optionally, a solvent (such as water) may also be present, and one or more other components of the aerosol-generating material may or may not be soluble in that solvent. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of plant material. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material is substantially free of tobacco.

[0021] Aerosol-generating materials may include or may be "amorphous solids". Amorphous solids may be "monolithic solids". In some embodiments, amorphous solids may be dried gels. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can retain some fluid (such as liquid) therein. In some embodiments, aerosol-generating materials may, for example, include from about 50 wt%, 60 wt%, or 70 wt% to about 90 wt%, 95 wt%, or 100 wt% of amorphous solids.

[0022] Aerosol-generating materials may include aerosol-generating membranes. Aerosol-generating membranes may include or be sheets, which may optionally be shredded to form fragments. Aerosol-generating sheets or fragments may substantially not contain tobacco.

[0023] According to this disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol supply system is a system in which the aerosol supply system (or its components) consists of aerosol generating materials that do not burn or ignite in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to a user.

[0024] In some implementations, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as an electric non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0025] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol delivery system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vapor device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol generating material is not necessary.

[0026] In some implementations, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a heating system for the aerosol-generating material, also known as a heated but non-combustible system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0027] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a mixing system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials to generate aerosols, one or more of which can be heated. Each of these aerosol-generating materials can be in, for example, solid, liquid, or gel form and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the mixing system includes liquid or gel aerosol-generating materials and solid aerosol-generating materials. Solid aerosol-generating materials may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0028] Typically, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include the non-combustible aerosol supply system and consumables used with the non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0029] In some embodiments, this disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating materials and configured for use with non-combustible aerosol supply devices. Throughout the disclosure, these consumables are sometimes referred to as articles.

[0030] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as its non-combustible aerosol supply system, may include a power source and a controller. For example, the power source may be an electrical power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source includes a carbon substrate that can be excited to distribute power as heat to an aerosol generating material or heat transfer material adjacent to the exothermic power source.

[0031] In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include an area for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a nozzle, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0032] In some embodiments, consumables used with a non-combustible aerosol supply system may include aerosol generating materials, aerosol generating material storage areas, aerosol generating material delivery components, aerosol generators, aerosol generating areas, housings, packaging paper, filters, mouthpieces, and / or aerosol modifiers.

[0033] The aerosol generating apparatus is capable of receiving an article containing aerosol-generating material for heating. As used herein, "article" refers to a component that includes or contains the aerosol-generating material used (which is heated to cause the aerosol-generating material to volatilize), and optionally other components used. A user can heat the article to generate an aerosol after inserting it into the aerosol supply apparatus, and then inhale the aerosol. The article may, for example, have a predetermined or specific size, configured to be disposed within a heating chamber of the apparatus whose dimensions are designed to receive the article.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 The aerosol supply system 10 includes an aerosol supply device 100 for generating aerosols from aerosol generating materials. The aerosol supply system 10 also includes an aerosol forming article 110 having aerosol generating materials. Article 110 may be replaceable. In general, the aerosol forming device 100 can be used to heat article 110 to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium to be inhaled by a user of the device 100.

[0035] The aerosol supply device 100 includes a body 102. A housing is arranged around and accommodates the various components of the body 102. A product hole 104 is formed at one end of the body 102, through which a product 110 can be inserted for heating by an aerosol generator (not shown) within the device.

[0036] The device 100 may also include a user-operable control element 150, such as a button or switch, which operates the device 100 when pressed. For example, a user can turn on the device 100 by operating the switch 150.

[0037] The aerosol generator defines a longitudinal axis 111 that is aligned with the axis of the article 110.

[0038] In use, the article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator, in which the article can be heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator.

[0039] Apparatus 100 includes a device for heating an aerosol-generating material. The device includes an aerosol-generating assembly, a controller (control circuitry), and a power source. The device forms part of a body 102. The aerosol-generating assembly is configured to heat the aerosol-generating material of an article 110 inserted through an article hole 104, such that an aerosol is generated from the aerosol-generating material. The power source supplies power to the aerosol-generating assembly, and the aerosol-generating assembly converts the supplied electrical energy into thermal energy for heating the aerosol-generating material. The power source may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, lithium batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries), nickel batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries), and alkaline batteries.

[0040] A power source can be electrically connected to the aerosol generating assembly to supply electricity to heat the aerosol generating material when needed and under the control of the controller. The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable the aerosol generating assembly based on user input. User input can be performed via pressing a button or opening a door of the device (e.g., a door covering a consumable receiving container). The control circuitry can be configured to enable and disable the assembly automatically, for example, when an article is inserted.

[0041] Aerosol generation assemblies may include various components that heat aerosol-generating materials via an induction heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating a conductive heating element (such as a sensor) through electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may include a sensing element (e.g., one or more induction coils) and means for passing a changing current (such as alternating current) through the sensing element. The changing current in the sensing element generates a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field penetrates the sensor (heating element) appropriately positioned relative to the sensing element and generates eddy currents within the sensor. The sensor has resistance to the eddy currents, and thus the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the sensor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the sensor contains a ferromagnetic material (such as iron, nickel, or cobalt), heat can also be generated through hysteresis losses in the sensor, i.e., by the change in orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material due to alignment with the changing magnetic field. Compared to heating by, for example, conduction, heat is generated within the sensor in induction heating, thus allowing for rapid heating. Furthermore, no physical contact is required between the sensing element and the sensor, thus allowing for greater freedom in construction and application.

[0042] Figure 2 A plan view of the layers before assembly into the assembled article 110 is shown. The aerosol-forming article 110 has a layered structure comprising multiple layers. Each layer is substantially planar. These layers are arranged in a stacked configuration in the aerosol-forming article 110, such that the aerosol-forming article 110 is generally planar.

[0043] The article 110 is elongated and generally rectangular in shape. In use, the longitudinal extension of the article 110 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 111 of the device 100. The article 110 has a curved end region 118, which is located in use at the proximal end (nozzle end) of the aerosol generating device 100 near the article hole 104. The opposite end of the article 110 is the distal end.

[0044] The layered structure includes a first layer 120 and a second layer 130. In the assembled article 110, the first layer 120 and the second layer 130 respectively form the first and second outer surfaces of the aerosol forming article 110.

[0045] The first layer 120 includes a first surface 122 that is substantially planar. The first layer 120 is a bilayer sheet that includes at least one metal component to form a heating layer. Thus, when installed as part of an aerosol generation system, the article 110 can act as a sensor. The heating layer forms the first surface 122. The bilayer sheet also includes a structural layer, such as a paper layer. The structural layer is located outside the heating layer. The first surface 122 faces inward. In this example, the first layer 120 is made of aluminum foil backing paper.

[0046] A first surface 122 has an aerosol-generating material 112 disposed thereon. The aerosol-generating material 112 is disposed in five discrete regions 114 on the first surface 122. In one example, the aerosol-generating material 112 is formed as a gel and deposited in the discrete regions 114 on the first surface 122. Adjacent discrete regions 114 of the aerosol-generating material include gaps 116 between each region. The gaps 116 are areas on the first surface 112 where no aerosol-generating material exists, making the first surface 112 itself visible.

[0047] In this example, there may be two or more discrete regions 114 of the aerosol generating material 112. In this example, there may be three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more discrete regions 114 of the aerosol generating material 112. In this example, there may be a single continuous portion of the aerosol generating material 112 disposed across the first surface 122. In this example, substantially the entire first surface 112 may be coated with the aerosol generating material.

[0048] In this example, discrete regions 114 can be used for sequential heating. For instance, different regions 114 can be configured to be heated at different points in time during a usage session of the aerosol supply system. In this example, different regions 114 can be configured to be heated to different temperatures during a usage session. The aerosol supply device 100 can be configured to sequentially heat different regions 114 in this manner.

[0049] A second layer 130 is also provided, which includes a second surface 132 that is essentially planar. The second layer 130 is substantially the same as the first layer 120, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The second surface 132 has an aerosol generating material 112 disposed thereon. The arrangement of the aerosol generating material 112 can be substantially the same as the arrangement of the aerosol generating material 112 on the first surface 122.

[0050] In one example, the aerosol-generating material may be disposed only on the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. In another example, the second surface 132 of the second layer 130 may not contain the aerosol-generating material 114. In yet another example, the second surface may include the aerosol-generating material arranged in a manner different from that arranged on the first surface 122.

[0051] In the assembled article 110, the second surface 132 is arranged opposite to the first surface 122. The first surface 122 and the second surface 132 are arranged facing each other, and the aerosol generating material 112 is arranged on the first surface and the second surface such that they are mirror images of each other.

[0052] The first surface 122 and the second surface 132 are spaced apart from each other. The space between the first surface 122 and the second surface 132 defines an airflow path therebetween that extends along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article.

[0053] The layered structure of article 110 includes three intermediate layers 140, 142, and 144. The intermediate layers are disposed between a first surface 122 of the first layer 120 and a second surface 132 of the second layer 130. The intermediate layers provide a gap between the first surface 122 and the second surface 132. Each intermediate layer, as well as the outermost layers of the first layer 120 and the second layer 130, have substantially the same shape and dimensions.

[0054] The intermediate layer includes a spacer layer 140 and a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer 142, 144. In the assembled aerosol forming article 110, the spacer layer 140 is positioned between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer 142, 144.

[0055] Spacer layer 140 provides structural strength to article 110. Spacer layer 140 includes: frame members 141 forming its outermost edge; and four support members 148. Frame members 141 have generally empty spaces between their long sides, which extend in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Support members 148 extend laterally across spacer layer 140 between opposite long sides of frame members 148. When assembled, support members 148 provide structural rigidity to article 110.

[0056] In the aerosol-forming article 110, the support member 148 is aligned with a gap 116 between it and a region 114 of aerosol-generating material 112 on a first surface 122 of the first layer 120, where no aerosol-generating material is present on the first surface 122. This likely means that no aerosol-generating material 112 is wasted in the region of aerosol-generating material 112 that the support member 148 of the spacer layer 120 may cover. Aligning the support member can mean that the article 110 is more compact in the longitudinal direction and maximizes the amount of aerosol-generating material in contact with the airflow passing through the article 110.

[0057] More or fewer support members 148 may be provided. In an example, the number of support members 148 corresponds precisely to the number of gaps 116 on the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. For example, one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more support members 148 may be present on the spacer layer 140. In an example, the number of support members 148 may not correspond to the number of gaps 116 on the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. In an example, the spacer layer 140 may have more or fewer support members 148 compared to the number of gaps 116.

[0058] The spacer layer 140 includes an inlet hole 150 at its distal end of use and an outlet hole 152 at its proximal end of use. The inlet hole 150 and the outlet hole 152 are each formed as a gap in the frame member 141 of the spacer layer 140. The inlet hole 150 and the outlet hole 152 are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the article 110. The inlet hole 150 forms an inlet for the aerosol-forming article 110. The outlet hole 152 forms an outlet for the aerosol-forming article 110.

[0059] In this example, the width of the inlet orifice 150 is smaller than the width of the outlet orifice 152. Therefore, less aerosol may be lost during use, and condensation within the article 110 and / or the aerosol supply device 100 may be reduced.

[0060] In the assembled aerosol-formed article 110, a spacer layer 140 is positioned between a first intermediate layer 142 and a second intermediate layer 144. The first intermediate layer 142 is located between the spacer layer 140 and the first layer 120. The second intermediate layer 144 is located between the spacer layer 140 and the second layer 130.

[0061] The first intermediate layer 142 includes a frame member 143 forming its outermost edge. The frame member 143 has a generally empty space between its long sides.

[0062] The first intermediate layer 142 includes four flow guiding features. Specifically, the first intermediate layer 142 includes two first transverse members 162a and two second transverse members 162b. The transverse members 162a and 162b are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The transverse members 162a and 162b protrude laterally from one long side of the frame member 143 toward the opposite long side of the frame member 143. The lateral direction crosses the planar surface of the intermediate layer 142 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0063] The first intermediate layer 142 is provided with a first off-axis cutout 163a and a second off-axis cutout 163b, respectively cutting out portions of the transverse members 162a and 162b, such that the transverse members 162a and 162b do not extend completely between the long sides of the frame member 143. The cutouts 163a and 163b are offset from the longitudinal axis of the article 110. The first off-axis cutout 163a and the second off-axis cutout 163b are displaced from each other in the lateral direction, such that they are adjacent to the opposite long sides of the frame member 143.

[0064] The transverse member 162a and the first off-axis cutout 163a together form a first flow guiding feature, and the transverse member 162b and the second off-axis cutout 163b together form a second flow guiding feature. The flow guiding features in the first intermediate layer 142 cause transverse flow in the airflow extending along the longitudinal axis of the article 110. The transverse flow has a lateral component across the first surface 122 of the first layer 120.

[0065] The flow guiding features are spaced approximately equally along the longitudinal length of the first intermediate layer 142. These flow guiding features are substantially aligned with the support members 148 in the spacer layer 144. In an example, these flow guiding features may be spaced irregularly along the longitudinal length of the first intermediate layer 142.

[0066] The first intermediate layer 142 also includes a support member 166 projecting from the distal end of the first intermediate layer 142. The support member 166 is part of the frame 143 and provides structural stiffness to the intermediate layer. In an example, the support member 166 may include an off-axis cutout, such that it acts as an additional flow-guiding feature.

[0067] The second intermediate layer 144 is basically the same as the first intermediate layer 144.

[0068] The second intermediate layer 144 is provided with additional off-axis cutouts 165a and 165b and additional transverse members 164a and 164b. The additional transverse members 164a and 164b and the additional off-axis cutouts 165a and 165b in the second intermediate layer 144 are identical to the transverse members and off-axis cutouts of the first intermediate layer 142, except that they are mirror images about the longitudinal axis. The additional off-axis cutouts 165a and 165b are offset in the lateral direction relative to the off-axis cutouts 163a and 163b. These additional off-axis cutouts 165a and 165b are substantially aligned with the off-axis cutouts in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] Additional transverse members 164a, 164b and additional off-axis cutouts 165a, 165b form flow-guiding features in the second intermediate layer 144. The flow-guiding features in the second intermediate layer 142 cause transverse flow in the airflow passing through the article 110. The transverse flow has a component in the lateral direction across the second surface 132 of the second layer 130 of the article.

[0070] In the aerosol-formed article 110, the transverse members 162a and 162b of the first intermediate layer 142 and the additional transverse members 164a and 164b of the second intermediate layer 144 together extend across the entire width of the intermediate layer. Off-axis cutouts 163a and 163b in the first layer 142 and additional off-axis cutouts 165a and 165b in the second layer 144 alternate in the longitudinal and lateral directions. This causes transverse flow in the airflow passing through the article 110.

[0071] In the aerosol forming article 110, the support member 148 in the spacer layer 140 is aligned longitudinally with the flow guiding features in the first and second intermediate layers 142, 144. Furthermore, the support member 148 and each flow guiding feature are aligned with the gap 116 between the regions 114 of the aerosol generating material 112 on the first surface 122 of the first layer 120 and the second surface 132 of the second layer 130.

[0072] refer to Figure 3 The plan view of the middle layer of article 110 is shown in a stacked configuration.

[0073] The first intermediate layer 142 is shown on top of the stacked configuration and includes a frame member 143 and a flow guide feature formed by transverse members 162a, 162b and off-axis cutouts 163a, 163b.

[0074] Following the first intermediate layer 142 is a spacer layer 140. The spacer layer 140 includes a support member 148, which is aligned after each of the transverse members 162a, 162b.

[0075] Following the spacer layer 140 is a second intermediate layer 144. The second intermediate layer 144 is arranged as a mirror image of the first intermediate layer 142 (i.e., flipped along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-formed article), such that its additional transverse members 164a, 164b extend from opposite sides of the long side of the frame of the second intermediate layer 144. Additional off-axis cutouts 165a, 165b in the second intermediate layer 144 are offset in the lateral direction relative to the off-axis cutouts 163a, 163b of the first intermediate layer 142.

[0076] In use, the aerosol-forming article 110 is received by the aerosol supply device 100. The article 110 can be fully or partially inserted into the aerosol generator of the device. The article 110 is heated by one or more components of the aerosol generator. This generates an aerosol.

[0077] When a user inhales through the mouthpiece of the device, airflow enters the article through the inlet port 150 installed in the device. The airflow path extends generally along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming article 110. The flow path extends along the longitudinal axis between the inlet port 150 and the outlet port 152 of the spacer layer 140.

[0078] In use, the flow-guiding features in each of the first intermediate layer 142 and the second intermediate layer 144 cause lateral flow in the air passing through the article 110. Due to the laterally projecting lateral members across each of the first and second intermediate layers 142, 144, the airflow has a lateral flow component in the lateral direction across the first and second surfaces 122, 132 of the article 110.

[0079] Figure 3 Two typical airflow paths, A and B, are shown with dashed arrows. Airflow paths A and B extend along the longitudinal path of the aerosol-forming article 110. The first airflow path A has a lateral flow with a component in the lateral direction across the first surface 122 of the first layer 120. The second airflow path B has a lateral flow with a component in the lateral direction across the second surface 132.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, airflow paths A and B can intersect as air flows through the airflow path of article 110. This promotes airflow mixing to provide an aerosol with enhanced properties.

[0081] In this example, the support members 148 in the spacer layer 140 may be misaligned (i.e., offset), with the flow guiding features located in the first intermediate layer 142 and the second intermediate layer 144 in the longitudinal direction. This can cause further mixing of airflow through the article 110.

[0082] In this example, the second intermediate layer 144 is omitted. Therefore, the article 110 may include fewer intermediate layers; a first intermediate layer 142 with flow guiding features and a spacer layer 140. Thus, the airflow path A through the article may only cause lateral flow in the lateral direction across the first surface 122.

[0083] In this example, the spacer layer 140 may be omitted. Therefore, the article may include a first intermediate layer and a second intermediate layer 142, 144 having corresponding or opposite flow guiding features.

[0084] In one example, spacer layer 140 may not include inlet orifice 150 and outlet orifice 152. Alternatively, one or both of the first intermediate layer and / or the second intermediate layer may include inlet and outlet orifices. In one example, the first intermediate layer may include inlet and outlet orifices. In one example, the second intermediate layer may additionally or alternatively include inlet and outlet orifices. In one example, the inlet orifice may be formed on one of the first and second intermediate layers, and the outlet orifice may be formed on the other of the first and second intermediate layers. This can facilitate mixing of the airflow throughout the article to direct the airflow toward the aerosol-generating material.

[0085] In this example, two intermediate layers are provided. A second intermediate layer with flow-guiding features may be provided to further guide or interrupt the airflow through the article.

[0086] In this example, more than three intermediate layers may be provided, such as four, five, or six or more intermediate layers. Additional layers may be combinations of spacers and / or layers including flow-guiding features.

[0087] In this example, the article includes a nozzle at its proximal end. In an aerosol supply system that includes an aerosol-forming article and an aerosol-generating device, the system nozzle may be located in either the article or the device.

[0088] In this example, the proximal end of the article may not be circular. In a plan view, the longitudinal length of the article may not extend beyond the area of ​​the aerosol-generating material. The article may be symmetrical about the midpoint along its longitudinal length. This means the article is smaller and more compact. Furthermore, the article can be inserted into the aerosol-generating device in more than one orientation, which is easier for the user.

[0089] The various embodiments described herein are provided only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be used and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. In addition to those specifically described herein, various embodiments of the invention may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc., or suitable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, devices, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future.

Claims

1. An aerosol-forming article, comprising: The first surface of the basic plane contains aerosol-generating materials; A second surface of the basic plane, opposite to the first surface, defines an airflow path between the first surface and the second surface, the airflow path extending along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-formed article; as well as A flow-guiding feature is located between the first surface and the second surface to induce lateral flow in the air, wherein the lateral flow has a component in a lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction crosses the first surface and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

2. The aerosol forming article according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol forming article is formed of a layered structure, the layered structure comprising a first layer defining the first surface and a second layer defining the second surface.

3. The aerosol forming article according to claim 2, wherein the layered structure includes at least one intermediate layer, the at least one intermediate layer includes a first intermediate layer, wherein the flow guiding feature is formed by the first intermediate layer.

4. The aerosol forming article according to claim 3, wherein the first intermediate layer includes an off-axis cutout offset relative to the longitudinal axis in the lateral direction, the off-axis cutout forming the flow guiding feature.

5. The aerosol forming article according to claim 4, wherein the first intermediate layer includes a plurality of off-axis cuts offset from each other in the lateral and longitudinal directions, the plurality of off-axis cuts forming the flow guiding feature.

6. The aerosol forming article according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises a second intermediate layer, wherein the second intermediate layer comprises an additional off-axis cutout offset relative to the longitudinal axis in the lateral direction, the additional off-axis cutout being offset relative to the off-axis cutout in the lateral direction.

7. The aerosol-forming article according to claim 6, wherein the additional off-axis cut is substantially aligned with the off-axis cut in the longitudinal direction.

8. The aerosol forming article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface comprises a plurality of discrete regions of aerosol generating material.

9. The aerosol forming article according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the first intermediate layer includes a transverse member extending between discrete regions of the aerosol generating material.

10. The aerosol forming article of claim 9, wherein the off-axis cut is formed in the transverse member.

11. The aerosol forming article according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the at least one intermediate layer comprises a spacer layer, wherein the spacer layer is located between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer.

12. The aerosol forming article of claim 11, wherein the spacer layer includes an inlet hole that forms an inlet to the aerosol forming article.

13. The aerosol forming article according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the spacer layer includes an outlet hole that forms an outlet of the aerosol forming article.

14. The aerosol forming article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second surface comprises an aerosol generating material.

15. An aerosol supply system, comprising: Aerosol-formed articles according to any one of the preceding claims; and an aerosol supply device, the aerosol supply device being configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol.

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