Aerosol-generating device with configurable heating

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device (100) for use with an aerosol-generating article is provided. The aerosol-generating device (100) comprises a housing. The housing comprises a recess (111) for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The housing comprises a heater assembly (112) configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when received in the recess (111). The heater assembly (112) comprises a plurality of heating zones that are independently activatable such that different portions of the aerosol-generating article received within the recess (111) are selectively heatable by a corresponding heating zone. The recess (111) has a depth of at least 2 millimetres.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus for use with an aerosol generating article. Specifically, this disclosure relates to an aerosol generating apparatus including a housing and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol generating article. The heater assembly includes multiple heating zones. This disclosure also relates to an aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating article configured for use with the aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Aerosol-generating articles, such as those in which an aerosol-generating matrix containing a tobacco matrix is ​​heated rather than burned, are known in the art. In heated aerosol-generating articles, aerosols are generated by heating the aerosol-generating matrix.

[0003] One type of aerosol generation system is an electrically operated smoking system. Known handheld electrically operated smoking systems typically include an aerosol generation device comprising a rechargeable battery, control electronics, and an electric heater for heating an aerosol-generating article specifically designed for use with the aerosol generation device. In some instances, the aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-forming matrix (such as a tobacco stick or tobacco rod), and when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generation device, a heater contained within the aerosol generation device is inserted into or positioned around the aerosol-forming matrix.

[0004] A heating element can be incorporated into an aerosol generating apparatus to generate inhalable vapor. Such an apparatus heats the aerosol generating matrix contained within an aerosol generating article without burning the aerosol generating matrix. In doing so, the aerosol generating matrix can generate an aerosol, which can then be delivered to a user.

[0005] Such aerosol-generating articles can be in the form of conventional cigarettes. In this case, the aerosol-generating matrix can be wrapped in cigarette paper. This method may be suitable when the aerosol-generating matrix comprises strands or strips of material (e.g., strands of cast tobacco or strands of shredded tobacco).

[0006] However, this method may not be effective in preserving other forms of aerosol generating matrix (such as granular or powdered aerosol generating matrices). Such aerosol generating articles are susceptible to leakage of the aerosol generating matrix during their storage, handling, and use. Leakage of the aerosol generating matrix can be exacerbated by high ambient temperatures and humidity. Loss of the aerosol generating matrix through leakage can adversely reduce the lifespan of aerosol generating articles that include the aerosol generating matrix. Leakage of the aerosol generating matrix can negatively impact the overall performance of the aerosol generating article. For example, leakage of the aerosol generating matrix can negatively affect the consistency of the inhalable aerosols generated by an aerosol generating system that includes the aerosol generating article.

[0007] To provide an aerosol generating article in which the loss or leakage of the aerosol generating matrix is ​​reduced or prevented even when the aerosol generating article is heated to the temperature required to generate aerosols from the aerosol generating matrix, an aerosol generating article comprising a container can be provided. Such an aerosol generating article may be able to retain different forms of the aerosol generating matrix (such as granular or powdered aerosol generating matrix). Such an aerosol generating article comprising a container, when used in combination with a suitable aerosol generating apparatus, can be easily handled and operated by the consumer. However, prior art aerosol generating apparatus may not be suitable for heating aerosol generating articles comprising containers. For example, inserting a heating element into an aerosol generating article comprising a container may adversely cause leakage of the aerosol generating matrix from the container. Additionally, existing heaters configured to externally heat the aerosol generating article may not provide effective heating sufficient to generate a consistent aerosol from the aerosol generating article comprising a container.

[0008] Aerosol-generating articles, including containers, can be larger than those in the prior art. In such cases, it may be advantageous to provide more customized heating of the aerosol-generating article (which is not possible with prior art aerosol-generating devices). Summary of the Invention

[0009] There is a need for an aerosol generating apparatus suitable for use with aerosol generating articles, such as aerosol generating articles including containers.

[0010] There is a need for an aerosol generation device that can provide more consistent aerosol delivery throughout the user experience.

[0011] There is a need for an aerosol generation apparatus in which aerosol generation can be customized depending on the properties of the aerosol-generated product.

[0012] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus may include a housing. The housing may include a recess for receiving the aerosol generating article. The housing may include a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the recess. The heater assembly may include a plurality of heating zones that are independently activating such that different portions of the aerosol generating article received in the recess can be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones. The recess may have a depth of at least 2 mm.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided for use with an aerosol generating article. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a recess for receiving the aerosol generating article, and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the recess. The heater assembly includes a plurality of heating zones, said plurality of heating zones being independently activatable such that different portions of the aerosol generating article received in the recess can be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones. The recess has a depth of at least 2 mm.

[0014] Providing multiple independently operable heating zones allows specific areas of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated at different times. Providing multiple independently operable heating zones allows specific areas of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated to different temperatures. Providing multiple independently operable heating zones allows specific areas of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess to be heated for different periods of time.

[0015] This allows for the customization of heating profiles for specific regions of the aerosol-generating article. This can be advantageous when the aerosol-generating article comprises multiple different aerosol-generating matrices that require different heating profiles to generate aerosols.

[0016] This arrangement can also be advantageous in instances where the aerosol-generating article comprises a single aerosol-generating matrix, because the activation of multiple heating zones can be staggered, allowing different sections of the aerosol-generating article to be heated sequentially. This prevents excessive aerosol generation at the start of the experience and advantageously provides more consistent aerosol generation throughout the user experience.

[0017] In use, the aerosol-generating article can be received in a recess of the housing. At least a first heating zone of a plurality of heating zones can be activated to a first temperature at a first time. At least a second heating zone of a plurality of heating zones can be activated to a second temperature at a second time. In this way, different parts of the aerosol-generating article can be heated to different temperatures at different times. Different parts of the aerosol-generating article can be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones.

[0018] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "aerosol-generating matrix" refers to a matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can condense to form aerosols when heated.

[0019] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "aerosol" refers to a dispersion of solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets, in a gas. Aerosols can be visible or invisible. Aerosols may include vapors of substances that are typically liquid or solid at room temperature, as well as solid particles or droplets, or a combination of solid particles and droplets.

[0020] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "aerosol-generating article" means an article comprising an aerosol-generating matrix capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form aerosols. Aerosol-generating articles may be disposable.

[0021] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "aerosol generating apparatus" refers to an apparatus that interacts with an aerosol generating matrix to generate aerosols. In some instances, the aerosol generating apparatus heats the aerosol generating matrix to promote the release of volatile compounds from the matrix.

[0022] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "aerosol generation system" refers to a combination of an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation product.

[0023] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "heater assembly" refers to an apparatus configured to generate heat to heat an aerosol-generating article. The heater assembly may be an electric heater assembly.

[0024] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "heating zone" refers to a portion of a "heater assembly" that can be activated to generate heat. The heater assembly includes multiple independently activatable heating zones. In this manner, a first heating zone among the multiple heating zones can be switched on, causing the first heating zone to generate heat. Simultaneously, a second heating zone among the multiple heating zones can be switched off.

[0025] The recess may include at least one air inlet to allow air to enter the recess and approach the aerosol-generated article received within the recess. At least one air inlet may be located at the upstream end of the recess. The recess may include at least one aerosol outlet to allow the aerosol to exit the recess for delivery to a user. At least one aerosol outlet may be located at the downstream end of the recess.

[0026] Multiple heating zones can be located at different positions. In this way, the first and second parts of the aerosol-generated article can be independently heated by corresponding adjacent first and second heating zones.

[0027] Multiple heating zones can be distributed along the longitudinal axis of the heater assembly.

[0028] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating apparatus or a portion thereof, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol generating apparatus or a portion thereof.

[0029] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” describe the relative position of an element or portion of an element of an aerosol generating apparatus with respect to the direction in which aerosols are transported through the aerosol generating apparatus during use.

[0030] Multiple heating zones may include no more than 10 heating zones.

[0031] Multiple heating zones may include no more than 10 heating zones. For example, multiple heating zones may include no more than 7 heating zones, no more than 5 heating zones, or no more than 3 heating zones.

[0032] Multiple heating zones may include at least two heating zones. Multiple heating zones may include at least three heating zones. Multiple heating zones may include at least four heating zones or at least five heating zones.

[0033] Multiple heating zones may include two heating zones. Multiple heating zones may include three heating zones.

[0034] Each of the multiple heating zones may include any actuable device for generating heat.

[0035] Multiple heating zones may include multiple individually actuable electric heating elements.

[0036] Multiple individually actuable electric heating elements may include at least one resistance heating element.

[0037] Suitable materials for forming at least one resistance heating element include, but are not limited to: semiconductors, such as doped ceramics, electrically "conductive" ceramics (e.g., molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made of ceramic and metallic materials. Such composite materials may include doped or undoped ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbide. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, nickel-containing alloys, cobalt-containing alloys, chromium-containing alloys, aluminum-containing alloys, titanium-containing alloys, zirconium-containing alloys, hafnium-containing alloys, niobium-containing alloys, molybdenum-containing alloys, tantalum-containing alloys, tungsten-containing alloys, tin-containing alloys, gallium-containing alloys, manganese-containing alloys, and iron-containing alloys, and nickel-, iron-, and cobalt-based superalloys, stainless steel, Timetal ® And iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys.

[0038] At least one resistance heating element may include one or more imprinted portions of a resistive material (such as stainless steel). Alternatively, at least one resistance heating element may include a heating wire or filament, such as a Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten, or alloy wire.

[0039] At least one resistance heating element may include at least one electrically insulating substrate, wherein the at least one resistance heating element is disposed on at least one electrically insulating substrate.

[0040] At least one electrically insulating substrate may comprise any suitable material. For example, the electrically insulating substrate may comprise one or more of paper, glass, ceramics, anodized metals, coated metals, and polyimide. Ceramics may comprise mica, alumina (Al₂O₃), or zirconium oxide (ZrO₂). The electrically insulating substrate may have a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to about 40 W / m Kelvin, preferably less than or equal to about 20 W / m Kelvin, and ideally less than or equal to about 2 W / m Kelvin.

[0041] At least one resistance heating element may include a heating element comprising a rigid electrically insulating substrate having one or more conductive tracks or lines disposed on its surface. Current can pass through one or more conductive tracks to heat at least one resistance heating element in a plurality of heating zones and an aerosol-generating matrix received within a recess.

[0042] Multiple individually actuable electric heating elements may include multiple individually actuable resistance heating elements.

[0043] The heater assembly may also include control electronics to individually activate multiple heating zones. For example, the control electronics may include multiple switches that can independently activate the resistance heating elements of multiple heating zones.

[0044] At least one resistance heating element may be a planar sinusoidal heating element. Providing a sinusoidal heating element advantageously allows at least one resistance heating element to heat a large area of ​​aerosol-generating matrix when the corresponding heating zone is activated independently.

[0045] Multiple individually actuable electric heating elements may include at least one induction heating element.

[0046] The induction heating element may include an inductor coil. The induction heating element may be connected to a power source configured to provide a high-frequency oscillating current to the inductor coil. As used herein, a high-frequency oscillating current means an oscillating current with a frequency between about 500 kHz and about 30 MHz. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field when receiving the high-frequency oscillating current from the power source. The inductor coil may be arranged to generate the high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field within a recess.

[0047] A heater including an induction heating device can be advantageously used in combination with an aerosol-generating article including a sensor element.

[0048] The receptor element may include any suitable receptor element.

[0049] In some embodiments, the heater assembly may include at least one resistance heating element and at least one induction heating element. In some embodiments, the heater assembly may include a combination of resistance heating elements and induction heating elements.

[0050] Each of the multiple heating zones can have the same length.

[0051] As used herein with reference to this invention, "length" refers to the dimension of a component of the aerosol generating device in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] Providing multiple heating zones of the same length allows for the sequential activation of each heating zone to generate substantially uniform aerosols.

[0053] The multiple heating zones may include a first heating zone having a first length and a second heating zone having a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

[0054] In cases where multiple heating zones have different lengths, a second heating zone can be activated before the first heating zone. In this way, the shorter heating zone can provide an initial boost to aerosol generation, rapidly delivering aerosols at the start of the user experience. The second heating zone can be activated for a specific time period before the first heating zone. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device may include a suction detection device, and the second heating zone can be activated before the first heating zone to perform a specific number of suctions or inhalations.

[0055] In cases where multiple heating zones have different lengths, the first heating zone can be activated after the first heating zone. In this way, the shorter heating zone can provide a final boost to aerosol generation, ensuring that the aerosol is delivered to the user until the user experience ends. The second heating zone can be activated for a specific time period after the first heating zone is activated. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device may include a suction detection device, and the second heating zone may be activated after a specific number of suctions or inhalations.

[0056] The first heating zone can be located upstream of the second heating zone.

[0057] This allows for a shorter heating zone downstream of a longer heating zone. This can be particularly advantageous when the second heating zone is started before the first, because the most downstream portion of the aerosol-generating article is heated first to generate an initial burst of aerosol at the start of the user experience, which is then rapidly delivered to the user.

[0058] The first heating zone can be located downstream of the second heating zone.

[0059] This allows for a longer heating zone downstream of a shorter heating zone. This can be particularly advantageous when the first heating zone is started before the second heating zone, as the upstream portion of the aerosol-generating article is heated last to generate a terminal burst of aerosol at the end of the user experience.

[0060] At least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length of at least 3 mm.

[0061] For example, at least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length of at least 4 mm, at least 6 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0062] At least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length not exceeding 20 mm.

[0063] For example, at least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length of no more than 17 mm, no more than 15 mm, or no more than 13 mm.

[0064] At least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length between about 3 mm and about 20 mm, between about 4 mm and about 17 mm, between about 6 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 10 mm and about 13 mm. At least one of the multiple heating zones may have a length of about 12 mm.

[0065] The recess can have any length.

[0066] The recess may have a length of at least 10 mm. For example, the recess may have a length of at least 12 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 16 mm, or at least 18 mm.

[0067] The recess may have a length not exceeding 30 mm. For example, the recess may have a length not exceeding 28 mm, 25 mm, 20 mm, or 18 mm.

[0068] The recess may have a length between about 10 mm and about 30 mm, between about 12 mm and about 28 mm, between about 14 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 20 mm and about 16 mm.

[0069] The recess may have a length of approximately 14 mm. The recess may have a length of approximately 16 mm. The recess may have a length of approximately 18 mm.

[0070] The recess can have any depth.

[0071] The recess may have a depth of at least 2 millimeters. For example, the recess may have a depth of at least 3 millimeters, or at least 4 millimeters.

[0072] The recess may have a depth not exceeding 20 mm. For example, the recess may have a depth not exceeding 15 mm, 10 mm, or 6 mm.

[0073] The recess may have a depth between 2 mm and 20 mm, between 2 mm and 15 mm, between 2 mm and 10 mm, or between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0074] The recess may have a depth between 3 mm and 20 mm, between 3 mm and 15 mm, between 3 mm and 10 mm, or between 3 mm and 6 mm.

[0075] The recess may have a depth between 4 mm and 20 mm, between 4 mm and 15 mm, between 4 mm and 10 mm, or between 4 mm and 6 mm.

[0076] The recess can have a depth of about 3.5 mm.

[0077] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "depth" is used to describe the shortest orthogonal dimension of the recess. The depth of the recess extends between the opening of the recess and the inner surface of the recess in a direction parallel to the direction in which the aerosol-generating article can be inserted into and removed from the recess. The depth of the recess is perpendicular to the length of the recess.

[0078] The recess can be aligned such that the depth of the recess is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating device.

[0079] The recess can have any width.

[0080] The recess may have a width of at least 5 mm, or at least 6 mm. The recess may also have a width of no more than 15 mm, or no more than 10 mm.

[0081] The recess may have a width between about 5 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 6 mm and about 10 mm. The recess may also have a width of about 8 mm.

[0082] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "width" is used to describe the second longest orthogonal dimension of the recess. The width of the recess is perpendicular to both the length and depth of the recess.

[0083] The device may also include at least one heat-conducting element disposed on the inner wall of the recess.

[0084] Providing at least one heat-conducting element on the inner wall of the recess helps distribute heat from the heater assembly around the inner wall of the recess. This advantageously improves the heating efficiency of the aerosol-generating article received within the recess. Specifically, providing at least one heat-conducting element advantageously ensures that the portion of the aerosol-generating article spaced apart from the heater assembly can be effectively heated to generate aerosols. This advantageously improves the consistency of the aerosols generated by the aerosol-generating apparatus. Furthermore, providing at least one heat-conducting element ensures that a larger proportion of the aerosol-generating matrix can be utilized to generate aerosols.

[0085] At least one thermally conductive element may include multiple individual thermally conductive elements.

[0086] Providing multiple individual heat-conducting elements allows for the heating of specific portions of the aerosol-generating article received within the recess during use. This advantageously allows for the customization of aerosol generation based on the properties of the aerosol-generating article.

[0087] Each of the multiple individual thermal conductive elements may have the same length. Each of the multiple individual thermal conductive elements may have the same width. Each of the multiple individual thermal conductive elements may have the same surface area.

[0088] At least one heating zone may have a corresponding heat-conducting element, such that at least a portion of the aerosol-generated article received in the recess can be selectively heated by at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0089] Providing at least one heating zone with a corresponding heat-conducting element advantageously allows a larger proportion of the aerosol-generating matrix to be selectively heated by at least one heating zone and a corresponding heat-conducting element. This can advantageously improve aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating article portion heated by the heating zone and the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0090] At least one heating zone can be longitudinally aligned with the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0091] By aligning at least one heating zone with a corresponding heat-conducting element, a specific portion of the aerosol-generating article can be effectively heated by both the heating zone and the corresponding heat-conducting element. Furthermore, aligning at least one heating zone with a corresponding heat-conducting element advantageously improves heat conduction from both the heating zone and the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0092] As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "longitudinal alignment" means that the heating zone and the heat-conducting element are arranged such that the upstream end of the heating zone is in the same position in the longitudinal direction as the upstream end of the corresponding heat-conducting element, or the downstream end of the heating zone is in the same position in the longitudinal direction as the downstream end of the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0093] At least one heating zone may have the same length as the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0094] This configuration maximizes heat transfer from at least one heated zone to the other parts of the recess. This can advantageously improve aerosol generation in the aerosol-generating parts of the article heated by the heated zones and corresponding heat-conducting elements.

[0095] Each heating zone can have a corresponding heat-conducting element, so that different parts of the aerosol-generated product received in the recess can be selectively heated by the corresponding heating zone and heat-conducting element.

[0096] For example, an aerosol generating device may include a heater assembly comprising three heating zones and three corresponding heat-conducting elements. Each of the three heating zones may have the same length as its corresponding heat-conducting element. Each of the three heating zones may be longitudinally aligned with its corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0097] This can advantageously improve the aerosol generating apparatus's ability to control the heating of the aerosol-generating product received in the recess and the aerosol generation.

[0098] The housing may include a heating wall, which includes a heater assembly, and wherein the heating wall is a planar wall.

[0099] Providing a planar heating wall can advantageously improve heat transfer from the heater assembly to the aerosol-generated article.

[0100] The heating wall is movable relative to the recess between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall, and in the open position, access to the interior of the recess is allowed.

[0101] This configuration advantageously allows users to access the interior of the recess to insert and remove aerosol-generated articles.

[0102] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, the aerosol generation system comprising: an aerosol generation apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention; and an aerosol generation article.

[0103] The aerosol-generated product can be received in the recess of the aerosol-generating device.

[0104] The aerosol-generating article can be any aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may include a container comprising a first wall and a second wall. The first and second walls may together define a matrix compartment. The aerosol-generating matrix may be disposed within the matrix compartment.

[0105] The first wall may be made of a different material than the second wall. The first wall may be made of a flexible cellulose-based material. The second wall may have higher stiffness than the first wall. Alternatively, the first wall may have higher stiffness than the second wall.

[0106] At least a portion of the first wall may be porous. As used herein with reference to the present invention, the term "cellulose-based material" refers to a material made of cellulose or a derivative of cellulose.

[0107] The first wall can contain any cellulosic material. The first wall can also contain nonwoven materials.

[0108] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "nonwoven" refers to a manufactured sheet, web, or wadding of oriented or randomly oriented fibers bonded together by friction, and / or cohesion and / or adhesion, excluding products formed by weaving, braiding, tufting, stitching with incorporated yarns or filaments, or by wet felting (whether or not additionally needle-punched). The fibers may be of natural or synthetic origin.

[0109] The first wall may contain molded paper material.

[0110] The second wall can be non-porous. The second wall can be made of a substantially planar material. The second wall can be made of paper material.

[0111] The aerosol-generating matrix may contain at least one alkaloid.

[0112] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "alkaloid compound" is used to describe any of a class of naturally occurring organic compounds containing one or more basic nitrogen atoms. Typically, alkaloids contain at least one nitrogen atom in an amine-type structure. This or other nitrogen atom in the alkaloid compound molecule can function as a base in acid-base reactions. In most alkaloid compounds, one or more of the nitrogen atoms are part of a cyclic system, such as a heterocycle. In nature, alkaloid compounds are primarily found in plants, and are particularly common in certain flowering plant families. However, some alkaloid compounds are found in animal species and fungi. In the context of this invention, the term "alkaloid compound" is used to describe both naturally occurring alkaloid compounds and synthetically produced alkaloid compounds. Suitable alkaloid compounds for use in aerosol generating elements according to the invention include, but are not limited to, nicotine and neonicotinoids.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix contains nicotine or neonicotinoids.

[0114] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the aerosol generating matrix contains nicotine.

[0115] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "nicotine" is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base, or nicotine salt. In embodiments where the aerosol generating matrix comprises nicotine base or nicotine salt, the amount of nicotine described herein is either the amount of free base nicotine or the amount of protonated nicotine.

[0116] The aerosol-generating matrix may contain natural or synthetic nicotine.

[0117] The aerosol-generating matrix may contain one or more monoprotic nicotine salts.

[0118] As used herein with reference to this invention, the term "monoproton nicotine salt" is used to describe nicotine salts of monoproton acids.

[0119] The aerosol-generating matrix may contain nicotine.

[0120] The aerosol generating matrix may contain an aerosol forming agent. The aerosol generating matrix may contain any amount of aerosol forming agent. The aerosol generating matrix may contain at least 50% by weight, at least 60% by weight, or at least 70% by weight of the aerosol forming agent. The aerosol generating matrix may contain approximately 80% by weight of the aerosol forming agent.

[0121] The aerosol-generating matrix may contain polyols.

[0122] Polyols act as aerosol forming agents in aerosol-generating matrices. Suitable polyols for use in aerosol-generating matrices include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol. Preferably, in the aerosol-generating matrix according to the invention, the polyol is selected from glycerol, propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the polyol is glycerol.

[0123] The aerosol generating matrix may include particles. Particles may have any diameter. The aerosol generating matrix may include particles with diameters greater than or equal to 100 micrometers, greater than or equal to 250 micrometers, or greater than or equal to 500 micrometers.

[0124] The aerosol generating matrix may include particles with a diameter of 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less.

[0125] Aerosol-generating matrices may include particles with diameters between 500 micrometers and 3 millimeters. Aerosol-generating matrices may also include particles with a diameter of approximately 1.5 millimeters.

[0126] The matrix compartment can hold any mass of aerosol generation matrix. For example, the matrix compartment can hold at least 80 mg of aerosol generation matrix, at least 85 mg of aerosol generation matrix, or at least 90 mg of aerosol generation matrix.

[0127] The matrix compartment can hold no more than 300 mg of aerosol generation matrix, no more than 250 mg of aerosol generation matrix, or no more than 200 mg of aerosol generation matrix.

[0128] The matrix compartment can hold aerosol generation matrix between 80 mg and 300 mg, between 85 mg and 250 mg, and between 100 mg and 200 mg.

[0129] The following is a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0130] Example Ex1.1. An aerosol generating apparatus for use with an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing including: a recess for receiving the aerosol generating article.

[0131] Example Ex1.2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1.1, wherein the housing includes a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol generating article when it is received in the recess.

[0132] Example Ex1.3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1.1 or Ex1.2, wherein the heater assembly includes a plurality of heating zones that can be activated independently, such that different portions of the aerosol-generated article received in the recess can be selectively heated by the corresponding heating zones.

[0133] Example Ex1.4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the recess has a depth of at least 2 mm.

[0134] Example Ex1. An aerosol generating apparatus for use with an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a housing including: a recess for receiving the aerosol generating article; and a heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol generating article when received in the recess, the heater assembly including a plurality of heating zones that are independently activatable such that different portions of the aerosol generating article received in the recess can be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones, wherein the recess has a depth of at least 2 mm.

[0135] Example Ex2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1, wherein the plurality of heating zones are distributed along the longitudinal axis of the heater assembly.

[0136] Example Ex3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex1 or Ex2, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes no more than 10 heating zones.

[0137] Example Ex4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes at least three heating zones.

[0138] Example Ex5. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the plurality of heating zones include a plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements.

[0139] Example Ex6. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex5, wherein the plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements includes at least one resistance heating element.

[0140] Example Ex7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex6, wherein the at least one resistance heating element is a planar sinusoidal heating element.

[0141] Example Ex8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex5, wherein the plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements includes at least one induction heating element.

[0142] Example Ex9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein each of the plurality of heating zones has the same length.

[0143] Example Ex10. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex1 to Ex8, wherein the plurality of heating zones include a first heating zone having a first length and a second heating zone having a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

[0144] Example Ex11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex10, wherein the first heating zone is upstream of the second heating zone.

[0145] Example Ex12. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex10, wherein the first heating zone is downstream of the second heating zone.

[0146] Example Ex13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating zones has a length of at least 3 millimeters.

[0147] Example Ex14. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding examples, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating zones has a length not exceeding 20 mm.

[0148] Example Ex15. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the recess has a length of at least 10 millimeters.

[0149] Example Ex16. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the recess has a length of no more than 30 mm.

[0150] Example Ex17. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the apparatus further includes at least one heat-conducting element disposed on the inner wall of the recess.

[0151] Example Ex18. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex17, wherein the at least one thermally conductive element comprises a plurality of individual thermally conductive elements.

[0152] Example Ex19. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex18, wherein at least one heating zone has a corresponding heat-conducting element, such that at least a portion of an aerosol-generated article received in the recess can be selectively heated by the at least one heating zone and the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0153] Example Ex20. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex19, wherein the at least one heating zone is longitudinally aligned with the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0154] Example Ex21. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex19 or Ex20, wherein the at least one heating zone has the same length as the corresponding heat-conducting element.

[0155] Example Ex22. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of Examples Ex19 to Ex21, wherein each heating zone has a corresponding heat-conducting element, such that different portions of the aerosol-generated article received in the recess can be selectively heated by the corresponding heating zone and heat-conducting element.

[0156] Example Ex23. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples, wherein the housing includes a heating wall, the heating wall includes the heater assembly, and wherein the heating wall is a planar wall.

[0157] Example Ex24. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Example Ex23, wherein the heating wall is movable relative to the recess between a closed position and an open position, wherein the recess is substantially closed by the heating wall in the closed position, and the open position allows access to the interior of the recess.

[0158] Example Ex25. An aerosol generation system, comprising an aerosol generation apparatus according to any of the foregoing examples; and an aerosol generation article. Attached Figure Description

[0159] The invention will now be further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0160] Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0161] Figure 2 A plan view of the first heater assembly of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0162] Figure 3 A plan view of the second heater assembly of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0163] Figure 4 A plan view of the third heater assembly of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0164] Figure 5 A plan view of the fourth heater assembly of the aerosol generating apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0165] Figure 6 A side cross-sectional view of an aerosol-generating article to be used with an aerosol-generating apparatus according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0166] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows an aerosol generating apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Apparatus 100 is intended for use with aerosol generating articles (in...) Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Used together. The device 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 includes a recess 111 for receiving an aerosol-generating article. The housing 110 includes a heater assembly 112 configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess 111.

[0167] The housing 110 includes a planar heating wall 113, which includes a heater assembly 112. The heating wall 113 is positioned relative to the recess 111. Figure 1 The recess is movable between a closed position shown and an open position not shown, in which the recess is substantially closed by a heated wall, and the open position allows access to the interior of the recess 111.

[0168] The recess 111 has a length of approximately 20 mm. The recess 111 has a depth of approximately 3.5 mm. The recess has a width of approximately 8 mm.

[0169] The recess 111 includes an air inlet 116 at its upstream end 114 to allow air to enter the recess 111. The recess 111 includes an aerosol outlet 119 at its downstream end 115 to allow air to exit the recess 111. The airflow through the air inlet 116 and the aerosol outlet 119 is indicated by arrow 118.

[0170] The device 100 also includes three heat-conducting elements 110 disposed on the inner wall of the recess. Each heat-conducting element 110 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters. Each of the heat-conducting elements 110 is uniformly distributed in the longitudinal direction.

[0171] The thermally conductive element is made of aluminum.

[0172] Heater assembly 112 includes Figure 1 Multiple heating zones, not shown, can be activated independently, allowing different portions of the aerosol-generated article received within the recess 111 to be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones. The multiple heating zones are distributed along the longitudinal axis of the heater assembly 112.

[0173] The multiple heating zones include multiple individually actuable resistance heating elements. Each individually actuable resistance heating element includes a sinusoidal resistance heating element.

[0174] Figures 2 to 5 It shows when along in Figure 1 The arrangement of the four different heater assemblies according to the invention is shown in planar AA view.

[0175] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, heater assembly 212 includes a first heating region 201 disposed at an upstream end 200 of heater assembly 212 and a second heating region 203 disposed at a downstream end 202 of heater assembly 212. Each heating region 201 and the second heating region 203 includes an individually actuable sinusoidal resistance heating element 205. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first heating zone 201 and the second heating zone 203 have the same length.

[0176] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, heater assembly 312 includes a first heating region 301 disposed at an upstream end 300 of heater assembly 312 and a second heating region 303 disposed at a downstream end 302 of heater assembly 312. Each heating region in the first heating region 301 and the second heating region 303 includes a sinusoidal resistance heating element 305 that can be individually actuated. Figure 3 In the example shown, the first heating zone 301 has a first length and the second heating zone 303 has a second length. The second length is greater than the first length.

[0177] exist Figure 4In the example shown, heater assembly 412 includes a first heating region 401 disposed at an upstream end 400 of heater assembly 412 and a second heating region 403 disposed at a downstream end 402 of heater assembly 412. Each heating region 401 and the second heating region 403 includes an individually actuable sinusoidal resistance heating element 405. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first heating zone 401 has a first length and the second heating zone 403 has a second length. The first length is greater than the second length.

[0178] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, heater assembly 512 includes a first heating region 501 disposed at an upstream end 500 of heater assembly 512, a second heating region 503 disposed at a downstream end 502 of heater assembly 512, and a third heating region 506 disposed between the first heating region 501 and the second heating region 503. Each of the first heating region 501, the second heating region 503, and the third heating region 506 includes an individually actuable sinusoidal resistance heating element 505. Figure 5 In the example shown, each of the first heating zone 501, the second heating zone 503, and the third heating zone 506 has the same length. Each of the first heating zone 501, the second heating zone 503, and the third heating zone 506 has a length of approximately 5 millimeters.

[0179] Refer again Figure 1 Each heating zone 501, 503, 506 has a corresponding heat-conducting element 110, so that different parts of the aerosol-generated article received in the recess 111 can be selectively heated by the corresponding heating zone 501, 503, 506 and heat-conducting element 510.

[0180] exist Figure 6 The diagram illustrates an aerosol generating article 600 for use with the aerosol generating apparatus of the present invention. The aerosol generating article 600 includes a container 610. The container 610 includes a first wall 611 and a second wall 612, the first and second walls together defining a matrix compartment 613. An aerosol generating matrix 614 is disposed within the matrix compartment.

[0181] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the first wall 611 is formed of a nonwoven cotton material. The first wall 611 comprises between 85% and 90% by weight of cellulose, between 7% and 16% by weight of hemicellulose, and between 1% and 3% by weight of lignin. The first wall 611 is porous.

[0182] The second wall 612 comprises paper. The second wall 612 has a basis weight of approximately 35 gsm. The second wall is non-porous.

[0183] The second wall 612 is essentially planar. The second wall 612 has higher rigidity than the first wall 611. In this way, the first wall 611 can be substantially formed into a bag shape closed by the second wall 612.

[0184] An aerosol generating matrix 614 is disposed within a matrix compartment 613. The aerosol generating matrix 614 comprises particles of homogenized tobacco material and an aerosol forming agent. The aerosol forming agent includes glycerol. The matrix compartment 613 contains approximately 150 milligrams of the aerosol generating matrix 614.

[0185] Refer again Figure 1 In use, the heating wall 113 moves to the open position to allow the aerosol generating article 700 to be inserted into the recess 111 of the aerosol generating apparatus 100. The heater assembly 112 is activated to heat the aerosol generating article 700 (particularly the portion directly adjacent to the heater assembly 112) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating matrix. Heat is also transferred away from the heater assembly 112 via the heat-conducting element 110 around the inner wall of the recess 111. The heat from the heat-conducting element 110 then heats the portion of the aerosol generating article 700 spaced apart from the heating assembly 112 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating matrix.

[0186] 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. Thus, in this context, the figure A is understood to be A ± 10% of A. In this context, the figure A can be considered to include a value within the general standard error for the measurement of the property modified by the figure A. In certain instances used in the appended claims, the figure A may deviate from the percentages listed above, provided that the amount of deviation from A does not materially affect the essential and novel features of the claimed invention. Moreover, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges that may or may not be specifically listed herein.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus for use with an aerosol generating article, the aerosol generating apparatus comprising: Housing, the housing comprising: A recess for receiving aerosol-generated articles, and A heater assembly configured to heat the aerosol-generating article when it is received in the recess. The heater assembly includes multiple heating zones, which can be activated independently, allowing different portions of the aerosol-generated article received within the recess to be selectively heated by corresponding heating zones. The recess has a depth of at least 2 millimeters.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating zones are distributed along the longitudinal axis of the heater assembly.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of heating zones comprises no more than 10 heating zones.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes at least three heating zones.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of heating zones comprises a plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements comprises at least one resistance heating element.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the at least one resistance heating element is a planar sinusoidal heating element.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of individually actuable electric heating elements comprises at least one induction heating element.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of heating zones has the same length.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of heating zones includes a first heating zone having a first length and a second heating zone having a second length, wherein the first length is greater than the second length.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first heating zone is upstream of the second heating zone.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first heating zone is downstream of the second heating zone.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating zones has a length of at least 3 millimeters.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of heating zones has a length not exceeding 20 mm.

15. An aerosol generation system, comprising: Aerosol generating apparatus according to any of the preceding claims; as well as Aerosol-generated products.

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