Aerosol generating product and aerosol generating system

Abstract

The utility model provides an aerosol generating product and an aerosol generating system. Wherein the aerosol-generating article comprises: an atomizing element comprising an aerosol-forming agent configured to generate an aerosol when heated; the active functional element is arranged at the downstream of the atomizing element; the active functional element comprises an active matrix; in use, when aerosol generated by the atomizing element flows downstream through the active functional element, the aerosol entrains one or more volatile components released by the active matrix and then is delivered downstream; the active substrate is a porous structure through which an air flow can pass. When the aerosol generating product is used, on one hand, the aerosol forming agent and the active functional components are in different elements, compared with a mode that the aerosol forming agent and the active functional components are completely loaded on plant tissues, the additive amount can be larger, and the smoke amount and the fragrance amount can be increased; and on the other hand, the active matrix is gradually released to form slow release, which is beneficial for maintaining the uniformity of active components with different suction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of heat-not-burn aerosol generation, and in particular to an aerosol-generating article and an aerosol-generating system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and the like, burn tobacco during use to produce tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these burning tobacco products by creating products that release compounds without burning.

[0003] Examples of such products are heat-not-burn devices that release compounds by heating, rather than burning, a material. For example, the material can be tobacco or other non-tobacco products, which can or can not contain nicotine. Known tobacco or other non-tobacco products use an aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol, flavourings, and binders, etc. to generate an aerosol and active ingredient nicotine, as well as volatile flavouring components, simultaneously when the tobacco or non-tobacco material is heated during use to alter or increase the flavour of the aerosol. However, due to the limited loading capacity of the tobacco or non-tobacco material, the amount of smoke and flavour of the aerosol-generating article is limited when the tobacco or non-tobacco material is simultaneously loaded with the aerosol-forming agent, such as glycerol, flavourings, and binders, etc. Furthermore, when the aerosol-forming agent and flavourings, etc. are all loaded in the tobacco or non-tobacco material, they are released and output rapidly rather than uniformly and continuously in the initial stage of heating the product, thereby reducing the uniformity between different puffs. SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment of the present application provides an aerosol-generating article, comprising:

[0005] An atomising element comprising an aerosol-forming agent configured to generate an aerosol when heated;

[0006] An active functional element arranged downstream of the atomising element; the active functional element comprising an active substrate; in use, the aerosol generated by the atomising element flows downstream through the active functional element, entraining one or more volatile components released by the active substrate, to be delivered downstream; the active substrate being a porous structure through which air can flow.

[0007] In some embodiments, the active substrate comprises plant tissue.

[0008] In some embodiments, the plant tissue comprises tobacco material.

[0009] In some embodiments, the active substrate has a porosity of between 40 and 75%.

[0010] In some embodiments, the active substrate further comprises: a flavorant.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plant tissue comprises plant tissue powder and fibers of plant tissue.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises at least one of peppermint flavor, apple flavor, rose flower flavor, peach flavor, orange flavor, orange peel flavor, cocoa flavor, peppermint oil, menthol, rose flower oil, cassia extract, cocoa butter, cinnamic acid guaiacyl ester, star anise oil, beta octalactone, bergamot oil, linaloe oil, ethyl maltol, methyl cyclopentenolone, 2-acetyl pyrazine, 2.3.3-trimethyl pyrazine, and cinnamomum leaf oil.

[0013] In some embodiments, the active substrate further comprises: a binder.

[0014] In some embodiments, the active substrate further comprises: nicotine; the nicotine is present or added in the active substrate independently of tobacco material.

[0015] In some embodiments, the active substrate comprises 0.01wt% to 2wt% of nicotine.

[0016] In some embodiments, there is no tobacco material and / or flavorant in the aerosolization element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the active functional element has a length of 5mm to 50mm.

[0018] In some embodiments, the aerosolization element has a length of 5mm to 20mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the active functional element further comprises: a tubular base; the active substrate is solidified from a slurry precursor in the base and bonded to a surface of the base.

[0020] In some embodiments, the aerosolization element and the active functional element are continuously arranged.

[0021] In some embodiments, the aerosolization element further comprises: a carrier for loading the aerosol forming agent.

[0022] In some embodiments, the carrier is formed by spiral winding or reciprocating folding of a sheet material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the surface of the sheet material is rough.

[0024] In some embodiments, the surface of the sheet material is formed with indentations or lines or protrusions or burrs.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sheet material has perforations.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sheet has an areal density of 25-80 g / m 2 .

[0027] In some embodiments, the sheet has a thickness of 30-120 μm.

[0028] In some embodiments, the carrier has an air passage defined therein and extending axially therethrough.

[0029] In some embodiments, the aerosolization element further comprises:

[0030] a shaping layer for wrapping and confining the carrier from the outside to prevent the carrier formed by winding or folding of the sheet from spreading apart.

[0031] Yet another embodiment of the present application also provides an aerosol generating system, comprising:

[0032] the aerosol generating article as described above; and,

[0033] a heating device, comprising:

[0034] a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article;

[0035] a heater configured to heat at least the aerosolization element of the aerosol generating article.

[0036] The aerosol generating article as described above, on one hand, the active substrate is gradually released to form a sustained release, which is advantageous for maintaining the uniformity of active ingredients in different puffs; on the other hand, the aerosol forming agent and active functional ingredients are in different elements, which can have a greater additive amount compared to the way of loading them all on plant tissues, and is advantageous for improving the amount of smoke and aroma. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures that form a part of this patent document, these illustrative examples do not limit the embodiments, elements having the same reference numerals in the figures represent similar elements, unless otherwise indicated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute a proportional limitation.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol generating article provided by an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic view of an aerosolization element in the middle;

[0040] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an exploded schematic view of the aerosolization element in the middle;

[0041] Figure 4 is Figure 1 a schematic view of an active functional element according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the preparation of an active functional element by injection of a slurry precursor into a tubular substrate by an injection device according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 6 is Figure 1 a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an active functional element according to yet another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article according to yet another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] For the purposes of the present application, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description. The drawings and detailed description are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the application can be made and implemented.

[0047] One embodiment of the present application provides a heated aerosol-generating article comprising a plurality of elements assembled in the form of a rod, capable of generating an aerosol when heated.

[0048] For example Figure 1 is a schematic view of an aerosol-generating article 1000 according to an embodiment, which, as shown, comprises an upstream end 1100 and a downstream end 1200 opposite one another; as used herein, the terms 'upstream' and 'downstream' are used to describe the relative positions of elements, or parts of elements, of the aerosol-generating article 1000 with respect to the direction in which a user draws on the aerosol-generating article 1000 during use thereof. Downstream can be the direction towards the user drawing on the aerosol-generating article 1000, and correspondingly upstream is the direction away from the user; and, the upstream direction can be the direction in which external air enters the aerosol-generating article 1000, and the downstream direction can be the direction in which an aerosol-containing air flow is output from the aerosol-generating article 1000, for example Figure 1 in the direction of arrow R12. In use, aerosol generated within the aerosol-generating article 1000 passes through the downstream end 1200 and is delivered to a user after exiting the aerosol-generating article 1000 from the downstream end 1200. In use, a user can draw on the downstream end 1200 in order to inhale the aerosol. Figure 1 wherein in

[0049] Figure 1 ​In the illustrated embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 1000 has an overall appearance of a long, cylindrical configuration based on the convenience of a typical user's puffing use. Alternatively, in yet other variant embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can have a long, elliptical cylindrical, square cylindrical, polygonal cylindrical, or the like.

[0050] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can have an appearance that mimics that of a conventional, after-lit puffable cigarette. The aerosol-generating article 1000 can have an outer diameter of between approximately 5 mm and 12 mm, for example, between approximately 5 mm and 10 mm. Also, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can have a total length of between approximately 40 mm and 100 mm, and in alternative embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can have a total length of approximately 45 mm and 55 mm.

[0051] According to Figure 1 As illustrated, the aerosol-generating article 1000 includes a plurality of elements arranged in a sequence from an upstream end 1100 to a downstream end 1200:

[0052] An atomizing element 1130, an active function element 1120, and a filter element 1110. These elements are arranged in sequence and are confined by an outer wrapper 1160 to form the aerosol-generating article 1000.

[0053] To assemble the aerosol-generating article 1000, the plurality of elements described above are aligned and tightly wrapped within the outer wrapper 1160. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wrapper 1160 can be a conventional cigarette paper, a fibrous material, an organic polymer, or the like. In some embodiments, the outer wrapper 1160 can have a thickness of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm; more preferably, the outer wrapper 1160 can have a thickness of 0.35 mm to 0.45 mm.

[0054] In embodiments, the filter element 1110 is arranged proximate to or defines the downstream end 1200 for filtering the aerosol before delivery to a user. In typical embodiments, the filter element 1110 defines a filter tip of the aerosol-generating article 1000. In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter element 1110 includes a low filter efficiency conventional cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow filter plug.

[0055] In embodiments, the atomization element 1130 is used to describe an element capable of being atomized to generate an aerosol when heated. The aerosol described herein can be visible or invisible, and can include vapors (e.g., fine particles of a substance that are in a gaseous state, which are typically liquids or solids at room temperature), as well as gases and liquid droplets of condensed vapors. In embodiments, the atomization element 1130 mainly includes an aerosol-forming agent for generating an aerosol after being heated. In embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent is, for example, one or more of a combination of glycerol, propylene glycol, triacetin, triethyl citrate, isopropyl myristate, methyl stearate, glycerol monocaprylate.

[0056] In this embodiment, the atomization element 1130 is only used to generate an aerosol without providing nicotine or the like; or in this embodiment, the atomization element 1130 does not include tobacco material and / or flavoring and the like.

[0057] In some embodiments, the atomization element 1130 has a length of about 5-20 mm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent of the atomization element 1130 generally needs to be loaded; see further Figure 2 to Figure 3 As shown, the atomization element 1130 includes:

[0059] A carrier 1131 for loading the aerosol-forming agent 1132; the aerosol-forming agent 1132 is loaded or combined on the carrier 1131.

[0060] In some embodiments, for example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the carrier 1131 is a columnar body formed by spiral winding of a sheet. Or in yet another variant embodiment, the carrier 1131 is a columnar body formed by first processing the sheet through an embossing process to form embossing on the surface of the sheet, and then folding the sheet along the embossed path to gather the sheet.

[0061] In some embodiments, the sheet forming the carrier 1131 is a sheet prepared by a papermaking process, an air-laid process, a melt-blown process, or a hydroentangling process, using one or more of natural fibers or synthetic fibers as the main raw material. In some alternative embodiments, the areal density of the sheet is 25-80 g / m 2 ; the thickness is 30-120 μm. In a specific embodiment, the sheet forming the carrier 1131 is paper; more specifically, for example, cardboard commonly used in the art. In embodiments, the aerosol-forming agent 1132, such as glycerol or vegetable glycerol, is loaded or combined on one or both side surfaces of the sheet forming the carrier 1131 by dip coating or the like.

[0062] In some embodiments, the surface of the sheet forming the carrier 1131 is roughened, which is advantageous for facilitating the loading or binding of the aerosol-forming agent 1132 to the surface of the sheet. In some specific embodiments, the surface of the sheet forming the carrier 1131 is roughened by forming indentations or lines on the surface of the sheet by a hydroentangling process or an embossing process, etc. Alternatively, the surface of the sheet forming the carrier 1131 is roughened by forming protrusions or burrs on the surface of the sheet.

[0063] Alternatively, in yet some other embodiments, a plurality of perforations 1134 are formed on the sheet forming the carrier 1131 by needling or punching, etc. so that the sheet forming the carrier 1131 has a substantially grid-like shape. Alternatively, the perforations 1134 also perforate the aerosol-forming agent 1132 loaded or bound to the carrier 1131.

[0064] In some embodiments, the carrier 1131 is air-permeable. For example, the carrier 1131 wound or folded by the sheet can have slits therein to form air passages axially through the carrier 1131. For example Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the carrier 1131 includes at least two or more wound layers wound by the sheet. In embodiments, there is a gap or spacing between adjacent wound layers, thereby defining air passages axially through the atomizing element 1130, so that the atomizing element 1130 is air-permeable. In embodiments, the size of the air passages can be adjusted by controlling or adjusting the size of the gap between adjacent wound layers to adjust the resistance of the atomizing element 1130 to an acceptable range. Alternatively, in the carrier 1131 folded by the sheet, slits between adjacent folded layers form air passages axially through the carrier 1131.

[0065] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2 to Figure 3 As shown, the atomizing element 1130 further includes:

[0066] A shaping layer 1133, which can generally include a metal foil such as a metal aluminum foil; the shaping layer 1133 is used to wrap and confine the carrier 1131 and the aerosol-forming agent 1132 from the outside to prevent the cylindrical carrier 1131 wound or folded from spreading out. For example, the shaping layer 1133 is wound by a shaping paper containing metal aluminum.

[0067] The term "shaping paper" is a standard technical term in the field of cigarettes.

[0068] In embodiments, the active ingredient and / or flavour ingredient in the aerosol output by the aerosol generating article 1000 can be provided primarily by the active functional element 1120 separate from the atomising element 1130. In some embodiments, the active functional element 1120 is arranged downstream of the atomising element 1130. Also, the active functional element 1120 is arranged upstream of the filter element 1110. Alternatively, the active functional element 1120 is located between the atomising element 1130 and the filter element 1110.

[0069] In use, the separation of the active substrate 1122 from the atomising element 1130 and arrangement of the active substrate 1122 downstream of the atomising element 1130 facilitates gradual release of the active substrate, on the one hand, which is advantageous for maintaining uniformity of the active ingredient for different puffs; on the other hand, the aerosol former and the active functional ingredient are in different elements, which can enhance the respective additive amount compared to loading them all on the plant tissue such as tobacco material, which is advantageous for enhancing the amount of smoke and aroma in use.

[0070] In embodiments, the atomising element 1130 and the active functional element 1120 are arranged continuously within the aerosol generating article 1000. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the atomising element 1130 and the active functional element 1120 are arranged intermittently.

[0071] In some embodiments, the length of the active functional element 1120 is between 5 mm and 50 mm.

[0072] In embodiments, the active functional element 1120 comprises: Figure 4 and Figure 5 In embodiments, the active functional element 1120 comprises:

[0073] a tubular substrate 1121, and an active substrate 1122 formed within the substrate 1121.

[0074] In some embodiments, the substrate 1121 is a hard paper tube, a metal tube such as an aluminium foil tube or a tin foil tube, or the like, or a ceramic tube, an organic polymer plastic tube that can withstand a temperature of at least 150°C, or the like. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the substrate 1121 is formed by winding a formed paper containing metallic aluminium.

[0075] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 comprises:

[0076] plant tissue, such as powder derived from plant tissue and / or fibres of plant tissue.

[0077] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 comprises between 10 wt% and 60 wt% of plant tissue.

[0078] In some embodiments, to enable the active substrate 1122 to be prepared, for example, by post-injection curing of a slurry, the plant tissue is added primarily in the form of a powder of the plant tissue, which is advantageous for enabling the raw plant tissue to be mixed with other materials to form a slurry that has a good flowability in the preparation. In some embodiments, to enable the plant tissue to also have a certain load capacity to load other additive ingredients such as flavoring agents or adhesives, the plant tissue also has a certain amount of fibers of the plant tissue to maintain the load capacity.

[0079] In some preferred embodiments, the active substrate 1122 includes 10-50 wt% of the powder of the plant tissue, and 1-10 wt% of the fibers of the plant tissue.

[0080] In embodiments, the plant tissue includes or is at least tobacco material that provides an active ingredient such as nicotine. In such embodiments, the active substrate 1122 is used to provide the active ingredient such as nicotine in the aerosol delivered to the user; the active substrate 1122 includes or is derived from one or more plant products or components thereof; for example, in some specific embodiments, the active substrate 1122 includes leaves, bark, fibrous tissue, stems, roots, petals, fruits, etc. of a plant; for example, in one specific embodiment, the active substrate 1122 includes or is derived from one or more plant species or components thereof, and the plant species is tobacco. For example, in one specific embodiment, the active substrate 1122 includes a mixture of plants such as tobacco and Chinese herbs. The active substrate 1122 can include tobacco or tobacco-containing material; for example, the tobacco or tobacco-containing material can include any of the following: tobacco leaf, tobacco rib fragments, flue-cured tobacco leaf, sun-cured tobacco leaf, burley tobacco leaf, Oriental tobacco leaf, tobacco stem, reconstituted tobacco leaf, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco slurry, cast leaf tobacco, and expanded tobacco.

[0081] Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the active substrate 1122 includes other plant tissue that provides other active ingredients that are alternatives to nicotine. For example, in some embodiments, these other plant tissue alternatives to tobacco can be derived from common Chinese herbal crops or floral crops; Chinese herbal crops such as one or more of angelica, cassia seed, dandelion, lamiaceae, jujube, medlar, fritillaria, panax notoginseng, fat, borneol, menthol, saffron, honeysuckle, poria cocos, radix puerariae, radix salviae miltiorrhizae, lignum, zanthoxylum, perilla leaf, radix bupleuri, radix isatidis, radix astragali, prunella vulgaris, radix ginseng, radix paeoniae alba, radix gastrodiae, schisandra chinensis, etc.; floral crops such as one or more of tea leaf, lotus leaf, licorice, clove, chrysanthemum, star anise, mulberry leaf, lamiaceae, perilla, cardamom, dried tangerine or orange peel, gynostemma pentaphyllum, lavender, rose, jasmine, bitter buckwheat tea, hibiscus, lily, thyme, sweetcane, costus, etc.

[0082] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 includes flavoring agents for increasing or providing a flavor of the aerosol. In some embodiments, the flavoring agents are included in the active substrate 1122 at a ratio of 10-30 wt%. In some embodiments, the flavoring agents generally include at least one of menthol, apple flavor, rose flavor, peach flavor, orange flavor, orange peel flavor, cocoa flavor, or other flavoring substances, or liquid organic alcohols or organic oils or organic fats having a flavor, such as menthol, menthol, rose oil, cassia leaf extract, cocoa butter, cinnamic acid guaiacyl ester, star anise oil, propyl octanolide, bergamot oil, linaloe oil, ethyl maltol, methyl cyclopentenolone (MCP), 2-acetyl pyrazine, 2.3.3-trimethyl pyrazine, or cinnamomum cassia leaf oil. In embodiments, the flavoring agents generally have a volatilization temperature or boiling point in a range of 50-200°C, which is similar to a temperature of the aerosol generated by the atomization element 1130 when the aerosol flows downstream through the active functional element 1120; then in use, when the aerosol generated by the atomization element 1130 flows downstream through the active functional element 1120, the flavoring agents form volatile flavoring components and are entrained in the aerosol to be output downstream.

[0083] In this embodiment, the plant tissue and / or flavoring agents for providing active ingredients are arranged separately from the atomization element 1130; wherein the flavoring agents are included in the active functional element 1120 and are carried by the tobacco material or plant tissue. There is no tobacco material and / or flavoring agents in the atomization element 1130.

[0084] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 further includes nicotine. The nicotine is added independently in the active substrate 1122, which is advantageous for meeting the nicotine inhalation needs of a user. The nicotine is generally added in the active substrate 1122 at a ratio of 0.01-2 wt%; more specifically, for example, the nicotine is added in the active substrate 1122 at a ratio of 0.3 wt%.

[0085] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 further includes a binder; the binder facilitates bonding of the components in the active substrate 1122 in use; for example, in some specific embodiments, the binder is or includes at least one of gum arabic, casein, dextrin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, starch, polyvinyl alcohol, guar gum, or the like. In some embodiments, the binder is included in the active substrate 1122 at a ratio of 0.1-10 wt%.

[0086] In some embodiments, the active substrate 1122 further includes water. In some optional embodiments, the water content of the active substrate 1122 is less than 12 wt%; for example, in some optional embodiments, the water content of the active substrate 1122 is approximately in a range of 5-12 wt%.

[0087] In some embodiments, the active matrix 1122 is porous. In embodiments, the active matrix 1122 has a large number of microporous voids within the active matrix 1122, such that the active matrix 1122 is in a porous form. The porous framework of the active matrix 1122 is defined by the plant tissue. In some embodiments, the porosity of the active matrix 1122 is between 40% and 75%.

[0088] In some embodiments, the active matrix 1122 is formed by injecting or extruding a slurry precursor 1122a into the tubular substrate 1121 and then heating to solidify. See Figure 5 , Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the injection of the slurry precursor 1122a into the tubular substrate 1121 by an injection device 200, such as a syringe, is shown. The paste-like slurry precursor 1122a is injected into the substrate 1121 by the injection device 200 in a similar manner to toothpaste during manufacture. In some embodiments, the active matrix 1122 formed by the injection and subsequent solidification of the slurry precursor 1122a is integrally bonded to the substrate 1121. Alternatively, the active matrix 1122 is not separable or peelable from the substrate 1121.

[0089] In embodiments, the slurry precursor 1122a from which the active matrix 1122 is formed is mixed from the above described components of the active matrix 1122. For example, in embodiments, the slurry precursor 1122a can be formed by mixing plant tissue, such as tobacco material, adhesive, flavourant, nicotine and water. In some embodiments, the slurry precursor 1122a has a dynamic viscosity of between 150 and 500 Pa.s; this is advantageous for injection of the slurry precursor 1122a by an injection process.

[0090] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor 1122a has a water content of between 30wt% and 60wt%; in more preferred embodiments, the water content is between 30wt% and 50wt%. At this water content, the slurry precursor 1122a is in the form of a paste-like slurry and the components are integrally formed together like a paste, and on drying the water evaporates to form fine voids. Too little water would not maintain the flowability of the slurry precursor 1122a, and too much water would not be conducive to forming a shape.

[0091] In some embodiments, the slurry precursor 1122a injected into the tubular substrate 1121 is heated and solidified by microwave heating or ultrasonic heating. By using microwave or ultrasonic heating with penetration ability, the slurry precursor 1122a is heated by generating heat from both the inside and the outside, causing the plant tissue to puff from the inside and the outside, and the water to evaporate and escape, forming pores inside the slurry precursor 1122a as it solidifies, thereby forming a porous structure with a loose and porous internal structure.

[0092] In some embodiments, the heating temperature during the process of microwave heating or ultrasonic heating of the slurry precursor 1122a is lower than 80°C. In general, the heating temperature during the process of microwave heating or ultrasonic heating of the slurry precursor 1122a is between 45-75°C; more specifically, for example, 60°C. In some embodiments, after the process of heating the slurry precursor 1122a is completed, the active substrate 1122 can be further subjected to a standing drying or baking process.

[0093] In embodiments, the filter element 1110 further comprises:

[0094] An aerosol modifier release component 1150 comprising an aerosol modifier. In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier release component 1150 is a capsule or a burstie; in particular, for example, a flavour capsule. In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier release component 1150 configured as a capsule has a diameter of 2.0mm-5.0mm.

[0095] In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier is configured to modify the generated aerosol, for example, by changing the taste, flavour, acidity, or olfactory or gustatory or biological metabolic properties of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier can be provided in the aerosol modifier release component 1150, for example, a capsule, which is capable of releasing the aerosol modifier as the aerosol flows through.

[0096] In some embodiments, the aerosol modifier can comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, and a sorbent. In some embodiments, the partial properties of the aerosol include properties of the aerosol other than flavour, for example, sweetness or acidity. For example, in some embodiments, a flavourant having a sweetness, in use, causes an increase in sweetness in the aerosol delivered downstream to the user. For another example, in some embodiments, a flavourant having an acidity, for example, lemon dry or mint, etc., can be used to lower or raise the pH to change the acidity properties of the aerosol. For yet another example, in some embodiments, a sorbent having a partial component sorption effect, for example, a carbon sorbent that sorbs water vapour, is used to sorb a portion of the water vapour in the aerosol delivered to the user, thereby preventing the aerosol from being too hot.

[0097] According to Figure 6 As shown in Figure 1 1, in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 is received in a heating arrangement to form an aerosol-generating system, and the aerosol-generating article 1000 is heated by the heating arrangement to generate an aerosol. In embodiments, the heating arrangement comprises:

[0098] a chamber having an open mouth 40; in use, the aerosol-generating article 1000 is removably receivable within the chamber through the open mouth 40 of the chamber;

[0099] A heater 30 extending at least partially within the chamber, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the chamber, is inserted into the aerosol generating article 1000 to heat, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a plurality of volatile compounds, and the volatile compounds are formed only by a heating process;

[0100] An electric cell 10 for supplying power;

[0101] A circuit 20 for guiding an electric current between the electric cell 10 and the heater 30.

[0102] In Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 30 has a generally pin or needle or rod or bar or column or sheet or plate shape. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the chamber, the heater 30 is inserted into the atomizing element 1130 from the upstream end 1100 of the aerosol generating article 1000 to heat, to generate an aerosol. In some embodiments, the heater 30 can have a length of about 10 to 18 mm, and an outer diameter of about 2 to 4 mm.

[0103] In embodiments, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the heating device, the heater 30 is inserted into the atomizing element 1130, and avoids the active functional element 1120. In use, the aerosol is generated by the atomizing element 1130 being heated, and flows downstream while entraining at least one volatile component of the active substrate 1122 of the active functional element 1120, and is then output downstream.

[0104] Or in yet other embodiments, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the heating device, the heating device can simultaneously heat the atomizing element 1130 and the active functional element 1120. This is advantageous for facilitating the active functional element 1120 to release volatile components more quickly.

[0105] In some embodiments, the heater 30 can also be configured to be arranged at least partially around or to bound the chamber; for example, the heater 30 is configured to have a tubular shape that at least partially surrounds the chamber. When the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the chamber, the heater 30 at least partially surrounds or encloses the aerosol generating article 1000, and heats from the outer periphery of the aerosol generating article 1000. And, when the aerosol generating article 1000 is received within the heating device, at least partially accommodated and held within the heater 30, the aerosol generating article 1000 is then heated by the heater 30 from the outside, thereby causing the aerosol generating article 1000 to release a plurality of volatile compounds, and the volatile compounds are formed only by a heating process. In some embodiments, the tubular heater 30 can have an inner diameter of about 5.8 to 10 mm.

[0106] OrFigure 7 A schematic view of the active functional element 1120b of yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the active functional element 1120b comprises:

[0107] a tubular base 1121b, and an active substrate 1122b located within the base 1121b.

[0108] According to Figure 7 As shown, the active substrate 1122b is further formed with a plurality of air passages 1123b within the active substrate 1122b by piercing, drilling, or the like. In embodiments, the air passages 1123b are not necessary.

[0109] In Figure 7 As shown, the plurality of air passages 1123b are orderly arranged within the active substrate 1122b along a predetermined direction. In embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1123b extend straight along an axial direction of the active substrate 1122b. Also, the plurality of air passages 1123b penetrate through the active substrate 1122b along the axial direction of the active substrate 1122b. The plurality of air passages 1123b can be formed in the form of through holes within the active substrate 1122b made of porous material; and in some embodiments, the cross section of the air passages 1123b is circular in shape; or in yet some embodiments, the air passages 1123b can also be in the form of hexagonal, quadrangular, triangular, or the like cross section shape.

[0110] In some embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1123b are orderly arranged within the active substrate 1122b. The extension of the air passages 1123b is in a predetermined direction, rather than disorderly. Also in embodiments, the plurality of air passages 1123b are arranged in an array within the active substrate 1122b. Also in embodiments, air can be outputted to the aerosol generating substrate 1130 after passing through the air passages 1123b, as shown by the arrow R12 in Figure 1 In embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of air passages 1123b within the active substrate 1122b causes the active substrate 1122b to be in the form of a honeycomb structure.

[0111] In Figure 7As shown in FIG. 12B, the air passages 1123b are substantially uniformly distributed within the active substrate 1122b. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the air passages 1123b are non-uniformly distributed within the active substrate 1122b. For example, the number / density of the air passages 1123b in a central region of the active substrate 1122b is less than or greater than that in a region near the outer side. In an embodiment, corresponding to a columnar shape of the active substrate 1122b, the central region of the active substrate 1122b is substantially a region within a radial distance of 1 / 2 of the diameter from the center of the cross section; the outer portion is a region outside the central region. The "distribution density" can be the number of the air passages 1123b per unit area in the cross section; or the "distribution density" can be represented as the volume occupied by the air passages 1123b, for example, the distribution density of the air passages 1123b in the central region can be represented as the volume of the air passages 1123b in the central region.

[0112] In some embodiments, the air passages 1123b have a relatively large diameter; for example, the diameter of the air passages 1123b is in a range of 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the air passages 1123b is in a range of 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, so that the air flows smoothly.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1123b is substantially constant and uniform along the axial direction; or in some other alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1123b is varied, for example, the cross-sectional area or diameter of the air passages 1123b is gradually reduced at least partially along the direction near the upper end.

[0114] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the air passages 1123b are formed on the outer edge of the active substrate 1122b. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the prepared active substrate 1122b is zigzag-shaped; the outer peripheral surface of the active substrate 1122b is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending protrusions, and the grooves longitudinally passing through the active substrate 1122b are formed between adjacent protrusions. After preparation, the air passages 1123b between the substrate 1121b and the active substrate 1122b are defined by the grooves on the outer peripheral surface of the active substrate 1122b.

[0115] According to Figure 7The at least one or more perforations 1124b are formed by a needle-punching device or a needle-punching process. In the process of forming the perforations 1124b by the needle-punching device or the needle-punching process, at least part of the material of the substrate 1121b is bent radially inwards, forming at least one protrusion 1125b extending into the active matrix 1122b. This is advantageous for improving the bonding of the active matrix 1122b to the substrate 1121b. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the inner wall of the substrate 1121b has a protrusion or a burr or the like structure, for the purpose of increasing the contact area of the active matrix 1122b to the substrate 1121b, and increasing the adhesion of the slurry. Alternatively, in yet other embodiments, the inner surface of the substrate 1121b is provided with at least one protrusion 1125b; in the preparation, when the slurry precursor 1122a is injected into the substrate 1121b and solidified, the protrusion 1125b extends into the active matrix 1122b formed by the slurry precursor 1122a, to provide retention.

[0116] In yet other embodiments, the aerosol-generating article 1000 can have more functional elements. For example Figure 8 A schematic view of an aerosol-generating article 1000c of yet another embodiment is shown; in this embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 1000c comprises a plurality of elements wrapped and confined by an outer wrapper 1160c; the plurality of elements are arranged coaxially from an upstream end 1100c to a downstream end 1200c, comprising:

[0117] an atomizing element 1130c, an active functional element 1120c, a cooling element 1140c, and a filter element 1110c.

[0118] In embodiments, the cooling element 1140c can be arranged at a position immediately downstream of the active functional element 1120c, and contiguous to the active functional element 1120c. The cooling element 1140c serves to provide support to the active functional element 1120c downstream, on the one hand; on the other hand, in use, the aerosol carrying the volatile components of the active functional element 1120c is cooled down when flowing through the cooling element 1140c, to form an aerosol suitable for inhalation by a user to prevent the aerosol from burning the mouth. In Figure 8In the optional embodiment shown in FIG. 11C, the cooling element 1140c includes a cooling cavity 1141c that extends along the length of the cooling element 1140c. With the above axially extending cooling cavity 1141c, the air flow through the cooling element 1140c is in the longitudinal direction without substantial radial deviation. The cooling element 1140c can serve to cool the temperature of the aerosol stream drawn through the cooling element 1140c by means of heat transfer. The constituents of the aerosol will interact with the space within the cooling cavity 1141c and lose thermal energy. The cooling element 1140c can comprise ceramic, metal, or organic polymer plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol stream can be reduced by more than 10 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the cooling element 1140c. In some embodiments, the temperature of the aerosol stream can be reduced by more than 25 degrees Celsius or more than 30 degrees Celsius as it is drawn through the cooling element 1140c.

[0119] According to Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 10C, the aerosol-generating article 1000c further includes:

[0120] At least one or more communication holes 1142c that extend from the cooling cavity 1141c to the outer surface of the aerosol-generating article 1000c in the radial direction of the aerosol-generating article 1000c. The communication holes 1142c serve to communicate the cooling cavity 1141c with the ambient atmosphere for the ambient cool air to enter the cooling cavity 1141c for heat exchange with the aerosol formation during puffing, thereby facilitating cooling.

[0121] It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the specification and drawings of the present application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in the specification, and further, those of ordinary skill in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims appended to the present application.

Claims

1. An aerosol-generating article, characterized in that, The aerosol generating article comprises: an atomization element comprising an aerosol forming agent configured to generate an aerosol when heated; an active functional element arranged downstream of the atomization element; the active functional element comprises an active substrate; in use, the aerosol generated by the atomization element is carried downstream with one or more volatile components released by the active substrate entrained downstream; the active substrate is a porous structure through which air flow can pass.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1, wherein, The porosity of the active substrate is between 40% and 75%.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The length of the active functional element is between 5 mm and 50 mm. And / or, the length of the atomization element is between 5 mm and 20 mm.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The active functional element further comprises: a tubular base; the active substrate is formed by solidifying a slurry precursor within the base and bonded to the surface of the base.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The atomization element and the active functional element are arranged continuously.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The atomization element further comprises: a carrier for loading the aerosol forming agent.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein, The carrier is formed by spiral winding or reciprocating folding of a sheet.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein, The surface of the sheet is rough; And / or, the surface of the sheet is formed with indentations or lines or protrusions or burrs.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 7, wherein, The sheet has perforations.

10. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein, The areal density of the sheet is 25-80 g / m 2 .

11. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein, The thickness of the sheet is between 30 μm and 120 μm.

12. The aerosol-generating article of claim 7, wherein, The atomization element further comprises: a shaping layer for wrapping and limiting the carrier from the outside to prevent the carrier formed by winding or folding of the sheet from spreading out.

13. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein, An air passage is defined in the carrier and extends axially.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising: The aerosol generating article comprises: The aerosol generating article of any one of claims 1 to 13; And, The heating device comprises: a chamber for receiving the aerosol generating article; a heater configured to heat at least the atomization element of the aerosol generating article.

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